Godalming Photographic Club exhibition

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Featured image by: Mark Rolfe

Godalming Photographic Club are holding their annual summer exhibition at Godalming Museum, July 9th to 27th, showcasing members’ printed and digital images. Mark Rolfe tells us more

Photography has changed dramatically since Godalming Photographic Club was founded in March 1980, but what hasn’t changed over the decades is the friendly, supportive atmosphere aimed at inspiring, informing and involving members.

A group of friends got together more than 40 years ago in the Borough Hall explaining their hopes and intentions. By the end of the evening 30 people had joined. Meetings were held once a month, but this was soon increased to three a month before becoming weekly.

Image by: Brian Houghton

Image by: David Hughes

The new club joined the Surrey Photographic Federation (later to become the Surrey Photographic Association or SPA) and entered its inter-club competitions.

Competitions were seen as a way to increase skills and several trophies were soon provided as awards for the best work. The founding group paid for the Founders’ Plate, awarded to the winner of the series of internal print competitions, and the Woolwich Building Society donated a trophy for the best print at the annual exhibition.

Since its foundation, the club has more than held its own among its peers in the SPA and has won both Open and Nature sections of the annual inter-club competition. The club has also represented the SPA at national inter-club championships organised by The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).

With a subscription income, the club continues to have outside judges for its competitions and expert speakers on a broad range of subjects. Practical workshops, technical sessions and discussion of different aspects of photography are featured. Other events include photographic trips, a Christmas dinner and a summer party.

Members primarily use digital cameras and smartphones and competitions are divided into Print and Projected images, covering themes from Open (any content) to Nature, Landscape, Monochrome, Street and fun topics, such as ‘Match the style of a famous photographer’. Competitions are split into three groups, so everyone can compete at their own level.

GPC meets each Wednesday evening from September to May at Shackleford Village Hall. Come along and experience a meeting with no obligation or contact us for more details via our website. New members are always welcome. For enquiries, see Godalming Photographic Club, Facebook, or Godalming Photographic Club (@gofocal). The exhibition runs Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm at Godalming Museum. Entry free. Some of the photographs will be on sale at modest prices. You can vote for your favourite image.

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Sunny delight at Brooklands’ B Spa!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls visits fully revamped B Spa at Brooklands Hotel in Weybridge where you can enjoy the benefits of sunshine on a deluxe indoor beach

Hello… summer? Are you there!? It looks as though British summertime might have stood us up 🙁 (except for the mini heatwave last week).

But the newly revamped B Spa is here to save your summer!

If we’re honest, going on holiday somewhere scorchio (taking the obligatory sausage leg pic to post on the ‘gram) is radically boosted by knowing it’s soggy back home in Blighty. Right?!

So, picture the scene: you’re lying on your own comfy beach chair, cocktail in hand, soaking up the sunshine like a lizard in front of a sugar-sand beach paradise… while the storm clouds gather outside and rain lashes against the window.

This is exactly what you can enjoy at BSpa which boasts a Sunlight Therapy Room using 100% safe ‘sunlight simulators’ to fully replicate natural sunlight. These generate full-spectrum sunlight with reduced UVA and UVB, full spectrum visible light and infrared heat. Benefits include a boost in Vitamin D and energy, reducing the nasty effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, a stronger immune system, better circulation, eased muscles and a better metabolism…

Which is perfect because the 1907 beach bar will serve you cocktails (thanks Rhys!) & light snacks. Downstairs in the swanky hotel itself the award-winning 1907 restaurant, bar & grill (named after the year the world-famous Brooklands racetrack opened), in a setting inspired by the 1920s & ’30s, the team serve up a mean afternoon tea. They have also earned two AA Rosettes for their hearty breakfasts, Sunday lunches and more, including incredible burners. The windows in both the spa beach, pedicure room and the restaurant face out on to the drivers doing doughnuts on the Mercedes-Benz World track.

But back to the spa which has been lavished in love to provide you with treatments and TLC. Spa experiences start from ÂŁ49pp (the Spa & Dine package includes use of the spa facilities for three hours and either lunch, afternoon tea or dinner which is phenomenal value). The facilities include: a Himalayan salt room, Finnish & infra-red saunas, steam room, ice fountain and hydrotherapy hot tub with Venturi jets.

On one particularly frazzled and dreary Wednesday my skin and muscles were thoroughly spoilt with a Comfort Zone Aromasoul ritual massage which helped work away all that tension. Other fabulous treatments on offer (maybe book your other half for one?) include a Himalayan salt or cranial massage, plus there are wonderful facials to plump up tired and thirsty skin, using products from the deluxe Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone. No wonder the spa is loved by many pamper-seekers, including Chelsea FC players.

Just to add to the relaxation and ensure it lasts beyond your visit, spend some time floating in the Tranquillity Meditation Room…

All in all, a fantastic way to beat the summer blues and top up that mojo without getting on a plane! I’ll see you there – mine’s the middle beach chair!

You can enter our competition here to win an indulgent Brooklands Spa day.

For deals and packages please visit Bspa | Luxury Spa in Weybridge – Brooklands Hotel Surrey

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Summer daze

Round & About

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Holidays are on the horizon so let’s get out and have a good time whatever the weather. There’s fun for all ages to enjoy!

July heralds the start of the school summer hols, weeks of long lazy days lie ahead but there’s plenty to do from trails to follow, games to play, open air entertainment, delve into history, make a splash or go for full on adventure!

Discover family fun at a National Trust place near you this summer. Enjoy games, sports and free family theatre at Hindhead Commons and Frensham Little Pond and garden games and musical fun at Leith Hill Place, take a picnic and enjoy the day. Explore the pirate-themed activities at Hatchlands Park or book your tickets for evening outdoor theatre on the lawn.

Box Hill is also the place to get involved in games, sports and free family theatre. Check the National Trust website for full details and to book if required.

Enjoy a Summer of Play at Polesden Lacey from July 13th to September 8th and on July 19th there’s a display of vintage Rolls Royce cars and children’s pop-up theatre to entertain you.

Back by popular demand, the Pavilion Play will host active games for the whole family at Winkworth Arboretum from July 20th to September 4th and Winkworth Wild Crafts are returning every Wednesday during the summer holidays too.

There’s a jam-packed programme of summer holiday workshops for 5-to 18-year-olds at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from July 24th to August 9th. Budding performers can get involved in musical theatre, circus and dance workshops, or a bumper three-day drama camp. There are also workshops in directing and lighting design, and a robotics workshop for creative minds! You can find out more: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/by-genre/workshop

From tasting the King’s feast, to Tudor music, falconry and jousting displays you’ll have a day out to remember as you travel back to 1533 when Henry & Gertrude Courtenay invited King Henry VIII for a visit to West Horsley Place. There’s the chance to meet Henry VIII from July 29th to August 1st and quiz him on anything you like in a unique experience. Booking essential for the ‘meet & greet’. Find out more and book at Meet Henry VIII | West Horsley Place

Boutique music festival Weyfest is made more special than any other festivals by the setting. This is not a music festival in a muddy field, this is a music festival at the Rural Life Museum in Farnham. What other festival can boast historic buildings, an arboretum, four stages of live music over four days, August 15th-18th, and you can ride round the festival on the railway! Full details and tickets at weyfest.co.uk

Get into the woods and go wild with amazing outdoor experiences for children aged eight to 11 at Painshill Park on selected dates from July 23rd to August 22nd. Full details and booking at Painshill also has a wealth of outdoor theatre for you to enjoy through the summer with Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan on the programme. Find out more and book at Events at Painshill.

‘A truly royal way to travel! For an exceptional day out, head into Windsor town centre and jump on the French Brothers Riverboat. Take in the picturesque River Thames, before enjoying an evening at Royal Windsor Racecourse. Book via windsor-racecourse.co.uk for admission, return riverboat, and two drinks, all from ÂŁ49.50.

Ahoy! Mermaids & Pirates are coming to The Square, Camberley, from July 24th to August 31st. There’ll be children’s shows, pirate and mermaid themed crafts and land lubbers can follow a treasure trail with prizes. Shiver me timbers it’s all free! A play pirate ship will amuse the children in between visiting big brand stores and unique independents. Visit thesqcamberley.co.uk for more information. 

The British Motor Show returns August 15th to 18th, offering a weekend of family fun and amazing experiences in Farnborough. Keep the whole family entertained with an amazing mix of driving experiences, supercars, live arena shows, fairground rides, celebrities and of course, cars. It’s more than just a motor show, it’s family fun redefined! More details and booking at thebritishmotorshow.live/ 

With new areas and luxurious experiences, BSpa at Brooklands Hotel has everything you need to unwind, relax and refresh your mind and body. Prepare to be truly pampered with a variety of state-of-the-art facilities to restore health and wellbeing and treatments offering the perfect balance between innovative and classical therapies. You will leave with your mind and body feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and energised. More at brooklandshotelsurrey.com/bspa/ 

Three Peaks Barfield is known for its action-packed activity parties and are launching the ultimate combat laser tag experience. Get adrenaline-pumping action like never before! The brand-new laser tag parties offer combat laser tag with top-of-the-line equipment for an unforgettable experience. Gear up, strategise, and unleash your inner warrior in the most immersive laser tag arena around. Are you ready to dominate the battlefield? Visit barfieldpst.org/birthday-parties for more information. 

Join The Phoenix, Bordon, for a spectacular weekend of music, dancing, craft workshops and fun in the summer sun on July 6th & 7th. Whether you’re looking for free eco-friendly activities for the kids, a relaxing evening of al fresco classical music or a Sunday session fuelled by a gang of rowdy sailors, The Phoenix Arts Festival has it all, phoenixarts.co.uk 

Grab your picnic gear and enjoy the glorious grounds of South Hill Park this summer for relaxed, outdoor theatre fun. There is something for all ages this summer with The Gondoliers on Friday, 26th July. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, Friday, 2nd August and The Railway Children on Friday, 16th August. More details & to book visit southhillpark.org.uk/whats-on/shows-events/ 

Become a heritage trail explorer at The Vyne for the day. Everywhere you look there’s archaeological evidence to be found. See what you can find using a free spotter sheet available at reception, July 13th to 28th.  

Illyria perform the much-loved family story The Adventures of Dr Doolittle on July 12th when Dr Dolittle learns how to talk to animals. He embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals. Booking essential, visit ticketsource.co.uk/illyria 

The Festival of Archaeology returns this year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of The Council of British Archaeology and this year’s theme is community. Go along to Hinton Ampner for finds handling, excavation activities, tours, geophysics demos and much more, July 13th to 28th. 

Mottisfont has a charming exhibition and activity trail running from July 20th to September 29th of John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories. Discover over 60 original illustrations including favourite stories and characters such as Mr Gumpy, Avocado Baby, and Oi! Get Off Our Train! There are comfy reading zones for kids to snuggle into with a book, colourful blown-up scenes for family photos, and dressing up inspiration. Look out for the life-size ‘magic’ bed that transports young imaginations to far away worlds, inspired by Burningham’s classic story The Magic Bed. An energetic activity trail weaves through Mottisfont’s gardens, introducing families to more characters, with games and challenges to complete. ÂŁ3 per trail. 

Roll up, roll up and have fun at Hinton Ampner’s summer of circus from July 20th to September 1st. Have a go at circus yoga and show off your flexibility, wander down Circus Street and guess who lives behind each door and test your skills on the South Lawn where you will find juggling, balancing and hooping challenges to test your big top talents! 

For an energetic day out, all ages can enjoy bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens at The Vyne throughout the summer holidays, July 24th to September 1st. 

Pack up your picnic rug or camping chair and find your spot to enjoy outdoor cinema at The Vyne. Choose from Pretty Woman, August 1st; join the Grease sing-a-long on 2nd; The Greatest Showman sing-a-along on 3rd and Top Gun on 4th. Booking essential for these, details at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events 

Get your tickets for The South Downs Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park for awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows, animal petting zoo, children’s rides and fun zone, country life stalls, beer tent and catering with live music and much much more
 on  August 10th – 11th. More details and tickets at southdownsshow.com/ 

Enjoy a day out with Thomas & Friends on The Watercress Line in Alresford, August 21st to 25th. Take a ride behind Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters, and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement! New this year are two Rusty & Dusty outdoor entertainment shows with Sir Topham Hatt, Percy, Diesel and Toad. Terence the Tractor will be visiting too. Book at watercressline.co.uk/special-days/day-out-with-thomas/ 

This summer at The Shed expect loads of free kids’ activities, a free family friendly music festival, a beer festival with live music and a whole host of delicious treats to keep everyone happy. With free parking for two hours during the day (and after 6pm) as well as a lovely park for picnics and a play area for the kids, The Shed always has something on offer for those ‘what shall we do days?’ More at theshedwb.com  

The mini children’s festival of curiosity, Fiesta, is back between 13th July and 2nd September at Winchester Science Centre and this time Olympic and Paralympic fever has hit. Outside, join the fun family Bug Olympics activity that will see families and groups of friends take on the bugs of the South Downs and beyond by competing in some Olympic and Paralympic inspired events. There will also be a chance for children to create their own opening and closing ceremony inspired by the stunning natural environment of the South Downs. Back inside, families will be able to delve into the curious world of our bodies in The Science of Us zone and during a brand new live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise. 

Start the summer holidays off at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens. The Selborne attraction will be celebrating Gilbert White’s 304th birthday with free admission for one day only on the 20th July between 10.30am and 5pm. The museum becomes a festival that evening with UK Fleetwood Mac, a polished band of experienced and accomplished musicians who come together to create the perfect homage to everyone’s favourite 70s rock band. With a remarkable sound, authentic look, and set-list jam packed with hits from Dreams to The Chain you’ll be singing Don’t Stop before you know it! Join family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready for the party of a lifetime at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens. Tickets and further details at gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk 

Enjoy your summer however you spend it! 

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Fresh & fabulous farm shops

Round & About

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Summer is the perfect season to sample the fare and flavours at your local farm shop, not only are you shopping local and supporting homegrown growers but you’ll be helping the environment too

Farm shops are a feast for the senses from the fashion show of fruit and veg, succulent juicy meat, richly flavoured cheese and bread so fresh you can smell it as you walk through the door, what’s not to love! 

Add in the high-quality fare is locally produced, often right on the doorstep, and you’re helping to protect the environment, boast personal service and by shopping there you are supporting local small businesses and everyone’s a winner. 

Farm shops help produce a strong sense of community with many offering pick your own options, delis and cafes to enjoy on site and with produce available at local farmers’ markets shopping for healthy and nutritious food has never been easier. 

The family-run business at Dunnocks Farm Shop & Deli, Whipley Manor Farm, Palmers Cross, Bramley GU5 0LL, goes out of its way to support small, independent producers. The array of British made products even includes Good Taste award crisps! Find organic and vegan produce, local meats, cheeses, gift hampers, condiments, ready-to-bake pastries, pasta, rice and eco-friendly bio cleaning products. And they’ll deliver locally too. 

Fresh free range eggs and local honey, homemade jams, chutneys and pickles are just some of the produce to tempt you into Elm Nursery, Sutton Green Road, Guildford GU4 7QD, where you’ll also enjoy a wide range of gifts, treats, children’s presents, foodie treats, cards and more! Where else could you pick up produce from The Garlic Farm in the Isle of Wight and luxury wool alpaca socks as well as a selection of cakes, snacks and delicious Marshfields ice cream? 

If the thought of taking home freshly cooked bread while it’s still warm has you salivating, then drop into Frensham Garden Centre Farm Shop, The Reeds Road, Frensham GU10 3BP, where you’ll also find locally sourced jams and preserves to spread lavishly on top. There are more than 20 flavours of delicious pie which along with Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, samosas, and much more should ensure something for every palate. Need a drink to go with it? Try one of the many wines and ales. It doesn’t get more local than the award-winning Hogs Back T.E.A Ale. All you need for the perfect picnic. 

“Our fruit and vegetables are carefully selected from the most local quality growers we can find. Our meat, fish, eggs and dairy meet strict sustainability and animal welfare standards. Our breads, pies, quiches and cakes are locally baked and are absolutely delicious,” says Noel of Noel’s Farm Shop, Sutton Green, Woking GU4 7QB. The shop also offers an increased range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options and you can take along your own containers for sustainable refills too. Order online and collect or take advantage of delivery. 

Ripley Farm Shop in Portsmouth Road GU23 6EY offers products from local businesses, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit, handmade traditional pasties and quiches from their West Sussex farm, dairy products such as cottage cheese, and other locally-sourced products. Pop into the garden centre for plants while visiting. 

‘One of the best gourmet food destinations in the region’ is an accolade held by Secretts of Milford at Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford GU8 5HU for its gourmet and everyday foods and ingredients, many locally sourced. They are known as one of the leading vegetable and salad crop growers in Surrey and supply many of the area’s leading restaurants. Choose from more than 300 cheeses (heaven) and the craft gin and beer selection are also a hit. With an onsite butchers, tea room, English wine merchant and ethical clothing and gift shop, extensive grounds perfect for summer picnics and leisurely strolls as well as pick your own, it’s a fabulous day out. 

Pop in for one thing at Applegarth Farm, Headley Road, Grayshott, GU26 6JL and you’ll leave with a shopping bag full of delights from the deli – there’s charcuterie, sausage rolls, antipasto, salads and a range of other tasty treats ready for you to enjoy at home. An ‘extended family’ of artisan suppliers and producers brings some of the freshest produce with cheeses from independent makers, home-made cakes, sweets, artisan breads, chutneys, jams and more. 

Healthy fresh produce is grown on the 200-acre family-owned farm in Kingsley, Bordon GU35 0QP, where at the Country Market, Malthouse & Osborne Farms you’ll be surrounded by specialist fine foods and eco essentials. The multiple award-winning Owtons Butchery, freshly baked handmade breads and cakes from the artisan Good Taste Bakery, the best independent wines from The General Wine Company and of course, local produce, all make up the fine fare to shop. 

The shop at Durleighmarsh is at the heart of the farm providing seasonal freshly picked fruit and vegetables direct from their crops in Petersfield GU31 5AX alongside a wide range of delicious goods from local producers. Fresh bread and pastries, meat and fish, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices and so much more are stocked and at this time of year look out for hand-picked seasonal produce, in particular the extremely popular asparagus and strawberries. 

If Luff’s Farm Shop don’t grow the fruit and vegetables themselves at Headley, Bordon GU35 0PB, they buy from carefully chosen suppliers to ensure they can offer everything from potatoes and parsnips to carrots, cabbages and more, all fresh and full of flavour. Crisp apples, juicy peaches, sweet berries and zesty citrus fruits line the shelves. 

Fill your own milk bottles from the milk vending machine at Sky Park Farm, West Harting, Petersfield GU31 5PT, where you can even add your own milkshake flavour. The milk comes from a dairy herd grazing across the road so you can’t get much fresher. Many of their suppliers are located within a 30-mile radius so why not take home some deli meats, cheeses and dishes freshly prepared in the kitchen. Frozen meals are also available, all ‘made in our kitchen’.  

Just over 90 per cent of sales at West Lea Farm Shop, Ladycroft, Alresford SO24 0QS are sourced from producers within a few miles of the family run shop, from the smallest grower of runner beans to much larger local businesses squishing apples into a whole range of juices. In addition to watercress beds, there are veg, flowers, freshly baked bread, candles, chocolates and trout to enjoy too. West Lea Farm Shop has recently been crowned Champion in the regional Countryside Alliance Awards in the South East of England, thanks to customers’ votes. As we went to press they were awaiting their fate in the grand final.  

Find more shops near you and if you’re elsewhere on holiday this summer check out those locally at fabulousfarmshops.co.uk 

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Bells and beers for Pilgrim Morris

Round & About

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The cheery sight and sound of morris dancers is a sure sign of summer, so make sure you catch Pilgrim Morris this season

Pilgrim Morris of Guildford were established in 1972 and dance a variety of traditions in the Cotswold style, generally dancing around Surrey and north-east Hampshire during the summer season.

After kicking off the season on St George’s Day as one of the guest sides on a walking tour of Odiham, Pilgrim Morris followed up with the ever popular Summerpole event on Guildford High Street – perhaps you enjoyed their dancing last month?

There is a full schedule of events for the summer season that can be found on the Pilgrim Morris website with some of the highlights for the coming year being the Walking Tour of Windsor dancing as guests of Windsor Morris in the streets of the historic town on Saturday, 29th June and the Albury Produce Show on Saturday, 20th July as well as numerous pubs this month and next.

Pilgrim Morris always welcome new members so if you fancy giving it a go, come along during the Practice Season (October to April). We practice at Holy Trinity Junior School, Addison Road, Guildford, on Wednesday evenings between 8pm and 10pm.

Being a Pilgrim is about more than dancing: we normally have a music session after our pub gigs and the team has a strong social side. We also present the traditional Guildford Mummers Play on Twelfth Night (January 6th) in the oldest pubs in Guildford town. Please come to one of our events this summer and join in the fun.

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Surrey Police Band Concert

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Head along to Godalming Borough Hall, GU7 1HR, for an evening of music with the Surrey Police Band in support of the Army Benevolent Fund.

On Sunday, 23rd June take your family and friends along to this evening of music that promises to suit all taste, as well as enjoying the licensed bar and raffle.

Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are ÂŁ15 each (including service fee), children under 12 free. Free parking is available at this event.

Why not visit the Surrey Police Band website to find out more about this organisation and their accomplishments over the years?

The band and organisers would like to thank everyone for their continued support of the Army Benevolent Fund.

To find out more and purchase tickets, visit the website.

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Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Round & About

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You’ll find him and Juliet in Guildford Castle Gardens and seven other town locations

This summer one of greatest of all love stories will explode onto the streets of Guildford.

For three weeks, June 21st to July 13th, Guildford Shakespeare Company is closing the High Street every evening to bring to life the passion and excitement of Shakespeare’s impulsive star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. In a society fuelled by greed and entitlement, can their fragile vision of a better world survive their families’ ruthless feud?

Featuring, amongst others, the iconic Guildhall balcony, historic Abbot’s Hospital and stylish Tunsgate Quarter you will follow the action as the story unfolds, ending in the stunning Castle Gardens. You will walk roughly 1,500m from Holy Trinity Church down the High Street to Tunsgate Quarter, and back again. Scenes will unfold as you move with the action. Stewards will be on hand. The second half of the performance will be static in the Castle Gardens, around the Bandstand.

GSC’s professional cast will also be joined by a community ensemble of adults and young people. The Youth Ensemble will form the street of gangs of Montagues and Capulets and come from three local schools and GSC’s own GSC Saturdays. The Adult Ensemble of community actors are the guest at Capulets’ masked ball.

Join GSC for a truly unique telling of Shakespeare’s heart breaking tale, as they continue their 18th birthday celebrations this year.

Romeo & Juliet also has two static performances on June 29th and July 13th. Book tickets at Tickets – Guildford Shakespeare Company.

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Mad about the blooms

Karen Neville

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Summer is on the horizon bringing with it warmer days, hopefully plenty of sun and the glorious sight and scent of roses blossoming and spreading their joy

Our most popular flower is rich in symbolism and history featuring in literature, music, heritage, as our national flower, in skin care products and as the emblem for many sports teams.

Classic and instantly recognisable, they are ideal for almost every style of garden, flowering abundantly from early summer in pastel shades of pink, peach, cream or snowy-white; vibrant yellow and gold; orange, crimson and red.

And as any gardener will tell you, there are a few essential rose rules to ensure ‘everything comes up roses’.

Round & About gardening expert Cathie Welch will tell you “It’s all in the pruning!” and advises “before you prune, know your rose type and sharpen your secateurs to avoid damage.”

She adds: “Make sure you cut correctly in the right place. Dead heading throughout the summer and winter pruning should all be cut to ideally pencil thickness growth to encourage more flowers. Cut out dead and weak growths as well as congested growth and don’t forget the suckers which come from the wild rootstock.”

Ramblers are in full bloom at this time of year and to ensure an attractive abundance in future, she says: “After flowering has finished prune out some of the flowered shoots and tie in the annoying long ones that you have wanted to cut off because these will produce next year’s flowers.”

And remember to dead head throughout the summer.

If you prefer to admire the beauty of roses and take in the rich fragrance from someone else’s handiwork there are plenty of gorgeous English gardens full of stately blooms.

There are more than a thousand Old English rose bushes to take in at Loseley Park, Guildford which can be seen at their best at this of year. Nearby at RHS Wisley, the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden boasts a contemporary design combining roses with evergreen shrubs, herbaceous plants, bulbs and clipped yews. Look out for some spectacular blooms into autumn.

Visit The Six Quarters at Gilbert White’s House in Selborne and be greeted by summer beds containing different species of old rose planted in among lavender, geraniums, dianthus, foxglove and columbine.

You’d expect the National Trust to offer up some of the best gardens to wander through and these don’t disappoint. There’s A Celebration of Roses at Polesden Lacey, June 8th to July 14th, where the walled gardens hold more than 35 varieties and over 100 rambling roses form tunnels of petals over the pergola leading to the central wishing well. Bright yellow blooms mix with more subtle pale pinks. The celebration offers the opportunity to learn more about the blooms, the garden’s history and the work that goes into maintaining it. View metal rose installations made by charity the Camelia Botnar Foundation which provides residential training and work experience to young people. The roses in the installation are for sale and can be collected after the celebration has finished.

The Rose Garden at Nymans in Sussex boasts more than 600 bushes – their heady scent carries a long way, notably on a warm summer’s day, mingling with the lavendar.

The more than 100 varieties blooming at Hinton Ampner near Alresford are sure to feature in the Festival of Flowers from June 8th to 30th which celebrates the art of flower arranging as part of Hinton in Bloom: Summer where you can wind your way through the walled garden to the parterre, look for the rose motifs and breathe in their scent throughout the month.

The walled gardens at Mottisfont near Romsey are home to a collection of pre-1900 shrub roses. This year, Mottisfont is marking 50 years since the collection was brought to the grounds to be enjoyed by all and how they are preparing for climate challenges of the future. The gardens are open until 8pm through to June 29th affording longer for you to appreciate them and on 7th, 14th and 21st you can enjoy live jazz, wine tastings and wine for sale from award-winning Hampshire vineyard Black Chalk.

Take in the scent of the contemporary Rose Garden with its viewing platform overlooking the roses as well as the garden beyond at Savill Garden and immerse yourself in the old fashioned scented French musk roses inter-planted with a wide range of shrubs and perennials.

The start of July brings the glorious Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, 2nd to 7th, where you can’t fail to be inspired by the beautiful show gardens and ‘get started’ gardens created by new designers with innovative ideas, beautiful plants and detailed landscaping.

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Hogs Back celebrates the hops

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Hogs Back Brewery blesses hop garden and continues ‘beating the bounds’ tradition

Hogs Back Brewery has held its annual Hop Blessing at its brewery and hop garden in Tongham to encourage a bountiful harvest.

Around 100 people gathered in the evening sunshine to enjoy the ceremony and the ‘beating the bounds’ walk, back as part of the event for a second year.

The Hop Blessing took place on Ascension Day (9th May), the day on which crop blessings were traditionally held for centuries. Rev Claire Holt, of St Paul’s Church in Tongham, blessed the crops and, with Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson, led guests on the walk around the 8.5-acre hop garden.

Image: Guests raise a glass at the Hogs Back Brewery Hop Blessing with managing director Rupert Thompson and Rev. Claire Holt 

Image: Rev. Claire Holt with Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson and brewery dog Basil

Blessings of crops was observed in rural communities and Hogs Back revived the tradition in 2014 when they planted their original hop garden over the road from the brewery and continued it when they relocated to the current, larger site. Currently, the 6,000 hop plants in the Hogs Back garden are climbing up strings, spurred by the recent rainfall, and the brewery is hoping for an ample crop to harvest in late August.

Rev Holt said: “Blessing the Hogs Back hop garden continues a tradition that would certainly have been part of the cycle of hop growing in Farnham for centuries. It gave me great joy to lead the prayers for the Hogs Back hop garden, the brewery, and all who work in them, for this year and long into the future.”

Thompson said: “The Hop Blessing is always a wonderful event, bringing together the local community to remember how important hop farming was to this region. We’re grateful, as ever, to Claire for blessing our hops and delighted to see so many people enjoying the ‘beating the bounds’ walk and a pint or two back at the brewery.”

The Hop Blessing has always been a free event but this year guests were asked to make a donation of ÂŁ5 to British Heart Foundation, the brewery’s chosen charity for 2024. Hogs Back will be fundraising all year for BHF, especially at the Hop Harvest celebrations in September.

With the hops blessed, the Hogs Back team will now be tending the bines carefully until harvest. Three varieties are being grown: Fuggles – used in the brewer’s flagship Tongham TEA ale; English Cascade – used in its Hogstar lager; and Farnham White Bine – a local variety that Hogs Back revived from near-extinction.

Hogs Back’s Hop Harvest celebrations take place from 13th to 15th September, starting with a ‘Roots’ session featuring original music on the Friday, followed by a musical festival style event on the Saturday and a more family-friendly TEA Party on the Sunday. Tickets are available on the Hogs Back website.

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Maestro Matthew Taylor of Farnham Sinfonia

Round & About

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Diana Martin tells us more about Matthew Taylor, the man behind Farnham Sinfonia

There really couldn’t be a better time to write an article on local composer and conductor Matthew Taylor, for the Oscar nominated Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro is due to show at Farnham Maltings in February
Matthew was one of Bernstein’s protĂ©gĂ©es! 

Bernstein, who is known for composing one of the most successful musicals ever, West Side Story, had an inspired conducting style which led to his big break conducting the New York Philharmonic in 1943. He was one of the first American-born conductors to lead world-class orchestras and achieve success globally. Maestro tells the audience of Bernstein’s complex life, his musical fame and his marriage.

During his twenties Matthew was selected by Bernstein as one of three conductors to attend the Schleswig Holstein Musik Festival – when young musicians from all over the world are given the opportunity to study and perform great works from the orchestral literature with famous conductors.   During the summer Matthew continued to conduct concerts with Bernstein in Northern Germany. Matthew was a friend of Bernstein’s until his death in 1990.  He recalls with amusement Bernstein’s ability to put young musicians at ease by reciting limericks, some of which were quite risquĂ©.

Matthew felt a passion for music at a very young age when his father would play Beethoven to keep him amused rather than playing nursery rhymes.  This led to his lifelong enthusiasm with music as he became both a conductor and composer.  He says, ‘Beethoven has always been central to all my thought processes as a composer.  I still find more life force in his work than in any living composer.’

Over the years, Matthew has appeared as Guest Conductor with many renowned orchestras both at home and abroad and which included many first performance pieces by Robert Simpson, Vagn Holmboe, David Matthews and James Francis Brown.  Matthew has also held significant roles such as Artistic Directorships, Composer in Residence and Lecturer in Composition at the Royal Academy of Music.  He currently works at the Yehudi Menuhin School, supporting the development of his students.

Matthew’s recent work includes his 6th Symphony which was commissioned by the family of Malcom Arnold for the composer’s centenary celebrations. Matthew has long been an advocate for Malcolm Arnold’s music. This work will be broadcast later this year with Matthew conducting the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Having moved to Farnham in 2010, a town that he considered home to many artistic people, Matthew decided to form an orchestra and the Farnham Sinfonia was born. Over time, his vision became a reality, and the orchestra nurtures the next generation of musical talent by inviting young aspiring musicians to perform solo with a professional orchestra. This is a unique proposition for the students and graduates alike and underlines Matthew’s enthusiasm to promote young talent.

Sinfonia’s Outreach programme includes Matthew and Lead Violinist Elizabeth Cooney visiting local schools and colleges to fill the gaps in musical education. Matthew is keen to impart his musical abilities with the rising stars of the future as well as nurturing the orchestra to its full potential.

The next concert is on Saturday, 23 March at 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Farnham.

Mahler – (theme from Death in Venice)

Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 2 and Two Romances

Schumann – Fairytale (for Viola)

Hindemith – Trauermusik

Piazzolla – Spring

For further information on Farnham Sinfonia (CIO), please go to their website

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