Week Starting 31 May 2010

No Work Monday and the Start of June

Happy Bank Holiday Monday everybody, and welcome to your weekly melting pot of ideas for how to spend the non-working part of the week. There's plenty to look forward to this week, officially the start of June, so scroll down and see what you fancy doing. Reading this has got to be better than just spending your Monday off cruising Facebook and irreverent blogspots...

Monday - Surrey County Show - The Largest Agricultural Show in the UK!

In't that an amazing fact eh? In our town! But we're not about statistics here at The Good Time Guide - and this is a great way to spend your bank holiday Monday.

So what to expect? There will be showcases of top quality cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry, as well as horse shows, dog shows, rabbits, and llamas - yes, llamas!

As well as the proverbial Noah's Ark of creatures, there will be a ton of food and drink stalls, showing off all the local farmers produce, chef's demonstrations and even motorcycle stunts!

There's not even really enough room in this little box to tell you all- there is room to tell you, though, that this years Surrey County Show takes place on Bank Holiday Monday the 31st May on Stoke Park - so go!

Tuesday - Villa Bianca, Frimley

Privately owned and independently run; those are terms you don't hear often enough, and whisper it - a lot of places that may seem like they are, aren't. So it's with a real sense of pleasure we can recommend Villa Bianca, which provides a little slice of Italy down Frimley High Street. As our little editorial says, it's the perfect place to dine with friends and family, unwind with a glass of wine, cater for a business lunch or spend a romantic evening for two.

Fancy a cosy night in? They also have a takeaway menu so you can bring it all home with you. But we say to truly appreciate the atmos, you gotta actually go there, if only to see the ever-changing and very, well, special 'Specials' board, which often feature mouth-watering fish dishes. Fancy pizza? They'll even make you one to order. Have we tempted you yet? Call 01276 62879 to book your table!

Wednesday - Abandoman at You Must be Stoking

By now, The Stoke will have been re-furbed, so go there while it's all lovely and fresh to experience some awesome live comedy! Headlining this month are Abandoman, and here's what You Must be Stoking has to say about this comedy hip hop duo: "Winners of Hackney Empire New Act of the Year 2010. Abandoman create hilarious musical sketches at lightning speed live in front of their audience. No two gigs are ever the same. The project sees frontman Rob and multi-instrumentalist James Hancox reinventing hip hop in a way that appeals to even its most ardent detractors."

In short, this will be a total hoot. Ably supported by the brilliant Pete Firman, a comedian who fuses his act with a brilliant talent for magic. Ably MC'd by Paul Kerensa, this will be a unique night indeed, and this is a hugely high calibre of comedy (that may sound like a clumsy sentence, but it is in fact a brilliant example of alliteration). Want more info? Click here!

Thursday - Music Hall Variety at Haslemere Hall

Take it away, Haslemere Players:

"Come and join us for a fantastic feast... of music, laughter, food, fun and all round entertainment.

This year Wayne Richardson, a regular on stage for the Players, makes his directorial debut with the newly named Music Hall Variety Show. Whatever you enjoy about the theatre, we have something to take your fancy, in this thoroughly enjoyable evening. Included in the price of your ticket is a sumptuous cold supper and a licensed bar is also available."

Anyone who's seen a performance by this rambunctious lot will know how good a show they put on, and this will be no exception. Running from Thursday 3rd until Saturday 5th of June, there's several opportunities to check them out - don't miss out! As always, click here for more info.

Friday - The Art of Walter Sickert at The Lightbox

A spectacular exhibition and a hugely inspired collection for The Lightbox to display, the 15th May to 21st July sees a display by turn-of-the-century impressionist Walter Sickert. This is a rare and not-to-be-missed chance to see some of Sickert's finest works under one roof.

Regarded as one of the most important painters since Turner, and regarded by some as being Jack the Ripper himself (which has been widely discredited admittedly - though not enough for author Patricia Cornwell to be so convinced that she bought a couple of his works for millions and destroyed them looking for DNA evidence - true story), this will be the best £3 entry you'll spend in a while! Click here to find out more about this amazing opportunity!

Saturday - Alan Nimmo's 'King-King' at Cranleigh Arts Centre

Rip-roaring electric blues! Sound good? Of course it does! King King are welcomed to Cranleigh Arts Centre on Saturday 5 June at 8.30pm. Cranleigh residents may already be familiar with frontman Alan Nimmo, and having recently released their debut EP, this will definitely be a band to watch!

Having recently been asked to record a live session for Paul Jones' BBC Radio 2 'Rhythm & Blues Show', King King are quickly establishing themselves as major players in the blues scene - catch them before they blow up! (Not literally).

Want to book tickets, or find out what other live music Cranleigh Arts Centre has to offer? Click here, friend!

Sunday - The Squirrel, Hurtmore

Located just off the A3, The Squirrel has got to be on your 'must go-to' list for a Sunday lunch. With a truly sumptuous menu, coupled with real ales and fine wines, you could find yourself whiling away hour after hour in The Squirrel's enormous garden!

So what else? Well, this gorgeous venue also hosts wedding receptions, boasts eight en-suite bedrooms (£50 - £75) housed in cottages dating back to the 16th Century as well as recent refurbishments. This is a really special little place, and we at The Good Time Guide heartily recommend you head down to Hurtmore this Sunday, or indeed any time! Call 01483 860223 to book your table.

Tip of The Week

Early Morning Sessions at the Guilford Lido

OK so we all know about the Guildford Lido - heck, many of us have whiled away our youths illegally dive-bombing into the massive pool with a care-free attitude towards other users (NB: not to be encouraged). So, if you're unlike this writer and take your swimming seriously, or fancy a bit of early morning exercise, this is right up your street.

The sessions are from 6.30am - 9am, Monday & Friday and offer a great chance to enjoy the pool before work, without the crowds on hot sunny days. Individual swims cost £4.10 or there are deals on buying 12 sessions: Non season ticket holders £45.10 (12 for price of 11). Season ticket holders £36.90 (12 for price of 9). Call 01483 444888 if you fancy taking part!