Meet Chobham Pilates teacher Amy and her dachshund Bertie

Former theatre publicist Amy retrained as a Pilates teacher a decade ago and now runs The Pilates Collective Surrey. She shares her love of village life, favourite local haunts and plans to celebrate 10 years in her second career.

Hi Amy, please tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Amy. I’m 44, a Pilates Teacher. My second career, I used to be a Theatre Publicist, I retrained 10 years ago.

Where do you live & long have you lived here for?

I moved to Chobham in August 2022 and I’m so grateful to have landed in such a wonderful village.

Did you go to school in these parts, and did you enjoy it?

I’m Surrey born and bred. I went to Sir Williams Perkins in Chertsey. I was very happy there, and am still friends with a group of girls from school. We’re a little bit spread out but still manage to all get together a couple of times a year.

What pets do you have and what are your favourite walks?

I have a miniature black and tan Dachshund called Bertie. He’s a creature of routine, he loves to walk around Chobham Water Meadows, but he also gets very excited when we go up to Heather Farm and onto Horsell Common for a good stretch of his (little) legs. We like to go down to Bexhill for a walk on the promenade and beach at weekends if time allows.

What are your favourite local haunts?

Too many to name! I love Basil and Blue Courtyard Café, Laura, who runs it, has done wonders with it. She’s created a wonderful community – Bertie loves their puppucinos! We’re really spoilt for choice. The White Hart in the village is great, I love No.15 on Red Lion Road, and The Gosling in Woking. I did one of their cocktail masterclasses earlier in the year – delicious but lethal!

What do you most love about where you live?

The people and community spirit. I’ve never lived anywhere with so many community events all year round. We have a carnival! I love that I see people I know out and about every day and that everyone is so friendly.

Are you a member of any local groups?

I have just joined The Basil and Blue Run Club. I’m not a natural runner but it’s a great excuse to get out and do something completely different.

How do you like to relax?

Admittedly that isn’t something I’m great at, but I’m trying to make time for it. I like being active and I’m a bit of a ‘skill collector’. I tried line dancing recently with a brilliant teacher Alice Bird (dancewithal.co.uk) which was so much fun. I’m looking forward to getting out to the mountains skiing in January.

What highlights are you looking forward to later this year?

January 30th marks 10 years to the day since my first Pilates teaching qualification so I’m planning a big party to celebrate and thank all who’ve supported me.

Tell us more about The Pilates Collective Surrey.

We offer Matwork Classes, Reformer Classes and 1:1 Sessions with a thoughtful and evolving approach to Pilates for those who value quality, understanding and long-term wellbeing.

I want to educate people, help them move better and live fuller, happier, pain free lives.

Visit thepilatescollectivesurrey.co.uk or call 07414 111576 to find out more.