Ken Sutton from North West Surrey RSPB shares his love of birds and invites you to join them
Surrey is an excellent county for birds. Our magnificent heathlands hold uncommon species like Nightjar and Dartford Warbler. Parklands, rivers, woods, and gardens all hold a great variety of birds.
Many Surrey residents are members of the RSPB, wit its total membership exceeding a million. One of the ways the RSPB sends its message is through its 134 local groups around the country. Ours is the North West Surrey local group and we cover Weybridge, Woking, Staines, Egham, Chertsey, and surroundings areas. We are this year celebrating our 50th birthday and continue to thrive.
We have a programme of outdoor meetings both weekdays and weekends at bird watching sites both locally and further afield. Our members cover a range of birdwatching skills, the only requirement being enthusiasm for nature. These walks are fun and relaxed and we always see a good range of birds and other species. We also have a programme of indoor meetings where quality indoor speakers give an illustrated talk on a variety of nature related topics. Another string to our bow is a series of talks that we give to local groups such as U3A and Wls. Some cover our Surrey birds, others outside the county or indeed overseas.
As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead
Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. Take an enchanting walk around RHS Wisley and see some of the iconic sights in a botanical winter wonderland as thousands of glittering lights and a rainbow of mesmerising colours fill the garden. Be wowed by magnificent trees, shimmering shrubs and breathtaking lakeside reflections as the garden comes alive on winter nights for Glow 2024 from November 22nd to January 5th. Visit RHS Wisley to book and for full details.
‘Glow’ at RHS Garden Wisley.
‘Glow’ at RHS Garden Wisley.
Immerse yourself in a magical light trail around the historic grounds of Guildford Castle this winter. Explore stunning light installations around the 20-30 minute trail of the castle and enjoy the winter spectacle with an array of light activations from November 16th to January 5th. See Illuminate – Guildford’s Winter Light Trail – Guildford Castle, England & to book.
As darkness falls at Wakehurst in West Sussex, the garden becomes an illuminated wonderland. Discover the iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, fiery hidden dragon and a thousand lanterns on the award-winning trail at Glow Wild 2024, selected dates from November 28th to January 1st. More at Glow Wild | Wakehurst
Discover a brand-new magical experience this winter, with White’s Eco Light Festival. Starting on 21st November and running every Thursday to Saturday till the 21st December. This is a Light Festival with a difference at Gilbert White’s House which will be using renewable energy sources, solar power and low-level lighting with environmental consciousness at its core, remembering Gilbert White and his internationally important legacy to ecology. Fun for all the family, this is a chance to make new memories and discover how you can make changes to help wildlife and the environment around you. Pre-booking is essential. Visit Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World
The UK’s original festive lights trail returns to Kew Gardens, November 13th to January 5th selected dates, with two world première installations alongside seasonal favourites such as the Palm House light show. Marvel at the giant plants in bloom in a rainbow of vibrant colours, enjoy a wintry wonderland with Camelia Walk transformed into a snowy lane and wander beneath larger than life illuminations. Booking essential at Christmas at Kew | Kew
Just a stone’s throw over the border, Windsor Great Park Illuminated is returning for its fourth year from November 15th to January 4th. Bringing the woodland and water to life with a festive celebration of light and a sparkle of magic. Discover a forest trail full of music and light where woodland creatures come to life, elves have a party and a whole host of festive moments will get you in the spirit. Take a moment to enjoy a delicious dish, milled wine and hot chocolate or toast a marshmallow around the fire pit at a cosy rest stop. Booking essential Windsor Great Park Illuminated: light up your year!
From a train ride to a boat trip with Santa at Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett, Camberley. Take a gentle cruise to the tinsel trail in the woods to find Santa in his grotto before heading to the workshop for activities, drinks and mince pies. December 3rd-23rd. Go to Santa cruises on the Basingstoke Canal – Surrey County Council to book.
Take a Santa cruise on the River Wey aboard the Swingbridge Tranquillity broadbeam boat from Millmead Island in search of Santa looking for clues along the towpath to find him along the way. Once you’ve tracked him down, he’ll hop on board with his sack of gifts. December 2nd-21st. Visit Santa Cruises along the River Wey in Guildford – Swingbridge Community Boats
Hand in hand with Santa goes the Christmas tree so how about heading to Hans Christmas Andersen in Guildford and Godalming to buy your tree and enjoy a magical day out. Meet the main man at Van Arnhem Nursery GU7 2RQ where not only will all good girls and boys take home a gift but Santa will raise funds for local charities too. Meet the reindeer at the Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm GU5 0SQ.
Soak up the magic of Christmas this winter with a visit to a National Trust place near you. Immerse yourself in the glamour of an extravagant masquerade ball at Polesden Lacey, step into the beautifully decorated rooms of a traditional country house Christmas at Hatchlands park, discover the wonderfully mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ trail at Winkworth Arboretum or just enjoy frosty walks and winter warmers and glorious views at Box Hill.
Take your seat aboard the Santa Special at Mizens Railway, Woking on December 1st 8th and 15th. Pre-booking a must, Mizens Railway – Home
Experience the magic of Christmas at Chobham Adventure Farm GU24 8DB. Say hello to real reindeer, join a sleigh driving lesson, help the Chief Elf Inventor, dodge flying snowballs from naughty elves and meet Santa in his toyshop. November 30th-December 24th selected dates. Chobham Adventure Farm / Children’s Indoor & Outdoor Play in Surrey / Christmas Experience
Enjoy a touch of nostalgia at Painshill. Inspired by the festive song, The 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Painshill for 2024 will see visitors searching out each of the gifts mentioned; from two turtle doves through to 12 drummers drumming and of course, a partridge in a pear tree! With a touch of nostalgia, figures will be made from traditional wooden materials and each one will be individually hand-painted. Find out more at Painshill is a masterpiece of garden design created in the 18th century
The stately splendour of West Horsley Place invites you to meet Santa, enjoy Christmas crafts, decorate a festive biscuit and more on December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd. The manor house has a Christmas open day on December 1st where you can explore and discover a Tudor Christmas and as it’s time to get some shopping done, the arts and artisan fair November 22nd-24th features all manner of food and drink, skincare, jewellery, art, crafts and fashion gifts. Details about all these and more seasonal events at West Horsley Place Trust
Discover the true meaning of Christmas with the nativity like no other at Wintershall GU5 0LR in the traditional immersive theatre experience. Stand with the shepherds, walk with Mary, Joseph and the donkey, journey with Roman Soldiers and enter the stable to watch the miracle unfold. Booking essential. December 11th-16th. Wintershall.org.uk/nativity-journey-2024
Christmas starts in Guildford on November 24th with a festive family day packed full of activities, performances and magical moments in Friary Street, Phoenix Court, High Street and Tunsgate, all for free or low cost.
Godalming welcomes Christmas on November 30th with its Christmas Festival market, start your shopping with top quality gifts on display, decorations, food and drink and fun.
Shop at more than 150 stalls in Castle Street, The Borough, The Ivy Lane Club and Bush Hotel Courtyard selling gifts that are a little different, crafts, accessories, Christmas items, food, drinks and more in Farnham on December 8th.
Father Christmas is due to make a guest appearance – if he’s not too busy – at Ripley Christmas Fair on Dec 1st. In addition to an array of food, gifts, arts and crafts and other festivities, the fair will feature a fantastic raffle with prizes donated by the community.
Stop by The Square in Camberley every day from Saturday 16th November to Christmas Eve, and enjoy free letter writing. Tell Santa special wishes for the Christmas season and receive a letter back from Santa himself if you post in the special post box before 17th December! Meet Santa on select dates at his grotto for £2.50 per child, for a magical photo opportunity and enjoy a delicious treat for every child too! Visit Home – The SQ Camberley
Head to The Shed, Whitehill & Bordon on December 8th from midday for a festive Christmas Market! Enjoy over 30 unique stalls, delicious food, treats, music and a special visit from Santa and his mischievous elf. Don’t miss out on national brand, O’Donnell’s Moonshine for extra holiday cheer! Fun for all ages – bring your holiday spirit!
Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family-favourite The Snowman accompanied by a live orchestra on Saturday, 14th December. The award-winning show also includes a fun introduction to the orchestra, a bonus film, and even a visit from the Snowman himself! Performed within the splendour of Guildford Cathedral, it’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, and sure to create cherished memories. More details & booking at Guildford Cathedral – The Snowman | Saturday 14 December
Visit the Culinary Concepts Christmas Launch Event on Saturday 9th and Sunday, 10th November, 10am-4pm. Explore new Christmas Collections, enjoy 20% off full-priced items, and take advantage of exclusive event offers with up to 80% off. Complimentary mulled wine and festive treats will be served to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Visit Designer Homeware, Unique Gifts & Home Decor | Culinary Concepts for more details.
It’s that time of year, oh yes it is… Join Robin and Marion as they right wrongs, sing songs and sort out the wicked Sheriff in the swashbuckling panto for 2024 at Yvonne Arnaud. Robin Hood stars Lucy Benjamin, Peter Gordon and Matt Pinches in this year’s festive family favourite, November 30th-January 5th. Book at Robin Hood | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead
Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. Follow a sparkling mile of ‘yellow brick road’ through the illuminated garden at West Green House, near Hartley Wintney RG27 8JB, passing giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies. Adventure past a glowing poppy field, an evil witch, even a Barbie pink good witch, to find The Tin Man, The Scarecrow, The Lion and Dorothy looking for The Wizard! Food stalls, hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas treats for supper and a glittering Christmas shop all add to the fun from November 23rd to December 29th. Details & booking at The Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure – West Green House Gardens
Discover a brand-new magical experience this winter, with White’s Eco Light Festival. Starting on 21st November and running every Thursday to Saturday till the 21st December. This is a Light Festival with a difference at Gilbert White’s House which will be using renewable energy sources, solar power and low-level lighting with environmental consciousness at its core, remembering Gilbert White and his internationally important legacy to ecology. Fun for all the family, this is a chance to make new memories and discover how you can make changes to help wildlife and the environment around you. Pre-booking is essential Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World
Watercress Line illuminations, from November 29th to January 4th, are an incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train. Thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, create a kaleidoscope of colours and flashing patterns. New for this year is the Snowlight Cascade, an enchanting display of falling lights at the summit of your magical journey. For more and to book visit Watercress Line Event – Steam Illuminations
Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell’s magical light experience returns brighter than ever! November 29th-December 30th on selected dates. Awaken your senses and experience the natural wonders of fire, earth, air and water at the one-of-a-kind winter lights experience. Dive under the sea with jellyfish in a new ocean display, drift amongst neon clouds in the new SkyZone, stroll in the snow beside the glowing ancient woodland and tuck into toasted marshmallows at the popular firepits. Find out more & book at Glow Marwell – A Winter Light Trail | Marwell Zoo
Experience magic like never before at Light Up Hillier Gardens near Romsey SO51 0QA. Brace yourself for an enchanting spectacle of new and breathtaking light and sound installations, weaving through a changed route that promises to captivate your senses at every turn. Each corner holds a new treasure, igniting joy and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And there’s a freeze on last year’s prices too! Expect mesmerising fire jugglers, breathtaking aerial artists, and larger-than-life characters, and fabulous good, all ensuring an unforgettable journey. November 28th-January 1st. Full details & booking at Light Up Hillier Gardens | Light Up Trails
As darkness falls at Wakehurst in West Sussex, the garden becomes an illuminated wonderland. Discover the iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, fiery hidden dragon and a thousand lanterns on the award-winning trail at Glow Wild 2024, selected dates from November 28th to January 1st. More at Glow Wild | Wakehurst
Step into the beautiful house of Hinton Ampner near Alresford, enchanted by the magic of Christmas. There’s something to surprise and delight around every corner. With thousands of sparkling lights and presents stacked high. From the world of the Ice Queen to a Woodland Ball, Gingerbread Village and the North Pole Workshop. Christmas elves are busy making toys & games – and getting in a muddle! The garden will be the backdrop for beautifully decorated trees with twinkling lights and classic Christmas Colours. November 16th-January 5th. Booking essential at An Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner | National Trust
With sparkling trees and quirky displays, in The Vyne’s house and gardens, lose yourself in Lewis Carroll’s dreamlike children’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Look out for the Queen of Hearts’ army on the north lawn and a giant chess board in the house. There’s even an ‘illogical’ room where glittering upside-down Christmas trees point disconcertingly to the floor. Collect your trail sheet and enjoy nonsensical Alice-themed challenges. November 20th-January 5th. Booking not needed.
Enjoy a Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont. Wander through rooms filled with sparkling trees and decorations, music and light effects. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince into a frosty wonderland with swirling snowflakes. Sugarplum fairies twirl among candy canes in the Land of Sweets, and there’s a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues on a Nutcracker-themed family activity trail. November 23rd-January 5th. No need to book.
Soak up the magic of Christmas this winter with a visit to a National Trust place near you. Immerse yourself in the glamour of an extravagant masquerade ball at Polesden Lacey, step into the beautifully decorated rooms of a traditional country house Christmas at Hatchlands park, discover the wonderfully mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ trail at Winkworth Arboretum or just enjoy frosty walks and winter warmers and glorious views at Box Hill.
Head to The Shed, Whitehill & Bordon on December 8th from midday for a festive Christmas Market! Enjoy over 30 unique stalls, delicious food, treats, music and a special visit from Santa and his mischievous elf. Don’t miss out on national brand, O’Donnell’s Moonshine for extra holiday cheer! Fun for all ages – bring your holiday spirit!
This year’s Petersfield Christmas Festival is bigger and better, in fact so much so that they’ve added events on Saturday evening. Festive entertainments, Christmas shopping, treats and mulled wine await in the square on December 7th & 8th.
The lights are going on in Alton on November 22nd, shop at the Christmas market, meet the man in the red suit and an Ice Queen and tuck into some festive fare while you get the celebrations started.
Fleet Christmas Festival with market, lights switch on, gifts to shop for, entertainment, food and more is on November 27th which is also when Santa is making his first appearance in his grotto at the Harlington. Step into his workshops and join a heart-warming journey with the fun time elves and take part in various activities. Also on Dec 14th & 21st. Book for the grotto at Santa’s Grotto | FleetChristmasFest
One of the best Christmas markets in the area can be found and shopped in Winchester, November 22nd-December 22nd. Renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and high quality exhibitors, the pretty wooden chalets attract visitors by the sleigh load to shop in the historic surroundings immersed in carols, festive lights and the heady aroma of mulled wine.
Visit the Culinary Concepts Christmas Launch Event on Saturday 9th and Sunday, 10th November, 10am-4pm. Explore new Christmas Collections, enjoy 20% off full-priced items, and take advantage of exclusive event offers with up to 80% off. Complimentary mulled wine and festive treats will be served to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Visit Designer Homeware, Unique Gifts & Home Decor | Culinary Concepts for more details.
Shop at more than 150 stalls in Castle Street, The Borough, The Ivy Lane Clun and Bush Hotel Courtyard selling gifts that are a little different, crafts, accessories, Christmas items, food, drink and more in Farnham. Shoppers can expect an emphasis on local, quality products on December 8th.
The stately splendour of West Horsley Place invites you to meet Santa, enjoy Christmas crafts, decorate a festive biscuit and more on December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd. The manor house has a Christmas open day on December 1st where you can explore and discover a Tudor Christmas and as it’s time to get some shopping done, the arts and artisan fair November 22nd-24th features all manner of food and drink, skincare, jewellery, art, crafts and fashion gifts. Details about all these and more seasonal events atWest Horsley Place Trust
Love your local businesses by supporting them on Small Business Saturday on December 7th and throughout the year
Make a date with a small business for December 7th – that when this year’s Small Business Saturday will take place, the 12th annual event.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small traders in their communities.
While the day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses, celebrating their success and value to their communities all year round.
Small Business Saturday UK has also created a useful map, called the ‘Small Business Finder’ that helps people search for small businesses near them. The tool lists all the small businesses nearby and provides contact and social information for them.
Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.
The Federation of Small Businesses recorded 5.6 million small businesses at the start of 2023, accounting for three fifths of the employment and around half of the turnover of the private sector.
Director of Small Business Saturday Michelle Ovens said: “It continues to be really tough out there in the economy for small business, so there is a huge need to celebrate our incredible small business economy and throw our arms around them. Small Business Saturday remains a critical and powerful way for the public to do this.”
Whether you’re looking for a butcher, baker or plumber, show some love for local and support your small business on December 7th and beyond.
The much-loved actress is starring in Filumena at Theatre Royal Windsor, October 4th to 19th and Yvonne Arnaud Guildford, October 22nd to 26th
Bill Kenwright Ltd presents Eduardo De Filippo’s classic comedy Filumena, as the second play to be directed by Sean Mathias this season at the Theatre Royal Windsor.
Amidst the heat of a Neapolitan summer, Filumena (Felicity Kendal) lies on her deathbed, waiting to marry Domenico (Matthew Kelly), the man who has kept her as his mistress for 25 years.
But no sooner than they are married, she makes a miraculous recovery, much to the surprise of her new, unwilling husband and his younger lover.
However, Filumena holds on to a secret from her past life, revealing that one of her three grown-up sons is Domenico’s. But which one? Will he accept all three?
Q: How did this play actually come about? It was from Bill Kenwright, wasn’t it? A: He wanted to find a play for me and he felt we must work together again. He was being the usual Bill Kenwright: absolutely, amazingly funny and relaxed and jokey. And, you know, the fact that he and Michael [Rudman, Felicity’s late partner] were not well at the same time was something to talk about. I had worked with him many, many times and we absolutely loved each other. I used to call him boss. Then Michael died and I was away and Bill rang and he was just so lovely and funny and reminiscing about things and he said, look you’ve got to do Filumena.
Q: What are your key memories and thoughts of Bill? A: I particularly loved working with him. I loved his sense of humour. I loved his passion. He was incredibly passionate about the work he did and very, very good at it, extremely good at it. He was incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable of the theatre and music and the world… and, of course, his passion for football.
Q: What is Filumena about and what drew you to this character? A: I read the play and I imagined saying the lines and I wanted to be in that play. That’s what draws me to something. I love the play. I love the way it evolves. And the character is strong. She has had everything thrown at her in her life. And she could be the ultimate victim; she is in fact a victim of circumstance and fate. But she is anything but victimised. And she just pushes ahead with determination. She has a wonderful sense of humour, and she is full of passion, passion for the man she loves, passion for her children, passion for her family, passion to live against all odds from a very difficult start in life and quite a difficult life. Overcoming difficulties and making them into something successful is something I admire in people and that is this character. For me, with acting, you’re creating something that is actually not real. It’s not you, but you have to understand the facet of that complicated character that you’re asked to draw.
The play is hugely religious, in that my character’s strength comes from her religion – she’s Catholic – and her strength comes from a belief in what is right. It’s also a play about deception, why it’s necessary, if it’s necessary. It’s a play about jealousy, about children, about class and caste and a woman’s place and it’s also a play about surviving love and how incredibly intolerable poverty can be, and how that can impact on a woman’s choices in those days. So it’s touching an awful lot of things that people talk about. The character I play is an older woman, but her life, the life of the man she loves when they were younger, was quite extraordinary and that’s what you learn about.
The play is not very well known, so nobody has seen it played hundreds of times. So you hear it in your head as your own rhythm and tune. I’ve found working on this progressively more difficult, because I think it’s the first time for years that I haven’t had Michael giving me a kind of, well, how many more hours are you going to do that? And I have a way of working that has always been very much part of our life together and that really has brought home that he’s not here. He would always give me his opinion about a play and whether I should do it or not; I haven’t had it on this. So I had no idea whether he would say, don’t touch it, you will be absolutely boring, in which case I wouldn’t have. So that opinion isn’t there to draw on. So there’s no strength from that. I mean, in the past he has sometimes said, you must do this because you’d be wonderful. And he was, you know, usually pretty good and sometimes he would say that’s not for you and if I went ahead he was proved right. I tend to spend a long time at the kitchen table writing it out and rewriting and rewriting and that’s how I learn. And you know every now and again, well there would be words of encouragement or, have you got to act three? So I don’t have anybody to comment, but, you know, that’s not to say I’m not loving it. I do enjoy the process and I do think the more I read the script, the more I am just so happy to be doing this job. I just love this play.
Q: I was going to ask are you looking forward to getting back on tour? A: Going on tour is very much part of my history as an actor. I mean, I started my career going on tour. And I think as things have gone on in the last three, four, five, ten years, it’s more and more important that actors go on tour, because the West End is appallingly expensive. People don’t actually come up from the regions in the way they used to, so we have to go to them and going out on tour is important.
Q: What is it about Windsor that you always associate with or look forward to? A: One of the successful plays I did there was Noel Coward’s Fallen Angels, directed by Michael [Rudman] and produced by Bill Kenwright, so you can imagine it’s a very special place for me. It holds memories forever.
Q: Is there anything you always like to do when you’re in Windsor? A: I usually walk along the river with the dog. I think I may not have the dog with me, though, in the first few weeks of this play, because I have realised this is a huge part. I usually look at a play and think, oh I’m dead by the middle of the second act, and I think, that’s lovely! I didn’t quite realise how long a role it was until I started studying it. So I think I won’t be seeing much of Windsor this time, I’m afraid.
Q: Do you know much about the original playwright, Eduardo de Filippo? A: I don’t know much about him. The play is set in Naples. I saw the original production of this translation [by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall]. Years and years ago, Zeffirelli directed it, in 1977. That was in London with Joan Plowright. Judi Dench did the second production [here in 1998]. They were memorable. Absolutely memorable. But I don’t see that their performances are in any way going to be the one I do. There’s more than one way to play the character. It’s that beautifully written.
Q: One of the key people in the production is obviously the director, Sean Mathias. A: I’ve seen a lot of his work, which I think is just lovely. I’ve met him many times. He’s a gorgeously relaxing person to be with, but with a very firm and incredibly highly skilled and intelligent way of looking at plays. And so he absolutely was somebody that I’ve always wanted to work with. He creates this band of merry men, which is very important when you’re putting on a play. I think he will be, well, I hope, a friend for life, because he clearly is a very special person. He has something, which to me is a very important part of being a director, he has a very firm idea of how he will steer the ship right and it is not that it is his vision, but it is his collecting of all the various things that are going on. I like directors like that and I know I will love working with him.
Q: What is it all these years on that keeps you wanting to get back on stage? A: I think one of the things I realised is that I actually like to work. That’s what I am. I’m a working Cocker Spaniel. I’m not, you know, a show dog and I’m not a lap dog. I’m working and that’s what I love and I feel it’s just what I’m supposed to be doing. And I just feel better about it when I’m doing it. I love being in the company of clever people doing a job that I understand.
Jan Messenger invites us to visit Surrey’s hidden gem and uncover a comprehensive collection of fantasies, landscapes, portraits, character art and illustrations by Sidney Sime
Step inside the Sime Gallery, Worplesdon and you’ll find a collection of fascinating and highly characteristic works of the talented artist illustrator and caricaturist Sidney Sime, 1865-1941.
His black and white illustrations were in magazines of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s including The Pick Me Up, Pall Mall, The Idler, Eurek, The Butterfly and Illustrated London News.
The Gallery has some of the original pieces along with theatrical caricatures drawn between the years 1896-1898 including Sir Henry Irving and Dame Marie Tempest.
From the 102 articles for Through the Opera Glass in The Pick Me Up we know he also did caricatures of Dame Ellen Terry for the first wife of G F Watts, another local art gallery. Between 1909 and 1913 he designed theatre sets for Maeterlinck’s The Bluebird and Ibsen’s Pretenders for his wealthy Patron Lord Howard De Walden. His grandson Thomas Seymour is the Patron of the Sime Gallery today.
Sime also illustrated books for Lord Dunsany another aristocrat and friend whose fascination for fantasy drawing. Sime has painted in oils including many large fantasy art works as well as watercolours. He created a series entitled Bogey Beasts, mythical zoological creatures with the pictures and verses by Sime and music by Josef Holbrooke. His membership of London’s Langham sketching club and Yorik club provided Sime with congenial artistic companionship and there he met two of his greatest admirers, Arthur Lawrence and James Thorpe. He gained membership of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1896.
Sime took a six month visit to America in 1905 on the invitation of William Randolph Hurst, the American newspaper magnate, doing illustrations for him. After a short call up in 1918 in the Army Service corps, Sime’s passion for painting in oils saw him obsessed with the Visions of St John in the book of Revelation and he painted his own visions of the Apocalypse.
In 1924 he staged his well-received first exhibition in London. Now 100 years later there are two exhibitions, one at Christ Beetles art gallery, St James, London and later this year at Heath Robinson Museum, Pinner.
The Sime Gallery is open Wednesday and Sunday, 2-4pm with its Ta Ta café for tea and homemade cake, toilet facilities, free parking situated alongside recreational grounds in a beautiful village setting in Worplesdon.
The Sim Gallery is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Ewbank’s. With no regular funding donations are invited for your visit. Group visits are very welcome and guided talks and tours can be arranged by emailing [email protected]. For further information visit Sime Gallery (sidneysimegallery.org.uk)
Heidi Oliver is the driving force in the women’s game at Petersfield Golf Club. She’s aiming to put women (not ladies) on a par with the men
Heidi has been the Ladies’ Captain at the club since March and six months into her tenure she has been working to fulfil her vision ‘to ensure all lady members feel welcome and are accepted no matter what age or handicap, and to inject some fun into the game for everyone’s entertainment’.
Putting skills developed through a lengthy career in the police force to good use, has, she believes, helped her to achieve this. The former Detective Inspector who ended her time with Hampshire Constabulary working on Major Crime says: “As a police officer developed many skills including managing people, leading criminal investigations communicating to all people at different levels and leading from the front.”
Leading from the front is what she is now doing Petersfield GC after slowly falling in love with the game after accompanying her husband Terry, a keen golfer, out on the course. Although initially sceptical, asking him: ” ‘How can you go and play the same course every week and not be bored?’ Obviously, I had no idea what the real game entailed”, she was soon hooked and went from hacking the ball around to hitting a decent shot. She started playing more, introduced some ex-colleagues to the game and found it could be very socialable too, playing a round before a trip to the local pub.
She was playing at South Petersfield course but a welcome afternoon at the main Petersfield GC was where the ‘penny finally dropped’.
“I found it difficult to embrace the traditional stuffiness surrounding the game and felt I had to supress the real me. Slowly over the passage of time and with my golf improving I started to win a few competitions, and I finally felt more at home in the Ladies’ section.”
After becoming Vice Captain in 2023, she took the helm this year and has to date arranged a ladies’ two-day trip to East Dorset Golf Club, a spring meeting with a Mediterranean twist, the Captain’s Charity Day with a cops and robbers theme which included her patrolling the course in a ‘police’ buggy, making arrests and issuing fines for charity. With half her year to go there are more away days and fun planned to support her chosen charity Sands (still born and neo natal death in babies), a cause close to her heart.
Heidi says: “I believe I am slowly making a difference to the ladies’ section and moving away from some of the golf traditions that really aren’t as important as they used to be, reflecting the changes in society and modern-day thinking.”
She would like to see the game open up more to younger women, the average age of a female golfer is 64, adding: “One day, we’ll be ‘women’ golfers perhaps and not ‘lady’ golfers in line with other sports, and on a level par with the men.”
Step into the magical world of Cicely Mary Barker’s world-famous Flower Fairies in the first exhibition for children and families at the Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village
A display of original Flower Fairies illustrations is at the heart of an enchanting exhibition starting on October 22nd.
The exhibition, presented in association with Penguin Random House Children’s UK, Flower Fairies™, shows Cicely Mary Baker’s original sketches and family photographs which reveal her process in creating the fairy figures that are known and loved around the world. To experience how it might feel to be a character in one of Cicley’s famous books, in this section of the exhibition there’s a chance for children to become part of the story by dressing up and entering giant-sized pages of a Flower Fairies book.
The exhibition opens with an exploration of Barker’s early years. Born in 1895, Cicely and her older sister, Dorothy, grew up in Croydon. Cicely was a poorly and delicate child and spent most of her time at home, quite often in bed where to pass the time, she read books and drew. Many of her pictures featured fairies, capturing her imagination as a young child.
Also included is photography of family life – messing about at the beach, cuddling their dogs and relaxing together in the garden. Children visiting the exhibition can have fun peering through the windows of a doll-sized replica of Cicely’s childhood house and discovering her childhood activities, which included dressing up her pets and drawing self-portraits.
Cicely’s father, Walter Barker, was an accomplished artist and recognised his daughter’s talent. When she was 13, he enrolled her at the Croydon School of Art and also paid for a correspondence course in art, which she continued until the age of 24. He sadly died when Cicely was just 17 and her success as a commercial artist became more urgent to assist with the family finances, she created sets of postcards to do this.
After the First World War there was renewed interest in fairies and using her love of writing poetry, drawing children and nature, the Flower Fairies came to life. In 1923 she sold the first of these works to Blackie and Son and the book was published in the same year. It was an instant international success.
The exhibition will give visitors a chance to discover some of the other works she wrote and illustrated and inspired by Cicely’s botanical illustrations and traditional folklore, families can follow a Tree Fairy Trail through the woodland at Watts Gallery to find some of the trees and plants that feature in the Flower Fairies with opportunities to play and learn along the way.
Help raise funds for the Rotary Cut Out Cancer campaign
Can you sponsor Colin Simmons as he pulls on the walking boots again to tackle a 15k challenge organised by the Royal Surrey Charity through the Surrey countryside on Sunday 6th October.
This is part of the Rotary Cut Out Cancer campaign to raise funds to help the Royal Surrey County Hospital purchase high-tech equipment for their six new surgical and cancer wards they are building.
Colin says: “The Royal Surrey Charity have kindly allowed us to have a specific JustGiving page as part of their overall fundraising so that the sponsorship we raise will be ring-fenced for our Cut Out Cancer campaign.”
Renee Smith from Alton Camera Club invites you to join the friendly group with your mobile phone, digital or film camera as their new season clicks into life
Alton Camera Club are looking forward to their 78th season of photography and are welcoming new and not-so-new members to an exciting programme ahead.
What can we offer? The club is part of the Southern Counties Photographic Federation (SCPF) and has access to a wide range of judges and speakers, with presentations from experienced photographers.
Practical workshops are held throughout the season, with hands-on demonstrations and expert advice on various techniques and genres of photography including (but not limited to) portraiture, macro, astro, wildlife, landscape and street photography. The opportunity to enter friendly club competitions every month, where digital images and prints are assessed by qualified judges who score and provide constructive feedback, ensures that your photography is continually improving and gaining recognition. We also enter images into regional SCPF competitions. We have a thriving bi-monthly Field Trip programme with past trips including Portobello Road Market, Brighton, Brookwood Cemetery and Autograss racing at Four Marks. We work closely with local initiatives including the Alton Arts Festival, Broadlands Riding for the Disabled, Alton Operatic & Dramatic Society and Holybourne Theatre.
We have an exciting programme ahead for the 2024/25 season and began in September with natural history photographer, Peter Whieldon, who conducted a workshop and brought along his owls for us to photograph. Our September field trips included Romsey Show and Hollycombe Steam Fair, visits to Richmond Park for the deer rut and we have the Lord Mayor’s Show in London in November. Our competition season kicks off with a challenge competition, Song Titles, early this month.
We meet every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.30/10pm at Holybourne Village Hall, GU34 4HD and offer a welcome to people of all ages and abilities whether you use a mobile phone, a digital or film camera. We normally repair to the village pub afterwards.
To allow potential members to sample our club before committing to membership, up to three club evenings may be attended prior to joining. A £5 fee will be levied for practical and speaker evenings; this is refundable against future membership.
