Join Woking Symphony Orchestra

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Woking Symphony Orchestra is looking for string players & there’s a new concert to enjoy

Woking Symphony Orchestra is recruiting! They want to hear from you if you play viola or cello as they have space for a few more in their ranks.

If you or someone you know is looking to join an orchestra, they’d love to hear from you whether you’re a seasoned pro or an apprehensive performer, all are welcome.

Their next event is the Summer Concert on Saturday, 22nd June at Welcome Church, Woking when the repertoire will include Strauss Horn Concerto No.2 and Mahler Symphony No.5. The concert will feature Joel Ashford on French Horn and conductor Roy Stratford and will also feature a pre-concert talk at 6.45pm before the main event at 7.30pm. Book at Woking Symphony Orchestra.

The Woking Symphony Orchestra is one of Surrey’s leading orchestras. For over a century it has offered music lovers in Woking and beyond the opportunity to enjoy live performances of great orchestral music right on the doorstep. They have more than 60 members who meet weekly to play a rewarding and varied repertoire that combines classical favourites with the works of lesser-known composers and 20th century pieces.

There are no formal auditions so just come along and try out a rehearsal, always good humoured and rewarding, on Tuesday evenings during term time at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Coldharbour Road, Pyrford, GU22 8SP. They run from 7.30-9.45pm with a break for tea or coffee.

Get in touch at [email protected]!

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Go on the hunt in Horsell

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Join the garden safari this month and you never know what you’ll track down and all for local good causes

You might not see any elephants or giraffes, but the village of Horsell is once again looking forward to welcoming visitors to the annual garden safari on June 15th and 16th.

It’s a date when people meet up with friends, enjoy the various gardens on offer and relax with a cup of tea and cake! This is their 22nd year and they are looking forward to everyone enjoying the days and celebrating the British love of plants, gardens and gardening.

David Bromley tells us: “We are of course renowned for being the most avid and possibly the best gardeners in the world. Opening this year are some new gardens, some that have been missed as they haven’t opened for a few years and some old favourites. The gardens offer a lovely mix of the new and familiar, the small and the large and all in a range of styles.

“This year amongst many other things there are Koi Carp, operatic themed teas and Tudor buildings on offer. If you haven’t been to the allotments, go and find them on Sunday, 16th June and enjoy the amazing range of flowers, fruit and vegetables – you might well be inspired to grow your own if you haven’t done so before. Visiting the three new gardens to support their efforts will have them open again in the future.”

Brochures, still costing only £8 for entry to all gardens on both days, are on sale in the usual local Horsell High Street shops and businesses, namely Seymours, Premier Store Horsell, Lisa Jones and the Horsell Framing Company. They are also available from participating gardens on the day.

There are 24 different gardens to view, 15 open on Saturday and 15 on Sunday so get your walking shoes on, or pump up the bicycle tyres in readiness and join Horsell for a wonderful outdoor weekend!

“All proceeds are donated to local charities and thanks as always should go to those super folks who open their gardens, Seymours, Hamlyns and Victoria Clinic who sponsor the event, the shops who sell the brochures and of course, the visitors who make the efforts so worthwhile,” adds David. “In the years of the safari it has raised just short of £75,000 for the local charities. Keep up the great work everyone.”

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Salute heroes at Armed Forces Day

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Attention! Camberley is again preparing to bring Armed Forces Day to the town centre

Camberley is rightly proud of its link with the Armed Forces and is celebrating that with Armed Forces Day across the town centre on Saturday, 15th June.

Showcasing the town’s rich history and close links with the military, this free family fun event will be an opportunity for the local community to come along to show its support for our Service Personnel, past, present and future.

The day, organised and funded for the community by Collectively Camberley, will be filled with roaming street entertainment and lots of free family fun including a balloon modeller and face painting on High Street. Be sure to take part in the free activities including a climbing wall and soft archery.

There will also be a stage with live acts all day, with a mix of music and local dance schools in addition to High Street music happening throughout the day for you to enjoy.

Camberley heroes will be celebrated throughout the day with special goodies provided by Camberley BID businesses and there’ll be a variety of local businesses, military and community groups filling the streets of Camberley throughout the day.

There’s also the chance to shop for local treats at The Camberley Farmers’ & Artisan Market on High Street from 10am to 4pm.

Collectively Camberley’s other summer events: The all new Beach Party on Saturday, 20th July in the town centre and the popular car event on Saturday, 10th August featuring more than 250 vehicles.

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High flying fun at Blackbushe

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Blackbushe Open Day and Fly-In is celebrating all things aviation on Saturday, 15th June with static displays and experience flights among the fun for the whole family

Aviation enthusiasts will be on cloud nine at the annual Blackbushe Air Day with fun and games for all the family, a static aircraft display, live entertainment, a history hub and stalls.

The static display features a wide variety of aircraft, many vintage including those dating from the 1930s as well as fly-in appearances from a variety of aircraft.

There will be limited availability to take part in some flying action, with experience flights on Scillonia Airway’s Dragon Rapide (tickets on the day) and Adventure 001’s Jet Ranger Helicopter when you can enjoy a six-mile flight.

In 2023 more than 84 aircraft attended and over 120 classic cars, including historical aircraft from Blackbushe’s past with some more than 100 years old. A Sherman Tank was among the vehicles on display. More than 150 classic vehicles are scheduled to appear this year, a 25 percent increase on last year with big names such as the Jaguar E-Type, the MGB, and the Ford Mustang, American police vehicles, a bus, along with many others.

New for 2024 will see Aerobility bring their experience in running the Armchair Airshow to a new attraction – Aerobility Live! Watch on a big screen showing some fantastic air displays, with real pilots on stage commentating on the fantastic feats, providing an insight into the skills required.

Another highlight for the day that’ll have you looking upwards, will be the Battle of Britain memorial flight making a flypast complete with a Spitfire and Hurricane.

There’s family excitement with fun and games for all ages to be found around the site. Features include bouncy castles and slides, miniature ‘ride on’ model planes, static displays, live entertainment, the history hub and food stalls.

In addition to the mix of aviation themed stalls and merchandise, shop at the maker’s market for handmade jewellery, art, chocolate and candles among others and when it’s time to stop for food and drink you’re spoiled for choice with fish and chips, pulled pork, burgers, crepes and pizza with wine, gin and beer as well as soft drinks available.

Tickets £18 adults, £8 children, £45 family (2&2). Please book at Tickets — Blackbushe Air Day

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Frighteningly funny Young Frankenstein

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You’d be mad to miss FAOS Musical Theatre Group’s latest show at Farnham Maltings

Join FAOS for a terrific time in old Transylvania, where the wolves are howling, the scientists are mad, the monster has escaped and everyone is Puttin’ On the Ritz!

Young Frederick Frankenstein (that’s Fronken-steen), returns to his grandfather’s Transylvanian castle with his trusty sidekick Igor (that’s Eye-gore) and with the help of beautiful blonde Inga (that’s buxom) and the slightly sinister Frau Blücher (that’s… enough!) creates a magnificent monster.

However, the brain used isn’t quite to the standard Frankenstein expected, and with the local police inspector and villagers breaking down the door with pitchforks – for a friendly welcome – and a surprise visit from Frankenstein’s fiancée Elizabeth, just as you would expect hilarious chaos ensues.

Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment, a frighteningly funny show that will leave you in stitches. You’d have to be mad as Frankenstein to miss it.

Performances: 12th-15th June, 7.30pm, 2.30pm on Saturday.

To book tickets, adults £18, under 16s £13, call the box office on 01252 745444 or visit farnhammaltings.com/events/faos-young-frankenstein

Farnham Maltings also offers a pre-show dining option.

FOAS has been part of life in Farnham for almost 100 years. They are always looking for new performers and behind the scenes for help with costumes and make up, props, set-building, lighting, sound engineering, front of house, backstage crew during show week and marketing and publicity.

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Having a blast in Godalming

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June 8th is set to be a super singing Saturday when vocalists of all ages come together for a mass charity event in Godlaming

Let the music you when ChoirBlast explodes into Godalming on June 8th for an exciting day-to-evening event for music lovers, featuring 50 nationwide choirs in a fusion of singing and community.

The family-friendly event features seven simultaneous stages at The Burys Field, the Bandstand and Cloisters and is a not-for-profit festival, with craft stalls, children’s activities, food and lots of fabulous singing from 11am.

ChoirBlast is a celebration of contemporary choirs from around the country and the festival presents a unique opportunity to experience the joy and power of harmony music. Among the local choirs taking part this year are Music by Motivation Contemporary Gospel Choirs comprising members from Guildford Rock Choir; Farncombe Jazz Choir know for their acapella arrangements; the Halow Project who are one of the charities to benefit from this year’s event as are The Meath Backstage Choir; Guildford Jazz Choir bring together the old and new with jazz classics and contemporary hits; Godalming Jazz Choir is a friendly place for people to sing together that has been running for 10 years; born out of friendship and love Little Town Choir from Petersfield provide a ‘musical sanctuary’; Godalming-based Music Kids for five to teens; Guildford Vox Community Choir have a repertoire consisting of contemporary and traditional songs from the British Isles; Godalming Community Gospel Choir; ladies a capella group In Accord from Guildford; Wholenotes Community Choirs for those with social anxiety and / or learning disabilities based in Guildford and Camberley and many more from around the country.

ChoirBlast supports the local halow project and Meath charities, for adults with epilepsy and complex needs. In the spirit of the festival, admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Make a day of it enjoying the sweet sounds on offer alongside the food and drink from the Serious Rum Bar, street food from Cara Gorda Cantina, seasonal flavours from Dylan’s Ice Cream, South African flame grilled steaks and burgers from Bring & Braai, wood fired pizza from Belle Buono, Sri Lankan street food from Kothu Truck, Daisy’s Sandwiches, ice coffee and cake from The Journalist and serving up much-needed coffee will be Bean & Gone.

Visit choirblast.com for details of all the choirs taking part. 

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Jazz & fizz at High Clandon

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Drink in the view and the music at Cherry Trees fundraiser at High Clandon

Join Cherry Trees charity at High Clandon for Jazz in the Vineyard on Saturday 8th June for a sparkling celebration of cool jazz.

Bring along a picnic or tuck into one of the stone-baked pizzas as you sip a complimentary glass of Gloriana Cuvée, sit back, drink in the views and chill listening to the sweet sounds of The Sue Richardson Quintet at either the matinee, 1pm start, or evening performance which begins at 6.15pm.

Your feet will tap as you celebrate the unsung heroes of jazz, led by Sue with the quintet’s feel-good show, Bird.

Feel free to take along anything else you may need to make your evening comfortable, such as tables, chairs and cushions. Why not upgrade your experience and pre-book one of the cabaret-style seats. Chairs cost £10 per person and will be spread around shared tables. This can be added to your booking when purchasing your tickets below. Tickets are £45 per person with all proceeds supporting the children and families who rely on Cherry Trees.

Cherry Trees helps to keep families together by providing home from home care for children with complex disabilities and a meaningful break for their families. Supporting children and young people up to the age of 19 with learning, physical and sensory impairments, Cherry Trees provides care after school, for a few hours, overnight or for a longer stay.

Book tickets for Jazz in Vineyard at Jazz in the Vineyard | Cherry Trees

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The road to creativity in Hindhead

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Hindhead Art Trail takes you on a picturesque journey through both art and the artists’ lives via ceramics, landscapes, portraits and stained glass

During June’s Surrey Open Studios you will find luscious ceramics, dramatic abstract landscapes, perfect wildlife portraits, and much more from the ten artists on the Hindhead Art Trail. All works are for sale and you can even get involved in creating your own art at their workshops.

The trail is a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon. Start in Churt with Fiona Millais’s evocative semi-abstract landscapes that respond to the local area and the coast. Across Churt village, Georgina Rey is exhibiting loose oil sketches done on site capturing the feeling of local places, alongside larger, colourful abstracts. Just up the road, see Stephanie Draper’s colourful paintings and monochrome prints inspired by maps locally and beyond. Create a small colourful block sculpture with Stephanie at her drop in sessions on 7th, 8th and 9th June.

Turning south through Whitmore Vale, find Alison Hunt’s textural, abstract landscapes in wonderful tones. They sit alongside Nicola Martin’s stoneware pottery, including signature ‘Earth Bowls’ evoking the strata between land and sea. Both artists are inspired by the colours, shapes and textures of the natural world which they interpret in their pieces.

On the road into Grayshott, visit Alison Orchard’s working studio at Applegarth Farm. Enjoy a collection of expressive sea and landscape paintings, alongside gutsy abstracts and a range of limited-edition prints. The gallery also showcases a selection of hand-thrown ceramics by respected artists. There is a lot to tempt and inspire! Alison will be running a one-day gestural seascapes workshop at Farnham Pottery on 27th June.

This might be a moment to stop for a coffee or lunch at Applegarth Farm restaurant and deli, with locally sourced and home-grown food.

Next stop Annie Child’s fused and stained glass, in her lovely oak framed garden studio on the edge of Grayshott village. Annie’s range of glass art draws on her love of colour and the beauty of the natural world around her.

In Grayshott Village, the Punchbowl Gallery hosts Angie Wallace and Nicky Chubb. Angie creates realistic artworks of wildlife, full of intricate detail in coloured pencils and pastels. Nicky paints multicoloured and textured collaged nudes from life.

Finish the trail in Beacon Hill with Emma Godden’s fantastically observed, tactile garden ornaments inspired by seed pods and flowers. Make your own at her workshop on 21st June.

Start and finish the trail where you like. Trail maps are available in each studio, details of opening times and workshops at surreyopenstudios.org.uk and Instagram (@hindheadarttrail)

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Liphook author’s novel idea

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Born a few years after the end of the Second World War in Farnham, Ed (Peter) Johnson has seen and lived through the changes, which he, in part, gives as one of the reasons he started writing

In the 1950s you were expected to be able to turn your hand to anything, which, says Ed Johnson, has contributed to his writing.

His working career has been in electronics and technology; mending a computer in 1970 was a very different experience from working with them today, he quips.

“I had the first idea when in my 30s, but I have always taken on challenges, like starting an IT business in 1981, building it up during my 40s and selling it in 1997,” he begins.

“Next was building a car, not from a kit, which I completed in my early 50s and restoring a bungalow from the ground up in my 60s. Now in my early 70s I am using the ideas that have been developing over the last 40 years and putting them into a much less strenuous use of time, I love the challenge and becoming an author is my current one.”

Now living in Liphook he has penned his first novel in which we are invited to delve into the shadowy world of crime with the revealing exploration of the criminal underworld. Beyond the notorious crime lords and the violent realm of drug trafficking, lies a complex network of theft, fraud, and borderline legal activities. Who are the masterminds behind these operations? How do they seamlessly orchestrate crimes while remaining undetected?

In everyday life, we find plumbers, electricians, and plasterers through a simple internet search or recommendations. But in the criminal fraternity, things operate differently. Fences, who trade in stolen goods, rely on a clandestine network: one group supplies the contraband, another discreetly purchases it, no questions asked.

Imagine if this underworld also had its own ‘sub-contractors’ – skilled individuals specialising in specific illegal activities, and facilitators who connect various players in this covert market. This book takes you deep into this hidden society, shedding light on how organized crime functions with the same efficiency and connectivity as legitimate businesses.

If you’ve ever been curious about the intricacies of the criminal world and its unseen yet organized culture, this is your guide to understanding how these hidden networks operate, thrive, and evade detection. But remember it is only fiction – or is it?

Why Am I Here? Jane’s Story by Ed Johnson is published by Austin Macaulay Publishers ISBN  9781035810000 is available from Amazon and all good bookshops.

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Be a puppy parent

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Petersfield based charity Hounds for Heroes needs your support. Could you be a full-time volunteer and look after puppies in training?

Volunteering to be a puppy parent is a rewarding opportunity to become part of the Hounds for Heroes team and provide puppies with the training and care crucial for their development to become a life enhancing assistance dog.

Don’t want to read the full article? Jump to our FAQs here or enter this month’s competitions FOR FREE!

Prior experience or qualifications aren’t required, but a willingness to learn and meet certain criteria is necessary. The ongoing support and training provided by Hounds for Heroes ensures that volunteers are equipped to care for the puppies effectively.

The commitment involved, from opening up your home to a puppy for over a year to attending training sessions and classes, highlights the dedication required for this role. However, knowing that you’re contributing to the journey of these assistance dogs makes it a worthwhile endeavour.

Hounds for Heroes covers the costs of food, training equipment, and veterinary bills for the puppies.

Volunteering with Hounds for Heroes is not only beneficial for the assistance dogs but also for the individuals who will eventually benefit from their support.

Hounds for Heroes works to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled personnel of both HM Armed Forces and emergency services. We aim to provide help and practical support leading to an enhanced quality of life.

Hounds for Heroes assistance dogs can help overcome some of the physical barriers and obstacles caused by a disability; promoting an increased sense of freedom, providing a loyal comrade and just maybe the beginning of a new lease of life.

Hounds for Heroes believe that everyone who fits out criteria, and requires the services of one of our dogs, should be able to experience the positive and life enhancing impact they will bring. The cost of the assistance dog’s food, equipment, insurance and veterinary costs are all met by Hounds for Heroes’ therefore you can safely apply knowing that in having one of our dogs, there will not be a negative impact on your existing income.

As of 2021, there are over 900,000 injured servicemen and women in the country and that number continues to grow on a daily basis. The unique mental attitude of service personnel means that only a handful so far have chosen to have an assistance dog provided by the civilian offerings, many will battle on in silence.

Find out more about their work and to register your interest in becoming a Puppy Parent visit Homepage | Hounds for Heroes

FAQs

1. How do I get in touch with Hounds for Heroes?
– You can email [email protected] or call 01730 823118  Mon – Fri 8.30am – 4pm

2. How do I apply for a dog?
– For enquires regarding applying for one a dog please contact: [email protected]

3. How do I volunteer?
– If you are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent or Foster Puppy Parent please contact: [email protected]m or if you are interested in general volunteering opportunities please contact: [email protected]

4. How do I find Hounds for Heroes?
– Hounds for Heroes, Unit 2B Rookery Farm Buildings, Ramsdean, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1RU

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