Testimonails 2

The Countess of Onslow, Clandon Park

Your magazine carried a lovely article about Clandon Park and it seems to have reached so many people in the local community that were totally unaware of what we do, and for that we are very grateful. The article created quite a stir it seems, and we have since been inundated with letters from well wishers and telephone calls with the most wonderful feedback from the local community. It is extraordinary that members of our local community really responded so enthusiastically to our projects to the extent that they have been moved to contact us and even to offer their time as Clandon Park Volunteer Rangers! Please pass on our sincere thanks to all concerned for such a lovely article which totally captured the spirit of these important Clandon Park projects.

Dan Webber, Chimney Fire Coffee

We’re extremely grateful for the support that VantagePoint has given us, both in terms of connecting us to other businesses and including us in their editorials. They do a lot of work in the local community and help spread the word about other Surrey Hills Enterprise members. Thanks for your support!

Paul Cabourne, Guildford

We recently moved into the area and it was good to receive a copy of VantagePoint. This was so useful as it provides us with some very useful information about the area and provides us with some useful local news and information. In addition there are some great competitions to enter and I did just that and just before Christmas I received an email to advise me I had won a lovely Cheese Hamper from the The High Wield Dairy. What a lovely surprise and thank you.

Andy Jones, A2B Pest Control

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Anna Reid, Fundraiser, Cherry Trees

VantagePoint, the hub of community events, companies and information decision to adapt to a weekly online version during the peak of the initial COVID-19 pandemic was such a good idea. Every week you could find out about services, assistance and even virtual events to join in with that all felt really timely, local and useful, especially at that time. We thought it was brilliant because it gave us another place to tell our community about one of our virtual fundraising events, to host a cream tea party. We were able to send over our colourful event jpeg for inclusion which helped  reach more people in this brilliant weekly online service.

Claudia Cartwright, Arts Officer, Mole Valley District Council

Thank you so much for the fabulous Arts Alive 2019 programme!!!!

Eli Beckett, Oakleaf

I just wanted to thank you all for the double page spread in this month’s VantagePoint magazine. Over the weekend I have had a number of emails from local individuals asking for help for either themselves or family members who are struggling with their mental health – to know that the article is giving people a reason to reach out for support is more than we could have hoped for, so thank you for giving us this opportunity.

Alan Chilvers, Orlando Jewellers

l would just like to say a big thank you for your visit to Orlando last year . You have been very helpful ensuring that our advert has been kept up to date .The results have been very positive and good value in my opinion. The comprehensive distribution around the Guildford area has really been  very useful for our advertising campaign and probably one of the best we have run. Thank you VantagePoint!

Francesco Bartolomei, The Talbot Hotel, Ripley

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Des O’Byrne, Grayshott Folk Club

I wish you and Stefan and the rest of the crew every success with VantagePoint. I am, as ever, grateful that you carry my stuff and help to get the word out there via your “Jottings” and hope that as readers read more closely what is actually written, so they will detect a more insightful and more accurate turn of phrase when it comes to local events in “VantagePoint”. There is nothing like being a part of a community, in order to get a better feel on the ground for what really makes people tick. An outside observer just doesn’t seem to achieve the same authenticity or authority, in my humble opinion.

Tricia Knight, Farnham & District Museum Society

 I’ve really noticed a difference in the numbers attending our talks so you are obviously reaching the parts other don’t reach!

Josh Taylor

Just wanted to say thanks so much for the article in your exciting magazine!! It’s gone down a treat and we had people coming to our business incubator session today because of it. We are really chuffed with how it turned out and hopefully lots of people can benefit from it.

Julie, Pats’ Cats Summer Fair

Just a quick message to thank you very much for the mention you gave to our Pat’s Cats Summer Fair in the July issue of VantagePoint. We had a very successful event on Saturday and I know from chatting to our visitors that many of them saw the event in the Jottings section of the magazine, so thank you once again.

Sam Segar, Sam Segar Reflexology

I have been advertising with VantagePoint for many years and always find the staff very friendly and helpful. They will tweek my artwork for free as many times as I need until I’m happy with the result. I have gained many clients through this advertising platform and even more enquiries.  The staff are always approachable and I get replies to my queries and emails almost immediately. If you’re thinking of advertising with VantagePoint – you can’t go far wrong with Marcus and Stefan.

Brian Hawtin, Arts Society Wey Valley

Many thanks to you and the team for the excellent profile slot  of our Society in the March Edition of VantagePoint. We are very grateful for the regular publicity for our monthly lectures which always results in a number of visitors. We are very hopeful that the in depth coverage of what our Society does and what we have to offer will result in a further surge of interest. We much appreciate the opportunity that you have given us. Thank you again and congratulations on the production of VantagePoint which seem s to be going from strength to strength. I find it an invaluable source of information on what is going on in the community.

Sally and John Platt

My husband and I would like to say how much we enjoy the walks that you publish and do at least two a month. Yesterday we did the Crondall 5 miler, finishing off at the Plume of Feathers for lunch. A great walk and very easy to follow instructions. Thank you!

Jen Clay, Oakleaf Enterprises

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Malgosia Underwood

I had only been advertising in VantagePoint for a few months when I really noticed the difference in the number of enquiries I had been receiving.  Several clients have started attending my classes as a result of featuring in the magazine.

Ian Cox, Liphook Eyecare

We have seen quite a few people walking into the store and lots of new patients joining us. Thank you!

Jane Hodgson, Fernhurst Films

A belated but nonetheless sincere thank you for advertising ‘Juliet, Naked’ for us for last Saturday.  Your introduction piece made all the difference – we had a great night and everyone went out very happy.  Nice way to finish up a successful season and we are extremely grateful for your support and encouragement throughout, you’ve helped us a lot.   

Caroline Forcer, SeeAbility

We’ve had fantastic feedback on our recent blog in VantagePoint Magazine about our open day in Leatherhead. I just wanted to thank you!

Steve Garnsey

I am impressed by the range and number of local articles you include in VantagePoint. That aspect of the magazine appears to be growing, which is good. Makes it all the more worthwhile to receive … and read.

Annabel, Keep Farnham

I’ve been meaning to message for ages! We’ve had the most amazing response thanks to your articles about us in Vantage Point. Lots and lots of new customers.  Thank you so much for helping us spread the word in such a wonderfully put publication. 

Matt Harle, MH Electrical

I have been advertising in VantagePoint for a few months now and I have seen great results. The team are always really friendly. Highly recommend.

Beccy Gunn, The White Horse, Dorking

We have been advertising with VantagePoint for amny months and have renewed again. The magazine has proved to help us reach a wider local audience and we have seen as a result of the offers and adverts more guests using the hotel, restaurant and bar.. The team at VantagePoint continually support all our events and I would highly recommend them to other local advertisers.

Kevin Griffin, Guttersnipe

I’ve advertised in many magazines over the years but I never have had such a speedy take up when first advertising in a magazine as I have from advertising with VantagePoint. The results have been excellent.

Moira Martin, Kelly’s Storage Charity Events

Whilst Kelly’s have had to cancel many of their local charity events due to Covid19 lockdown, they have continued to keep people motivated by offering a number of virtual events. Run the Races, Walk the Ways and High Flier Cycle challenges in June, have encouraged many people to set themselves a target, keep fit and raise money for local charities, as they struggle in these challenging times. We cannot thank the team at VantagePoint magazine enough , they have not only got on board and supported the events, (raising over £1,500 for local causes) but have raised visibility and awareness through their social media activities, their weekly e-newsletter and the online version of their magazine. Thank you for all your help to get these events noticed in the local community and beyond…

Wendy Varcoe, Surrey Hills Enterprises

Congratulations also to Stefan who produced some great on-line VantagePoint editions during the lock-down!

Lady Onslow, Clandon Park

Thank you so much for the article about our veterianry students. The students there at the time have been calling us and all buzzing about their new found fame and it really raised awareness of how important their practical work on farms is. Beautifully crafted and great photography.

Michael More-Molyneux, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey

I read your article in VantagePoint last night and this is just to say thank you so much for covering the Jubilee celebrations. An excellent article and many thanks for your interest and support.




Relationship Problems? Don’t wait until you’re at crisis point before calling for help

Tom MacInnes, chief analyst for Citizens Advice, said: “We know that this pandemic has put an enormous strain on people financially but our data shows that strain is also being felt in people’s relationships.”

Visits to Citizens Advice webpage information on ending a relationship have been steadily increasing since 2019, especially over the last few months. Our page, “Getting a Divorce” had 465,000 views during the 12 months to June 2021.

If you’re having relationship problems, there are practical things you’ll need to sort out and Citizens Advice can help guide you through your options.  We are here to advise you and to help you think about:

  • where you’re going to live
  • how to divide up any money or belongings you share
  • how you’ll be able to afford to pay the bills once you’re living separately.

If you have children

If your relationship ends and you have children, you’ll need to agree where your children live. You’ll also need to decide how much time they spend with each of you. This is called making ‘child arrangements’.

Child arrangements are usually informal agreements – but it can help to write them down. You’ll only need to go to court if there’s been violence or abuse in your relationship, or you really can’t agree. See our website for more information: Making child arrangements – Citizens Advice.

IMPORTANT: You should always get help making child arrangements if your partner makes you feel anxious or threatened.

Read on to find out how we helped Kelly* ….

Kelly walked into one of our Citizens Advice offices and said she felt uncertain about the future.  Kelly had been married to Sam* for 12 years but explained “there’s so many rows that I just don’t think we can carry on any longer”. She was concerned about the affect this tension was having on their two young children and wanted practical advice about ending the relationship. Our advisers helped Kelly think about her options.  They explained how mediation could help with sorting out any differences she might have with Sam over making child arrangements.

Kelly is coming back to see us soon. Our advisors will check that she is receiving her benefit entitlements as these will help secure the future for herself and her children.

 Do you – or someone you know – want help?

 So, if you find yourself in a similar situation and don’t know what to do next – or even if you think you do! – why not contact us. Citizens Advice is here for you!

*Names have been changed for reasons of confidentiality.

WAVERLEY CONTACT DETAILS:

By Phone 0808 278 7980 (free) to speak to an adviser

By Email: use enquiry form at https://waverleycab.org.uk/get-advice/e-mail-form/

Self-help: https://waverleycab.org.uk/get-advice/help-topics/

Office opening: https:Waverleycab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Outreach Service 01483 898884




How to Host the Perfect Family Picnic

How to Host the Perfect Family Picnic

Summer, newfound freedom, and socialising – three things we’ve been eagerly and patiently waiting for this year. With pandemic restrictions lifted, there’re plenty of outdoor activities we can dive right into.

Picnics are a great way to connect with nature while spending some quality time with your loved ones. Whether you fancy a trip to a sandy beach or a remote part of the wilderness, you can lay down your blankets and set up your food and drink for great conversation and even better weather.

Here’s how you can host the perfect family picnic.

The goods

Apart from the scenic location, food and drink are among the most important considerations. Tasty finger food and picnic bites will transform any picnic into an unforgettable event. While you should include easy nibbles for the kids, such as sandwiches, sausage rolls, and crisps to keep their energy up while they venture off and play, pack something a bit more sophisticated for the adults. Think salami, mozzarella, smoked salmon, prosciutto, and stuffed tomatoes – whatever makes it extra special for yourself, family, or friends.

Along with food, you need fantastic drinks. For teetotallers, there are plenty of exciting soft drinks available out there beyond the usual choices – think ginger beer, rose lemonade, cloudy lemonade, and cherry cola. For the adults looking for a tipple, bring a spirit to complement these fizzy drinks or your favourite bottle of cava to enjoy in the gleaming sun. Juice and water will be great to keep the children hydrated too.

The location

Picnics are about spending quality time with your loved ones and unwinding away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re out away from home, make sure you check the weather so there aren’t any nasty surprises. If you’d like to avoid itchy midge bites the next few days, avoid boggy and damp areas and hotspots near lakes, as you may find when the sun starts to settle, you’re among a swarm of annoying and nippy insects.

Activities

If you’re taking the kids, consider their needs too. Will they want a playground to run around in or sandcastles to build? Can they happily sit and interact with adult guests, or do they want to go on adventures of their own and come back covered in mud stains? Pack activities for yourself and your children, such as a football, frisbee, or racket sports equipment to have some quality family time.

Music is great in all situations too, so don’t forget to pack your speaker. Be mindful of other picnickers if you’re playing music outdoors though – not everyone wants to eat their sandwich to someone’s loud music!




Give your plants a holiday! How to look after your plants while you are away

If you are going away this summer, spare a thought for your plants, who will be having a staycation at home (again!). In hot weather, water can evaporate quickly from the soil and plants can dry out. While it might be tempting to pack up your prized plants into your suitcase, there are alternative ways of looking after them. Treat your plants with love and care before you go away and you’ll come back to much healthier and happier plants as a result.

Give your plants the best possible holiday by following these simple hydration tips from Squire’s Garden Centres:

1. Water Well
Water all your plants well before you go away, using a garden hose for ease.

2. Mulch
Place a layer of mulch (bark or straw based compost) around your plants over the watered soil to keep in moisture. Mulch also helps keep weeds at bay, so that’s one less job to do when you get back from holiday.

3. Place pots in the shade
Move plants in pots into the shade, and place all your pots together to make watering easier. Also move houseplants away from sunny windowsills and into shadier spots.

4. Add Pot Saucers
Make sure all your potted plants have saucers under their pots, then after watering, any excess water will stay in the saucer and be reabsorbed back into the soil.

5. Ask Friends & Family
If you can, ask a friend, family member or neighbour to come and water your plants while you are away.

6. Add a Water Butt
Capture and store rainwater so that it can be used when needed. Rainwater contains nitrates and organic matter so it feeds and nourishes your plants. Water butts are a great tool for saving water, and will provide you with a valuable source in the height of summer. If you are on a water meter it may save you money too!

7. Use a Tap Mounted Watering Controller
This is a clever sensor controller that you attached to your outside tap. It can be programmed to water at sunrise, sunset or both. Ideal for use with sprinklers and drip watering systems, so they are not left running longer than needed, plus it is compatible with water butts – a great way to save water. Use with the Hozelock Soaker Hose, which is made from porous material so is ideal for placing within beds and borders.

8. Try a Pot Watering Kit
If you have a lot of plants in pots then a Pot Watering Kit is what you need! Drip watering facilitates the slow release of water, placing it directly at the plant’s roots, enabling you to water up to 25 pots or hanging baskets automatically at sunrise or sunset.

9. Add Moisture Retaining Crystals
Mix moisture retaining crystals in with compost at the time of planting. The crystals absorb moisture and lock it away until the compost around it becomes dry, then the gel releases the water. Perfect for baskets, pots and containers.

10. Use a Watering Indicator
Watering indicators tell you when your houseplant needs watering. Place the stick it in the soil and when the top turns red, water your plant, if the top turns blue no water is needed.

11. Have A Bath
Alternatively you could put all your potted plants into the bath or sink. Soak some towels in water and line the bath or sink with them, then your plants will stay hydrated for up to a week.

Always remember to water wisely. There’s a wide range of watering cans, hoses, sprinklers and watering gadgets at Squire’s Garden Centres.

www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk




Celebrating Surrey’s heathlands in the pink

Belted Galloway on Ash Ranges (c) Jon Hawkins

 

Join Surrey Wildlife Trust and Thames Basin Heaths Partnership (TBHP) in celebrating our wonderful heathlands from 24th-30th July.  Surrey’s heathlands are some of the finest remaining examples of lowland heath in the world, and this rarity becomes a blaze of pink and purple over the summer months as the heather reaches full bloom.

During Heath Week there is a full schedule of events, walks and talks to enable visitors to discover the wonderful worlds of species that live on them: the mysterious nightjar, glow worm, bee wolf, heath tiger beetle, emperor moth and many other wildlife.

Heath Week offers an opportunity to explore Chobham Common, Whitmoor Common, Wisley and Ockham Commons or Brentmoor Heath among others, while the heather is flushed pink in full bloom and buzzing with life. Try a self-guided walk and spot wildlife while exploring, enter the photography competition, visit Surrey Fire and Rescue for the wildfire roadshow or go on a scavenger hunt.

On Wednesday 28 July at 10am, James Herd, director of reserves management at Surrey Wildlife Trust, will be hosting a virtual coffee morning and talk on mysterious nightjars. The nocturnal nightjar migrates thousands of miles annually from sub-Saharan Africa to reach its breeding grounds right here on our Surrey heaths. At dusk they can be heard churring to help them find a mate to rear a clutch of chicks before the long journey back to Africa.

Charlotte Magowan, marketing and communications manager, said: ‘We are blessed in Surrey to have so many different heathlands across the county to explore. On a warm summer’s day in July and August heathlands are incredibly beautiful, with the sweet smell of heather and pine warmed by the sun, bees buzzing and insects humming.  They offer adventure and a place to get closer to nature. And at night, you are transported to the tropics with the magical churring and wing clapping of the nightjars as they catch their prey on the wing and display to females.’

Sarah Bunce, communications officer for TBHP, said: ‘The TBHP team love sharing the magic of heathland during Heath Week. So, if you’ve been taking your local heath for granted, please come along, we’d love the opportunity share a little bit of its magic with you!’

The annual Heath Week event is designed to encourage local people to explore and appreciate the county’s vast wilderness of heathland, which spans areas between Farnham and Godalming in the south of the county to Woking and Camberley, Chobham and Cobham in the north.  One of the most ancient and characteristic British landscapes, it has special conservation protection internationally, is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and provides a living link to our stone age past.

For inspiration there are virtual guided heathland tours, species talks and heathland inspired crafts and activities online. For further information about Heath Week 2021 visit surreywildlifetrust.org.uk/heath-week, www.tbhpartnership.org.uk/heath-week or social media @surreywt #heathweek