Surrey Archives • Page 32 of 50 • Round & About Magazine

Hogs Back’s ’30 at 30’

Karen Neville

August 8, 2022August 8, 2022

Surrey

Your chance to join the celebrations for three decades of Tongham TEA

If you live in or around Farnham, the chances are that one of your first pints of beer was Hogs Back’s Tongham TEA (Traditional English Ale). The ale was the first beer brewed at Hogs Back Brewery when it opened 30 years ago, and it enjoyed almost instant success, with the hog icon becoming a familiar sight in pubs across Surrey.

To celebrate its 30th birthday this year, Hogs Back is inviting 30 local drinkers who’ve been enjoying their beers for a while to join them – and bring a younger drinker with them, for a toast to the past, present and future success of the brewery, on Thursday, 18th August.

We remain an independent brewer, committed to our Surrey roots

To join the party just let them know where you drank your first pint of TEA, by visiting the website page. We’ll invite 30 people to our special birthday drinks at the brewery, with a son, daughter or other younger relative or friend – aged 18+ – to pass the love of TEA down the generations!

Managing director Rupert Thompson said: “We’re delighted to be reaching our 30th birthday with plenty to be proud of. Much has changed since the brewery opened its doors in 1992, but we remain an independent brewer, committed to our Surrey roots – as demonstrated by our continued investment in our site here at Tongham, including the hop garden.

We are both thanking the local people who’ve made Hogs Back the successful brewery it is today, and doing our best to make sure it’s still alive and kicking in 30 years’ time!

“Clearly, without people drinking our beers, we would have no success to celebrate today! So, we’d like to reward anyone who’s been enjoying our TEA for a while with a pint or two on us, and at the same time introduce our beers to younger drinkers. This way, we are both thanking the local people who’ve made Hogs Back the successful brewery it is today, and doing our best to make sure it’s still alive and kicking in 30 years’ time!”

Hogs Back Brewery opened in August 1992 in Tongham, near Farnham, in 18th century farm buildings that at various times had stored wheat and housed cattle and, appropriately, hogs. The first casks to roll out of the original brewhouse – now the site of the Brewery Shop – and into local pubs were TEA – which was renamed Tongham TEA earlier this year.

Tongham TEA remains the brewery’s best-seller, winning numerous awards over the years, and gathering a loyal customer following in Surrey and across the south. Hogs Back’s reputation as a brewer of exceptionally fine ales was bolstered by subsequent launches such as Hop Garden Gold and RipSnorter and in recent years the brewery has broadened its range, launching new beers such as Hogstar Lager, Surrey Nirvana Session IPA and A over T (Aromas over Tongham) which won CAMRA’s Champion Bottled Beer of Britain in 2020.

HOGS BACK BREWERY – 30 YEARS OF BREWING EXCELLENCE

1992: First barrels of TEA produced at the Manor Farm site in Tongham, where the brewery remains today. One of the first pubs to stock it is the White Hart in Tongham, where it sells at £1.30 a pint.

1995: TEA named as runner up in Best Bitter category at the Great British Beer Festival, run by CAMRA.

2000: TEA named as winner in Best Bitter category and then overall runner up Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival

2006: A over T (Aromas over Tongham) named Supreme Champion Winter Ale of Britain at the CAMRA Winter Beer Festival.

2012: Business bought by Rupert Thompson, who had worked in the brewing industry for many years on brands including Carling (Britain’s biggest beer brand), Old Speckled Hen and Hobgoblin.

2013: Launch of Hogstar Lager, a 4.5% ABV lager brewed with five different hops and selected herb extracts and matured for over a month.

2013: Launch of Hazy Hog, a cloudy cider

2014: Planting of hop garden adjacent to the brewery, making Hogs Back the largest brewer with a hop garden in the UK. In 2015, Hogs Back harvest three hop varieties: Fuggles – used in Tongham TEA; Cascade – used in Hogstar lager; and Farnham White Bine.

2015: Hogstar wins Gold in the Premium Pale & Golden Lagers in the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) National Awards. It also wins Gold in the SIBA South East Region Awards in 2018

2019: Relocation of the hop garden to an 8.5 acre site next to the brewery.

2020: A over T, a 9% ABV bottle conditioned barley wine, wins CAMRA’s Champion Bottled Beer of Britain

2021: Hogs Back harvests its largest ever hop crop, and 2,500 people enjoy Hop Harvest celebrations over a weekend in September.

2022: Hogs Back’s flagship ale, TEA, is renamed as Tongham TEA and given a new design. The traditional, graphic style shows an illustration of the familiar Hog mascot in front of the brewery, farm buildings and fields.

Contact Hogs Back Brewery

Visit their website

Give them a call: 01252 783000

Socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

It’s come home – at last!

Round & About

August 1, 2022

Surrey

Now it’s over to you… be inspired by our Lionesses and get involved in football where you are, whatever your age and ability

Football has come home, it’s taken 56 years to win a major honour but it was well worth waiting for as England women’s captain Leah Williamson lifted the Womens Euros 2022 trophy at Wembley on Sunday.

The amazing achievement of beating eight-times winners Germany 2-1 was immense and while many backed the Lionesses as the favourites for the tournament on home soil, the result is truly outstanding and the women deserve all the plaudits and honours that will come their way.

One of the key aims for The FA and the England Women has been ensuring that this fabulous celebration of football creates a legacy for future generations and encourages as many women and girls as possible to get involved in the beautiful game.

Whatever your age and ability, football is for all and offers a huge opportunity for women and girls to engage in a healthy lifestyle through football, promoting both physical activity and mental health benefits too.

Follow in the Lionesses’ footsteps there are many options open to you.

Whether you just want to have a kick about with your mates, have a go at walking football or want to join a local club and perhaps follow in the Lionesses’ footsteps there are many options open to you.

Surrey FA are passionate about supporting clubs to provide equal access for women and girls in football and want to ensure that all women and girls have access to football as players, coaches, referees, and volunteers.

They have an ambition to provide over 5,000 women and girls access to playing opportunities across the county, as well as raising the profile of the amazing opportunities available off the field.

Newly founded in 2021, the Surrey FA Women’s League, is a Tier 7 league on the National Women’s Football Pyramid which accommodates the growing demand for competitive women’s football in Surrey and provides weekly competitive fixtures to women 16+.
The county also has one of the largest girls leagues, with almost 400 teams competing every Sunday from U7s to U18s

As the growth of recreational football continues, as does the demand for competitive fixtures in a recreational, flexible environment. Formed in 2018, the Surrey FA Women’s Flexi-League offers monthly fixtures from October through to June, including various mid season tournaments.

The aim of the league is to provide a wider football offer, enabling more women to be involved in the game regardless of restrictions.

Find out more about all Surrey FA has to offer at www.surreyfa.com/players/women-and-girls

Get involved!

As several players and commentators said after the epic win, this has to be the start of something even more special.

Young at heart

Liz Nicholls

July 29, 2022

Surrey

Ruth Young’s new children’s book is called The Turkey Shed Gang. She tells us about her love for teaching, as well as why Cranleigh is the best place in the world

Ruth loves walking in the Surrey Hills which surround Cranleigh. She often goes up nearby Pitch Hill to see the far-reaching views over the beautiful countryside down towards the sea. “It’s very rural and yet just an hour from Londo,” she says, “which makes it a great place to live. And you can be down at the coast in under an hour.”

Ruth is a teacher and taught in local schools until she retired. Now she teaches children at home who may need help with their learning. She is a teaching of reading specialist and particularly loves teaching children with dyslexia. She says: “Learning to read is the most important skill to learn. It opens up the ability to access all the curriculum. That’s why if a child needs specific help they must get it. She loves helping these children and seeing their excitement when they achieve their goals. There’s nothing better!”

Ruth has spoken on BBC Surrey three times about teaching and learning and written articles in a national parenting magazine.

The Turkey Shed Gang is a story about Joe, his Granny Sal and a parrot called Mr Percival. They go on the run to escape the police… It’s for children aged 7 and up who can read independently or anyone who may need a little extra help. She hopes it encourages children to keep turning the pages. The children she’s heard from who have read it have said it does just that!

The Turkey Shed Gang

It’s available on Amazon or from Ruth’s website ruthyoung.co.uk

What’s your favourite local park?

Round & About

July 29, 2022August 3, 2022

Surrey

Love Parks Week runs from today until Friday 5^th August, organised by Keep Britain Tidy.

The charity wants us all to enjoy our green spaces, whether it’s walking the dog, picnicking with friends, or pushing our little ones on a playground swing.

There are lots of events going on and the week is also set up to celebrate and support the efforts of the volunteers who maintain and protect our green spaces.

Surrey has so many wonderful parks to enjoy, including Guildford’s Loseley Park, Frimley Lodge Park in Camberley, Lightwater Country Park and Gostrey Meadow in Farnham… Which is your favourite? Make sure to share it on social media #LoveParks

We’ve also teamed up with Keep Britain Tidy to call for dog-owners to bag and bin their pooch’s poop!

Live music at Sandown Park Racecourse

Round & About

July 5, 2022September 5, 2022

Surrey

Join in the conversation online #JCLive

The Jockey Club Live are delighted to welcome PALOMA FAITH, NILE RODGERS & CHIC and SIMPLY RED to Sandown Park Racecourse this Summer, for a set of spectacular open-air concerts after racing.

Opening the season on Wednesday 20^th July, double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist PALOMA FAITH will be performing an array of hits from her extensive and much-loved repertoire. Fans can expect classics such as ‘Only Love Can Hurt Like This’ and ‘Lullaby’ as well as new songs from her fifth studio album ‘Infinite Things’.

Paloma Faith said

“I’ve been touring my recent album Infinite Things and it’s been so invigorating seeing everyone out on the road around the UK. I love nothing more than singing for you all and hearing you sing back to me. There’s nothing like it.”

The following Wednesday will mark NILE RODGERS & CHIC’s return to Sandown Park, having graced the stage in 2018. Nile Rodgers’ talent and his honourable legacy is nothing short of extraordinary, having won multiple GRAMMY awards as a composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist, he consistently challenges the boundaries of modern music. Throughout his illustrious career he’s been behind hits such ‘Let’s Dance’, ‘Upside Down’, ‘I’m Coming Out’, ‘Material Girl’, ‘Like A Virgin’ plus many of CHIC’s own hits amongst a chart-topping music career spanning four decades.

Nile Rodgers said:

“Over the last few years, we’ve really enjoyed playing for The Jockey Club Live as it’s always an amazing and festive atmosphere that’s perfect for CHIC music. We can’t wait to see all of our friends for good times in 2022!”

The season will culminate on Thursday 4^th August with one of the best-selling British bands of all time, SIMPLY RED. Led by songwriter and bandleader Mick Hucknall, they have over a billion hits on YouTube and have sold over 60 million albums worldwide – with five going to the number one spot in the UK. Their 1991 classic ‘Stars’ was the best-selling album for two years running in Britain and Europe, plus they continued this monumental success across the pond with two US Billboard chart toppers in classic singles ‘Holding Back The Years’ and ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’. Their 2019 album ‘Blue Eyed Soul’ marked their 14^th top 10 studio album in the UK.

Mick Hucknall, Simply Red said

“I’ve spent most of my life going out and singing for people, and it has felt strange not to have that for such a long time. It’s wonderfully inspiriting that people can go and see bands again now, and we can’t wait to get back on stage.”

Returning to a full-strength line-up in 2022, The Jockey Club Live concerts at Sandown Park Racecourse are a staple in the region’s social calendar. Over the past few years, the racecourse has hosted thousands of fans of live music for unforgetting evenings of racing ahead of performances from artists including George Ezra, Olly Murs and Tom Jones.

Tickets for Paloma Faith, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Simply Red are available now via thejockeyclublive.co.uk. There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.

Fostering – making a difference

Round & About

July 1, 2022July 6, 2022

Surrey

The team at Surrey County Council are here to help you find out more about fostering.
Here’s a short video…
Let’s prove the believers right.

Comedy & music at Rother College

Round & About

June 21, 2022

Surrey

Two big summer nights are on the programme in Midhurst in July

Midhurst Rother College’s fantastic theatre space is the setting for two high profile summer concerts just before the big August holiday getaway.

Promoted under the umbrella of the Petworth Festival which runs from Wednesday 13th to Saturday, 30th July the two headline events feature front rank comedian, star of Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week, Live from the Apollo and so much more Milton Jones (Wednesday, 27th July), and two of the most successful and entertaining singer/songwriters of the 80s and 90s, Beverley Craven and Judie Tzuke (Thursday, 28th July).

Talking about the two shows, festival director Stewart Collins enthuses “being able to put on shows in the Rother College theatre is such a bonus for the festival and gives us the opportunity to bring in performers of real stature and notoriety. Milton Jones, for example, is one of the straight-up-funniest comedians you will ever see with his brilliant string of trade mark one-liners, whilst the Beverley Craven/Judie Tzuke show is a very rare re-run of an amazing concert I saw a year or so back featuring two absolutely top artists who perform great repertoire and love working together – something that is so obvious to anyone in the audience”.

Craven and Tzuke’s show Strings Attached has an additional layer of glamour in the shape of the Gabriella Swallow string quartet, a quality ensemble of musicians who in their own right have played alongside Nigel Kennedy and his Jimi Hendrix project, as well as Petworth Festival favourites, the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.

Expect an evening that includes Brit Award winner Beverley Craven’s biggest hits including Promise Me, and Judie Tzuke’s Stay with Me Till Dawn.

Milton Jones is also in great company for the comedy night. He is supported by the only comedian currently living – or ever to have lived? – in the Tower of London, Tom Houghton. As he says of himself – “I’m from a very posh background. I’m trying to be humble about it, but it’s hard. Over Christmas I woke up and someone had put an ice-skating rink in our moat!”

The double bill is hosted by the literally larger-than-life Matt Barnard. Quite apart from cheering everyone at every possible moment, his beer drinking stunt is worth the price of the ticket alone!

Tickets and details www.petworthfestival.org.uk

Making massage a regular, guilt-free treat

Liz Nicholls

May 27, 2022

Surrey

We’re all up to our eyeballs in depressing news about the rising cost of living… But we also know how vital self care is for good mental health… So what’s a stressed out, strapped-for-cash girl to do? 🤔

As far as luxurious treats go, a great massage is top of my treats list. You’re either a massage person or you’re not. For me there is no other wholesome indulgence that quite hits the spot when it comes to topping up that mojo. Being a single mum, prone to life-ruining migraines and living with a non-hugging teenager, the prospect of some no-strings touching always appeals. 💆

So the ethos of The Massage Company, born in Camberley in 2016 and growing ever since while winning a few industry awards, really appeals to me. It’s a subscription-based service on a mission transform massage therapy from a “once in a blue moon occurrence” to a regular part of our wellbeing routines. This brings the costs down, and helps you enjoy a regular top-up just for you, so you can enjoy the benefits (better sleep, reduced anxiety anyone?) without feeling guilty or waiting for another birthday to roll round.

I popped into the High Wycombe branch and shared my goals with the friendly team. Although petite and dainty, Gabi the therapist was happy to indulge my “go-hard or go home” approach. Her Swedish style massage was expert, and incredibly relaxing, along with the calming fragrance ooozing out of the mister. You can also opt for deep tissue if you’re the hench type, or hot stones. I treated myself to an additional scalp massage which involved Gabi focusing on my temples and neck, gently pulling small sections of my hair which unleashed all sorts of weird & wonderful sensations elsewhere.

I wafted out into the real world feeling light as a feather and full of beans. And I was plagued by none of my usual headaches for more than a fortnight (and counting). I hope many more of these franchises spring up and urge everyone to put themselves first and treat themselves. We’re all cancelling treats and direct debits but this one should pay for itself.

*The Massage Company branches include Camberley and High Wycombe. To find out more, visit massagecompany.co.uk

Green dream

Liz Nicholls

May 19, 2022

Surrey

The Green Hub in Milford, which has just had its first birthday, offers a vital support space for teenagers struggling with their mental health

Just one year ago you‘d find the Green Hub Project for Teens on Facebook looking for local folk to join a DIY SOS-style weekend, to transform their tranquil garden in Milford. This month the garden celebrates its first birthday.

Over its first year Green Hub Project for Teens has transformed from an idea in its embryonic stage into a confident adolescent.

The garden is the vision of local chiropractor Tone Tellefsen Hughes. “I’ve seen so much trauma through my clinic in recent years,” she says. “But since Covid, it’s become unimaginably bad, so many young people experiencing a tough time – it’s heart-breaking. This is why we are reaching out to families with teens struggling with low to moderate social anxiety, stress and overwhelm.”

Tone’s co-chair, local business coach Vanessa Lanham-Day, has been instrumental in creating the momentum behind the project. “The garden and teen volunteering is such a simple concept – it’s all about providing time out in nature and calm.

But, for the teens to benefit from time spent in the garden, there has been a whole machine that needed to be created. We have been busy spreading the word as well as building relationships with GPs, schools and youth organisations – but the most passionate requests come from parents themselves.

Teens spend up to 12 weeks becoming garden volunteers, under the guidance of adult leaders – there are morning and afternoon sessions (all free) each Saturday for up to eight teens. The process isn’t “therapy” problems aren’t discussed, and no advice is given – but the process is undoubtedly therapeutic.

Tone adds: “Science shows that being in nature allows the brain to calm down and settle a little, like a busy snow globe when the snow falls. When you immerse yourself in an activity – especially in nature – your brain is unable to do anything else and this gives the busy teenage brain a chance to rest and make sense of what’s been going on in their world. There are long term benefits after a garden session, as well as finding a connection which has been so sorely missed since the pandemic for so many.”

Tone and Vanessa would also like to find other garden spaces to extend the programme.

Parents who want to refer a teen to the project should visit greenhub.org.uk/parent-refer

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Beacon Hill Beer Festival is back!

Round & About

April 20, 2022

Surrey

After two years the popular beer festival returns to Hindhead Royal British Legion Club with an amazing array of beers for you to enjoy

Get a head start on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations by sampling a selection of beers themed around the occasion, as well as a selection of British ciders, and a handful of international lagers as part of the Beacon Hill Beer Festival.

On Friday 13th May from 5pm we will be open to everyone to kick off the celebrations with live music from The Bierkeller Boys, a Bavarian Oompah band who are ready to get everyone on their feet with plenty of clapping, swaying and thigh slapping.

Saturday 14th won’t be any less exciting! Organizers say: “We open at 1pm for an afternoon of beer, lager and cider tasting. Shortly followed by what is sure to be a fiery FA Cup Final with Liverpool vs Chelsea on our big screen, with Liverpool aiming to become the first English team to win the quadruple, so we are sure to be in for an exciting game before we get right into the evening. There will be live music from The Noize to get us up on that dance floor for the night.”

An incredible weekend awaits at Hindhead Royal British Legion, Beacon Hill Road, Hindhead, GU26 6QB with a variety of breweries already lined up to take part: