Round & About Magazine

Author: Karen Neville

  • Outstanding Ophiopogon

    Outstanding Ophiopogon

    Karen Neville

    There is one plant that has worked brilliantly in my garden through droughts, heatwaves, torrential rain, freezing temperatures and howling gales not to mention the army of slugs!

    Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’. I thought I would dedicate an article to this plant and unravel some of the interesting facts. 

    I know it as ‘Nigrescens’ because it’s black and now I find that the name has changed to ‘Kokuryu’ which is a Japanese submarine and a Japanese form of martial arts! The common name is mondo grass or black grass but it’s not even related to grass. It is in fact more closely related to lilies and another common name is lilyturf even though it is in the family Asparagaceae. Black grass is an invasive weed in wheat fields and although this is quite spready it is not a weed or a grass.  

    The Japanese Connection

    Black Ophiopogon is a very versatile plant surviving magnificently in our challenging climate. The green version Ophiopogon japonicus as the name suggests originates in Japan. There is also an Ophiopogon japonicus ’Nanum’ or ‘Minor’ which is a low growing version used widely in Japanese inspired gardens to provide evergreen swathes like a lawn. 

    Uses in horticulture

    All versions can be used as carpets, formal edging, in pots and containers and anywhere you want an evergreen ‘fringe’ or ‘swathe’. It’s hardy and grows on any well drained soil including chalk. It forms a mat and can swamp out other plants. I planted it with snowdrops to get a fabulous combination of deep black and snow white but the Ophiopogon took over. It takes a while to get going and once it becomes established, new plants can be propagated and potted up. My propagation classes have just done this. It grows in sun and shade and needs watering until established but is rarely bothered by pests and diseases. It looks fabulous all year round and can be used in summer and winter baskets and containers.  

    A new addition… 

    Ophiopogon japonicus variegata ‘Silver Mist’. I am in heaven but I need to trial this for a few years to see if it is as successful as the other ones. 

    Check out Cathie’s Gardening School for courses and workshops, garden mentoring and consultancies as well as CGS plants on ebay. Book a visit and join in. 

    Cathie Welch, Cathie’s Gardening School 

  • Flax – From garden to garment

    Flax – From garden to garment

    Karen Neville

    Find out how a group of flax growers came together to grow a pair of linen denim jeans – literally from the ground up

    If I told you jeans were being grown in Farnham you’d think I was mad but thanks to Let’s Grow Flax that’s exactly what is happening. 

    Thirty growers from the Surrey/Hampshire border began by cultivating small flax patches in gardens, allotments, and even plant containers. Together, they sowed, harvested, and processed flax, yielding 10kg of straw, 2kg of fibre, and 1.2kg of linen yarn. 

    Some fibre was hand-spun, while Fantasy Fibre Mill in London spun the rest into linen yarn. Brigitte of BeeKayMakes naturally dyed the yarn and wove the linen denim cloth, and London tailor Nick Evans of FirstPrincipals tailored the jeans. 

    Brigitte takes up the story: “In November 2024, the linen denim jeans were exhibited at Bristol’s Fashion on Earth event, part of Sustainable Fashion Week UK. These jeans weren’t just another sustainable fashion piece, they were a testament to local, regenerative textile production. This project shows that local communities can drive a positive textile future and make a difference. 

    “The significance of these jeans goes beyond the details of sustainable production; they represent powerful connections on multiple levels,” Brigitte explains. 

    “They reconnect us to a rich textile history of UK linen production, a practice that thrived for centuries, as well as a sustainable future: flax is a low-impact crop that requires no irrigation, minimal fertilisers, and regenerates our rapidly disappearing precious soil. Its deep roots balance our soil, improve its structure, and sequester carbon.” 

    Public engagement also was a key element of the project. Demonstrations at venues like Farnham Museum and the Weald & Downland Living Museum (home of The Repair Shop) allowed the group to share their skills and the progress of the jeans. They were proud to exhibit the jeans at the Fashion of Earth event in Bristol. 

    Their vision for the linen denim jeans goes beyond just creating a sustainable garment as Brigitte says: “These jeans are an example of an environmentally conscious, bio-regional and regenerative textile practice, and the power of communities to drive a positive textile future.” 

    See the jeans for yourself at an exhibition at the Museum of Farnham which runs until July 5th focusing on reviving the heritage craft of flax as a textile crop. From growing and harvesting to retting and drying, learn the process of turning a humble crop into beautiful sustainable fibre. 

    Find out more at letsgrowflax.org.uk 

  • Sing a Song of Surrey

    Sing a Song of Surrey

    Karen Neville

    A musical celebration of Surrey’s history is brought to life at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre next month

    This summer, the stories of Surrey take centre stage in Sing a Song of Surrey – a one-of-a-kind musical event that brings the county’s rich history to life through the power of song.  

    Featuring brand-new, original music inspired by Surrey’s most fascinating tales, the production has already received the royal seal of approval, with songs from the programme performed for HRH Prince Edward during a royal visit to Woking last November. 

    Premiering for one night only on Sunday, 15th June at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, this special event showcases the work of 10 emerging songwriters from Surrey, selected following a county-wide callout in early 2024. From iconic landmarks to beloved local figures, their songs transform Surrey’s past into unforgettable melodies, performed by a West End cast and hosted by renowned lexicographer, author, and proud Woking native Susie Dent. 

    Director Adam Lenson and Musical Director John Reddel lead this exciting production, with music and lyrics crafted by an incredible lineup of talent, including Josh Bird, Giles Fernando, Lisa Gaye, Philip Glassboro, Tom Gortler, Dominic Green, Jeff Thomson, Tamiko Mackison, Julie Tsang, and Sam Moshi, with the original theme composed by Lisa Gaye. 

    Neil Marcus, Producer and Joint Course Leader of The Surrey Musical Theatre Development Programme, shares his excitement about the project: “Surrey is home to some truly exceptional emerging songwriters, and it’s incredibly exciting to be able to showcase their work on the Rhoda McGaw Theatre stage. This project has been a year in the making, and to see these original songs brought to life by such an outstanding cast is a real privilege. The dedication and creativity from our fantastic writers, alongside the incredible opportunity to perform three of these songs for HRH Prince Edward during his visit to Woking, have made this journey one to remember.” 

    JJ Almond, Venue Director and co-creator of the project, said: “We’re so proud to see Sing a Song of Surrey come to life after months of hard work from all the creatives involved. What better place to showcase these stories than Woking’s own community hub, the Rhoda McGaw Theatre? We can’t wait to welcome audiences for what promises to be a unique celebration of Surrey’s vibrant history through song.” 

    Proudly supported by ATG Entertainment, Arts Council England, and the Noël Coward Foundation, Sing a Song of Surrey is set to be an evening of history, heart, and unforgettable music. 

    To book tickets, visit atgtickets.com/venues/rhoda-mcgaw-theatre-woking/ 

  • Windsor Lions free prostate screening event

    Windsor Lions free prostate screening event

    Karen Neville

    Men, book your place at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 26th April

    Windsor Lions are holding their latest Prostate Cancer Screening event at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, 26th April.

    This important event in the Lions’ calendar offers men between 40 and 75 the opportunity to book a free PSA blood test to check for signs of prostate cancer or other related problems.

    The importance of such checks was highlighted at their last event in 2023 when over 1,000 men were tested in one day – and of those, nine previously undiagnosed cases of cancer were detected. One of those men – who asked us to share his story – was John.

    John emailed the event co-ordinator, Diane Purchase, after the last event saying: “Can I say a big thank you for organising the prostate cancer event. I saw it advertised at Wexham Park Hospital and decided to book a place. My result was abnormal and I now have a positive diagnosis which can be easily rectified by surgery. Without your event I would be unaware of this so thank you so very much. I am now badgering people to get tested!”

    John has recently told Diane: “I have now had surgery and they have removed the prostate and hopefully all the cancer…Thanks again to you and the Lions as without your event it would still be silently growing inside of me.”

    Diane said of the event: “Stories like John’s are why we are so passionate about this event. Uncovering just one case like this makes it all worthwhile and we are very grateful to John for sharing this powerful story and encouraging other men to get tested. This is why we are staging another event at Ascot Racecourse on 26th April. 

    “We couldn’t do it without the help of many of our supporters: The Shanly Foundation, Savills Estate Agents in Windsor and Sunningdale, Grundon, The Berkshire Community Foundation and Ascot Fire Brigade Trust and Centrica. We feel it is very important to make this a free event so that all men can access it (although donations are always welcome!) and without their help, this would not be possible.”

    There are still some spaces left but please book up soon as they are going fast. Visit www.windsorlions.co.uk/prostate-cancer

  • Run Frimley at Frimley Park Lodge

    Run Frimley at Frimley Park Lodge

    Karen Neville

    Join Frimley Health Charity’s annual run to support life-changing care

    Frimley Health Charity fundraisers return with stories of hope and gratitude ahead of the annual Run Frimley event at Frimley Lodge Park.

    Frimley Health Charity’s annual Run Frimley charity event will take place on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at Frimley Lodge Park. The event will raise vital funds for Frimley Health Charity, celebrating the exceptional care Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust provides.

    This popular community event attracts participants with deeply personal connections to the Trust, including Michael Bates, who completed last year’s 10K run. Michael and his wife Kellie’s world changed dramatically when their son Mylo was born ten weeks premature on September 10th, 2022.

    “The first six weeks of Mylo’s life were spent in Frimley Park Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” explains Michael. “The level of help and support the Unit’s staff gave us was unimaginable. We wouldn’t have coped or survived without their help, and our little bundle wouldn’t be where he is today.”

    Another grateful participant, Laura shares how Frimley Park has been instrumental in her son Aaron’s care journey. After noticing developmental delays, Dr Kian Lee took Laura’s concerns seriously, leading to extensive investigations. “If it wasn’t for Dr Lee’s dedication and unwillingness to give up on Aaron, I feel this diagnosis could have taken many more years,” says Laura. In January 2023, Aaron was diagnosed with KBG Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder with only around 400 known cases worldwide.

    “These powerful stories illustrate why events like Run Frimley are so important”, says Megan Parry, Events Manager at Frimley Health Charity.

    “The funds raised directly support departments like the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Paediatric A&E, enabling our dedicated healthcare professionals to provide exceptional care to patients like Mylo and Aaron.”

    The Run Frimley event offers something for everyone, with routes suitable for all ages and abilities. Participants can register online at https://www.frimleyhealthcharity.org/event/run-frimley-2025/ or sign up on the day. All proceeds will benefit Frimley Health Charity, supporting vital services across Frimley Park Hospital.

    Frimley Health Charity is the official charity of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. It raises funds to enhance patient care, support staff wellbeing, and provide state-of-the-art equipment and facilities at Frimley Park Hospital, Wexham Park Hospital, and Heatherwood Hospital, and throughout the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

  • Schools Easter trail at The Lexicon

    Schools Easter trail at The Lexicon

    Karen Neville

    Vote for your favourite decorated egg until April 21st

    Local young creativity will be on show at The Lexicon this Easter with giant Easter Eggs decorated by 10 local primary schools displayed around the town centre.

    Local schools were invited to participate in the trail and design competition, sponsored by Bracknell-based fine arts manufacturer Daler-Rowney, and have spent weeks perfecting their designs.

    Carola Bustos-Loyola, Trade Marketing Manager at Daler-Rowney, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring such a fun and creative competition. It’s fantastic to see how much excitement can be generated when kids are given the freedom to express themselves.” 

    Visitors to The Lexicon, will be able to look at all the decorated Easter Eggs, as they follow the Easter Trail around the town centre and then vote for their favourite online. 

    The school with the most votes will win a £500 donation from The Lexicon plus £300 of art supplies from Daler-Rowney and the runner-up a £250 donation plus £200 of art supplies.

    The Giant Easter Egg Trial and Art Competition runs until Monday, 21st April, giving everyone plenty of time to view and vote for their favourite creative designs.

    Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon, added: “A huge thank you to Daler-Rowney for sponsoring our art competition once again. All the schools have done such a fabulous job, we think it will be hard for visitors to choose just one design to vote for.”

    The schools participating in this exciting competition are Ascot Heath Primary School, College Town Primary School, Cranbourne Primary School, Crown Wood Primary School, Meadow Vale Primary School, New Scotland Hill Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, The Pines School, Wildmoor Heath School and Winkfield St Mary’s CE Primary School.

    The voting form can be found at www.thelexiconbracknell.com

  • The call of the curlew

    The call of the curlew

    Karen Neville

    Mike Pollard of Wild Oxfordshire Curlew Recovery Project asks for your help with is conservation

    The Curlew’s wonderful ‘bubbling’ call is one of the most evocative sounds of springtime in meadows and pastures across Oxfordshire.  

    Something we cherish, but which is sadly under threat. The Curlew is arguably the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK, where nearly half the breeding population has been lost over the last 25 years and where range contraction has seen Curlews disappear from many traditional sites. 

    Watch our ‘Curlew River’ film which explores the work of farmers and volunteers to help our wonderful Curlews as well as highlighting the fabulous ancient meadows and wet grassland habitats that they inhabit in our area. https://www.wildoxfordshire.org.uk/projects/curlew 

    Thank you so much for all you have done for nature’s recovery in the last year. Together we have brought people together, created more space for nature, and inspired more people to act for nature. Many people contribute to Wild Oxfordshire, and this support enables us to create a more natural, resilient, and biodiverse Oxfordshire for the benefit of all.  

    If you would like to join in and are able to, we would greatly appreciate a contribution towards our work, either through a one-off contribution, or a monthly contribution. Check out our website to find out more about the many ways you can support us and our recent achievements. 

    Mike Pollard, Wild Oxfordshire Curlew Recovery Project 

    Wild Oxfordshire Website

  • Join the Newbury Festival Parade

    Join the Newbury Festival Parade

    Karen Neville

    Musicians and performers invited to take part in the parade to launch this year’s Newbury Spring Festival, May 10th-24th

    Newbury Spring Festival is launching this year’s celebration with a free outdoor festival parade with an open invitation to musicians and performers to take part. 

    The parade will be led by the Giant Bandmaster Puppet through Newbury town centre marking the start of this year’s festival which runs from May 10th to 24th. 

    Newbury Spring Festival and the Corn Exchange are now working together looking for performers. Community bands, choirs, musical ensembles and dancers are all invited to take part and make the parade a vibrant and exciting celebration of music in all its forms. The Festival Parade will take place from 3pm until 6pm on Saturday, 10th May. 

    Rehearsals of your act should take place through your own group meetings and acts will need to be available for a parade rehearsal the week before the event in addition to being fully rehearsed and available for the parade on the day itself. 

    Interested? Email katherine@cornexchangenew.co.uk with an outline of who you are and what you would like to do. 

    The parade will launch what promises to be “two weeks of world class music”. 

    Newbury Spring Festival is one of the most popular and successful music festivals in the South of England. Over the last 40 years the Festival has grown hugely in size and quality building up a reputation of international status. The very best young musical stars appear alongside some of the world’s most distinguished and famous names.

    For full details & to book tickets visit newburyspringfestival.org.uk 

  • Racing camels at Chobham Carnival

    Racing camels at Chobham Carnival

    Karen Neville

    Chobham Carnival has it all on Monday, 5th May and it’s set to be out of this world!

    Racing camels will be thrilling the crowds at this year’s Chobham Carnival, which is again vying to be the biggest community event of the year in the area, writes Rob Searle. 

    Some spectacular attractions have been lined up for the bank holiday event including displays from elite dancers and skilled acrobats, with camel racing as the main arena act while local groups are planning their entries for the procession, which has Space as the theme. 

    “Camel racing was much enjoyed when it featured at the carnival in 2012,” said carnival association chairman Tim Elwin. “We are sure they will be another big hit this year. 

    “There is a myriad of options for creating some impressive procession entries, from depictions of the planets and UFOs to Buzz Lightyear and the International Space Station.” 

    The carnival fete will also feature performances by the Rock Choir, St Lawrence School maypole dancers and Chobham Morris and a traditional Punch and Judy show. There will be a full-scale fun fair, dozens of stalls and sideshows and a large selection of food and drink. 

    Tickets are on sale for the association’s May Ball on Saturday 3rd May which again features entertainment by the Pink Fish tribute band. Tickets, £45 pp, include canapés, a two-course meal, coffee and live entertainment. Tim added: “It’s a highlight of the Chobham social season and ideal for a group of friends to get together to make up a table.”  

    Visit chobhamcarnival.co.uk to download application forms for stall & sideshow pitches, ball tickets & procession entries, email enquiries to chobhamcarnival@outlook.com 

  • The inside story of a spy

    The inside story of a spy

    Karen Neville

    This month author & journalist Michael Smith introduces us to Hector Bywater who talked his way around the dockyards

    Regular readers will remember the story of Walter Christmas, that “wonderful man” who spied on the German navy for Mansfield Cumming the first ‘Chief’ of MI6 during the First World War. But Cumming’s first spy inside Germany reporting on preparations for the First World War was another fascinating character albeit not quite so colourful as Christmas.  

    Hector Bywater, a 27-year-old British journalist based in Dresden, wrote on ‘naval matters’ for a number of US newspapers and journals. Bywater was recruited in late 1911 and is listed in Cumming’s accounts, now released to the archives, as a “fixed agent abroad” with the designation H.H.O., or sometimes H2O, a typically Cummingesque joke. He travelled around Germany mapping out defences and using his role as a naval journalist as an excuse for talking his way into the dockyards.  

    Bywater described how he managed to get on board the battle cruiser Von der Tann, which was anchored off Hamburg. “I determined to visit her, though the risk was considerable,” he said, resisting any false modesty. “By a stroke of luck, I found that a local shipping man, to whom I had a letter from a mutual friend in Berlin, knew several officers of the ship, and had visited them on board. He was going again, and by very tactful manoeuvring I got him to invite me to accompany him. I remarked to my companion that, being a foreigner, I might not be welcome on board. He spoke to the officer of the watch, who was one of his friends, explained who I was (or, more strictly speaking, who he thought I was), and I was promptly invited to come up. We spent two hours in the ship and saw nearly everything except the inside of the gun-turrets and the engine-room. I memorised all the important details and subsequently wrote an elaborate report on the ship.”  

    But Bywater’s greatest claim to fame is arguably that in his 1925 book The Great Pacific War he predicted a Japanese air attack on US warships based in the Pacific leading to war, albeit he said it would occur in the Philippines, rather than Pearl Harbor. Senior Japanese naval officers subsequently confirmed that the book played a key role in their planning. Bywater died in 1940 so was not alive to see his prediction vindicated in December 1941 when the Japanese launched the Pearl Harbor attack bringing America into the war. 

    Michael Smith’s latest book The Real Special Relationship: How the British and American Secret Services Work Together is out now in paperback.  

    Want to chat spies or books with Michael? Get in touch at editor@roundandabout.co.uk