Recent Articles

‘This book is the seasonal garnish we all need’ – Observer "My mother is not a foodie. But for as long as I can remember, once a year, she becomes possessed of a profound and desperate need to serve up a perfect roast turkey. Faced with a walk into the village though, she might think ‘oh, stuff ...

Great White Egret (Ardea alba) I was dreaming of a white Christmas as I began scanning the skies for ducks that day in deep mid-winter. This month, on 22 December, it will be exactly 20 years ago. And not a moment I’m likely to forget. Suddenly there it was. I could hardly believe my eyes to ...

Elmbridge Road, early 20th century (courtesy of Michael Miller) In 1917 the Balls family lived at no. 7 Elmbridge Road. It was then known as ‘Jessamine Cottage’. Jonathan Balls was a gardener. The family were active members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. Here they became good friends of ...

I’ve lived in Cranleigh since 1974 but I’m a London boy, born in Streatham. There was a King on the throne when I was born 67 years ago. My family lived around South London for most of my childhood, first in Orpington and then we moved to Croydon. I came here as a policeman having worked in ...

Bonfire night is over and Christmas adverts on the TV have started. As I write this, Christmas is only 6 weeks away. Christmas light displays will be switched on and the general feeling of excitement will begin to build as the days pass by. Along with the excitement comes added stress of course. ...

Dreaming of a white Christmas? As Christmas approaches, we’re all dreaming about the fun we’ll have, the presents, the Christmas feasts. Let’s try sharing some of the cheer with those who don’t have so much time to dream about during the holiday season, who might find themselves alone at this time ...