C Number 296 – November 2014 Village Website: www.compton-surrey.co.uk

C
NEWS
Number 296 – November 2014
Village Website: www.compton-surrey.co.uk
PUBLISHED BY COMPTON VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
Editor: Jane Turner, Inwood House, Hog’s Back, Farnham, Surrey GU10 1HE
Telephone & Fax: 01483 810789. Email: [email protected]
Compton Little Theatre’s January production is A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles
Dickens, adapted by Nicky Ford and directed by Catherine Clark and Emma Harding.
This familiar story is for all the family and is a great way to overcome those Christmas blues. Performances are on
Thursday 15th January, Friday 16th and Saturday 17th at 8pm each evening, and also at 3pm on the Saturday.
Tickets are on sale now: £10 for all seats for the evenings and £8 for the Saturday matinee, available as follows: on line
from www.ticketsource.co.uk/clt; from the Box Office on 07964 515103; or by post from CLT Box Office, 49 The Oval,
Godalming GU7 3JZ. Please send your requirements, cheque payable to “Compton Little Theatre” and a stamped selfaddressed envelope. The Harrow will also be offering their popular theatre suppers again – details to follow.
REVIEW OF CLT’S DINNER & DRAMA EVENING WITH TWO CHEKHOV PLAYS
Compton Little Theatre’s Dinner & Drama production of two Chekhov plays was a bold choice, as he is generally
perceived as a rather serious playwright, full of grey scenery and miserable women. The evening, however, turned out to be
a revelation.
The first play, The Bear, began as an intense dialogue between a grieving widow, Elena Popova (played by Tessa
Duggleby) and a local farmer, Grigory Smirnoff (Andrew Payne), who barges into her house demanding immediate
repayment of a loan or he would lose his farm. The maid, Luka (Alison Hough), was a larger-than-life contrast to the
sparring pair, diffusing the tense atmosphere and injecting unexpected humour. She used the stage effectively, moving
around with authority and bringing the space alive.
Duggleby gave a convincing performance of a woman playing out a prolonged period of mourning, refusing to see or
communicate with anyone, despite the fact that she knew her husband had been a serial philanderer. Elena challenges
Grigory to a dual with her husband’s pistols, to the dismay of Luka who knows her mistress has never used a firearm and
promptly flees to bring help to save her. In a dramatic turnaround, the dual becomes superfluous. While Grigory instructs
Elena in the use of a firearm, they discover they are in love and are locked in a passionate embrace when Luka returns at top
speed - bringing the coachman and the gardener who are obviously not required!
An ingenious touch had these two peasants dismantling the set in a delightfully clumsy and comical manner.
The second play, The Wedding Reception, was altogether more light-hearted. It was fast moving and well
choreographed, making use of the full stage. From the start the audience was included as guests at the wedding party.
The mixed bunch of guests gradually revealed their different characters and diverse backgrounds. Tracey Lemieux, in a
cameo role, humourously portrayed a flamboyant midwife, Anna, who loved to sing and insisted on regular fanning by her
admirer, Ivan Yatz (Andrew Payne). The bride and groom, Emma Harding and Hugo Wilson, seemed to have no control
over the behaviour of their guests and the way in which the drama unfolded. The bride’s father, Zhigalov (Robin
Matthews) was determined to enjoy himself by drinking copiously and brilliantly effecting collapses behind the table, which
brought the house down. His wife Nastasya (Julia Grant), convincingly snobbish and overbearing, was determined to have
a General at her daughter’s wedding. The useless Andrey Niuinin (Clive Grant) was unable to deliver the real thing and
desperately produced a retired Petty Officer, Revunov (Gordon Ayshford), who proceeded to bore the assembled company
with seafaring stories until he was forced to admit that he wasn’t a General.
Jan Parsons as Dimba, the local Greek baker, complemented Matthews’ Zhigalov in a character role that suited her
perfectly, keeping pace with his drinking and constantly harking back to her homeland, which apparently had “everything”,
interspersed with snatches of Greek dancing. Her intentionally incomprehensible speech was hilarious.
Gillian Walker as Master of Ceremonies, with the help of a Waitress, Eleanor Balchin, tried to keep control of events as
the crises unfolded and moved seamlessly from one calamity to the next, involving the audience in frequent toasts to all and
sundry.
The sets for both plays were simple but effective, particularly in The Bear. The colourful costumes in The Wedding
Reception were a delight, matched by vivid make-up and elaborate hairstyles. The casting could not be faulted. Those who
thought all Chekhov plays were moody and modernist were completely mistaken - these two plays were thoroughly
enjoyable and amusing! The evening was accompanied by a delicious, and appropriately Russian-themed, Chicken
Stroganoff. Congratulations to Jen Haynes for her superb Directing and to the CLT team for delivering another excellent,
high quality show. It was certainly one not to be missed.
Contributed
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WATTS GALLERY NEWS
   EXHIBITIONS   
A RUSSIAN FAIRYTALE: THE ART AND CRAFT OF ELENA POLENOVA
Tuesday 18th November to Sunday 8th February
This exhibition is the first major retrospective outside Russia to explore the career of the 19th century Russian painter
and designer, Elena Polenova. Showcasing Polenova’s production in a wide range of media, including paintings,
furniture, ceramics and a selection of rarely seen works on paper, this unique exhibition, with all the works on loan
from Russia, demonstrates Polenova’s important role in the Russian craft revival of the 1880s.
THE ART OF LUSTREWARE – JONATHAN CHISWELL JONES
Tuesday 18th October to Sunday 18th January
The Old Pottery Gallery – entry FREE
Jonathan Chiswell Jones is one of a handful of potters worldwide to make lustreware by reduction firing. The process
has a thousand-year history, which began in the Middle East. Inspired by a book on the work of William De Morgan,
Jonathan began to work with reduction-fired lustre on porcelain about 15 years ago. His previous exhibition in the
Old Pottery Gallery over the winter of 2012-2013 was extremely popular. His beautiful work will undoubtedly
become the antiques of the future and will make the most wonderful and prized Christmas presents!
 FORTHCOMING EVENTS. Book online at www.wattsgallery.org.uk or call 01483 810235, 11am-5pm 
OPEN STUDIO AND DEMONSTRATION
THE ART OF MOORCROFT
Saturday 8th November, 12 noon to 4pm. Old Pottery Gallery. FREE dropin.
There is a wonderful display of Moorcroft pottery for sale in the Gallery
Shop. Moorcroft Art Pottery has been made in Stoke-on-Trent since 1897.
Peter Harrison, one of Moorcroft’s most experienced artists, will
demonstrate the signature techniques of the decoration.
WATTS RESEARCH NETWORK
Wednesday 12th November, 6.30pm to 8pm
FREE – pre-booking required
Hear the latest research inspired by G F and Mary Watts.
Dr Nick Tromans, Curator, will reveal research about the recently acquired Watts
Self-Portrait. Network meetings are open to all Watts enthusiasts, including
artists, designers, conservators, historians and students. To book, email
[email protected].
A RUSSIAN FAIRYTALE
BREAKFAST TOUR
Thursday 27th November, 10am to
11.30am
£15 (£12 Friends), including refreshments.
Enjoy a Curator-led tour of the exhibition
before it opens to visitors for the day.
OPEN STUDIO AND DEMONSTRATION
JONATHAN CHISWELL JONES
Thursday 13th November, 2pm to 4pm.
FREE drop-in.
Join Jonathan to hear about the process
involved in the creation of lustreware and to
view his new exhibition in the Old Pottery
Gallery.
TOUR OF WATTS GALLERY AND CHAPEL
Thursday 20th November
Gallery: 12 noon. Chapel: 2pm.
£5 per person
Gain insight into these historic buildings as
your tour guide brings the story of G F and
Mary Watts to life.
WATTS AT NIGHT
Friday 28th November – Open until 9pm
Two-for-One Admission.
Enjoy late night opening with music, readings, activities, tours and a cash bar.
See the Polenova exhibition at night and delight in Russian cuisine by booking a
three-course Russian banquet, provided by Russian Revels. Dinner must be
booked in advance at £27 per person.
WINTER ILLUMINATIONS: SUPERNATURE
Friday 28th November to Saturday 28th February
Enter a magical wonderland of porcelain sculptures illuminated against the winter skies. Designed by artist Mary Branson,
Supernature celebrates Surrey landscape and wildlife through sound and light. This is an outdoor installation, all over the
Watts Gallery estate (but not the woodland) from 11am to 5pm throughout the period. Admission FREE. Supernature at
Watts Gallery has been made possible by iGuzzini lighting systems and a kind donation from Emma Verey.
THE FESTIVE SEASON is approaching and parties at home are
going to be taking up a lot of time. Entertaining is supposed to be
fun but catering can be a headache – sometimes, there just isn’t
enough time. But help is at hand - Catherine Clark’s KITCHEN
SINK CATERING is the answer! Whether it’s a dinner party, canapé
party, children’s party, you can rely on them to sort it out.
And another thing: don’t spend hours making your Christmas
Cake this year. Catherine will do that too. Call her on 07532
208308 to discuss your requirements, and for ideas, or email her
on [email protected].
B&H SOUND SERVICES are looking for a new
audio-visual installation engineer and an audiovisual technician. The Cambridgeshire-based
company fit permanent sound, video and
lighting systems into Houses of Worship all over
the country, including Compton Church.
Do you have the skills necessary to fill one of
these roles? Contact Joanne Coe on 01733
371250, [email protected], for
more details.
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    VILLAGE MATTERS    
WORKING BEE. There was an excellent turnout on 18th October to clear the ditch along Withies Lane. Investigative
digging shows that a new storm drain will need to be laid under the Allotments’ entrance as the current drain could not
be unblocked - if indeed it is there at all. The rain held off and in two hours a good job was done cleaning up this
whole stretch and cutting back all the undergrowth. The Parish Council will now liaise with the Allotments to lay a
new drainpipe or gulley of some sort, so that water can flow down towards the common - this should help allotment
flooding too.
At a local Councillors’ meeting, David Haskins learned that the group is now eligible to be called the Compton
Environmental Resilience Team, CERT, as apparently it is ahead of the curve on this kind of community initiative!
Having a team ready to turn out to do the odd job will make a big difference in keeping Compton smart and
functioning in these constrained times, as well as being a lot of fun. A Working Bee link from David’s diary
http://www.ubiubi.org/cpcdiary/ will track the tasks and team.
The next WORKING BEE will be on Saturday 15th November. Meet outside the Withies at 9.30am.
Task to be confirmed!
COMPTON ALLOTMENTS did well in the Guildford in Bloom competition held during the summer. Of the
55 allotments in Compton, the following received awards:
- Mark and Elizabeth Ottway – Silver
- Anne Gooding and Chris Hornsby, David Francis, Sheila Dobson and Indra Tason – Silver Gilt
- Heather and Bill Fordham – Gold and Cup for Best in Show
Congratulations to them all! There is one allotment available for the new season. If you would like details,
contact David Haskins on 810441.
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING. The final amazing result for this annual event held in the Club at the end of
September was a stunning £1,142. Jean Miller would like to thank all those who supported the occasion and helped to
achieve such an excellent outcome.
RED POPPIES IN THE STREET. Congratulations to everyone involved in placing red poppies on the lamp posts
along The Street. A brilliant and imaginative idea, eye-catching and attractive and a fitting tribute, especially this
year.
WHAT’S ON – CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
PUTTENHAM BONFIRE. Saturday 8th November. Gates open at 6pm and the display starts at 7.15pm. Gate tickets are
£10 for Adults, £5 for children. Advance tickets are £7 and £3, available at the Good Intent (but not on the day of the
bonfire). This is the 25th Anniversary of Puttenham’s spectacular bonfire and this year’s theme is “Share the Magic!” It is
held on the bonfire field, behind the school and is a village event. All profits are distributed to local good causes. It is
always a fabulous night, in all weathers, with food and drink on sale. Well worth a visit. Come appropriately dressed,
particularly if it’s wet!
CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS. Loseley Park. Thursday 13th November to Sunday 16th. 9am to 5pm Thursday to
Saturday; 9am to 4pm Sunday. Tickets in advance from www.ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk: Adults £5.50, Seniors
£4.50. On the door: Adults £6.50, Seniors £5.50. Students £4, Children FREE, Parking FREE.
CHRISTMAS FAIR – GUILDFORD & GODALMING CATS PROTECTION. Milford Village Hall - Saturday 15th November,
11am to 4pm. Start thinking about Christmas and stock up early for gifts and stocking fillers. Cakes, bric-a-brac, books,
CDs, DVDs, handcrafted jewellery. Special guest Sally Root will be selling her Green Lane glassware. Hot drinks, mince
pies and bacon butties too! Try your luck in the Raffle – prizes include £75 cash, theatre tickets, and many other fantastic
prizes.
CHIDDINGFOLD ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION on Friday 14th November, 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 15th 10am to 5pm,
and Sunday 16th 10am to 4pm in Chiddingfold Village Hall. See work by local artists and craftspeople and admire
the wonderful artistic talent from this lovely village. A perfect opportunity to buy unique original work and
Christmas gifts. Creative demonstrations and children’s art corner. Refreshments available. Free admission and
parking.
J S BACH – B MINOR MASS. The Vivace Chorus will be performing this well-known work on Saturday 15th November
at 7.30pm in Guildford Cathedral, with a pre-concert talk at 6.30pm. Tickets are £26, £18 and £12, available from Tourist
Information on 01483 444334 or from Michael Taylor on 07958 519741.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – performed by Clive Francis in The Great Hall, Loseley House on Friday 12th December at
7.30pm. Drinks and nibbles at 6.45pm. Tickets: £20. You can also enjoy a supper after the performance in the
festive Chestnut Lodge for £40.50 (this price includes the ticket). For Tickets, telephone 01483 405112 – supper
places are limited.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT WATTS GALLERY. Make use of the Voucher at the end of the NEWS to claim your
discount in the shop through the whole of December, up to and including Christmas Eve. And don’t forget KD Fine
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Art upstairs!
    BUMPER BARGAIN BASEMENT!    
GIRL’S BIKE in good condition. Blue Apollo 18”
aluminium frame, 26” wheels.
£50 o.n.o. Contact David on 01483 427405.
TABLES. Three hardly used, wood-effect folding tables
from the Village Hall. Excellent quality. 27” x 36”.
£30 each. Contact Sarah on 01483 427405.
FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING, CONTACT CAROLINE ON 07958 500705. PRICES ARE FOR GUIDANCE. OFFERS CONSIDERED!
 BLACK/RED TODDLERS UNIVERSAL BIKE. 10 inch.
Very good working order. £25
 GREEN ACE KIDS BIKE. 15 inch. Also very good
working order. £50.
 WHITE CRIB, MAMAS AND PAPAS. Swinging motion.
Locks in place securely. L: 103.5 x W: 50 x H: 83 cm.
Solid Rubberwood. As new. £35.
 LITTLE TIKES OUTDOOR PLASTIC TROPICAL
CLIMBING FRAME – extra-large gym which includes four
different play levels plus a large hideaway space underneath.
It has a top level with a see-through bubble window, a
middle level and a crawl through tunnel. Included is a 90cm
speed slide and an extra-long, wavy 180cm slide. 400 x 400
cm. £170. (These climbing frames are £700 new.)
 JAZZ @ THE PAVILION
WEDNESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER
JULIAN ARGUELLES QUARTET. World-class saxophonist, composer and
beautifully melodic improviser, Julian Arguelles has been at the heart of
British jazz for 3 decades. The other world class musicians in this quartet
alongside Julian are Kit Downes on piano, Sam Lasserson on bass and
James Madden on drums. A unique opportunity to hear one of the giants
of jazz in Guildford. Don’t miss it!
Jazz @ The Pavilion is at Guildford and Godalming Rugby Club
Doors open 7.30pm, Music from 8.30pm. Tickets £14, or £12 in advance from
www.guildfordjazz.org.uk
ELECTRIC THEATRE JAZZ CAFÉ
TUESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER
Saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes is
currently a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist.
Her first two albums were reviewed to critical
acclaim. The third was recorded with the BBC
Concert Orchestra and is shortly due for release at
the London Jazz Festival. Supper from 6pm.
Music from 7.30pm. Tickets £12.
Electric Theatre Box Office: 01483 444789.
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 2ND – 8am All Souls Service, Watts Chapel; 10.30am All Age Worship
SUNDAY 9TH – 10am Remembrance Service, followed by Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial
at 11am.
Everyone is invited to the Compton Club for refreshments after the service.
SUNDAY 16TH – 9.30am Holy Communion with hymns
SUNDAY 23RD – 8am Holy Communion; 10.30am Holy Communion with hymns
SUNDAY 30TH – 6pm Advent Carol Service
DIARY DATES
SUNDAYS – Pantry Tea Room, Compton Club, 10.30am-4.30pm
TUESDAYS – 4th & 18th – Martin’s Choice Guitar Group,
The Harrow, 8.30pm
TUESDAYS – Bell Ringing Practice, St Nicholas Church, 8pm
WEDNESDAYS –Traditional Folk Music, The Harrow, 8.30pm
FRIDAYS – Choir Practice, St Nicholas Church, 10am-11am
Sat 8th – Open Studio & Demonstration: Moorcroft, Old Pottery
Gallery, 12 noon-4pm
Sat 8th – Bingo, Compton Club, 8pm
Sat 8th – Puttenham Bonfire from 6pm
Mon 10th – Coffee Morning, Old Barn, 10am
Wed 12th – Tower Café, Puttenham Church, 2.30pm-4.30pm
Wed 12th – Watts Research Network, Watts Gallery, 6.30pm-8pm
Wed 12th – Jazz @ The Pavilion, 7.30pm
Thurs 13th-Sun 16th – Crafts for Christmas, Loseley Park
Thurs 13th – Open Studio & Demonstration: Jonathan
Chiswell Jones, Old Pottery Gallery, 2pm-4pm
Fri 14th-Sun 16th –Art & Craft Exhibition, Chiddingfold
Village Hall
Sat 15th – Working Bee, Meet at the Withies, 9.30am
Sat 15th – Cats Protection Christmas Fair, Milford
Village Hall, 11am-4pm
Sat 15th – J.S. Bach B Minor Mass, Vivace Chorus,
Guildford Cathedral, 7.30pm
Wed 19th – Parish Council, Puck’s Oak Barn, 7pm
THURS 20TH – DEADLINE FOR THE DECEMBER NEWS
Sat 22nd – Bingo, Compton Club, 8pm
Mon 24th – Coffee Morning, Old Barn, 10am
Tues 25th – Electric Theatre Jazz Café, from 6pm
Thurs 27th – Breakfast Tour: Russian Fairy Tale, Watts
Gallery, 10am-11.30am
Fri 28th – Watts at Night, Watts Gallery, until 9pm
VISIT THE WATTS GALLERY SHOP FOR LOTS OF UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS.
Bring this voucher with you to receive a discount on your purchases.
10% off on purchases up to £50. 15% off on purchase over £50.
Everything from cufflinks to toiletries, silk scarves to wool hats and gloves, children’s toys and fun stocking
fillers, as well as all your Christmas stationery needs, including cards and diaries.
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Voucher is valid for one transaction from 29 November to 24 December 2014