Guildford welcomes Bird & Blend Tea

Karen Neville

Surrey

Bird & Blend Tea Co brings its tea mixology innovation to Surrey with an array of tea-licious flavours

Bird & Blend are taking the humble cuppa to the next level with the opening of their new shop in Market Street, Guildford on Friday, 22nd November.

Offering an imaginative and magical customer journey, Bird & Blend Tea Co. create a fun, interactive in-store experience, mixing award winning, tea-based drinks. Flavours as inventive as Birthday Cake and Strawberry Lemonade to Chocolate Digestives, alongside firm favourites Builders Breakfast Brew, Earl Grey Crème and many more will be available alongside a brand new limited edition flavour, created exclusively for Guildford, called ‘Surrey Hills,’ a green tea packed with English berries to reflect the town’s beautiful countryside surroundings. 

Retail stores are the heart of Bird & Blend Tea Co., alongside its ecommerce business, and in addition to mixing tea, the Guildford team of six will also host live free Matcha tea demos, offer a tea matching service, showcase new and innovative flavour combinations, run mixology masterclasses, events and so much more.  The Guildford team are passionate about spreading happiness one cup of tea at a time…the new roles really are TEA-riffic. 

The store will showcase its range of teas, and the largest Matcha tea range that can be found in the UK, via its bespoke Tea Wall display, alongside the wide range of tea tools and utensils and its takeaway tea bar. The store will even run its own award-winning Mixology Workshops, where guests can learn all about tea and even blend their own to take home!  

At the opening party, on 5th December, guests will be treated to Bird & Blend’s signature Spiced Rum Chai or Strawberry Lemonade Drop on arrival. The first 50 customers will also receive an exclusive Guildford goody bag and lots of free tea. There will be plenty of seasonal samples for guests to taste, alongside the Guildford store blend, Surrey Hills.

With its arrival in Guildford, the team at the new store has nominated local charity Guildford Institute as its charity of the quarter, raising money and awareness to support the charity’s mission to provide an educational, cultural and social community hub in the heart of the town offering a special place for people of all backgrounds to meet, learn and explore. In store fundraising activities will raise funds and 50% of the in store profits of Surrey Hills will be donated.   

Bird & Blend Tea Co. was founded by Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, who met at university. The brand is leading the way in tea innovation in the UK; creating a range of over 100 exciting tea flavours by blending ingredients including herbs, flowers, fruits, caramel, chocolate… & even cake sprinkles.

Co-Founder & Managing Director of Bird & Blend Tea Co., Mike said: “Customer experience is at the heart of everything we do.  Alongside the fast growth of the digital side of our business, we’re proudly continuing to invest in local high streets too. We see our stores as not just retail spaces, but as community hubs where customers can come to make connections with one another and our team, and enjoy interacting with our teas. For us, there will always be a place for magical in-person experiences and we’re delighted to be arriving in Guildford.”


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Meet Elizabeth Bennet

Karen Neville

Surrey

From page to face-to-face conversation, meet Jane Austen’s most loved character through the magic of technology at the author’s house at Chawton

Fans of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice can enjoy a conversation with their literary hero when speaking with the world-first Elizabeth Bennet avatar – Lizzy. 

Created by StarPal in collaboration with University for the Creative Arts (UCA), the avatar has been developed to mirror the human qualities of Austen’s character as detailed in the novel, such as empathy and humour. Her conversations, which fans will have with her face-to-avatar at the Learning Centre at Jane’s house in Chawton, will evolve, giving each person who talks to Lizzy a unique experience.  

How does Lizzy feel about being a world-first? She said: “It is quite an interesting notion indeed – I must say being Elizabeth Bennet in a world far removed from my own time is an unexpected but intriguing experience. It allows me to share the intricacies of our society and my life with new audiences.” 

Following consultation and guidance from Jane Austen’s House, Lizzy’s knowledge bank has been curated from a selection of novels, manuscripts and period-accurate information. 

Lizzy is set within a Regency-style background. Her dress and hair have been designed and created by students from the Games Arts and Digital Fashion courses at UCA, drawing on fashion templates from the period. 

Sophy Smith, Director of Games and Creative Technology at UCA and the originator of the project, said: “It is so exciting to finally be able to lift Elizabeth Bennet off the page and to be able to have real-time conversations with her. To be able to cross time in this way is joyful – you get a real sense of speaking directly to someone from the 18th century. Imagine – you can now have Elizabeth Bennet as your friend.  

“This technology has the potential to transform experiences within both the museum and heritage, as well as the education sector. Visitors to Jane Austen’s House, will have the opportunity to not only experience the renowned author’s home but also engage directly with one of her most famous characters. It could transform learning – instead of only having text-based revision guides, students can now learn about literature by speaking directly to the characters.” 

Director of Jane Austen’s House, Lizzie Dunford, said: “It has been fascinating to watch this project develop, and to witness the innovative staff and students at UCA developing these new technologies, and new ways of accessing literary and cultural heritage.” 

Anya Haber, an MA Digital Fashion student who created the dress in 3D, added: “It showed how useful technology can be in a historical setting, letting fans engage with fictional characters…and that’s just the beginning.” 

Fans will have the chance to interact with Lizzy at the Learning Centre at Jane Austen’s House until mid-December, included with House entry. 


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Panto star Biggins turns Woking on! 

Liz Nicholls

Surrey

Christopher Biggins, star of New Victoria Theatre’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, will switch on Woking’s Christmas lights in Jubilee Square on Thursday, 21st November

Woking town centre is set to sparkle as the festive season officially “Biggins” with the much-loved Christmas tree lights switch-on on 21st November.  

Special guest Christopher Biggins, star of New Victoria Theatre’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, has the honour of lighting up the borough’s biggest Christmas tree.  Promising an evening filled with cheer and holiday magic, the festivities begin at 4.45pm, with the grand switch-on at 6pm.  

Visitors can look forward to carol singing, live music, dance performances, and a traditional Christmas market offering seasonal gifts and festive refreshments. 

This year’s Christmas tree has been generously donated by Woking Asian Business Forum, a gesture that unites communities and brings joy to all. 

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Our Christmas lights switch-on brings together people of all ages to celebrate the joy of the season. I would like to thank Woking Asian Business Forum for their generous contribution. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Jubilee Square to mark the start of this festive time.” 

Shahid Azeem, Chair of Woking Asian Business Forum, added: “Christmas is about community, family, celebration and togetherness. We’re proud to support the local community by donating this year’s Christmas tree. It’s a pleasure to contribute to a celebration that brings our communities together and spreads festive cheer.” 

Sam Miller, Communications Manager at the New Victoria Theatre, added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the one-and-only Christopher Biggins, the star of our dazzling pantomime Sleeping Beauty, will have the honour of lighting up Woking’s Christmas tree this year. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season, bringing the magic of Christmas and panto together in one unforgettable moment!” 

Visitors can enjoy the Christmas market, which will remain in town throughout the festive period, exploring a wide range of seasonal gifts, warming treats, and delicious refreshments.  

Sleeping Beauty, starring Christopher Biggins, Faye Tozer, Richard Cadell, and Sooty, plays at New Victoria Theatre Woking, from Fri 6 Dec 2024 to Sun 5 Jan 2025. 

Tickets are available here: Sleeping Beauty Tickets | New Victoria Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets 

Watch this space for our pantomimes special in December! 


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Bella Hardy’s gift for storytelling

Karen Neville

Surrey

“Folk music for the modern age” is how Bella Hardy’s work has been described as you can discover for yourself at Grayshott Folk Club on Friday, 29th November

Bella Hardy is a singer-songwriter with a gift for storytelling, who has earned a reputation as a boundary-pushing artist whose work continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in the traditions that shaped her.

Fans can expect a show that spans her remarkable career, with new songs (two to be released this autumn) sitting comfortably alongside classics from her extensive back catalogue. This is folk music for the modern age- rooted in tradition but unafraid to venture into new, uncharted, and very personal territory.

Bella says: “There’s something magical about performing live, where the songs can grow and change each night depending on the energy in the room. I’ll be performing a collection of songs very close to my heart, and there’s nothing like the energy of a live show to bring them to life.”

For anyone who’s seen Bella live, it’s clear that she’s an artist who knows how to captivate an audience. Her voice – at once powerful and delicate – has a way of drawing listeners in, making each performance feel like a conversation between old friends. And with award-winning guitarist Jenn Butterworth by her side for the first time, this tour promises to be something truly special.

Hardy’s debut album Night Visiting (2007) established her reputation as a talented songwriter when her first original composition Three Black Feathers earned a BBC Folk Award nomination. Since then, Bella has sung unaccompanied ballads at a sold out Royal Albert Hall, and learnt the songs of Chinese farmers during her time as British Council Musician in Residence in Yunnan Province. She’s sat on the moors of her beloved Peak District with only her fiddle for company. She spent a year in Tennessee as a ranch hand, looking after horses, fiddle-singing in the diners, and immersing herself in the music culture of Nashville. And she’s released ten solo albums along the way.  

With the ability to conjure and twist stories that call straight to the heart, her themes of displacement and home, lost and found love, heartache and joy, are delivered with her unique, disarming honesty, and, of course, the acclaimed crystalline voice that won her BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year. 

Don’t miss Bella at Grayshott Folk Club on Friday, 29th November, 7.30pm. Tickets £18 in person form Grayshott Post Office, from Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096 and online at Bella Hardy Hindhead Tickets at Grayshott Village Hall on 29th November 2024 | Ents24


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UCA winter market on 11th November

Liz Nicholls

Surrey

An upcoming highlight at University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham invites you to shop for locally made gifts

Celebrate the handmade when you visit the Students’ Union winter market at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS.

Unearth affordable art and shop for colourful prints, handcrafted ceramics, and decorative jewellery, designed by UCA students, staff, and local craftspeople – the perfect place to pick up a Christmas gift. Entry is free.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a creative university defined by adaptability and innovation. We’re excited by change and difference, and the possibilities they open up.

Specialising in creative Arts, Business and Technology, we help students find opportunities that speak to them, and make the future their own.


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Unearthing history in Haslemere

Karen Neville

Surrey

Shelley Jarret-Tomes invites us to the centennial celebration of Haslemere’s renowned geologist Sir Archibald Geikie at the museum this month

This year marks the centenary of the death of one of Haslemere’s most renowned residents, the Victorian geologist Sir Archibald Geikie. Haslemere Museum will be hosting a series of celebratory events until 12th November, including a major exhibition, a Scottish Ceilidh and a programme of talks and tours.

Geikie was a leading figure in the world of science and was Director General of the Geological Survey from 1882 to 1901. He received many academic honours and was awarded a knighthood on his retirement. He was president of the Geological Society in 1906, and President of the Royal Society from 1908 to 1913. He is known for his important geological research in Scotland and in America.

Sir Archibald retired to Haslemere around 1906 and was invited to become the first Chairman of Haslemere Museum’s Fundraising Committee in 1915, a post he held until his death at the age of 88 in 1924. He worked tirelessly to secure the Museum’s future, facilitating its move to its current location on the High Street.

Today, the Museum’s collection contains one of the largest collections of Geikie-related archival documents in Europe, if not the world. The collection consists of copy letter books, field notebooks, geological specimens, letter, manuscripts and photographs, as well as some of his personal awards, medals and hundreds of his own paintings and drawings.

The Centennial Celebration begins with an exhibition of objects from Haslemere Museum’s significant Geikie archive collection, as well as items from the Geikie family’s personal archive running till March next year.

A guided walk at 10am on Friday, 8th November will visit locations around Haslemere where Geikie lived and worked. Then at 2pm, artist Roger Dellar will perform a live demo, painting an original watercolour of Geikie to be donated to the Museum.

On the evening of 8th November, the Museum will hold a Scottish Ceilidh with a band and bar. Everyone is welcome to join in and try some Scottish dancing, and tickets are on sale now via the Museum’s website.

A programme of lectures is scheduled throughout 8th and 9th November, with speakers from the world of geoscience and the Geikie family.

Finally, on 12th November, a ‘tea & talk’ will explore the Geikie archive held behind the scenes at the Museum.

The full programme of events and ticket booking can be found on the What’s On page of Haslemere Museum’s website at Haslemere Museum


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Get caught in The Housetrap

Karen Neville

Surrey

Join Guildford Shakespeare Company at West Horsley Place and immerse yourself in a festive murder mystery, quiz the suspects and solve the crime, December 2nd to 21st

This Christmas, Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) invite you to a 1920s murder mystery staged in a real country manor house, West Horsley Place.

Following the company’s sell out show last Christmas on a grounded Boeing 747, this time they are relocating to the Grade I listed medieval manor house.

It’s December 1922 and nestled at the foot of the tranquil Surrey Hills is the home of the recently married Sir Robert Montague, Duke of Surrey. Tragically, his new wife’s body is found at the foot of the stairs and a snowstorm cuts everyone off from the outside world, tensions come to the fore, secrets are revealed and suddenly everyone is caught in… The Housetrap.

Styled in the vein of the golden age of detective writing, audiences will begin their adventure in the elegant Drawing Room. In between scenes, they will be divided into groups and invited to explore different rooms of the manor to interrogate the suspects first-hand. Throughout the evening they will return to the Drawing Room to watch the next episode in the mystery.

Matt Pinches, GSC co-founder, pictured, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the wonderful team at West Horsley Place. It is an extraordinary venue; immensely rich in history and so many of the rooms retain the ‘lived-in’ atmosphere of its previous aristocratic owners, making it the perfect setting for a country house murder mystery.”

Perhaps most recognisable as Button House in the four series of the BBC sitcom Ghosts, and the location for numerous films and TV shows including Enola Holmes, My Cousin Rachel, Vanity Fair, and The Crown, this is the first time West Horsley Place has been used as a venue for an entire indoor theatre production,

By re-igniting people’s passion for theatre-going GSC seek to break down the boundaries that preclude participation, encouraging inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. Their site-responsive approach places audiences right at the heart of the action, immersing them in the world of the play.

Matt adds: “At GSC our mandate is to create exceptional theatre in extraordinary places, and The Housetrap seeks to continue that mission. This is not only an immersive theatre experience, but also a unique chance to explore an incredible part of our shared local heritage.”

With a strictly limited capacity of just 60 people per performance advance booking is essential. The murder mystery is approximately 80-minutes long and all tickets include a glass of prosecco (or non-alcoholic alternative).


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Take a surreal journey through Eulogy

Karen Neville

Surrey

Have your senses deceived in the exhilarating Eulogy at The Shed Bordon

Step into a surreal, otherworldly journey through a dreamlike, labyrinthine hotel that exists entirely in your mind and discover Eulogy. How you arrived is a mystery and why you’re there remains unclear. Just make sure you read the pamphlet.

Darkfield, producers of innovative, immersive experiences at the forefront of technology and theatre, are bringing their critically-acclaimed shipping container show Eulogy to The Shed from Wednesday, 30th October to Sunday, 10th November.

Performed in complete darkness over 35 minutes, this intense and exhilarating ride uses binaural 360 degree sound and speech recognition technology to deceive the senses and transport audience members through rooms, down corridors and into the bowels of this strange and not altogether comfortable hotel. How your dream unfolds is, in part, up to you. However, make sure you follow the right path and don’t volunteer to become the subject of the eulogy every guest is preparing to deliver.

Eulogy is both an intense and exhilarating ride and deeper exploration of the relative merits of an embodied human conscious experience versus one that only exists in the imagination.

Eulogy premiered as part of the London BFI Film Festival 2021 and has since toured to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Latitude Festival, Nottingham Lakeside, Norwich Theatre and across Australia. Darkfield shows have launched to critical acclaim, featuring in major film festivals worldwide.

Book tickets at Whitehill & Bordon


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Shooting Star shop glitters

Karen Neville

Surrey

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices shop in Godalming is the most-loved charity shop in the South East underlining its warm and welcoming atmosphere and fundraising achievements

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Godalming shop has taken the title of South East winner in The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards.

The title was awarded in the inaugural search for the UK’s favourite charity shop. The shop was one of 6,500 nominated across the UK and claimed the winning spot in a public vote involving almost 13,000 people.

Joe Tooze, Retail Manager at Shooting Star said: “We are thrilled to be named the South East winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award! Our amazing shop manager, Julie, and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked hard to create a store that the local community enjoys visiting. The shop is beautifully arranged with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located near our hospice, Christopher’s in Guildford, our Godalming shop enjoys tremendous support from customers, volunteers and donors – all of whom we are deeply grateful for, as the funds raised in our shops makes a significant difference to the families we support.”

Shooting Star supports more than 700 children and their families throughout Surrey and across 14 boroughs of London year round who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition or who have been bereaved. Their bespoke support for families includes a comprehensive range of therapies and support groups, specialist nursing care and respite, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Charity shops are an institution in the UK and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years as the public look for more ways to shop sustainably, support good causes and give back to their communities. The awards are the first of their kind and were launched in June to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Charity Retail Association, the membership organisation for charity shops in the UK.

Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Huge congratulations to Shotting Star Children’s Hospices. This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community. We have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to our search for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop, which celebrates the contribution the sector makes to communities and good causes across the UK”

The overall winner of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop 2024 will be announced at a special event this month.

The shops are always in need of quality pre-loved items, visit Retail wish list – Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to find out what they’re after


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Alison Molan’s Pup Goes The Easel

Karen Neville

Surrey

Farnham artist Alison Molan of Pup Goes The Easel invites you to paint your pooch at a workshop at Sage & Salt in Petersfield and create the paw-fect paw-trait

Man’s best friend, woman’s best friend, everyone’s best friend – Alison Molan certainly believes so, she’s sharing the joy and love our four-legged friends bring into our lives with her colourful work.

Pup Goes The Easel started with her daughter’s Lurcher, Parker, developed with Frida, the Spanish Podenco and today the tale (tail?) continues with bright and bold pop-art inspired hues and the eclectic style of Frida Kahlo.

Alison’s portraits are not just paintings, their vibrant style reflects our relationships with our pooches and the bond created – one which you can create yourself at one of her workshops.

The next Paint a Pup workshop takes place at Sage & Salt in Petersfield on Friday, 8th November, 10am-4pm. These fun, sociable and informative one day workshops will give you all the materials you need and the hints and tips to create a painting of the pup you love. You will paint a work of art in the Pup Goes The Easel style, but with your own choice of colours and accessories to decorate your pup. At the end of the day, you will have a canvas to take home with you which captures the essence of your own pup.

These pawesome workshops are suitable for adults of all abilities and absolute beginners are warmly welcomed. The group sizes are kept small to enable you to achieve a whole painting in a day. These sessions are intended to be fun, relaxed and informative. It is widely recognised that being creative releases endorphins which enhance your mood and promote mental wellbeing. It is a pawfect excuse for some well-deserved ‘me time’.

Alison will provide a canvas, paper, pencils, acrylic paints and brushes which you will use, on the day, to create your unique painting. You will need to bring an A4 sized photograph or print of your own pup to copy (head and shoulders) as well as an apron to protect your clothes. In addition, she also asks you bring a light lunch and a water bottle. To book visit Workshops | Sage And Salt Studio

If you don’t think your artistic skills are up to scratch, commission Alison to em-bark on a custom pet portrait for you and let her capture the quirks and charm of your four-legged friend. Find out more about her work and enquire about a commission at Pup Goes The Easel where you can also see a range of cards and gifts for sale.


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