We take a deeper look into the Surrey writer making waves with an incredible Titanic Tale. Plus, win tickets to Yvonne Arnaud.
Editor's Letter
WITH ALL THE ATTENTION over the last few months focused on the opening of G Live in Guildford, I thought it was about time I gave a few column inches to another of the entertainment centres on our patch: The Farnham Maltings. For those who haven’t been, it’s well worth a visit.
Like G Live, it too makes an eclectic architectural impact on its home town; its modern glass entrance complementing the original mill buildings which house a variety of theatres and studios for a huge diversity of shows, exhibitions, concerts and cinema, as well as workshops where people can expand their own talents.
From the more intimate cellar bar where there’s a monthly stand up comedy club or the National Theatre Live Satellite broadcasts, the cinema where you can take in your gin and tonic or the various concerts and shows that encompass every musical and theatrical taste, there’s plenty to stimulate body and mind.
With typical tickets for shows priced between £8 and £10, it’s a more affordable way of enjoying the arts but no less diverse (for some of this month’s events turn to pg 51).
There’s also a great riverside café and shop (farnhammaltings.com).
This month I also joined Jeremy Hunt, MP for SW Surrey and the countryside’s TV advocate, Kate Humble, at the launch of Our Land; a new initiative to promote sustainable tourism that seeks to boost revenue generated by tourism, while encouraging the long term protection of our countryside.
The initiative sets out to attract tourism businesses that have a passion and commitment to their local landscapes and communities in the south east – an area which benefits from two national parks and seven Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The event was hosted at The Merry Harriers in Hambledon (I went back the next day and can vouch for the great food!) where guests were also introduced to the llamas.
It was reassuring that despite her broadcast experience, Kate professed her anxiety at referring to AONBs as ANOBs throughout her address but experience won over nerves on the day! Visit: our-land.co.uk for a range of countryside experiences to enjoy.
Back in Guildford, I’m looking forward to attending the official launch of the Radisson Edwardian Hotel; if you’ve already walked past it, you may have caught a glimpse of what looks like an amazing chandelier in the glass reception foyer.
This is not the only bright light in this part of town; a new light sculpture has been launched outside G Live; inspired by Enigma code breaker and Guildford resident Alan Turing.
The sculpture relays text messages visually using 26 lights representing letters of the alphabet; the translation changes very 24 hours (as the German Enigma code did in the war) – I challenge you to crack the code.
