Step out in Haslemere

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Haslemere’s annual Walking Festival is back with expertly guided walks exploring the history and wildlife of the area from Friday 12th to Sunday, 14th July as Adaleigh Buckrell writes

Delve into the rich past and exquisite countryside of the area as part of Haslemere Walking Festival which offers a varied programme of free walks around the town centre and its surroundings.

Depending on your choice of walk you might be led at a leisurely pace through the market town’s charming streets, the ponds of Waggoners Wells, or around the Devil’s Punchbowl in the Surrey Hills, one of the UK’s protected National Landscapes.

The joint initiative run by Haslemere Town Council and Visit Haslemere allows everyone to get outside, learn new things and have fun with all the family. Those coming from further afield can easily travel to the town by train or bus to access the beautiful heathland, woods and rolling hills on its doorstep.

All the walks in the festival are led by informative volunteers who are experts in their field and experienced in guiding walks. Local tree warden Clive Davidson invites you to discover the most notable trees in Haslemere and the tallest trees in Surrey. Additionally, you can join local historian Tim Winter if you are keen to learn about Haslemere’s political, artistic and war-time history.

Returning due to popular demand, the wonderful local author and playwright Jo Owen Smith and a supporting cast will bring to life Sir Robert Hunter, one of the founders of the National Trust, and friends. The group will shed light on the fascinating history of Hindhead Common in this dramatised walk.

More drama will be uncovered in John Casey’s historical walk discussing, amongst other things, the murder of a sailor on the Devil’s Punchbowl in 1786 and the 1945 plane crash on Gibbet Hill, the second highest point in Surrey.

Don’t miss out on the new Blue Plaque Trail of Haslemere and Hindhead, led by Chris Harrison from the Haslemere Society. The homes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Viscount Montgomery of Alamein are just two of the remarkable places you would visit, contributing to the richness of the area’s cultural heritage.

Whether you fancy a breath of fresh air to clear your mind, an activity to do with the kids and grandparents, or a longer trail where you can meet friends, old and new, a walk for everybody can be booked online at Haslemere Educational Museum – Art Tickets.

The festival programme with descriptions of the walks and their lengths and challenge levels can also be found at Haslemere Visitor. Further walks will be announced on Facebook when they are finalised, so keep an eye out.

Numbers are limited so do book early. For any enquiries call Visit Haslemere on 01428 645425 or email [email protected]

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The HandleBards’ Comedy of Errors

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Enjoy ‘Shakespeare on a bike’ in association with Earth Trust at Little Wittenham

There’s always something special about open air theatre and the performance at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, will more than deliver courtesy of The HandleBards.

‘Shakespeare on a bike’ involves the four-strong troupe of actors pedalling from venue to venue complete with set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, bringing environmentally friendly theatre to venues across the country. The troupe are on tour from May to September during which time they’ll rack up more than 1,500 miles putting in more than 100 performances.

Join the troupe on Thursday, 11th July for a family friendly, bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors like you’ve never seen before!

When two sets of estranged twins are brought together on the same island be prepared for mistaken identity, music and manic costume changes a plenty…

This is an outdoor production, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!

Doors open at 6pm, the show is two hours long, 7pm-9pm with a 20 minute interval. Tickets: £19.50 adult, 21s & under £12.50, 12s & under £5+ booking fees. Under 5s free.

The HandleBards say: “Our take on Shakespeare is fast, funny and fearless. If you’ve never seen Shakespeare before, there’s no better introduction. If you’re a Bard buff, you’ve never seen it done like this…”

Visit handlebards.com to find out more and book tickets.

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Alice Day: artist’s ox & exhibition

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Abingdon artist Caroline Ritson tells us about her amazing Wonderland-inspired ox, part of the Sobell House OxTrail, and exhibition at St Ethelwold’s this weekend

Amooong the beautiful OxTrail creations is an Alice In Wonderland-inspired masterpiece by Abingdon artist Caroline Ritson.

She tells us: “I was inspired to create my design for my Ox for the OxTrail by the illustrated book of Alice in Wonderland that my mum had had as child and read to me. I also wanted to create images related to Oxford.

“I hope children and adults will spend time looking for all of the creatures and different Alice images and maybe go back to read the books again, or for the first time. I was thrilled that my design was chosen and to help raise money for Sobell House Hospice. It was a great experience and I have made many connections with other artists.”

OxTrail features a herd of 138 large and mini oxen on display to form a fun and family-friendly trail. Each sculpture is unique and has been painted by artists, schools, community groups, or local media (including Round & About). OxTrail is raising money for Sobell House Hospice, who provide expert and compassionate care to people at the end of life, and support to their family and friends.

Alice’s Day, Oxford’s city-wide celebration of all things Alice in Wonderland, is back on Saturday, 6th July. This year’s theme is Fabulous Monsters and Curious Creatures, celebrating anniversary of the birth of wonderland. As well as the giant Alice puppet, a 3ft Jabberwock will roam the city, crafted by the acclaimed theatre-makers and specialists in large-scale puppetry and magic, Rag and Bone. For more info please visit Alice’s Day | About Us | The Story Museum

You are also all welcome to an art exhibition featuring work by Caroline, Marion Owen & Bruce Bignold at St Ethelwold’s garden in east St Helen’s Street, from 5th to 7th July. Tea and cake will be on sale on Saturday 6th, 2.30-4.30pm.

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Artist RAWZ & his inspiring ox

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We asked multidisciplinary artist Rawz to tell us a bit about what inspired his wonderful ox, part of the Sobell House OxTrail…

Among the large oxen grazing in Oxford’s beautiful buildings and streets you will find Dreams of the Spires (also gracing our July cover), outside Saïd Business School, designed by RAWZ.

An established poet and musician from Greater Leys, RAWZ represents a less acknowledged side of Oxford with his intricate design which beautifully reinterprets Oxford’s iconic skyline, symbolising unique stories, influences and people of the city.

He says: “For countless hours, years, centuries, Oxford’s famous spires have stood in silence, witnessing the city’s dreams as the world changes around them. This work re-interprets the iconic skyline’s shapes, weaving an abstract narrative through patterns. The forms interlock like puzzle pieces; a visual metaphor for the lives that inhabit the city, the unique co-existing stories and ideas that constantly influence each other, and the world around them, in an interconnected, interdependent exchange, creating a perpetual state of transformation and evolution.

“It’s been a great experience working with the team at OxTrail and it’s such a good opportunity to share what I do with lots of people. Sobell House’s work is so important, and it means a lot to be able to support it in this way. There are so many talented artists involved in this trail, I hope everyone enjoys exploring the city to find the whole herd. I’m sure a lot of good memories will be made while doing it!”

Ox-plore the trail and collect the sculptures using the official OxTrail 2024 app or through the beautifully-decorated OxTrail map, which is available at all Sobell House shops and some of the mini herd locations. What’s more, there is a range of ox-clusive merch and fun activities for children to get involved in available at the Westgate Hub Shop.

All the proceeds raised through OxTrail will help to fund Sobell House Hospice, who provide expert care to people facing life-limiting illness and support to their loved ones. The hospice relies upon the support of its community to raise over £3million each year.

Join the moo-vement to explore Oxfordshire’s iconic attractions, uncover some hidden gems, and have lots of fun along the way!

To find out more or donate to this worthy cause please visit OxTrail – Sobell House.

To work with Rawz, The Urban Music Foundation or Inner Peace Records email [email protected]

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Guiding stars at London Shakespeare highlight

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On Monday, 8th July, Regents Park Open Air Theatre and the UK Queen of Poetry Allie Esiri will be hosting a star-studded night of Shakespeare poetry readings: Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year – Live!

Former actress, bestselling author and poetry champion Allie Esiri and Regents Park Open Air Theatre present Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year – Live!

On Monday 8th July Allie Esiri will be joined by a star-studded cast of award winning theatre and film actors including Paul Chahidi, Damian Lewis (Homeland), Derek Jacobi CBE, Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Stephen Mangan (Green Wing), Tracy Ann Oberman, Tony Robinson (Blackadder), Danny Sapani (Killing Eve, Black Panther), Samantha Spiro (Sex Education), Luke Thompson (Bridgerton), Indira Varma (Game of Thrones), Samuel West (Slow Horses), Olivia Williams (The Crown), and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes), for a hugely entertaining evening of Shakespeare based on Allie Esiri’s bestselling poetry anthology: Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year.

To celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare’s First Folio and over 9 years of Shakespeare performances at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Allie Esiri and friends will guide you on a journey through the Shakespeare you love and the best bits you don’t. There will be poetry, speeches and scenes read by actors who have a special connection to Shakespeare’s work and to the theatre itself. It was at Regent’s Park, for example, that homeland actor Damian Lewis spent a season playing Hamlet, that Susan Wokoma starred in the hit production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and where Samantha Spiro performed an acclaimed Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and won an Olivier Award for Hello Dolly!. Join us for a night of great performances, poetry, laughter, wisdom and wit.

One of the UK’s biggest selling poetry books, Shakespeare For Every Day of the Year by poetry champion Allie Esiri is an inspiring collection of 365 poems, speeches and scenes from across all of Shakespeare’s plays each with an illuminating introduction. Allie has published ten hugely popular poetry anthologies including A Poem For Every Day Of The Year and 365 Poems For Life as part of her mission to keep poetry alive and make it accessible for everyone.

Signed copies of Allie Esiri’s poetry anthologies Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year and A Poet for Every Day of the Year will be available on the night.

Tickets are still available, £25pp: visit Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

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Vintage vehicles at Woodcote Rally

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Heritage transport at its very best is on display at Woodcote Rally, July 13th & 14th, and as Andy Crockett tells us the event has much more to offer too

The Woodcote Rally is a festival of steam, vintage and veteran transport with entertainment for all the family.

We have a wide range of exhibits including large and miniature steam engines, stationary engines, cars, motor bikes, tractors, military, models and commercial vehicles. During both days, the exhibits will display in the main arena and there will be separate tractor working area.

We have a large craft marquee with a range of hand-crafted goods and an enticing food area. Outside the marquee is the country area where you can watch demonstrations of traditional country skills including wood turning, stick making, hedge laying and willow weaving. We also have a wonderful birds of prey display and a children’s petting farm.

There’s a range of trade stands including jewellery, metal artwork, garden furniture, tools, clothing and accessories, die cast models and food products including gluten free.

In the children’s entertainment area there’s a face painter, entertainer and circus skills workshop. The funfair is a great attraction for all ages.

During both days live bands will play on the main stage and continue long into the evening. By the stage you’ll find CAMRA’s famous Festival of Ale and, new for this year, an additional marquee selling a range of alternative drinks to real ale such as lagers, craft beers, spirits and wines. In this area you’ll find a range food stalls to satisfy all tastes. Look out for the Round & About logo on your beer cups.

All of these attractions combine to make the Rally South Oxfordshire’s premier event of its kind. Since 1964, the Rally Committee has donated a total of £532,000 to local charities and other deserving organisations.

This year’s event will be held over the weekend of 13th and 14th July. The Rally is located about 10 miles north-west of Reading on the A4074 Reading to Oxford Road. We are in a new field off Church Lane, Ipsden, OX10 6BZ. The What 3 Words location is “less.hoped.pens”. The car parks and entrances will be well sign posted from all directions.

Public transport is available to the site on the X40 Thames Travel bus service between Oxford and Reading which runs about every 30 minutes. There are bus stops (both ways) just by Church Lane with a short walk to the Rally site from there. (Check the bus website for times).

Please visit us at The Next Woodcote Rally for further details.

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Petworth’s world class arts festival

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If ever there was a year to enjoy the thrill of live performance in Petworth, this is clearly it with an array of world class performers in the South Downs from July 10th to 27th

“We have always sought to bring the greatest quality of performance to Petworth, but when you add in the sheer charisma of so many of this year’s artists, I can only look forward to the festival with the most extraordinary degree of anticipation!”

Petworth’s Artistic Director Stewart Collins is clearly delighted with this year’s line up and backing up his comments, he points to a whole series of unique talents who will be taking to the Petworth stage.

Classical stars Simon Keenlyside, Boris Giltburg and Joanna MacGregor all have what Stewart describes as ‘that crucial x-factor’, as do stellar talents from other genres, jazz musicians Eliane Correa and Petworth favourite Joe Stilgoe, world music star N’famady Kouyate, performance poet and storyteller Luke Wright, and Mike and the Mechanics front man Roachford, who brings his own band to the festival. 

Image by: Sasha Gusov

Image by: Pal Hansen

And it goes way beyond this. The South African cellist Abel Selaocoe is a force of nature whether playing Bach or traditional African music; Martin Harley is genuinely one of the modern blues-guitar greats; percussionist Delia Stephens playing in tandem with harmonica genius Will Pound… virtuosity simply doesn’t sum it up!

Image by: Mlungisi Mlungwana

Image by: Silvia Cruz

And that’s not to mention the ‘Big Gigs’ at The Petworth House Stable Yard and Midhurst Rother College

Thurs 18th: The Wonder of Stevie – a triumphant celebration of Stevie Wonder’s music
Fri 19th: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours – a vivid recreation by The Transatlantic Ensemble
Sat 20th: Jazz in the Stables – headlined by Anglo/Cuban powerhouse Eliane Correa
Wed 24th: Aretha – the brilliant Vanessa Haynes of Incognito stars
Thurs 25th: Roachford – the dynamic front man of Mike and the Mechanics with his own band
Fri 26th: Comedy Double Bill – with Mark Watson and Mark Simmons

Petworth Festival kicks off on Wednesday, 10th July and runs through to Saturday, 27th July when events culminate with a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (‘blue’ being a theme that runs through the festival) in the hands of yet another astonishing talent, Ronnie Scott’s supremo pianist James Pearson.

Events run every day including a dozen daytime/lunchtime events with family events scheduled for both Coultershaw Heritage Site and the Leaconfield Hall. More information and tickets at petworthfestival.org.uk/whats-on

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Weeding out the good

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Artist Helen Grimbleby’s latest instalment of her Nature Sketchbook looks at the importance of the humble weed

We are a nation of gardeners from tiny pots to larger expanses of land. When better to enjoy our garden spaces than in the summer?

What is gardening if not a collaboration with nature? For we can plan, dig, plant, weed, maintain outdoor spaces but it is nothing without the magic of nature turning water and sunshine into something else, something marvellous.

In our gardens, we have our ideas and nature has her own, bringing weeds into spaces where we don’t want them, interfering with our design and purpose.

Such differences of opinion exist in many open spaces where human life exists adjacent to nature such as in agriculture, hedgerows and roadside verges.

Collectively, we have a choice about how we interact with nature in all of these spaces. We have never had better access to information about nature to inform this choice and so let’s consider the possible advantages of the humble weed.

Bramble flowers attract butterflies and promise blackberries later, an important food source for birds.

Common knapweed is in flower in July. It is a thistle like plant which grows abundantly in our area. According to the University of Bristol it is one of the most important wildflowers for pollinating insects. I have seen it covered in bees and butterflies. It produces copious amounts of nectar.

Butterflies are not just pretty. According to the Butterfly Conservation charity, the presence of butterflies in an area indicates good health in an ecosystem. Where butterflies are present, there will be a wide range of other invertebrates. Invertebrates comprise over two-thirds of all species and provide a wide range of environmental benefits such as natural pest control.

Clover is found in grassy areas. Red and white clover are common and provide easy sources of nectar for bees. Butterflies are attracted to clover too and wood mice eat the leaves.

Overgrown weeds can be unsightly, unwanted and even dangerous say at road junctions. But our relationship with weeds is more complicated than. Its good to consider it from time to time and from place to place.

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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Amalfi Experience at Six by Nico

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Image by: Andrew Oglivy

Six by Nico in Oxford is a culinary gem that brings a refreshing and innovative dining experience to Oxford’s vibrant food scene. Ellie Cox went along to try out their new six-course tasting menu, embracing La Dolce Vita.

Located in the heart of Oxford, this restaurant offers a unique concept of themed six-course tasting menus that change every six weeks, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure for your taste buds.

From 1st July – 11th August, the tasting menu inspired by the Amalfi Coast promises to take guests on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of its menu namesake through contemporary spins on the traditional flavours of Southern Italy.

The whole dining experience delivered just that. Despite a gloomy evening in Oxfordshire, as soon as you step into Six by Nico you’re taken on a unique journey to explore a taste of Southern Italy. From sipping on Aperol Spritz, to drinking wines that perfectly match each course; it’s an experience to remember.

The restaurant itself offers a sleek, contemporary design of the interior which, combined with warm lighting and comfortable seating, creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The open kitchen adds a touch of excitement as diners can watch the chefs meticulously prepare each course.

However, the star of the show at Six by Nico is undoubtedly the food. The flavours are bold and inventive, with a beautiful presentation that is most definitelt Instagram-worthy. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite.

The six-course tasting menu is priced at £50, with an option to add matching wines to each course at £38 (highly recommend adding this).

The menu offers the following:

Course one – Parmesan Polenta
Espuma, Truffle, Mushroom Ragout

Course two – Heirloom Tomato
Green Olive Tapenade, Salted Lemon, Lovage Emulsion & Whipped Ricotta

Course three – Spaghetti Nero
Toasted Sourdough, Chilli, Confit Garlic & Scamorza Foam

Course four – Black Pollock
Bagna Cauda, Zucchini, Braised Fennel, Basil Dressing

Course five – Trio Of Pork
Belly Of Pork, Pancetta Ham Jam, Nduja Cannelloni, Smoked Onion, Pickled Summer Squash

Add-On (highly recommend that you try these!)
Crispy King Prawn, Peperoncino Verde Emulsion & Lemon Gel – £9

Course six – Delizia Al Limone
Lemon Mousseline, Polenta Cake, Caramelised White Chocolate, Yoghurt Sorbet

The ever-changing menus mean that there is always something new to look forward to, making it a great spot for special occasions and regular visits. The combination of exceptional food, outstanding service, and a stylish setting makes Six by Nico a must-visit.

Whether you’re local to Oxford or just visiting, make sure to be first in the queue (spaces get nabbed really quickly thanks to the buzz!) to book a table at Six by Nico for a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable.

Amalfi Coast six-course tasting menu available from July 1st – 11th August, visit Amalfi Coast – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Readi for pop and more

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The three-day all-ages charity festival by the bank of the Thames in Caversham returns from July 12th to 14th raising funds for the local community

This year’s Readipop not only offers Ash, Echobelly, Republica, Fabio & Grooverider among many more but it is also set to be the most sustainable yet.

Joining the headliners are a diverse array of new and established artists including energetic festival mainstays Dub Pistols, Welsh tongue-in-cheek rappers Goldie Lookin’ Chain (playing a legends set), Manchester indie-dance pioneers A Certain Ratio, BBC 6Music favourites from Holland, Pip Blom and 1980s Reading punk band International Resque playing their final show together.

Readipop will be showcasing their valuable work across the weekend, including AAA takeovers, presenting an array of local talent who learn musical skills at the charity’s weekly AAA youth club alongside live sets from artists signed to their Riser Music label and their community bands. In addition, Readipop XOX Project Live will be performing a set of classic tracks to demonstrate the vintage drum machines and synthesisers that will make up part of Readipop’s upcoming XOX Project museum.

Festival Producer Molly Banbury says: “We’ve seen our highest ever ticket sales to date for this point and are so grateful to everyone that has already shown their support for this year’s event. Not only will it be our biggest Readipop Festival so far but also our most sustainable!”

She adds the small team “are determined to see our charity festival flourish with community and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. This year we created a sustainability ‘pathway’ plan. This pathway maps out our ambitions creating achievable steps for us to reach our green goals over several years, helping us to make continuous environmentally conscious improvements.”

Molly believes the location is one of the biggest positives for Readipop with its proximity to Reading station, a mere 10 minute walk, and less with nearby bus routes. She adds: “We want to continue to improve upon this by encouraging travel by bike this year and offering secure bike storage inside the grounds.”

BBC Introducing in Oxfordshire and Berkshire have selected three up-and-coming acts which they will host in the Purple Turtle tent on Friday 12th.

Readipop’s family area will be open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons featuring craft, music and dance workshops, story telling, immersive performances and other fun activities featuring local arts and music organisations including Jelly, Dance Reading, Tankata Percussion, MiniMixers DJs and more.

Reading’s Indie Market also comes to the site on Saturday and Sunday bringing all stalls full of locally produced festival-friendly arts, crafts and clothes stalls. Purple Turtle bars serve local craft beer and real ale all weekend alongside a selection of lagers, ciders, spirits and wine.

Tickets and more at READIPOP FESTIVAL

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