The Community Foundation for Surrey is helping to provide positive solutions for the community especially as we battle rising energy costs
At the Community Foundation for Surrey, we bring together local donors and charities to provide positive solutions in our communities for local people and disadvantaged individuals.
The need
Poverty is the catastrophe about to happen in Surrey for many people struggling to meet the cost of high energy bills this winter.
Surrey is often thought of as one of the best places to live in the UK. However, there is a hidden side to Surrey, with pockets of deprivation and places of hidden need. Too many people, especially children, are living in poverty in the county.
23,000 children in Surrey are impacted by poverty.
Child poverty has been rising in every district and borough in Surrey for the past five years.
8% of Surrey’s older people are affected by poverty.
“Cutting back on food, skipping meals, not replacing children’s shoes and winter coats, and using debt to make ends meet” … are just some of the ways how parents are coping (Surrey County Council Report to Cabinet on Child Poverty, Jan 2022)
Can you help?
We urgently need donations to our Winter Poverty Fundraising Campaign. With your kind support, together we can combat poverty this winter in our community.
If you’re eligible to receive either the Winter Fuel Payment or the Energy Rebate and you’re in the fortunate position of being able to manage without it, please consider donating the money so that we can use it to award grants to organisations who are providing urgent help to those in economic crisis.
We’re fortunate to have received a matched funding pledge – so that every £10 that you donate will be doubled to £20.
Every penny of donations received will be used to support organisations helping those most in need throughout our county – food banks, community pantries, community meal services, warm hubs, baby banks, and support with fuel poverty and debt advice.
Set a date to come together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up at a visit to a National Trust site in Sussex
Across Sussex, there’s a real variety of Christmas experiences for festive family days this year. There’s spectacle and sparkle for those ‘wow’ moments and selfies. Opulent decorated houses to get glamour-lovers in the mood for the party season. And nostalgic family trails in the great outdoors, themed on popular children’s books, to rekindle the magic of Christmas.
Zara Luxford, National Trust General Manager for Nymans and Standen said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more decorations, trails and events than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust cares for.”
Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Sussex
The sumptuous one
A Joyful Family Christmas at Standen
November 19th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)
Discover a beautifully decorated family home ready for a joyful Christmas, filled with sparkling lights and sumptuous trees, music and make believe. Outside, the Courtyard Christmas tree is lit with hundreds of twinkling lights, decorated by Same Sky community artists with local schoolchildren and inspired by William Morris. Don’t miss the twilight openings, carols round the tree and fun trail for all the family. Book ahead for Woodland Santa’s workshop at the top of the garden.
The magical one
Nymans
Beatrix Potter’s Christmas Tale at Nymans
November 26th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)
Beatrix Potter’s festive tale The Tailor of Gloucester comes to the garden at Nymans, with installations around the garden. Step inside the gallery and discover an exhibition for all the family with some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations and Christmas cards. The house is richly decorated with sumptuous Christmas trees, sparkling lights and story scenes. There’s even a cosy storybook corner, puzzles and dressing up for the little ones. Enjoy festive treats in the café after a winter’s day out.
Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The tree-mendous one
Petworth’s Tree-mendous Christmas
November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
Magnificently decorated trees fill the mansion at Petworth this Christmas. Highlights include the Marble Hall, transformed into an enchanted winter forest scene with sparkling lights and woodland creatures – look out for deer crafted from winter greenery, and tiny mice. In the chapel you can add a Christmas wish to a tree. Weekend choirs, late evening openings, and a Christmas market offer more moments to enjoy the sparkle at Petworth.
Image: National Trust / John Miller
The breath of fresh air
Sheffield Park and Garden
November 26th to January 1st (exc 24th and 25th)
Sheffield Park and Garden is a breath of fresh air at Christmas time. Take a break from the hectic high street and spend an atmospheric afternoon recharging yourself in this stunning landscape garden. Find inspiration and learn new skills as you follow the Making Trail around the garden featuring traditional Christmassy crafts passed from generation to generation. From needlework to crochet, discover handmade crafts that don’t cost the earth to make at home. Plus look out for the festive photo stops brimming with twinkling lights and cosy Christmas joy – the perfect place for a family photoshoot filled with yuletide cheer.
Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The cosy one
Christmas at Bateman’s
November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
Make memories as you explore the 17th century house with welcoming log fire, illuminated Christmas trees and peacock-inspired decorations. Be dazzled by real trees decorated with twinkly lights and natural foliage, delight in an exhibition of Claire Fletcher’s original watercolour illustrations and get into the festive spirit with live music from local community groups. Music on selected dates, please check website for details.
The handmade one
Christmas at Uppark
November 19th to January 1st (exc 24th & 25th)
Celebrate Christmas at Uppark and see the mansion adorned with natural and handmade decorations. The entrance hall is richly dressed and festively scented with winter greenery, pinecones, citrus fruit and cinnamon. Above and below stairs, each room has its own crafted theme, from music to games, made by local community groups to create a unique and joyful Christmas experience.
Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey
The castle factor
Christmas at Bodiam Castle
December 3rd to January 2nd
Discover Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle ruins. Jump on and dress up in regal winter costumes for the ultimate festive selfie. Look around the Castle Courtyard for Father Christmas, Mother Christmas or the elves just waiting to say hello and enjoy the magic of Christmas with tales of dragons, knights, and castles in storytelling for families from a cosy tower room. Christmas characters on selected dates. Please check the website for more details.
The literary one
Christmas at Lamb House
November 28th to December 18th (closed on selected dates, check website)
Be transported to New England in 1900 where Henry James, the American author, plays host to his family from New England who have transformed Lamb House for the festive season. Soak up the sights and scents of a traditional home-made Christmas in this stunning Georgian house.
Our wine expert Giles Luckett shares his red wine recommendations to raise your mojo levels!
Hello. Since I became a wine lover autumn has become my favourite season. Without the harshness of winter, yet with long evenings populated with hearty food, it’s a red wine drinker’s ideal. Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken advantage of this situation and I’ve been doing some ‘research’ for this column. Several trade tastings and somewhat less formal sessions in my sitting room later, I’ve picked up my super six for the autumn. These are food-friendly, warming, and mellow wines, which I hope will bring a smile to your lips as they have mine.
First up is a wine from the South of France, the Domaine Saint Rose La Garrigue 2018 (Majestic £5.99 on offer, down from £8.99). The Domaine Saint Rose was established by a couple of British corporate high flyers Charles and Ruth Simpson, who have brought modernity to a traditional blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre to great effect. Plum-coloured, the nose offers mulberry, raspberry, and blueberry tones with a twist of herbs and raspberries. These are reflected on the ripe, soft, plump palate, which is spiced by hints of white pepper and earth.
Next, a new wine (to me at least) from one of my favourite wineries, Vina Zorzal. I’ve had several Vina Zorzal wines; the Garacha (The Wine Society around £9) is likely to be one of my wines of the year (again), and the Viña Zorzal Cuatro del Cuatro Graciano (The Wine Society £16), is about as good a red as you’ll find for under £20.
My recommendation this time, however, is the Vina Zorzal Graciano (The Wine Society £8.95). Graciano isn’t a grape you see adorning a label that often. It’s a problematic vine as it’s easily affected by rot and doesn’t give great yields, which is not exactly a recipe for commercial success. It is, however, capable of brilliance, as this shows. Inky in colour, this lip-staining beauty is powerful, concentrated, and glorious. Packed to the gunnels with flavours of cooked blackberries, redcurrants, and spices, its bright acidity stops it from becoming overwhelming or cloying. At this price, it’s a wine to buy by the case and partner with hearty, mid-week suppers.
Sticking with Spain, and another new wine from an old friend, we have Cune’s Asua Crianza 2018 (£12.99 – The Surrey Wine Cellar (or Harvey Nichols if you’re passing). Rioja is one of my favourite regions, and let’s face it, no one does it better than Cune. The Asua is made exclusively from Tempranillo (so no Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, etc.) and offers an intense, pure, and delightfully different take on Rioja. Endowed with plenty of black cherries, blackcurrant, and mulberry fruit, shot through with vanilla, dried herbs, and citrus peel, this is already delivering the delightful goods, but has the capacity to age and develop for another 3-5 years.
South African wines have been hitting the high notes for some years, but many remain outstanding value for money. A great example is the Journey’s End ‘Sir Lowry’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Waitrose £14.99). Journey’s End Honeycomb Chardonnay (Ocado £9), then do. It’s got more vanilla than Madagascar and is fruitier than the man from Del Monte’s dinner party conversation.
The Sir Lowry shows the refined side of their wines. Deep purple, the nose is a complex mix of raw blackcurrants, black cherries, woodsmoke, and mint. On the palate, this medium-bodied offering gives layers of black fruits, chocolate, plum, cherries, creamy vanilla, and a crack of black pepper on the end. Food-friendly (we had it with lasagne), it also showed well as an evening solo sipper.
“South African wines have been hitting the high notes for some years”
Another new-world winery that never fails to impress is Catena. Catena is my favourite Argentinean producer, and the Wine Society’s Exhibition Malbec (The Wine Society £12.50) is worth the membership on its own. The wine I’m recommending is the Catena Malbec 2019 (Majestic £9.99). This high-altitude, cool climate Malbec shows this grape’s impressive range and depth. Almost opaque, the nose if full of dark notes of blackberries, charcoal, and prunes that are lifted by scents of rose petals and raspberries. The palate reveals an. equally delicate balancing act, with hefty quantities of super-ripe, black-skinned fruits, coffee, cocoa, and earth given life by a refreshing splash of raspberry and redcurrant acidity. One for steak night, decant it or give it some time open before drinking.
I’ll finish with yet another new wine, one that hails from one of the greatest producers on the planet, Gaja. The Gaja family made their name in northern Italy in and around Barbaresco. Today, they’re acknowledged as Italian winemaking royalty, and their wines sell for serious money – the sensational 2019 Barbaresco, for example, will set you back £200 a bottle.
The Idda (London End Wines or Fareham Wines, £29.50) is the result of a joint venture with Sicily’s Etna pioneer, Graci. This is a terrific wine, one that combines power with elegance, purity with complexity. The bouquet offers floral herb notes backed by vibrant black and red fruits. The palate is dominated by tones of raspberry and strawberry, with touches of coffee, mint, and liquorice adding a savoury dimension. This is a serious and seriously good wine that will develop for another few years. Try it with mushroom risotto or lamb shanks.
Well, that’s it for autumn wines and almost for autumn. With the festive season on the way, next time, I’ll look at festive fizz and suggest a couple of wines that will make even the driest of turkeys taste like manna from heaven.
Craig Revel Horwood, 57, is excited about bringing Strictly Ballroom The Musical back to the stage on a UK tour, which includes Reading’s Hexagon, 16th-21st January & Guildford’s G Live, 20th-30th December
Q. Hello Craig! Can you tell us about this show, which you’ve directed and co-choreographed?
“Audiences are in for a night of laughter and comedy, with an insight into the ballroom world. It’s a glimpse backstage, which is very different to the smiles when dancers are performing. Most people see this happy, smiley world of people dancing together but when they come off stage they maybe have family issues to deal with or issues with each other. Strictly Ballroom lifts the curtain on all that whilst also being really funny and having such a strong central love story, plus there’s lots of glitz and glamour and beautiful costumes. I am absolutely delighted to be directing the amazing Kevin Clifton and the sensational Maisie Smith, together with our super talented cast in Strictly Ballroom The Musical – I know that they’ll all be FAB-U-LOUS! Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!”
Q. You left Australia in 1988 to forge a career in the UK, and I’ve read that the film Strictly Ballroom was a pivotal moment for you?
“I hadn’t really been home since leaving and when I saw the movie it made me feel really homesick. I absolutely loved it and it’s become one of those go-to films that I watch every Christmas. It cheers me up. So when the opportunity came up to direct it I didn’t hesitate. I’m passionate about all kinds of dance and this show is the perfect vehicle for me to explore that.”
Q. The show features songs by Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect, I believe?
“You’re going to see huge dance numbers and fantastic duets, with tunes that people know and love, as well as new music written specifically for the show which is equally brilliant. It’s mixing the old and the new.”
Q. How have people’s perceptions of ballroom changed over the years?
“People perhaps didn’t understand the world of ballroom dancing when the film Strictly Ballroom came out. Since the advent of Strictly Come Dancing they get what it’s all about. They realise that it’s full of very strict rules that the dancers all have to adhere to but Scott wants to break those rules, just as Fran wants to break the rules of flamenco. When they come together they also end up falling in love. That’s what makes it such a compelling and uplifting show.”
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STK Steakhouse, known for its vibe dining experience and premium reimagined classic American cuisine, is offering a special Thanksgiving menu, available from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th November.
Thanksgiving is a special time of year, when friends and family come together and give thanks for everything they’re grateful for. This year give thanks at STK Steakhouse, who is offering an incredible Thanksgiving menu available at both its Strand and Westminster restaurants.
Guests can tuck into STK’s signature turkey with all the trimmings (also available for takeaway & catering) and seasonal cocktails while spending the special holiday with loved ones at the iconic American restaurant. Known for its dynamic, fine dining experience.
On the menu will be a succulent roasted free range turkey served with light and fluffy cornbread, sage stuffing, sautéed green beans with crispy shallots, maple baked sweet potato, Yukon gold mashed potatoes with parmesan crust, classic gravy and cranberry orange chutney (£54 per person). Those with a sweet tooth (and extra space) will be able to order the classic Thanksgiving dessert. Spiced Pumpkin Pie served with candied ginger cream & crunchy caramel honeycomb (£11 per slice).
STK’s Thanksgiving dinner is best enjoyed with a drink in hand and STK has it all. Choose from the comprehensive drinks menu which combines expertly mixed cocktails, a selection of fine wines and both draught & bottled beers.
Book in to STK Steakhouse to catch up with friends and family, give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving over delicious food & drinks.
Help a family in need with toys and gifts for children this Christmas
Christmas can bring great joy but for many it can also bring great financial strain and perhaps no more so than this year.
John and Sarah started the Oxfordshire Toy Bank in 2019 to help those families who may not be able to afford gifts at this time of year. They collect new toys and donations in the run up to Christmas and distribute them to families all over Oxfordshire.
New toys can be donated at several Collection Points – South Moreton Boxing Club; Mollies Café, St Martin’s Street, Wallingford; Wallingford Baptist Chuch; Blewbury Primary School; The Barn Fitness Club, Church Road, Cholsey and The Old Counting House, High Street, Wallingford – or they can arrange collection. They’re then distributed to families who’ve applied to the Toy Bank for help, with the remainder being distributed through Oxfordshire Social Services to families in need. They also work with the local food banks and churches.
In the last two years John and Sarah have distributed thousands of presents and gift vouchers – they use donations to buy gift vouchers for teenagers, an often overlooked age group.
Any parent or primary carer who lives in Oxfordshire and is in need of some additional help this Christmas with provision of new toys and gifts for their children can apply for help via the website. They also welcome offers of corporate or individual sponsorship pledging cash donations to help which are used to buy vouchers.
Please get in touch if you would be interested in becoming a collection point.
Professional arranger, composer, songwriter and saxophonist Al Lloyd set to release EP – A Moment In Time
Biography of Al Lloyd
Al Lloyd is a composer, arranger, and saxophonist based in Devon – originally from Reading. 27 years old and a die-hard soul and jazz fan, Al has written arrangements for such iconic soul artists as the Chairmen of the Board and the Drifters. As a saxophone player some of his credits include British Jazz composer Mike Westbrook and members of the legendary Motown studio band the Funk Brothers. He studied with the Motown arranger and former Marvin Gaye musical director McKinley Jackson and studied with long standing O’Jay’s musical director Dennis ‘Doc’ Williams.
Al has written and produced for several top vocalists. Including former Drifters lead singer Steve V.King (‘Nothing Could Stop Me Loving You’) and former UB40 and Drifters member Michael Williams (‘Do We Have To Go’) and has been featured on BBC Introducing. Recent productions include hits for Hayley-Ria Christian and Dayton Grey which include two number 1 R&B hits on the Amazon R&B chart, as well as top 20 UK Soul Chart Hit.
About ‘A Moment In Time’ EP
The EP ‘A Moment In Time’ draws on influences from across the musical spectrum including Thom Bell, Burt Bacharach, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones and Henry Mancini. All major influences on Al Lloyd. Featuring full orchestral strings, horns and percussion alongside contemporary rhythm section and vocalists, the EP is sure to have something for everyone. Released by SoulMusic Records in Association with Warner X5, ‘A Moment In Time’ will be on general release on all major music platforms and CD from 18th November.
Showcasing Hampshire’s finest still and sparkling wines, the celebrated Christmas event Fairy Lights & Fizz returns to Guildhall Winchester on Friday, 9th December
Get ready to raise a festive glass or two, as Vineyards of Hampshire’s annual Fairy Lights & Fizz returns to Guildhall Winchester on 9th December 6-10pm. One of the most popular fixtures in the Winchester Christmas calendar. This is one of only two events a year that offers the opportunity to sample and enjoy the widest range of Hampshire’s finest sparkling and still wines under one roof.
Hosted by The Vineyards of Hampshire (VoH) producers from Black Chalk, Cottonworth, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley and Raimes; this year will also be the first time that newest members, Qub Park and Louis Pommery England, join in with the yuletide merriment.
Proudly sponsored by the NFU Winchester and Wickham. Fairy Lights and Fizz is a fun festive excursion for friends or even an interesting alternative to the work Christmas party outing this year, held in the Victorian grandeur of Guildhall Winchester’s Bapsy Hall.
From learning about new grapes and blends and finding that preferred Hampshire fizz for your festive meal, to mingling with the winemakers and getting those Christmas orders in early; Fairy Lights & Fizz is a festive celebration not to be missed.
“Fairy Lights & Fizz is a festive celebration not to be missed.”
Priced at £25 per person (plus booking fee). Including expert tastings of 20+ wines, early bird tickets are now available from Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/3V1SuoS. Guests will be given a returnable tasting glass on arrival, a tasting note booklet and entitled to tasting samples of all the wines on show.
Cathie Welch explains how to distinguish between the types of Cyclamens available
It’s that time of year again when the garden centres are bombarding us with a beautiful array of houseplants for the festive season. Every year it’s the same and I find myself having to clarify to students and clients how to distinguish between the types of Cyclamens available, so here goes…
Cyclamen hederifolium
These little beauties are 100% hardy and tolerate our climate outside. They’re fabulous for colonising shady areas particularly under trees. They grow from corms and ants help to disperse the seeds. Coming in various shades of pink and white and the leaves vary their variegation between plants. This species is fairly vigorous if it likes its location and flowers in late Summer and Autumn. Ivy is Hedera and these Cyclamen have leaves like ivy forming a beautiful green carpet once the flowers have finished.
Cyclamen coum
These are another species of hardy Cyclamen although a little less vigorous than hederifolium. They flower in the Spring followed by little round leaves, also varying slightly between plants. Shades of pink and white too and similar in their cultivation requirements. Grow the two species in separate swathes or you’ll find that the C. hederifoium takes over. You can see both types growing successfully in many public gardens.
Cyclamen persicum
These are the ones that are in the houseplant section. They can be grown outside briefly but aren’t frost hardy and don’t like our wet winters. Very rarely will they survive outside. I’m tempted by the gorgeous array of colours on offer but that can only be grown in cool conditions inside. A porch or protected area outside is perfect but water carefully!
It’s in the name!
I hope this helps to unravel the confusion. The clue is in the name. They are all in the Cyclamen genus, but the species differ.
Points of sale aren’t always specific but if you’re buying something from a greenhouse or polytunnel at this time of year, check before you plant it in the garden. The hardy Cyclamen will be outside with the perennials whatever the weather. They’re all gorgeous but like I say to my students, you need to do your homework! Happy shopping!
Cathie’s Gardening School Services
Pruning is the skill I am asked most about so I will be running pruning courses and master classes throughout the Summer and Autumn next year. Please come and meet me at Ashdene to discuss your gardening requirements and join in the learning, it’s addictive!
