Oxted Rotary Club Christmas Tree Campaign

Hello everyone, I hope this blog finds you safe and well.

I’m writing this on a wet and cold Thursday afternoon with warm and happy thoughts of seeing friends and family over Christmas time. However things are going to be very different for all of us this year during the pandemic.

It is with this in mind I want to bring to your attention the good work of Oxted Rotary Club, did you know that they have been responsible for the Christmas tree outside Boots on the high street for almost 50 years? No, I didn’t either and I was on the high street for 23 of those years too!

I want to give them a helping hand because they are unable to collect donations from passing shoppers this year on the high street and that’s going to impact on many families struggling to make ends meet this Christmas.

Please take a few minutes to read their ‘Christmas PLEASE Campaign’ below – it will make all the difference to so many and you can apply to benefit if your circumstances are particularly hard this year.

Thank you from Stella.

The ‘Oxted Rotary’  

Christmas PLEASE Campaign 

PLEASE Give a little . . . . PLEASE Take a little . . . 

This Christmas promises to be the most unusual ever and we are having to adapt to the way we run our Christmas appeal for funds to help those in need, so Oxted Rotary Club will be running a virtual appeal that allows the community to give a little and take a little.

To help fund this initiative, we would normally provide a large Christmas tree outside Boots and collect loose change from passing shoppers in the weeks prior to Christmas but this is no longer possible.  Instead, we are asking you to give a little by text and our giant tree is being replaced by a smaller tree close to the water feature outside Elements, maintaining our 50-year old tradition of erecting a tree in Oxted High Street at Christmas time.

So, to give a little, Make a Wish to Santa and . . . 

text PLEASE followed by your donation amount to 70085

For example, to donate £2.00, send PLEASE 2 and your text will cost the amount of your donation plus one standard rate message.  PLEASE help us to help others enjoy their Christmas.

To allow those in need to take a little, we are extending our Community Grant Scheme in order to help deserving families with children under the age of eighteen and we have teamed up with Morrisons to provide Gift Vouchers for turkeys and other seasonal goodies in the immediate run-up to Christmas.

Oxted Rotary Club is inviting applications NOW from those in need, so if you believe that you are likely to meet the eligibility criteria and you live in Oxted or immediately surrounding areas, please complete an application form and send it to us as soon as possible.  

To obtain an application form, either send an email to grants@oxtedrotary.org.uk with ‘PLEASE’ in the subject line or, if you need a hard copy, request an Oxted Rotary PLEASE application form by sending your name and address to Tandridge Voluntary Action, email info@tva.org.uk 

The value of Gift Voucher Grants will depend on the circumstances of the family applying and will be entirely at the discretion of the Oxted Rotary Club.  The vouchers will enable the recipient to purchase anything from a Morrisons store with the exception of tobacco or alcohol and applicants are required to affirm their agreement to these conditions.

A little give and take will make Christmas happier for everyone.

Picture supplied by Brian Taylor

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Fun Photography Christmas Gifts for Loved Ones

With less than four weeks to go until Christmas Day look no further than here for original and fun photography gifts vouchers for loved ones to enjoy in 2021.

It’s so easy, simply call us on 01883 722282 or email here to personalise your gift voucher and leave the rest to us, you’ll be very glad you did!

YOUR CHOICES:

STUDIO PHOTO-SHOOT

A one hour studio photo-shoot for beloved dogs to enjoy a fun-filled experience either on their own or with their owners. The cost includes a £100 credit towards their order, which can be increased should you wish to spend more.

£195

LOCATION PHOTO-SHOOT

A one hour fun-filled outdoor photo-shoot for all the family to enjoy in stunning settings such as the woodlands, a meadow, a vineyard or even their own garden. The cost includes a £100 credit towards their order, which can be increased should you wish to spend more.

£275

PHOTO-SHOOT WITH MEMORY BOX OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Your loved ones will enjoy a one hour fun-filled studio or outdoor photo-shoot and their favourite six images beautifully presented in a luxury memory box. Photo-shoots take place in stunning settings such as the woodlands, a meadow, a vineyard or even their own garden.

£500

A memory box of wonderfully finished photographs from a fun-filled photo-shoot.

PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS

For the enthusiastic photographer in your life to help them understand their camera better to achieve professional looking results with technical and practical tuition during a two hour class with me.

£185

A two hour photography masterclass with Stella to achieve rewarding results.

AUTOMOTIVE ART

For the automotive lover in your life, visit our sister website ‘Stella‘ for automotive photography of selected commissions to choose from a collection of limited editions, open edition prints, greetings and postcards of some of the world’s finest and most sought after classic cars, supercars and bikes.

This link to the site and this link to purchase gift cards.

Prints £45, postcards £1.50

Visit our automotive shop to choose prints and cards from the collection.

We look forward to sending you your gift vouchers ready to present to loved ones on Christmas Day!

Explore our website here.

Happy shopping.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens October 2020

Block B (right) and Block C (left) at Courtyard Gardens Oxted.

Welcome to blog number 17 about my recent visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This forms part of a series of ongoing updates documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019 right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses in summer 2021, by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

The photographs I’m showing were taken on Monday 26 October, with captions on each image - (smartphone view in landscape format to enable captions).

To give you a better understanding of the site I’m including a photograph of the model below of Courtyard Gardens so we can get our bearings – I often refer to it before going on-site – read on to find out more…

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the site.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining it back centre and Block C on the left.

I always look forward to photographing onsite because so much changes from month to month. During this visit I was told:

“We are preparing the slab of Block C on the 5th floor, with brickwork at level 3 on Block A and windows at level 5. The first fix mechanical and electrical are at level 1 on Block A. The windows on Block B are at level 1”.

The underground car park in Block C.

Looking out from the top of Block C towards Johnsdale on the right of the photograph.

View from 5th floor of Block C toward the top of Snatts Hill onto the A25.

Looking out from Block A

Block C level 5 – marking out the steel, preparing the slab for the next stage. The crane in the background bringing materials.

Block C level 5 preparing the slab. Beautiful views!

Blocks A and B car parks are connected via pedestrian access only. Cars will have independent access to the respective parking areas but pedestrians can pass between all car parks.

Looking through the rebar at the views beyond at level 5 Block C.

Underneath Block C decking to prepare for the 5th floor slab.

Block A on the right showing Block B and Block B car park to the left, the future landscaped gardens will sit in the foreground.

Block C car park level 1.

Windows on Block A.

Looking down from Block C at what will be the landscaped area and road entrance to Blocks A and B.

The development is gated for residents and their guests only. Block C is accessed via Johnsdale, behind Station Road East. Whilst Blocks A and B are accessed via Station Road East. There is parking for residents in the car parks beneath the flats.

Looking at Block C from future landscaped gardens outside Block B.

Block C on the left and Block B on the right showing the windows at level 1.

Block A windows at level 5 and brickwork at level 3. The foreground area will be landscaped.

Windows installed in Block B level 1, the brickwork is built around this.

Block B car park sits underneath the building.

Brickwork at level 3 on Block A .

Pointing to brickwork – there are three different colours of brick used, known informally as yellow, red and purple. This photo shows purple bricks only.

Block A level 3 windows and doors opening onto balcony ready for the brickwork to be built.

Balcony view level 5 Block A.

View from balcony Block A.

The Berkeley Group is renowned for landscaping and Courtyard Gardens will not be an exception. Finished with wonderful gardens, seating areas and a water feature.

View from Block A towards Block C.

Inside an apartment Block A.

Corridor Block A.

Finished brickwork Block A level 3. Purple brick colour shown on the left of the picture.

Brickwork detail above the balcony doors.

Inside one of the flats showing wiring and sprinkler pipes on the ceiling.

The show flat is taking shape and will be ready to welcome prospective buyers in February 2021.

Inside the plant room in Block A that houses the boilers and water tanks for all apartments, this can be found at basement level.

Another view inside the plant room.

The side of Block C from behind the flats on Station Road East that sit above the shops. This use to be the traders’ car park by Johnsdale.

Block C with Block A seen behind on the right.

The Front of Block A which is accessed via a side road on Station Road East next to Carpet Right.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

All of the images are held within my personal archive for posterity. It’s becoming harder to remember what the site first looked like before, but what I do remember is the vast gasholder that deceptively took up so much space.

To read the blog from September please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 16 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berekely Group St William website.

I’ll be back in December with my next site visit update. Unfortunately the November visit will not be possible due to the current Government lockdown restrictions for non-essential visits.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens September 2020

Courtyard Gardens, Oxted – view of Block C from the top of Block B

Welcome to blog number 16 – this months site visit took place on Thursday 24 September, a sunny and warm day despite the wet and overcast start.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing blogs documenting the gasholder before demolition, during demolition at the start of 2019, and during the building process which I started in the Spring of 2019. Completion of the 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses is scheduled for Summer 2021 by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

The photograph below shows a model of the completed development to help you understand the progress photographs a little better.

A model of Courtyard Gardens housing development can be found at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted opposite the site.

Block A shown above on the right, with Block B adjoining via a walkway is shown back centre. Block C is separate from Blocks A & B and is shown on the left.

The entrance to Blocks A & B is via Station Road East – seen in the foreground of the model. Block C is accessed via the entrance on the far left of the model, next to Johnsdale, where the former car park entrance once stood – all set beautifully within landscaped gardens. Each apartment has a balcony or terrace to enjoy the outside space.

The photographs below are each captioned on top – if viewing on your smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Looking out of Block C to the top of Block A.

Inside Block C

Looking out of Block B to Block A

Block C, level 4 slab being built. Block B is in the background.

Each Level and apartment is identified

From Block B looking towards Johnsdale.

The views from the top of Block A from the roof level which is inaccessible to residents.

How things have changed since my site visit in August.

The current status I’m told is – the frame is complete on Block A – at level 5 on Block B – and at level 4 on Block C.

The SFS (steel frame structure - the metal that is put up around the edge of the building that the purple weather defence board is then fixed to) is being installed at Block B level 2 and Block A level 5.

Meanwhile, all other trades are operating solely on Block A with windows being installed on level 3, brickwork on level 2, and internal fit-out across levels 1 and 2.

Block C up to 4th floor there will be 5 floors when complete.

View from the roof of Block A inaccessible to residents.

The outside lift on Block A– a hoist for passengers and materials to all floors.

The lift shaft and core of Block B.

Block B looking towards Block A.

The top of Block C on level 4.

Car Park Block A.

A view of the top of Block B on the right and Block C on the left, the portacabin the site mangers and others work from is visible in the middle.

An outside lift called a hoist has been added to Block A to enable passengers and materials to be easily distributed to the different floors. The second crane has served its purpose and will be dismantled when the weather conditions are right.

Block A level 5.

The different colours of the fireproofed plasterboard represent different purposes. The plasterboard that is grey on both sides is fixed to the walls where the front doors are and are reinforced to prevent forced entry.

Living room in Block A.

Looking out onto a terrace on Block A.

The brickwork on Block A.

There are three different colours of brickwork used on this development to give a unique feel.

Bricklaying in progress on Block A.

Windows and terrace doors fitted ready for the brickwork to complete the exterior on Block A behind the shops in Station Road East. (where my old studio was)

The inside of the utility cupboard in the show apartment.

Living room in the show flat.

Inside one of the apartments.

Corridor in Block A.

Markings on the floor for a wall to be added

Masterbedroom in the show flat Block A.

Block C from behind the flats on Station Road East.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

To read the blog from August please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under featured ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 15 gas holder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berekely Group St William website.

I’ll be back next month with more news.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens August 2020

Far reaching views from the rooftop of Block A at Courtyards Gardens, Oxted.

It has been six months since I last had the pleasure of photographing Courtyard Gardens, the former home of the gasholder here in Oxted, Surrey and what a tremendous change I encountered.

This is blog number 15 and forms part of a series of ongoing blogs documenting the gasholder before demolition, during demolition at the start of 2019, and during the building process which started in the Spring of 2019. Completion of the 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses is scheduled for Summer 2021 by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

When entering the top of Snatts Hill from the A25 you can’t help but notice the emerging levels of Block A, I’m told the concrete frame is nearly complete with some final upstands left to pour on the roof. The view from the top of the building is spectacular – overlooking the far-reaching views of the North Downs and above the rooftops of the town.

The comparison of the two photographs below shows the view from the top of Snatts Hill in August 2018 on the left and August 2020 on the right. Isn’t it strange how quickly we forget how imposing and grand the gasholder once was, after all, it was part of the landscape of Oxted for over 50 years

My site visit took place on Monday 17 August, the photographs shown on this blog tell more of the unfolding story with captions on each image - (smartphone view in landscape format to enable captions). I’m going to start with the model below of Courtyard Gardens so we can get our bearings, I often refer to it before going on-site – read on to find out more…

A model of Courtyard Gardens housing development can be found at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted opposite the site.

Block A shown above on the right, with Block B adjoining via a walkway is shown back centre. Block C is separate from Blocks A & B and is shown on the left.

The entrance to Blocks A & B is via Station Road East – seen in the foreground of the model. Block C is accessed via the entrance on the far left of the model, next to Johnsdale, where the former car park entrance once stood – all set beautifully within landscaped gardens. Each apartment has a balcony or terrace to enjoy the outside space.

A view of Block C from behind the flats in Station Road East.

The underground car park in Block C.

The plant rooms, pre-blockwork, these are on the lower ground floor. The car park is the level below.

This is the falsework on Block C Level 00.

From Block C the podium on level 1, looking back at Blocks A & B.

These are the walls and stair core on Block B

Looking back at Block A from Block B.

New social distancing rules to stay 2 metres apart.

Blocks C & B.

The build so far, I’m told Block B is at level 3 and Block C is progressing to level 2. Brickwork, façade and dry lining have commenced on Block A whilst mechanical and electrical works are underway in all blocks.

The entrance to the foyer of Block A.

Looking out of Block A over Block C.

One of the two bedroom flats.

A view from a balcony in Block A overlooking the entrance in Station Road East.

Level 01, Block A.

The exterior brickwork on Block A showing the different types of bricks used – the yellows.

Another brick type called red.

Windows and bricks on level 1 Block A.

A flat in Block A – Level 1.

A spacious view inside an apartment on Level 02.

A sunny view looking over Block C.

Block A – Level 3.

Looking down from Block A showing a terrace and looking over Block C. The entrance to Courtyard Gardens can be seen in the centre of the picture.

The brick work on the exterior is starting to take shape, there are three different finishes to give Courtyard Gardens a unique look and feel.

Level 02 from Block B overlooking Block C.

The exterior curve of the building on Block A.

Looking out of Block A over to Block C.

Block A looking over to Block B on the right.

A balcony view from Block A looking over the development.

Block A, on the rear elevation adjacent to the station.

From Level 04 of Block A showing the breathtaking views of the North Downs.

Another far-reaching view from the top of Block A.

A view from Block A. The crane closest to the building is soon to be dismantled. The hoist is already erected on site which will provide distribution of materials to each of the floors.

From the rooftop of Block A showing the top of St. Michaels in the distance.

From Block A rooftop looking towards the A25 and the top of Snatts Hill with St. Michaels at the top in the far distance.

The start of the brick works.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

I’ll be back next month with more photographs to share with you from my September site visit.

To read the blog from February please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs, this includes the other 14 gas holder blogs.

Thank you.

Stella

Everything You Need Is Here In Oxted

SMS Creative Photography

Everything you need is here on your doorstep in Oxted!

You may have received one of our flyers through your letterbox pre-COVID (same as images above & below). If so and if not I’m getting in touch to remind you of our services since before lockdown and beyond!

The pandemic has shaken us all and forced us to reassess so many areas of our lives, it is with this in mind we all need professional images of some sort, read on to find out more…

From headshots for websites, brochures, LinkedIn or a job application, it’s the first impression that makes all the difference.

To a family photo-shoot in the garden to mark a celebration or just because you want to – it’s a fun experience for all ages. It really does make my heart sing when I meet and photograph families that I have known for years and new ones too. It’s wonderful to be a part of your history, with over 20 years of established relationships with many of you.

I’m also often asked if I teach how to use a camera and the answer is, yes I do. I used to teach group classes but found it works better to teach one to one so the class is tailored to your individual knowledge, camera and requirements. So I ask “Is your camera gathering dust or just kept on auto”? If so now is the time to dust it down and book a masterclass, you’ll be very glad you have taken control of your camera rather than the other way round!

Don’t forget we also photograph business and residential premises interiors & exteriors when the need arises for personal and marketing needs.

One other thing that has been constant since the start of SMS Creative Photography back in February 1997 is the need for picture framing for photographs and artworks. We offer a comprehensive service by collaborating with master craftsmen who have served us for over 20 years.

Last and by no means least our sister website stellascordellis.com is automotive based – photographing events and personal collections as well as producing bespoke coffee table style books for commercial and personal enjoyment, take a look at the site to find out more.

Please feel free to get in touch by email or ‘phone 01883 722282 if you have a project or photo-shoot in mind, and no, it isn’t too early to think about dare I say Christmas!

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

It has been lovely to share this with you today.

Stella

‘Stella’ Lifestyle Photography