Round & About Magazine

Tag: surrey

  • Dorking schoolboy in Tom Hanks film

    Dorking schoolboy in Tom Hanks film

    Karen Neville

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    From Dorking to Hollywood: Finn Guegan to appear in new Tom Hanks blockbuster, with special screening at Dorking Halls on Sunday 19th January

    Not many boys from a small Surrey village are able to say that they have appeared alongside Tom Hanks in a Hollywood film, but that is exactly what Finn Guegan can claim.

    Finn, aged 14 from Westcott, is set to star in the new drama film ‘Here’ directed by Robert Zemeckis (Director of Back To The Future, Forrest Gump and Cast Away) being released across the UK this week.

    Finn, who plays Young Richard in the new film, grew up around the Dorking area from the age of three, living in Betchworth and now Westcott, having attended St Martin’s and today The Ashcombe School in Dorking, where he is studying GCSE Drama alongside other subjects.

    Having gotten into acting via family friends who run an actors’ agency, Shack Artists, who now manage his acting work, Finn has previously appeared in crime drama Grace on ITV and science fiction dystopian drama Silo on Apple TV, before going on to film Here alongside Tom Hanks, Paul Bettany and Robin Wright.

    Based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire and told in a nonlinear fashion, Here is the story of a single piece of land and its inhabitants throughout time and across generations. From the distant past through to the 21st century, Here captures the human experience in a tale of love, loss, laughter and life, often featuring events from different time periods simultaneously in multiple panes on screen.

    Speaking about his time filming Here, Finn says: “I had an amazing experience filming Here at Pinewood Studios and I even got to meet Tom Hanks, who was lovely. I can’t wait to finally see the finished film at Dorking Halls.”

    To mark the release of the film, Finn will be hosting a special screening of Here at Dorking Halls, the art deco theatre and cinema venue of Reigate Road, on Sunday, 19th January where he will provide a short introduction to the film with a hosted Q&A with more about his experience filming, his acting work and path from Dorking to the big screen.

    Looking ahead to the hosted screening on Sunday, Keith Garrow, Dorking Halls General Manager, says: “We are delighted to have the chance to welcome Finn and his family for the special screening of Here at Dorking Halls. To have a local connection to the film makes it extra special and we are very proud of Finn’s role in the new blockbuster – we are sure it is just the start of his glittering film career!”

    The special screening of Here, with an introduction by Finn Guegan, will take place at 8pm on Sunday 19th January at Dorking Halls with tickets now on general sale. The film will then run at the Dorking Halls’ Cinema from Monday 20th January.

    To book tickets for Here at Dorking Halls, call the Box Office on 01306 881717 or visit https://www.dorkinghalls.co.uk/whats-on/film-list

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  • Local care home marks century celebrations

    Local care home marks century celebrations

    Round & About

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    Celebrations have been in full swing at Corrina Lodge Nursing Home, as one of its residents reaches his centenary in style

    Ken was joined by family, friends, staff and fellow residents as he received a telegram from the King in recognition of his landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a selection of delicious cupcakes made by the home’s chef Kathleen.

    Ken was Born in Leeds in January 1925. Before starting his new chapter of his life at Corrina Lodge Care Home, Ken and his wife Sylvia, lived locally and were residents locally in Heatherside since 1970.

    After a Napier apprenticeship in Acton, having previously worked as a 15yr old on Spitfires part at Hendon, and managing an Anti-Aircraft Battery in Gunnersbury Park, he attended Loughborough College to complete his education. He spent a year at the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in Abadan (Iran), then worked as a Mechanical Engineer for EMI. He then joined the Medical Research Council Unit at Hammersmith Hospital.

    After retiring he was a volunteer at the Army Logistics Museum in Deepcut and the Parachute Regiment in Aldershot.

    Ken, took all the celebrations in his stride and has thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories from his life with everyone. Among those relatives attending was Ken’s three children Susan, Andy, Kate, his five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

    Speaking about her centenarian Dad, daughter Susan said “during this time talking to Dad I have found out so many new stories I have never heard before and even about people I didn’t know about and it is wonderful to listen to Dad speak about his life. We are all so incredibly proud of Dad and all he has achieved in his hundred years, and it’s wonderful to be with him on this very special day to say just how proud he makes us feel.”

    Dumitru Varzaru General Manager or Barchester Corrina Lodge added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable Ken as he reaches this amazing milestone.

    Corrina Lodge Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Corrina provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 58 residents from respite care to long term stays.

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  • Godalming Operatic Society celebrates 100 years

    Godalming Operatic Society celebrates 100 years

    Karen Neville

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    Enjoy the splendour of Gilbert and Sullivan with Godalming Operatic Society’s production of The Yeoman of The Guard, February 19th to 23rd at Godalming Borough Hall

    Godalming Operatic Society is going back to where it started to celebrate its centenary with its upcoming show The Yeoman of The Guard. 

    Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading Gilbert and Sullivan societies, GOS was founded in 1924 and had its first production, The Yeomen of the Guard, on February 19th, 1925. Now exactly 100 years later, February 19th, 2025, the curtain will rise again. 

    Set in the Tower of London, The Yeoman of The Guard tells of the arrival of a travelling troupe of performers sparking forbidden romances, fantastical plots and unrequited love. It’s full of delightful tunes including When a Wooer goes a-Wooing, and Free from his fetters grim. 

    Yeomen is considered by many to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, a view also expressed by both of them. Darker than many of the other G&S operas, the pathos is well balanced by much joyous and colourful music which ‘bubbles with wit and good humour’. 

    This special production will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, this year expanded to 24 players, under the direction of Musical Director, David Wright. The production will be fully staged with spectacular costumes and scenery. 

    With the exception of the war and Covid, Godalming Operatic Society has put on a major Gilbert and Sullivan production every year, including the more rarely performed works such as The Grand Duke and Utopia Ltd. 

    In addition to a fully-staged opera each February, in June or July they put on a smaller scale work, often at a smaller local venue such as the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming. Previous summer productions range from a concert version of Aida to The Zoo by Arthur Sullivan and most recently the 2019 Summer concert A Night at the Opera featuring a wonderful selection of grand opera arias, ensembles and chorus pieces. 

    Over the years the Society has won many awards and accolades from NODA for its productions, costumes and more. 

    New members are always very welcome. Previous experience is not necessary – it is enthusiasm that counts! The Society has a very active social side too with regular events and trips to see other shows, supporting other amateur operatic and musical theatre groups in the local area and further afield. The first point of contact is Chairman, Lee Power, at: chairman@godalmingoperatic.org 

    To book tickets for Godalming Borough Hall, February 19th to 23rd, please go to Godalming Operatic Society event tickets or call 0333 6663366. 

    The Yeomen of the Guard will also run February 27th to March 1st at The Leatherhead Theatre. Visit The Leatherhead Theatre or phone 01372 365141. 

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  • Join Alton Runners this new year

    Join Alton Runners this new year

    Karen Neville

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    If ‘start running’ is one of your New Year’s Resolutions, read on! Running coach, Fran Light, from Alton Runners tells us how to get into running and how to keep running 

    In seven years coaching beginner runners, one rule I have found to be true is ‘keep it fun and you will continue to run’.  

    Websites offer training programmes and valuable tips on techniques, well worth a look, but if you don’t enjoy running, you will stop, so here’s how you can make your running journey a happy, joyful one. 

    Every run is a gift

    Even on days when you’re not feeling it, a run can add a little joy to your day, perhaps you spot something new, see a particularly adorable dog, a crochet post box topper, or a stunning sunset. You might just enjoy being out in the fresh air or having time to yourself. Look for the positive. Treat every run as a gift, rather than a chore, and you’ll feel enriched and happy.  

    Mix it up!

    Establishing a running routine is a good idea but can lead to boredom. Add some variety and you’ll be less likely to lose your running mojo. Try different routes. Run your ‘go to’ route in reverse. Add some side roads. If you normally zone out listening to music, leave your headphones at home and engage with your surroundings. Run at a different time of day. Set yourself fun challenges, say a cheery hello to at least five passers-by, or find five different coloured doors.   

    Buddy up

    We all have days when a solo run is what we need, but similarly, some days it’s good to chat. Joining a running club (Alton details below) is one way to meet new running buddies. You could also pair up with a friend who runs. It’s unlikely you will both naturally run at exactly the same pace, so agree to run at a pace comfortable for you both. 

    Banish negative self-talk

    Banish phrases like “I should go for a run”. Start saying “I want to go for a run” instead (even if you don’t) and soon you’ll be feeling it as well as saying it.  

    Look after yourself

    Running isn’t fun if it hurts, so increase your chances of staying injury and niggle-free by cross-training, taking rest days and doing a warm-up before every run and a cool-down afterwards. Take it slow and steady, and most importantly, just enjoy it! 

    About Alton Runners

    Alton Runners is a friendly and inclusive running club located in Alton, Hampshire, welcoming runners of all abilities. Whether you’re looking to get fit, achieve a personal best at a parkrun, or train for a marathon, we have something for everyone. 

    We participate in the Hampshire Road Race League and the Southern Cross Country League. 

    Join us for training sessions twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, typically at Jubilee Fields and Anstey Park.  

    Fran’s speciality is teaching beginners via the Club’s Alton Rookie Runners programme. For more information visit the Alton Runners website: Alton Runners

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  • Surrey Wildlife Big Give Christmas Challenge

    Surrey Wildlife Big Give Christmas Challenge

    Image: Vaughn Matthews

    Karen Neville

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    Help Surrey’s nature bounce back this Christmas – world-beating heathland habitats need your help and every donation will be doubled this December

    Wildlife lovers in Surrey can make a gift with double the impact this Christmas, thanks to an appeal by Surrey Wildlife Trust with the backing on the philanthropic Big Give Christmas Challenge.

    Surrey Wildlife Trust’s 100 for Heathlands Campaign – part of its urgent Save Surrey’s Nature appeal – is aiming to raise £100,000 for our county’s rare and threatened heathland environments – habitats that support a huge range of animal and plant life that can’t thrive elsewhere, from Nightjars and Sand Lizards to wildflowers, butterflies and the small-but-ferocious Heath Tiger Beetle.

    Image: Nick Upton

    From midday on Tuesday 3rd December to midday on Tuesday 10th December, contributions from members of the public up to a total of £25,000 will be doubled by a match funding pot of £25,000, made up of £12,500 from Big Give Champions and £12,5000 from pledgers Kia UK – potentially enabling SWT to raise a total of £50,000 towards its target.

    Sadly, more than 86 per cent of Surrey’s lowland heathlands have been lost in the last two centuries, with those that remain requiring careful management to survive the impact of climate change, pollution, the over-growth of dominant plants and excessive development. As well as working with volunteers, conservation experts and local communities to keep Surrey’s heaths in top condition, SWT wants to create new corridors of good habitat to make Surrey’s landscapes more resilient, help wildlife find safe places to live and prevent the fragmentation of these special places.

    The Trust is even exploring the reintroduction of native species like Beavers, Black Grouse and Red Deer to restore heathland ecosystems to their full potential for wildlife and people, and plans to carry thorough studies to assess the feasibility of these initiatives.

    Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Director of Reserves Management James Herd, who leads conservation work on heaths including Barossa, Pirbright Ranges, Whitmoor Common and Chobham Common says: “Helping protect our beautiful local heathlands is a great way to create some good news this Christmas. Nature faces immense challenges, but we have big plans to turn things around. If we all do what we can for the places we care about, we can ensure that wildlife has a secure home for generations to come – and that will be good for every one of us.”

    What your donation can do:

    £10 helps maintain areas of bare ground on heathland reserves to benefit insects and reptiles. 

    £25 pays for a conservation grazing animal to graze a site for a week, keeping it in good condition for nature. 

    £36 will pay for a habitat survey to ensure we are doing the right thing for particular species. 

    £165 pays for one hectare of heathland management on Whitmoor common. 

    £300 pays for a tree popper, an important piece of equipment for scrub clearance used by Reserve officers and volunteer groups. 

    £1,200 pays for 4 hectares of heathland restoration and management on Chobham common.

    Donate and find out more about Save Surrey’s Nature and the 100 for Heathlands appeal at www.surreywildlifetrust.org/save-nature

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  • Sensory delights at West Horsley Place

    Sensory delights at West Horsley Place

    Karen Neville

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    West Horsley Place is sharing the benefits and beauty of the estate with everyone in the community with the opening of a new sensory garden

    The peaceful and beautiful sensory garden at West Horsley Place has been designed to be as accessible as possible to all.

    In creating the garden, a group of blind and partially-blind people and members of their access panel who face a variety of different access barriers, were consulted.

    The design included raised beds to bring plants closer to people, colours that help create contrast and ‘banks of smells’, as well as benches and places for sitting and reflecting.

    The West Horsley Place team, which includes a dedicated group of gardening volunteers, worked for six months to transform the neglected patch of ground into a charming space. Plants were transported and propagated from the existing collection and materials were all recycled from the wider estate.   

    Over the last few years, West Horsley Place, the ancient Manor House where the BBC series Ghosts was filmed, has started opening to the public with an exciting programme of tours, workshops and performances. In Oct ober 2022, they announced a two-year project funded by the National Heritage Lottery called Heritage Without Barriers. This project has helped them to fulfil their aim to improve people’s wellbeing with access to culture, heritage and nature.  

    The sensory garden, which was opened by the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker, pictured, is part of that project. It has also been supported by Surrey Gardens Trust, West Horsley Parish Council, East Horsley Parish Council, the Stevenson Family Trust, the Banister Charity Trust, the Horsley Community Fund and other charitable donors.  

    The Trust’s Director, Ilona Harris said: “We would like to thank the National Heritage Lottery Fund and our generous supporters for making this project possible. We are proud custodians of a 400-acre estate that is free for people to enjoy. It is wonderful to now have a space which is accessible and brings the benefits and beauty of that estate to everyone in our community. We hope you will come and enjoy it soon.”   

    West Horsley Place is a Grade I listed medieval manor house and estate, the house dates from 1425, though there has been a building on site since Saxon times. Recent work to conserve and maintain the house has made the principal rooms safe and comfortable for public access, but the house remains on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.   

    The West Horsley Place Trust aims to bring the house, gardens, 400-acre estate and eight Grade II listed outbuildings back into good repair and to improve people’s wellbeing through culture, heritage & nature. 

    Find out more at West Horsley Place Trust

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  • Nathalie Beauvillain Scott’s Faces of Guildford 

    Nathalie Beauvillain Scott’s Faces of Guildford 

    Karen Neville

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    How many of Nathalie Beauvillain Scott’s detailed life-like portraits will you recognise in her Faces of Guildford exhibition?

    You may well recognise the people featured in the work of French artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott currently on display at venues in Guildford. 

    She started the Faces of Guildford project five years ago and it is now coming to an end with an exhibition which runs through to January in the town centre. It includes 13 oil portrait paintings and 13 pencil drawings of Guildfordians who have had an impact on the community in the past and the present. Nathalie has had a close relationship at some point with most of the people included in her exhibition.  

    Nathalie was born in Fontainebleau, a little town near Paris and as a child always had an interest in drawing. At Secondary school she specialised in Art and History of Art.  

    In 1989 she became involved with a group of artists based in Weybridge. She was then creating deltaic paintings on a huge scale based on the shape of the delta. She then went back to Paris to study art for a few years. 

    In 1993 she returned to the UK where she met Tony Scott, founder of Guilfest. While bringing up their three children, Nathalie worked as a mural artist getting commissions all around Surrey in schools, private houses, bars and hospitals. 

    Her interest in portraiture started in 2003 and she has received many portrait commissions ever since.  

    She specialises in highly detailed portrait paintings of everyday life. Her portraits of everyone from children to celebrities and royals are recognised for their incredible likeness. Nathalie paints almost exclusively in oil on canvas. The time-consuming process begins with a detailed drawing and she then applies a succession of thin layers of oil. Some of her portraits will have a narrative content telling a story whereas others will be more about capturing the personalities of her sitters at a specific time in their lives. She recently started to draw portraits in pencil on paper. 

    Her meticulous approach to portraiture resulted in her work being displayed in the National Portrait Gallery in 2004, 2010, 2012 and 2015 as part of the BP Portrait Award.  

    For the last few years, along with six other local artists, Nathalie has been running an artist-run exhibition space, GU ART currently in White Lion Walk Guildford. 

    You can view Nathalie’s incredible work at New House Art and Space Gallery, Fays Passage until November 30th, GU ART, White Lion Walk, December 4th-11th, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, January 4th-12th and Growlers & Cans, Chertsey Street, January 15th-22nd. 

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  • Guildford welcomes Bird & Blend Tea

    Guildford welcomes Bird & Blend Tea

    Karen Neville

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    Bird & Blend Tea Co brings its tea mixology innovation to Surrey with an array of tea-licious flavours

    Bird & Blend are taking the humble cuppa to the next level with the opening of their new shop in Market Street, Guildford on Friday, 22nd November.

    Offering an imaginative and magical customer journey, Bird & Blend Tea Co. create a fun, interactive in-store experience, mixing award winning, tea-based drinks. Flavours as inventive as Birthday Cake and Strawberry Lemonade to Chocolate Digestives, alongside firm favourites Builders Breakfast Brew, Earl Grey Crème and many more will be available alongside a brand new limited edition flavour, created exclusively for Guildford, called ‘Surrey Hills,’ a green tea packed with English berries to reflect the town’s beautiful countryside surroundings. 

    Retail stores are the heart of Bird & Blend Tea Co., alongside its ecommerce business, and in addition to mixing tea, the Guildford team of six will also host live free Matcha tea demos, offer a tea matching service, showcase new and innovative flavour combinations, run mixology masterclasses, events and so much more.  The Guildford team are passionate about spreading happiness one cup of tea at a time…the new roles really are TEA-riffic. 

    The store will showcase its range of teas, and the largest Matcha tea range that can be found in the UK, via its bespoke Tea Wall display, alongside the wide range of tea tools and utensils and its takeaway tea bar. The store will even run its own award-winning Mixology Workshops, where guests can learn all about tea and even blend their own to take home!  

    At the opening party, on 5th December, guests will be treated to Bird & Blend’s signature Spiced Rum Chai or Strawberry Lemonade Drop on arrival. The first 50 customers will also receive an exclusive Guildford goody bag and lots of free tea. There will be plenty of seasonal samples for guests to taste, alongside the Guildford store blend, Surrey Hills.

    With its arrival in Guildford, the team at the new store has nominated local charity Guildford Institute as its charity of the quarter, raising money and awareness to support the charity’s mission to provide an educational, cultural and social community hub in the heart of the town offering a special place for people of all backgrounds to meet, learn and explore. In store fundraising activities will raise funds and 50% of the in store profits of Surrey Hills will be donated.   

    Bird & Blend Tea Co. was founded by Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, who met at university. The brand is leading the way in tea innovation in the UK; creating a range of over 100 exciting tea flavours by blending ingredients including herbs, flowers, fruits, caramel, chocolate… & even cake sprinkles.

    Co-Founder & Managing Director of Bird & Blend Tea Co., Mike said: “Customer experience is at the heart of everything we do.  Alongside the fast growth of the digital side of our business, we’re proudly continuing to invest in local high streets too. We see our stores as not just retail spaces, but as community hubs where customers can come to make connections with one another and our team, and enjoy interacting with our teas. For us, there will always be a place for magical in-person experiences and we’re delighted to be arriving in Guildford.”

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  • UCA winter market on 11th November

    UCA winter market on 11th November

    Liz Nicholls

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    An upcoming highlight at University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham invites you to shop for locally made gifts

    Celebrate the handmade when you visit the Students’ Union winter market at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS.

    Unearth affordable art and shop for colourful prints, handcrafted ceramics, and decorative jewellery, designed by UCA students, staff, and local craftspeople – the perfect place to pick up a Christmas gift. Entry is free.

    The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a creative university defined by adaptability and innovation. We’re excited by change and difference, and the possibilities they open up.

    Specialising in creative Arts, Business and Technology, we help students find opportunities that speak to them, and make the future their own.

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  • Alison Molan’s Pup Goes The Easel

    Alison Molan’s Pup Goes The Easel

    Karen Neville

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    Farnham artist Alison Molan of Pup Goes The Easel invites you to paint your pooch at a workshop at Sage & Salt in Petersfield and create the paw-fect paw-trait

    Man’s best friend, woman’s best friend, everyone’s best friend – Alison Molan certainly believes so, she’s sharing the joy and love our four-legged friends bring into our lives with her colourful work.

    Pup Goes The Easel started with her daughter’s Lurcher, Parker, developed with Frida, the Spanish Podenco and today the tale (tail?) continues with bright and bold pop-art inspired hues and the eclectic style of Frida Kahlo.

    Alison’s portraits are not just paintings, their vibrant style reflects our relationships with our pooches and the bond created – one which you can create yourself at one of her workshops.

    The next Paint a Pup workshop takes place at Sage & Salt in Petersfield on Friday, 8th November, 10am-4pm. These fun, sociable and informative one day workshops will give you all the materials you need and the hints and tips to create a painting of the pup you love. You will paint a work of art in the Pup Goes The Easel style, but with your own choice of colours and accessories to decorate your pup. At the end of the day, you will have a canvas to take home with you which captures the essence of your own pup.

    These pawesome workshops are suitable for adults of all abilities and absolute beginners are warmly welcomed. The group sizes are kept small to enable you to achieve a whole painting in a day. These sessions are intended to be fun, relaxed and informative. It is widely recognised that being creative releases endorphins which enhance your mood and promote mental wellbeing. It is a pawfect excuse for some well-deserved ‘me time’.

    Alison will provide a canvas, paper, pencils, acrylic paints and brushes which you will use, on the day, to create your unique painting. You will need to bring an A4 sized photograph or print of your own pup to copy (head and shoulders) as well as an apron to protect your clothes. In addition, she also asks you bring a light lunch and a water bottle. To book visit Workshops | Sage And Salt Studio

    If you don’t think your artistic skills are up to scratch, commission Alison to em-bark on a custom pet portrait for you and let her capture the quirks and charm of your four-legged friend. Find out more about her work and enquire about a commission at Pup Goes The Easel where you can also see a range of cards and gifts for sale.

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