Surrey’s Strictly star

Love a bit of Strictly news and gossip? Local rugby hero Chris Robshaw is trading scrums for sequins and sparkles as he takes to the Strictly dancefloor. The flanker has promised to take his ‘dad dancing’ to a whole new level. And we can’t wait! Robshaw, who’s rugby career started at Warlingham when he was seven, went on to play for and captain Harlequins and England, says ballroom dancing is about as far out of his comfort zone as it gets.

The soon-to-be twinkle toes, who is also Sports Consultant at Oxted’s Hazelwood School, has yet to be paired with a professional dancer. And it remains to be seen if the rugby sidestep will be useful when he’s dancing the cha-cha-cha! He’ll be up against a celebrity line-up that includes actress Alex Kingston, TV personality Dani Dyer, former pro footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Australian actor Stefan Dennis, and YouTuber George Clarke, among others.

Horton Gardens

The Horton Arts Centre in Epsom, Surrey.

In Epsom, the Horton Gardens are now officially open. Until recently, the grounds of The Horton have been closed to the public for 30 years. But now the 2.5-acre gardens have been transformed into a gorgeous green space. The gardens will provide a tranquil space for visitors. They’ve been specifically designed with accessibility and nature at the forefront. The gardens will host a summer programme of open air performances including Message In A Bottle, a circus workshop. It’s on this Fri 23 Aug with dance, juggling and drama.

The William Bray

Shere’s popular pub The William Bray has new owners. The pub joins a small family of pubs owned by local businesseman Thanasis Louridas. Mr Louridas also owns the The Swan Inn in Chiddingfold as well as Hampshire pubs, The White Hart at Holybourne and The Rose and Crown in Farringdon. The Bray will be managed by Steph Bystram, who was a manager at the Bray several years ago, and Jay Shubrati, who previously ran a pub in Albury. The Bray is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. The bar stocked with everything from fine wines to local ales and spirits.

Vintage Film Club

Tim Curry, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). — Tim Curry, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell in the 1975 film ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’.

A new Vintage Film Club launches at Dorking Halls this month in celebration of classic cinema and the venue’s heritage. The theatre and cinema, built in 1931 at the height of the golden age of cinema, is well-known for its live shows, event screenings and film showings. The three-screen cinema shows a range of films – from the latest blockbusters to classic oldies. Launching on Fri 22 Aug, the Vintage Film Club will kick off with a screening of the classic musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell. Expect ‘time warp’ cocktails and fancy dress.

Check back on previous Superflashy Newsflash! columns for all the news and gossip you might have missed.

Superflashy newsflash! Strictly goss, vintage films and pub news

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