Half term at National Trust

Round & About

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Autumn is the perfect time to get outside with the family and create unforgettable moments this October half-term. With all kinds of family-friendly events, woodland adventure days and spooktacular Halloween trails on offer, the kids won’t get bored at the many National Trust properties in the area.

Here are just a few ideas for you –

The Vyne, near Basingstoke, RG24 9HL (just over the border in Hampshire) 
01256 883858
Young witches, ghosts and all manner of things can wander The Vyne’s gardens enjoying Halloween trails for all ages. Two mysterious trails will keep under 7s and over 8s entertained. Families can embark on their challenge by paying normal admission and £2 for each Halloween trail sheet at Visitor Reception from Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November, 10am-5pm
Halloween spotter trail (up to age 7)
In the gardens, collect your £2 activity sheet from the Halloween tent and look out for 10 photos of animals mistakenly linked with witchcraft. Return your completed sheet to the tent for a chocolate prize. £2
Halloween rune trail (ages 8+)
On this mystical adventure through The Vyne’s gardens, decipher 16th-century runes to reveal a secret word. Collect your £2 activity sheet from the Halloween tent and look out for ten signs hidden around the gardens. Each sign will translate a symbol into a normal letter. Write each letter in the corresponding box on your activity sheet to work out the mystery word. At the end, return to the Halloween tent to collect your chocolate prize. £2

Hatchlands Park 
There’s a whole host of activities at Hatchlands Park this half term including plenty of pumpkins for you to carve and a new trail in the parkland. The little ones can scamper about in the tree house and bug burrow. Explore Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren and get to grips with hand-crafted willow tunnels, domes, balance beams, sculptures and a totem pole.
October half-term trail 
Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November, 10am-4pm
Pick up a sheet from reception to discover forgotten folklore and seasonal superstitions on a trail through the parkland and claim your pumpkin prize at the end. £3

Dapdune Wharf 
As darkness falls on Saturday 26 October, test your fitness and your fears in the 2k night time run around the haunted Wharf and island. Look out for the witch of the Wharf and a string of spooky surprises on the way. 2k run, jog or walk.  Soup from 4.30pm, warm up from 6pm.  Run starts at 6.15pm
Dressing up encouraged.
£2.50 for bowl of soup and fun run.
Booking essential, call 01483 561389

Petworth House and Park 
Visit Petworth House and Park this October half-term and join in some awesome autumnal fun. Take part in the fun, imaginative trail, helping a little bat plan a party. Plus make your own Bat Box at one of our craft days over half term.
Autumn Trail 
26th October – 3rd November, 10am-4pm
It’s party time at Petworth! One of the young bats is throwing a huge spooky Halloween bash for the creatures in the Pleasure Ground but he can’t find any of them. Some of the animals are just too scared of bats to come to the party. Can you find them and discover if bats are as scary as they think?
Find all of the animals and answer the questions on the trail sheet to complete the trail and win a prize.
The trail is suitable for children aged 5 and upward and is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Prizes can be claimed at either Church Lodge or Car Park Receptions. £3
Spot the pumpkins 
Pumpkins have been spotted growing in the strangest of places at Petworth this Autumn. Some have even popped up in the mansion! Can you help find them for our house team? Find them all and get a sticker reward. £3
Halloween Crafts ‘Make Your Own Bat Box’ 
29th, 30th and 31st October, 11am-4pm
Come to one of the autumn craft sessions and build and decorate your very own bat box to take away and hang in your garden. £5

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Half term at National Trust

Round & About

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Autumn is the perfect time to get outside with the family and create unforgettable moments this October half-term. With all kinds of family-friendly events, woodland adventure days and spooktacular Halloween trails on offer, the kids won’t get bored at the many National Trust properties in the area.

Here are just a few ideas for you –

Basildon Park, near Reading, RG8 9NR  
01491 672382
Whether it’s brilliant autumn sunshine, or slightly damp autumn drizzle, there are plenty of opportunities for children to get out of the house this October half-term and enjoy Basildon Park. There’s the Wild Play Trail, open all year round, the half-term trail, and a natural play area for little ones. Come along and get stuck into a day out at Basildon Park from Saturday 26th October until Sunday 3rd November.
Half-term trail: Minibeasts 
Pick up a trail leaflet from visitor reception and search the parkland for creepy crawlies to win a prize. £2

The Vyne, near Basingstoke, RG24 9HL (just over the border in Hampshire) 
01256 883858
Young witches, ghosts and all manner of things can wander The Vyne’s gardens enjoying Halloween trails for all ages. Two mysterious trails will keep under 7s and over 8s entertained. Families can embark on their challenge by paying normal admission and £2 for each Halloween trail sheet at Visitor Reception from Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November, 10am-5pm
Halloween spotter trail (up to age 7)
In the gardens, collect your £2 activity sheet from the Halloween tent and look out for 10 photos of animals mistakenly linked with witchcraft. Return your completed sheet to the tent for a chocolate prize. £2
Halloween rune trail (ages 8+)
On this mystical adventure through The Vyne’s gardens, decipher 16th-century runes to reveal a secret word. Collect your £2 activity sheet from the Halloween tent and look out for ten signs hidden around the gardens. Each sign will translate a symbol into a normal letter. Write each letter in the corresponding box on your activity sheet to work out the mystery word. At the end, return to the Halloween tent to collect your chocolate prize. £2

The Buscot and Coleshill Estates, near Faringdon, SN6 7PT 
01793 762209
As we head into Autumn, we’re making the most of the last summer sunshine and welcoming in the season of golden hues. With half-term fun at Badbury woods on our Autumn Scavenger hunt for children, flower arranging with pumpkins workshop and our November term of Coleshill Critters.
Autumn scavenger hunt at Badbury Woods
Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November, 11am-2pm
Become a nature detective and see what you can find in the woods. £3

Chastleton House and Gardens, near Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0SU 
01608 674981
Join the Halloween spooky ghosts and ghouls themed trail at Chastleton in the Cotswolds, abundant in local tales and legends of spooky happenings and ghoulish goings on. The house at Chastleton, however, is not known for its ghost stories and there are no tales of spooky sightings or strange feelings passed down from generation to generation.
But this Halloween half term, explore some of the local legends and stories from around the area in the ghosts, witches and ghouls trail running from Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November, 1pm – 4pm. £2.50

Greys Court, near Henley, RG9 4PG
01491 628529
Whether it’s brilliant autumn sunshine, or slightly damp autumn drizzle, there are plenty of opportunities for children to get out of the house this October half-term and enjoy Greys Court. The half term trail will run from Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November, where you can pick up a trail for £2 and find clues to win a prize.
October half-term: Loads of leaves 
Pick up a trail leaflet and wander the estate in search of clues celebrating the autumn colour. £2
Den-building 
Create a shelter for yourself this October half-term in the den-building area down near the play area. You’ll find plenty of sticks, logs and twigs to create your ideal hideout.

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November’s recipes: Tried & trusted

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Leading chef Laura Mason shares some recipes from the new National Trust Book of ROASTS (£16.99), which is out now

Breast of lamb

Stuffed with capers, garlic and herbs

(Prep: 20 minutes – Cooking: Three and a half to four hours – Serves: 
Three to four)

Ingredients:

•   Two breasts of lamb, boned
•   40g (1½oz) unsalted butter
•   One medium onion, peeled 
& finely chopped
•   Two garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
•   Two tablespoons salted 
capers, well rinsed and 
coarsely chopped
•   A little chopped fresh mint
•   Three tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
•   A large tablespoon chopped fresh basil
•   Zest of ½ lemon (preferably unwaxed), finely grated
•   150g (5oz) crustless day-old white bread, torn into small pieces
•   Splash of stock or milk, 
to moisten

This needs slow cooking, moisture, and a highly flavoured stuffing to add interest and counteract the fattiness. In the past, standard English mixtures of bread with herbs and suet bound with eggs were favoured, but these are very dense to modern tastes. I suggest using a mixture with flavours borrowed from salsa verde (capers, herbs), which works well with this meat.

Method:

Breast of lamb is flattish and thin, with one straight edge cut from the forequarter, which may still contain the ends of the rib bones, unless the butcher has already removed them. If you have to do this yourself, run a knife in between the bones and the meat on the outside, then cut them away from the lesser covering inside and slip them out.

To make the stuffing, melt the butter over a low heat and fry the onion and garlic until softened. Stir in the capers, herbs, lemon zest and bread, and add enough stock or milk to moisten the bread.

Spread the meat out, skin-side down. Put a layer of stuffing 
on top of each piece, then roll from the narrow end and 
firmly tie at each end with string.

Preheat the oven to 140°C, 275°F, Gas mark 1. Put the lamb in a shallow roasting tin and cook for three to three and a half hours, pouring off any fat that the meat renders. Then turn the oven up to 200°C, 400°F, Gas mark 6, and give it a further 15 minutes to crisp up.

It won’t produce gravy, but a light tomato sauce goes well with the caper-flavoured stuffing. Alternatively, serve a salad dressed with vinaigrette on the side.

RED CABBAGE

(Prep: 10 minutes – Cooking: 140 minutes – Serves: Six)

Ingredients:

•   One generous tablespoon goose, pork or bacon fat, or oil
•   One medium onion
•   One or two apples, preferably sourish ones
•   A small red cabbage
•   Two or three tablespoons cider vinegar
•   Two tablespoons light pale brown sugar
•   Four or five cloves, bruised
•   5cm (2in) 
cinnamon stick
•   A piece of orange zest (preferably unwaxed) about 5 x 2cm (2 x 1in)
•   A teaspoon of salt
•   Freshly ground 
black pepper

Method:

Preheat the oven to 140°C / 275°F, Gas mark 1. Peel and roughly chop the onion. Peel, core and chop the apples. Quarter the cabbage, discard the stem and finely slice.

Heat the fat in an ovenproof casserole and fry the onion until translucent. Stir in the apples, then the cabbage, and fry lightly for a few minutes. Add the other ingredients and stir well. Cover and transfer to the oven for about an hour and a half. 
This can be cooked on the hob, but the heat must be very low – and stir frequently, adding a little more water from time to time if it shows signs of drying up.

Roast potatoes

(Prep: 15 minutes – Cooking: 60 minutes – Serves: Four to six)

Ingredients:

•   1kg (2¼lb) potatoes
•   About 50g (2oz) fat for roasting, such as beef or pork dripping
•   Salt

Roast potatoes are a defining element of “a proper roast”. King Edward, a potato variety with almost iconic status in Britain, probably has the best flavour, and can develop a fantastic crisp crust and melting interior. Wilja and Desirée are also good; Cara and Romano should produce reasonable results.

Method:

The oven needs to be hot – 200–220°C, 400–425°F, Gas mark 6–7. 
Peel the potatoes. Leave small ones whole, and cut large ones into smaller pieces (3–4 each). Put them in a pan, just cover with cold water, and bring to the boil. Boil for 5–7 minutes. Tip them into a colander and drain well.

Put the fat in a roasting tin and place in the oven to melt and get very hot. Take it out and add the potatoes. (Wear oven gloves and an apron in case the fat spits – it should be hot enough to sizzle satisfactorily.) Turn the potatoes well in the hot fat, sprinkle with salt, and roast for 40–50 minutes. In a gas oven, put the potatoes at the top. Turn once or twice during cooking, and add a little more salt each time.

 

Roasts by Laura Mason, published by National Trust Books.

Images: Tara Fisher.

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Talking point: Jack Savoretti

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Liz Nicholls chats to globally successful musician & dad Jack Savoretti, 36, who has just released his third hit album Singing To Strangers

Q. You’ve worked with truly amazing musicians. Who would be your dream collaboration? “I have! Seeing my name next to Bob Dylan’s on one of my records is one of my most surreal highlights; his was the first concert I ever went to, aged 17.  Collaborating with lovely Kylie was a pinnacle, too, and working with eccentric, beautiful Mika on this album. Connecting with people, for me, is the best thing about music. Being in a room with someone who has this gift is incredible. My dream collab would’ve been Johnny Cash; that amazing voice.”

Q. How do you listen to music? “I have a beautiful 1960s record player. It doesn’t offer great quality but it gives a wonderful sound, if you know what I mean. My current favourite record is Chet Baker. I also have a nice Bose system for taking it up a notch. My earliest memory of music was the school run and it’s funny because now with my own children that’s the time we all share music, too. My four-year-old son reminded me the other day how great the Ghostbusters song is and my daughter is a little obsessed with ABBA. I wasn’t an ABBA fan but she’s slowly converting me – the songs are brilliant!”

Q. What surprises you most about parenthood? “I think how much you feel. I spent most of my twenties numbing myself. The love, the fear, the worry, the desperation they go to sleep… it’s overwhelming. They don’t know they have this magic trick at first until they figure out how to 
use it against you. I’m eternally grateful.”

Q. Being of European heritage, how does Brexit make you feel? “Sad. It’s a shame that we seem to have trivialised one of the greatest peace treaties of all time – certainly of the last two centuries – and I hate the divisive language being used. I heard the Prime Minister use the word ‘surrender’ and thought that was cheap. The EU isn’t without dysfunction and negotiating changes would’ve been good. But this feels like a lose-lose situation.”

Q. Does November’s season of Remembrance mean much to you? “Yes; a great deal. I think we need to remember the sacrifices previous generations made for us more, especially in school and with what’s happening in politics at the moment. From a personal point of view, I think of my grandfathers. One was Polish and Jewish; he married a German woman young and escaped to Paris and then London. My father’s father fought against Fascism to stop his country being torn apart by divisive language [in Italy a street bears the Savoretti name]. I’m fascinated by that generation’s stories. That’s how complex peace is – ironically you sometimes have to fight for it. Many men and women suffered and lost their lives in the name of peaceful, liberal values which I hope endure.”

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Fabulous Fireworks

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Flash, bang, wallop… it’s fireworks time!

Remember, remember the 5th of November… it’s that time of year again when we mark Guy Fawkes’s plot to overthrow the king and blow up Parliament in 1605. Bonfires were set alight to celebrate the safety of the King and since then the event is commemorated with fireworks and burning effigies. Expect to see flashes of colour and hear loud bangs and whizzes as thousands enjoy the annual spectacle. Here’s just some of the displays you can enjoy locally…

HANTS

* Whitehill & Bordon Fireworks Display

Country Market, Farnham Road, Sleaford, Bordon GU35 0QP – 6th November

Fireworks and funfair from 5pm-10.30pm

Refreshments, onsite parking & free bus from Bordon

Tickets £5 adults, £3 children aged 5-15, under 5s free

 

* Fantastic Fireworks

Medstead CofE primary school, Roedowns Road, GU34 5LG – 5th November

Expect a stunning display from Platinum Fireworks in support of FOMS, 5.30pm-8pm

Ticket details unavailable at time of going to press

 

* Chawton Fireworks & Bonfire Evening

Chawton village – 2nd  November

Gates will open at 5pm for food and drinks

The bonfire will be lit at 6pm with fireworks starting at approx 6.30pm

Please note parking will be limited within the village, there will be designated parking areas.Where possible please park outside the village and walk to the event and remember to bring a torch.

Adults £5, under 16’s free as part of a family group   Unaccompanied teenagers £2

 

* Fireworks Fiesta

Fleet Lions Club, Calthorpe Park, Reading Road North, GU51 4AD – 2nd November

Gates open 5pm, fireworks start 6.30pm. Join in the fun, with glow sticks, fibre optics & LED toys on sale as well as a variety of food stalls. Also guest appearance from some of the cast from Starburst panto Aladdin. Tickets for sale until 2pm on the day (family tickets not available on the gate). Also available from Serendipity, 295 Fleet Road. Family tickets £15 (two adults, two children), under-fives free.

Visit www.fleetlions.org.uk

 

* Petersfield Round Table Fireworks

Bell Hill Recreation Ground, GU32 3BU – 2nd November

The 28th year of the Petersfield Round Table Fireworks display, all proceeds from this event will be donated to local charities and good causes, last year’s event raised more than £12,000.

Gates open, food & bar opens 5.30pm, bonfire lit 6.30pm, fireworks 7pm

Tickets in advance: £8 adults (£10 full price), £4 children (£5 full price), family £16 (£20 full price). Full price tickets on the gate, cash only

 

* Alresford Rotary Fireworks

Arlebury Park, SO24 9EP – 1st November

Join the procession to an impressive fireworks display. The evening will start at 7pm when the torchlight procession leaves from the top of town on its way to Arlebury Park. The bonfire will be lit around 8pm, with the fireworks following.

Food and refreshments will be available, as well as glow sticks.

Ticket details unavailable at time of going to press, proceeds for Rotary’s good causes

 

* The 61st charity Winchester Bonfire & Fireworks

The Broadway & Recreation Ground, Winchester – 9th November

Bonfire procession from King Alfred’s statue 6pm, bonfire lit in fields behind River Park Leisure Centre 7.15pm, fireworks start 7.45pm.

Tickets £5 until 8th November (also at retailers), £7.50 on the day, £35 premium tent tickets (online only)

Full details https://winchesterbonfire.co.uk/tickets/

 

* Dunhurst Fireworks

Dunhurst School GU32 2DR – Friday, 8th November

Food, bar and crepes from 6pm, bonfire lit 6.45pm, fireworks start 7pm

Adults £12.50, all children free

Non Dunhurst pupils will require tickets and all non-boarders must be accompanied by an adult

To book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking

 

* Rushmoor Fireworks Spectacular

Manor Park, High Street, Aldershot – Saturday, 2nd November

The Rushmoor Borough Council organised event has been held at Manor Park for more than 20 years and has grown to be one of the largest public fireworks events in the region, regularly attracting around 10,000 people. Gates open at 5pm.

A large funfair, with catering vehicles offering food and refreshments, will be available leading up to the 20-minute firework spectacular, starting at 7.30pm

Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

No sparklers, alcohol or dogs allowed.

 

* Space Flight Fireworks Night

Fontwell Park Racecourse – Saturday, 2nd November

Join the celebrations of 50 years of space exploration with an out of this world theme and firework display.

Gates open at 5pm with plenty of food and drink options, Horton’s Funfair and live entertainment from the Spirit FM stage.

The musical firework display takes off at 8pm from the Centre course.

For ticket information and to book visit https://www.fontwellpark.co.uk/whats-on/fontwell-fireworks-extravaganza

 

* Farnham Fireworks & Torchlit Procession

Farnham Park, Folly Hill, GU9 0AU – 9th November

The Farnham Round Table event will start with the procession at 6.15pm, marching up Castle Street into the park led by a Scottish pipe band. Enjoy food, mulled wine, Hogback beer, children’s rides and a best guy competition. Bonfire lit 7.15pm, display to music starts 7.45pm. Advance tickets can be bought from www.farnhamroundtable.org.uk

SURREY
 

*  Fireworks Display

RHS Wisley, GU23 6QB – 2nd November

Gates open 5pm, fireworks 6pm. Tickets £10 adults, £5 children. Visit gardentickets.rhs.org.uk/rhswi/sessions.aspx?tid=55

 

* Torchlight Procession & Fireworks Display

Stoke Park, Guildford, GU1 1ER – 2nd November

Torch sales 6-7pm, 6.45pm mayor’s address, 7pm torchlight procession starts, 8pm fireworks start

£5 per person, £10 per family, all profits to local good causes. Visit www.guildfordlions.com

 

* Cranleigh Lions Bonfire & Fireworks

Cranleigh Common, GU6 8LU – 2nd November

Fun starts from 1pm with a fun fair, also Friday evening. Procession starts from Park Drive 6pm, winning ‘Guy’ placed on bonfire 6.45pm, fireworks display to music 7.30pm, fun fair on The Common 8pm. Free, £5 donations suggested to help local charities. For full details, visit www.cranleighlions.org/events/bonfire-fireworks

 

* Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday

Ascot Racecourse – 2nd November

After a day’s racing, enjoy more than 11,000 shots released to a timed playlist of songs. Tickets adults (13+) £7 advance, £10 on the day, child (5-12) £5 advance, £8 on the day – access to the course after 4pm, fairground rides from £1

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/y676lxja

 

* Woking Fireworks 2019

Woking Park – 2nd November

Fireworks display synchronised to music to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landings, with fun fair, food and drink. Gates and funfair 5.30-9.30pm, fireworks display 7.30pm. Advance tickets adult £5, child £3, family £12; on the night, adult £6, child £4, family £15. All proceeds to charities chosen by Woking District Rotary Club. wokingfireworks.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets

 

* Send Marsh Bonfire Fun

Send Marsh Green, Woking GU23 6LA – 2nd November

Send Scouts annual bonfire, starts 6pm with torchlight procession and bonfire
lighting, before display
starts 7pm.

 

*  Fireworks Display & Bonfire Night

Haslemere Museum garden, High Street, Haslemere, GU27 2LA – 2nd November

Enjoy a dazzling display by FAB Fireworks, doors open 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Enjoy the display with burgers, hotdogs and mulled wine.

Tickets £6 museum members, £8 non-members, booking in advance advised www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk

 

*  Guy Fawkes Fireworks & Bonfire

Chiddingfold Bonfire, GU8 4TX – 2nd November

Food stalls and beer tent open at 5pm with the park and ride open from 5.30pm. Torches on sale from 6.30pm before procession starts at 7pm. Bonfire lit 7.30pm, fireworks start 8pm. Prize draw 8.30pm.

 

* Bonfire & Fireworks

Bisley village green, School Close, GU24 9EG – 2nd November

Bonfire lit at 6.30pm, fireworks start at 7pm.

There’ll be burgers, hotdogs, hot drinks, sweets and glow sticks for sale. No sparklers please.

Event is raising funds for Bisley Scout Group

 

* Bonfire & Fireworks

Pirbright Village Primary School, School Lane, GU24 0JN – 8th November

Professional display in aid of Friends of Pirbright School with themed bonfire, refreshments, bar and BBQ

Gates open 5.30pm, bonfire lit 6pm, fireworks 7pm.

Tickets adults £5, children £3.50

 

* Farnham Fireworks & Torchlit Procession

Farnham Park, Folly Hill, GU9 0AU – 9th November

The Farnham Round Table event will start with the procession at 6.15pm, marching up Castle Street into the park led by a Scottish pipe band. Enjoy food, mulled wine, Hogback beer, children’s rides and a best guy competition. Bonfire lit 7.15pm, display to music starts 7.45pm. Tickets from www.farnhamroundtable.org.uk

 

* Bonfire & Fireworks

Bramley Field, GU5 0AX – 9th November

Assembly of ‘Guys’ in library car park 6pm, torchlight procession 6.40pm, bonfire lit 7.10pm, fireworks 7.45pm (all times are approximate). Free, donations welcome.

 

* Fireworks Display & Bonfire Night

Beacon Hill playing fields, Tilford Road, Hindhead GU26 6RF – 9th November

BBQ, mulled wine, hot chocolate & refreshments, glow sticks & much more courtesy of the Friends of Beacon Hill School, from 4.30pm

Tickets: adults £6, children £4, family (2+2) £18

Discounted tickets available. All proceeds towards the learning environment at Beacon Hill Primary School.

 

* Fireworks Extravaganza

Bushy Hill Junior School, Sheeplands Avenue, Merrow GU1 2SG – 7th November

The annual fireworks display takes place from 6pm. Hot dogs, soup, drinks and glow sticks will be on sale. You will need to arrive before 7pm as gates are closed after that. Please park considerately. No sparklers thank you.

Tickets will be available on the gate, adults £6, children £4. Under 2s free. All proceeds go to the Friends Association of Bushy Hill Junior School.

 

* Fireworks Display

Farnborough Football Club – 3rd November

Enjoy a fireworks display, fun fair and disco.

Turnstiles open at 6pm. Bar open from 4pm. Fun Fair opens at 3.30pm. Display lights up from 7pm.

Please show your Eventbrite ticket and ID at the turnstiles.

Adults £5, under 16s £3, under 2s free (must be carried, or on lap if seated) but must be accompanied by a paying and responsible adult.

Onsite parking is limited, £2 per car. Please bring the correct change.

To book visit www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Service & sacrifice

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In association with The Royal British Legion, we recognise the unseen service of the Armed Forces past and present.

I come from a military family,” explains poppy seller Chris Stephenson. Along with his wife, every autumn Chris, 73, who served in the Royal Air Force for nine years, spends eight hours a day, rain or shine, outside his local branch of Sainsbury’s in Witney, quietly raising awareness of Remembrance. And his motivation for doing this, as with many volunteers, is deeply personal.

“Eight members of my family fought in the First World War,” he says. “My grandfather and three of my great uncles died out there. My father was one of the last to get off Dunkirk beach. My wife’s father was also on the destroyer escort ships protecting the Atlantic convoys. I had the honour – on one of my trips to France and Belgium – to pay respects to my grandfather and great uncles and to meet a Canadian family and pay my respects to many Canadian soldiers. Most of the people I’ve mentioned have long departed this Earth, but wearing the poppy every year is my way of remembering and showing them gratitude. It’s the least I can do for the sacrifice they made.”

The Royal British Legion, which was born in 1921,  is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 235,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and 2,500 local branches. The charity provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Support starts after seven days of service and continues through life, long after service is over, from expert advice to recovery and rehabilitation to transitioning to civilian life.

The poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and hope for a positive future and peaceful world. In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields which inspired the poppy’s use as a symbol of Remembrance.

“I think I was about four years old when my father pinned a poppy on my coat,” adds Chris. “So when I became a member of The Royal British Legion it was only right for me to raise money for the people who gave so much for their country. I will continue doing it until I’m no longer capable of doing so.”

The red poppy is worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces communities across the UK, Allied Forces and the Commonwealth and all parts of the poppy are recyclable. Only donations from the sale of RBL red poppies go directly to helping those in need. Last year the Poppy Appeal raised over £50 million for charity. “In my position as a Poppy Appeal organiser, I help hand out 240 boxes of poppies, 240 collecting tins to all the local shops, pubs, clubs, hotels and businesses,” explains Chris. “I’d say 99.9% of the people I meet in Witney and surrounding villages are absolutely fantastic. Most, if not all, thank us for what we are doing and ask if we will be back again next year. People actually come looking for us to put money into our tins. With the help of council staff, shopping precincts, and staff and Sainsbury’s customers, my wife and I collect for the whole fortnight of the Appeal.

“I’d like to say thank you to all the people in Witney who help us to raise such a wonderful amount of money each year for such a worthy cause.”

Rotary Watches is proud to continue its partnership with the Royal British Legion by launching a new limited-edition timepiece marking this year’s Remember Together campaign and 
its heritage as one of the official watch suppliers to the British Army during World War 
II. There are just 1,000 individually numbered models available. Visit www.rotarywatches.com

Tattoos have become central to Remembrance 
in the Forces community. Inked on to the skin, they commemorate friends who have served, illustrate sacrifices and mark the lasting bonds formed between men and women who live, train and fight together. Military tattoos are full of meaning and symbolism. Read the stories at www.britishlegion.org.uk and visit the live exhibition at the National Memorial Arboretum 
in Staffordshire before Sunday, 1st December.

Rememberance

Want to support our Armed Forces community? From a donation or a gift in memory of a loved one, to raffles lotteries and poppy products, there’s something for everyone. For marathons, abseils, dinners and concerts you can support

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‘Tis the season…

Round & About

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Christmas is approaching and, ahead of advent, we thought that now would be a good time to suggest some great places across our large & thriving readership areas for a tipple, a bite or for presents.

So stop and enjoy a festive drink or a winter warmer meal, perhaps as a breather while you’re out shopping or else for a date or catch-up with friends. Those who work in our food & drink industry will tell you that it’s hard work and local stars deserve our recognition. Share your favourites, too in the comments below.

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Waddesdon Halloween

Round & About

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Photo: Adam Hollier, National Trust, Waddesdon Manor

Make time this half-term to follow the ghosts of Waddesdon along terrifying trails, carve a pumpkin or sink your fangs into some ghoulish treats.

Throughout October half-term (Saturday, 26th October to Sunday, 3rd November) Waddesdon will host the living and the dead with a range of spooky activities and tasty treats daily from 10am to 3pm.
Join a terrifying trail if you are brave enough to complete The Dread Book. Let the trail tell you a tale of terror on Miss Alice’s Drive, perhaps you’ll spot a ghost or two – £3 per child.

Try your hand at the traditional Halloween craft of pumpkin carving from 26th October to 1st November. Perform a post-mortem on a pumpkin and take it home to light the way – £5 per pumpkin.

Tuck into a spooky afternoon tea during the week and indulge in some terrifying treats at the Manor Restaurant with a delicious spooky snake, ghost meringue and an eyeball cupcake. Adults £22.50, children £15.50 or add some sparkle to your tea for £27 adults.

When half term is out the way, Waddesdon steps into Christmas mode from Saturday, 16th November until Sunday, 5th January. Displays in the house this year explore the connection to the world of music with a festive twist, from carols to Christmas hits. The gardens will be illuminated with sparkling lights and colour.

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Didcot Food Festival

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Enjoy great food & drink, fantastic cookery demos and magic at this year’s Didcot Food Festival on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October.

Didcot Food Festival, now in its fourth year, has proved so popular that this year the event will cover two days. Held in the Didcot Civic Hall, which offers indoor space for over 50 artisan traders, the Kid’s Kooking Zone, Chef’s Theatre and Vintage Tea Room.

The show opens at 10.30 am on the 26th by the time-travelling magical duo Morgan and West who will combine an act of magic and a love of food. Rhys Morgan says: “Our opening at this year’s Didcot Food Festival will be ‘bafflemint’ mixed with a hint of amazement and a generous dollop of laughter. We can’t give away too much; a good magic trick is like a good joke and ruined if you let the punchline out of the bag too early. So, to enjoy our opening act, you will just have to ensure you are part of the crowd and see what it is all about.”

Other Oxfordshire chefs lined up to amaze the audience with their culinary skills are old favourite Nick Bennett who reached the final of MasterChef The Professionals in 2015. Nick has a way of creating fine dining dishes look so simple, but we all know it takes a lot of technical skill to produce the type of food for which Nick is known for. Other chefs include Joe McCarthy from the award-winning Wychwood Inn at Shipton-under-Wychwood. Joe takes simple ingredients and turns them into memorable and very tasty dishes. John Van Nielerk from the newly opened Hilton Garden Inn in Abingdon which will be showcasing something fishy: the hotel’s restaurant has a Mediterranean influenced menu, but John also adds a hint of South African flavours to his food, drawing on dishes from his homeland. We will also gain an insight into some of the food produced by the chefs at The Circle Hospital in Reading.

For lovers of Thai food, Nawamin Pinpathomrat, the post-graduated research doctor who reached the final of the 2018 MasterChef will be cooking a splendid crab dish inspired by flavours from Thailand combined with Cornish crab.

Organiser of the Chef’s Kitchen, former Great British Bake Off quarter finalist Christine Wallace will give a fun demonstration with Howard Middleton who also appeared in Series 4 of GBBO. Together they will show off their baking skills adding a huge amount of laughter and amusement throughout the whole demonstration. Ali Imdad who was on the programme with Christine and Howard will also be showing how he is influenced by flavours from his travels and his culture.

Former That’s Life presenter and now BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Bill Buckley will show his love of cooking once more. Also new for this year will be two masterclasses on butchery skills and chocolate making. Radio presenter Al Ryan will be Master of Ceremonies.

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Excited to get cooking? Check out our recipes and get in the foodie spirit

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LoLo app

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How about being rewarded when you shop and eat? That’s the simple idea behind a new app – LoLo which has just launched in Reading.

The loyalty app encourages customers and businesses to be true to their high street and buy and eat at local retailers and restaurants.

And it couldn’t be simpler to use, all you need to do is download the app and you’ll get free access to £20 of ‘loyalty tokens’ to receive discounts at multiple participating businesses.

The mobile app has three functions: LoLo Local – for local high street retailers businesses, tradespeople and more all giving discounts by accepting local loyalty tokens; LoLo Eats – whether eating in or enjoying a takeaway at home there’s a discount to tuck into too; LoLo Mall – major retailers will offer exclusive discounts to members.

The app means shoppers enjoy discounts and businesses get to connect with customers to help them build creating vibrant communities.

LoLo co-founder and CEO, Ian Jones said: “The beauty of LoLo is the more local businesses and customers that join the free loyalty platform, the more they will all benefit.  Each time a customer makes a purchase with a local business using their loyalty tokens, they receive more tokens back that they can then spend again at the same business or redeem at another participating shop, mechanic, butcher or restaurant. LoLo is the gift that just keeps giving.

“Every time people spend money they are casting a vote on the future community they want. If we want vibrant local communities then we must support the local businesses who employ local people and pay local business taxes.

“When we spend money with international online giants we send the money away from our community and add to the local decline.

Supporting local businesses helps to keep the money circulating in our local community.”

You’re a winner and the business is a winner too – so what are you waiting for! 

Download the app

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