Abingdon’s big party

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Hundreds will be looking forward to enjoying the popular Fun and Music in the Park on 1st June

Abingdon’s popular Fun and Music in the Park returns to the historic Abbey Gardens on Saturday, 1st June with a variety of entertainment for the whole family.

The grounds will be full with rides, stalls, face painting, street food, live music and dance, bouncy inflatables and loads more free activities to keep you enthralled all day.

Fun in the park is a free walk-in event from 10.30am to 3pm and open to all.

It’s also a great opportunity to find out about some of the wide range of local societies and community groups in and around Abingdon and they amazing work they do and how you can get involved.

From 5pm until 10pm, Music in the Park takes over with some fab local bands including Jake in the Duke Box, Nevada, Fallen Angels, The Voodoo Penguins and Hope and Glory, taking to the stage.

Take along a picnic and enjoy dancing on the grass before a proms style concert by Abingdon Town Band accompanied by fireworks to make the evening finish in a very special way.

Music in the Park is entry via wristband only with sales online and over the counter at Roysse Court from 1st May. On this day too, there will be an early morning celebration of May Day in the Abbey Grounds.

Abingdon Town Council, which organises the event is reminding revellers to take all litter home with them after the fun ends.

For more information contact the council on 01235 522642 or visit Abingdon.gov

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Prophet Sharing

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Two great religions. Two great comedians. The descendants of Abraham may have gone their separate ways, but now stand-up comedian friends Ashley Blaker and Imran Yusuf are joining forces in the most-unlikely double-act since Kermit and Miss Piggy, the pair are travelling the UK uniting people of every faith and none for an evening of laughter and come to South Street Arts Centre this week. Peter Anderson caught up with the pair to chat about the show and their love of comedy.

With the current divisive nature of politics, it is nice to see comedy trying to bring unity, where did the idea for the show come from? Ashley replies “: I had thought for a while about doing something like this and then Imran came to see my Edinburgh show and really enjoyed it so I thought it would be worth asking him”. Imran agrees;” The show was Ashley’s idea I went to see him in Edinburgh last year and afterwards we got talking and he pitched this format.”

Speaking of the format, what can audiences look forward to? “Authentic experiences of two people from religious backgrounds who actually know what they are talking about.” Imran explains, whilst Ashley entices us “We perform separately and then do half an hour together. Thereafter I don’t want to give too much away.” He smiles.

Would there be the possibility of a sequel, together or perhaps with comedians of other faiths following your splendid lead? Imran replies “I hope this inspires other comics to explore something similar. Ashley and I are both quite well read into our faiths with some hardcore experiences, I hope to see more of something like this rather than the pedestrian narratives that are well worn out now.

I’m already working on another solo show and have vowed to read every major religious book over the next few years to help understand the multiple world views we are all so devoted to.” While it seems, Ashley has a partner lined up for 2020! “I have asked Tom Cruise if he’d like to do a show with me – orthodox Jew and Scientologist. Not sure how funny he is but I thought he would probably shift a lot of seats.”

You are coming to Reading, is this somewhere you have happy memories of? Ashley replies “Yes I’ve performed my last two solo shows in Reading, so I am very much looking forward to coming back.” Imran has also performed here “Yes, I’ve performed in Reading a few times before. At the Uni and for two previous solo shows”.

For your chance to see them together, they are at South Street Arts Centre on 4th June.

  For information go to Reading Arts.

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10 top hotels in Devon

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From luxury boutique hotels for romantic mini breaks to family friendly beachside escapes, hotels in Devon are blessed with beautiful landscapes and plenty of local suppliers, making their food and wine superb. As the days get warmer and weekends away get even more appealing, here the Good Hotel Guide shares 10 of their top hotels in Devon with us…

Burgh Island Hotel

Bigbury on Sea

A hotel that’s really unlike any other, Burgh Island is a 1920s gem on a private island off the coast of Bigbury on Sea. Connected to the mainland by a strip of sand where the tide comes in from both sides, you are escorted to their hotel on their unique sea tractor. It is little wonder that Agatha Christie was inspired to write famous stories including Poirot whilst staying at the hotel. Guests are invited to an evening of white tie dining in 1920s style amongst the authentic Art Deco glamour. Definitely one for special occasions.

Visit Burgh Island Hotel

The Old Rectory Hotel

Martinhoe

A rural haven, this Georgian country house sits amongst the peace and tranquility of Exmoor. With views of the sea it has all the hallmarks of a dreamy Devon escape including a quintessentially British menu of local produce, hewn into delectable dishes by Michael Caine acolyte Thomas Frost.

Visit The Old Rectory Hotel

Hotel Endsleigh

Tavistock

Built for Georgiana, Duchess of Bedford, Hotel Endsleigh was once a fishing lodge. It stands in a ‘magical’ landscape of grottoes and follies created by Humphry Repton, on the banks of the Tamar, while inside interior designer Olga Polizzi contrasts rustic simplicity with antiques, hand-painted wallpaper and modern artwork.

Visit Hotel Endsleigh

Lewtrenchard Manor

Okehampton

A luxury country house hotel, Lewtrenchard Manor is a family run hideaway in a secluded valley on Dartmoor. In a setting that’s virtually untouched by any kind of development, the hotel offers the perfect combination of luxury accommodation and countryside tranquility. Beautifully decorated with oil paintings, stucco ceilings and antique-filled rooms, it is a place to visit for romantic weekends strolling on the moors and to snuggle down with a good book.

Visit Lewtrenchard Manor

Cary Arms and Spa

Babbacombe

Down a winding road that takes you right to the beach, Cary Arms and Spa is perched in an idyllic position right by the water. A luxurious escape offering superb food and accommodation characterised by coastal elegance, it is a classic English inn that has really surpassed itself. Charming beach huts are uniquely characterful, the spa adds an extra level of relaxation and you’re literally a stone’s throw from a swim in the sea.

Visit Cary Arms and Spa

The Pig at Combe

Honiton

Known for its food, The Pig at Combe is a honey coloured Elizabethan country house amongst the rolling Devon hills. Its exceptional, curated rustic style is a trademark of The Pig brand, as is its three walled kitchen gardens and its dedication to using local produce. In particular, that means Devonshire cheese and locally reared meat from butchers around the market town of Honiton. Warm, welcoming, romantic, stylish and excellent for foodies.

Visit The Pig at Combe

Fingals

Dittisham

Eccentric and quirky are definitely words to describe Fingals. Somewhere between and hotel and a B&B, proprietors willingly describe it as a unique experience. It is a little like going into a time warp – somewhere between the home of an eccentric aristocrat and a 1930s rural escape. In this 17th century property each room is different – antiques and artefacts are peppered throughout so it’s a bit of an adventure at every turn, all harping back to a bygone era combining a homely welcome and a sense of humour. It is a real favourite with families whose children must feel like they’ve walked into an Enid Blyton novel when they’re here. Run around on the lawns and play croquet, hide and seek, boules and let mum and dad watch whilst drinking tea from china cups, as relaxed as if they were at home.

Visit Fingals

Southernhay House Hotel

Exeter

An exquisitely decorated boutique hotel on a quiet street in Exeter, Southernhay House Hotel fuses the best of personality, history and contemporary style and service. Deliciously styled with rich colours, antiques and furnishings that complement the Georgian architecture, the staff are friendly – nothing is too much trouble, the food is exceptional and the environment is one you could happily sit and have coffee in all day long. Make sure you leave lavish amounts of time for dinner and breakfast because they are really worth enjoying. And in the morning be sure to spend lots of time luxuriating in super comfortable beds with a cup fo tea. They even leave a little bag of local fudge in the bedroom for you to welcome you. Everything is a delight.

Visit Southernhay House Hotel

Thurlestone Hotel

Kingsbridge

Surrounded by a golf course and five minutes from the sea, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches at the Thurlestone Hotel. You can go for easily accessible beaches or secluded ones for the more adventurous amongst you. That said, if you decide to stay at the hotel you can explore the subtropical gardens, games library, badminton courts, and a pint in the 16th century pub next door. The spa had a renovation recently which has turned it into a really exceptional space to unwind. A family friendly hotel but also offering a sense of old world elegance, it will definitely make for a really special family holiday to remember.

Visit Thurlestone Hotel

Bayards Cove Inn

Dartmouth

A historic pub with rooms, Bayards Cove Inn is located at the end of the main street in Dartmouth, just tucked away enough that there aren’t any cars going past, but right in the midst of things so that you are three seconds from the water’s edge. If you were to visit in the height of summer during the regatta weeks, you really would be in the centre of all the buzz. You are greeted outside by a chocolate-box perfect entrance – Tudor architecture with its slightly crooked doors designed in an era where nobody ever exceeded 6ft tall. You walk straight into the pub when you arrive, and check in is at the bar. It is so well placed for anyone wanting to explore Dartmouth, but equally if you simply want to spend a night away and feel indulgent without breaking the bank, it’s ideal.

Visit Bayards Cove Inn

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Medieval Jousting at Stonor Park

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Stonor Park are hosting the Knights of Royal England for a weekend of medieval jousting on the 29th – 30th June.

A truly memorable jousting tournament including horse riding events to test courage and skill as well as foot combat with Medieval weaponry.  Support the winners and heckle the losers – this is an event not to be missed.

There will also be falconry displays, archery and dancing dragons to add to the Medieval experience.

EARLY BIRD TIER1 TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE AND PROVIDE A SAVING OF £3 PER TICKET.  BOOK NOW WHILE THEY ARE STILL AVAILABLE.

Pictures include those by the Knights of Royal England.

Get your tickets here

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Big lunch: The perfect ingredients

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Add a handful of community spirit, a sprinkling of food and a big dose of fun to create The Big Lunch on 1st and 2nd June

ll together now, “Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours…” – that’s got you humming away I’ll bet, but it’s very much the key idea behind The Big Lunch.

The scheme launched in 2009 by the Eden Project to bring people together celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and hopes to get even more involved in the simple act of fun and friendship through having lunch with your neighbours.

From that first event which began as one day for people to meet, greet, share, swap, sing, play and laugh, it grew to more than 9.3million people taking part in over 90,000 events all round the country in 2017.

More than just bringing communities together, The Big Lunch, this year on 1st and 2nd June, wants to improve the happiness and wellbeing of people by encouraging them to make positive changes where they live, working with each other and nature, towards a better future.

Whether that be with a few sandwiches in your front garden, a traditional street party or a big community bash, holding a Big Lunch is simple – the main ingredient is you and your neighbours.

The Eden Project has some top tips for planning your Big Lunch:

Choose a venue

Remember if you are planning a street party you’ll need to ask permission from your local council to have the road closed

Pick a date

Most lunches will be held the first weekend in June but you can choose one to suit you

Consider your invites

Think about who you want to ask

Plan the food

Keep it simple, don’t make too much work for yourself, perhaps make it a shared picnic, get everyone to bring a dish and contribute

Make some decorations

This can all be part of the fun of coming together, make bunting out of scraps of material, plastic bags and other bits and pieces

Play music

A simple idea is to get some background music going with a few radios on the same station or if you’re lucky enough to have a musician in your street make the most of it

Get local support

Don’t be afraid to ask local business for help with chairs or even prizes for a raffle and let your local media know too

Fundraise at your Big Lunch

Getting everyone together can be the ideal opportunity to help a cause close to your heart or a local asset such as a children’s play area

And after the event don’t forget to share your story…

There’s an opportunity to come together before that with The Big Lunch Community Walk from 17th to 31st May when a group of people will be visiting community projects in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

There may already be a lunch in your street or area but if not then “carpe diem” and start organising one today!

To find out how you can get involved in The Big Lunch, please visit Eden Project Communities

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Community shop

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Visit summer market ad find out what makes Hampstead Norreys Community Shop an award winner

Congratulations to the Hampstead Norreys Community Shop which has been named south east regional winner in the village shop/post office category of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The awards dubbed the ‘rural Oscars’ are now in the 14th year and recognise the skills, produce, tradition, enterprise and the people behind the businesses.

All the regional winners in five categories – local food/drink; butcher; rural enterprise; pub and village shop/post office – will now attend the national final at the House of Lords in June to see who will be crowned the overall champion.

The community shop and café opened in 2011 and has become the hub of the village. As well as stocking a wide range of groceries at good prices there are a range of ‘made for Hampstead Norreys’ goods such as jam and marmalade and items that make good presents. And if they don’t have what you want, they’ll try to get it for you!

Speciality bread comes from Hetherton’s in Newbury, meat and fish from Vicars Game of Ashampstead as well as locally produced fruit, veg and free-range eggs.

This amazing community shop has also introduced Paypoint, has a prescription drop off and collection service and allows you to have parcels delivered there too.

And they say if there are other services you would like to see introduced just speak to the manager Mandy and they’ll do their best to help.

The courtyard café serves delicious foods for breakfast and lunch and if you have any specific dietary requirements let chef Jamie know  and he’ll do his best to help.

If you’ve not discovered this village treasure yet then make sure you visit the summer market on Saturday, 1st June. There’ll be more than 30 stalls including food and drink from Noi’s Thai Kitchen and Tutts Clump Cider, health and beauty, arts and crafts, homemade cakes, fashion and jewellery, live music and Armadillo Images in the orange tent.

Admission is free, there’s parking and toilet facilities.  
Pop along and see for yourself and find out what makes the community shop so worthy of its regional award.

Fingers crossed for the national final!

Find out more about the Countryside Alliance Awards

Photo: Manager Mandy and chef Jamie celebrate the community shop’s 8th birthday earlier this year

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Interiors: Really wild

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Animal motifs, themes & prints can add some real personality to your home. Liz Nicholls rounds up a flock of favourites… What are yours?

With style it really is a case of different strokes for different folks… and fans of the minimal, declutterd home aesthetic imight want to look away now.

For a few glorious seasons, animal print has spotted on fashion fans from head to toe… We love a bit of leopard print here at Round & About Towers (and not just the ladies!). The maximalist aesthetic has been a roaring success on the home front, too. A seismic shift away from the greige and modular home designs we might have seen everywhere in the Noughties and onwards, clashing prints, bold colours and tropical treats have earned their style stripes. Be assured: a few well-chosen animal and safari-themed pieces can add a lot of personality to any room, without being overwhelming. Here are some creature comfort suggestions as a starting point. Join me on Pinterest for more prints inspo @LizxNic

1. Vases, Melody Maison; 2.Lemur lampshade, Red Candy. 3.Print, £5, Abstract House. 4. Zebra & animal print cushion, £21, Gisela Graham. 5. Tea tray, Raj Tent Club. 6. & 9. Tigers wallpaper and Oiseau cushion, Santorus. 7. & 8. Contemporary fabrics and home accessories, visit www.sarahfortescue.com 10. Chair, Out There Interiors     

Enter our competition to win this ‘Arrivée’ Velvet Scatter Cushion from Santorvs

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National BBQ week

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Get the grill out it’s time for national barbecue week

You know it’s summer when you can smell the distant whiff of charcoal burning and hear the cry of “burgers are ready”.

But barbequing has come such a long way since its traditional image of a group – usually men – stood huddled around a grill trying to keep it alight and judge the fine line between serving up raw sausages and burning them to a cinder.

Last year it is estimated the UK held around a staggering 135million BBQs; hooded BBQs are the most popular, closely followed by flat grills with rotary grills and smokers increasing in popularity.

When it comes to what we cook on them now it seems that while the humble burger and sausage are still favourites, our tastes are more eclectic now to include swordfish and more ‘exotic’ vegetables.

There are some great tips and advice available and whoever you ask will tell how they do it and what’s best but a few good ‘rules’ to follow are:

Marinated food tastes and grills better, as well as the taste, food is protected against the high grill temperatures. The longer you can marinate for the better but place food in a sealed bag in the fridge to improve the flavour

Temperature-wise, try the hand test – hold you hand around 6 inches from the grill, if you can hold it in place for around 2-3 minutes, that’s ideal

Don’t grill too quickly or on too high a heat – this will burn meat on the outside and leave it undercooked inside. The way to cook? Sear high and then low and slow

Safety first always – make sure your BBQ is well away from a hedge, fence or shrubbery; use only proper BBQ lighter fuel; if using a gas BBQ and it fails to light immediately, turn it off, leave for a while and try again.

Whatever you decide to cook on your BBQ, enjoy it and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

Find our ideas and inspiration for barbecue sides here

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Surrey County Show

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Celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Surrey County Show

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Surrey County Show and the fantastic family fun day out shows no signs of slowing down.

The annual show brings the country and rural life together in the heart of Guildford with animals, entertainment, rural crafts, food and drink and competitions to guarantee a day with something for everything.

Surrey County Show welcomes around 40,000 visitors to the 66-acre site at Stoke Park and this year they can expect the usual variety of attractions that makes it such a great day out.

At the centre of the show on bank holiday Monday (27th) are the animals and livestock that ensure this truly is a country show – cows, sheep, pigs, goats, horses and donkeys will fill the fields.

Competitions will put beef bulls alongside dairy heifers with rare sheep breeds on show too. Two of what will be the most popular competitions promise to be the ‘Grumpiest pig’ and the fascinatingly named Pig most like its owner!

Horses, ponies and donkeys will be on parade in the equine rings and why not bring your dog along and for the chance to win a prize in the fun dog show – there’s a class for everyone as well as dog agility and terrier racing among others.

Younger children will be able to handle smaller animals at Miller’s Ark petting farm as well as enjoy entertainment from Punch and Judy, a sheep show and donkey rides.

Rural life is a major feature of Surrey County Show too with birds of prey, a milking parlour, Dorset Axeman, vintage tractors and a whole host of rural crafts.

Over in the Grand Arena, big beasts of a very different kind will star when the monster trucks – 7.5ton Big Pete and The Grim Reaper – leap 15ft into the air, crushing anything in their path and will pull a car in a monster tug-of-war.

The heavy horse musical drive and marching band will add to the colour and spectacle of the day with more theatrics coming tricks and stunts from the BMX show.

Guildford Fringe Theatre Company will perform all day and there’ll be Maypole and Morris dancing to entertain you too.

You’ll no doubt need some sustenance to help get you through the day and there are plenty of food and drink choices to keep you going. The Food Theatre will feature a British cheese talk and tasting while Crumbs Brewery will show how they brew beer from left-over bread.
Food and drink from all over the world will rub shoulders with local delicacies on offer at Surrey Farmers’ Market.

If you like to shop ‘til you drop there’s plenty to choose from with hundreds of stalls offering everything from clothing to gifts and homeware to furniture and even luxury cars!

Stoke Park is easy to reach by road or rail, with on-site and nearby parking, four Park and Ride sites and a special train station shuttle bus at £1 each way. Don’t miss it – with so much to see and do, the biggest challenge will be fitting it all in to one day!

Surrey County Show is on Monday, 27th May, from 8am to 6pm.

For tickets please visit Surrey County Show

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English wine week

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Raise a glass to English Wine Week

You may not be that familiar with English wines but there are more and more of them and they are becoming more popular.

Last year there was significant increase in wine production and sales and exports of wine have grown so there has never been a better time to celebrate English Wine Week which runs from today (25th May) until 2nd June.

There are more than 400 vineyards around England and Wales with several producing award-winning varieties, many of which can be enjoyed on visits to the vineyards.

These vineyards last year produced 15.6million bottles; 1.6million vines were planted amounting to 1,000 acres with another two million due to be planted this year. Most of the vines planted are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Bacchus.

English Wine Week aims to raise awareness of English wine across the country and many vineyards are open to the public in our region.
Why not visit one of these and try out the splendid wines they’re producing:

Surrey

Albury Vineyard, Guildford; Blackdown Ridge Estate, Haslemere; Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking; Godstone Vineyard, Godstone; Grange Estate Wines, Alresford; Greyfriars Vineyard, The Hog’s Back; High Clandon Estate Vineyard; Lakeside Vineyard, North Chiddingfold and Weyborne Vineyard, Haslemere

Oxfordshire

Bothy Vineyard, Frilford Heath; Brightwell Vineyard, Wallingford; Fairmile Vineyard, Henley; Fawley Vineyard, Henley and Hendred Vineyard, East Hendred

Berkshire

Alder Ridge Vineyard, Hungerford; Enborne Vineyards, Enborne; Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Twyford and Winding Wood Vineyard, Hungerford

Gloucestershire

Larkhill Vineyard, Tetbury; Poulton Hill Estate, Cirencester and Three Choirs Vineyards, Newent

Wiltshire

Southcott Vineyard Partnership, Pewsey

There’s an extra treat for wine lovers the following week too with English food and wine taking centre stage at Brightwell Vineyard near Wallingford on Saturday, 8th June.

Find out more about The Wine & Food Festival

 To find out about these and how you can get involved visit Alzheimer’s Society

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