Behind the scenes
As Surrey Life travels around the county each month, picking up news and piecing together features, we tend to stumble across all sorts of weird and wonderful things. On this page, we give you a behind the scenes look at where Surrey Life has been, outtakes from upcoming features and a few fun things that just happened to catch our eyes... Enjoy your Surrey life!
HAVE YOUR SAY on any of the stories on this page in the Surrey Life forum
Sir Michael Caine becomes patron of Leatherhead Theatre
As Leatherhead Theatre gears up for its 40th anniversary in 2009, the legendary Sir Michael Caine has lent his support to the Theatre and become a patron. Here he is at the theatre with Surrey Life staff writer Matthew Williams...
The Lightbox welcomes Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough visited The Lightbox in Woking, to give supporters and volunteers of the award-winning gallery and museum an insight into his own 'Life in the Undergrowth'. Here, he is signing a book for one lucky fan...
Michael Aspel in Claygate for the Princess Alice Hospice
You'd be forgiven for thinking that life might have quietened down for Weybridge resident Michael Aspel since leaving the Antiques Roadshow earlier this year. But, it seems that the freeman of Elmbridge is as busy as ever. With Evacuees Reunited hitting screens this week - a mini-series for ITV in which he tells the stories of ordinary Britons who, as children, were sent to far-flung parts of the country to live with strangers - he still managed to find time for the Princess Alice Hospice's Candlelight Christmas in Claygate. Here, Michael, who is vice president of the charity, is pictured with trustee and event organiser Jane Formby and compere for the night BBC Radio 2's Frank Renton. Look out for January's Surrey Life magazine, in which there is a full interview with the TV legend as he gears up to celebrate his 76th birthday...
READ ON...
Find out what Michael Aspel named as his Icon of Surrey in Surrey Life
Sir Cliff at Hampton Court Palace
As vice president of the Tennis Foundation, Sir Cliff Richard hosted and entertained guests at a star studded charity event at Hampton Court Palace. Photographer Andy Newbold was there and here Sir Cliff poses with his sister Joan Pilgrim, who accompanied him to the event. You'll find all the pictures in Surrey Life's January edition, along with a few other suprises of course...
HAVE YOUR SAY
Did you enjoy Surrey Life magazine's Cliff Richard interview, which can be found in the December edition? Have you seen, or are you planning to see, Cliff on tour soon? Let us know on the Surrey Life forum.
The launch of a new series
In January's Surrey Life magazine, we launch a new series called Join the Club. The idea being that readers get to know a different Surrey club or organisation each month, irrespective of what it is the group actually gather for. For the first in the series, we went straight to the top and saught out the Surrey WI. Here, spokeswoman Hilary Gadd highlights why things may not always be what they seem at the WI. To find out more, you'll just have to keep an eye out in stores for the January edition, out in shops Monday December 29...
GET IN TOUCH
If you are a member or founder of a Surrey organisation or club - whether you're a walking group, art group, Cliff Richard fan club etc - feel free to get in contact with us to spread the word about what you do. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hampshire came to Surrey
Actress Susan Hampshire was on hand to officially launch the newly established conservation charity Downlands Trust at Couldsdon Manor. This new charity will be run by volunteers and has been set up in order to support the countryside management work in the Downlands Project area of northeast Surrey. Here she is with Downlands Trust chairman Ken Johnson...
When Miss Harrap went to Number 10
As regular readers of Surrey Life online will no doubt already be aware, Surrey Life editor Caroline Harrap (back, centre) was invited along to Number 10 by the British Society of Magazine Editors, in October, to meet the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Here's a picture for her to add to her photo album...
View all of the pictures from this event on the British Society of Magazine Editors website, here
Three Olympians and an actor
The crowd at Sandown Park Racecourse, in Esher, were left both shaken and stirred as gentlemen's race day kicked up a few suprises - and not just on the course! As the crowd enjoyed the timely James Bond theme, a very different English gentleman stole the show in the form of the one and only Hugh Grant. Also there, were Olympic heroes Tom James, Tim Brabants and Stephen Rowbotham (pictured below).
Lewis Hamilton returns to Woking as world champion
While those over the water were still celebrating a new hero, as Barack Obama became America's first black president, the ticker tape was falling in Woking as all conquering world champion, Lewis Hamilton, was welcomed home at McLaren's state of the art headquarters by the team's 1,000 strong workforce.
Managing to avoid the ornamental lake set beside the Norman Foster-designed building, Hamilton parked his F1 car outside the entrance before entering to huge cheers. Later, ITV presenter Steve Ryder read out a congratulatory message from The Queen, while Hamilton's father and girlfriend, the Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger.
Ramps at Le Raj
Surrey cricketer Mark Ramprakash continued to celebrate his testimonial year in style at a cricket curry Q&A night at Le Raj in Epsom. Surrey legend Alec Stewart was also on hand to join in the fun, as staff took the opportunity for some pictures with their heroes.
Let there be lights
No, it's not a scene from the latest Exorcist remake, it's the stunning new light installation that has lit up Farnham Maltings recently...
The right partnership
It all got emotional as football legends Ian Wright and Mark Bright hosted their annual charity golf day at The Addington Golf Club in Croydon. Here the duo, who for many year's formed a formidable strike partnership for Crystal Palace, share a moment...
For more pictures from this event, see November's Surrey Life magazine - out in shops from October Wednesday 22.
It's a dog's life
Animals may do the craziest things but this pooch shows rather discerning taste, as he flicks through the latest edition of Surrey Life...
...and catches up with Benson and co...
The Max Factor
Last week turned out to be quite the national affair for Surrey Life, with editor Caroline Harrap popping off to meet PM Gordon Brown at Number 10 and columnist Max Clifford speaking at the Periodical Publishers Association's regional magazines summit about his work with the magazine. Here's Max snapped with the mag in hand...
Icons of Surrey
For November's
Surrey Life, we have spoken to some of the county's most famous faces to discover what one thing sums up Surrey for them.
SL photographer Alec Kingham popped out to shoot Reigate Heath for one of the entries but who do you think chose this idyllic heathland location?
HAVE YOUR SAY
Let us know about your Surrey Icons by writing to the usual address, emailing editor@surreylife.co.uk or leaving a message on the online forum. While you’re here, why not send us pictures of your favourite icons.
A fashion celebration
Held in celebration of London Fashion Week, The Bentall Centre, in Croydon, hosted it's first ever fashion show. Surrey Life columnist and top fashionista, Chantelle Znideric (centre) was on hand to offer expert advice on what was a thoroughly sucessful evening...
Guildford is good to go
As this year's Guildford Life With Style Awards launched, Matt Pinches and Sarah Gobran, founding directors of the Guildford Shakespeare Company, and Diana Roberts (right), from Guildford House Gallery, were on hand enjoying their copy of Surrey Life...
The Surrey Business Awards are go
This year's Surrey Business Awards launched at Denbies vineyard last night. Here, Surrey Life's Ade Holder (left) and Damien St George, and Sarah Dowd, from sister title Compass magazine, enjoy a glass of English wine...
What's that coming over the sill...
When recieving a small potted venus fly-trap as a house warming present just a few short months ago, one particularly non-green fingered member of the Surrey Life team could surely not have imagined the monster it would become. When asked how he'd managed to create such a monster the helpful horticulturalist simply replied: "well I make sure I don't speak to it, so perhaps it's just craving attention." Have you got any tales of the unexpected, grow your own nightmares or concerns for the county's future at the whim of this particular trap? Let us know on the Surrey Life forum...
DISCLAIMER: This pic was taken on a mobile phone, so apologies for the quality. That said, the focus softens the picture and so perhaps will allow you to continue to sleep soundly at night.
A bobby dazzler
Bobby Davro celebrated his 50th birthday in style with the likes of Des O'Connor at Foxhills, Ottershaw. Here they are helping themselves to a little PIMMS. Well, you only get to celebrate your big 50 once after all. Cheers fellas.
At the races
The Surrey Business Awards is now in its fourth year of celebrating success across the county. So, it is with great delight that, this year, Surrey Life have become a major media partner for the event and will be sponsoring the Surrey Business Person of the Year award. Here, regional managing director Suzanne Heaven (right) poses for the cameras at Sandown Park Racecourse with fellow sponsors. Find out more about the Surrey Business Awards here.
(l-r) Robin Fegan, Business Awards director, John Chater head of external relations RBLI, Chris Hooper HSBC head of commercial Guildford and East Surrey, Peter Swyny Royal Mail general manager Kingston, Twickenham and Guildford, Suzanne Heaven Archant Life South East & East regional managing director
In the meantime
Check out our interview with last year's Surrey Business Person of the Year, Andrew Reynolds, to see what affect the awards had on him, here
Strictly celebrating
Mark Ramprakash was guest of honour as residents and guests at Corrina Lodge Care Home, in Camberley, celebrated the official opening of the home's new wing. Here he is meeting 94-year-old resident Mary Milnes – an avid fan of cricket and Strictly Come Dancing, and an expert ballroom dancer herself in her earlier years.
Food, glorious food
On their recent dog walk to Earlswood Lakes (appearing in October's Surrey Life), Meg and Benson say hello to some fellow park goers - who just happen to have food on them. The things we do for a free meal...
CAPTIONS PLEASE... Leave your witticisms on the Surrey Life forum before checking out Benson's Blog and then, for all of our favourite dog walks in Surrey, click here
Let them eat cake...
Photographer Andy Newbold makes Surrey Life editor Caroline Harrap and 'King of the Jungle' Christopher Biggins work for their dinner at the latest Rainbow Trust ladies lunch, held at Nutfield Priory, near Redhill. I wouldn't like to meet these motley two down a dark alley!
For more pictures from this event check out the September edition of Surrey Life, which is out in all good shops around Wednesday August 20 and promises to be the biggest ever...
Five minutes of fame...
Surrey Life magazine's advertising sales manager Damien St George is said to be considering a move away from the high pressure world of sales and into a modelling career... possibly... After becoming the face of Surrey Life for this year's Surrey Business Awards, could the catwalks of Rome, New York or Croydon be next...
To read the full article click here
Tony Tobin in the dark...
Despite a ninety minute power cut and this rather unhappy face, celebrity chef and Surrey Life columnist, Tony Tobin was not to be beaten as he celebrated his birthday at The Dining Room in Reigate. With a make-do attitude, meals were cooked up on camping stoves and guests dined by candlelight. For more pictures from the event check out September's Surrey Life magazine.
HAVE YOUR SAY!
If you were there, want to wish Tony a happy birthday or simply ask for some recipe ideas, leave your messages on the Surrey Life forum.
Spending the morning with Alec Stewart
Surrey Life spent the morning with former Surrey and England cricketer Alec Stewart, as he hosted cricket coaching sessions for the pupils of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Redhill. The day was part of Surrey County Cricket Club’s community and education programme and saw Stewart field questions about his career and cricket, as well as a few balls too. Afterwards, the Surrey legend went off to Guildford's Festival of Cricket to watch his former team take on Durham, at Guildford Cricket Club, in their annual sojourn from the Oval.
(photos courtesy of Empics)
Surrey Life at GuilFest...
There was a strong Surrey Life presence at this year's GuilFest, with editorial folk stalking around with notepads and cameras. Here, editorial assistant Matthew Williams - whose travelling in Australia obviously stunted his dress sense - relaxes in the sun, and a copy of the magazine takes shelter from the rain...
HAVE YOUR SAY
Were you at GuilFest? Let us know your views on the weekend on the Surrey Life forum
Decisions, decisions...
Surrey Life account executives Ade Holder and Callum Sims visited Bill Shepherd Mustang's new dealership, in Byfleet, for their open evening. Motor-mad Ade's smile says it all really ...
Just call me Tuffers
Phil Tufnell took a break from The One Show, A Question of Sport and playing cricket with his celebrity buddies on Wednesday to chat to Surrey Life about his support for The Children's Trust, life since cricket and his new appreciation for art... Read the full interview in August's Surrey Life magazine.
Above photo by Andy Newbold
A rock god, a cricketer and a media mogul went to Cranleigh...
A stunning summers day saw the celebrities come out in force in Cranleigh, as Cranleigh School hosted the Eric Clapton XI v The Bunburys charity cricket match, and Surrey Life was there. All money raised went towards the Longacre Jubilee Appeal, CHASE Children’s Hospice Guildford, Crossroads Centre - the rehabilitation centre in Antigua founded by Eric Clapton - and The English Schools Cricket Association. The likes of cricketers Mark Ramprakash, Phil Tufnell and Allan Lamb shared the crease with Clapton, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford. The event will be covered in full in the July edition of Surrey Life, but here is a little taster...
Above: Mark Ramprakash signs autographs for swooning fans
Below: Piers Morgan - yes, you read that right - steps up to bowl
HAVE YOUR SAY!
Did you attend the cricket in Cranleigh? What did you make of Clapton's cover drive? Were you as stunned as Surrey Life when rock legend Bill Wyman sent Mark Ramprakash's stumps flying? Well, let us know what you thought on the Surrey Life forum, here.
All around the room
While snapping away for Surrey Life at the Nadine Baggot lunch, held in aid of the Rainbow Trust, freelance photographer Andy Newbold took this fantastic panorama of the room - an almost 220 degree view (see bottom of page). The rest of his pics from this event, which was held at Nutfield Priory near Redhill, will feature in the June edition of the magazine, for more of Andy's work visit www.andynewboldphotography.com
In with the old
We at Surrey Life were delighted to hear from a Mr Dowson, of Chertsey, who kindly offered us a leather bound collection of The Surrey County Magazine (pictures below) - a past incarnation of the current mag. Not only is it intensely interesting to flick through the old magazines and see what has changed (and what hasn't) but it also gives us a valuable historical resource. So thank you Mr Dowson. Your efforts are much appreciated.
If anyone has got any memories of Surrey past, that they would like to share, with us or your fellow readers, visit the Surrey Life forum.
A day in an Aston Martin
Having spent the day touring the county in a £91,000 Aston Martin, writer Alan Tovey stops off at the only place of sustenance left within his budget - McDonalds.
So, the £91,000 question: If you had an Aston Martin for one day, what would you do? Post your answers on the Surrey Life forum
HAVE YOUR SAY on any of the stories on this page in the Surrey Life forum