Category: Community Hub

August 19, 2024

Based in Church Street, Godalming, i made this crafts is an independent haberdashery shop that first opened in 2018. Specialising in tutoring sewing classes for adults and children. Selling fabrics, patterns and kits. Founder, Claire Dadswell wanted to share her passion for crafts with the local community and inspire the next generation of crafters.

Tell us a bit more about i made this crafts?

I launched i made this crafts in 2014 to provide the communities with the opportunity to learn how to sew, knit and crochet through private classes. My classes are aimed at everyone from beginners to more advanced crafters. The shop also sells a diverse range of fabric, haberdashery and sewing patterns & kits designed by i made this crafts to offer both experienced dressmakers and beginners the chance to try out their skills at home.

Why did you launch the business?

I’ve always been in to crafts since childhood. I had to change career a few years ago and wanted to learn how to sew properly so went back to college to study City & Guilds in dressmaking. Then trained as Designer pattern cutter at “London College of Fashion”. After many jobs within the industry, the idea of tutoring arose as I kept being asked “I wish I could learn how to sew”

I am Dyslexic so really struggled at school. I find arts & crafts are often not considered as important as academic subjects, but they do provide many transferable skills. Watch this space; children interested in crafts now could be the app developers of the future!

What do you enjoy about running your business?

I am proud to run an independent business and share my passion for crafts. What’s great about working on Church Street, is that all the businesses along the road are independents and there’s a real sense of support from one another.

I often find people - who may have lived in Godalming for years - say they have seen the shop but weren’t exactly sure what I do, so it’s a great talking point when they do pop in.

During the COVID pandemic, more people were embracing crafts as a type of therapy. There was a greater influence on people learning something new and acquiring a skill and as someone so interested in crafts, this was brilliant to see.

What’s your favourite part of running i made this crafts?

I enjoy meeting new people, so the classes are a chance to talk to all sorts of people who have a shared interest in learning a new skill. My passion is crafts, so I enjoy sharing my knowledge with students and encouraging them to gain a new skill. I get a real buzz when I see that ‘light bulb moment’ go off in their heads and they ‘get it’ and have obtained a new skill. I do know a lot about my craft but I love the fact “I am still learning”.

What are your favourite aspects of living and working in Godalming?

It’s a lovely town and place to live by the river, my commute is short and there’s a real sense of community. And I love the fact that I get to know more people in a town where I live and work.

Do you have any favourite businesses you can share from around Godalming?

There are so many independent shops in Godalming which makes it hard to choose. As independent businesses we support each other. I will advise and recommend other businesses If I do not stock what a customer needs, and I know they will do the same for me. The best thing about independents is you are actually talking to the owner of the business, and they are passionate, knowledgeable and really do know everything about the products they sell.

June 20, 2024

Can you tell us why you set up Albury Vineyard?

I had always dreamt of owning a vineyard. Early retirement from the IT industry, and the emergence of quality English sparkling wines, led to that becoming a reality.  It had become clear that English sparkling wines could compete with Champagne, which set me on the path to opening my own vineyard. We planted our first vines across five acres in 2009, and the following year, we expanded by planting another seven acres, bringing the total to 20,000 vines. Three years ago, in 2021, we planted another 16,000 vines which will result in an annual production of around 35,000 bottles of wine.

Why did you choose that particular location?

With guidance from viticulturist Stephen Skelton, I explored several potential sites and finally settled on a beautiful location at Silent Pool, nestled off the A25. The site had several attributes ideal for viticulture - a south-facing slope for maximum sunlight, excellent drainage, and shelter from harsh winds. The terrain in this location is clay on chalk and has similarities to the renowned Champagne region, which was promising for producing high-quality sparkling wine.

What types of sparkling wines do you produce at Albury?

We grow the traditional Champagne grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier as well as some Seyval Blanc and Pinot Gris. We mainly produce sparkling wines, but our Silent Pool Rosé has become a firm local favourite, frequently selling out during the summer. At the beginning of May we celebrated 15 years since our initial planting and have consistently focused on quality over quantity. We don't sell through supermarkets, retail chains, or export our wines. Most of our market is Surrey-based, with 60% of our wine sold directly to the public with the remainder being supplied to local pubs, restaurants and wine merchants. Some Michelin-starred restaurants also list our wines, including Studio Frantzén at Harrods and Hand of Flowers, and more locally Sorrel in Dorking and Great Fosters in Egham.

Albury Vineyard is organic; what does this entail?

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our organic practices. We don’t use any systemic chemicals and focus on soil health, which we believe produces better-quality fruit and, therefore, top-quality wine while improving biodiversity.

Do you run any events or wine-tasting sessions?

We host numerous events, including tours and tastings, primarily on weekends. We also cater to corporate events and collaborate with local businesses like Silent Pool Distillery and Mandira’s Kitchen for music events and pop-up experiences.

Why do you think English Sparkling wine has become so popular?

The popularity of sparkling wines like Prosecco has had a significant influence on our market, with many now drinking fizz every week. With English sparkling wine becoming more established, many consumers are eager to try something local and of high quality. The experience of visiting a vineyard and tasting the wine where it's made also adds immense value.

During the pandemic, the number of visitors to our vineyard surged as people sought out unique, local experiences. Our active wine club and strong community ties with local restaurants, pubs, and independent wine merchants reinforce our connection to the Surrey region.

Are there any other local businesses you admire?

We are neighbours to Silent Pool Gin Distillery and Mandira’s Kitchen, so regularly run events in collaboration with these two fantastic businesses. We are also part of Surrey Hills Enterprises, working with over 150 local businesses to promote sustainable practices and local sourcing.

In collaboration with other vineyards in the Surrey Hills, such as Denbies, High Clandon, Chilworth Manor and Greyfriars, we share best practices, experiences, and resources to enhance wine tourism in the area. While Sussex and Kent may have more vineyards, our close-knit community in Surrey continues to thrive and grow, and we are united by the shared passion to continue producing exceptional English sparkling wine.

For more information about Albury Vineyard, visit: www.alburyvineyard.com

May 9, 2024

We chatted with Penny Bramsden from Cranleigh Arts to find out more about what they do. 

Find out more about Cranleigh Arts by visiting their website here.

March 19, 2024

Grantley Sales & Lettings Supports Young Local Talent With Sponsorship Of The Guildford Saints Under 12 Tigers

Grantley Sales & Lettings, one of the leading country house sales, lettings and management companies operating across Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire, is proud to announce its sponsorship of The Guildford Saints Under 12 Tigers football team. 

Formed in 1983, The Guildford Saints Football Club has been a cornerstone of the town’s sports scene for 40 years, providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and foster a sense of belonging. 

The club, which won Surrey FA Grassroots Football Club of the Year in 2022, aims to provide an opportunity for every player to be ‘the best that they can be’ with the belief that everyone has the potential to be talented when provided with a positive learning environment, delivered by passionate, forward-thinking professional coaches.

“It's not just about the game; it's about instilling values of teamwork, discipline and camaraderie that last a lifetime.”

The Under 12 Tigers have had an incredible start to the season and have their eyes set on promotion to the Premiership, having risen to Championship level from the bottom tier of the Surrey Primary League. 

This sponsorship will provide support for training equipment and kit but the partnership is about far more than a logo emblazed on a football shirt. For Grantley, whose roots in Guildford go back almost 20 years, choosing partnerships that align with its own core values is fundamental to the business. These include community support and engagement; commitment to excellence; and encouragement of personal growth, development and aspirations. 

“Guildford Saints is a fantastic football club that draws in children from all ages and abilities, and we are delighted to support the crucial role it plays within grassroots sports,” comments David Williams, Director at The Grantley Sales & Lettings. 

“With our business also deeply rooted in Guildford, we recognize the significance of investing in the community that we serve, and this partnership reinforces our commitment and dedication to nurturing the personal growth and development of young people within the town. We can’t wait to see how the Under 12 Tigers develop through the rest of the season.” 

To learn more about The Guildford Saints Football Club and their commitment to youth development, visit their website at guildfordsaints.org.

January 26, 2024

Steve Maher is an award-winning professional coach and psychotherapist

Steve Maher is an award-winning professional coach and psychotherapist, who has over two decades’ experience helping people improve their lives. Originally from Manchester, Steve moved to Guildford, where he met his wife, 20 years ago and they now have three children together. Here he talks about his journey to become a life coach and offers some tips on how to stop anxiety from preventing you to achieve what you want to achieve in 2024. 

Why did you become a life coach? 

I wasn’t always a life coach. My first career was spent in project management implementing large IT systems primarily in large Tier 1 banks. Towards the end of my first career, I worked at Barclays and ended up as Senior Director at world-leading software company FICO, managing large portfolios of projects worth £50m and leading large teams of project managers. My career path changed when one day one of my senior leaders said to me that ‘You’re more like a coach than a manager’ (which I was rather taken aback by but took as a compliment).  This got me interested in coaching so I started to read up about it, what it is and how it can help people. 

Tell us more about your journey to become a life coach…

I studied for a professional executive coaching qualification at Henley Business School and found it fascinating. I realized that what I learnt would not just help me in my current job but might be something I’d like to do full-time in the future. I began doing coaching sessions as a sideline in evenings and at weekends on top of my day job.  Working with people made me realise I needed to understand better how our brains and minds work, so I then went on to study psychology and became a qualified and registered psychotherapist. By then, it had become a real passion and I made a pact that I would set up my own business and work for myself by the age of 50 as a coach. I set up my full-time private coaching practice when I was 50 years and six months, so I almost hit the deadline! In addition to my private practice I now also work as a consultant and an associate for some of the world's leading executive coaching companies.

What does life coaching involve? 

The first thing to note is that people are incredibly diverse and complex.  No two clients are the same.  However most people have a narrative or story in their head about themselves andwho they are that might not necessarily be true. So, it's asking people to tell their story and then asking questions to work out how that story might be limiting and holding them back from achieving their true potential. In addition, I’ve learnt through my training and through helping hundreds of clients that the brain has certain traits or characteristics that are like a double-edged sword.  These traits can be hugely beneficial to us but they come with a significant downside.  An example of this is anxiety, which I spend a lot of time helping clients with. Anxiety is only really seen as something bad but from an evolutionary perspective having anxiety is actually pretty useful.  It just comes with baggage that we really don’t like. Helping people to understand that and accept that anxiety is actually okay and is trying to be helpful, rather than something to be fought against, is a common feature of what I do.  

Who is your typical client and what problems do they come to you with? 

My typical clients are men and women between 35 and 60. I think there's something that happens in our middle age – people often call it a midlife crisis – it’s not really a crisis but we do tend to start to think differently during this phase of our lives. Something changes. We start to become a lot more reflective and ask certain questions, which challenge us, such as ‘what am I here for?’ and ‘what’s my purpose in life?’ So, my typical client is usually feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed. The typical manifestation is that they want to change jobs but really, if you're getting into your 40s and maybe 50s and you're not sure about your career, there might be something else you’re not happy with. 

What are the biggest misconceptions about coaching? 

That you go to a coach to get ‘fixed’. I don't think that people need fixing as such, I mean, you might have a serious psychological condition like schizophrenia or bipolar but those clients need help from a psychiatrist rather than a coach. People aren't inherently broken, theytend to have either lost their way, forgotten who they really are or they are living someone else’s story. So, the coach doesn't fix you, they help you think and look at things from a different perspective. The coach doesn’t have a magic wand though, it’s about forming a close working team between the client and the coach to make changes and move in a better direction. 

What are your top tips for managing anxiety? 

Anxiety is the biggest issue that most people struggle with. The best approach to help people with anxiety is to understand how our minds work and learn to calm it. If you can do that, it will have a profound impact on your wellbeing. So, I would start with learning to understand our threat response. My second step is to learn how to manage it better. This can be best achieved by learning to breathe and breathe in a certain way. If you breathe out for longer than you breathe in, you will automatically calm down. And third is to have comfort in the fact that anxiety is there for a reason, it's there to help you and sometimes, if you can sit with it for a bit, it can help you figure out what to do about the situation.   

What is your initiative Let’s Talk Men about? 

Men are not the greatest at talking about their problems. As children, boys are generally taught not to express weakness or vulnerability and that feeds up into adulthood. When guys go out together, there's a lot of bravado and talk about sport, because that’s a safe topic. They don’t tend to talk about the things that are really troubling them. Around three quarters of suicides in the UK are male and I think a lot of that is because men don’t talk about things that are bothering them and then it gets too much. I think men in general are confused about their role in society; they're often told that they're either useless or that they are the problem and I think men are withdrawing and backing away from things because they don’t feel they are able to talk about their concerns. This initiative is about making it easier for men to talk about their feelings and open up more.

What do you like most about your job? 

When you start to work with someone, they tend to come to you with something that isn’t actually the real problem. But as you work with them and they begin to trust you more, you start to unpack what that deeper problem is – it’s usually something that has been bothering them for a long time and has really held them back. Sometimes you have to become a bit of a detective to try and work out exactly what it is but it’s a real privilege to go on that journey with them and help them overcome it. 

About Steve

From the sports field to the school classroom to the boardroom, Steve has helped hundreds of clients with life’s challenges.  He is a certified Senior Coaching Practitioner with the EMCC, a member of the Association of Coaching and works with some of the world’s leading coaching companies.  He qualified as an executive coach through the world leading Henley Business School and as a psychotherapist through the Human Givens Institute.  

TO FIND OUT MORE: 

Need more clarity in your life? Visit www.stevemahercoaching.com or connect with Steve on LinkedIn @Steve-Maher-Coaching.

July 14, 2023

Lettings Unpacked: Countdown to Compliance – MEES

Our Head of Lettings, Mark Blakeway discusses the new Minimum Energy Efficient Standards (MEES) which are set to come into force in April 2025 and what they mean for rental properties. He also outlines how landlords can get ahead of the game to ensure they are not caught out by the new legislation.

From 1st April 2025, all newly rented properties must have an EPC (energy performance certificate) rating of Band C or above, under the new Minimum Energy Efficient Standards (MEES). Fortunately for existing tenancies these changes won’t apply until 2028. The changes to the EPC centre around the Government’s net zero emission target and are focusing on creating more energy efficient homes. Previous research suggested 60% of UK properties predicted to have an EPC or lower, so it’s expected many properties will need upgrading to comply with MEES.

Although these changes aren’t coming into force until 2025, it’s worth being ahead of the game. This is not only beneficial in terms of assessing what may need to be changed within a property, but also securing a contractor to undertake the work. If we look back to the changes to EICR back in 2020, labour costs increased massively in the lead up to enforcement as landlords rushed to ensure their properties complied. Ultimately, undertaking work sooner rather than later is more cost-effective.

As with previous property reforms, the cost of upgrades is an initial outlay, but rental properties should be look at as a long-term investment. Modifications to achieve a Band C or above rating may include upgrading to LED lighting, proper insulation for roof and walls, and double or even triple glazing. There are certainly long-term financial benefits to MEES too. Energy efficient properties are more beneficial in the way they require less energy to heat and power them, incurring lower energy bills which is more attractive to potential tenants.

It is important to note that if the upgrades aren’t undertaken in time and the property does not receive a rating of Band C or above, it cannot legally be rented out. And, in the worst scenario, landlords could face severe penalties if they continue to rent out the property via a new tenancy. 

Ultimately, landlords have an obligation to comply, but with just under two years until the changes come into effect, there is still plenty of time to make the provisions and ensure properties are upgraded to conform to MEES.

Key points

• 1st April 2025 for new tenancies, or 2028 for existing tenancies
• 60% of UK properties have an EPC rating of D or lower 
• Landlords could face loss of rental income or fines

May 16, 2023

Jo Deal

Jo Deal is a dog behaviourist and trainer based in Chilworth. Following a career as a Royal Marine and stints in private security in Iraq, Africa and London, Jo returned to his home county of Surrey to launch Jo Deal Canine Behaviourist, a service which provides tailored support to dog owners on how to manage problem canine behaviour. From puppy socialisation through to tackling excessive barking and disobedience, we had a chat with Jo to find out how he’s supporting dog owners in Surrey and beyond with some of the common challenges of dog ownership…

Why did you launch your behaviour training?

I initially adopted my Rottweiler’s George and Dottie over 20 years, and noticed after adopting my most recent Rottweiler, Beau - dog training had changed significantly in the past two decades. With a previous focus on dominance and aggression, it’s now all about understanding how a dog is feeling and identifying why they are behaving in a certain way by reinforcing positive behaviours to counteract unwanted behaviours.

Fast forward a couple of years and having undergone rigorous training with the Institute of Modern Dog Training and an accreditation from the British College of Canine Studies, I officially launched in January.

Dog ownership has increased by 3.2 million since the pandemic, do you think this had any bearing on puppy behaviour?

Yes, for sure. Due to lockdowns, dogs missed out on prime socialisation opportunities whether that was through a trainer or frequently socialising with other dogs. Puppies who have never experienced being alone are now facing owners returning to the office, and this has naturally led to an increase in behavioural issues.

In addition, owners didn’t have the usual puppy network to learn their part in the relationship, whether that was meeting fellow dog walkers or attending puppy classes.

What type of training can you offer?

I work with dog owners across Surrey and beyond and can even host sessions via Zoom. I specialise in positive reinforcement methods providing owners with practical skills and guidance to tackle problematic canine behaviour. Whether that’s a training course over a period of time where I’ll work with a dog one-on-one offering tailored support or puppy socialisation classes.

I also host a monthly workshop in West Horsley which aims to provide owners with the skills and confidence to tackle certain behavioural issues. As well as tips and techniques on establishing boundaries and identifying triggers of bad behaviour.

Are there any common misconceptions around puppy training?

There is a misunderstanding that puppies can’t socialise until 12 weeks due to infection risk, however the prime socialisation period for exposure to other people, horses, cars etc. is actually between eight and 12 weeks. My courses run during this initial period and are in a fully sanitised environment, enabling dog owners to rest assured their puppies are training in a safe environment.

Are there any success stories which you’re particularly proud of?

I started working with a black Labrador who was scared of people, particularly men and would bark and lunge forward when out for walks as well as not like having people come into their home. After one-to-one training, which involved ignoring the negative behaviours and replacing it with positive reinforcement, the lab is now calmer and no longer pulling on the lead and barking at others.

Do you have any advice for owners struggling with canine behaviour issues?

I’d advise anyone who is experiencing canine behaviours that they’re worried about or ones that are affecting their relationship with their companion dog to seek support. There is no reason why a dog can’t be the perfect companion as long as their owners are offered the right information and
guidance.

As part of the training, I focus heavily on positive affirmations and encourage owners to ignore bad behaviour. But while the key focus is the dog, sometimes it’s just as important to work in collaboration with the owner and give them the confidence to be consistent to ensure results.

Finally, is there a local business you particularly admire?

Silent Pool is a great local business. I took one of my dogs-in-training to the coffee shop recently to help expose her to public spaces. What’s more, their story is pretty huge, and the gin is fantastic too.

November 25, 2022

Hampton Estate

Hampton Estate comprises 2000 acres of historic parkland, grazing meadows, arable fields, heathland, hop gardens, award winning woodlands and traditional farm property in between Seale and Puttenham, near Farnham. Hampton Estate produces Pasture for life beef, wild roe venison, timber and hops. The team hosts a range of events throughout the year, from Open Farm Sunday to monthly meat collection days. The Estate also has a restored dairy farm which can be rented out for events and has recently opened a campsite. We chatted to CEO & Estate Manager Bill Biddell to find out more ...

Bill, tell us about Hampton Estate

Hampton Estate is a third generation, family-run, rural business. Over 600 acres of the Estate is open to the public via footpaths and we actively manage these areas for everyone to enjoy. The ethos of everything we do is to support the local community whilst also enhancing the environment and sharing Hampton’s natural beauty. We are incredibly proud of our surroundings and we focus on regenerative and restorative land management in order to preserve and enhance it. We have a huge commitment to the stewardship of the land and the part it plays in enabling thriving local communities.

You were awarded the Duke of Cornwall’s Award for the best multipurpose woodland in the UK – what makes the woodland so special?

We have a range of different types of woodland, from productive coniferous woods which we actively manage, felling the timber when the trees are fully grown, and then selling the timber to saw mills across the UK. We are constantly replanting woodlands, and planting trees in new places too. We have beautiful semi ancient broadleaf woodlands, and sell fire wood from coppicing. One of our woods is also home to a local Forest School, which is great!

Environmental stewardship is clearly important at Hampton Estate, can you tell us a bit more about that?

Hampton has a long tradition of opting into environmental schemes. 90% of our agricultural land and woodland is in Countryside Stewardship, which recognises our low input, conservation-based land management. We are also active members of the West Surrey Greensands Cluster group and the Estate is in a woodland bird assemblage, a designation of national importance. We are really excited to be part of several nature-based finance and restoration pilot schemes with several other stakeholders across Surrey, including the Surrey Wildlife Trust.

We believe that Hampton Estate has been used as a filming location for some big film and TV productions. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes, over the years, the Estate has been used as a location for films starring the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet and Colin Firth. Possibly the biggest project was the Ridley Scott production of Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe. It took place over almost two years and they constructed a whole village on the Estate. We welcome these opportunities, but make sure film crews are aware of the long-term cultural and environmental value of the land – we make sure everything is put back just so after the filming!

You even have a campsite – tell us about that.

Yes, we set up Waggoners Campsite during lockdown as a way of encouraging people to access nature and the outdoors. The first year went really well and we’ve extended the season from April through to October so more people can enjoy it. It’s super environmentally friendly and it’s completely off grid. All the structures we’ve built at Waggoners were constructed by our forestry team, using our own wood. We have compostable loos and the woodland showers repurpose our old hop tractor tarpaulins.

What else can we expect to find on the Estate?

There is Manor Farm Craft Centre, which is housed in traditional farm buildings next to the church in the centre of Seale. It’s home to Manor Farm Tea Room, Pip of Manor Farm Wine Shop, Seale Craft Shop, and Seale Natural Health. Our award-winning rural offices at Shoelands Farm provide a state-of-the-art space for working, with renewable heating, unlimited broadband, spacious parking and beautiful views of the Surrey Hills.