Charvil Village Fete 2025: A Free Family Festival of Music, Food & Fun in Berkshire

Round & About

Posted on

Make summer last longer with Charvil Village Fete to look forward to

Charvil Village Fete Returns with a Fun-Filled Afternoon for the Whole Family!

Charvil Village Fete 2025 is just around the corner, bringing the community together for an unforgettable afternoon of fun. Taking place on Sunday, 7th September, this free family event at East Park Farm Playing Fields in Charvil promises live entertainment, tasty food, raffles, and hands-on activities for all ages.

This much-loved annual fete is packed with family-friendly attractions, delicious food, and incredible prizes. Whether you’re local or visiting from nearby, there’s something for everyone to smile about.

🎈 Activities & Entertainment Highlights

Get ready for a mix of excitement and relaxation with this year’s fantastic lineup:

  • Live reptiles from Berkshire Reptile Encounters
  • A bouncy castle and Basil & Crew’s petting farm
  • Live music from The Side Project
  • A variety of craft and community stalls
  • Tasty food and drinks from Nyama Catering
  • Ice cream treats from Maurice’s Van
  • Fresh coffee and hot drinks from Caffe Alfresco

Families will love the atmosphere, and kids can explore safe, hands-on fun all afternoon long.

🎟️ Don’t Miss the Charity Raffle

This year’s raffle includes amazing prizes generously donated by:

  • Lapland UK
  • Wokingham Superbowl
  • Chiltern Valley Winery
  • Badgemore Park
  • Scarf Giraffe
  • Rosie’s Chocolates
  • The Roald Dahl Museum
  • And many more!

All proceeds go directly to charities making a difference in Berkshire. Last year’s event raised over £1,000—organisers hope to beat that with your help this year.

💛 Supporting Local Charities

The Charvil Village Fete proudly supports three incredible local organisations:

The Cowshed

Provides free essentials, including clothing and household items, to individuals and families in crisis across Berkshire.

Camp Mohawk

A day centre set in peaceful countryside near Wargrave. It offers inclusive, supportive play and learning experiences for children and young people with support needs and their families.

My Cancer My Choices

Delivers complementary therapies—such as acupuncture, massage, and mindfulness—from trained specialists to people living with cancer in Berkshire and nearby areas.

🗓️ Join the Celebration!

Bring your friends, your family, and your community spirit to the Charvil Village Fete. With great food, lively entertainment, and a warm welcome waiting, this is the perfect way to round off the summer.

📍 Location: East Park Farm Playing Fields, Charvil
📅 Date: Sunday 7th September
🕑 Time: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
🎟️ Entry: Free

To learn more about My Cancer My Choices, click here.

To learn more about your area, click here.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

New boutique is born

Round & About

Posted on

Discover baby gifts that are as special as your new arrival at the too cute Bumbles and Boo

Bumbles and Boo Baby Gifts: Brand-New Boutique Now Open in Earley

Bumbles and Boo, a beloved name in baby gifting, has opened its first-ever baby gift boutique in Earley, Berkshire—offering a beautiful space for families to shop in person. Whether you’re buying for a baby shower, newborn, or first birthday, this new store makes choosing the perfect present easy and enjoyable.

A Local Brand with National Reach

Founded just five years ago by two mums with six children between them, Bumbles and Boo began at kitchen tables with a simple idea: to make baby gifting more meaningful. Since then, the brand has grown into a household name, shipping thousands of baby hampers and gifts across the UK and beyond.

Co-founder Emma Weldon and her team of nine now work from their headquarters in Earley—and they’re thrilled to welcome customers to their new boutique, which officially opened on July 1st.

Alt text: Bumbles and Boo baby boutique storefront in Earley

What You’ll Find In-Store

Inside the boutique, shoppers can browse a curated collection of beautiful baby gifts in a warm and welcoming environment. Enjoy free parking, complimentary drinks, and friendly advice from knowledgeable staff.

You’ll find:

  • Adorable baby clothing
  • Gentle natural skincare
  • Elegant silver keepsakes
  • Plush soft toys
  • Trusted brands including Sophie La Girafe, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Steiff, and Beatrix Potter

Alt text: Bumbles and Boo baby hampers on display at Earley boutique

Design Your Own Baby Gift In-Store

One of the boutique’s most-loved features is the “design-your-own gift” station. Choose a basket, box, or hamper, handpick your items, and have your gift professionally wrapped—ready to take home the same day.

Plus, staff are on hand to help you browse the full Bumbles and Boo online range, right from the shop floor.

Eco-Friendly & Community-Focused

Bumbles and Boo is deeply committed to sustainability and giving back. The company uses eco-friendly packaging and supports local charities and family-focused causes. These community-first values are woven into every gift.

Alt text: Eco-friendly baby gift packaging used by Bumbles and Boo

💬 A Boutique That Celebrates Meaningful Moments

“Gifting is emotional,” says Emma. “We’ve seen customers moved to tears opening our hampers. So, we created a calm, beautiful space where people can relax, ask questions, and choose meaningful gifts.”

🎁 Visit Today

Looking for a baby gift that truly connects? Visit the Bumbles and Boo Baby Gifts Boutique in Earley today and create a gift that speaks from the heart.

📍 Location: Earley, Berkshire
🕒 Opened: July 1st
🚗 Perks: Free parking, relaxed atmosphere, on-the-spot gift wrapping

For more information, visit here or follow @bumblesandboo on Instagram.

To read more about your area, click here.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Vale & Downland Museum’s extraordinary offering 

Round & About

Posted on

Round & About

Lisa Gale, manager of Vale & Downland Museum in Wantage, invites you all to explore this extraordinary local treasure 

Vale and Downland Museum might look like an ordinary building tucked away behind the Market Place on Church Street in Wantage — but step inside and you’ll find it’s anything but ordinary. 

Push open the door and you’ll discover a lively community hub with a cosy coffee shop, helpful tourist information, and the gateway to a fascinating trip back through Wantage’s rich history. Start by watching our short films, narrated by none other than David Attenborough, then wander through a medieval market, pop into Arbury’s department store, or hop on board the Wantage Tramway. 

Bringing the kids? Perfect! There’s loads for families to enjoy — from the model railway and “hook a duck” to fun trail sheets and hands-on activities that keep little ones happy and busy. 

Visiting as a group? We’ve got you covered with guided tours and tasty homemade treats from our café — our team prepares fresh food every day, from tempting cakes to cream teas and hot and cold drinks. No wonder our coffee shop is a favourite spot for locals to catch up. 

School’s out? We’ve got that sorted too! During the summer holidays, we run a mix of ticketed and drop-in activities — think Lego Club, free storytelling sessions, brass rubbing, and creative workshops inspired by our museum objects. This year you can try your hand at clay art, mosaics, animal painting, and more. You can book it all through our website. 

Want to dig deeper into our collection? Try our new digital guide on the Bloomberg Connects app. You can explore the museum on your phone, at home or on the go. The guide includes a warm welcome from our curator Suzie, stories behind the galleries, audio tours, and personal insights from our team and volunteers. 

Behind the scenes, we’re working hard to care for our environment, too. We’ve installed solar panels that now supply over 75% of our energy, switched to LED lighting, and teamed up with Sustainable Wantage and Wild Wantage to host green community events. None of this would be possible without amazing grant support from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund with the Vale of White Horse District Council, the Climate Action Fund, and others. 

This year we’re celebrating 50 years since Dr Dick Squires and our community turned the old doctor’s surgery into the much-loved museum we have today. To keep the museum thriving for the next 50 years, we’re launching a new fundraising campaign with ways for everyone to get involved, from our 100 Club and Patron’s Scheme to sponsorship opportunities. 

Every bit of support — whether you make a donation, become a member, or simply spread the word — helps us keep this special place alive for generations to come. Thank you! 

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Style Acre 30th celebration at Cornerstone 

Round & About

Posted on

Round & About

To mark the 30th anniversary of amazing local charity Style Acre, enjoy the collaborative art project  on display at Cornerstone between now & the end of August 

Together in Textile is a collaborative art project that celebrates and unites those within Style Acre, encouraging teamwork and promoting creativity. 

Anne-Marie Hicks of the charity says: “Throughout our 37 supported living houses, three community hubs, shared market garden and our social enterprises, there is a great sense of community and a passion for creativity. As we approach our 30th year we wanted to bring people we support together to contribute to a piece of art that celebrates being part of the Style Acre community. 

“We have created a large fabric wall hanging that is made from a patchwork of about 70 pieces of material, each decorated by the people we support. This medium gave everyone the opportunity to participate as it could be adapted to suit people’s sensory and physical needs. Everyone worked in teams to create the art for their piece of art.”  

The Style Acre team have worked with amazing local artist Eden Fay (find out more about her at edenfay.co.uk) and the project was also made possible thanks to a grant from the ClickArt Foundation.  

Established in 1995, Style Acre now supports 275 adults in supportive, creative and dynamic environments that allow them to fulfil their potential and live the life they choose. Visit styleacre.org.uk 

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Anoushka Lucas stars in Watlington tipi 

Round & About

Posted on

Round & About

The hugely popular Tipi Sessions at Watlington’s Spire and Spoke are back, thanks to Declan Bennett, with Anoushka Lucas starring on Friday, 29th August  

Anoushka Lucas is a singer, songwriter, actor and playwright. Raised in London, she spoke French before she spoke English, and has a degree in Russian and Italian from Oxford University. 

Anoushka has been writing songs since the age of 14 and has been described as “an exceptional voice and a great songwriter” (Jamie Cullum, BBC Introducing). Her debut 2019 album, Dark Soul, is available on all music platforms and Anoushka is working on her second. 

Anoushka began her career in theatre as a composer/songwriter. Her first score was for The Ballad of Klook and Vinette, a chamber musical with a book by Ché Walker. The show opened at London’s Park Theatre in 2014. Ché and Anoushka then went on to write The Etienne Sisters, which premiered at Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2015. Anoushka has since composed the score for Jess Butcher’s award winning play Sparks, which went on to win Best Musical of the Fringe at the Edinburgh Festival in 2018, and was adapted for BBC Radio 4. 

As an actor, Anoushka appeared as Mary Magdalene in the Olivier-winning revival of Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 2016). She’s gone on to play a number of leads in plays and musicals, including Katherine of France & Kit Harington’s Henry V at the Donmar Warehouse.  

To find out more & book tickets find The Tipi Sessions on Facebook.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Wallingford red kites trail  

Round & About

Posted on

Round & About

Thanks to Wild about Wallingford, in association with Wallingford Town Council, you can follow the trail of nine life-size red kites and learn to ‘love kites but don’t feed them’ 

Historically red kites were widespread across Britain but were brought close to extinction in Tudor times as they were “causing a nuisance”.  

Kites were released in the Chilterns Hills in the 1990s. There are now more than 10,000 individuals – it’s the biggest species recovery success story in UK conservation history. Red kites are now part of our everyday lives – and a key element of biodiversity in Wallingford.  

Now there’s a wonderful new opportunity to explore the town and celebrate these magnificent birds; adult kites have a wingspan of almost 2m. The Red Kite Trail is a set of life-sized wooden silhouettes around the town. These kites have been painted by local artists, schools and community groups. Following the trail allows everyone to see these amazing designs, learn about the artists, appreciate Wallingford and learn about red kites. The trail has been developed by the community-led charity Wild about Wallingford with support from Wallingford Town Council, thanks to funding from South Oxfordshire District Council with materials donated by Colliers Builders Merchants and DIY supplies. 

Unfortunately, some people are feeding kites and the birds are associating people with food. The fear is that kites may become a nuisance again – like gulls at the seaside – so organisers are keen to celebrate the wonders of red kites through these art installations. 

At each kite, QR codes will take you to further information about the nature of red kites, the artists and locations. Trail maps are available from the Town Information Centre or visit wildaboutwallingford.org.uk 

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Guardian Angel Carers

Round & About

Posted on

Round & About

The live-in care manager at Guardian Angel Carers was a guardian angel in a very literal sense after helping save a man’s life earlier in the year

Having recently completed first aid training, she didn’t hesitate to put those newly-learned skills to use when a man in his 40s collapsed at Farnham Railway Station. She carried out CPR for 11 minutes before a paramedic was able to restart his heart with a defibrillator.

Her actions undoubtedly help save his life and inspired Guardian Angel Carers to extend their first aid programme into the community. In collaboration with Birdworld they held their first community first aid session.

The aim is to train or refresh people so they feel confident to respond in the most common life saving emergency situations, such as heart attack, choking and bleeds. One of the great benefits of modern technology is the proliferation of defibrillators in our community. However, many are scared to use them and in an emergency, would you know where your nearest one is located? First Aid trainer Mark covered all in a friendly and upbeat session that lasted a little over two hours.

Guardian Angel Carers will continue providing courses every couple of months so please get in touch if you would like to attend the next one.

The company has also been extending its reach in the community by supporting Godalming Walking Football Club as shirt sponsor and to great effect as the club has got its defence of the FA Walking Football Cup off to a great start going through to the South of England regional round. One step away from the national finals at St George’s Park.

Tim Corry, Director of Guardian Angel Carers Farnham & Guildford, said: “Godalming Walking Football Club’s success shows what’s possible when community, purpose, and wellbeing come together – values we live by at Guardian Angel Carers. We’re proud to support the team as they go from strength to strength and thrilled to be part of their journey.”

The sponsorship is more than just a logo on a shirt. It reflects a deeper partnership grounded in shared values – promoting health, independence, and connection as people age.

Godalming Walking Football Club has grown rapidly since its formation in 2017. With around 70 members and teams in 50+, 60+, 65+, 70+ and multi-age categories, the club competes in multiple leagues, tournaments and cups across the region. The club is also looking to expand further, including new plans to launch a women’s walking football team.

Jim Mellish, club co-founder, said: “We’re about more than football – we’re about community, confidence, and keeping active later in life. Guardian Angel Carers shares that mission. Their support helps us continue to thrive on and off the pitch.”

The next round of the FA Walking Football Cup takes place on Saturday 11th October at Rectory Park, Northolt.

Find out more about Guardian Angel Carers.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Larl Wonders Jewellery: Emotional Silver Designs with a Powerful Purpose

Round & About

Posted on

Harper Law-Fitzpatrick, founder of Larl Wonders Jewellery, creates raw, expressive ‘emotional armour’, supporting mental health charities. She tells us about her motivations

Larl Wonders Jewellery: Embracing Imperfection with Meaningful Craftsmanship

Larl Wonders Jewellery celebrates raw beauty and emotional strength through handcrafted silver pieces. Created by local artist Harper, each design is made using recycled silver and techniques like lost wax casting. This jewellery holds deep meaning, reflecting Harper’s journey and her desire to connect with those who appreciate honest, imperfect art.

Unique Designs Rooted in Authenticity and Purpose

Harper started Larl Wonders Jewellery as a personal creative outlet while managing bipolar disorder. Now, the brand represents resilience and self-acceptance. Every piece acts as a form of armour, encouraging wearers to embrace their true selves without apology. Moreover, a portion of all sales supports The Frank Bruno Foundation, which helps reduce mental health stigma.

Ethical Crafting and Local Inspiration

The jewellery uses 100% recycled silver paired with ethical or lab-grown stones. Harper’s packaging is thoughtfully designed to enhance the unboxing experience. Living in Princes Risborough, she draws inspiration from the changing Chilterns seasons and the comfort nature provides. When not crafting, she enjoys walking in local parks and hanging out with her Garfield-lookalike car Monty .

Supporting Community and Spreading Positivity

Harper also champions other local businesses and animal-friendly venues. Her hope is to grow Larl Wonders Jewellery while fostering a supportive community. Through meaningful design and shared stories, the brand reminds everyone that imperfections are where real strength lies.

To read more about your area, click here.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Discover the Magic of the Little Missenden Festival 2025

Round & About

Posted on

Martin Cunningham invites us to enjoy world-class music in a beautiful village with the 65th Little Missenden Festival, 3rd to 12th October

Little Missenden Festival of Music and the Arts: A Community Celebration Since 1960

The village of Little Missenden has proudly hosted its Festival of Music and the Arts every October since 1960, except in 2020. This year marks the 65th anniversary. From the beginning, the Festival has been deeply rooted in the local community. Most attendees come from nearby, and villagers warmly welcome performers with food and accommodation.

The Magical Setting of St John the Baptist Church

At the heart of the village and the Festival lies the 10th-century church of St John the Baptist. This historic building features medieval wall paintings of national importance, creating a magical and timeless atmosphere. The church’s small and intimate space offers perfect acoustics, allowing every note to resonate clearly. This results in spellbound audiences and delighted performers.

Artists often praise the venue. Mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston called it “such a glorious space for music making.” Composer Richard Causton described the Festival as “a real beacon” during challenging times. Rory McCleery from the Marian Consort said it’s “a very special acoustic and atmosphere, helped by your lovely audience!”

Diverse Programme Featuring Classical, Jazz, and Folk Music

Run entirely by volunteers, the Festival offers a wide range of artistic events, emphasizing classical music from different eras and places. It also includes jazz, folk, talks, and poetry. This year’s programme runs from Friday 3rd to Sunday 12th October and promises a rich variety of sounds:

  • 17th-century virtuoso Italian music
  • Jazz with Zoe Rahman
  • British string quartet music paired with poetry about nature and landscape
  • Piano music by African composers
  • Concerts celebrating anniversaries of composers Dmitri Shostakovich and Orlando Gibbons
  • Music exploring English and Arabic folk connections
  • Chamber concerts for piano trio and wind ensemble

Festival Highlight: Stile Antico’s 20th Anniversary

A standout event will be the vocal group Stile Antico, performing a programme of Renaissance favourites to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The Festival concludes in December with a joyful programme of subversive Christmas music from Oliver Cromwell’s England.

The Festival brochure is available from July and tickets from early August. More information can be found on the website at here and on the Festival’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/littlemissendenfestival. There are also frequent Festival updates on Bluesky, click here.

To read more about your area, click here.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Chatty Café Cranleigh: It’s Time to Talk and Connect

Round & About

Posted on

Caroline Hayes invites you to take a seat and talk at Altitude Coffee Bar in Cranleigh

Chatty Café: Bringing People Together One Conversation at a Time

Chatty Café Cranleigh is a welcoming community initiative bringing people together to connect and chat. Located at Altitude Coffee Bar, Chatty Café Cranleigh invites locals to join the Chatter & Natter table and enjoy friendly conversations that help reduce loneliness.

Alex wondered how much more positive the atmosphere could be if those people sat together and connected.

She created the concept of Chatter & Natter tables. These are special tables in cafés, pubs, and libraries where customers can sit and talk with others. The goal is to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and encourage conversation. This helps reduce loneliness and isolation while brightening someone’s day.

Chatty Café Cranleigh is part of a nationwide movement started in Manchester in 2017. Since then, hundreds of locations across the UK have hosted Chatter & Natter tables. Cranleigh’s table at Altitude Coffee Bar provides a safe, friendly space where people of all ages can meet and talk. Whether you’re new to the area, feeling isolated, or just want to make new friends, Chatty Café Cranleigh offers a warm welcome. Volunteers help create a relaxed atmosphere where no one has to feel alone.

There are now hundreds of Chatter & Natter tables across the country. We are happy to share that Cranleigh now has one at Altitude Coffee Bar, 50 High Street.

Volunteers host the Chatter & Natter table at Altitude every Wednesday from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. They warmly welcome anyone who wants to join for a quick chat or a longer conversation. When you visit Altitude, look for the yellow Chatty Café sign on the table.

A recent survey showed that over 75% of people want more face-to-face conversations. So, come along to Altitude and let’s get talking! Click here for more information.

If you want to read more about the events in surrey. Click here.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter: