The Festival of Light at Longleat

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Journey through a vibrant colourful display of lanterns, twinkling lights and the singing Christmas tree

Dinosaurs and mammoths are not the first things that spring to mind when you think of seasonal illuminations but that’s exactly what you can expect at Longleat.

A video preview of the spectacular lanterns and more on show at The Festival of Light this winter has been released by the Wiltshire estate.

The scale and majesty of the event, which is celebrating its 10th year, can be seen in the video which shows a Roman chariot, mammoth, dinosaurs and an Egyptian pyramid as well as a boat from the Shang dynasty.

But the highlight will see Longleat House transformed as part of an immersive video display into a vibrant colourful story, says Head of Operations Scott Ashman.

Guests are invited to ‘journey through time’ from the age of the dinosaur through to present day with an appearance too by Elizabeth I who visited Longleat 450 years ago.

The display which opens on 9th November and runs until 5th January features more than 1,000 lanterns which are created using 40,000 metres of fabric, 45,000 lightbulbs, 50,000 metres of light strips and 150 tons of metal.

Scott said: “These are all weaved together to create displays to take your breath away.

“One of the highlights will be the Longleat House Light Show. This year we are marking the 75th anniversary of the House opening with an immersive projection showcasing our story from when the estate was first bought through to opening the first Safari Park outside of Africa.

“Longleat House will be transformed into a vibrant colourful display.

“We also have our famous singing Christmas Tree which towers over the estate at over 15 metres tall with more than 88,000 twinkling lights and our popular Santa Train where Father Christmas can be discovered in his snow-covered winter wonderland.

“All of this is in addition to our winter drive-through safari, Animal Adventure and more.”

Tickets are on sale now at Longleat

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The Summer the Mania Returned

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Robbie James looks at the changing – and not so changing – music industry

In a world where the arts (darling) are being squeezed by shorter attentions spans and changing consumer habits, the music industry is showing signs of adaptability, which we like to see – and yes, this is a dynamic-pricing-free zone.

Charli XCX’s sixth studio album ‘Brat’ has become one of the marketing masterpieces of modern music. Not only has the brand been adopted by Kamala Harris and TikTok (in its entirety), the album itself provides 40-odd minutes of fun, whether you like it or not. The album might not be your ‘thing’, but if you like good music you’ll respect it for being just that.

The ‘Brat’ brand has been manufactured with such detail and originality that even the most water tight of algorithms won’t have been able to avoid it this summer. The cover is slightly off in every way. It’s completely deliberate and completely brilliant. The text too narrow, orientation and pixelation awry, the background colour… let’s not talk about it. Oh wait, we already are.

Let’s now turn our heads into what can only be described as the complete and utterly opposite direction from Charlie XCX land. Oasis. Reuniting after 15 years apart, capturing the attention of seemingly every member of the British public and every device on that Tuesday morning at the end of August when the reunion was confirmed.

In comparison to the PR squad sailing the ‘Brat’ ship, those responsible for selling Oasis’ brand had a relatively relaxed time of it. I’m going to guess the meetings didn’t last more than 15 minutes (which actually, no meeting should). A teaser announcing an announcement was the first shot to spark shock, a bit more shock, and then some panic and delirium. Then came the announcement, which was in no way a social media spectacle.

In typical Oasis fashion, they didn’t faff; though let’s be honest, they could have used a BIC on a Post-it note and slapped it in a newsagents in Chertsey and their tour still would’ve sold out in seconds.

It’s reassuring. Two completely different ways of promoting a brand and their music; only one of them would’ve been possible 20 years ago.

It can only be a positive that there are more avenues for which to express creativity than there ever have been. You can be an insurance broker but run a TikTok account showcasing the renovation to your bathroom that in hindsight was a complete waste of time and effort and money. You can work in recruitment and have a brand deal with Pets at Home. Creativity is a good thing and should be embraced.

For music, much like sport, we can’t be a snob when it comes to consumer habits. They’ve changed, and will continue to change, and that’s fine. Judging someone for only showing an interest in the chorus from one song one artist because they’ve seen it on a reel is not going to get music anywhere.

Sure, the thought that someone could create and craft and manufacture an entire album is completely incredible, but you can consume eighteen different artists (some of which will be desperate for just forty seconds of your time) in that same period. Neither is right or wrong, they’re just different habits, and good to mix up.

So stop slagging off Coldplay or thinking you can’t listen to Oasis, followed by Charli XCX, followed by Broken Hearts Club (a great new band, like, really great).

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Enjoy Victors at Oxford’s Westgate

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Enjoy everyday luxury and escape to Victors with the best view in Oxford. Experience our modern Asian inspired menu and show stopping cocktails served under our iconic wisteria trees.

Beautiful, vibrant, upscale yet informal, Victors Oxford is the perfect restaurant for everything from celebrations to intimate dining, corporate events and group bookings. Located on the rooftop of Oxford Westgate, with views of Christ Church Cathedral, join us for cocktails, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner seven days a week and breakfast from 10am Saturday and Sunday.

A la carte – Enjoy everyday luxury and escape to Victors with our modern American-Asian inspired menu featuring a selection of sushi, small plates, steaks and larger plates designed to be shared, or eaten all to yourself. Our menu is bursting with flavour, freshness and flowers from our Crispy Tuna to the Yuzu Lemon Chicken.

With plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans there’s something for everyone whether you want to enjoy some of our classics or you’re seeking something more adventurous.

Contact 01865 689 064 | oxford@victors.co.uk

Victors Oxford, Westgate. Everyday luxury under the wisteria.

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The Best Champagnes of The Year

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Round and About’s resident wine columnist, Giles Luckett, gives his recommendations on the best luxury champagnes of 2024

Hello. As regular readers of this column know, I’ve a bit of a thing for champagne. A ‘thing’ in the same way that flowers have a bit of a ‘thing’ for sunlight. While I am passionate about most wines, there’s nothing to match the delicacy, complexity or pure pleasure of a great glass of champagne. So, you can imagine my excitement when I was asked to a tasting of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) champagne portfolio. This was my Golden Ticket event and while there weren’t any sweets on offer, I did feel like a very big kid in the world’s greatest sweet shop.

All the wines on show were hugely impressive. The Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial (Majestic £48) was in great form and the Ruinart Rosé (Majestic £80) will be on my dining table again this Christmas. For this piece though, I’m going to focus on the rare prestige cuvee wines such as Dom Perignon and Krug. I’ve tasted, reviewed, bought and sold hundreds of these luxurious wines over the years and the question I’ve often been asked is, ‘Are they worth the money?’ My answer’s always the same, a resounding yes. These are unique, wonderful, awe-inspiring wines that are the perfect centrepiece for a celebration. They are not cheap, but then the finest things in life never are. Anyway, here is a selection of my notes from a very special tasting.

Dom Perignon is arguably the most famous champagne in the world, and its exceptional reputation is well-deserved. The tasting gifted me the opportunity to try not just one Dom Perignon but three. The first one was the Dom Perignon 2012 in magnum (The Champagne Company £475). Magnums, double-sized bottles, are the perfect format for champagne. It allows the wine to develop more slowly and gain greater complexity over time and saves me from getting up and getting a second bottle. 2012 was top-flight vintage and having tried Dom Perignon 2012 in bottle, it was fascinating to taste it from magnum as it felt like I’d gone back in time. The bouquet was joyous, fresh and youthful. Apple blossom, pears, melon, spices and acacia seamlessly came together. In the mouth, it was lively, vigorous, and yet had that seductive silkiness that is one of Dom Perignon’s signatures. The fruit ranged from melon and pear to raspberry and white currant with a chalky, slightly saline seam. Gorgeous now, it has a wonderful future.

Next was the Dom Perignon Rosé 2009 (Findlays £299) and it was entrancing. Very deep pink, the nose was a seductive blend of red cherries, blackberries, oriental spices and citrus. In the mouth, it has more weight and glycerine than the 2012 and offered layer upon layer of summer pudding, chalky minerals, citrus, and red cherries all of which were shot through with a fruity spiciness. What a time!

Completing this amazing trio was the Dom Perignon 2006 Plenitude 2 (Millesima £370). Now this is a wine that needs a little explanation, but basically plenitude refers to the wine’s state of evolution. Moët and Chandon leave a small proportion of wines from exceptional vintages in their cellars and release them in their second and third plenitude years after the initial release. Like the 2012 in magnum, this was another taste of history. Bright and bracing on the nose, the yeast and mineral elements were much more apparent. On the palate, the surge of fresh green and red fruits – kiwi, greengage, strawberry, raspberry – were underpinned by ripe, fleshy pears, apricots, plus vanilla, spices, minerals and a touch of lemon curd. A remarkable wine which is all about elegance at this stage, over the coming years it will take on a delicious autumnal fruit and smoke tone that will be quite something.

Next is a wine that always delights, the Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2013 (The Champagne Company £230). Dom Ruinart is the world’s oldest Champagne House, and its wines are impeccable. This is one of their flagship wines and is made exclusively from Chardonnay, a fact that never fails to astonish me given how much weight, depth and complexity this beautiful wine manages to convey. Ghostly pale with minuscule pearlescent bubbles, the bouquet offers fresh pears and red apples alongside lemons and vanilla foam. In the mouth there was a sublime mix of green and yellow fruits, white berries, custard apple, hazelnut, and a tang of sea salt. A hauntingly beautiful wine, its intensity and firm acidity suggest a long life ahead.

It’s not often that I get to enjoy Krug Grande Cuvee. It’s rare that I get to taste Krug Vintage, and the last time I got to try them against each other TikTok was being touted as the next big thing. Krug is unique. Its combination of power, intensity, elegance and nuance make it unlike any other wine and it’s a champagne that should be on every wine lover’s bucket list. I tasted the Grande Cuvee 172eme Edition (The Finest Bubble £204), the number signifying which iteration it is. These Editions differ as they are made from different vintage wines, in this case from 11 different years. The 172 boasted an expansive bouquet with aromas of lemons, grapefruit, honey, red blooms, apricots and roasted nuts. On the palate, it showed extraordinary complexity and class. Powerful flavours of yellow plums, apples, melon, liquorice, dried pears, red currants and spices. Tremendous now, it will develop and put on even greater richness over the next decade or so.

The Krug 2011 (Champagne Direct £350) is destined to be another legendary champagne. Only made in the finest vintages, and then in tiny quantities, Krug vintage always puts in a barnstorming performance. Mid-gold, the surprising freshness on the nose helped keep the masses of tropical fruit, nuts, honey and blackberry notes in check. Mouth-filling, it was all I could do to keep track of what my palate was experiencing. Grapefruit, lemons, raspberries, vanilla, peaches, apricots, strawberries in cream, green herbs, savoury minerals, the list went on and on. Remarkably for all its complexity and breath-taking size, everything was balanced, in perfect proportion, and poised. A showstopper now, it reminded me of a young Grand Cru Burgundy in that for all its immediacy, you know there is so much more to come.

My last recommendation isn’t an LVMH wine, but all that tasting left me with a raging third and when I got home, I opened a bottle of champagne. The last time I had Taittinger 2015 (Slurp £69.95) was at Taittinger a couple of years back. I remembered it being excellent, but I thought it needed more time before it would show its hand, and so it proved to be. The colour is now a rich gold punctuated by pretty amber bubbles that bring forth notes of red apples, peaches, and toasted brioche. In the mouth it’s ripe and rounded, the slight lemony tone of youth having mellowed to peach while the firm raspberry acidity has relaxed to add a lovely strawberry note. Medium-bodied but with wonderful richness and intensity, this was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

Next time out, I’ll be looking at the fantastic Riojas from Beronia.   

Cheers! 
Giles 

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Autumn glow

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As we change seasons there’s a new palette of colours and array of nature to greet us

October. Mellow warm colours; russet leaves, orange pumpkins and an early golden hour before sunset. Maybe a first fire. Change of clothes as summer’s departure can no longer be denied. Gloves for early morning nippy fingers. Warm food, switch from herbs to spices. Sweet treats (not tricks) please!

Redwings may start to arrive from colder climes. It’s difficult on frosty mornings to image that there are places much colder than home but birds know. Sometimes they visit the garden. I wonder if they will stay further north as the global temperatures become less cold.

The more I connect with the natural world, the more I cycle back to concern about the environment. Birds understand weather and climate change. Their collective numbers and behaviours can teach us too.

Our generic seagull, the Herring Gull is red listed for conservation concern due to population decline. UK waters and coastlines support up to 60% of all North Atlantic populations of this species. They may seem common on our seaside visits but the truth is that they are struggling. The combined effect of climate change and bird flu is probably to blame.

The age of the internet means that we are not short of facts on any matter of our choosing. The United Nations seemed like a good starting point from my google search, but even that climate-based information is heavy on what is happening and even how it is happening. Very little analysis is published on the why. Surely lasting change can only come from understanding and acting on why?

What hope of system change for an individual anyway? I am easily paralysed by information overload and default to doing nothing if I don’t know what the right thing to do is. The UN has a helpful app if that’s your thing (or you could share it if not), called ACT NOW with suggestions of steps we can all take.

Patrick Grant’s book “Less” is also an interesting read/listen. A perfect opportunity to curl up on an old comfy chair, dig out your fluffy (woollen, locally made) socks!

Helen Grimbleby is a West Berks/North Hants based artist who is inspired by the natural world’s changing seasons. After exploring outside, she enjoys writing, illustrating and painting larger landscapes at her home studio (@helengrimblebyart).

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Half Term Horrors

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There are plenty of Halloween activities and ideas to entertain your little monsters this holiday

Berkshire
Oxfordshire
West Berks

Berkshire

Take a breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy as you discover the night-time wonder of Welford Park, selected dates Oct 18th-Nov 10th. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the stars.

Head to Wellington Country Park this October half term, where they’re throwing the biggest and most friendly spook’tacular Hallo’welly’ween ever, and you’re all invited! From family shows, to recycled junk crafts, from pumpkin carving to the Halloween train ride, there is so much to do this October half-term.

There’s been a murder… of the wildlife kind. After a bump in the night, there’s a crime scene at Windsor Great Park. Help solve the wildlife mystery – whodunnit? Complete the detective training through the family trail, learn how to find and identify tracks and signs of animals. Oct 29th-31st. Book at Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk) and search ‘events’.

Illuminate the Skies at Windsor when the pyrotechnics team will unleash the firework fiesta featuring a dazzling display of rockets, Catherine Wheels and fountains to incredible music. Head over to the funfair for thrilling rides and with yummy treats to keep you and yours fed and toasty you’re sure of an explosive night all round on Saturday, 2nd November.

The The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is once again hosting Brick or Treat – where the LEGO® Monsters are taking over and throwing a Monster Party to celebrate their favourite time of the year!​ Along with the return of the fangtastic Monster Street, there’s the thrilling Monster Jam Show, explore the Haunted House Monster Party – get ready for the most frightfully fun ride of your life! ​Enjoy amazing rides, live shows and attractions until Nov 3rd. 

Follow the October half-term trails at Basildon Park and Greys Court. Follow the map to discover the activities at each venue and collect a small prize when you have finished. Cost £2 per trail.

Join the Moon Witch at Tumblestone Hollow, Stonor and go on a Halloween Scavenger Hunt exploring the woodland that surrounds Tumblestone Hollow, ticking off spooky items and solving mystical riddles along the way.

Track down more than 30 scarecrows on the half term Binfield Scarecrow Hunt around the village with the help of a trail map.

No sooner will October be over and it’ll be time to start thinking about the festive season! Take a trip around Didcot Railway Centre as you hunt for Santa’s reindeer. Collect gifts to fill your stocking along the way and visit Santa and his elves in his grotto, where you can choose your gift from his own toy shop. Take unlimited train rides as you enjoy 200 years of railway history in the original Great Western Railway setting. Book at Didcot Railway Centre

Oxfordshire

If you’re looking to keep the family entertained during October half-term, look no further than The Story Museum in Oxford. With a packed programme of events and skills courses, not to mention magical gallery spaces and a fantastic new exhibition, Here Be Dragons co-curated by Cressida Cowell and Toothless, the museum is the place to be, The Story Museum.

Abingdon County Hall Museum has what’s sure to be a fun offering with the Barbie & Ken Exhibition, see the couple dressed in costume through history from 1066 to 1980. More at Abingdon County Hall Museum.

Shop beautiful gifts, watch live craft demonstrations and try your hand at ‘have a go’ sessions at Abingdon Traditional Craft Fair, Nov 1st-3rd in the ancient Abbey Buildings. More than 60 craftspeople will be displaying their work. More at Abingdon Craft Fair.

Talk to whales, hear the universe laugh, and investigate the impossible with IF Oxford, the Oxford science and ideas festival, Oct 9th to Nov 3rd. With more than 100 intriguing and interactive events and activities. IF Oxford has a whole world (and beyond) to entertain and surprise you. Details at Oxford science and ideas Festival.

High Lodge Farm’s bewitching Halloween trail and pumpkin patch is back this October half-term at the farm in Culham OX14 3BN. Follow the spooky trail, PYO Pumpkin, tuck into mallows and tasty treats and have fun on the farm. Visit High Lodge Farm.

From gremlins and goblins to witches with charm, Millets Farm invite you to their Spook-tacular Farm! With a circus full of tricks, a disco full of spooks and field full of pumpkins, there’s spookily good fun this half term.

Tiptoe through spooky rooms at The Witch’s House at Cogges Manor decorated with scenes from favourite childhood stories, and see spooktacular sights and sounds. There will be a pumpkin trail around the grounds too.

Get your hands dirty and boots muddy as you pick pumpkins and squash from the growing field at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham. Take on the mega maze maze, visit the storytelling teepee and follow the scarecrow trail around the farm.

Blenheim Palace invites you to wander from dusk into darkness and through the spooky spider tunnel to be surprised by fantastic fire performers. Watch out for the headless horseman emerging from the mist.

Take a Spooky Tour of Oxford Castle & Prison and uncover some of the grisly stories of its inhabitants – some of whom are said to still roam the grounds. Join the resident witches and warlocks for a half-term potion-making activity.

No sooner will October be over and it’ll be time to start thinking about the festive season! Take a trip around Didcot Railway Centre as you hunt for Santa’s reindeer. Collect gifts to fill your stocking along the way and visit Santa and his elves in his grotto, where you can choose your gift from his own toy shop. Take unlimited train rides as you enjoy 200 years of railway history in the original Great Western Railway setting. Book at Didcot Railway Centre.

West Berks

Take a breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy as you discover the night-time wonder of Welford Park, selected dates Oct 18th-Nov 10th, through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the star. Sip delicious hot chocolate and spiced cider as you meander along this beautiful trail. Take a moment by the house to tuck into scrumptious hot food.

Head to the Orchard at Avebury Manor Garden over the weekend of October 26th and 27th and join in the apple weekend celebrations. Pick up information on the apple orchard at Avebury and join in fun family activities, have a go at pressing some fresh apple juice from several native apple varieties. Why not join a family stone circle tour on Wednesdays and Sundays during school holidays to learn more about this amazing site as a family!

This autumn half-term explore the outdoors with a tracker pack at Buscot and Coleshill Estate. Pick up a rucksack with everything in it you’ll need to explore Coleshill, binoculars, magnifying glass, spotting sheets and more. Search for bugs, identify trees and see what signs of animals you can spot, then head to reception for a nature friendly prize.

Follow the enchanting decorated woodland trail in Aldermaston through Wasing Estate’s stunning autumnal woodland then head for the pumpkin patch where a fairytale pumpkin carriage awaits and where you can choose your perfect pumpkin nestled in the organic field to take home and carve. Afterwards enjoy tasty seasonal snacks and hot & cold drinks.

Join the Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham on October 29th & 31st for a Spooky Spectacular Halloween Trail through their nature reserve. Find out about some of the amazing creatures associated with Halloween and why they are not as scary as you once thought. Pop along to The Hutch afterwards for a craft activity to take home.

Blaze and his dragon friends have decided to play hide and seek in West Berkshire Museum – help Blaze to count the tiny glow-in-the-dark dragons as well as to find his dragon friends and, the greatest treasure of all, a precious dragon egg. The family friendly event on Friday, 1st November, 5-7pm, features a free dragon hunt through a dark or dimly lit museum – please bring a torch.

No sooner will October be over and it’ll be time to start thinking about the festive season! Take a trip around Didcot Railway Centre as you hunt for Santa’s reindeer. Collect gifts to fill your stocking along the way and visit Santa and his elves in his grotto, where you can choose your gift from his own toy shop. Take unlimited train rides as you enjoy 200 years of railway history in the original Great Western Railway setting. Book at Didcot Railway Centre.

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Six great Lugana wines

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Round & About Magazine’s resident wine columnist Giles Luckett rediscovers with white wines of Lugana, and finds beauty and value

When it comes to naming your favourite Italian white wine, you’d be forgiven for not saying Lugana. Other Northern Italian wines such as Soave are far better known even though the quality of Lugana is often superior and significantly better value for money. I must confess, that until my recent attendance at a Lugana tasting, I’d pretty much forgotten about the region’s wines. The first wine shop I ran had a couple of Lugana’s, and whenever someone came in looking for a good value, easy drinking white, they were my default recommendations. They were fruity, uncomplicated and fun. They weren’t fine wines in the serious sense of the word, but they were, well, fine.

At the tasting it quickly became clear that the wines of Lugana have come a long way in the past 30 years. There are now Riserva level wines and wines that have been aged in oak. Across the board they seem to have become more serious and complex yet have retained the joyous citrus, pear and peach fruitiness that so impressed me all those years ago.

To celebrate my reacquaintance with this pearl of a wine, here are six Lugana wines that any lover of great value, elegant white wines should seek out.

About the Lugana wine region

OK, notebooks open, please, I may be asking question later. To give you a little context, the Lugana region lies in Northern Italy and straddles the provinces of Brescia in Lombardy and Verona in Veneto. It’s unusual to see a wine region across over into another province, but Lugana is an unusual wine. It’s made from the Turbiana grape, which was formerly known Trebbiano di Lugana even though genetically it has much to do with the Trebbiano family as I do the Royal Family. The name was changed to distinguish it from Trebbiano wines which tend to be about as engaging as a health and safety video. 

Turbiana gives fresh whites with fruit notes of pears and peaches, a lemon acidity and a distinctive mineral edge that comes from the glacial soils on which they are grown. This profile lends itself well to the production of sparkling wines, many of which, such as the excellent Ca Maiol (Svinando £19.90) are serious and stylish. Recently, however, there’s been a push for higher quality, age worthy wines. Many critics and producers have long suspected that this wonderfully sited region could produce world class whites, and as the following shows, their suspicions were well-founded.

Six great Lugana wines

First up, a surprise wine. I was surprised to see a Lugana in ASDA and was surprised that they were selling a wine of this quality for just £11. The imaginatively named Lugana Italian Wine is classic example of Lugana. White gold with a hint of emerald green, the nose is a lovely mix of pears and peaches with a shot of lemon freshness. Medium bodied and nimble, mouthwatering flavours of citrus

Next up is the Nunzio Ghiraldi (Majestic £14.99). Crafted using organic methods on vines that are a stone’s throw from Lake Garda, this balances freshness and depth to give a more serious style of Lugana. Produced from ancient vines, the nose is somewhat more complex, conveying notes of white blossoms and wet clay alongside the green and white fruits. The palate is generous and fruity, with peaches and pears joined by apricot, minerals and a clean lemon acidity. Try this with game birds or a creamy risotto.

Showing Lugana’s stylistic diversity we have the Lugana Bertagna 2023 (£9.67 Vivino). This is a fresher, more intense wine which is evident from the bouquet which has lemon and grapefruit mingling with zesty apricots, honeydew melon, and just-ripe kiwi fruit. These notes are mirrored on the palate where they are joined by limes, white pepper, yellow plums and a peach stone bitterness to the end. Try this with fresh pasta with mushrooms, seafood, and vegetarian dishes such as couscous with roasted artichokes.

My favourite wine of the tasting was probably the Alberto e Mauro Zenegaglia Luna del Lago Lugana Riserva (Vivino £14.72). Riserva level wines are relatively rare and must be aged for at least two years before being released. This spent 18 months in large old oak barrels and this has had a dramatic effect on it. More golden in colour, the effects of oxidation are present on the nose which is rounder and fuller, with scents of honey and lemon, apricots and jasmine coming the fore. In the mouth it has a creaminess to it, and the fruit profile is more autumnal – plums, green figs, and pears – but it is still fresh and tangy. A lot of wine for the money, this was delicious on its own, but I could see it going wonderfully well with gammon, roast chicken, or smoked fish.

If you’re looking for a white wine that combines richness, weight and delicacy, then the El Citera Lugana L’Artigianale (Vivino £23.64) is for you. I tasted the 2018 which was fantastic and goes to show how Lugana can improve with age. Having been macerated for 24 hours on its skins, this wine had notably more texture to it. It’s also given two years to mature in vats before release. All this adds up a richer, yeastier wine, one that has plenty of lemon and lime freshness, but has notes of baked apple, toasted almonds, green herbs and chalky minerals too. I loved this on its own, but I plan to try this with roast pork or meaty fish such as sea bass in a cream and herb sauce – not that I’m menu planning or anything.

I’ll finish with a step up in quality (and price) with the Ca’ Lojera Lugana Riserva del Lupo 2018 (Vinissimus £33.50). Once-upon-a-time a Lugana at over £30 a bottle would have been virtually unheard of, but the quality of this wine more than justifies the price. Straw gold in colour, the bouquet offers notes of herbs and honey alongside the usual citrus and green skinned fruits. On the palate there’s an extra degree of richness too. Honey, almonds, plums, and red apples sit alongside baked lemon and spicy vanilla. The finish is long and firm making this the ideal wine for river fish, salt cod, pheasant or turkey.

Well, I hope this has whetted your appetite for the wines of Lugana. There are many brilliant wines to be had and they’re still (for now) cracking value.

Next time out, I’ll be looking at some rather fine Champagne – yes, it is a tough life!

Giles

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Single sex or co-ed school? 

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There’s no one answer to this question; there are staunch defenders and outspoken critics of both systems. But it’s an important factor when deciding on your child’s education… 

Single-sex or co-ed… Many experts believe single-sex education is obsolete while others regard it as an essential step towards equality of the sexes.  

But while this dispute rumbles on, it is universally accepted that boys and girls develop at different rates and have different interests and motivations. Not surprisingly there are many people who believe that a curriculum and teaching style devised specifically for one sex is more likely to produce favourable results than a system which needs to cater to both sexes. But this is just one factor when considering which is better for your child.  

Grace Moody-Stuart, director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants advises parents: “Always consider your child’s individual character, likes and dislikes and family situation. Logistically, can parents manage having their son and daughter at different schools? Might girls with multiple male siblings, prefer an all-female school setting?  Some parents with all-boy families may specifically choose mixed schools so their sons learn to work alongside and co-operate with girls – they’ll have to in the real world, after all! 

“When at it comes down to in the end is whether the school is a good school and whether it’s right for your child. As the world becomes more complex, schools do too. Gender is part of this complexity and so creating a wholly single sex environment is becoming increasingly challenging. Our advice for parents is to focus on the simple things. Is the school well run, with strong pastoral care and inspirational teaching? If you get that right everything else will follow.” 

Although the majority of UK grammar schools are single sex, single sex schools account for only 10% of mainstream state secondary schools in England and are practically unheard of at primary level. In Bucks there are some notable state senior schools reviewed by The Good Schools Guide including Dr Challoner’s High School and John Hampden Grammar School.  

The Good Schools Guide describes John Hampden Grammar School as: “A purposeful school where pupils can be themselves and achieve personal bests in a focused but supportive and friendly environment…not overly macho, celebrates pupils for everything from sport to debating.” 

All-girls grammar Dr Challoner’s High School is summed up as: “An outward-looking school that supports and inspires, stretches and challenges, and frees up bright minds.” 

In the private sector 19% of fee-paying schools are exclusively for boys, or girls, including more than 200 junior schools.   In Bucks the independent offering has a distinctive female slant with two of The Good Schools Guide reviewed school offering all-through education from 3-18 years. One, St Mary’s School is described as: “A busy, happy school where results are impressive but even more so is the unequivocal attention to each individual child. Pupils are encouraged and supported to run their own best race, having great fun and making life-long friends along the way.” 

Do girls do better at all girls’ schools?

Advocates of single sex girls’ education talk about a nurturing, less boisterous environment that’s more likely to lead to girls choosing subjects such as science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) when compared to girls at co-ed schools.   

And there is research to back this up. Analysis by the Girls’ Schools Association in 2021 of data published by the Department for Education from 2018-2019 revealed that when compared to peers at co-ed schools, pupils at girls’ schools were twice as likely to take maths A level and 2.5 times as likely to take further maths and physics. They were also more likely to take A levels in other STEM subjects. The same research reported better levels of academic attainment at all girls’ schools compared with co-ed schools.  

A separate study from AQR International – an organisation which provides psychometric evaluation – looked at attributes relating to ‘mental toughness’ in school children. Its findings indicated that pupils educated at all girls’ schools possess ‘higher mental toughness scores…particularly for emotional control and confidence’.  

Among other research highlighting the advantages of all girls’ school it has also been concluded that girls are more likely to take part in sport and exercise in a single sex environment and go on to earn more during their careers.  

Do boys do better at all boys’ schools?

It may feel like a fundamental part of the British make-up – King Charles III at Gordonstoun, Churchill at Harrow…even James Bond got expelled from Eton – but single sex boys’ education does not elicit the same passionate defence applied to girls’ schools. A steady trickle of boys’ schools, state and private, have become co-ed in recent decades (examples include Charterhouse, Winchester College and Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar – the latter two just in the sixth form) and there are now only three all-boys full boarding schools left in the country.  

However, there are studies that suggest boys do better academically in single sex schools. In fact, the same study cited above, in which the GSA demonstrated the stronger A level performance of girls in girls’ schools, shows that boys in boys’ schools likewise do better than their co-ed peers. Although, elsewhere an in-depth analysis of GCSE performance data by education data blog School Dash, suggests that the difference between single sex and co-ed educated boys is negligible.   

Another study in 2016 which looked at data from the PISA study, actually found that boys aged 15 performed better at reading when sharing classes with girls. This tallies with the general perception that the presence of girls helps boys do better at school.  

While there may be fewer datasets available to support single sex boys’ education, its defenders are adamant that modern all boys’ schools provide the ideal environment for boys to learn, develop and engage with their interests.  

The argument against single-sex schools

There are people who claim that single sex education in the 21st century is no longer fit for purpose; a good school prepares children for the real world and the real world is populated by both sexes. But the consensus on single sex education waxes and wanes.  

In the past, segregation of boys and girls was absolute but these days single sex schools maintain links with schools of the opposite sex and join forces for extracurricular activities or even niche academic subjects. Single sex boarding schools hold ‘socials’ with such schools to ensure the opposite sex does not resemble an alien life form. Despite these modern-day concessions, many still argue that single sex schools create an unhealthy environment that leads to bullying, poor mental health and not being prepared for the workplace.  

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Windsor Photographic Society’s upcoming exhibition

Round & About

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Round & About

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Windsor Photographic Society Exhibition will run from Tuesday 1st to Thursday 31st October

The Windsor Photographic Society (WPS) annual exhibition showcases the variety of photographs taken by its members and is also an opportunity for them to see their work exhibited. Some photographs may be available to purchase.

Members are holding a special opening night on Tuesday, 1st October, and hope you can join them in The Old Court licensed bar and upper areas.

You can view their photographs and meet members who would love to tell you more about their club!

WPS meet at The Old Court at 7.45pm on Monday evenings and fully welcome new members. They offer a full and varied programme that includes presentations, practical workshops, photo walks and competitions. There are members at every level of expertise (from beginners through to professionals), using all kinds of cameras and phones, willing to share a wealth of experience.

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Pond Contemplation

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My pond gives an added dimension to the garden and an opportunity to encourage diverse wildlife and a whole new range of plants. Someone once said to me “A garden without a pond is like a theatre without a stage”

Where to start

It is not as simple as digging a hole but that’s a good place to start! Find a suitable spot in the garden and plan one in scale with the rest of the site. Ideally avoid a rigid liner and instead go for a flexible liner which will mould to the hole you have dug. It’s important to have a deep area and a shallow beach area and place it where you can enjoy it.

Sculpt the pond

Ensure there is a deep area in the middle or at one side. When we did ours the patio flanks the deep area, this should be around three feet for deep water aquatics and over wintering plants, fish and wildlife. From the deep area there is a gentle slope in case our residential hedgehogs fall in and a shelf around the edge for marginal plants. It’s important to do all this before you fill your pond with water.

Line the pond

Use and underlay, carpet, newspaper and anything else to prevent the butyl or pvc liner getting damaged. Also ensure the size of the liner allows for the depth of the pond too. Spread over and fold as you fill with water, it helps to get in a this point. The water will pull the liner into place and make sure there is an overlap.

Plant your pond

After adding a product to neutralise all the nasties in tapwater you can plant. It’s important to edge the pond with stones, cobbles, gravel and plant amongst these. Here you can use perennials, ferns and small woody plants. Place your oxygenators into water, plant deep water aquatics like water lilies in the deepest part and add marginals on the shelf around the edge. You can also add floating aquatics like water soldiers and frogbit. It’s essential to have the range of plants for example without marginals the dragonfly larvae can’t get out of the water and shading of the surface is essential from the deep water aquatics and floaters.

Fish and Wildlife

You have to decide whether you want fish and the wildlife will come. Often newt eggs and snails come with the plants. Flying insects are drawn to the water like pond skaters, damselflies and dragonflies. Try to let the pond balance itself. If you have a range of plants to cover the surface this will happen and don’t be put off by the water going green or murky it’s a natural process.

Enjoy your pond

There is lots of learn so read up about it or visit my gardening school for some inspiration. As well as looking after the pond it’s important just to sit, gaze and contemplate.

Website Cathie’s Gardening School: Surrey’s Garden School (cathiesgardeningschool.co.uk)

Email cathiesgardeningschool@gmail.com

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