We launch our very own Certificate of Excellence to reward local organisations that add to the overall culture and well-being of Surrey & SW London
In today's crazy mixed up world it's always hard to know who you can trust to deliver excellence. Whether it's a café, restaurant, pub, theatre company or even charity, if you've not experienced a local organisation first hand it's hard to know if it will be any good at delivering its services to a high standard.
With that in mind we created the Essential Surrey & SW London Certificate of Excellence, a weighty stamp of approval given out to only the very best local companies/charities/people who have made a significant contribution to the overall culture and well-being of Surrey & SW London, something our readers can see and instantly know that they're in safe hands.
The selection process varies but always involves input from a combination of our editors, freelance writers and of course, most importantly, our readership. So please do get involved on our social media channels – Twitter: @EssentialSurrey, Facebook: @Sheengate – or in the comments section below to let us know about your own favourite local purveyors of excellence.
Below are the winners of the award so far...
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1
Brooklands Museum
Picked by Elmbridge and Kingston Editor, Rosanna Greenstreet
Brooklands began as the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit, constructed by local landowner Hugh Locke King on 330 acres of farm and woodland on his Weybridge estate in 1906. Today it is an internationally recognised ‘living museum’ with an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft and vehicles that are kept running by an army of volunteers who interact with visitors to ensure that they get the most out of their visits. Highlights for 2017 include virtual flights aboard Concorde and a special event in February commemorating the legendary test pilot Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown who died last February at the age of 97.
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2
FiSH Neighbourhood Care
Picked by Richmond and Barnes Editor, Fiona Adams
Founded in 1962, FiSH was one of the first neighbourhood care organisations in the country and today still helps to combat loneliness and social isolation in older and vulnerable people in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen. FiSH is manned by volunteers and offers door-to-door transport, befriending, shopping, outings, talks, walks, concerts and cafés. If you need assistance, call (020) 8876 3414 (Mon-Fri, 9am–noon), or if you can help in any way, ring (020) 8876 3335.
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3
Guildford Shakespeare Company
Picked by Guildford, Farnham & Woking editor, Jane McGowan
This award coincides with celebrations for the companies ten year anniversary, having put on 27 shows to a total of 62,000 audience members. Brian Blessed has also taken on the role of Honorary Patron, describing the group as, "Nothing short of miraculous". Looking to expand to a new premises, so they can provide private rehearsals, workshops and education spaces - this is a vibrant space to watch.
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4
Royal Trinity Hospice Clapham
30 Clapham Common, Clapham Junction, SW4 0RN
Picked by Wandsworth & Clapham Editor, Sam Laurie
Congratulations to Clapham’s Royal Trinity Hospice, the Wandsworth/Clapham Magazine's first recipient of Essential Surrey’s Certificate of Excellence award, which celebrates those who make a real difference in our communities.
Few could be more worthy than Britain’s oldest hospice, founded in 1891 by a member of the Hoare banking family, which receives less than one third of its funding from the NHS. From epic choirs bringing patients and families together in song to befriending services to reach out to the most isolated folk, the hospice is not just an innovative fundraiser (see for example, its superb online vintage clothes boutique at royaltrinityhospice.co.uk) but a compassionate hub of community. Well done, and very best of luck in its first ever overseas challenge – an October trek of the Great Wall of China. Still spaces if you fancy it!
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5
The Maidenhead Heritage Centre
Picked by Windsor, Maidenhead & Ascot Editor, William Gadsby Peet
This month’s (March) recipient of our coveted Certificate of Excellence is the Maidenhead Heritage Centre. The centre gives an invaluable and fascinating insight in to the history of the local area, and its permanent exhibition – Grandma Flew Spitfires – with its wonderful Spitfire flight simulator, is guaranteed to get the kids (or adults) interested in the heritage of our lovely little patch of Berkshire.
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6
Toni and Guy, Kingston
Picked by Elmbridge and Kingston Editor, Rosanna Greenstreet
April’s Certificate of Excellence goes to Toni & Guy for their ‘Strength in Style’ initiative. In partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, it is improving the quality of haircare for people living with cancer. At selected salons, consultants have specialist training to help clients with the choosing, fitting and cutting of wigs. The initial consultation is free.
- To find you nearest Strength in Style salon go to toniandguy.com/salon-finder or contact Megan Sharp at the Toni & Guy Charitable Foundation on (020) 7921 9039.
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7
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
Picked by Richmond & Barnes Editor, Fiona Adams
I have been visiting Kew for almost 20 years and I am always impressed by its ability to constantly reinvent itself. With more than 250 years of history spread over 300 acres of grounds, Kew faces an arduous task looking after all of its existing buildings and plants, some of which are endangered, while also keeping an eye out for project and festival ideas which will engage both old and new users of the Gardens. Where else can you discover one of the oldest pot plants in the world (a Jurassic cycad) and award-winning installation, the Hive (above), by artist Wolfgang Buttress within 10 minutes’ walk of each other? Art, horticulture, history and science: it’s all here on our doorstep.
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8
Giggling Squid
Picked by former Guildford, Woking & Farnham Editor, Nikki Ackerley
I have long been a fan of this restaurant’s Thai cuisine and its excellent takeaway service has saved me from a couple of dinner party disasters over the past few months. I can honestly say there isn’t a single dish that disappoints.
The Certificate of Excellence is designed to recognise businesses that always go the extra mile, making the Giggling Squid a worthy winner in my opinion. And just as an extra plug – a new Giggling Squid opens in Castle Street, Farnham on January 13.
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9
Spaghetti Tree
Picked by Surrey Downs Editor, Jane McGowan
Not only does this restaurant produce fantastic, authentic Italian food, but proprietor Maria and her team always go that extra mile to make your evening go with a swing.
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10
The French Tarte, Surbiton
Picked by Elmbridge Food & Drink Editor, Catherine Whyte
It is fifteen years since the establishment of the family-run restaurant The French Table in Surbiton. Over the years the eatery, which offers French cuisine at reasonable prices, has garnered endorsements by Harden’s and the AA – it has two rosettes and received the AA Notable Wine List award in 2016. Now the eatery can add the Sheengate Certificate of Excellence to the list! The restaurant is usually packed, so be sure to book ahead.
- For bookings visit thefrenchtable.co.uk, to read an extensive restaurant review, click here
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11
First Aid For Life
Picked by Wandsworth & Clapham Editor Sam Laurie
I’ve had a lot of reason to think about lifesaving skills recently – as a lifeguard, my 16-year-old son was on pool duty during two major medical emergencies. Sadly, both elderly men died. But he knew exactly what to do, thanks to his training, and the team of youngsters gave their utmost. Indeed, in an immensely moving Facebook post, the son of one of the men told how their speedy reactions meant that his father’s organs could be donated to save two lives.
It has made me realise how hopeless I would be in such a scenario, as would many of us. So my nomination for our Essential Surrey Certificate of Excellence is a local company that does such an amazing job of keeping first aid skills on the agenda. For the past 10 years, Balham’s Emma Hammett and her team at First Aid for Life have been constantly inventive, running classes for new parents and grandparents, and even pet first aid courses. For teenagers Emma offers ‘party first aid’ to impart critical skills for dealing with alcohol, drugs and accidents – so important at this time of year. In addition, the website is packed with free online resources for all sorts of situations. Be sure to check it out – firstaidforlife.org.uk
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