Helping mums make the right choices

Ellie Cox

K White Coaching helps mums connect and explore what they want next from life

As a stay-at-home mum or a working mum, balancing the demands of life is a constant challenge. Understanding what’s most important to you through self-discovery exercises and coaching can help you make choices around your life and career that are right for you. 

K White Coaching has been helping local mums to explore their current situation and what they want from their next chapter of life, on an interactive ‘Self-Discovery Workshop for Mums’ hosted by Kathryn, certified coach and mum of two small children.

The event was held at the Good Life Hub Co-Working Space in Hampstead Norreys. An inspiring place to work, connect and collaborate with others. 

The workshop was a great place for the participants to meet and connect with other mums, share their stories and aspirations, and feel supported in their self-discovery. After a session which helped participants understand and reflect on their personal values, the workshop included a life and career audit, group exercises around strengths and skills, and tools and exercises to help participants set goals and start acting towards these.

Jennie R, has already started taking action and is feeling excited about her future following the workshop: “Kathryn’s self-discovery workshop was absolutely fantastic! It gave a safe and welcoming space to really focus on what’s important to me. And how my values have changed since becoming a mum. She guided us all through a process that was actually much more personal and profound than I was expecting. The environment Kathryn created was warm, supportive and productive. She has extensive knowledge of techniques and strategies that helped each of us find clarity. I found her to be empathetic, wise and exceptionally good at helping me reach the next step in terms of moving forward. After the workshop I finally took action and have just begun studying for a higher national diploma, working towards a career that makes me feel genuinely excited about the future.”

The group enjoyed the workshop so much that they’ve decided to meet regularly to check-in and to help keep each other accountable on their next steps. 

Interested in joining the next workshop?

Head to kwhitecoaching.com to find out more and to join the waitlist.

Spectacular Festival of Light at Longleat

Ellie Cox

The Festival of Light promises to be even more extraordinary than ever, as you’re invited to step into The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl as the lantern festival returns

This winter, The Festival of Light at Longleat will bring Roald Dahl’s much-loved stories to life.

Launching on November 5th and running throughout the festive holidays until January 8th. The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl features a host of the acclaimed author’s most iconic characters. Including The BFG, Willy Wonka, Matilda and Fantastic Mr Fox.

Working in partnership with The Roald Dahl Story Company, Longleat is creating 23 stunning lantern scenes. These will narrate his much-loved stories as part of the Wiltshire attraction’s renowned The Festival of Light.

This year’s fantastical festival is the biggest and most ambitious to date. With over 800 individual lanterns, some more than 15-metres tall. Set against the historic backdrop of Longleat House, formal gardens and ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland.

Visitors can wander through Giant Country, see Sophie in the BFG’s Cave, and accompany them on their visit to Buckingham Palace.

What to expect

Step inside the gates of Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to meet Charlie, Mike TeeVee, Violet, Veruca, Augustus Gloop, and the Oompa Loompas.

Head over to Half Mile Pond to watch James set sail for New York, on the Giant Peach and brave shark-infested seas. Accompany Matilda to Crunchem Hall to meet the fearsome Miss Trunchbull. Finally, join Bruno, as he comes face to face with the wicked Witches.

The illuminated outdoor trail also features key scenes from Esio Trot, The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox, George’s Marvellous Medicine, The Enormous Crocodile, and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me.

Other highlights include a three-metre-tall book tunnel, The BFG Flight Tunnel and a giant stack of Roald Dahl’s books in Main Square.

The festive fun continues with Longleat’s famous 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree Show and Santa Train – separate booking needed.

Tickets to The Festival of Light include the Winter Safari Drive-Through, Enchanted Christmas Tree Show. On-foot animal attractions including Koala Creek, Jungle Cruise and Family Farmyard, Adventure Castle, Rockin’ Rhino, Jungle Cruise and the Hedge Maze.

For more information and to book tickets: www.longleat.co.uk/the-festival-of-light

Adult tickets from £29.95, child from £22.45 and under threes free.

What’s on at Wallingford Corn Exchange

Ellie Cox

Films and live screenings to enjoy in November

Wallingford Corn Exchange has a varied programme of films and live screenings running through the month starting, November 1st. There’s sure to be something that appeals to you.

Cinema this month

Includes Nothing Compares (1st & 2nd), Amsterdam (4th, 6th & 7th), Doctor, Who Am I? (8th), My Neighbour, Adolf (9th & 10th), The Banshees of Inisheren (11th-13th), Love Around the World (17th), Triangle of Sadness (18th-20th), Hunt (21st-24th), Living (25th & 27th), Call Jane (28th & 29th).

There’s a live screening on Thursday, 3rd November as part of the NT Live series of Anton Chekov’s The Seagull recorded at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London. Starring Emilia Clarke, Tom Rhys Harries, Indira Varma, Daniel Monks and Sophie Wu. It tells of a young woman desperate for fame and a way out. A young man is pining after the woman of his dreams. A successful writer longs for a sense of achievement. An actress wants to fight the changing of the times. In an isolated home in the countryside, dreams lie in tatters, hopes are dashed, and hearts broken. With nowhere left to turn, the only option is to turn on each other.

A dazzling showcase marking 60 years of the Friends of the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration, comes live from Covent Garden on Wednesday, 16th November. The showcase will demonstrate the breadth and diversity of The Royal Ballet’s repertory in classical, contemporary and heritage works. It will include world premieres of short ballets by choreographers Pam Tanowitz, Joseph Toonga and Valentino Zucchetti. As well as The Royal Ballet’s first performance of ‘For Four’ by Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon and a performance of George Balanchine’s ‘Diamonds’.

The end of the month brings Arthur Smith with his Edinburgh Fringe Show – about the Edinburgh Fringe. This is Smith’s love letter to the playground of the imagination that is the Edinburgh Fringe on its 75th birthday. Telling the story of this great city and its festivals and recalling some of the triumphs, disasters, love affairs and arrests of his many Augusts in Auld Reekie. Hamlet, Colditz, Leonard Cohen, Dante, dementia, Gary Lineker and the Leith Police all feature in this moving hour of revelations, songs, poems, and gags on Saturday, 26th November.

Date for your diaries

Thursday, 8th December will bring a live screening of the magical Christmas favourite The Nutcracker. Performed by The Royal Ballet live from Covent Garden.

Energy saving tips for your home

Ellie Cox

Plant the equivalent of 136 trees and save up to £1,000 a year, with these essential energy saving tips from Worcester Bosch.

At this worrying time, when utility bills are set to hit many of us hardest, Worcester Bosch has shared its handy tips to help you save money and the planet.

Making changes to your heating set-up can help save you up to £1,000 throughout the year.

The carbon emission saving is the equivalent to planting 136 trees or driving a car 1,606 miles. The distance which is nearly a full trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back!

Making the planet a greener place to live for the next generation is at the heart of Worcester Bosch. By following these tips, you could play your part in reducing carbon emissions

There are several ways for homeowners to cut costs. Helping them save energy and to live more sustainably, several of which require minimal to zero cost or hassle.

Tip 1: Take control of your heating

– Annual saving = £105.
– Equivalent to planting up to 11 trees, or driving 129 miles

By turning down the room thermostat just one degree, you will net up to a £105 saving per year. The 200kg CO2 of emissions saved is equivalent to a 129mile trip, or a further 11 trees planted. Aim for 17°C when you’re out and about, and a cosy 18-21°C when you’re at home.

Martyn Bridges, director of technical services at Worcester Bosch, says: “You cannot underestimate how important it is to take control of your home heating. These simple but effective changes, such as turning your radiator down by a single degree, could have a significant impact on the planet and your savings too.”

Tip 2: Shower Time

– Annual saving = up to £70.
– Equivalent to planting up to 7 trees, or driving 86 miles

Nothing beats having a hot shower to ease the stresses of the day. But by following these simple tips, you can reduce your energy usage while still enjoying a relaxing early morning or late-night shower.

The biggest change you can make is cutting your shower time down, ideally to around four-minutes. A household could see up to £70 a year saved on their energy bill just from a speedy shower as well as significantly reducing the amount of water used.

Martyn gives the guidance: “We all love having a hot shower, but a significant amount of hot water is used, contributing to energy usage and your bills. Taking the steps to use showers instead of baths and using a timer to measure how long you are taking could be a simple step to lower your energy usage.”

Tip 3: Trap your heat

– Annual saving = up to £190.
– Equivalent to planting up to 19 trees, or driving 234 miles

Making sure you keep the heat trapped inside of your home is an easy, yet effective tip that you could put into place this World Earth Day. One super simple tip is to draft proof your windows and doors. You would be surprised about how much heat escapes through those tiny gaps which are found around your window, in your keyhole, and in your letterbox. Covering those tiny gaps could save you around £45 and saves the same amount of energy as planting four trees.

To take this one step further, you could add an insulated jacket to an uninsulated hot water cylinder. Insulating your hot water cylinder will reduce the heat loss resulting in the water remaining hotter for longer. This tip is a huge energy saver, which is the equivalent of planting 15 trees! Insulating your hot water cylinder properly could save you up to £145 which could make a huge difference as energy prices increase.

Martyn explains: “Trapping the heat in your home should be a priority. These small gaps needlessly bring the cold air in. Reversing all the changes you have made to keep your home warm. From little tasks like closing those gaps to slightly bigger tasks such as getting an insulated jacket, you’re not only protecting the planet, but helping lower your energy bills too.”

Tip 4: Small changes, big results

– Annual saving = up to £30.
– Equivalent to planting up to three trees, or driving 37 miles

Sometimes it is the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. Technology is a core part of our life but remember to put your devices on standby when not using them. Net an extra £30 saving by being savvy with your device shuts down.

“Although they may seem like unimportant changes, they could make huge changes to your home, the planet, and your bills.”

Martyn explains: “Switching off appliances once you use them is a small way to ensure that you reduce your energy usage. Although they may seem like unimportant changes, they could make huge changes to your home, the planet, and your bills.”

Tip 5: Upgrade your boiler

– Annual saving = depending on technology – up to £910.
– Equivalent to planting up to 96 trees, or driving 1,120 miles

A boiler replacement from an inefficient to a modern, more efficient model can be a major and immediate cost and environment saver. The EST figures show that making the switch could end up saving you almost four figures every year.

By upgrading from a G-rated boiler to a more sustainable A-rated model (including TRV’s and a smart controller) – working at 90% more efficiency and saving up to 1,630kg CO2 every year. You’re not only managing your energy usage more efficiently in the longer term, but also saving the equivalent carbon off-set as planting 61 trees would do. This upgrade could save you £580.

Heat pumps are a newer, efficient technology in the domestic heating industry. In simple terms they work by taking energy from outside and transferring it into heat for use in a heating and hot water system.  The product and subsequent installation are more expensive than a boiler upgrade. But once you paid out the initial cost – a change from a G rated boiler to a heat pump can save you even more – up to £910, with a carbon saving equal to planting 96 trees.

Martyn adds: “Upgrading a G-rated boiler to one which is A-rated can make a significant in your home. The A-rated boilers are an efficient choice which could ultimately help you save money on your bills. Not to mention help us to protect the future.”

To find out more about Worcester Bosch award-winning home heating and hot water products, visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/ or head to the YouTube channel.

Shop at Squire’s exclusive evening

Ellie Cox

Get ahead and prepare for the festive season with 15 per cent off

Squire’s invites shoppers to get ahead and prepare for the festive season with an exclusive early Christmas Shopping Evening taking place in November. While taking advantage of 15% off (see conditions) *.

Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco or a soft drink; live music as well as a curry meal** and lots more. Along with a very warm welcome from the team at Squire’s Garden Centres.

Shop at Long Ditton and Frensham on Tuesday, 1st November. And at Badshot Lea, Crawley, Hersham, Reigate, West Horsley, Shepperton, Stanmore, Twickenham, Woking, Milford, Wokingham on Thursday, 3rd November.

It’s the perfect setting to choose a Christmas tree, quality decorations and seasonal lights for both indoors and out.  There’s gift inspiration in abundance for family and friends – browse the extensive and carefully created ranges including homeware and tableware, candles and fragrances, gifts for gardeners, cards, wrap and stationary, calendars and diaries through to toys, games and puzzles. There’s certainly something for everyone. With an extensive range available, Squire’s is the local destination for families to ‘complete your Christmas’.

Squire’s is pleased to offer customers the chance to enjoy a delicious special curry meal on the night in their welcoming Café Bars available from 5-7pm. With a choice of Chicken Mangalor (GFA) or Penang Curry (VG, GFA) accompanied by basmati rice, onion bhaji (VG) and naan bread (VG). Priced at £12 adults / £8 children.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “We are very much looking forward to giving Christmas shoppers a very warm welcome at our exclusive early Shopping Evenings. This is the lead-up to a wonderful time for families. I’m delighted to be able to share with guests our special Squire’s Christmas. Our garden centres are looking magical, I hope it excites everyone and gets them in the spirit of Christmas.”

*15% discount. NOTE: excludes stamps, gift card, gas, concessions and Café Bar

**Curry meal is available in Squire’s Café Bars exclusively for the Shopping Evening priced at £12 for adults / £8 for children.

Chobham’s ‘King of Chelsea’ Mark Gregory

Ellie Cox

Mark Gregory returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 with a “Plot To Plate” haven for Savills

“King of Chelsea”, Mark Gregory, is set to return to the RHS highlight for 2023 with a “plot to plate” garden for Savills. 

The Savills Garden will be his 108th Chelsea show garden and marks his return to design in his 34th consecutive year. The Savills Garden is set within the grounds of a country hotel. Revealing an intimate walled seasonal potager, with the show’s first ever working kitchen at its heart.

“The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette”

Mark said: “I am incredibly proud to have designed this garden for Savills.  I think it will speak to a lot of people and has, at its core, elements that are very close to my heart. A beautiful space, created considerately, that brings people together to enjoy fantastic food and great times.  The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette, demonstrating that productive gardens can be both elegant and delightful.”

Designed to demonstrate an “edimental” planting theme, combining edibles and ornamental planting, the garden provides inspiration for a “plot-to-plate” alfresco dining experience.  Ingredients will be foraged from the surrounding living larder and used to prepare delicious meals for the guests to enjoy in the adjoining dining area. Cementing the relationship between grower, guests and chef.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this tranquil retreat, resting beneath a mature tree, taking time to reconnect with nature, enjoying the formal planting, whilst anticipating the taste experience to come.  The aim of the space is to help change the way we think about our gardens, the way we eat and source our food. And to share ideas and knowledge that can be introduced into even the smallest of plots.

This evocative and aromatic garden will capture the sights, smells and tastes of a productive garden while also delivering a beautiful, elegant space and a haven for wildlife.

Following the show, in keeping with its sustainability commitment, Savills will work with the Shaw Trust, a national charity running employability programmes and complementary services for people with complex needs, to relocate the garden. It will be replanted at Meadow View House in Nottinghamshire for their residents to enjoy.

Additionally, Savills will work with existing charity partner Rethink Food, an organisation focused on educating school children on food security, to share learnings from the garden.

Richard Rees, Savills MD, said: “We are excited to be returning to Chelsea with a garden design that touches on so many themes that are core to the future success of our industry and gives us the opportunity to bring to life our commitment to promoting sustainable development. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of nature in our lived environment. Whether in an urban or rural setting, and Mark Gregory, five times Chelsea Gold Medal winner, has designed a garden that will be both stunning to the eye and packed full of learnings for us all.

“I look forward to seeing the garden relocated post show in conjunction with the Shaw Trust. An organisation committed to challenging inequality and breaking down barriers to enable social mobility. We also welcome the opportunity to further develop our employee engagement with Rethink Food, and to exploring with them issues around food production and food miles, sustainability and the learning and sharing of knowledge.”

For more information about Landform Consultants please visit landformconsultants.co.uk

For more information about Savills please visit Savills.co.uk

A fireworks night to remember!

Ellie Cox

There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang

Saturday, 29th October

Weston on the Green will be lighting the bonfire at 6.30pm before its display goes up around 7pm. It costs just £1 with profits going towards the cost of the 2023 event.

Friday, 4th November

Fizz, whizz, pop! The awe-inspiring Fireworks Display at Witney Lakes is back with a bang with food stalls, entertainment and more, our firework display will be a night to remember for the whole family. Wrap up warm and come for a night of entertainment at Witney Lakes Resort’s annual firework display.

Ridgeway Beer, mulled wine, hot dogs, doughnuts and cakes as well as homemade soup to warm you up are all available at South Stoke bonfire and fireworks night in the Recreation Ground. Go along and enjoy the fireworks display choreographed to music by double British firework champions Illusion Fireworks Ltd. All money raised goes to South Stoke School.

Didcot Football Club’s fireworks spectacular is kicking off with fairground rides from 4pm, keep warm next to the bonfire from 6pm and watch the colourful show from 7.30pm. Hot food and drink, a bar, stalls and glows and sparklers will all add to the fun for the price of just £5 per person on the gate.

Expect low noise and more environmentally friendly whizzes and bangs at Strathfield Brake Rec, Kidlington along with all the fun of the fair, stalls, a BBQ and bar. Tickets can be bought in advance from Exeter Hall with a £1 discount.

Hanborough Musical Fireworks promises to be a colourful sight with gates opening at 6opm before the main event at 7.15pm. Fairgrounds rides, candyfloss, a BBQ, mulled wine and hot chocolate will all help to keep you warm while you enjoy the show. Cash only event.

Saturday, 5th November

Thame Fireworks is raising funds for the 3 Thame Primary Schools at Chinnor RFC in Kingsey Road, come along and enjoy a colourful display. E-tickets available now at http://www.thameschoolsfireworks.co.uk/

Oxford Round Table are holding their 54th charity fireworks display on the main day at South Park where you’ll find so much more to enjoy in addition to the traditional display. There’ll be an enormous bonfire built by Round Table members and volunteers, a fully licensed bar, Hebborn’s funfair and a super family tent with dedicated enclosure and viewing area. For tickets visit https://oxfordfireworks.co.uk/the-event

Wallingford Bonfire and Fireworks has become known for the huge pallet bonfire and effigy which is burnt courtesy of the work put in by all the helpful folks at Wallingford 1155 who take great pride in organising the celebrations. Every hot dog, mulled wine, glow stick or sparkler you buy will help fund future events. The event is free but donations are invited on the gate. Look out for the Loose Cannon tents selling ale and Pilsner lager.

Sunday, 6th November

If noisy fireworks are not for you then how about the Festival of Fire and Light at Barracks Lane Community Garden. Join the procession with lanterns and make a head dress to wear. Make your own pizza to tuck into and enjoy warming pumpkin soup over the fire. Cornerstonemusik’s DJ BAPS will be adding to the festival vibes providing some conscious and loving ‘outanational’ selections. The garden is located in a new Resident Parking Zone so please come by bike, on foot or use public transport.

Saturday, 12th November

The week after there are still fireworks to entertain you when Illusion Fireworks return to Abingdon Airfield for the sixth year with a 30-minute display choreographed to music. A massive bonfire will form the centrepiece with fiery fireballs, a huge fairground, entertainers and fire breathers, a high powered light display and children’s firework display all part of the attractions. Book tickets at https://www.xplosiveevents.com/events/abingdon-bonfire-fireworks

A fireworks night to remember!

Ellie Cox

There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang.

Saturday, 29th October

Twyford & District Round Table charity bonfire & fireworks night is celebrating 80’s & Disney movies at King George V Recreation ground Twyford. This year there is a Facebook poll to pick a Disney villain effigy to be lit atop the bonfire so get voting! Sponsored by Grapevine Estate Agents, you will not want to miss this fantastic mid-winter community festival complete with BBQ, a contactless and cash bar stocked with real local ales, traditional mulled wines, plus hot chocolate and coffee. Our stalls, and fairground rides for the young and young at heart, will blur the night sky and bring the night to life. Buy discounted tickets online in advance and save.

The UK’s largest low noise firework display choreographed to music more than makes up for the drama in visual impression at the Halloween Spooktacular Bonfire and Fireworks at Henley Showground. Without the huge explosions more families will be able to enjoy the dazzling displays without upsetting the children (or four-legged friends) in the local community. https://henleyspooktacular.eventbrite.co.uk

Friday, 4th November

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort – November 4th -6th: Enjoy an awesome day with all your favourite rides, live shows and attractions followed by some of the best fireworks in the country! Plus, you can transform our incredible fireworks display into exploding LEGO® bricks with our magic Brick glasses* that put the ‘spec’ into spectacular. * Paid for separately. www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/fireworks-spectacular

Reading Lions Fireworks Spectacular, Scours Lane is the setting for Reading Lions Fireworks Spectacular where there’s also a small fairground with children’s rides, hot food and drink stalls and a licensed bar, more fun with face painting and other activities and children dressed in the best Halloween outfits will win prizes! Book tickets at https://www.readinglionsfireworks.org.uk/#tickets

Saturday, 5th November

Witches and Wizards Fireworks, Windsor Racecourse, SL4 5JJ: It’s a wicked night of Wizards and Witches at the racecourse. Grab your broomsticks, dust off your pointy hat and cloak and see the Grand Hall, Platform 9¾ and special Wizard’s Show at this fabulous spooky night for all the family. With a huge bonfire, yummy treats – food and drink outlets will be card only – and a funfair (please bring cash for this) with the highlight the spectacular display to music featuring the 15-minute firework fiesta with a dazzling display of rockets, Catherine wheels, fountains and more. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fireworks-saturday-5th-november

Cantley Field Fireworks, Wokingham RG41 1BQ: A funfair with many rides for young children, as well as scary rides for the older ones kicks off proceedings at 5.30pm with a torchlit procession from 6pm in Market Place led by St Sebastian’s band and local dignitaries. The fireworks start at 7.30pm on Cantley Field and the display will be bigger and better than ever complete with drinks and snacks from vendors. All proceeds to local charities. www.wokingham-fireworks.co.uk/fireworks.html

Newbury Lions Club are presenting their spectacular charity fireworks extravaganza at Newbury Racecourse. Gates open at 5pm when you can enjoy music and children’s entertainment alongside food and drink outlets before the display to music starts at 7.30pm. Pre bought tickets only, there will not be any available on the gate. Buy yours from various outlets in Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford and online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/newbury-lions-fabulous-fireworks-2022-tickets-412396257307?aff=eand

The Friends of Pangbourne Primary School are holding a thrilling 20-minute display at the school in Kennedy Drive, complete with bonfire, hot food and drinks, a bar with beer and mulled wine, coffee and cakes, tombola, glow toys and amusement stalls. Get your tickets at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/foppsfireworkfiesta/771019#

Cookham Scouts Bonfire and Fireworks will be lighting up the night skies opposite the Village Hall on the Old Cricket Common from 5-8pm where you can enjoy a bonfire and fabulous fireworks display with warming food and drinks. A lantern procession will herald the start of the evening’s proceedings. Donations on the night will be welcome.

A fireworks night to remember!

Ellie Cox

There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang

Friday, 4th November

Four Marks Bonfire and Fireworks, Four Marks C of E primary School, Kitwood Road GU34 5AS: Enjoy a dazzling display, live music, BBQ, bar, refreshments and stalls at this hugely popular event. Tickets sold out last year and are selling fast this year too, adult £8, child £5, under 3 free, family £20. Book yours at fofmpta.co.uk The organisers would like to thank sponsors H W Autos, Hamptons Estate Agents, Coop Four Marks.

Saturday, 5th November

Fleet Lions Firework Fiesta, Calthorpe Park GU51 4AD: Come and enjoy the fabulous fireworks display starting at around 6.30pm. At the Lions marquee you can buy burgers and hotdogs, get fibre optic and LED toys for the kiddies while the grown ups can sample our tasty Lions Glühwein (mulled wine). Fleet Phoenix are serving hot and cold drinks, The Hot Oven Bakers Corner will serve samosas, pasties and sausage rolls and The 29th Odiham Scouts will provide toffee apples, churros sparklers, sweet fountains rocket biscuits and chocolate mines and there’ll be pulled pork from Muncheon Luncheon. Caleb’s coffee and hot drinks will be served at the old Pavilion. www.fleetlions.org.uk/fundraising/fireworkfiesta.html

The Shed, Bordon GU35 0DJ: Remember, remember the 5th of November, because The Shed is hosting its second Community Fireworks Night! This free event will have food and drinks stalls open from 5pm across the Parade Square and Town Park with the big fireworks display starting from 7.30pm. And the night doesn’t end there – visitors can warm up with a drink and a dance to live music at The Tap at The Shed directly afterwards.

Hatch Warren Fireworks Display, Longcross Lane, Basingstoke GU22 4XF: Expect an outstanding display, starting promptly at 7.30pm with lively music, food and drink stalls and a licensed bar, along with light up novelty toys and children’s funfair rides to keep everyone of all ages entertained. www.hatchwarren.org/events-1/fireworks-spectacular-1

A fireworks night to remember!

Ellie Cox

There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang

Friday, 28th October

Chobham Rugby Fireworks, GU24 8LD: Bars, food outlets, hot drinks, candy floss, a sweet shop, glow toys and more are all part of the fun at Chobham Rugby Fireworks. Gates open at 6pm. Before the bonfire is lit at 7pm and then the fireworks take off at 8pm. Tickets must be pre-paid, so make sure you take a copy of your QR code ticket email with you. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. As it’s Halloween weekend there’s also a fancy dress competition with prizes for the scariest outfit. chobhamrugby.co.uk/event/chobham-rugby-fireworks-2022

Saturday, 29th October

Pine Ridge Golf Club, Camberley GU16 9NX: Embrace the theme and dress to impress – whatever your age – at the spooky Halloween themed fireworks night. The spectacular display will last around 18 minutes and be accompanied by music. Bonfire lighting at 6.30pm before the display an hour later and music to dance to all night. Why not make a really big night of it and book a table in the premiere area? Food on the night too. Card payments only. pineridgegolf.co.uk/fireworks

Ripley Bonfire, High Street, Ripley GU23 6BB: There’s a full day of family fun at the Ripley Bonfire which starts at 1pm with Benson’s family fun fair. Brian’s bar opens at 4pm on the green serving the cheapest beer in the village (proceeds to the event and the community). The torchlit procession at 7.10pm, led by the Ripley Bonfire Queen and her attendants and the band, leads to the lighting of the bonfire at 7.30pm with the fireworks soaring into the skies at 8pm. Live music by Sultana carries on into the night. ripleybonfire.co.uk

Ascot Round Table Charity Fireworks Event, Ascot Racecourse: This year viewing of the fabulous fireworks set to music will take place from the Grandstand of Ascot Racecourse from 6.30pm. This will provide the best view of the largest show ever to be held by the organisers. Enjoy a fun fair, food, drinks and licensed bars on the night as well while raising funds for this wonderful organisation. www.ascotfireworks.org.uk

Saturday, 5th November

Guildford Firework Fiesta, Stoke Park GU1 1ER: Fireworks and more will light up Guildford with live music from 6pm from Mumford & Sons tribute act Chasing Mumford as well as local band 21st Century Riot with Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys covers. There’ll be a children’s entertainment area too with a fairground, face painting, glow toys and more, all before the display at 8.30pm. Not forgetting multiple food and drink outlets. Tickets in advance only, www.guildfordlions.com/firework-fiesta

Bramley Bonfire & Fireworks, Bramley Field GU5 0AX: The Bramley Bonfire is always a spectacular event with a torchlit parade, raging bonfire and magical fireworks. Guys will be lining up from 6pm in the library car park, procession at 6.40pm, bonfire lighting at 7.10pm before fireworks around half an hour later.

Chiddingfold Bonfire & Fireworks, Chiddingfold Green GU8 4TX: The historic Chiddingfold bonfire features a procession of 400 torches from St Mary’s School heading to light the bonfire at 7.15pm before the fireworks at 8pm. This fabulous community event also features a grand draw and park and ride shuttle buses to the green. chiddingfoldbonfire.org.uk

Cranleigh Bonfire & Fireworks, Cranleigh Common GU6 8LU: Cranleigh’s annual Bonfire & Fireworks celebrations, which sees thousands of people flock to the village and has been described as one of the best fireworks events in the South of England, started just after the Second World War. Bensons Fun Fair are on hand with rides. Celebrations start around 6pm with the procession along the High Street holding lighted torches. Free.

Farnham Fireworks, Farnham Park GU9 0AU: A torchlit procession led by the Mayor and the Reading Pipers will process through town and up Castle Street to the park. Enjoy a bonfire, food village, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display with the back drop of the castle. farnhamroundtable.org.uk/events/fireworktickets

Woking Fireworks, Woking Park, Kingfield Road, GU22 9BA: Woking’s biggest and best fireworks display is back with a huge bang after a two-year gap with the theme A Night at the Movies. The display will be set to a soundtrack made up of the most memorable theme tunes from some huge movies. Gates open at 5.30pm with a fun fair. The display starts at 7.30pm. Food and drink stalls will be available for all. Further information and tickets at www.wokingfireworks.org