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A night at the races with Girls Aloud

One of the nation’s favourite pop groups, Girls Aloud, were the stars of the show at a special charity evening at Sandown Park racecourse in Esher.

The glitzy event raised over £82,000 for Tadworth-based children’s charity, The Children’s Trust.

Guests enjoyed an evening of horse racing, a champagne reception and a three-course dinner before the girls took to the stage to cap the night off.

One of the Trust’s current fundraising appeals aims to raise more than £7 million to build a purpose-designed rehabilitation centre for children with acquired brain injuries.

For further information, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk  

Wine of the gods at Painshill - Bacchus revealed

Photos by Andy Newbold

Glasses of Painshill wine were raised to celebrate the return of the statue of Bacchus, god of wine, to Painshill Park in Cobham after more than 200 years. 

The newly appointed statue, which was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Sarah Goad, and the rebuilding of the Temple of Bacchus are key elements of the ongoing restoration of this 18th century landscape park. 

The unique gardens were created between 1738 and 1773 by owner Charles Hamilton.

The cream rises to the top in Cranleigh

The sun came out in full force as the Eric Clapton XI took on the Bunbury celebrity cricket team in a star-studded charity match at Cranleigh School.

The legendary musician was joined by former Rolling Stone bassist Bill Wyman, Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and TV personality Piers Morgan, among others, as celebrities mixed it up with cricket legends such as Allan Lamb, Phil Tufnell (interviewed in next month’s Surrey Life) and current Surrey star Mark Ramprakash.

The Bunburys ran out victors and the event raised around £50,000 for Guildford-based children’s charity CHASE, Cranleigh’s Longacre School and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads charity.

SPOTTED
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Loseley Park goes back in time


Photos by Carol Goodfellow

Guests enjoyed a trip back in time at an Elizabethan banquet held at the stunning stately home Loseley Park in Guildford.

The lavish party, which took place in the estate's 17th century Tithe Barn, was hosted by owner Mike More-Molyneux to celebrate the family's 500 years at Loseley.

"The banquet was a wonderful occasion for our family, made all the more special by the effort of everyone arriving in traditional Elizabethan attire," he said. "It was very well attended, with some of our guests travelling around the world to celebrate with us."

Variety Club Golf Society's Sunshine Classic

Sporting heroes and TV icons, descended on the Wentworth Golf Club to help raise £120,000 at the Variety Club Golf Society’s 11th Annual Sunshine Classic event at Virginia Water. 

Amongst the stars, who joined businessmen and women to battle against each other in adverse weather throughout the six-hour tournament, were Sir Steve Redgrave, Ronnie Corbett and Bruce Forsyth. 

The two princes meet war heroes

Photos by Alec Kingham

Princes William and Harry visited injured servicemen at the Defence Medical Services Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, near Epsom.

During the trip, Harry was reunited with Ben McBean, who was on the flight that brought Harry back from his tour of duty. Ben, 21, lost an arm and a leg when a mine exploded during a patrol in Afghanistan.

He also met Marine Mark Ormrod, 24, who trained with Harry to go to Afghanistan then lost both legs and his right arm after stepping on a landmine in the Helmand Province on Christmas Eve.

The Princes also took a 30-minute private tour of the upper wards of the centre, where the servicemen and women who need the most intensive care are housed.

There's a new High Sheriff in town

Photos by Theodore Wood

The High Sheriff of Surrey 2008-09, Mrs Sally Varah, has been installed at the annual ceremony in County Hall, Kingston.

Watching over proceedings was Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Sarah Goad.

Mrs Varah was then handed the unique Surrey badge of office by immediate past High Sheriff, Mr Nicholas Sealy.
Her late husband, Michael Varah, had been nominated for the office, but following his sudden death in April 2007, his wife was asked to step into the role.

“Accepting the nomination allows me not only to honour Michael’s memory but also to attempt to fulfil the year as High Sheriff in the way that he had been planning with just a little ‘twist’ of my own!” she said, speaking at the dinner that followed the installation ceremony.

Rainbow Trust lunch with Nadine Baggott

Photos by Andy Newbold

THE health and beauty editor at Hello!, Nadine Baggott, attended a special luncheon to raise money for Leatherhead-based charity, the Rainbow Trust. 

Held at Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, near Redhill, nearly £1,000 was raised for the children’s charity as guests converged to raise money and learn more about the charity and Nadine’s career.

“We were delighted with the way the lunch went,” said Gabriella Brooks, of the Rainbow Trust. “This was Nadine’s first event for Rainbow Trust and we hope it’s the start of many more to come.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming along to support our work with families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness”. 

A new look for the Bingham restaurant

Photos by Jeremy Clifton

Party-goers came in their droves for the re-launch of the uber chic Bingham restaurant in Richmond upon Thames.
Revelling in the enchanting Georgian property, they took in the breathtaking views of the Thames afforded by the restaurant’s enviable riverside location.

With the recent arrival of executive chef Shay Cooper, the elegant eatery has undergone a complete makeover, and launched with new lunch and dinner menus showcasing seasonal British cuisine alongside fine wines and an array of regional cheeses.

Redesigned by the Bingham owners working alongside designers Caulder Moore, the new interior is contemporary and elegant, the ideal stop for an evening out.

King of the jungle in Dorking


Photos by Richard Bloomfield

KING of the jungle Phil Tufnell attended a special charity gourmet evening held in aid of The Children’s Trust at Two to Four in Dorking,

The former professional cricket star, who became a popular TV celebrity after winning I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, was joined by his wife Dawn for the event.

They are both enthusiastic supporters of The Children’s Trust, in Tadworth, which provides care, education and therapy to children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs.

The evening proved to be a gastronomic delight for guests, who enjoyed a range of delicious food and fine wines, and the event raised an amazing £5,700.

“I would like to say a very big thank you to Two to Four’s owners, Paul, Gro and Nina Montalto, for organising a wonderful evening and for generously donating all food, wine and proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle,” says Lisa Tingley, community fundraising manager at The Children’s Trust. “All the money raised will help to enhance the lives of children receiving care at The Children’s Trust.”

The charity is aiming to raise more than £7 million to build a purpose-designed, rehabilitation centre for children with brain injuries. 

Mark Ramprakash at The Farmhouse Pub, Horley

Photos by Chris Wicks

SURREY and England cricketer Mark Ramprakash attended a dinner to celebrate his Testimonial Year at The Farmhouse Pub in Langshott, near Horley.

Following the meal, the winner of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing 2006 answered many varied questions and gave some interesting insights into his career as a cricketer and ballroom dancer.

An auction and raffle followed, with proceeds going to Mark’s chosen charities, including the Surrey-based CHASE children’s hospice in Guildford – The Farmhouse’s permanently nominated charity.

The Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Mrs. Dorothy A. Ross-Tomlin, was guest of honour at the dinner.

“Mark spoke to everyone personally and autographed lots of items for the guests,” says the landlord of The Farmhouse, Jerry Hudson. “The evening ended at about one in the morning and everyone went home happy.”


Spotted...
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Read on... 
Surrey Life interviewed Ramps in February's magazine, you can read it 
here

Surrey Care Trust at the Lounge in Godalming


Guests were left shaken and stirred at casino night at the Lounge, in Godalming, held in aid of the Surrey Care Trust and Hospice Home Support.

Society chef David Vanderhook, who works for the jet set, celebs and royalty, decided to open his bar for the night to raise money for the charity.

He had originally become interested in the Surrey Care Trust, after he was invited to a City lunch organised for the charity by Godalming stockbrokers Simple Investments.


Let us know about your Surrey Social events in the forum

Reigate Priory YMCA Fun Run

The new-look Reigate Priory had its biggest test yet when a record-breaking 1,282 people took part in the YMCA Fun Run.

Huge crowds witnessed Wray Common Primary School teacher Alister Moses win the five mile race; local celebrity chef, Tony Tobin, complete his first ever five mile run; and the deputy headteacher of Earlswood infant and nursery school, Dave Cole, complete the race - the school fielded a team of 45 children and 16 adults competing in the various races.

While many were trying to beat the clock for a personal best time, for some just taking part was a huge achievement. Roy Stevens crossed the finishing line of the Penny Stevens adult one mile race to loud applause, having suffered a stroke only last year. A team from the YMCA’s cardiac rehabilitation classes also took part and Clare Marchent, who is registered blind, completed the course with support from YMCA fitness instructor Spencer O’Driscoll. There was also a team of runners from Heads Together, the YMCA's free counselling service for young people in East Surrey. This year, all money raised from entry fees and sponsorship will go to ensure Heads Together continues its invaluable work.

HAVE YOUR SAY!
Did you take part in this event or have you run for a similar cause, let us know in the Surrey Life forum

Guildford Life With Style 2008

Photos by Bill Beminster

The cream of Guildford gathered at the town’s historic Guildhall for the second annual Guildford Life With Style awards. 

The awards form part of the on-running campaign to promote the town to its residents, students, businesses and visitors. They are intended to highlight and recognise the efforts and impact of its inspirational people, places and businesses, and anticipation was at fever pitch as winners were announced.

After the ceremony, which was hosted by Guildford’s Mayor Cllr Mike Nevins and compered by 96.4 Eagle Radio presenter Peter Gordon, the winners moved upstairs to mingle over a glass of wine.

Surrey Business Awards 2008

Photos by Dave McHugh

Surrey’s most successful businesses descended on Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher, as they attended the annual Surrey Business Awards.

The evening began with a champagne reception followed by a four-course dinner and finally the Oscar-style awards ceremony took over proceedings.

As the evening drew to a close, guests reflected on another successful year for the county’s businesses. Here’s to 2008/2009!

Opening of Montezuma's chocolate in Kingston

On Sunday November 23 Montezuma’s chocolate opened its eighth store in Kingston-upon-Thames. A living statue outside the store handed out chocolates to those who dared to approach, enticing people further in-store. Co-founder of Montezuma’s Helen Pattinson and store manager Dan Hodges greeted customers and local businesses with Champagne and truffles.

"We take great satisfaction in the accolades and acclaim we have received in six short years since we founded Monty’s," says Helen Pattinson, co-founder of Montezuma’s. "We pride ourselves as the most innovative chocolate maker in the UK with a reputation far wider than our Southern roots and handful of shops. We are delighted to have opened the doors to our Kingston store".

Montezuma’s chocolates are available in-store on Fife Street, Kingston-upon-Thames and online at www.montezumas.co.uk