Get ahead and prepare for the festive season with 15 per cent off
Squire’s invites shoppers to get ahead and prepare for the festive season with an exclusive early Christmas Shopping Evening taking place in November. While taking advantage of 15% off (see conditions) *.
Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco or a soft drink; live music as well as a curry meal** and lots more. Along with a very warm welcome from the team at Squire’s Garden Centres.
Shop at Long Ditton and Frensham on Tuesday, 1st November. And at Badshot Lea, Crawley, Hersham, Reigate, West Horsley, Shepperton, Stanmore, Twickenham, Woking, Milford, Wokingham on Thursday, 3rd November.
It’s the perfect setting to choose a Christmas tree, quality decorations and seasonal lights for both indoors and out. There’s gift inspiration in abundance for family and friends – browse the extensive and carefully created ranges including homeware and tableware, candles and fragrances, gifts for gardeners, cards, wrap and stationary, calendars and diaries through to toys, games and puzzles. There’s certainly something for everyone. With an extensive range available, Squire’s is the local destination for families to ‘complete your Christmas’.
Squire’s is pleased to offer customers the chance to enjoy a delicious special curry meal on the night in their welcoming Café Bars available from 5-7pm. With a choice of Chicken Mangalor (GFA) or Penang Curry (VG, GFA) accompanied by basmati rice, onion bhaji (VG) and naan bread (VG). Priced at £12 adults / £8 children.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “We are very much looking forward to giving Christmas shoppers a very warm welcome at our exclusive early Shopping Evenings. This is the lead-up to a wonderful time for families. I’m delighted to be able to share with guests our special Squire’s Christmas. Our garden centres are looking magical, I hope it excites everyone and gets them in the spirit of Christmas.”
*15% discount. NOTE: excludes stamps, gift card, gas, concessions and Café Bar
**Curry meal is available in Squire’s Café Bars exclusively for the Shopping Evening priced at £12 for adults / £8 for children.
Mark Gregory returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 with a “Plot To Plate” haven for Savills
“King of Chelsea”, Mark Gregory, is set to return to the RHS highlight for 2023 with a “plot to plate” garden for Savills.
The Savills Garden will be his 108th Chelsea show garden and marks his return to design in his 34th consecutive year. The Savills Garden is set within the grounds of a country hotel. Revealing an intimate walled seasonal potager, with the show’s first ever working kitchen at its heart.
“The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette”
Mark said: “I am incredibly proud to have designed this garden for Savills. I think it will speak to a lot of people and has, at its core, elements that are very close to my heart. A beautiful space, created considerately, that brings people together to enjoy fantastic food and great times. The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette, demonstrating that productive gardens can be both elegant and delightful.”
Designed to demonstrate an “edimental” planting theme, combining edibles and ornamental planting, the garden provides inspiration for a “plot-to-plate” alfresco dining experience. Ingredients will be foraged from the surrounding living larder and used to prepare delicious meals for the guests to enjoy in the adjoining dining area. Cementing the relationship between grower, guests and chef.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this tranquil retreat, resting beneath a mature tree, taking time to reconnect with nature, enjoying the formal planting, whilst anticipating the taste experience to come. The aim of the space is to help change the way we think about our gardens, the way we eat and source our food. And to share ideas and knowledge that can be introduced into even the smallest of plots.
This evocative and aromatic garden will capture the sights, smells and tastes of a productive garden while also delivering a beautiful, elegant space and a haven for wildlife.
Following the show, in keeping with its sustainability commitment, Savills will work with the Shaw Trust, a national charity running employability programmes and complementary services for people with complex needs, to relocate the garden. It will be replanted at Meadow View House in Nottinghamshire for their residents to enjoy.
Additionally, Savills will work with existing charity partner Rethink Food, an organisation focused on educating school children on food security, to share learnings from the garden.
Richard Rees, Savills MD, said: “We are excited to be returning to Chelsea with a garden design that touches on so many themes that are core to the future success of our industry and gives us the opportunity to bring to life our commitment to promoting sustainable development. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of nature in our lived environment. Whether in an urban or rural setting, and Mark Gregory, five times Chelsea Gold Medal winner, has designed a garden that will be both stunning to the eye and packed full of learnings for us all.
“I look forward to seeing the garden relocated post show in conjunction with the Shaw Trust. An organisation committed to challenging inequality and breaking down barriers to enable social mobility. We also welcome the opportunity to further develop our employee engagement with Rethink Food, and to exploring with them issues around food production and food miles, sustainability and the learning and sharing of knowledge.”
There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang
Friday, 28th October
Chobham Rugby Fireworks, GU24 8LD: Bars, food outlets, hot drinks, candy floss, a sweet shop, glow toys and more are all part of the fun at Chobham Rugby Fireworks. Gates open at 6pm. Before the bonfire is lit at 7pm and then the fireworks take off at 8pm. Tickets must be pre-paid, so make sure you take a copy of your QR code ticket email with you. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. As it’s Halloween weekend there’s also a fancy dress competition with prizes for the scariest outfit. chobhamrugby.co.uk/event/chobham-rugby-fireworks-2022
Saturday, 29th October
Pine Ridge Golf Club, Camberley GU16 9NX: Embrace the theme and dress to impress – whatever your age – at the spooky Halloween themed fireworks night. The spectacular display will last around 18 minutes and be accompanied by music. Bonfire lighting at 6.30pm before the display an hour later and music to dance to all night. Why not make a really big night of it and book a table in the premiere area? Food on the night too. Card payments only. pineridgegolf.co.uk/fireworks
Ripley Bonfire, High Street, Ripley GU23 6BB: There’s a full day of family fun at the Ripley Bonfire which starts at 1pm with Benson’s family fun fair. Brian’s bar opens at 4pm on the green serving the cheapest beer in the village (proceeds to the event and the community). The torchlit procession at 7.10pm, led by the Ripley Bonfire Queen and her attendants and the band, leads to the lighting of the bonfire at 7.30pm with the fireworks soaring into the skies at 8pm. Live music by Sultana carries on into the night. ripleybonfire.co.uk
Ascot Round Table Charity Fireworks Event, Ascot Racecourse: This year viewing of the fabulous fireworks set to music will take place from the Grandstand of Ascot Racecourse from 6.30pm. This will provide the best view of the largest show ever to be held by the organisers. Enjoy a fun fair, food, drinks and licensed bars on the night as well while raising funds for this wonderful organisation. www.ascotfireworks.org.uk
Saturday, 5th November
Guildford Firework Fiesta, Stoke Park GU1 1ER: Fireworks and more will light up Guildford with live music from 6pm from Mumford & Sons tribute act Chasing Mumford as well as local band 21st Century Riot with Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys covers. There’ll be a children’s entertainment area too with a fairground, face painting, glow toys and more, all before the display at 8.30pm. Not forgetting multiple food and drink outlets. Tickets in advance only, www.guildfordlions.com/firework-fiesta
Bramley Bonfire & Fireworks, Bramley Field GU5 0AX: The Bramley Bonfire is always a spectacular event with a torchlit parade, raging bonfire and magical fireworks. Guys will be lining up from 6pm in the library car park, procession at 6.40pm, bonfire lighting at 7.10pm before fireworks around half an hour later.
Chiddingfold Bonfire & Fireworks, Chiddingfold Green GU8 4TX: The historic Chiddingfold bonfire features a procession of 400 torches from St Mary’s School heading to light the bonfire at 7.15pm before the fireworks at 8pm. This fabulous community event also features a grand draw and park and ride shuttle buses to the green. chiddingfoldbonfire.org.uk
Cranleigh Bonfire & Fireworks, Cranleigh Common GU6 8LU: Cranleigh’s annual Bonfire & Fireworks celebrations, which sees thousands of people flock to the village and has been described as one of the best fireworks events in the South of England, started just after the Second World War. Bensons Fun Fair are on hand with rides. Celebrations start around 6pm with the procession along the High Street holding lighted torches. Free.
Farnham Fireworks, Farnham Park GU9 0AU: A torchlit procession led by the Mayor and the Reading Pipers will process through town and up Castle Street to the park. Enjoy a bonfire, food village, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display with the back drop of the castle. farnhamroundtable.org.uk/events/fireworktickets
Woking Fireworks, Woking Park, Kingfield Road, GU22 9BA: Woking’s biggest and best fireworks display is back with a huge bang after a two-year gap with the theme A Night at the Movies. The display will be set to a soundtrack made up of the most memorable theme tunes from some huge movies. Gates open at 5.30pm with a fun fair. The display starts at 7.30pm. Food and drink stalls will be available for all. Further information and tickets at www.wokingfireworks.org
It may feel as if the children have only just gone back to school but already it’s time for half term. So, if you’re in need of some ideas to amuse them and save your own sanity, read on…
This time of year may be the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, but it’s also the time for ghostly goings-on when things go bump in the night and you can’t help bumping into a pumpkin or two!
There’s a whole week full of pumpkins at Secretts at Hurst Farm, Milford from October 22nd to 29th. Pop along and pick your own to take home. They’re priced by the diameter so bear that in mind when tempted to go for the biggest. Pick up an activity sheet and join in a scavenger hunt. If the fleshy orange squash is to your taste, then tuck into the pumpkin menu of soup, curry or a slice of spicy pumpkin cake.
In the lead up to Halloween, RHS Wisley invites you to delve into the world of deadly plants and bugs. With fun family activities from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th. Follow the trail around the garden to explore how everything from cacti to centipedes defend themselves and their habitats. Meet all kinds of bugs and get stuck in with craft and planting workshops. Design a deadly bug or start growing your own carnivorous plant at a workshop and find out more about the wicked plants and wildlife who make Wisley their home.
Magic and mischief abound on The Watercress Line this Halloween with spooky fun galore to keep the kids entertained. Travel on the Wizard Express steam train, walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the railway footbridge and explore the Harry Potter style coaches in the siding at Alresford. Get up close to hairy, scary creatures, take part in a broom making demo and much more. As well as unlimited train travel between stations. And why not dress up as a spooky character for the chance to win a prize?
There’s a week of spooky make and take craft activities at the Rural Life Centre, Farnham from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th. With the popular pumpkin carving on Saturday and Sunday. Pre-booking essential for this.
If you’ve ever accused your children of being air heads let them revel in this at Brooklands Museum this October half term, at their Air Heads extravaganza where you’ll find all manner of activities to keep them entertained. Join in the Build a Paper Aircraft Family Workshop and watch it fly. Pedal planes will run from the paddock for under 5s. Become a detective and solve clues, decode messages and search for hidden objects to claim a prize.
Fairy Doors will be in the Painshill landscape from Saturday 22nd until November 13th. Discover the secret series of doors hidden around the woodlands and lake. As you wander the route you will see the best spots for autumn colour. Enjoy some stunning trees, collect autumn leaves and celebrate the season. Keep your eyes open for the fairies!
A new after dark trail awaits visitors to Polesden Lacey from October 20th to November 6th with IGNITE. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the gardens at night guided by flickering flames and glowing tunnels of trees, with magical illuminated installations along the way. Nestled in the Surrey Hills, the Edwardian gardens of the estate are the perfect setting for this exceptional after-dark experience.
An autumn stroll through the ancient woodlands and parkland at Hatchlands Park is a joy at this time year. The beech woodland creates a delightful haze of gold and yellow and the native wild service tree, with its vibrant red leaves glows against the sky. There are various way-marked routes to follow and if you need a little help to get around, book an all-terrain Tramper personal mobility vehicle.
There’s a weird, wacky, and wicked Halloween trail to follow at Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming. From Saturday 22nd to Monday 31st where you can uncover the spookier side of trees on a haunted trail around the arboretum. Did you know fungi is closer to an animal than a plant? There’s a tree that smells like candyfloss? Or that some trees can grow fingers? Discover all this and more…
Take part in an autumn colour hunt throughout the month at The Vyne. Search for reds, golden yellows and rusty browns hidden in the grounds using the autumn colour hunt key. Intrigue and curious conundrums are part of the Halloween riddle trail from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th when little ones can also hunt for witches, wizards, cats and toads exploring the gardens with the aid of trail sheets. A chocolate treat awaits at the end.
Spot the pumpkins hidden across the Pleasure Garden and have fun strolling through crunchy leaves at Petworth from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th. Search out seasonal colours and different leaf shapes at Petworth that are marked on the colour catcher chart. Collect what you find, then help create deer shaped wild art installations by attaching your leafy collections to the animal models.
Gin lovers listen up! Did you know there’s an award-winning distillery in the beautiful village of Ripley? Distillers Of Surrey are a family run business on the picturesque Papercourt Lake, Polesden Lane. If you’re yet to discover this hidden treasure, check out their opening times at www.distillersofsurrey.com or book one of their popular distillery tours where you’ll be welcomed with a G&T and enjoy an interesting tour. Younger ones aren’t forgotten with spooky Halloween craft to enjoy on Saturday 29th.
The new jazz scene comes to Guildford with a series of gigs by new exciting artists, starting on October 21st with Camilla George
Visionary saxophonist Camilla George kicks off the Beat series at the Boileroom with a heady mix of afrobeat, hip hop and jazz.
Expect an up-tempo feast of stunning jazz horns, polyrhythmic drums, guitar and keys and Camilla’s sax flying effortlessly between lush afrobeat and jazz melodies.
Camilla has carved out her own unique identity in the vibrant London scene, with her strong cultural roots and love of fusing African and Western Music. Following her critically acclaimed debut album Isang and much lauded follow up The People Could Fly in 2018 Camilla launches her third album Ibio, Ibio at London’s Jazz Café on 16th November.
Camilla studied with several jazz greats including sax giant Jean Toussaint. Her band have supported Courtney Pine and Femi Kuti and played many festivals including EFG London Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz and We Out Here. She has also been a member of celebrated group Jazz Jamaica since 2009.
Check it out and move to the beat
Over the last few years the UK has become home to a diverse, accessible and newly confident new jazz scene whose innovative sounds are liberating the genre for new audiences. That vibrant UK new jazz scene is now coming to Guildford as Guildford Jazz teams up with the Boileroom to present some of the best and hippest new UK jazz, funk, afro sound, and blues fusion artists.
The Beat series, which is co-funded by Arts Council England, kicks off on October 21st with visionary saxophonist Camilla George’s up tempo feast of afrobeat hip hop and jazz. Other artists appearing in the series are Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory, Yolanda Charles Project Ph, Xhosa Cole, Alex Hitchcock and Rosie Frater -Taylor.
As autumn swoops in, it’s not just Keats who was in love with this atmospheric season, the National Trust is too, find out more about what you can enjoy
Ask anyone what sets autumn apart from the other seasons and they’ll almost without fail say the colours – the kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, oranges, russets and bronzes – that fills the landscape are a sight to behold and none more so than at Winkworth Arboretum.
The Godalming countryside plays host to some of the best hues on offer, seek put the views on the edge of the Magnolia Wood, the top of the Azalea Steps, the lakeside Boathouse and the eastern meadow.
Colour of a different kind comes courtesy of an after dark trail, Ignite at Polesden Lacey from October 20th to November 6th. Walk through the gardens at night guided by the flickering flames and glowing tunnels of trees with illuminations along the way.
We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing
Natural light can be enjoyed with the warm glow emitted on autumn afternoons caught on the cusp of the fading summer light and the prospect of crisp autumn days to come, forget a filter on your phone camera, who needs that when you can bathe in the stunning natural light. Try The top of the amphitheatre at Claremont Landscape Garden with a view of the landscaped lake behind you and autumnal yellow trees. Deep in the parkland at Hatchlands, among golden grasses, clambering on a fallen oak trunk presents the picture perfect mansion in the distance. The viewpoint memorial on the top of the Box Hill, boasts all of Surrey laid out behind you as a backdrop or for something different how about the public art installations by Hew Locke and Mark Wallinger at Runnymede.
We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing – do you favour the high kick to watch the leaves fall to the ground or a flat-footed swipe to hear the rustle or perhaps you like to go full on ‘snow angel’ and really immerse yourself in autumn?
Polesden Lacey Credit: John Millar
Autumn means harvest time and there are apple days to enjoy at Leith Hill, Dorking on October 1st and enjoy those rich pickings in a National Trust café with a slice of delicious spiced apple cake.
The swirling mists are the perfect accompaniment for Halloween at the end of the month so why not visit some of National Trust’s spookiest spots in Surrey and discover The Sailor’s Stone at the Devil’s Punch Bowl which marks the spot where a sailor was murdered in 1786 or Claremont Landscape Garden where landscape designer William Kent is said to linger.
Laugh with Harry Baker, marvel at the wit of The Noise Next Door and shout a resounding yes to YES PLEASE
The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre has plenty to tempt you out in October with comedy – and we all need a laugh now – and the sounds of a prog rock giant.
World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker’s heart and humour has been watched by millions online and allowed him to perform all over the world, until suddenly he couldn’t. From reviewing toilet seats online to writing falafel-based diss tracks for Chris Evans, he’s back on stage where he belongs with his most heartfelt, playful, unashamedly Harry Baker-y show yet, in fact he is totally Unashamed!
Catch him in action on Thursday, 13th October.
The following night it’s the turn of The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes. The quickest wits in comedy are coming to town with a side-splitting evening of hilarious off-the-cuff songs, scenes and characters. The stars of ‘Tonight at the Palladium’ (ITV1) will spin comedy gold out of all the things that YOU, the live audience, think are the best, worst and downright weirdest things about your hometown.
The Noise Next Door are 13-time sell-out veterans of The Edinburgh Fringe and have appeared on ‘The One Show’ (BBC One), ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ (ITV1), and ‘Roast Battle’ (Comedy Central). They have also appeared alongside the likes of Michael McIntyre, Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan and Harry Hill.
The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre has plenty to tempt you out in October
Want some music? YES PLEASE you cry and luck for you YES PLEASE are up next on Saturday 15th. They are the UK’s leading tribute to YES, meticulously recreating the music of the Progressive-Rock giants. Their shows have received high praise from Yes fans and in 2019 they were honoured to be invited to perform at Roger Dean’s Exhibition of iconic Yes album artwork.
This year sees 50th anniversary celebrations of three ground-breaking albums which will be featured in the show including a complete performance of Close to the Edge.
Whether it’s hit singles like Owner of a Lonely Heart, Roundabout or Wonderous Stories, or an epic masterpiece, sit back and enjoy authentic sounds , full vocal harmonies and the rocky electricity of a vintage Yes performance!
Find out more
For more information or to book tickets for any of these shows go to www.phoenixarts.co.uk
Get on your bike or walk this Sunday, 25th September and help make the town centre a better place for all
Guildford is going car free this Sunday, 25th September to make the town centre experience more enjoyable for all.
Guildford Borough Council is putting pedestrians first offering them the opportunity to have fun on traffic-free streets; find out how to help tackle climate change and air pollution; ask questions to experts and listen to talks from local councils, University of Surrey and Zero Carbon Guildford
The town centre will transform with many roads and streets closed to traffic. Leave your car at home and use alternative forms of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport.
A more enjoyable town centre experience is just a walk away this Car Free Day which features free events across town from 10am to 4.30pm.
Come by foot - walk, run or dance - it's up to you.
Activities include circus skills, nine metre climbing tower, Punch and Judy and street play for children, live music from local groups, ethical vegan market, rural crafts market, antiques and brocante market, farmers’ market, street food and drink stalls, e-bike and e-skateboard demos and information about how residents can step up their actions to tackle climate change.
So how can you enjoy Care Free Day and be part of it?
Come by foot – walk, run or dance – it’s up to you.
Cycle, scoot or skate – there are plenty of bike racks in and around the town. If you don’t have your own bike, hire a Brompton Bikefrom Guildford Station. There will be 50 extra bicycle parking spaces until 5pm with 10 each in Upper High Street (outside Pizza Express), Eastgate Gardens (at junction with Upper High Street), North Street (at junction with Market Street), High Street (outside Nationwide) and Tunsgate (outside Bang & Olufsen).
Make the most of the good weather and enjoy some of the splendid sights on our doorstep this season
What's on...
The popular River Wey Festival returns to Dapdune Wharf in Guildford from 11am on Saturday, 17th September, culminating in an illuminated pageant at dusk. Everyone is invited to soak up the atmosphere of this colourful festival by the river. Daytime activities include local food, craft demonstrations, music and folk dancing. Plus children’s activities such as willow weaving, den building and an augmented reality sand box. National Trust boat trips are running 11am – 6pm. Free to enter, no need to book: nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey
Harvest at Box Hill is a community celebration of the landscape by Surrey Hills Arts also on Saturday 17th, 6pm. This annual arts event celebrates the outstanding landscape and view at Box Hill. You’re invited to a mass picnic at the Donkey Green while choirs sing out across the hills and poets recite their specially created works – all around a stunning art installation. ‘Seeds of Hope’ by Diana Burch is a sustainable artwork made from sticks and recycled yarns. Hundreds of local people have contributed to this piece over the past few months and you can have a go yourself.
There are a wealth of stunning sights to enjoy this season in Surrey
Celebrating 80 years since Polesden Lacey was gifted to the National Trust, the doors are open for free for Heritage Open Days from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th. The estate will be brought to life by actors in fun pop-up scenes around the property, book talks, classic car displays and the chance to meet our ranger team and sit on board their tractor.
Clandon Park is unlike any other historic house you’ll ever visit. The fire at Clandon Park was the worst in the National Trust’s history. On Saturday 17th, for Heritage Open Days, discover the Trust’s new plans for the house, which offer a unique X-ray view of how great houses were made. There are free guided tours, the chance to meet the project team and see objects salvaged after the fire.
The memorials and public art works at Runnymede are fascinating to explore. Roam in the open access meadows alongside the River Thames and discover the landscape where Magna Carta was sealed.
Reading Biscuit Factory is premiering a new independent film on Thursday, 22nd September, Happy Retirement Mr Pickering, taking on an often taboo subject.
Happy Retirement Mr. Pickering revisits the important conversations of the largely forgotten baby boomer LGBTQ+ community and how many individuals are left behind or isolated by the modern gay rights movement.
Ascot-based independent filmmaker Keshav Shree’s film follows Freddie Pickering as he begins his retirement having played by the ‘rules’ for much of his life. He has worked hard, has a three-bedroom house and a long marriage to a strong conservative wife who has made sure they conform to society’s expectations.
Is Freddie now prepared to put all that at risk to be who he really is? Will he risk losing his social network to start afresh or will he keep his sexual orientation hidden?
Writer and director Keshav says: “These are a few of the battling decisions which baby boomers LGBTQ or the ‘Gayest Generation’ have to consider as they age in retirement. In fact, over 32% of older LGBTQ people fear ‘being lonely and growing old alone’ compared to 19% of heterosexuals in a recent study by MetLife (in conjunction with American Society on Aging and Lesbian and Gay Issues Network).”
The Happy Retirement Mr Pickering production team have worked with the LGBTQ community through interviews and focus groups and have cast Kevin West in the lead role – a gay actor who identifies with Freddie’s journey, having been in a heterosexual relationship before coming out as gay. The events, dialogue and setting are based around research of individuals in this demographic and the troubles they have had to face.
Keshav explains: “I wanted to portray this delicate story as authentically as possible. Having spent two years researching the project, I think we are finally at a place that does it justice and in the most palatable form – a dark comedy.
“Let’s ignite conversations about the generation that struggled most for this movement, yet seem to reap the least benefits from its achievements and progress.”
