BBC Radio Surrey report - Denbies assures general public of full support of wildlife organisations

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In a response to the recent allegations made by the Dorking Advertiser and local Dorking resident Jenny DeSoutter, Christopher White, Denbies General Manager, was interviewed by BBC Radio Surrey on Thursday morning and was able to give an accurate report of recent events.

Chris White comments, 'There is no question that it is illegal to disturb nesting birds and we have not! We have been working with the RSPB and the Surrey Wildlife Trust to ensure that we do not disturb any nesting birds. I find it very sad the way the local paper has reported the matter and it has sensationalised the story to sell papers. We have not acted illegally and we have been given independent advice all the way through this process. The clearance on the hillside ideally would have been carried out outside of the nesting season however due to the very nature of the plot it is dangerous to undertake the process during the winter months. We have been custodians of this land since 1984 and I can assure the public that we have spent a fortune conserving, protecting and enhancing the area.'

Denbies Wine Estate produces first English wine for
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range

Denbies is delighted to announce the release of its English Sparkling Brut 2007, to coincide with the iconic events taking place throughout 2012, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. This sparkling wine has been made by John Worontschak, Denbies Chief Winemaker, exclusively for the Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range and made to their specifications as overseen by Lucy Clements, Sainsbury’s resident winemaker, who commented:

‘We are delighted to be working with Denbies Wine Estate. They are technically advanced, experienced winemakers who really “get” what we look to offer our customers. We’ve worked together to create a wine that we think our customers will love.’

The 2007 English Sparkling Brut has been produced from the finest grape varieties grown on the estate, the classic ‘champagne’ blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Made in the traditional method, this sophisticated wine is fresh, elegant and rich with buttery, biscuity notes.

Sainsbury’s Taste the difference wines are a specially selected range of wines from both the Old and New World. Many are made by family-owned or small co-operative wineries, which have been sought out across the world. They have selected them as being the best examples of their style at excellent prices.

Welcome back to Surrey Sculptors’

Spring Exhibition   3rd – 29th April

The creativity, imagination and skills of the members of the Surrey Sculpture Society will be on display again this year at Denbies, the world renowned wine estate at Dorking, from the 3rd – 29th April. There will be a wide range of sculptures to enjoy, both outside in the tranquil courtyard and inside in the contemporary setting of the Denbies Gallery.

There will be sculptures for every taste and budget, with the emphasis on affordable art, from the emerging talents of amateur sculptors to the artistry of top professionals, who make up the 300-plus members of the Surrey Sculpture Society.

The sculptures have been created using a vast range of materials including bronze, resin, ceramic, metal, glass, wood, stone and found objects and offer a diversity of styles from contemporary to traditional - from the abstract beauty of Mary English’s ‘Stela’ ceramic sculpture to Margaret Samuel’s charming and expressive dog, ‘Buffy’. Judy Ann Cropper’s figurative sculpture, ‘Bliss’, in bronze resin, has also captured a special moment and would make a perfect focal point for any garden, while Paul Halliday’s striking metal ‘Peacock’ captures and reflects light. These are just a few examples of the wonderful pieces that can be seen in this unique and attractive setting, capturing movement, emotion and nature.

The exhibition will be open from 9.30 am – 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday and from 10.00 am – 5.30 pm on Sunday. Entrance is free to visitors to the Denbies Wine Estate and art lovers can enjoy the combination of art, wine and a beautiful environment which offers a unique experience and a perfect Easter treat. There is ample free parking plus the estate’s Conservatory and Gallery Restaurants, Gift Shop, Farm Shop, Wine Tasting and Tours – visit www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk for venue details and directions. Denbies is located on the London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA.

For more information about Surrey Sculpture Society visit www.surreysculpture.org.uk where you will find details of the many other exhibitions and events that the society has organised throughout 2012. ENDS

For more information on this press release, further images or to arrange an interview with Surrey Sculpture Society members etc., call Lynda Lawrence, SSS Publicity Manager on 01420 87489 or email: lynda@lyndalawrence.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY
Further photographic images of a selection of sculptures will be emailed to you separately.

Note for Editors:
From small beginnings – a group of fourteen sculptors living in Surrey fifteen years ago – the Surrey Sculpture Society has grown into a major force of over 300 members spread across the South East of England. Encompassing both professionals and talented amateurs, it aims to promote interaction between sculptors, to organise exhibitions and to encourage an appreciation of sculpture. The Society stages major events annually in prestigious venues including Denbies Wine Estate, RHS Wisley, Beaulieu, Guildford Cathedral and the new and exciting venue of G-Live in Guildford.