Food, glorious Haslemere Food Festival

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Mouthwatering morsels and delicious drinks will surround you at Haslemere Food Festival. Taste and sip on a variety of treats as Adaleigh Buckrell tells us

Haslemere’s annual Food Festival, a delicious celebration of locally made delicacies will tempt foodies to Lion Green on September 21st.

With free entry to enjoy the mouth-watering food and drink of producers and providers from Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, there’s plenty to enjoy and tuck into from 10am to 4pm. From cured meat, to shortbread and baked goods, to cheese, pies and gourmet condiments, the variety of culinary treats available in the local area is impressive. This is showcased by the diverse choice of stalls on offer at the festival.

Take the opportunity to sample the tasty bites before you buy, and purchase a glass of your favourite beer, gin or wine as a prelude to the bottle you take home. Whether you are in the mood for sumptuous burgers and tacos, moreish Thai or Sicilian street food, or a burrito (of which there are vegan and veggie friendly options), you won’t have to look far for a lunch to devour on the grassy green.

A drop from the pop-up Prosecco bar or a scoop of ice cream would be the perfect refreshment to accompany the live music played by bands from Haslemere and the surrounding towns. As you recline on your rugs around the stage, the kids will be entertained by the blow up obstacle courses, slide and other fun activities, or distracted by the pick ‘n’ mix stand. Not only will you be supporting local businesses by coming along to the festival, but it is a great day out that brings the community together.

Even your dog will be excited by the special pet biscuits stall. The Surrey Wildlife Trust will also be in attendance to provide yummy snacks to leave out for the hungry creatures in our gardens – hopefully they have not eaten the tomato plants being grown by school children in the area. The fruits of their labour will be judged by the town mayor at the festival and prizes given out.

The festivities are organised by a committee of volunteers who give up their time to ensure everyone can appreciate the delectable, high-quality products that are created by award-winning suppliers in and around Haslemere.

Make sure to pop by before they are sold out!

There are plenty of car parks nearby and the festival really caters for all! Email enquiries to [email protected] and follow @haslemerefoodfestival on Facebook for updates.

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Become a nature sleuth with SWT

Karen Neville

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Image by: Danny Green

Karen Neville

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Get a free Wildlife Recording Kit and monitor local green spaces

Want to know what wildlife might be making its home on ground you own, manage or work on with a community group?

Help is at hand thanks to Surrey Wildlife Trust’s new Wildlife Recording Kits – boxes filled with surveying equipment to help community groups undertake species monitoring on sites from gardens and recreation grounds to local woodland.

The kits are available free of charge from Guildford and Godalming Libraries and directly from the Trust’s head office in Pirbright, and can be reserved for one or two weeks at a time.

Image by: Jon Hawkins

With one-third of local species in trouble, Surrey Wildlife Trust is on a mission to encourage more people to take action to protect and provide homes for native plants and animals – and these kits will help people identify what wildlife, from minibeasts to moths to small mammals, is present, enabling them to make better informed land management decisions to benefit nature. Actions could include putting up signage to encourage people not to walk on wildflowers, installing bird feeders filled with suitable food for a particular species, installing bat boxes, planting hedgerows to support butterflies and moths or creating ponds for newts.

The Trust currently has the following equipment available:

• Bat kit including high-viz jackets for working at night, a bat detector and call frequency guide.

• Pond kit including nets, trays for specimens and identification guides for a range of species.

• Minibeasts kit including magnifying pots, equipment for handling specimens and ID guides.

• Small mammals kit including footprint tunnels and plates, feeding kit and ‘tracks and signs’ ID guide.

• Soil kit with a corer and tester kit to establish soil chemistry.

• Plant kit including quadrats, magnifiers and ID guides for a huge range of local native flora.

• For those with a cinematic bent, a trail camera kit is also available. This can be set up to record badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, birds, mice and other creatures that might visit when you are not present.

Once people have completed their surveys, the Trust is encouraging users to report their findings to the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC) to help it gain important information on the distribution and abundance of species and habitats across the county.

SWT’s Community Engagement Manager Claire Harris says: “You don’t have to be a professional to contribute to science and conversation. SWT is proud to work with a broad range of community organisations across the county, but we want even more people to get involved in mapping, understanding and restoring the natural world. It’s great the local Libraries of Things are working with us to help people find out more about what lives on their doorsteps. If we all play our part, we can open minds, transform local areas and ultimately create a much wilder environment for everyone to enjoy.”

More information about how to book kit, and the equipment hire agreement is at Wildlife Recording Kits | Surrey Wildlife Trust

SWT also runs courses that enable people to learn more about species and habitats in Surrey. Any adult can register to attend here. The Trust also offers a limited number of FREE places to Surrey-based community groups, who are signed up to its Wilder Communities programme.

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Surrey Hills Wood Fair

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Discover traditional woodcrafts, be inspired by master craftspeople and enjoy an immersive day out in the woods at Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2024 in Cranleigh this month

The much-anticipated 14th annual Surrey Hills Wood Fair promises to be the biggest and best celebration yet where you can discover traditional woodcrafts and new attractions.

Renowned for its unique blend of nature, activities, culture, and community, it is gearing up to offer an unforgettable experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike on September 7th and 8th.

Marvel at the traditional craftsmanship in the new woodworkers’ village with a group of highly skilled wood workers from the Surrey Sussex coppice workers. Step back in time with the authentic medieval village enactment, and be captivated by thrilling displays and demonstrations in the new action-packed arena including jaw dropping displays from The Adams Axemen.

The fair at Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh, is the perfect opportunity for families to reconnect with nature and each other. With 90+ stalls featuring local wood, artisans, crafts, delicious food and drink, and a host of free activities, there is something for everyone.

Children can enjoy hands-on experiences such as willow weaving, driving a digger, axe throwing, tree climbing, and exploring the forest school’s mud kitchen. Parents can relax and take in the lively music and entertainment throughout the day or have a go at rock climbing, mountain biking or more relaxing mindfulness walks in the woods.

This event is not just about fun; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Support local artisans and learn about traditional woodcraft techniques, sustainable forestry, and the importance of environment conservation. Witness the majestic Shire horses in action pulling carts and logs and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

Enjoy live music and entertainment from local musicians and savour a delicious selection of Surrey Hills’ food and drink, including sustainably made beer, local rum or gin, freshly ground coffee, tempting ice cream, and handmade chocolate or fudge. Culinary delights range from African stews to Scandinavian dishes and freshly made pizza.

Tickets are excellent value, with advance tickets priced at £12.50 and £15 on the day. Best of all, children under 16 can attend for free, making it an affordable and memorable family outing. Free parking is available on-site, and friendly dogs on leads are welcome.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the celebration of nature, community and craftsmanship, visit Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2024 – Surrey Hills National Landscape

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A real quacker in Godalming

Round & About

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The great Godalming duck race and fair takes place along the river Wey on Saturday, 7th September, one of the traditional ways the Rotary clubs in Godalming raise funds for Rotary causes

Don’t worry, your eyes aren’t deceiving you if you see 300 yellow plastic ducks floating along the Wey, it’s just the annual Rotary duck race down the river.

Each ticket sold buys a duck for one race, provides entertainment for the ticket folder, money for charity and may even win you some money!

Rotary members are selling tickets in local pubs now and they will also be available at the Richmond Arms and the Sun Inn in Godalming town centre and at Daisy Sandwiches at Godalming Station.

There will be a fun fair, a bar and stalls and food outlets from 11am until 3.30pm and the first duck race will start at noon, with heats every 20 minutes from then until the Grand Final for all the heat winners. Heat winners will win £20 with prizes of £250, £100 and £50 for the first three places in the Grand Final.

Following the Duck Races, there is a musical evening of Proms In The Park between 5pm and 7pm. The fun fair together with the bar and many of the stalls and food outlets will remain onsite until the end of the Proms In The Park.

We are very grateful to the directors of Seymours estate agents for their continued support of Rotary’s events this year.

Rotary has flourished in Godalming for more than 80 years and the community work of the Rotary Clubs is an integral part of life in the town. Rotary in Godalming welcome men and women who share the same common desire to do something worthwhile in the community, with a priority being community service and the support of local charities.

During the past few years Rotary in Godalming have raised and donated over £125,000 / £150,000 most notable locally to Godalming foodbank; the Godalming Community store; Phyllis Tuckwell; Skillway; ShelterBox and Broadwater Youth Centre’s wellbeing garden project.

More recently, Rotary clubs across Surrey and Sussex have partnered with Royal Surrey hospital to transform cancer care across Surrey, Sussex and beyond. The Cut Out Cancer campaign aims to raise funds for crucial high-tech equipment to allow more accurate surgeries to take place and improve recovery times for patients.

Rotary in Godalming also supports vital humanitarian work including Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. Thanks to Rotary’s eradication work there are only 34 new cases of Polio reported this year, and we are ‘this close’ to total eradication.

For more information on the above and other Rotary activities, please visit their website Rotary Club of Godalming – welcome. (rotary-ribi.org)

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Step out with Guildford Walkfest

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Walkfest, the month-long celebration of walking, invites you to get out and explore Guildford and the surrounding area

Now in its 18th year, Walkfest is a community project run entirely by volunteers which acts as an “umbrella” to bring many groups together and promote walking, learning and enjoyment. 

Walkfest is designed to get people of all ages and abilities out and about, in and around the beautiful town and surrounding countryside. Whether you are looking for short informative walks, long rambles or anywhere in between, Walkfest has something for you. 

There are over 40 walks for you this year with a number of new locations, routes and providers. 

The festival starts on September 1st with the opportunity to discover the ancient yews of Newlands Corner and finishes on 30th with a walk up to Merrow Downs. 

The month-long event also invites you to take a stroll around Little Compton, discover the Guildford story on a guided walk, observe birds on a stroll around Ockham Common, take a circular walk along a section of the historic River Wey Navigation, explore Worplesdon & Merrist Wood, take a CAMRA countryside pub walk between Wanborough and Godalming or how about Chilworth Gunpowder Mills and beyond or you can explore Whitmoor Common. 

For the full list of walks and details, visit guildfordwalkfest.co.uk 
Walkfest couldn’t run without support from Guildford Borough Council, Guildford Dragon, C & H Marketing and Surrey Hills Society.  They say a big “thank you” to the organisations and individuals who have contributed to the programme. 

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Portraits of Brotherhood exhibition in Guildford

Round & About

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Head to Guildford House Gallery to enjoy the solo exhibition by Curtis Holder, winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2020, before 28th September

Curtis Holder: Portraits of Brotherhood features a compelling selection of large-scale figurative drawing depicting imitate portrayals of Black men, rendered in vibrant in vibrant coloured pencil on paper.

Drawn from life in conversation with sitters, Curtis Holder’s works offer a multifaceted view of his subjects, exploring identity, masculinity and emotion in the face of society’s stereotypes. “Behind each drawing lies an unspoken narrative that we share in common – stories of conflict, exclusion and vulnerability interwoven with stories of perseverance, creativity and hope,” Curtis says.

Visitors can expect to see more than 20 works on paper, including two monumental room-length drawings, 10 large-scale multi-layered portraits and a selection of exploratory studies in both coloured and graphite pencil.

Exploring the intersection between drawing and dialogue, Curtis Holder’s works emerge from profound engagements with his subjects. “The subjects are men of different ages, backgrounds and occupations including; a dancer, an artist, a photographer, a business owner, a theatre director and a fashion model,” says the artist. “The final drawings reveal something of the inner world of individuals who would otherwise be unlikely to share this deeply personal part of themselves.”

Curtis Holder’s drawings invite viewers to look beyond the surface. As the artist explains: “I feel these works ask the viewer to look closer, not only at the febrile lines that form the figures in my drawings, but also inward at their own perceptions about the people looking back at them.”

Installed within the historic context of Guildford House Gallery, a 17th century Grade 1 listed townhouse, Curtis Holder’s works will be displayed in an intimate space with a rich history.

Guildford Borough Council Heritage Lead, Amanda Hargreaves, says: “We are excited to host this solo show. Especially curated for Guildford House Gallery, this exhibition of Curtis Holder’s dynamic drawings is sure to be a highlight of our 2024 programme. It should be a treat for all art lovers.”

The gallery’s opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

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Join DINOTRAIL at the Friary

Karen Neville

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Roar into summer with the free family event in Guildford from August 5th to September 1st

Dinosaurs will be making a stomping comeback at The Friary’s roarsome summer holiday event DINOTRAIL with an exciting collection of lifelike dinosaur models.

From Monday 5th August until Sunday, 1st September, visitors of all ages will be able to embark on a prehistoric journey, encountering some of the biggest and most formidable creatures to ever walk the earth.

These amazing prehistoric displays will be located throughout Guildford’s biggest shopping centre and will allow dino fans the chance to get up close and personal with all their favourite dinosaurs to include Doris the Dilong Paradoxus, Danny the Deinonychus, Stan the Stegosaurus, Vanessa the Velociraptor and of course the king of the dinosaurs, Tony the T-Rex. Plus, there will also be a display of some adorable baby dinos and hatchlings! 

DINOTRAIL promises to be an unmissable experience for families to create memories and enjoy during the school summer holidays… and it’s absolutely FREE!

As part of this prehistoric adventure, visitors can participate in an engaging trail by collecting a free Dino Fact Sheet available in-centre or also online at the centre’s website. This fun educational activity will challenge young explorers to find out and learn more about each dinosaur while uncovering fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures.

Katie Watt, Centre Manager of The Friary Guildford, said: “We’re delighted to bring the dinos back to The Friary this summer! It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a free, educational experience during the school holidays here in the heart of Guildford. After the success of our summer event ‘Dinos Rock!’ last year, we’re confident this year’s event will once again bring a lot of joy to all dino fans especially the little ones as they interact with these amazing life-like dinosaur models and embark on a thrilling summer adventure.”

DINOTRAIL at The Friary will captivate the minds of both young and old, fostering a love for history, science, and exploration allowing imaginations to take flight like a ptero-dactyl as visitors embark on a prehistoric journey right here in heart of Guildford. It also provides the perfect opportunity to capture a Dino selfie or two!

To find out more about DINOTRAIL visit The Friary Guildford or follow The Friary on social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.

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Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics at Sandown

Liz Nicholls

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Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics with the Essential Orchestra promises a hedonistic night of fun and nostalgia on Friday, 26th July.

A day at the races promises to be more exhilarating than ever before, combining a nail-biting evening of racing followed by full headline performances from some of the UK’s biggest music artists. The line-up this year includes Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics returning with a new set for 2024, legends Madness and beloved pop band McFly.

The iconic DJ Pete Tong reimagines your favourite club tracks with the 65-piece orchestra, coupled with incredible visual effects and the latest in music technology.

Fresh from the triumph of their latest album becoming their first studio UK chart No.1 earlier this year, Madness will headline on Wednesday, 31st July. As well as performing tracks from their new album, their set will include their greatest hits from a career spanning an impressive four decades.

Last but by no means least, McFly will make their long-awaited return to the green, having last visited the course in 2010. Celebrating 21 years as a band, they prepare to play all their hits and fan favourites on Thursday, 8th August.

The world-class racing coupled with the informal, relaxed and inviting open-air setting makes Sandown Park the perfect location to spend a summers evening with your nearest and dearest. To top it off, Sandown Park Racecourse features an array of award-winning restaurants that cater for all tastes, from dine dining through to delicious bistro food.

Founded in 1875, Sandown Park Racecourse has provided the backdrop to some of the greatest moments in horse racing history. A day at the races at Sandown Park has it all with top-level racing throughout the year including the bet365 Jump Finale, Coral-Eclipse Summer Festival and Betfair Tingle Creek Meeting, well as the popular Music Nights.

The much-anticipated series presented by The Jockey Club Live showcases the best in British music in the heart of Esher. Tickets for all shows are available now via https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/live/

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Join bioblitz on Puttenham Common

Round & About

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Hampton Estate invites the local community to free activities as a great way to learn about Surrey’s wonderful wildlife on Sunday, 21st July

Hampton Estate is inviting local people to join wildlife experts including Surrey Wildlife Trust to take part in a ‘bioblitz’ to help identify as many plant and animal species as possible across Puttenham Common.

One of Surrey’s most beautiful and biodiverse habitats, the common is located between Farnham and Guildford and is run by the Hampton Estate, which has a 100-year plan to manage the site for nature and wants as many people as possible to help learn about and conserve local species. As well as inviting people to seek out and record creatures great and small with the aid of nets, magnifying glasses and binoculars, the day will include wildlife walks led by experts and offers people of all ages the chance to learn all about the awesome birds, butterflies, insects, plants, reptiles and conservation grazing cows that call Puttenham Common their home. A range of local conservation organisations will be joining in and offering local people the chance to learn fascinating details about the nature on their doorsteps. They include Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey Bird Club, Surrey Bat Club, West Weald Fungus Group, Surrey Botanical Society, and Surrey Moth Group, and Heathland Connections.

Puttenham Common is a 180-hectare mosaic of habitats including lowland heathland, dry acid grassland, boggy mires, lowland mixed deciduous woodland and wood pasture. Hampton Estate has kept the site open for public enjoyment since 1968, and its 100-year vision for the restoration of its precious habitats places special emphasis on creating additional lowland heathland and wood pasture. Wildlife and flora that depend on healthy, connected mosaic of lowland heathland includes Nightjars, Woodlarks, Nightingales, Silver Studded Blue and Small Heath butterflies, Sand lizards, Serotine Bats, Smooth Cat’s-ear, Shepherd’s Cress, Bog Pimpernel and Bottle Sedge. Hampton Estate’s Nature-Based Solutions Manager Molly Biddell says: “Whether you are a dedicated wildlife geek, have a passing interest in local landscapes or are simply wanting to enjoy time out in nature with your kids, you can have a great time on our bioblitz. Most importantly, by joining in with our survey you’ll be helping us formulate a really effective plan to conserve Puttenham Common for wildlife and people to enjoy for decades – and hopefully centuries – to come.”

Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Space4Nature Project Manager Andrew Jamieson says: “People will only protect what they care about, and this is a wonderful opportunity for people from toddlers to grandparents to nurture a great relationship with the natural world. With lowland heathland now globally rarer than rainforest, the Hampton Estate team is right to put the restoration of this habitat at the top of its to-do list. It’s great that they have chosen to involve local people in helping get a better and more in-depth understanding of what lives there.”

The event is free of charge and runs from 10am to 3pm. To book onto a wildlife walk visit the Hampton Estate website or visit this link. Ample parking is available at Top Car Park, Puttenham Common, Suffield Lane, Surrey GU3 1BG.

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Step out in Haslemere

Round & About

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Haslemere’s annual Walking Festival is back with expertly guided walks exploring the history and wildlife of the area from Friday 12th to Sunday, 14th July as Adaleigh Buckrell writes

Delve into the rich past and exquisite countryside of the area as part of Haslemere Walking Festival which offers a varied programme of free walks around the town centre and its surroundings.

Depending on your choice of walk you might be led at a leisurely pace through the market town’s charming streets, the ponds of Waggoners Wells, or around the Devil’s Punchbowl in the Surrey Hills, one of the UK’s protected National Landscapes.

The joint initiative run by Haslemere Town Council and Visit Haslemere allows everyone to get outside, learn new things and have fun with all the family. Those coming from further afield can easily travel to the town by train or bus to access the beautiful heathland, woods and rolling hills on its doorstep.

All the walks in the festival are led by informative volunteers who are experts in their field and experienced in guiding walks. Local tree warden Clive Davidson invites you to discover the most notable trees in Haslemere and the tallest trees in Surrey. Additionally, you can join local historian Tim Winter if you are keen to learn about Haslemere’s political, artistic and war-time history.

Returning due to popular demand, the wonderful local author and playwright Jo Owen Smith and a supporting cast will bring to life Sir Robert Hunter, one of the founders of the National Trust, and friends. The group will shed light on the fascinating history of Hindhead Common in this dramatised walk.

More drama will be uncovered in John Casey’s historical walk discussing, amongst other things, the murder of a sailor on the Devil’s Punchbowl in 1786 and the 1945 plane crash on Gibbet Hill, the second highest point in Surrey.

Don’t miss out on the new Blue Plaque Trail of Haslemere and Hindhead, led by Chris Harrison from the Haslemere Society. The homes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Viscount Montgomery of Alamein are just two of the remarkable places you would visit, contributing to the richness of the area’s cultural heritage.

Whether you fancy a breath of fresh air to clear your mind, an activity to do with the kids and grandparents, or a longer trail where you can meet friends, old and new, a walk for everybody can be booked online at Haslemere Educational Museum – Art Tickets.

The festival programme with descriptions of the walks and their lengths and challenge levels can also be found at Haslemere Visitor. Further walks will be announced on Facebook when they are finalised, so keep an eye out.

Numbers are limited so do book early. For any enquiries call Visit Haslemere on 01428 645425 or email [email protected]

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