Jacob Dixon scales new heights at the brand new Clip & Climb at Eden Shopping Centre
Climbing the walls at home? Looking for somewhere where little high achievers can let off some steam? The new Clip ‘n Climb features 22 challenges and 27 climbing lines tailored to all ages and abilities.
No climbing experience required: newbies are welcome here! Clip ‘n Climb – considered “the Mini Golf of Climbing” – promises fun for everyone in a safe, colourful environment.
The centre at the Eden centre features 22 challenges and 27 climbing lines tailored to all ages and abilities and is one of many upcoming retail and entertainment openings at Eden Shopping Centre.
Our young tester Jacob says he had a great time on the Stairway to Heaven and the epic Drop Slide, both of which are popular in the company’s other centres, including the one in reading run by the same franchisees Chris, Chambers and Jon Robinson.
The centre offers birthday party packages as well as SEN sessions with the friendly, attentive, patient and encouraging staff, with reduced music.
These sessions are a great way to introduce your little one to climbing with safe and fun sessions that will enhance motor skills.
Here the Good Hotel Guide invites you to explore 10 of the top hotels in Hampshire. From the wild beauty of the New Forest to the historic haunts of Southampton, country house hotels to bijoux retreats, these are hotels that are destinations in their own right.
A restaurant-with-rooms in the village on Beaulieu Water, the Montague Arms offers traditional architecture and contemporary hospitality. On the banks of the Beaulieu river, the wisteria-clad Victorian hotel is popular for its food, offering both a fine-dining restaurant and a pub called Monty’s Inn. Many of the rooms overlook an enchanting garden, allowing you to wake to a view of wild ponies wandering by. There are also dog-friendly, open-plan courtyard studios in the grounds, each with a private terrace, and there’s a general atmosphere of relaxation to ease you into your stay.
A five-star hotel in the New Forest, Lime Wood is an idyllic combination of natural beauty, heritage architecture and modern style. The country house hotel is the ultimate retreat, just a 90-minute drive from London, and surrounded by ancient woodland. It’s also home to The Herb House Spa – a dedicated space for wellbeing, complete with forest views from the sauna and hydro pool. A luxury retreat set within the grounds, facilities include a mud house, outdoor hot pool, rooftop techno gym, ozone-treated lap pool with glass doors to the garden, and a manicure and pedicure room.
A five-star country house hotel and spa, Chewton Glen combines heritage elegance with modern hospitality. There are stylish rooms and suites to choose from in the main house, all with traditional decoration and sumptuous furnishings, as well as unique treehouse suites that make the most of their enchanting New Forest location. They allow you to wake amongst the treetops, watch deer roam by, and an extra layer of connectivity with nature.
Named because pigs have foraged in these parts since the Norman Conquest, The Pig in the Forest is a popular member of Robin Hutson’s collection of piglets. There’s a variety of rooms to stay in, from hideaway suites in the stable yard, to lodges and a forest hut at the bottom of the garden. Food is a feast for sit senses using ingredients from the kitchen garden or grown and reared close by. Dishes might include wild garlic tagliatelle, goat’s cheese and walnuts, or venison loin with artichokes and smoked yoghurt.
Following an extensive refurbishment by the new owners, Stanwell House is a Georgian hotel in a New Forest yachting town on the edge of the Solent. A family-friendly, dog-friendly bolthole, it’s chic but warm, with each room offering its own unique charm. There are heritage influences to the interiors, a glass orangery for lunch, and a decadent restaurant, Samphire, with exuberant pink and purple Colefax & Fowler floral wallpaper and a lavish menu.
Surrounded by free-roaming ponies and donkeys, Daisybank Cottage is an Arts and Crafts-style single-storey house in the magical surroundings of the New Forest. A family home turned boutique B&B, attention to detail is paramount. All rooms have an espresso machine, mini-fridge, Roberts radio and Bramley toiletries, while the spectacular Marryat Suite (named after Captain Frederick Marryat, author of The Children of the New Forest) is complete with a private entrance, patio area, barbecue and heater. Place your breakfast order in a flowerpot outside your door at night with options including American pancakes, homemade granola and soda bread, local free-range eggs, kombucha, kimchi and microgreens.
A city-centre bolthole and the smallest of The Pig hotels, the Pig in the Wall is as stylish as its siblings but unique in every way. Tucked away in the medieval walls of Southampton, the historic building welcomes you into the world of rustic wooden table and chairs, low sofa seating, a roaring log burner and cosy corners. There’s a deli-bar serving food sourced from the kitchen garden at The Pig, Brockenhurst, and homely rooms with plush bedding and elegant furnishings.
A little gem dating back to 1822, The Grosvenor sits proudly at the heart of Stockbridge, the smallest town in England. A town that’s home to the world famous chalk stream River Test, it’s a popular spot for fly fishing, shooting, walking and cycling, with guests returning to the immaculate retreat for rest and relaxation afterwards. Dog-friendly (dogs beds available), you can stay in a choice of rooms within the main building, as well as The Tap two-storey cottage adjacent to the hotel. There are also multiple dining areas, each with its own decadent style, from the Market Room restaurant with its intricate chandeliers and a stunning verre églomisé mirror, and the stylish 1822 Bar – perfect for coffee and cake or drinks and nibbles.
A country house hotel and spa, Burley Manor is a New Forest retreat with a contemporary eclectic twist. The property dates to 1852, and is a spectacular baronial-style manor house set within an 800 year old estate. It’s also just a few minutes’ walk from the picture-perfect village of Burley. Rooms are split between the main house and the garden wing, all individually designed with thoughtful details. Imaginative menus champion local ingredients, and are served in an elegant dining room. Meanwhile, wellbeing is enhanced with a treatment room where they offer TEMPLESPA therapies to rebalance and restore.
Part of the Luxury Family Hotels group, New Park Manor is a stylish and welcoming retreat in the heart of the New Forest. A hideaway for nature lovers, it’s surrounded by woodland trails and opportunities to watch resident deer and ponies go about their day. Rooms offer contemporary comfort and easy going style, while dining is a feast of seasonal menus in The Vinery Restaurant, complete with family-friendly amenities such as games like Dobble, Bugaboo Giraffe highchairs, and a children’s menu. Completing the experience, the spa is an adult-only haven with two outdoor hot tubs and forest views, an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Somadome technology-enabled meditation pod.
The multi-million-selling British singer songwriter Gary Barlow is the latest act announced for next summer’s Nocturne Live concert series in June
The Take That star will headline the series on Friday, 20th June, alongside a selection of soon-to-be-announced special guests.
As a member and lead songwriter of Take That, one of the biggest British boy bands of all time, Gary Barlow has sold over 45 million records, over eight million concert tickets and won eight BRIT awards. Gary has also enjoyed a hugely successful solo career with three number one singles, six top-ten singles and three number one albums. He is one of the most successful British songwriters in history having written a total of 14 number one singles as well as being a six-time recipient of an Ivor Novello Award.
Gary joins the line-up for next summer’s Nocturne Live series alongside Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft, Lightning Seeds and The Zutons, who perform on Thursday June 19th 2025. More acts for the series will be announced in due course.
Nocturne Live transforms Blenheim Palace’s Great Court into a spectacular 10,000-capacity open-air concert venue and since its inception in 2015 has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular stately home concert experiences. Over the years the series has presented shows from a host of huge international stars including the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers, Lauryn Hill, Noel Gallagher, Gregory Porter, Van Morrison, Tears for Fears, Gladys Knight, Elvis Costello, Simple Minds and Ennio Morricone amongst many others.
Nocturne Live 2025 runs from Wednesday 18th to Sunday June 22nd. Tickets for Gary Barlow start at £54 and go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29th. Pre-sale is available to those signed up to the Nocturne Live mailing list and begins at 9am on Tuesday, 26th November.
Tickets, along with a limited number of VIP packages – which provide an exclusive opportunity to dine in the State Rooms of Blenheim Palace – are available fromnocturnelive.com.
Bring your friends and family and enjoy the magic of Christmas at The Shed, Bordon
Embrace the holiday spirit with enchanting festivities across the big Christmas weekend at The Shed starting with the Christmas party on Saturday, 7th December.
Get your glad rags on and head over to The Shed for a night of Christmas tunes from the Lee Aaron band from 7.30pm. The Lee Aaron band are an explosive energetic cover party band with a difference with a repertoire that includes music both old and new, this is a Christmas party with a rock twist. Think The Doobie Brothers, The Killers, David Bowie, Wings, Bryan Adams, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Weekend, U2, James Brown, Van Halen, Andy Williams, The Who, Stevie Wonder, Billy Idol, Muse, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper… just to name a few! This is a free event so just bring yourself, your friends, your moves and festive cheer.
Enjoy The Shed’s annual Christmas Market on 8th December from 12-6pm. With live music, local treats and a naughty elf causing mischief, it’s the perfect excuse to wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate or toddy and get in the festive spirit!
With over 30 stalls this year, The Shed’s Christmas Market will be bigger than ever! From crocheted goods and boardgames, jewellery, ceramics and handmade carvings, to traybakes, chilli sauces, home cook meal kits and fresh fruit and veg boxes, the market will be packed full of gift ideas and local fayre.
From 12pm-2.30pm the kids will be overjoyed to pet, groom and enjoy story time with the donkeys of Pony Pals, then explore Santa’s magical grotto to meet the man himself. And Santa Paws will be providing Christmas treats for your four-legged friends, meaning all the family members, even the furry ones, are welcome at the Market.
The festive soundtracks for the day will be provided by Chris Roberts from 12.15-1.15pm, followed by Life Spring Church singing Christmas carols from 1.30-2.30pm. As the evening draws in, Dixon Duo will be heralding visitors with Christmas covers from 4.00-4.45pm and to bring the Market to a close from 5.00-6.00pm we’ll have the dulcet tones of vintage 1940s singer Stephanie Belle.
Showcase your vocal talents in a special Christmas themed open mic night on 19th December where local performers will sing a cover, or their very own Christmas original! Discover new local talent and have a very festive evening at The Shed.
Calling all performers! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding singer-songwriter, you’re invited to join The Shed’s open mic night event. Sign up starts at 7.45pm with 15 minute slots available. Get ready to showcase your talent at our upcoming Christmas themed night, and don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to share your music with a supportive and welcoming audience.
With a rush of new businesses opening in time for Christmas there is plenty of fresh food and more to explore at The Shed. WBRC is looking forward to welcoming you to this December, as well as providing a central community hub where people of all ages can meet up to enjoy activities and some great food across the festive period.
Help Surrey’s nature bounce back this Christmas – world-beating heathland habitats need your help and every donation will be doubled this December
Wildlife lovers in Surrey can make a gift with double the impact this Christmas, thanks to an appeal by Surrey Wildlife Trust with the backing on the philanthropic Big Give Christmas Challenge.
Surrey Wildlife Trust’s 100 for Heathlands Campaign – part of its urgent Save Surrey’s Nature appeal – is aiming to raise £100,000 for our county’s rare and threatened heathland environments – habitats that support a huge range of animal and plant life that can’t thrive elsewhere, from Nightjars and Sand Lizards to wildflowers, butterflies and the small-but-ferocious Heath Tiger Beetle.
Image: Nick Upton
From midday on Tuesday 3rd December to midday on Tuesday 10th December, contributions from members of the public up to a total of £25,000 will be doubled by a match funding pot of £25,000, made up of £12,500 from Big Give Champions and £12,5000 from pledgers Kia UK – potentially enabling SWT to raise a total of £50,000 towards its target.
Sadly, more than 86 per cent of Surrey’s lowland heathlands have been lost in the last two centuries, with those that remain requiring careful management to survive the impact of climate change, pollution, the over-growth of dominant plants and excessive development. As well as working with volunteers, conservation experts and local communities to keep Surrey’s heaths in top condition, SWT wants to create new corridors of good habitat to make Surrey’s landscapes more resilient, help wildlife find safe places to live and prevent the fragmentation of these special places.
The Trust is even exploring the reintroduction of native species like Beavers, Black Grouse and Red Deer to restore heathland ecosystems to their full potential for wildlife and people, and plans to carry thorough studies to assess the feasibility of these initiatives.
Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Director of Reserves Management James Herd, who leads conservation work on heaths including Barossa, Pirbright Ranges, Whitmoor Common and Chobham Common says: “Helping protect our beautiful local heathlands is a great way to create some good news this Christmas. Nature faces immense challenges, but we have big plans to turn things around. If we all do what we can for the places we care about, we can ensure that wildlife has a secure home for generations to come – and that will be good for every one of us.”
What your donation can do:
£10 helps maintain areas of bare ground on heathland reserves to benefit insects and reptiles.
£25 pays for a conservation grazing animal to graze a site for a week, keeping it in good condition for nature.
£36 will pay for a habitat survey to ensure we are doing the right thing for particular species.
£165 pays for one hectare of heathland management on Whitmoor common.
£300 pays for a tree popper, an important piece of equipment for scrub clearance used by Reserve officers and volunteer groups.
£1,200 pays for 4 hectares of heathland restoration and management on Chobham common.
Join Opera Anywhere for The Pirates of Penzance in Camberley and you’ll enjoy a memorable night and come out humming the tunes
A very special performance of Gilbert’s & Sullivan’s The Pirate of Penzance will be held in Camberley, to celebrate Surrey Heath’s 50th anniversary.
This concert at Kings International College, GU15 2PQ on Friday, 6th December honours the borough’s most notable figure, Sir Arthur Sullivan, the composer behind The Pirates of Penzance and the beloved Savoy operas. Sullivan spent part of his childhood in Camberley, residing in a cottage on London Road – sadly now a fast food drive-thru – while his father served as bandmaster at Sandhurst Military College nearby.
Beginning Tuesday 3rd, Opera Anywhere – one of the UK’s premier professional touring companies specialising in Gilbert & Sullivan – will work with Kings International students to join the chorus in The Pirates of Penzance.
An unfortunate case of mishearing initiates the plot for The Pirates of Penzance, resulting in a dramatic change of direction for Frederic who sets a course to become a pirate rather than a ‘pilot’! The twists and turns of this classic operetta, written in 1879, unfold with ingenious characters, sublime lyrics and some of the best-known songs in opera including the very familiar Major General’s Song.
Opera Anywhere is passionate about producing accessible, innovative and entertaining opera and operetta for all ages. Their mission is to make joyous, family-friendly, high-quality live music available to as many people as possible. They believe music is for everyone, and have a strong tradition of outreach work, community events (including come-and-sing performances) and educational projects. Opera Anywhere love to collaborate with music clubs and choral societies, schools and orchestras for combined performances.
The team of professional singers and instruments give over 65 opera performances throughout the UK every year. You’ll find them in theatres, schools, galleries and museums, at festivals, on punts, and even in the woods!
This production of The Pirates of Penzance is generously supported by Frimley Fuel Allotments, Surrey Heath Council, and Camberley Rotary.
Hi Vernon! What’s your first panto memory? “I didn’t go as a kid, although I loved doing the Christmas play at school. But we made a point of taking our kids to the pantomime and we came here to see Shane Ritchie a few years back in Dick Whittington… Shane loves Dick! I didn’t need convincing to do panto, but Shane nudged me, he always said, ‘oh, you’ll love it, it’s hard work, but it’s the best’. And he’s right! When I did Cinderella two years ago, I had so much fun. It’s nerve-wracking at first, but then you get addicted to it. Panto is a pivotal part of people’s Christmas calendars.”
Q. How does it affect your Christmas plans? “Well Christmas kind of goes on hold with pantomime because you only get Christmas Day off. Two years ago I spent all afternoon in bed because I was so tired. I love Christmas dinner, though, so I won’t be missing that! No, I won’t be getting a takeaway instead, we’ll just do the prep the night before. So, if we get a chance, I’ll be peeling spuds and carrots when I get back, to have it all ready for Christmas Day. But we do go all in: the whole shebang – we really enjoy Christmas, it’s good fun.”
Q. You’ve got two dogs? “Yes: a Chihuahua and a Maltese Shih Tzu. They’re awesome! It’s strange if you lie on the sofa and a dog doesn’t come and nuzzle you, all snuggly.”
Q. Did you listen to the radio growing up? “Yeah, my dad’s a lorry driver so the radio was always on! My dad was also in a band so he always learning songs too. I’ve got fun memories of listening to Steve Wright. And then from my late teenage years, it was always Chris Evans. I loved his rock and roll attitude of screw it, let’s do it. This is always at the forefront of my mind at work now!”
Q. Do you love life in Bucks? “Yeah, even if we’re out much less than when we first moved here 20 years ago. It’s less big nights out in the Crazy Bear now & more a lovely Sunday roast at the pub! So many good ones round here…”
Q. Do you still love the Bolton Wanderers? “Yeah, big fan! There’s always a couple of jokes in the panto because we have the Wycombe Wanderers, too. Yeah, I do like my football.”
Q. Who was your hero growing up? And now? “My dad’s always been pretty cool, and mum. In more recent years, maybe Tom Brady, the American footballer who used to play for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I think he’s got this perfect mindset. He’s the closest athlete that I’ve found who’s discovered the formula to winning, which I think is pretty special. It’s all about mindset and focus, which I admire.”
Q. Do you feel good about 2025? “2025 is going to be a really good year, because of the Oasis reunion. The energy we had in the 1990s, with a bit of rock and roll thrown in there, I think there’s going to be that attitude among the young people of Great Britain. Hopefully we’ll get some of that rebellion back that we’re renowned for! It’s funny but the reunion of these two estranged brothers means a lot. The government have said there are tough times ahead. But I think 2025 socially will bring a good tide of change. And as for me personally, yes – just more of the same, please!”
Q. If you could rub your magic Christmas lamp, what would you wish for? “More good news for everyone. We’re submerged in so much bad news, in negativity, and I think just people deserve more good news and hope, please, that’s all. More happy vibes.”
Love them or loathe them, pantomimes are most people’s first introduction to the theatre, the tales of good triumphing over evil are as old as time but that doesn’t stop their enduring allure. So book your tickets and take your seat…
Boo, hiss or sealed with a kiss, if it’s December then it must be panto month so start practising your jeering and cheering and tuck into those sweets as you enjoy Robin Hood and Maid Marion as they right wrongs, sing songs and sort out the wicked Sheriff in the swashbuckling panto at the Yvonne Arnaud, Nov 30th-Jan 5th. Starring Lucy Benjamin as the Sherriff of Nottingham who is making residents’ lives a misery raising taxes. Will Robin and his gang of merry men come to the rescue and help them fight back. Also stars Guildford favourite Peter Gordon and Guildford Shakespeare Company’s Matt Pinches. Book at Robin Hood | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Panto just wouldn’t be the same without a famous face gracing the stage and Woking’s New Victoria is welcoming Christopher Biggins and Steps’ Faye Tozer among its cast of Sleeping Beauty. Once upon a time in a land far away, Princess Aurora is given a 21st birthday present by her evil aunt Carabosse (Tozer). By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Expect magic, music, comedy and special effects from Dec 6th-Jan 5th. Tickets: Sleeping Beauty Tickets | New Victoria Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets
Get ready for a spellbinding pantomime like no other at Camberley Theatre this Christmas, Dec 7th-31st. Join Snow White and her lively band of friends in a fun-filled adventure packed with unforgettable songs, hilarious moments, and stunning scenery. With a few twists on the classic story, this is Snow White as you’ve never seen before and will have you laughing, smiling, cheering and booing all the way through. Buy tickets at Snow White | Camberley Theatre
Godalming Borough Hall is hosting Jack as he climbs that beanstalk in search of riches trying to evade the giant. The professional show – featuring a talented cast with top West End credits – promises spectacular song and dance, colourful costumes and lots of fun and laughs for the whole family, Dec 14th-28th. For the 6th year running, the Pay What You Can scheme will return to the venue’s popular panto, with the producers doing their best to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy a family pantomime. Book tickets for the giant of a pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk by calling 01483 361101 or visit Godalming Panto | Jack & The Beanstalk 2024
Magic spells, glittering costumes and a few modern surprises await at Prior’s Field School theatre where you’ll find Godalming Theatre Group presenting Cinderella, Dec 18th-22nd. Tickets at Musicals | Godalming Theatre Group | Godalming
Pantos aren’t just for Christmas, many local theatre groups will be entertaining audiences in the new year, like the Ewhurst Players who are on stage at the village hall with Cinderella in February. VisitHOME | Ewhurstplayers nearer the time for dates & more.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be hi-ho-ing at The Arbuthnot Hall, Shamley Green thanks to SHADES on Jan 23rd-25th, more at shamleygreenshades.co.uk. Red Riding Hood will be trying to evade the wolf at Compton Little Theatre, Jan 16th-18th. Buy tickets at Compton Little Theatre event tickets from TicketSource. There’s fun for all with the mischievous puppet Pinocchio in Churt Amateur Dramatic Society’s panto in the village hall, Jan 28th-Feb 3rd, Churt Amateur Dramatic Society event tickets from TicketSource.
Embark on an uproarious adventure with Peter Pan & the Lusty Boys the Adult Panto, the latest masterpiece from the Guildford Fringe team! Brace yourselves for an hour of non-stop hilarity with no dull moments, as this rib-tickling spectacle takes centre stage until Jan 4th at The Back Room of The Star Inn. Indulge in naughty, smutty, and downright silly humour that’s sure to leave you in stitches. Book at Peter Pan & the Lusty Boys at The Back Room of The Star Inn event tickets from TicketSource
There are more than pantos to enjoy with the magical musical Santa’s Wish at G Live, Dec 18th-24th. Snowflake the magical elf is in a tricky spot, Santa’s sleigh has crashed and now he is lost. Can Snowflake help Santa and save Christmas? The heart-warming adventure is full of colour and fun and a sprinkling of circus magic. Tickets at Book Santa’s Wish tickets | G Live Guildford
Enjoy a family show fit to burst with festive fun at Farnham Maltings. Diana Hendry and John Lawrence’s joyous tale, Christmas in Exeter Street, is being brought to life in the Maltings’ second annual Christmas show from Dec 13th – 24th. With 37 characters, seven animals, 10 instruments, and an abundance of Christmas magic, Cordelia O’Neill’s new adaptation conjures the beautiful chaos and heart-warming generosity of the festive season.Tickets are available from £10-£22 at Christmas in Exeter Street | Farnham Maltings
WAOS Musical Theatre are staging the moving and powerful Evita at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Dec 10th-14th. The story portrays Eva’s rise alongside her husband, President Juan Perón, her advocacy for the poor, and her battle with illness. The musical is renowned for its emotional depth, Latin-infused score, and the iconic ballad Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. Book tickets at WAOS Musical Theatre presents Evita Tickets | Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets
Australian brand R.M.Williams has a stylish new store in Marlow showcasing the brand’s footwear & accessories
Marlow is literally half a world away from the rugged Aussie outback. However, this well-heeled town might well be the perfect stomping ground for R.M.Williams, the heritage footwear, apparel and accessories brand.
Founded 92 years ago, Reginald Murray Williams’ vision was to craft high quality, durable boots and leather goods, built to last in the Australian landscape. Renowned for signature one piece of leather construction, R.M.William’s technique not only enhances the boot’s durability and integrity but also creates a seamless look that’s stylish and functional, at home in the countryside and a busy city office.
“The UK has been part of the R.M.Williams story for many decades,” says Paul Grosmann, the brand’s CEO, “and we’re thrilled that our next chapter of UK investment is spearheaded by the impressive new Marlow opening. Marlow’s heritage and character makes the town an ideal setting for introducing the brand’s handcrafted products to a community who appreciate quality authenticity.”
Located at 46 High Street, the 1,700sq ft store features R.M.Williams’ new retail design concept, first introduced at the brand’s global flagship store in Sydney last December. The new store embraces the skills of local British craftspeople, set against a backdrop of leading-edge retail innovation. In terms of product, the Marlow store will include new season boots, apparel and accessories, a Marine Blue Comfort Craftsman, exclusive to the Marlow store and the brand’s largest women’s offering in the UK.
Among the British craftspeople R.M.Williams has partnered with for the Marlow opening are furniture makers Timberwoolf and Morgan and Rush Matters, the Bedfordshire creator of the Marlow window plinths and in-store risers, woven from British rush, harvested by hand.
R.M.Williams operates two London stores in New Bond Street and Berwick Street, Soho, and sells through 90 wholesale partners nationwide. A second new R.M.Williams store will launch in Cambridge in December in line with the brand’s strategy to target UK towns with a high concentration of consumers who value quality, craft, and timeless heritage.
Pop by the store, open seven days a week, for Christmas shopping!Visit Marlow | R.M.Williams®
Author and journalist Michael Smith introduces us to a Danish naval officer who was content with very ‘conventional’ inducements for passing on secrets
Trying to find a spy appropriate to the season, I thought it might be a good moment to write about the first agent ever run by MI6. Captain Walter Christmas, a former Danish naval officer who travelled in and out of Germany to collect intelligence on what the German navy was doing. MI6, then known as the foreign section of the Secret Service Bureau, was set up in 1909, amid fears of a German invasion. Its first boss was Mansfield Cumming, who was known only by the initial letter of his surname, C, which is still used by heads of MI6 today as an abbreviation for Chief.
Christmas was designated WK, perhaps because it was mistakenly assumed that his name began with a K, or that using the initials WC would lead to his reports being ridiculed in Whitehill. The first time Christmas met Cumming he stressed how keen he was to spy for MI6 having “always looked upon myself as at least half English”. Cumming concluded in his diary that Christmas “seemed straightforward”.
The Dane was in fact very straightforward indeed. He was willing to spy for what were already the standard inducements of sex and cash and went on to provide Cumming with a regular supply of the Danish navy’s ship-watching reports of German vessels passing through the channels joining the North Sea to the Baltic. As well as reports on new German equipment obtained by visits to the naval dockyards in Kiel, Hamburg and Breman. The 48-year-old insisted that the go-between who collected his intelligence should always be a ‘pretty’ young woman who was to meet him in a hotel in Skagen, the town at the northernmost tip of Denmark. The women concerned were prostitutes procured and paid for the purpose. The close links between what are alleged to be the world’s two oldest professions were to be repeated persistently throughout the Service’s early history. Sex and money often represented far better inducements to spy than Patriotic or moral beliefs.
When a few years later, the Germans got too close to Christmas and Cumming had to have him exfiltrated to London, he was lodged in the notorious Shepherd Market area of Mayfair, where there were plenty of pretty young women, all pursuing the same business as the go-betweens who used to collect his intelligence from the Skagen hotel.
But that was not his last job for MI6, Christmas was a close personal friend of King Constantine. So in an early form of the ‘parallel diplomacy’ practised by MI6 in a number of different situations over the years, most notably at the start of the Northern Ireland peace process, Cumming sent him to Athens, in the hope that he might persuade Constantine that Greece should join the war against Germany. Compton Mackenzie, then the MI6 man in Greece, seemingly unaware that Christmas was operating under the direction of his bosses in London, was furious at this intervention on his patch by “this irresponsible old man of the sea” and stymied the operation.
Frank Stagg, a senior MI6 officer, recalled that what Christmas had to say about Mackenzie on his return to Whitehall Court was “unrepeatable”. Stagg decided to take Christmas out as recompense for Mackenzie’s behaviour. “I took that most lovable man to the Hippodrome where Fay Compton was singing a song in which the last line of each verse was ‘I’ll take a little more off’. Christmas was getting more and more excited and clapping roundly. When at the height of his enthusiasm, I asked him if he knew she was Compton Mackenzie’s sister, he looked tragic and said, ‘I’ll take back everything I said about him. If only I had known he had a sister so lovely I should have made friends with him instead’.”
Christmas was not only the first MI6 agent, he was the first of a long line of officers and agents to venture into spy fiction, a tradition that included Mackenzie himself and many others, most famously John le Carre. Christmas wrote the first spy novel by an MI6 agent ̶ Svend Spejder (Svend the Scout), in which a young boy hunts down German spies in Denmark ̶ in 1911, relatively early in his MI6 career.
Michael Smith’s spy novel, Ritter: No Man Dies Twice is published by Safe House books.
