Experience the Best of Local Art at Farnham’s Summer Show

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Following the success of Farnham Art Society’s exhibition last year, the talented artists are back at the Medici Theatre, Weydon School from July 20th to 27th. Nick Holmes invites you along to see the Farnham’s Summer Show

Farnham Art Society Summer Show Returns to the Medici Theatre

Farnham Art Society Summer Show is back this July! Following the huge success of last year’s event, the talented members of the Farnham Art Society return to the Medici Theatre, Weydon School, from July 20th to 27th. Organised by Nick Holmes, the exhibition promises an exciting showcase of local creativity and artistic excellence.

Farnham Art Society: A Creative Powerhouse

The Farnham Art Society Summer Show reflects the strength of one of England’s largest and most active art societies. With nearly 250 members—many of them professional artists—the Society’s exhibitions regularly feature award-winning work that attracts art lovers from across the region.

Award-Winning Artists and Public Engagement

FAS members include nationally and internationally recognised artists, many of whom hold memberships in royal and prestigious art societies. Their work has been celebrated at top exhibitions, and many also teach across southern England, helping to inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts.

A Legacy of Art in Farnham Since the 1860s

Farnham’s artistic roots run deep. Art schools have thrived here since the 1860s. Farnham Art Society was officially established in 1944, with local artist James Hockey playing a major role in building its link with the local art college, now known as the University for the Creative Arts. This partnership allowed the Society to hold high-profile exhibitions in the university’s gallery for many years.

The Medici Theatre: A Perfect Summer Venue

After exhibiting at locations such as Parker Fine Art Auctions and Farnham House Hotel, FAS has now found an ideal home at the Medici Theatre. This marks the third consecutive summer that the Farnham Art Society Summer Show will take place here, offering both excellent facilities and an inviting atmosphere.

Supporting Charity and Honouring a Legacy

Since 1986, FAS has proudly operated as a registered charity. It works closely with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, honouring the legacy of the late David Shepherd—renowned wildlife artist and long-time FAS President. In 2024, the Society welcomed his daughter, wildlife and military painter Mandy Shepherd, as its new patron.

Exhibition Details: July 20–27

A private view and prize ceremony will kick off the Farnham Art Society Summer Show on Saturday 19 July. The exhibition opens to the public from July 20–27, running daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission and parking are free. Guests can enjoy tea, cake, and refreshments, with proceeds donated to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

All displayed artworks—paintings, ceramics, and sculptures—are for sale. There will also be a raffle featuring artworks donated by local artists, and visitors can vote for their favourite pieces. Two public-voted “Best in Show” winners (2D and 3D) will each receive £250.

Plan Your Visit to the Farnham Art Society Summer Show

Don’t miss this celebration of local talent and creative spirit. Whether you’re an art lover, a collector, or simply looking for inspiration, the Farnham Art Society Summer Show at the Medici Theatre is the perfect place to experience artistic excellence in a welcoming community setting.

For more information on FAS click here or the DSWF here or Weydon School here

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Bordon Soap Box Derby: The Ultimate Race for Fun and Creativity

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Spectacular cars, family fun and live music all make up Bordon Soap Box Derby raising much-needed funds for amazing local causes 

Thrills, Spills, and Fun at the Bordon Soap Box Derby

Thrills, spills, and a few funny incidents make the Bordon Soap Box Derby lively and fun! After the huge success of 2023, this year’s event promises even more laughs, fast action, and great entertainment for everyone. Indeed, creativity, fun, and fundraising come together perfectly at this unique event.

What to Expect at the Derby

If you’ve never seen a soap box derby before, picture a colourful parade of unexpected, human-powered vehicles racing down the streets. They race while trying to stay in one piece! Meanwhile, local inventors and fans have been busy building their quirky soap boxes for the big race on Sunday, 20th July.

The rules are simple: competitors must power soap boxes by human strength alone. Each soap box must have three or four wheels and can be made from any material. Furthermore, the event encourages fancy dress and themed vehicles. Consequently, judges will award prizes for the ‘best turned-out Soap Box.’

Borden soap box derby

Event Schedule

The day starts bright and early with a lively breakfast show at The Shed from 6:30 am. This show sets the scene for an action-packed day. Then, at 9 am, Parade Square hosts the car show. The first exciting race begins at 10:30 am.

From midday, three top DJs perform live music. Two are from London, and one recently returned from Ibiza. They keep the energy high well into the evening.

The races pause for lunch at 12:30 pm and resume at 1:30 pm. Afterward, the day builds up to the awards ceremony at 3:30 pm. The fun continues with a headline band at The Shed at 7:30 pm. Finally, two DJs spin tunes for the after-party, playing late into the night.

Borden soap box derby

Supporting Local Charities

Importantly, the Bordon Soap Box Derby raises funds for four local charities:

  • Bordon Food Bank: Provides essential food supplies to families facing financial hardship (wb-ct.org/bordon-foodbank)
  • The Green Room School: Supports young people with Special Education Needs in Kingsley and other locations (thegreenroomschool.com)
  • Greatham School: Raises money for a new Astroturf sports pitch (greathamschool.co.uk)
  • Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust: Works to regenerate and develop the local area (wb-ct.org)

Get ready for a day full of fun, community spirit, and heart-pounding action at the Bordon Soap Box Derby!

Find out more here and enjoy a great fun day out! 

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Big Free Fringe Weekend Returns to Guildford with Outdoor Fun for Everyone

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The Barricade Boys will headline from the Guildhall Balcony on Guildford High Street 

The Big Free Fringe Weekend Returns to Guildford – August 9 & 10, 2025

Guildford’s much-loved Big Free Fringe Weekend is back on August 9th and 10th, and it’s bigger, better, and more vibrant than ever — all in celebration of local community and culture.

Organised by Guildford Fringe, the weekend kicks off on Saturday at 6:30pm with an unforgettable open-air performance by The Barricade Boys. This theatrical vocal group, fresh from acclaimed runs on Broadway and in the West End, will perform live from the Guildhall Balcony. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the evening in comfort.

Then on Sunday, from 12pm to 4pm, Guildford High Street will come alive with free family entertainment. Expect a packed afternoon of street theatre, live music, arts and crafts, and mouthwatering street food. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun day out with the whole family.

Importantly, all events are completely free to attend. However, donation points will be available for those who wish to support the Fringe and help keep this community tradition going strong.

Even More Fringe Events in 2025

The Big Free Fringe Weekend is just one highlight in an exciting year for Guildford Fringe. Here’s what else is coming up:

  • First up, the Guildford Comedy Festival debuts from July 7–11, bringing a week of laughs with top comedy acts.
  • Following that, the popular Guildford Fringe Festival returns from September 5–20, offering a full programme of theatre, music, spoken word, cabaret, and more.
  • Finally, the year wraps up with festive fun during panto season:
    • Cinderella (Family Panto) – Godalming Borough Hall, December 13–28
    • Jack and His Giant Stalk (Adults Only) – The Back Room @ The Star Inn, November 20–January 10

Altogether, Guildford Fringe promises a vibrant and diverse year of culture, comedy, and community.

Don’t miss this joyful celebration of creativity in the heart of Guildford.
Click here for updates and more information

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Out of This World: CADS Brings UFO Comedy to Camden Fringe

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Cranbourne Amateur Dramatic Society is getting ready to take their home-grown show to London. Co-director Clare Humphreys invites you to book your tickets for The Saucer

CADS: 30 Years of Community Theatre in Winkfield

For 30 years, the Cranbourne Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) has brought theatre to the heart of Winkfield. Over the decades, they have consistently staged two shows a year. These productions are not only well attended but also widely praised. In fact, some audience members have said, “You wouldn’t see better in the West End.”

A Strange Story Sparks a New Idea

Recently, CADS member Warwick Grigg discovered a fascinating local mystery. One morning in Winkfield, a flying saucer was found in a field—right across from an active NASA tracking station. Interestingly, similar objects were spotted in five other places across the UK, all along the 51st parallel. So, was it a military trick? A scientific accident? Or even something extraterrestrial?

Because the story was so unusual, Warwick teamed up with fellow member Heather to write a play about it. Together, they created a fun and fast-paced script that blends fact with fiction.

A Comedy with a 1960s Twist

The play is set during the state visit of Queen Frederika. While she is busy managing foreign affairs, a group of hippie UFO hunters arrives near the tracking station. They hope to communicate telepathically with alien life. Among them is a free-spirited cosmologist who brings a unique perspective. Meanwhile, the play’s style mirrors the optimism and shifting culture of the 1960s. It also includes playful references to Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and The Bionic Man.

As a result, the show is both nostalgic and delightfully entertaining.

From Winkfield to the Camden Fringe

When the original incident happened, it caused quite a stir. Authorities investigated, and the press followed the story closely. Inspired by that moment in history, Warwick turned it into a musical comedy. The CADS committee supported the idea without hesitation.

Once the show was performed, it was a hit with local audiences. Even the cast asked to do it again. So, CADS decided to take things further by bringing the production to the Camden Fringe Festival.

They’re proud to present the play from August 14th to 16th at St Paul’s Church Hall, Camden Square NW1 9XG. It’s their most ambitious project yet—and one that blends community theatre with wider national appeal.

To book tickets visit here

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Exploring Altered Images at the Andy Warhol Exhibition: A New Perspective

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Fame, pop culture and commercialism are all explored in this major exhibition of Andy Warhol’s work over two floors at the Lightbox

Andy Warhol created some of the most iconic images of the 20th century, securing his place as one of the most influential artists in history. This summer, Lightbox Gallery presents an Andy Warhol exhibition that features major works by the pop art icon. In partnership with Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland, many of these works are being shown in Surrey for the first time.

The exhibition runs from July 19th to November 2nd. It showcases around 100 works, spread across two floors. The collection is part of ARTIST ROOMS, a national collection owned by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland. These works represent some of Warhol’s most significant contributions to the art world.

Inside Warhol’s World

Warhol (1928-1987) was fascinated by fame, popular culture, consumerism, and mass production. His work challenged traditional views of fine art. He blurred the lines between art and everyday life, making it more accessible.

The exhibition takes you through Warhol’s evolution. It starts with his early studies in the 1940s, then moves to the 1950s when he worked as a commercial illustrator. This led to his rise in the 1960s as a pop art icon. His obsession with fame, celebrity, and mass media became central to his work.

Andy Warhol at The Lightbox

Iconic Portraits and Hidden Gems

The exhibition features Warhol’s famous 1967 screenprints of Marilyn Monroe. You’ll also see portraits of Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles, and many more. These pieces highlight Warhol’s fascination with celebrity culture.

Additionally, you’ll discover portraits of fellow artists like Gilbert & George (1975), Joseph Beuys (1980), and Robert Mapplethorpe (1983). These works reveal Warhol’s admiration for his peers.

The first floor displays Warhol’s larger works. They capture his vibrant use of color and scale. On the second floor, you’ll find rare drawings and photographs that offer a closer look at his creative process.

Warhol and Mortality

The exhibition also explores Warhol’s confrontation with mortality, especially after his near-fatal shooting in 1968. Many of his works include symbols of death, such as guns, skulls, and war imagery. Warhol used Polaroid and 35mm cameras to document the world around him. His self-portraits and candid shots of friends and celebrities provide a personal insight into his life.

A Lasting Legacy

Sarah Brown, Director at Lightbox Gallery, says: “A decade after our last Warhol show, we are excited to welcome his work back to the gallery. His influence on contemporary culture is undeniable. This exhibition offers a fresh chance to engage with one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.”

Click here to visit the Lightbox exhibition

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Pedalling Through Pages: Steve Silk’s New Book Brings the Road to Life

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Ever started a holiday with an alarm call at the crack of dawn followed by hours of mindless zig-zagging through passport control? Author Steve Silk offers a chilled-out alternative – courtesy of the humble pushbike.

Trust me when I say I’m no natural athlete. Dribbling a football? Not my strength. Cricket skills? Well, let’s just say I’ve had my share of “ducks.”

But recently, I’ve rediscovered the simple joys of cycling. At 50-something, I’ve found that a bike can offer the same thrill and freedom it did when I was a teenager riding around Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in the 1980s. It’s the kind of exercise that connects you with the world around you—no fancy gear, just a pair of comfy shorts and a sense of adventure.

In my latest book, Go West (published by Summersdale on July 10th), I recount a 300-mile journey, following the A40 from St Paul’s Cathedral in London all the way to the Welsh coast at Fishguard. While many cyclists aim for speed, I’m more of a wanderer—taking the scenic route and savoring the landscape. After all, cycling doesn’t just get you from A to B; it allows you to experience the world in a more intimate way. Sometimes, I even end up talking to strangers. Imagine that!

Cycling Out of London: A Surprisingly Easy Escape

A decade ago, I would have been concerned about cycling directly out of London. But today, the capital is surprisingly accommodating. From Oxford Street to Bayswater Road, and even through Notting Hill and Shepherd’s Bush, the city opens up to cyclists in a way it didn’t before. By the time I reached Hanwell, I was ready for a detour—taking the towpath along the Grand Union Canal. Beyond Uxbridge, near Denham Deep Lock, I heard my first cuckoo of the year—something you won’t hear at Heathrow or Heston Services.

Of course, Britain’s cycling network isn’t perfect. There were a few hairy moments on dual carriageways near Red Hill and Beaconsfield. But, for the most part, I was able to find quiet lanes and safe paths along the main roads. It’s not about speed; it’s about taking in the journey.

Accommodation: No Tents Here!

Now, if you’ve ever heard of “cycle tourers,” you’ll know they’re the hardcore folks who ride 100 miles a day, setting up camp each night with a tent strapped to their bike. Not me. I’m a “credit card tourer”—half the distance, double the comfort. By Day One, I was at a Travelodge in High Wycombe, enjoying a pint with old mates. By Day Two, I was at an AirBnB in Eynsham, and by Day Three, I’d arrived at Gloucester’s historic coaching inn, ready to rest.

The Beauty of Rural Britain

While cities like Oxford and Gloucester are always worth a visit, it’s the places in between that are truly magical. Riding through the Cotswolds, I avoided the crowds of Bourton on the Water and Bibury and found some hidden gems—like Little Barrington and Sherborne. On a warm June day, I found myself alone at the charming St Nicholas’s Church in Asthall, surrounded by quintessential English beauty.

In just eight days, I crossed three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks. That’s a lot of breathtaking views for a cycle tour.

So, What’s Stopping You?

Maybe you’re not ready for a 300-mile journey just yet. But my message is simple: you can go further than you think. Leave the car behind, and leave the passport too. With a bike, a pair of padded shorts, and some determination, you’ll find hidden beauty right on your doorstep.

About the Author
Steve Silk is a journalist for BBC Look East in Norwich. Go West is his second cycling adventure book, following The Great North Road, a journey from London to Edinburgh. He’s also written books on the Norfolk Broads, including The Wherryman’s Way (2010) and Hidden Riverside Norwich (2016). When not writing, Steve can be found cycling through Norfolk and Suffolk, either on his Jamis Aurora tourer or Voodoo Bizango mountain bike.

Click Here To Buy Your Copy of Go West Today!
ISBN: 978-1-83799-572-1

Cover illustratration for Go West by Steve Silk, by Alexey Erofalov

@_Alexey Erofalov

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Ellie Sax the saxophone star on playing in Ibiza

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Liz Nicholls chats to Ellie Meredith, AKA Ellie Sax who will headline Summertime Live Windsor with Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems on 16th August, and star at Henley Festival on Wednesday, 9th July

Q. Hi Ellie! Mauritius, the Monaco Grand Prix… you play at some jaw-droppingly beautiful places! Do you have a favourite? 

“I’d pick Ibiza every time because the whole vibe of the whole place is amazing, especially at sunset. And we did a gig last week right on Heron Porth Beach down in Cornwall during sunset that was so special. And when we played a gig in New York in the PlayStation Theatre and when we’d finished and we just walked straight out to Times Square and I was like, I’d like this to be my life. This is cool.”

Q. I love your sparkly dopamine outfits! You and your husband Harry, AKA DJ Laser Boy Wonder, perform so much – do you go out a lot when you’re not working?

“No! I’m such a homebody. I’m literally the most boring human when I’m not working. I absolutely love my job, and travelling, but it’s definitely good to have breaks from it and then come back to it. It means you don’t burn out, you know, and you can appreciate both aspects of your life. When I’m not working, I’m mostly at home except for walking the dogs Mabel and Pippin.”

Where it started

Ellie Sax Saxophone

Q. How did you get into the saxophone?

“I was really lucky. My parents both love music so used to listen to lots of music around the house and lots of different types. My earliest love, and it’s really really nerdy to say, was Pavarotti. I used to love listening to opera and still do! My dad used to also listen to Dave Brubeck and that’s what got me into the saxophone, along with Lisa Simpson, if I’m honest! When we moved my elder sister, younger sister and younger brother and I all started on piano, which I’m really bad at – I have no natural ability! And then my piano teacher noticed I could sing. So I did classical singing and then picked up sax when I was about 11 – they’re quite heavy so you have to be quite big.”

Q. And when did you start to get into electronic and dance music then? Was that while you were at the Royal Northern College?

“Yeah so while I was at music college I used to sneak off and do Tiger Tiger at the weekend – my sax teacher was not happy with me! I’m really glad I have the classical training because it’s a really good musical foundation. But when I started doing dance music, I was like, oh, this is a bit more me!”

Q. Do you just have the one saxophone?

“I have a few, but I only have one that I use for professional performing now. I’m a Yamaha artist, so I’ve got a Yamaha 82Z custom which is absolutely beautiful and I love it. I’ve also got another Yamaha that I’m currently rebuilding. That’s the one my parents got me as my second saxophone. So I’m giving it a bit of TLC and trying to learn how to rebuild a saxophone, which is interesting. I’ve got an old vintage one and I’m just about to get a new baritone saxophone from Yamaha, which is a big bass saxophone, which I’m very excited about.”

Where to see Ellie Sax this summer

Q. Are you excited about playing at Henley Festival?

“Yes. My husband Harry’s DJing for me, so we’re doing the after party on the Wednesday and Thursday. I think that’s after Diana Ross and McFly – I would love to meet Diana Ross, so I’ll be hanging around in my dressing room area just in case I can say hi, but I’m hoping I can catch their sets before we start ours, at least.”

Q. Tell us about the show you’re bringing to Windsor!

“The Ministry of Sound, Ibiza Anthems show, as the name suggests, is full of Ibiza anthems from the 1990s onwards, all those iconic tunes that you might know as like Ibiza classics, and then some you’ll be, you’ll kind of have forgotten existed… But when you re-hear them you’re like oh yeah, I love that tune!”

Q. You’ve worked with so many amazing artists. Who would be your dream collab?

“There are a few. So I would love to make a track with Fred again, because I think he’s so clever in his kind of music creation, and I think it could be something really creative. And then also I’m really, really into Sammy Virji at the moment, so I feel like a garage sax track would work well.”

Q. What’s on your rider?

“So I have water, fruit, and some cashew nuts sometimes to give me a bit of energy. Harry has Haribo, Manuka honey and ginger beer but I’ve told him he’s getting a bit big for his boots with that! In countries like Spain and Greece, ginger beer is really hard to get hold of so I try to tell them not to bother in case some poor person’s been searching the supermarkets all day in search of ginger beer.”

“The nerds are the ones who end up doing the really cool jobs!”

Q. What are your favourite classical pieces?

“I generally like big romantic choral works, like big Handel or a big Bach choral work. I love Vaughan Williams, Prokofiev, Romeo & Juliet. It also has a saxophone in the orchestra, so that’s probably why I’m a bit biased!”

Q. Who are your up-and-coming musicians to watch out for?

“We’ve been supporting this amazing DJ, Taylor Shipley who produces her own tracks and I definitely feel like she’s got a future in music. She’s a lovely person, her parents are lovely and she’s got her head screwed on. For a 16-year-old that’s pretty amazing so yeah I’m really excited to see how she does with her career because I’ll be watching it every step of the way.”

Q. What would you say to any young girl, perhaps at school right now, who wants to play an instrument?

“I think sometimes music turns into a sort of a privileged hobby. I was really lucky that my parents decided to prioritise it for me, and for my sisters as well. It can be a really expensive hobby: lessons and sometimes the instrument.

What I’d say is you can always hire instruments from a lot of the shops, like Dawkes music. You know, I started out on piano and if I’d have continued just doing piano, I wouldn’t have ended up doing music. So I think once you find your instrument, then my main tip would be to play the music that you love, because then you’ll learn in a way what you are passionate about it. And number two, it’s OK a bit uncool in the first stages of learning! So at school I was massive nerd, really not cool at all ’cause I was practising all the time. I was in lots of bands; my life was music.

I’m really lucky that my really core group of friends still are from school and they all loved that sort of thing… And they’re all nerds as well. And you know what? The nerds are the ones who end up doing the really cool jobs! So be authentic to you and what you enjoy, because that’s what will come round to be, to serve you best in life.”

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Champagne is the Elixir of Life!

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Round & About’s wine critic Giles Luckett hails Champagne as the elixir of life & serves five to try

It’s official. Champagne is good for your health and can help prevent sudden cardiac arrest. That’s the latest finding from the scientific community regarding wine. Unlike that one about Burgundy being a cure for leprosy, this comes from the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, not a post on X. Considering this life-affirming news, I thought recommend some champagnes that are a celebration in themselves.

Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée Extra-Brut

Champagne Bruno Paillard Premiere

First up is the Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée Extra-Brut (Hedonism £44). Bruno Paillard was founded in 1981 and quickly earned a reputation for excellence.

I first tasted it in 1994 while at Laithwaites, and it’s remained a go-to wine. A blend of Pinot and Chardonnay, 25% of the base wine is fermented in barrel, adding richness and nuttiness to the elegant, peach and pear, brioche and lemon tones. Glorious on its own, it’s sublime with baked fish, fresh seafood and poultry.

Pol Roger Réserve

Pol Roger Réserve (Songbird Wines £50.50) is always a joy. A classically styled wine comprising of equal parts of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, there’s something comfortingly reliable about this wine.

White gold with fine, pearlescent bubbles, scents of orchard fruits, summer berries, and creamy yeast rise from the glass. Medium-bodied with a delicious mix of soft yellow and tangy red fruit tones, vanilla spice, and a touch of salinity, provides a savoury balance to the long, dry finish.

Taittinger Brut Réserve

Next, we have a wine that’s never out of my cellar – unless it’s in the fridge, that is – the Taittinger Brut Réserve (Majestic £44 on a mixed six). Renowned for its elegance, Taittinger is a wine of substance too. The attractive white gold colour is broken up by tiny bubbles that seem almost languid in their graceful rise through the wine.

The bouquet is that classic apple, peaches in syrup, red berries and brioche that you’d expect from Taittinger, but the palate’s weightier and brings more intensity than you might expect. Pear and berries dominate the stage, but citrus, hazelnut, and saline traces create a complex, deliciously refined wine that went down perfectly with a Dover sole.

Veuve Clicquot Rosé

Veuve Cliquot Brut Rose Champagne

Following the logic that champagne will leave you feeling in the pink, then surely that goes double for rosé champagne. While I’m no clinician, I do find a glass or two of Veuve Clicquot Rosé (Tesco £57) life-affirming. Mid-pink with subtle shades of amber in the background, the bouquet offers a delightful mix of summer berries, cream, apricots and spices.

On the palate, it’s elegant yet rounded, the red and black berry fruit suffused with tangy citrus, and mandarin oranges before finishing on a toasty note. While this is a super wine on its own, I’ve always found it better with foods – pink lamb and game birds being particularly good.

This is one of the most exuberant rosé champagnes I’ve had in a long time.

PIAFF Brut Rosé

Champagne Piaff Rose Brut

While the Veuve Clicquot is all about elegance, the PIAFF Brut Rosé (Champagne PIAFF £42.50) is all about joy. This is one of the most exuberant rosé champagnes I’ve had in a long time.

Raspberries, loganberries, redcurrants, and flowers leap from its rose-petal body. In the mouth, it offers a jumble of red and black fruits with diversion added by hints of violets, creamy yeast, and crunchy, chalky minerals—the thing for a summer party.

Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut

Champagne

Looking for something that stimulates the mind and the mouth? Then the mighty Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut (The Finest Bubble £66) is for you. I’ll be honest, the first time I tasted this as part of a champagne tasting, I absolutely hated it. Severe, lean, and punishingly dry compared to the other wines, which were all Brut (dry) wines, I wondered why anyone would want to drink such a wine.

Over the years, I came to respect, understand, and finally adore it. There’s a purity to this style of wine, the ultra-low level of residual sugar of around 0.9 grams per litre (the Laurent-Perrier Rosé has 10 grams per litre) and six years of bottle age (up from four when I first tasted it) make for a fascinating experience. White gold, aromas of green apple, white peach, and flint are followed by flavours of lemon, grapefruit, white raspberries, and green apple.

On their own, this would make for a pretty stiff wine, but the long bottle ageing mellows the mix and adds a nutty yeastiness and a honeyed mouthfeel. Serve chilled as an aperitif, or with white fish, poultry, or roasted artichokes in butter.

Palmer Blanc de Noirs

Champagne Palmer

Blanc de Noirs is a style of champagne that it took me a while to become fond of. I think it was because so Blanc de Noirs are produced to meet a low price point. The option to make a wine based on (or exclusively from) the high cropping Pinot Meunier making commercial sense if leaving consumers with a poor impression of champagne.

These days, many fine houses make excellent Blanc de Noirs that include a healthy proportion of Pinot Noir. Take the Champagne Palmer Blanc de Noirs (Finest Bubble, £50). 50-50 Pinot Noir/Meunier and given five years bottle, the result is a beautifully structured wine that, oddly, promotes white and yellow-skinned fruits, leaving the expected red berries in the background with the yeast, spearmint, and vanilla essences.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Blanc de Blancs champagnes, those made exclusively from white grapes, are noted for their refinement, but in the finest wines, they can also offer power and concentration. A wine that pulls off this tricky balancing act is the Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (N D John Wines £79.95).

Style and substance sum up this beautiful wine. The nose is a harmonious blend of pure white fruits offset by vanilla foam, hazelnuts and hawthorn flowers. Initially fresh and clean, the long cellar ageing brings richness and weight in the form of almonds, honey, lemon peel and yeast. Sensational with seafood, it has the intensity to pair well with pâte or game birds.

Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale Création N°1

Champagne

I’ll finish with the Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale Création N°1 (The Finest Bubble £194). Produced from a blend of seven remarkable vintages, when I tasted this last year against the Dom Perignon 2012, I was astonished to discover that I preferred this.

Sharing Dom Perignon’s sumptuous texture and dazzling complexity, there’s a depth of flavour here that I’ve rarely encountered in a champagne. Layers of white and red berry, pear and melon, lemon and green apple fruit have mineral, floral, and spicy notes interwoven into them to create a beguiling mouthful. Savour this with pink fish, lamb, or monkfish.

Well, all this talk of healthy living has inspired me to do some exercise. So I’m going to walk down to the surgery to see if I can get these on prescription.

Wine

(All prices are correct at the time of publishing.)

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Shake Shack Pride Menu 2025: Delicious Deals for a Great Cause in Oxford

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Liz Nicholls checks out the colourful new menu at Shake Shack supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in Oxford

Trying to book a June dinner date with my busy teen feels trickier than getting my hands on VIP Glastonbury tickets…

But one whisper of “Shake Shack” & suddenly we’re on! And, as any parent of a 16-year-old will tell you, the experience can make you feel like the ridiculously thirsty half of a limp situationship.

Shake Shack Oxford

However, joy of joys, until 7th July Shake Shack is offering a special Pride menu and I’m very happy to tag along, as an ally & proud mum.

Barely a week goes by without a Shake Shack takeaway at ours and the new dishes are a delight. A favourite are those pleasingly old-school crinkle-cut chips topped with chipotle cheese sauce, spring onions and cherry peppers, which are welcome burst of flavour.

And the double cheeseburger, with its applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers and super-dooper sauce had me breaking out my Pulp Fiction impersonation (“that’s embarrassing, mum”). There’s also a Dragon Fruit Pomegranate Lemonade House-made lemonade if you fancy something less heavy to wash down your tasty burger.

And, holy moly, the Sprinkled with Pride! shake is beyond moreish. Don’t look at the calorie count (I never do anyway, do you?) but slurp on this concoction of vanilla frozen custard, crushed shortbread, rainbow sprinkles, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and strawberry glaze and you’ll have a glorious sugar rush.

I’m delighted to say that we’ve been back for this shake several times since (separately, obvs). And it’s not just rainbow-washing, either: £1 from each Pride Shake sold in Oxford will be donated to Oxford Pride. So we’re helping the cause, one slurp at the time.

Check it out on their website – www.shakeshack.co.uk/locations/oxford

Enjoyed reading about Shake Shack’s new menu? Click here to read discover other amazing food ideas

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Discover Vitality Vocals: Singing for All on 28th June

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Experience a vibrant Summer Fiesta hosted by renowned singer and vocal coach Carmen Rose Davidson on Saturday, 28th June, at Kingston Bagpuize & Southmoor Village Hall, OX13 5BY. This exciting event, presented by Vitality Vocals, promises a day packed with creativity, community connection, and joyful music-making.

What to Expect at the Vitality Vocals Summer Fiesta

This is your chance to sing, move, create, and thrive. Through a wide variety of workshops tailored for all skill levels and interests. Dive into inspiring sessions including:

• Rhythm and percussion workshops to sharpen your timing.
• Songwriting classes to help you craft your own original songs.
• Harmony singing to explore the beauty of group vocal blending.
• Energising Zumba dance fitness sessions to boost your wellbeing.
• Musical theatre workshops for dramatic and vocal expression.
• Vocal technique coaching for improved control and confidence.
• Artistic development, craft, and floristry classes for creative fun.

Meet Carmen Rose Davidson, Your Vocal Coach & Event Host

Vocal Vitality, Carmen Rose Davidson

Carmen Rose Davidson is a celebrated vocal coach and singer who runs Vitality Vocals. Carmen says: “We’ve partnered with local holistic and creative experts to create a truly inspiring day. Whether you’re discovering a new hobby, reigniting a passion, or enhancing your vocal skills, there’s something here for everyone.”

She adds:
“Our workshops are designed to refresh your creativity and ignite your passion for music. Enjoy rhythm sessions that help you master timing. Songwriting workshops that welcome all experience levels, and harmony singing to connect with others through music. Plus, our upbeat Zumba classes are perfect for shaking off stress and having fun.”

Why Attend This Summer Music Workshop in Oxfordshire?

• Open to all ages and abilities.
• Led by expert vocal coaches and creative professionals.
• A perfect day out to meet like-minded music lovers and creators.
• Located conveniently at Kingston Bagpuize & Southmoor Village Hall (OX13 5BY).
• Emphasizes wellbeing, artistic growth, and community spirit.

Don’t miss out on this unique Summer Fiesta filled with music, movement, and creativity!

For full details and to book your place, visit: www.vitalityvocals.com

See more Activities & Events in Oxfordshire.

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