Good morning, Surrey. Simon here! This is Inspired Surrey, let’s just pretend I wrote a funny joke here and get on with our newslettering, shall we?

In today’s Inspired Surrey:

• Sherwood shenanigans at the theatre 🎭

• Cracking little Bookham Christmas market 🎁

• Last call for the Etsy fair at Guildford Cathedral ⛪

• What’s on guide this weekend 📅

Let’s get to it.

Sherwood Shenanigans at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre! 🎯

It’s panto season, and Yvonne Arnaud is rolling out the green carpet for Robin Hood!

Running from Sat 30 Nov 2024 to Sun 5 Jan 2025, this festive treat is packed with laughs, songs, and plenty of silliness to keep the whole family entertained.

If you’ve never been to a Yvonne Arnaud panto, you’re in for a treat.

These productions strike the perfect balance between tradition and modern ideas, making them a must-see for families, friends, and anyone looking to make their festive season magical.

Plus, it’s panto, so there’ll definitely be outrageous costumes, groan-worthy puns, and maybe even a custard pie or two. (Spoiler: there will be a custard pie or two.)

Here’s why you Sherwoodn’t miss it:

• Villains and Heroes: EastEnders' Lucy Benjamin is back as the deliciously evil Sheriff of Nottingham, while Ricky Oakley charms his way into our hearts as Robin Hood. Safia Bartley’s Maid Marion is ready to kick some (metaphorical) butt, and Peter Gordon, in his 19th year, dons his outrageous frocks as Nanny Fannie Annie.

• Top-notch Talent: Expect west-end-worthy sets, slapstick antics, and a whole lot of merry men-ment.

• Fun for Everyone: Whether you're 5 or 105, this show is packed with good ol’ panto fun.

📅 When and Where?

• Dates: 30 Nov 2024 - 5 Jan 2025

• Venue: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Main House

• Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes a 20-minute interval—perfect for one of those little ice cream tubs!)

💷 Ticket Info:

• Adults from £18

• Children from £14

• Discounts are available for groups and schools.

This production isn’t part of the Multi-Buy scheme. For accessible tickets, call the Box Office directly.

👉 Ready to Book? Grab your bow and arrow (or just your laptop) and head to the Yvonne Arnaud website to secure your seats.

Robin Hood and his gang are ready to fight for Sherwood Forest—don’t miss the panto that’ll have you laughing into the new year! 🌟

Where Were We Wednesday! 📸

What a beautiful ruin, did you get this one?

We were at Whitehill Tower in Caterham.

Whitehill Tower, built in 1862 by ambitious Victorian Jeremiah Long, stands on high ground with sweeping views across Surrey. Legend links it to the tragic drowning of Long’s youngest son, Arthur, but a plaque claims it was simply built for the views.

Once a WWI guardroom for soldiers, the tower’s history includes family drama, military tales, and questionable design by Long’s architect son, Caesar.

Fascinating!

Tag @InspiredSurrey to get your photos included!

Little Bookham Christmas Market and Grotto 🎄🎅

The Little Bookham Christmas Market and Grotto is back, and it’s shaping up to be the perfect way to kick off the festive season.

Get down there on Saturday, 30th November 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, at the charming Tithe Barn for a day filled with holiday cheer, unique gifts, and delicious treats.

Here’s what to expect:

Browse 30 incredible stalls showcasing local craftsmanship and creativity. From homemade jams to bespoke jewellery, kids' toys, artwork, and even pet goodies—there’s something for everyone (including that hard-to-shop-for aunt!).

🍔 Expanded Food Section
Christmas shopping builds an appetite, and this year’s food lineup won’t disappoint. Indulge in cheesy toasties, freshly grilled burgers, and chips, or sip on mulled wine and barista-style coffee in the cosy covered seating area.

🎅 Meet Father Christmas!
The big guy himself is taking a break from the North Pole to visit Little Bookham! Stroll through the market to discover Santa’s enchanting rustic grotto. Kids will love hearing a festive tale from Santa and receiving a special gift to take home. (Pre-book your grotto slot to skip the queue!)

🎵 Live Festive Tunes
As you wander, enjoy live Christmas music from the talented Utterly Unique. There’ll also be plenty of classic holiday hits to keep your spirits bright.

📅 When: Saturday, 30th November 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Where: Tithe Barn, Manor Farm, Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, KT23 4ES

Every penny spent supports the wonderful Cherry Trees charity, helping local children and families in need - you can find more information about that here.

Don’t Forget The Etsy Christmas Market!

Etsy has made my life so much easier recently, bespoke, handmade, personalised gifts, at an affordable price, and delivered quickly - it’s saved my skin on multiple occasions when it comes to anniversaries!

So, don’t forget to swing by Guildford Cathedral this weekend! Learn more here.

We Are Now On Instagram 📸 

If you are on Instagram, please follow @inspiredsurrey if you can. It would be much appreciated. The account was only started recently, so we still barely have any friends/followers, I’d very much appreciate a follow!

Thank you so much to everyone who followed us! You’re the best! 😊

The Digest 🗞️😀

The Kingswood Arms in Banstead is lighting up Surrey—literally: With over 16,500 LED lights, festive music, and a jam-packed lineup of events, this Fuller's pub is determined to win the title of the county’s most Christmassy pub. From wreath-making workshops to Santa's Grotto, Christmas bingo, and live music, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss their carol-filled evenings or the magical visit from Santa on Sunday, December 15. Ready to dive into the Christmas spirit? Here’s their full list of events! 🎄✨

This Black Friday, Greene King is making your festive pint taste even better with their gift card deal: Spend £40 on digital gift cards, and they’ll top you up with an extra £10 free—perfect for a couple of pints or a meal. If you’re feeling generous, a £240 spend scores you £60 free, redeemable at over 1,600 pubs nationwide, including Hungry Horse, Farmhouse Inns, and more. The offer runs until Monday, December 2, so grab your Great British Pub Card online and make the most of it. 🎄🍺

Surrey County Council has approved the closure of Bagshot's Swift Lane Recycling Centre, despite 93% of public consultation respondents opposing the decision and over 2,000 petition signatures: The council cited issues like anti-social behavior, vandalism, and the site's outdated design, saying it’s no longer viable to maintain. With 920 weekly visits, locals now face longer trips to recycling centres in Camberley, Lyne, or Woking, sparking concerns about increased fly-tipping and longer queues. While SCC insists previous changes haven’t led to a rise in illegal dumping, residents remain sceptical and frustrated by the loss of a vital community resource. 🚛😔

What’s On This Week 📅

East Surrey

⛸️ Epsom Ice Skating
Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Thursday 28th, 10:00am | More info

🎁 Soper Hall Christmas Fair
The Soper Hall, Caterham, Saturday 30th, 10:00am | More info

🎆 Reigate On Ice Firework Night Spectacular
Priory Park, Reigate, Saturday 30th, 11:00am | More info

🎅 Christmas Market
West Central, Redhill, Saturday 30th, 9:30am | More info

🎄 Annual Christmas Fair
The Broadway Stoneleigh, Epsom, Saturday 30th, 12:00pm | More info

🎭 The Nutcracker
Epsom Playhouse, Epsom, Saturday 30th, 2:30pm | More info

West Surrey

⛪ Church Crookham Community Christmas Event
The Church Crookham Community Centre, Fleet, Saturday 30th, 12:00pm | More info

🎅 Bury Court Barn Christmas Event
Bury Court Barn, Farnham, Sunday 1st, 1:00pm | More info

🎵 Guildford Record Fair
G Live, Guildford, Saturday 30th, 9:30am | More info

🎨 Christmas Craft Fair
Jacobs Well Village Hall, Guildford, Saturday 30th, 11:00am | More info

🎁 Shere Christmas Craft Fair
Shere Village Hall, Guildford, Sunday 1st, 10:30am | More info

🥕 Plant-Based Artisan Festive Market
Guildford High Street, Guildford, Sunday 1st, 10:30am | More info

🕯️ Frank Sinatra Candlelight Experience
Christ Church, Woking, Saturday 30th, 7:00pm | More info

🎅 Ripley Christmas Fair
Ripley High Street, Ripley, Sunday 1st, 11:00am | More info

🎤 Bella Hardy & Ed Blunt at Grayshott Folk Club
Grayshott Village Hall, Grayshott, Friday 29th, 7:30pm | More info

Weather

Friday

9° 🌡️ 7° | ⛅ | Sunshine on Friday! A very gentle breeze, but Friday will be a nice day, soak up all the vitamin D while you can.

Saturday

14° 🌡️ 11° | ☁️ | It’s going to be significantly warmer on Saturday, is 13/14 degrees normal in November? A small chance of rain during the afternoon, other than that, a relatively warm, cloudy day.

Sunday

13° 🌡️ 6° | 🌧️ | Light rain most of the day on Sunday, starting at around 11ish, the temperature won’t fluctuate much throughout the day and it’ll feel a bit breezy.

Sport

⚽ Football

Saturday 30th November @ 3:00pm
Woking FC vs Yeovil Town

🏒 Ice Hockey

Saturday 30th November @ 6:00pm | Guildford Spectrum | Tickets
Guildford Flames vs Coventry Blaze

Thank you! 👍

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