GU1 - Guildford - August 2011

GUILDFORD  RAMBLINGS  AUG 2011

This month we extend a very warm welcome to the residents of Cranleigh to Round & About. I know Cranleigh quite well as both my brother and son have lived there and I must say it is a delightful village (yes, it is a village). We would very much like to build up ‘ramblings’ about the village, so all you schools, societies, clubs, charities etc please do write in so we can publicise as many of your events as possible. In the meantime, I hope you all have a great summer holiday.

You might recall that last month I mentioned that Guildford has been confirmed by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as one of the 66 Evening Celebration locations across the UK. I wondered if there are any of our readers who could remember seeing the Olympic Torch being carried in Guildford in 1948 and lo and behold not only have we someone who can remember seeing the torch but actually carried it all the way from the Horse and Groom in Merrow to Guildford High Street. Austin Playfoot who lives in Elstead was selected by Godalming & District Athletic Club (now Guildford & Godalming Athletic Club) to carry the torch for the Guildford leg. He was just 19 years old but remembers the occasion vividly. The road was lined with people all the way from the Horse and Groom to Guildford and he ran with an escort and a backup torch in case the flame went out! Apparently there are only 3 or 4 torchbearers from the 1948 games still living. I do hope that the Olympic Committee recognise Austin’s achievement with a suitable invite

South West Surrey Masonic Centre is holding two open days on Saturday the 10th and Sunday 11th of September as part of the Guildford Borough Council Heritage Weekend. Situated in Hitherbury Close within a half mile level walk of Guildford High Street, the Centre enjoys delightful views overlooking the water meadows of the river Wey. A lift from the undercroft car park provides disabled access to the fully licensed bar, Melbourne lounge and a large patio. It’s an ideal location for a welcome break and some refreshment. You don’t need to book but if you’d like to find out the bit more visit their website www.waybournehouse.co.uk .

It’s a little bit in advance but The Guildford Institute is holding two very interesting talks in September. The first is on Wednesday, 21st September and runs from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm. It’s about a subject dear to our hearts, The Wey and Arun Canal. In the 19th century it was possible to travel by boat from London to Littlehampton via Weybridge, Guildford, Pulborough and Arundel. The route was via the rivers Wey and Arun and linked by the 23 mile canal. Jim Phillips, chairman of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, will talk about the reason the canal was built in 1813, its glory days, is decline and how the Trust is restoring it. Then on Wednesday 28th September from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm there is a talk about Octavia Hill (1838 -1912) who was a woman ahead of her time. She was an artist and a radical and was also a pioneer of affordable housing and can be seen as the founder of modern social work. She also co-founded the National Trust. Gillian Darley, a writer and broadcaster and Council member of the National Trust will give the talk about her life and work. There are lots of very interesting courses coming up at the Institute; do go to their website www.guildford-institute.org.uk  to find out all the details.

A reminder that an exhibition of photographic portraits of the rock and pop legend Paul Weller is still showing at The Lightbox, Woking, Surrey. If you’re a fan of Paul Weller I’m sure you’ll be fascinated to see these photographs covering Weller’s entire solo career to date. The photographs are all taken by his favourite photographer, Lawrence Watson and feature shots from gigs all around the world, including many that have never been shown in public. The exhibition runs until 25th September.

Otters Pool Studio is featuring an exhibition of this year’s Guildford Painting Competition submissions, including the selected winners. The competition is in its 6th year. This year’s theme is “Buildings in the Borough” and extends to distinctive, individual buildings or groups of buildings or High Streets within the Guildford Borough. The show runs from 30th July to 20th August. If you’d like more details visit their website www.otterspoolstudio.co.uk .

There are two events in August that are taking place with Shooting Star CHASE being the beneficiary. The Biz Theatre School is presenting West Side Story, the wonderful iconic musical set in New York on Friday, 12th August at 7:15 pm and on Saturday 13th August at 2:15 pm and 7:15 pm. It takes place at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, The Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey GU21 6GQ. Tickets are £15.50 each (includes 50 p theatre levy) and can be obtained from the Biz Box Office by going to www.thebizgroup.co.uk or telephone on 01483 765548. Alternatively you can call Ambassadors Box Office on 0844 871 7645.

Then on Sunday, 21st August there is the Cranleigh Lions Classic Car Show. It takes place at the Cranleigh Showground, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7DW and runs from 9am to 4:30 pm. In addition to over 1300 vehicles in all shapes and sizes to look at, there are arena events overseen by classic car enthusiast Ian Wren, a variety of autojumble and trade stands and entertainment from The Logical Tickle Band (love the name!), as well as a great raffle with fantastic prizes. Entry is £5 for adults and free for under 16’s. Programmes are £3. - two great events that at the same time help our wonderful local charity Shooting Star CHASE.

The Peaslake Summer Fair celebrates the village and its rural life and has been an annual event for many years. The fun starts at 1 pm when the Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford will officially open the fair. There will be all sorts of fun activities on the school field, a jazz band and a sizzling barbecue. Or you can just relax with delicious teas and cakes in the Hall. The school field will be buzzing, the centre of the village a hive of activity and a display of classic cars. This year’s theme is ‘Weddings both Royal and Parish’ and St Mark’s Church will be open with a wedding and floral flavour. There is a Punch and Judy show, a magician, bouncy castle and plenty of refreshments alfresco style with a Pimms and a Beer tent as well as delicious cream teas and crepes. No entrance or parking fees but do support the Fair by purchasing a programme at a cost of just £1. Have a great day.

On Tuesday, 4th October 20 children from the Boxgrove Primary School choir will be performing live on the G Live stage with the iconic group The Drifters. Boxgrove is one of 22 lucky primary schools to join The Drifters on their latest tour and seize the opportunity to perform alongside the group whose hits include Up on the Roof and Saturday Night at the Movies - remember them! The Drifters have already visited the school to rehearse with the children and the concerts should be very exciting. Tickets are £25 or £22.50 and can be booked by calling 0844 770 1797 (10 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday). Alternatively you can book in person at the G Live Ticket Shop which is open in White Lion Walk on Guildford High Street.

PH Productions are an amateur theatre company in Guildford and from 30th August to 3rd September they are performing a production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. The show is being staged at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, which is a great achievement for an amateur company. Based on Ingmar Bergman’s film Smiles of a Summer Night, A Little Night Music is a charming musical taking place over a weekend in a country house in turn-of-the-century Sweden. It brings together surprising liaisons, long simmering passions and a taste of love’s endless possibilities. Witty and wildly romantic, the story centres on the elegant actress Desiree Armfeldt and the spider’s web of sensuality, intrigue and passion that surrounds her. Meaty stuff indeed! Previously staged by PH Productions at the Mill Studio, this production has been extensively reworked for the main stage and features a 23 piece orchestra. Performances start at 7:45 pm on Tuesday to Thursday, 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and there is also a matinee on Thursday and Saturday at 2:30 pm. To book your tickets call the Box Office on 01483 440000 or go online to www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk . Ticket prices range from £18-£23. I think that this is one definitely not to be missed.

The Cranleigh Show is taking place on Sunday 7th August. It starts at 8:30am and goes on till 6 pm at The Showground, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh, GU6 7DW. It’s a one-day agricultural show featuring cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses and ponies. There is also Camel Racing, The Rockwood Dog Display Team, The Sheep Show, Titan the Robot, falconry displays, terrier racing, gundog displays, vintage tractors, tug of war, rural craft displays and trade stands. (I feel quite exhausted after all that lot!) Stan Rowlinson, a ‘Doglistener’ will be on hand to help you solve all your canine problems! Surrey Dive Centre will be offering visitors the chance to have a ‘Try Dive’ (hope there‘s a pool!) and Kiss Driving School will be offering under 17’s the chance to get behind the wheel. Ticket prices are £10 adults, £4 children, £6 senior citizens or a family ticket is £25 (two adults and three children 5 to 16 years). Under 5’s are free. It does save to book in advance (a 20% discount is available), just go to the website www.cranleighshow.org.uk .

Surrey County Walkers have some great walks lined up for August. I can give brief details as follows. Saturday 6th August, 8 ½ miles moderate walk around Reigate Heath, Colley Hill, Reigate. Meet at Earlswood Common car park, Earlswood Lakes. Leader is Jim (01737 764149). Sunday, 14th August, 9 mile easy walk around Finchampstead Ridges. Meet at Ambarrow Court car park .Leader Bob (01932 355333).Saturday, 20th August 9 mile easy walk around Basingstoke Canal, Tundry Pond, Crookham Village. Meet at Basingstoke Canal car park, opposite Barley Mow pub, Winchfield. Leaders George & Jill (01252 724171).Sunday 28th August 6 mile moderate walk around  Pitch Hill, Ewhurst, Winterfold Hill. Meet at Pitch Hill car park. Leader Henry (01483 575485).Saturday, 3 September 12 mile easy walk around Christmas Pie Trail Farnham to Guildford Linear walk with a bus or train back. Meet at Farnham station. Leader Andrew (01252 520256). Take a picnic lunch for this one. All walks start promptly at 10 am and are taken at a brisk pace, so no slouches!

Although much of our past history has been spent waging war against France, many of us have a great love of the country and the French way of life. Fortunately for all you Francophiles we have a great little Society in our area called Les Amities Francaises de Waverley. They have just completed a very successful 2010 - 2011 programme and are finalising the 2011- 2012 programme which will include topics such as French and English gardens, President Sarkozy, the Anjou region, the painter Chardin, Victor Hugo, Marshal Petain, and President de Gaulle. All the lectures are given in French (sadly counts me out) but I’m told that the lecturers are experienced professionals who know their subjects and how to speak clearly so to follow them does not require a degree in French! Some of the events include a buffet supper which are cooked by members and are always extremely tasty. If you’d like more information about joining the Society call Claude Kauffmann on 01483 300225.

I mentioned last month the Wings and Wheels Show that takes place at Dunsfold Aerodrome on the 28th and 29th August. In order to raise the profile of the ‘Wheels’ element of the show and generate more motoring action for visitors to enjoy, something called the ‘Stunt Zone’ has been introduced. World record j- turns, fast action parallel parking, pirouettes and two wheel driving is just some of the outstanding motoring action which is set to take place in this new Stunt Zone. There will also be a motorbike display, courtesy of Brooklands Museum, an auto test with a variety of vehicles from the Civil Service Motoring Association and a commentated display of American hotrods. Together with the adrenaline pumping 2 hour motoring demonstration which takes place on the main runway and all the other ‘wheels’ displays and exhibitions, not to mention the ‘wings’ element, the Show should outdo even previous years.

Back by popular demand, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is organising its fourth magical women only midnight sponsored walk, in memory of someone special, which attracted over 700 enthusiastic walkers last year! It takes place on Saturday 10th September and walkers will meet at Shalford Park in Guildford for warm-up exercises led by Nuffield Health of Farnham, and an energy boosting meal. There is a choice of two distances, The Gold Star route will cover the full 10 miles from Guildford to the Hospice in Farnham and the Silver Star route will end in Puttenham after 4 miles. Both destinations will be running a free shuttle service back to your car, courtesy of Stagecoach. All walkers must be over the age of 14 (if you are under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult) the registration fee is £16 and includes your Steps under the Stars T-shirt, pre-walk energy meal and a medal. You can register by calling the Fundraising Team, to request a paper copy of the form, on 01252 729446. You should also be able to sign up online by going to www.pth.org.uk .Although you must be female to take your steps under the stars, the Hospice is looking for male ‘night owls’ who might like to help marshal the route and to ensure all walkers safely complete the challenge (I knew we males would be needed somewhere along the line!) Please do get in touch if you are able to help.

Guildford Museum is presenting a talk on 17th-century embroidery on Tuesday, 16th August at 10.30 am. Exhibition curator Lynn Szygenda will be giving the talk and will explore aspects of Guildford Museum’s summer exhibition ‘George Abbot - a Guildford Man’, focusing specifically on 17th century embroidery. The Museum will be open especially for those with tickets for the talk which is not a seated talk but involves moving between displays. Places are limited so early booking is recommended. Call 01483 444751 to reserve your place. Tickets are £2. Then on Wednesday, 24th August the Museum is holding a workshop on ‘Stumpwork’. To tell the truth I’ve never heard of this but I gather it is a 17th century form of embroidery traditionally small and intricate. What makes it unique is the raised and padded elements to give a 3-D appearance. The workshop is being run by Kay who is a professional embroiderer and apart from regularly teaching has written three books on Stumpwork. The workshop takes place at the Brew House and runs from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm and costs £20 per person. To book call 01483 444751. The course is suitable for beginners and all materials will be provided. There will of course be a break for lunch and the Gallery Café is conveniently situated next to the Brew House.

Clandon Park situated just south of Guildford, is a house well worth visiting. On Sunday 14th August between 12 noon and 3 pm you can also enjoy live music in the garden by a local group called ‘Herd of Sax’. Also on this day there is a special tour of Clandon’s attics which are not normally open to the public. May not be suitable for all visitors as there are steep stairs and uneven floors. You can find more details by going to their website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clandonpark .Whilst on the subject, Hatchlands Park, situated a bit further south of Guildford, also has a couple of events taking place during August. On 21st August between 11am and 4 pm you can try your hand at Archery, you just have to be aged 6 and over. Then on every Friday during August between 11 am and 4 pm they are holding special picnic days. There will be children’s trials, activities and garden games to keep the little ones entertained. The House, tea room and shop will also be open. Then on Saturday 27th August between 6:30 pm and 9 pm you can enjoy a walk around the park at dusk to see how many bats you can spot. Apparently Hatchlands has six varieties! Bat detectors are provided and you are recommended to wear good walking boots. Booking is essential and the cost is £8 adults and £4 for children and includes a bowl of hot soup and a fresh bread roll. Call 01483 222482 to book your place. More information on their website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands .

Surrey Care Trust has five places for the DIFC London to Brighton cycle ride which takes place on Sunday, 11th September. The challenge starts in South London and after 54 miles you should arrive in Brighton. No previous experience is required, however, preparation for this event is highly recommended and with a bit of training, completing the ride should easily be within your capabilities. The spirit of the event is ‘taking part’ not ‘winning’ (I have spent my whole life telling myself that!) so you can go as fast or as slow as you like! All you need to do is pledge to raise at least £125 for Surrey Care Trust. For more information or to book your place call Vicky on 01483 412751 or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . More information on their website www.surreycaretrust.org.uk .

The Workers Education Association is Britain’s major voluntary education organisation and has been active in Guildford since 1933. It exists to provide high-quality learning opportunities for adults from all walks of life - WEA tutors, accredited by the Institute for Learning, are experienced and highly qualified. No previous knowledge or qualifications are needed to join courses and subjects on offer for the Autumn Term include Victorian art and artists, practical art, writing from experience, operas of Puccini and Janacek, local historic houses, history of photography and British prime ministers from Pitt to Cameron. All classes take place during the day at the United Reformed Church Centre, 83 Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU2 4BS. To enrol in one of these courses is a great way to exercise your mind and is extremely fulfilling. If you’d like more details go to www.wea.org.uk  or www.weaguildford.org.uk. Alternatively pick up a leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre, Guildford Library, Guildford Institute or other central locations.

Although not exactly local, if you’re looking for a day out with all the family you might be interested in the new Summer Festival, ‘Jolly Day Out’, which will take place from Friday 26th to Monday 29th August on Hampton Court Green. I have just read the blurb and I must say that there is a pretty interesting array of activities taking place. Each day there is a headline act that takes place on the main stage including Imelda May, McFly and Bjorn Again. There are live shows in the theatre every day for the kids including Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play, Horrible Histories and storytelling from the Roald Dahl Museum. There are hands-on interactive demonstrations with experiments from the Science Museum, a Henry the Apes Arena where you can recreate all the excitement of a Royal Tournament, and a Big Top where you can learn circus skills. There is pig racing, dancing sheep, welly wanging and crazy golf plus loads more. For the adults, there are Beer, Pimms and Champagne tents and loads of great food stalls. This is just a small taste of what’s on offer so I suggest you go and have a look at the website www.jollydayout.com to find out more. Tickets are £25 but for kids 12 and under admission is free. You can call 0844 888 9991 or go to the website to book.

Two girls, Bridget and Cath, started a business called Yomparound a year or so ago. Basically they organise a number of walks as a challenge for serious walkers. They have planned to walk the North Downs Way in six sections each section taking place on successive Saturdays. The first is on 3rd September and they continue to 8th October. If you fancy a challenge this could well be for you. You can sign up for all six sections or just do one or two as you like. The girls organise transport, arrange the pit stops and the pub stops, carry the coffee and biscuits and guide you all the way. The cost is £45 per walk day. If you’re interested go to their website www.yomparound.co.uk where you can get all the details.

Red Hot Yoga has started in Guildford and operates from 14 North Street Guildford GU1 4AF. From 1st July they have started to hold drop-in classes which take place every Friday at 4 pm and are designed for non-members. The classes take around 90 minutes and the cost is just £6, £5 of which will be donated to Cherry Trees, a charity providing respite care in the local area. This is a great opportunity to get into Yoga and find out what it’s all about. For more information you can call the centre on 01483 564511.

Foraging has become an extremely popular in the last few years. Two guys called Clifford Davy and Peter Sibley started running foraging courses particularly focusing on wild mushrooms. Following the success of their Wild Harvest courses at Pucks Oak Barn in Compton last year, they have decided to run seven courses this year. The dates are Saturday 3rd and 17th September and then every Saturday in October. The day starts at 10 am and finishes around 4:45 pm and includes instruction on how to identify different types of wild mushroom, actually foraging for them and then learning how best to cook them. The cost for the day is £85 which includes lots of tea and coffee and a delicious three course lunch with wine which of course incorporates wild mushrooms and plants. The venue is Pucks Oak Barn, The Street, Compton, Surrey GU3 1EG. To book a place on one of the courses it’s best to visit their website www.wild-harvest.co.uk where you can do it all online.

Spin classes are running throughout the summer at the Bramley based Cycle Studio. Prices from £4 for an introductory class. Classes run daytime, evenings and weekends. For more information visit www.cyclestudio.co.uk . Also, Petra Hammond of Confident Fitness, who runs the above classes, is first and foremost a personal trainer and fitness instructor. She is offering a free nutritional consultation and free initial personal training session when you book a block of 10 sessions and quote Round and About. Personal training can be conducted at her Bramley based studio or in your home. Contract Petra on 07967 113389 for more details.

If you’re wondering what to do with the kids during the summer holidays here’s an idea. The Lightbox in Woking, Surrey is holding a number of workshops throughout the month of August. In fact workshops have been planned for every weekday in August except Mondays when they are closed. You can join any time between 1:30 pm and 4 pm for free drop-in family workshops every Thursday and Friday in August when they will be making large-scale drawings or having fun with bubbles in the courtyard if the weather is fine. But do go along anyway as they have wet weather plans should rain interfere. There are also free drop-in family collage workshops on 2nd, 16th and 30th August. In addition they are holding ticketed workshops during the holidays which offer more time and space to experiment with pop art inspired techniques. 8 to16-year-olds can learn how to make simple silkscreen prints or create portraits on canvas. Younger visitors (4 to 8-year-olds) can join artist David Barnett to create their own DIY pattern art pack. For a full listing of what’s available go to the Lightbox website www.thelightbox.org.uk or to make a booking call 01483 737837.

Wonersh U3A starts a new programme of events in earnest in September. They are a friendly bunch with many varied activities mainly in Lawnsmead Hall. They also organise many visits to interesting places. If you are a member you can just turn up to most meetings without any pre-booking; if you are not a member why not consider joining, the annual subscription is due on 1st September and is only £8. The only other cost is that you’ll be asked to pay £1 at each meeting you attend to cover the cost of tea coffee and biscuits. If you’re not sure you can go along to the Open Meeting on Monday, 10th October at 2:30 pm in the Lawnsmead Hall and listen to a talk by Tony Forward, a toast master extraordinaire! If you’d like to know more in the meantime or you would like an application form and brochure, contact Jan on 01483 898339.

Busbridge Lakes are open to the public every day from 21st to 29th August inclusive. The park consists of 40 acres of woodland, hillside and garden, with three lakes, which are fed by springs. The grade 2A Heritage garden dates from the 16th century and is renowned for its specimen trees, follies, caves and grotto. The lakes are home to over 150 species of waterfowl, cranes, pheasants and other breeds, many of which are endangered, and come from all over the world. The collection is one of the largest in the UK. The lakes are full of large fish, frogs and toads and there is a lot of insect life including several varieties of dragonflies and butterflies. There’s a well-stocked shop with gifts and home produce and reasonably priced refreshments are available. Owing to the number of free range birds, dogs are not permitted, however, if you like you can take a picnic and find a lovely secluded spot in the grounds to sit and have it. Admission charges are adults £6.50, senior citizens £5, children (3 to 13) £4 and there is plenty of free parking. Opening times are 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Busbridge Lakes is situated on the Hambledon Road (off the B2130), a mile and a half from Godalming. For more information visit www.busbridgelakes.co.uk or call 01483 421955. I have visited the lakes and I must say they are stunningly beautiful and well worth a visit.

The David Shepherd wildlife foundation (DSWF) has launched a fabulous new limited edition prints by David Shepherd’s granddaughter, Emily Lamb, to raise funds to save wildlife. Emily studied at Falmouth University Art College and now continues to study at Lavender Hill Studios in London. According to her grandfather “she is extremely talented and her work certainly catches the public’s imagination”. ‘Strike’ is a colourful portrait of a polo pony in motion and is a limited edition of 150, comes mounted (39 cm by 47cm) and costs £80 +£5 pounds p&p. You can also buy ‘Strike’ from the DSWF gallery at 61 Smithbrook Kilns, Cranleigh (on the A281). Alternatively buy online by going to www.davidshepherd.org . Emily is donating all profit from strike to DSWF.

RASASC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre) in Guildford is looking for volunteers. The next Helpline training is due to start in September 2011. Helpline volunteers staff the telephone helplines which are open six evenings per week (Sunday to Friday). If you are free for three evenings per month (2 on the line and 1 for support and supervision), and are interested in helping survivors of rape and sexual abuse by talking to them on the telephone, or if you would like further information, please get in touch  as soon as possible. Call 01483 452900 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The Ghost Tour of Guildford was founded in 2001 and runs on Friday nights between March and November, starting at 8 pm outside Holy Trinity Church at the top of the High Street. The tour runs for just under 2 hours, regardless of the weather and there is no need to book. It’s a fascinating trip and as the name suggests not without some scary moments. In fact you can find out why thousands of people have been too scared to demand their money back!  For further information go to www.ghosttourofguildford.co.uk or phone 01483 506232. The cost is adults £5, concessions £4, under 16’s £3.

Two guys called Bryan Robinson and Pete Effamy are doing a series of gigs at local venues during August. Their music is a palatable mix of tunes with styles spanning popular music through jazz to a little classical. Brian is a singer/guitarist  and Pete is a saxophonist/clarinettist. Their experience is quite extensive including playing on national television and radio and playing with some of the biggest names in the business. I admit to not having heard their music but I certainly intend to do so. Apparently they are working on a new album which should be released sometime in 2012. The gigs are as follows : Friday 12th August at Hale Village Hall, Saturday, Friday 13th August at Bramley Village Hall, Friday 19th August at Grayshott Village Hall and Friday 26th
August at Crookham Memorial Hall. I’m afraid I don’t have start times etc, but if you call any of the venues mentioned they will be able to give you full details.

Guildford Natural History Society’s next coach outing is on Thursday, 25th August. It’s a trip to Titchfield Haven in Hampshire travelling through the lovely Meon Valley. On arrival at the beach you can have a picnic or find a suitable café/restaurant for lunch. There will be a visit to the nature reserve (small charge), a gift shop and a tea shop. The cost is £13 per person. If you would like more information about the Society and how to join (the subscription is just £10 a year) you can call Gwen Comerford on 01483 893524.

Guildford’s award-winning professional Shakespeare company launches their first term of drama classes for adults and young people next month. The weekly evening classes for adults (over 18), entitled the Bard’s Not That Hard, will explore the key skills and mechanics to get under the skin of Shakespeare’s beautifully rich language. These practical classes are led by professional actors with a wealth of first-hand experience of working with Shakespeare. On Saturday mornings, GSC Saturdays, will ignite the imagination of 9 -18 year olds, sharpening their acting skills, strengthening their confidence and introducing them to the exciting and diverse world of theatre, drama and of course Shakespeare! All GSC Drama Classes are led by professional actors and workshop leaders with years of experience in the industry and carry full CRB certificates. All drama classes take place at Guildford County School (Portsmouth Road). GSC Saturdays start on Saturday 10th September at 10am and there are two age groups, 9-13 yrs and 14-18 yrs. The autumn term lasts for 12 weeks and costs £150 per child. The Bard’s Not That Hard starts on Tuesday 13th September at 7pm and costs £150 per adult.
To book either of the courses simply download an application form from the website
www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk, or call 01483 304384. Places are strictly limited.

There is a Dolls House & Miniatures Fairs taking place on September 4th from 10 am-4 pm at Epsom Racecourse, Epsom Downs, KT18 5LQ. Experience the world of dolls house miniatures, with exhibits, displays and demonstrations by some of the leading craftspeople in this field. Charming miniature figures, delightful dolls houses and every imaginable accessory and items of furniture. Whether a keen miniaturist collector or enthusiast, or someone just wanting to visit for casual interest, you can be assured of a warm welcome. Contact Wendy’s World Fairs on 01895 834348 or visit www.wendysworldfairs.co.uk for more information.

Don’t forget that the Watts Gallery is now open after its restoration. The Gallery houses over 6000 diverse objects including over 250 oil paintings, 800 drawings and watercolours, some 130 prints, 200 sculptures, and 240 pieces of pottery as well as unique ephemera and memorabilia related to G. F. Watts, Mary Seton Watts and the history of Watts Gallery. The Gallery also has two rare photographic collections-over 300 photographic reproductions of Watts’s untraced paintings by Frederick Hollyer, as well as The Rob Dickins Collection of over 4000 Victorian photographs.It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. Charges apply.

An evening of entertainment and a 10k walk through enchanting vineyards is taking place this summer to help Marie Curie Nurses continue providing care for terminally ill patients in our area. The walk take place on the 13th August from 6 pm at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking. Bring a picnic and join in the festival-like atmosphere as they gather to celebrate the work of local Marie Curie Nurses and it concludes with an exciting fireworks display. Cost is £10 per adult and children under 16 go free. You can register online at www.mariecurie.org.uk/en-gb/events/walking/walk-ten-denbies-surrey-2011---8856 or contact the Events Team on  08700 340 040 for more information about Walk Ten Denbies.

The 23rd Annual Live Crafts Show takes place at Loseley from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th August, from 10 am to 5 pm. Meet the craft-makers, buy original, traditional and contemporary British art, craft demos, cookery, theatre, beer, wine and cognac tasting, children’s ‘make and take’ area, Festival of Food pavilion. Charges apply. Contact 01494 445105, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.livecraftsshows.co.uk for more information and ticket sales.

Also at Loseley Park is the return of the Sealed Knot. The battle theme will be carried forward by the Prince Rupert’s Blew Regiment and other guest re-enactment groups, showing how armies from different periods lived from day to day and how they fought. There will be living history camps and displays, culminating in a major English Civil War battle involving infantry, cavalry and canon to decide who will garrison Guildford and the surrounding areas. Something different for the youngsters! This takes place from Saturday 27th to Monday 29th August from 11 am to 5 pm. Visit www.thesealedknot.org.uk for more information and advanced ticket sales.

A few things happening at Secretts in Milford this summer. The Great Gnome Hunt is the free to enter Treasure Hunt at Secretts Garden Centre in Milford during the school summer holidays. Collect an entry form at the Customer Service Desk, follow the clues to find the Gnomes hiding around the Garden Centre and then take your form back to collect your ‘prize’. Paddy the Donkey from RSPCA’s Lockwood Donkey Sanctuary will be visiting Secretts Garden Centre, Milford on 8th and 23rd August.
Come along and say hello between 10am and 2.30pm.  For further information call 01483 520500 or visit www.secretts.co.uk.

The Amazing Thailand Festival Charity event takes place at Secretts, Milford on 27th, 28th and 29th August.  All Proceeds to the Mudita Trust Charity. For further information, call 01483 520500 or visit www.secretts.co.uk.

Finally, advanced notice of the Guildford Book Festival that runs this year from 13th to 22nd October. Round&About is delighted to have been asked to be a media partner for this event and we will be featuring more information about the event next month. If you can’t wait, their website is at www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk, and features updates on some of the authors who will be coming along for the event.