Editor's hello: Surrey Downs Magazine, July 2016

Emily's hello – Surrey Downs Magazine, July 2016

Stand by for a terrific trio of interviews this month. There’s Irish pop band The Corrs, who come to Epsom Racecourse on June 30; two local artists from the Hawks Road Artists studios in Kingston; and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Vox Fortura, the classical pop band. 

The latter, who narrowly missed out on a place in the final of the ITV talent show, gave such a gobsmackingly powerful performance that it inspired the now infamous “yummy chocolate men” remark from BGT judge Alesha Dixon. 

Echoing her sentiment, I thought the operatic foursome deserved pride of place on our cover. And I had the perfect excuse: one of their number, Rodney Earl Clarke – a former South London chorister and ex-Dulwich College pupil – now lives just over the East Sussex border in Forest Row. 

Let their gorgeous voices be heard!

Til next month, Emily

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"People see four beautiful black men and expect Motown, soul or R&B – not opera" Vox Fortura, Britain's Got Talent > The July interview

JOHN SURTEES AND THE HENRY SURTEES FOUNDATION

Last February we interviewed John Surtees, the former F1 and 500cc Motorcycle World Champion from Lingfield, shortly after he was the subject of a fabulous BBC programme presented by Paul Hollywood (right, with John). 

John’s name cropped up again this year when I met the late Capt Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, the celebrated WWII pilot, who described him as “one of nature’s true gentlemen”. A great compliment from one master of machines to another. 

After the tragic accident in 2009 that claimed the life of his 18-year-old son, Henry, John set up The Henry Surtees Foundation to help those with debilitating injuries caused by accidents and to provide education and training in motorsport. 

July 5 brings its Team Karting Challenge to Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands. Sign up as a team of four, or watch drivers battle it out for the coveted ‘H’ trophy in high-powered DMAX two-stroke karts. 

Further info: henrysurteesfoundation.com