The Scoop Room reopens at new location – just in time for Easter

Zoe Gater

The wait is over. The Scoop Room from Gelato Henley has officially reopened its doors following its recent move – and here’s how you can grab a cone.

The wait is over. The Scoop Room from Gelato Henley has officially reopened its doors following its recent move – and here’s how you can grab a cone.

After a short closure, The Scoop Room is now welcoming customers to its brand-new shop on Reading Road in Henley.

Previously based on Duke Street, the new premises promises a bigger and better venue for customers to enjoy its signature gelatos and sorbets.

On the menu, expect fan favourites such as Jammie Dodger, Kinder Bueno, After Eight, cinnamon, Baileys, white chocolate & raspberry, zingy mango sorbet and plenty more – all available in cones or tubs.

And if you want to fill your own freezer, many flavours are available for home delivery via Gelato Henley’s website.

The Scoop Room is open from 12pm to 7pm Sunday to Wednesday, and from 12pm to 8pm Thursday through Saturday.

Please note that opening hours may vary during holidays.

Mike Stoneham brings Shakespeare’s most raucous rogue to life on stage in Oxford with Falstaff

Zoe Gater

Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or simply in search of a night of unfiltered entertainment, Falstaff promises a theatrical experience that is as bold and boisterous as the man himself this April 2026.

Raise a cup, loosen your belt and prepare for a night of glorious misrule when Falstaff takes over the stage at The Players Theatre in Oxford – for just one special night in April.

Taking place on Friday 17th April 2026, renowned actor Mike Stoneham presents a bold, hilarious one-man play celebrating one of Shakespeare’s most beloved and outrageous characters, offering a new take on the boastful, boozy, larger-than-life figure.

Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Robert Nye, this fast-paced production reimagines the raucous rogue in a whirlwind of wit, mischief and unapologetic excess.

Described as ‘fat, flatulent and fabulous’, this version of Sir John Falstaff draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s appearances of the character in Henry IV and Merry Wives of Windsor, with Mike delivering a performance which captures a shameless appetite and surprising charm.

Tickets cost £15 per person.

For more information or to book, visit thameplayers.co.uk/events/falstaff.

Meet the Oxfordshire garden designer bringing elegance and organic flow to people’s lives

Zoe Gater

Garden designer Fanija Bluma tells us about her journey and what she loves about local life in Oxford.

From the cobbled streets of Riga to the meadows of Oxford, garden designer Fanija Bluma has lived a life shaped by nature, beauty and a touch of luxury.

Growing up in Latvia, surrounded by northern landscapes and a deep cultural connection to the natural world, she says it was inevitable she would one day return to her roots.

After an early career in luxury fashion and beauty retail – working with houses such as Parfums Christian Dior, Bottega Veneta and TOD’s – Fanija turned her attention back to the soil, founding Fanija Bluma Gardens, her garden design practice.

Now based in Oxford, where she has lived with her family for the past 15 years, Fanija draws inspiration from the city’s unique mix of historic architecture, university life and green spaces.

“Oxford is so unique,” she says. “Where else can you find meadows and cows grazing beside the walls of one of the world’s greatest universities?”

When she’s not working, she loves to visit the Oxford Botanic Garden and college gardens such as Trinity, Worcester and St John’s – a living textbook, as she calls it.

Family life is central too. Her children, now 17 and 20, have grown up here, while Tess, the family’s Border Collie, keeps everyone active with her energetic swims in Port Meadow.

“She gazes at the ripples in the water, listens to the geese, then drenches me with her ‘wet dog shake’,” Fanija laughs.

Closer to home, she enjoys sourcing ingredients from local favourites like Alden’s Meatmaster, Hayman’s Fish Market and Mayfield House Farm for family meals – though she admits her husband is the real star cook.

For dining out, Gees is a favourite spot, not least because Fanija herself looks after the restaurant’s plants.

For Fanija, winter is one of the most exciting times of year. It’s bulb-planting season, when she puts the groundwork in for the colour and fragrance of spring. It’s also a time for dreaming up new designs – gardens that, in her words, are “not just places to be, but places that create emotions and memories.”

Fanija is also a member of the Twenty Pound Meadow Allotment Association, where she finds joy in “slow living” – evenings by the river, al fresco dinners, and a reminder of summers in Stockholm.

Her wish for the new year is simple yet heartfelt: an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Until then, she continues to create her “love gardens,” blending elegance and organic flow to touch people’s lives.

For more, visit fanijabluma.com.

Music at the Unicorn finds new home at St Helen’s Church in Abingdon

Zoe Gater

The Music at The Unicorn team are relocating to a new home at St Helen’s Church, with the same great sounds.

Music at the Unicorn is on the move in May, swapping the ancient and beautiful Unicorn Theatre for the even more ancient and beautiful St Helen’s Church.

Important work is being carried out to the Abbey Buildings to protect their 800 years of history from the elements and to bring amenities up to date, necessitating the move. Work is due to be completed in 2028.

Kevin Thomson, fundraiser for MATU (Music At The Unicorn), tells us the brief was simple when it came to looking for a new home for the not-for-profit organisation: somewhere in the centre of Abingdon, ideally with some history. As a steward of the church, Kevin suggested the venue, well aware of the church’s assets as a music venue – the excellent acoustics, seating capacity and location.

St Helen’s Church’s foundations go back to the 10th century although there were probably ecclesiastical buildings on the site as far back as the 7th century. The unique design means it is actually wider than it is long, having five aisles. Did you know that it’s the second widest church in the country?

St Helen’s Church fabric officer Steve Thomas was very excited to help MATU. He said: “We are pleased that St Helen’s Church is able to provide a venue for the continuation of MATU gigs during 2026 and onwards.

We are excited to welcome a wide range of new performers and audiences to this historic space.
Duncan Chappell, MATU’s A&R director, says: “We’re looking forward to seeing our artists entertaining our audiences in another unique space. The grandeur of St Helen’s Church has to be seen (and heard), to be believed!”

Nigel Tait, MATU’s lighting technician, adds: “We have 12 exciting main acts in this year’s programme, more than half of them in St Helen’s Church. I’m sure our regular supporters will follow us here and hope our new venue will attract new audiences who appreciate excellent music in atmospheric surroundings.”

MATU’s concerts will take place mostly in the South Aisle of the church, although there is the option to use more of the church for larger audiences.

The team are always on the lookout for artists and bands to support the main acts. If you are a music fan and would like to suggest an artist or band who should play at the Unicorn (or St Helen’s!), they would love to hear from you as they go from MATU to MASH – Music at St Helen’s.

The first concert takes place at St Helen’s on Thursday, 7th May, with Sam Carter and Jon Wilks double bill.

For more information, visit musicattheunicorn.org.uk or book tickets at ticketsource.co.uk/music-at-the-unicorn.


Marlborough Tiles celebrates 90 years with English Garden Delft collection

Zoe Gater

Blending heritage, artistry and a love of the natural world, the English Garden Delft collection brings warmth and timeless appeal to both classic and contemporary spaces.

Marlborough Tiles celebrates 90 years of craftsmanship in 2026, with the launch of its latest collection, English Garden Delft – a beautifully hand-painted series inspired by the charm of the English countryside and the company’s rich heritage.

Set beside the River Kennet and surrounded by the rolling Marlborough Downs, the Wiltshire-based maker has long drawn creative inspiration from its natural surroundings.

The new collection captures the gentle beauty of English gardens, with motifs including sunflowers, geraniums, robins, hedgehogs and wood pigeons. Each design reflects the rhythm and abundance of the landscape that shapes daily life at the factory.

“Each motif in the collection has been carefully chosen by a member of our team. It is a true collective expression of life in Wiltshire,” says Anita Rivers, new product development manager.

Every tile tells a small, personal story – from favourite garden flowers to familiar local wildlife. A standout feature is a distinctive corner motif drawn from Marlborough Tiles’ mid-20th century archive, which nods to the past while reinterpreting traditional Delft design for modern interiors.

Artisans create each tile using the time-honoured Majolica technique, applying pigments directly onto raw glazed surfaces before firing.

This process, which the company has used since 1936, gives every tile distinctive look. No two pieces are identical, and subtle variations highlight their handmade quality.

The collection comes in two signature shades – Rosalind Blue and Sylvia Blue, named after founders Rosalind Ord and Sylvia Packard – and features a soft crackle glaze that adds character.

Each tile measures 13 x 13cm, available in chalk white or antique white base tones.

The English Garden Delft collection is available at marlboroughtiles.com.

Image © Marlborough Tiles.

Astrology & Tarot for April 2026

Zoe Gater

What’s in store for you in April 2026? Melanie Harding, founder of Soul Healing Guidance, offers her new monthly guides for all signs…

Aries (March 21–April 19)

With the Sun in your sign Aries, there’s a quiet confidence building, one that doesn’t need to prove anything, yet naturally draws attention your way.

The Full Moon on the 1st brings something to the surface. A truth, perhaps. A feeling you can no longer set aside. This is your moment to express what’s in your heart, even if it means drawing a line or letting something go.

Mars, your ruling planet, returns to Aries on the 9th, and you’ll feel your drive sharpens, your instincts quicken, but so too can your reactions. There’s power here, but it asks for awareness. Especially on the 13th, when Mars meets Neptune, things may feel slightly unclear or emotionally charged. Give yourself space before making decisions.

From the 14th, Mercury supports you in finding the words. You may notice it’s easier to articulate what you want.

The New Moon on the 17th offers a beautiful reset. This is a moment to reconnect with your identity, your image, how you move through the world. Whether that’s refreshing your look or simply choosing yourself more consciously, something shifts.

As the Sun moves into Taurus on the 19th, your focus turns towards stability and income. Over the coming weeks, there’s real potential to grow something tangible – especially if you’ve been putting in the effort behind the scenes.

By the 24th, Venus softens your communication, helping you find that balance between honesty and grace. And then, on the 25th, Uranus begins a long journey through Gemini. Over time, this will awaken your mind in new ways, bringing flashes of insight, unexpected conversations, and a restless curiosity. Stay grounded, and this could become one of your greatest assets.

Tarot card: The Emperor

A return to self-leadership. This is about standing firmly in who you are, making clear decisions, and creating stability from within – rather than reacting to everything around you.

Taurus (April 19–May 20)

April begins in a quieter, more inward space for you Taurus. With the Sun moving through your introspective zone, there’s a natural pull to step back, reflect, and listen more deeply to yourself.

The Full Moon on the 1st brings closure around a work situation or daily routine. Something completes, creating space, though you may not yet see what’s waiting to fill it.

As the month unfolds, Mars, Mercury, and the Sun gather behind the scenes of your chart. There’s a sense of quiet productivity here. You may be working on something not yet ready to be seen, or simply needing time away from the noise to focus. Trust that this phase has purpose.

Around the 13th, something opens. Venus forms a supportive connection to Jupiter, and with it can come a moment of ease, financially or emotionally. A small stroke of luck, or simply a reminder that things are beginning to move again.

The New Moon on the 17th invites rest. Not as an escape, but as a reset. A day to tend to yourself, gently and without expectation. Your season begins on the 19th, and with it, a return of energy and clarity. You may feel more visible, more certain, more ready to step forward. Others notice this too – there’s a quiet leadership in you now that draws people in.

As Venus moves into your financial sector on the 24th, there’s potential for growth in income or a shift in how you value your time and energy. The following day, Uranus joins this part of your chart for the long term.

Over the coming years, your financial world may change in unexpected ways – sometimes fluctuating, but ultimately encouraging you to build something more aligned and selfsufficient. Staying mindful with money will be key – but so will trusting your ability to adapt.

Tarot card: Four of Swords

Rest is not a luxury this month – it’s a necessity. This card speaks of retreat, integration, and allowing things to settle before your next move.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

With the Sun moving through your friendship and community sector, Gemini, conversations flow and invitations arrive to remind you how much you thrive when your world feels mentally and socially engaged.

The Full Moon on the 1st carries a softer, more intimate note. Amidst the busyness, there’s space for romance, creativity, or simply feeling seen in a way that touches the heart rather than just the mind. It’s a beautiful moment to step out of the noise and into something more meaningful.

From the 9th, Mars enters Aries, followed by Mercury shortly after. This combination keeps your social momentum alive, but it also places you in a more active role within your circles. You may find yourself initiating plans, leading conversations, or stepping forward in ways that feel energising, but be mindful not to overextend yourself.

The New Moon on the 17th offers a chance to consciously shape your community. Whether that’s hosting something, reconnecting with people who matter, or setting intentions around the kind of connections you want to cultivate, there’s a sense of planting seeds that will grow over time.

As the Sun moves into Taurus on the 19th, your energy naturally begins to turn inward. After such a socially rich period, you may crave more solitude, more reflection, more quiet space to process. This shift isn’t a withdrawal, it’s a necessary recalibration.

Around the 20th, your voice carries particular weight. Conversations have substance now, and there’s an opportunity to negotiate, express, or articulate something important. Trust your instincts here, your words can open doors.

With Venus entering your sign on the 24th, your natural charm becomes even more magnetic. You’re seen, appreciated, and received with warmth.

Then, on the 25th, Uranus begins a longterm transit through Gemini. This marks the beginning of a deeper awakening, one that encourages you to fully embrace your uniqueness, your originality, and the parts of you that refuse to fit into neat boxes.

Tarot card: The Magician

A reminder that your words, your ideas, and your presence are powerful tools. What you speak,
initiate, and focus on now has the potential to shape your path in tangible ways.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

There’s a quiet sense of momentum building around your public life this month, Cancer. With the
Sun moving through your career sector, your efforts are becoming more visible, drawing the attention of those who matter. You may feel both exposed and ready, a combination that asks you to stay rooted in yourself as things begin to expand.

The Full Moon on the 1st brings you back to your emotional foundations, reminding you where you come from and what truly supports you. This grounding allows you to move forward without losing your centre.

From the 9th, Mars enters Aries, igniting your ambition and giving you the drive to pursue what you want more directly. Mercury follows on the 14th, opening the door to conversations, negotiations, and opportunities that require you to speak up and be clear about your direction.

The New Moon on the 17th can bring a fresh professional beginning, something that aligns with your longer-term path, even if it feels like a stretch. Trust your readiness more than your doubts. As the Sun moves into Taurus on the 19th, your focus softens into connection and community, your social world becoming a source of support and enjoyment.

Venus shifts into a more private part of your chart on the 24th, inviting rest, reflection, and gentler emotional spaces, Uranus follows on the 25th, beginning a longer journey of inner awakening, healing, and intuitive development.

Tarot card: The Star

Hope, renewal, and quiet faith in where you are heading, even if the full picture has yet to reveal itself.

Leo (July 23–August 22)

April begins with a sense of openness and possibility Leo, with the Sun lighting up your sector of travel, learning, and perspective. You may feel drawn towards experiences that broaden your mind, shift your outlook, or take you beyond your usual environment.

The Full Moon on the 1st can bring a spontaneous opportunity to move, travel, or say yes to something different, even a change in thinking can feel just as significant.

Mars enters Aries on the 9th, fuelling your desire for adventure and action, Mercury follows on the 14th, bringing ideas, plans, and conversations that support your need to explore further. You’re not content to stay still now, there’s a hunger for growth that wants to be followed.

The New Moon on the 17th opens a doorway, an invitation to begin something new that expands your world, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually.

From the 19th, your attention turns towards your career and long-term direction, the Sun highlighting your ability to lead and step into positions of authority. You may feel called to take yourself more seriously here, to own your capabilities without hesitation.

Venus brings warmth and ease to your social life from the 24th, making connections feel more supportive and enjoyable, Uranus on the 25th begins a longer shift within your friendships and networks, introducing new people and unexpected changes that reshape your circle over time.

Tarot card: Three of Wands

You are looking beyond where you are now, expansion, opportunity, and forward movement are already unfolding.

Virgo (August 23–September 22)

Virgo, April draws your focus towards shared resources, deeper commitments, and the quieter emotional undercurrents that often sit beneath the surface. There’s a sense that something requires your attention, not urgently, but meaningfully.

The Full Moon on the 1st highlights a financial or emotional situation that benefits from clarity. Avoid postponing what you already sense, addressing it now brings a sense of steadiness.

As Mars and Mercury move into Aries from the 9th, you’re encouraged to take a more active role in these matters, conversations around money, boundaries, or shared responsibilities begin to move forward, giving you the chance to bring things into balance.

The New Moon on the 17th can bring an unexpected shift, a financial boost, a resolution, or simply a sense that something has eased. It may not change everything overnight, but it offers a new starting point.

From the 19th, your energy begins to lift and expand, travel, study, or future planning calling you forward again. Venus enters your career sector on the 24th, softening your professional path and making interactions smoother.

Uranus on the 25th introduces longer-term changes in your work life, encouraging flexibility and openness to new directions.

Tarot card: Six of Pentacles

A gentle rebalancing, giving and receiving come into harmony when you honour your own worth.

Libra (September 23–October 22)

Relationships take centre stage this month Libra, drawing your attention towards the balance between your needs and those of others. There’s an invitation to be more honest, more direct, while still holding your natural grace. Speak your truth with care and new beginnings in love and partnership will unfold.

The Full Moon on the 1st supports emotional clarity, helping you express what you may have previously softened or set aside. There’s strength in naming what you feel.

From the 9th, Mars and Mercury move into Aries, bringing a more assertive tone into your relationships. You may feel quicker to react, quicker to speak, this isn’t something to suppress, but it does ask for awareness, especially when emotions run high.

The 13th offers a softer moment, a chance to reconnect, travel, or share something meaningful together. The New Moon on the 17th opens the door to a new beginning in partnership, whether romantic or professional, something initiated now carries long-term potential.

As the Sun moves into Taurus on the 19th, deeper emotional and financial bonds come into focus, asking for honesty and trust. Venus from the 24th draws you towards exploration, learning, and shared experiences.

Uranus on the 25th begins a longer shift that awakens your desire for freedom, growth, and a broader view of life and love.

Tarot card: Justice

Truth, balance, and alignment, this is about meeting others as equals while staying rooted in
yourself.

Scorpio (October 23–November 21)

Scorpio, April places your attention on your daily life, your work, your wellbeing, and the balance between effort and restoration. There’s much to be done, but also a need to move sustainably.

The Full Moon on the 1st invites rest, a pause before things gather pace, giving yourself this
space sets the tone for everything that follows.

From the 9th, Mars moves into Aries, energising your work sector, Mercury follows, bringing focus and mental clarity. You’re capable of achieving a great deal now, your drive is strong, your ability to organise and lead becomes more apparent.

The New Moon on the 17th is ideal for beginning a new routine or health practice, something that supports you long-term rather than offering a quick fix.

As the Sun moves into Taurus on the 19th, your attention shifts towards relationships, inviting connection, depth, and shared time.

Venus from the 24th adds intimacy and emotional warmth, Uranus on the 25th begins a longer transformation around shared resources and deeper bonds, bringing both change and opportunity.

Tarot card: Death

A powerful transformation, releasing what no longer serves allows something more aligned to take its place.

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)

There’s a lightness to April that suits you well, Sagittarius. A return to joy, creativity, and the simple pleasure of being fully present. The Sun in your romance and creativity sector invites you to reconnect with what makes you feel alive. Follow what excites you, courage in love leads the way.

The Full Moon on the 1st brings connection, perhaps through a social event or an unexpected meeting, there’s something here that reminds you how important shared experiences are.

From the 9th, Mars and Mercury move into Aries, encouraging boldness in matters of the heart. You may feel ready to say more, do more, take a risk that previously felt uncertain.

The New Moon on the 17th can mark the beginning of something new, a romance, a creative project, or even a shift in how you express yourself. There’s freshness here, something that wants to grow. From the 19th, your focus moves towards work and responsibility, bringing a steadier rhythm.

Venus on the 24th brings harmony into your relationships, making it easier to navigate any differences, Uranus on the 25th begins a longer shift that emphasises freedom within connection, asking you to honour both closeness and independence.

Tarot card: Knight of Wands

Movement, passion, and bold action, follow what sparks you, but stay aware of where it’s leading.

Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

Capricorn, April begins with a focus on home, family, and the structures that support your life. There’s a sense of building, organising, and tending to what matters most on a practical level. You strengthen your foundations and allow space for joy to return.

The Full Moon on the 1st brings recognition, something you’ve worked towards becomes visible, offering a moment to acknowledge your efforts.

From the 9th, Mars and Mercury bring activity into your home environment, there may be changes, projects, or decisions that require your attention, while busy, this period is productive and purposeful.

The New Moon on the 17th is ideal for property matters or creating a new sense of stability, something begun now has the potential to grow steadily over time.

As the Sun moves into Taurus on the 19th, your energy lifts, romance, creativity, and enjoyment returning to the forefront. Venus from the 24th softens your work environment, making collaboration easier.

Uranus on the 25th begins a longer shift in your daily routines and work life, introducing innovation and change.

Tarot card: Ten of Pentacles

Long-term stability, legacy, and creating something that endures beyond the present moment.

Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

April keeps you in motion Aquarius, with the Sun activating your communication and travel sector, bringing a steady flow of ideas, conversations, and opportunities to connect.

The Full Moon on the 1st may bring a spontaneous journey or a shift in perspective, something that opens your mind in a meaningful way. Work consciously with this energy and you will be surprised at the outcome.

From the 9th, Mars and Mercury keep the pace lively, plans may change quickly, new ideas arrive just as fast, there’s excitement here, but also a need to stay grounded amidst the movement.

The New Moon on the 17th offers a chance to set intentions around communication, learning, or a project that involves sharing your voice.

From the 19th, your focus turns towards home and personal space, creating comfort and stability becomes more important. Venus from the 24th brings warmth to your romantic life, Uranus on the 25th begins a longer creative awakening, encouraging you to express yourself in ways that feel authentic and liberating.

Tarot card: Page of Swords

Curiosity, observation, and a fresh perspective, stay open, there is much to discover.

Pisces (February 19–March 20)

April brings your attention towards finances, self-worth, and the practical aspects of building security, Pisces. There’s an opportunity here to create something more stable, but it begins with clarity. Trust your value and your intuition so you can build something steady and real.

The Full Moon on the 1st highlights what needs attention, perhaps a financial detail or something
that has been quietly draining your resources. Facing it directly brings a sense of relief.

From the 9th, Mars and Mercury bring momentum into your financial sector, giving you the drive and determination to increase your income or pursue new opportunities. There’s a sense of capability here that grows as you take action.

The New Moon on the 17th is powerful for starting something new, particularly a business idea or side project that has the potential to grow over time.

As the Sun moves into Taurus on the 19th, movement increases, communication, travel, and connection becoming more prominent.

Venus from the 24th turns your attention towards home, inviting beauty and comfort into your space.

Uranus on the 25th begins a longer period of change within your home and family life, bringing shifts that may feel sudden but ultimately lead to greater alignment.

Tarot card: Ace of Pentacles

A new beginning in the material world, something real and lasting is ready to be built.


Young photographers invited to compete in GAP Festival 2026 contest

Zoe Gater

From wildflowers and otters along the Thames Path to insects and birds in the garden, budding young photographers are encouraged to step outside, look closely, and frame the world as they see it.

This June 2026, the GAP Festival Family Day returns to the beautiful Goring Gap villages of Goring and Streatley with its theme, ‘The Wonders of the Natural World’, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a love of nature in all ages.

And this year, budding shutterbugs from across the local area can enter a nature photography competition, delivered in partnership with acclaimed photographer Simon Booker and Beale Park.

The competition features three age groups: Little Explorers (ages 5–7), Wild Wonders (ages 8–11), and Nature Through My Lens (ages 12–14).

Judges will look for images that tell a story – whether through a close-up moment, a sweeping landscape, or a glimpse of wildlife in action.

You don’t need a professional camera, either. Photographers can use a camera, tablet, or smartphone. If you’re using a phone, shoot in HD (24–48MP) to ensure your photos are ready for printing.

Organisers will showcase shortlisted images from each category in a special Nature Photography Exhibition at St Thomas’ Church, alongside stunning wildlife portraits by Simon Booker.

Organisers will announce the winners on Family Day, awarding each an exclusive photography workshop with Simon. They will also award the overall Young Nature Photographer of the Year a family day pass to Beale Park.

To enter, visit thegapfestival.org

Please note, entries close at 5pm on Friday 29 May 2026.

25 years of healing in nature: Karen Sutton on the impact of Root & Branch in Watchfield

Zoe Gater

Karen Sutton tells how Root & Branch in Watchfield helps people on their road to recovery towards mental and emotional wellbeing, using nature and a safe space.

Spring unfolds gently at Root & Branch, and with it comes something more than blossom and longer days.

Based at Westmill Farm near Watchfield, this much-loved charity marks its 25th year supporting adults living with complex mental health challenges – and there is no season more symbolic of its work than spring.

As seedlings push through in the polytunnel and colour returns to the beds, participants arrive each week to tend the land and, in many ways, themselves. Root & Branch offers therapeutic gardening alongside pottery, rural crafts, woodworking and cookery, all within a safe, welcoming, non-clinical environment.

Many plants are grown from seed as part of each individual’s recovery journey, offering purpose, routine and the quiet satisfaction of nurturing something into life.

“Being outdoors, working with nature and seeing things grow plays a powerful role in supporting wellbeing,” says Karen Sutton of Root & Branch.

“Spring is especially rewarding – there’s fresh planting, new growth and a real sense of possibility across the site.”

Gardening tasks are carefully adapted so everyone can take part, whatever their confidence or ability. The emphasis is not on perfection but participation – building confidence, connection and practical skills at a steady, supportive pace. Even Luna, the charity’s therapeutic dog, plays her part, offering comfort and companionship to those who would like it.

This year, as part of its 25th anniversary, Root & Branch continues to develop its therapeutic spaces to make them even more accessible. Improvements to pathways and the creation of quiet reflection areas are being delivered in phases, with ongoing fundraising needed to complete the full project.

The charity’s annual plant fayre takes place from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Sunday 17th May and will be a highlight of the spring calendar.

Visitors can browse plants grown with care by participants, alongside handmade crafts created in workshops. Every purchase directly supports the charity’s work – and it’s a joyful opportunity for the wider community to step inside the garden and see its impact first-hand.

“What we most value here is the strong sense of community and access to countryside,” adds Karen. “If I could make one wish, it would be that mental health support is accessible, stigma-free and community-based, so everyone can find belonging when they need it.”

After 25 years, Root & Branch continues to prove that with patience, care and the right environment, growth is always possible.

Find out more at rootandbranch.info.

Tour unique contemporary works at Braziers Park during Oxfordshire Artweeks 2026

Zoe Gater

An art exhibition in the atmospheric grade II listed barn at Braziers Park offers a rare chance to explore contemporary creativity and a remarkable slice of local history too.

Taking place on Saturday 2, Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May, and again on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2026, the Oxfordshire Artweeks exhibition at Braziers Park runs daily from 10am to 6pm – apart from Monday, when it’s open from 4pm to 7pm.

Braziers Park itself is something of a hidden gem. Set within a striking Grade II-listed “Strawberry Hill Gothic” house and estate, it has long been a hub of creativity and a laboratory for community life.

Originally built in the 17th century, the house was later remodelled in the Gothic revival style by a naval officer who had served with Captain Cook on the Endeavour. Over the decades, it has hosted films, music, festivals and cultural projects, while providing a retreat for artists, thinkers and educators.

Exhibiting in the barn are three artists united by their love of the countryside and local history. Jacqueline Burrage presents colourful local landscapes, capturing the character and shifting light of the surrounding area. Wendy Botto shows vibrant still life paintings alongside scenes of Oxford, Braziers and Italy.

Ariadna Alvarez brings a three-dimensional element to the exhibition with expressive pottery and sculpture.

The site’s modern chapter began in 1950, when Norman Glaister bought the house following wartime service with the Army Medical Corps. Inspired by Wilfred Trotter’s book The Instincts of the Herd in Peace and War, he envisioned a community dedicated to education, peace and collective living – a vision that continues to shape Braziers Park today.

Entry is free and refreshments will be available, making it an easy and welcoming day out in the Chilterns.

For more information, visit artweeks.org and byaristudio.com.

Peppa Pig Live is back in a brand new ‘oinktastic’ stage show

Zoe Gater

Peppa Pig and her family prepare for an oinktastic day of fun, as the world-famous pig appears live on stage at Wycombe Swan, in April 2026.

Join Peppa and – for the very first-time – baby Evie, as they embark on their latest adventure in Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show when it appears on stage at the Wycombe Swan in April 2026.

With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need your help to get everything ready before the arrival of baby Evie!

There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?

With performances on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April 2026, the show is packed full of songs, laughter, and interactive fun, it’s the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones.

Bringing Peppa and friends to life is a talented cast of actors, singers and puppeteers including Charlie Culkin, Cinem Gopaul, Cate Brookes and real-life married couple Emma Hilts and David Tudor.

The production is directed and co-adapted by Richard Lewis, who said: “It’s a new era for Peppa and her family as we introduce Baby Evie alongside Peppa, her friends and family to a live theatre audience, in a show that brings a heart-warming and relatable new story, packed full of fun, to life.”  

For more information or to book tickets, visit trafalgartickets.com.