Round & About Magazine

Author: Zoe Gater

  • Treat mum to a countryside escape in Newbury this Mother’s Day

    Treat mum to a countryside escape in Newbury this Mother’s Day

    Looking to treat mum to an unforgettable Mother’s Day in 2026? Newbury’s charming boutique pub and hotel, Hare & Hounds, has pulled together a full weekend of celebrations to make her feel extra special.

    Families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day in style can head to Hare & Hounds in Newbury, where a full weekend of brunches, afternoon teas, Sunday roasts and overnight stays will take place on 14 and 15 March 2026.

    To begin with, the weekend kicks off with a Mother’s Day Brunch, where mum will receive a complimentary mimosa, Bloody Mary or soft drink on arrival. For those wanting to elevate the experience even further, there’s the option to upgrade to 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails for £38 per person.

    Alternatively, guests can opt for Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Tiptree preserves, alongside indulgent sweet treats such as red velvet cake and mini chocolate eclairs.

    And what’s Sunday without a traditional roast? Guests can tuck into seasonal dishes specially designed for the occasion, starting with pressed duck terrine, burrata or twice-baked cheddar soufflé.

    For mains, choose from rosemary roasted leg of West Country lamb, dry-aged rump of British beef or porchetta. To finish, desserts include blueberry cheesecake, Belgian chocolate mille-feuille and classic sticky toffee pudding.

    What’s more, tables of four or more dining after 5pm will receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco. Meanwhile, for evening bookings between 6pm and 8pm, kids can eat for just £1, making it an ideal option for families.

    Finally, for those wishing to turn the celebration into a full weekend escape, the hotel is offering a special Mothering Sunday overnight stay package. This includes breakfast and a bottle of prosecco in the room, with prices starting from just £99 per room on Sunday 15 March.

    For more information or to book, visit hareandhoundsnewbury.co.uk.

  • Fleet Lions celebrates its 39th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours in 2026

    Fleet Lions celebrates its 39th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours in 2026

    Join Fleet Lions for the 39th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours on Monday 4 May 2026 – and boost local charities.

    “Get the bike out of the garage, change the oil, check the plugs and give it a polish – unless it is in wonderful ‘as original’ condition, then please don’t show it the polishing rag, it will have a heart attack!”

    Wise words from Fleet Lions who are revving up for this year’s Motorcycle Run and Concours on Monday 4 May 2026.

    Polished or not, it’s time to register your bike and be part of this fantastic day of classic bikes, a great ride and good company all while supporting Fleet Lions for the early May bank holiday.

    Starting in The Key car park at Elvetham Heath on the A323 Fleet to Hartley Wintney Road (///wallet.twinkling.bonkers), the event normally attracts well over 200 entrants with bikes ranging from the early 1900s to the later classics, with conditions varying from untouched original to gleaming concours restoration.

    Riders come from far and wide around the South East to take part, with it becoming a well-established event in the enthusiasts’ calendar.

    If you’ve not been recently or are a virgin in the classic bike world, join Fleet Lions for the 39th run from the car park around the Hampshire and Berkshire countryside and returning for the Concours in the afternoon.

    The route will be the tried, tested and much-loved route that has been ridden on for many years (subject to change), which if you have not been before uses good country roads, not one-track lanes with loose gravel in the middle.

    Start the day with a hearty breakfast between 9.30am and 10.30am courtesy of the Lions catering team, washed down with a tea or coffee at half price if you bring your own re-usable cup.

    Enjoy catching up with riders and visitors, old and new, have a chat, compare notes and then you’ll be ‘fuelled up and ready for the off at 11am.

    The road run is approximately 46 miles (subject to change). Route cards, numbers, and badges, etc., will be issued on registration at the start in the car park.

    There will be no time checks or observed sections. Riders will be despatched at suitable intervals in order to avoid congestion.

    The route is marked at junctions where a turn is required by arrows on the road signs.

    The Calleva Arms in Silchester, roughly half way round the route, has kindly agreed to host any riders who wish to stop there for any refreshments.

    Pre-registration costs £11 or £14 on the day.

    All riders receive an enamel commemorative badge.

    To take part, register here: fleetlions.org.uk/booking35 and for more information, including the Concours Classes, visit fleetlions.org.uk/fundraising/motorcycle.

  • Meet Dom Ford: Oxfordshire garden designer

    Meet Dom Ford: Oxfordshire garden designer

    We chat to dad and local gardener Dom Ford, whose life and work are shaped by soil, seasons and the community.

    Spring is a season of promise, and for Dom Ford, it’s where everything begins. Aged 34, Dom is a father of two, a soon-to-be newlywed, and co-owner of Ford and Kent Gardens – a growing Oxfordshire business that’s rooted by a deep love of plants, people and place.

    Dom runs the company alongside his partner Kat, balancing garden maintenance and design with family life. “All things that bloom excite me,” he says, and it’s easy to see why.

    Gardening isn’t just his work – it’s the rhythm of his year. Each season brings something new to look forward to, whether it’s fresh shoots in spring, summer borders at their peak, or planning future designs.

    Now living in Wootton near Woodstock, Dom feels lucky to be surrounded by countryside. “Oxford’s history and architecture are incredible,” he says, “but it’s the landscape that really feeds the soul.”

    Being on the edge of the Cotswolds and close to the Chilterns means walks are never dull, especially the winding National Trust hillside route down through hidden valleys, past Friar Park and on to Hambleden, a village with serious film-star credentials. As a gardener, Dom knows his local centres well, regularly visiting Bunkers Hill, Yarnton and Oxford Garden Centres for inspiration and supplies.

    Yarnton’s antique shop and indoor play area make it a family favourite, while in Oxford he’s discovered a new ritual stop: The Golden Cup coffee shop by St Michael’s church.

    Further afield, he recommends a detour to Nettlebed Creamery and a legendary cheese toastie.

    Food and family go hand in hand, with The Old Shed in Charlbury a regular lunch stop, and The Killingworth in Wootton or The Greyhound near Cumnor saved for relaxed evenings out.

    This year holds some particularly exciting milestones. Dom and Kat are set to marry atop a mountain in Austria at the end of this month, and professionally, he’s completing advanced garden design training at the English School of Gardening, based at the historic Chelsea Physic Garden. He’s also planning guided garden tours this summer, offering a horticultural eye on some of Oxfordshire’s finest green spaces.

    Above all, Dom’s outlook is rooted in care. “Let’s value the outdoors and each other more,” he says – a simple wish, perfectly planted.

    You can call Dom on 01865 688324 or visit fordandkent.co.uk for more information.

  • Oxfordshire photographer Charlotte Dingley on capturing life, love and light

    Oxfordshire photographer Charlotte Dingley on capturing life, love and light

    We chat to mum and photographer Charlotte Dingley, who captures life, love and light across Oxfordshire.

    For Oxfordshire-based Charlotte Dingley, photography is about more than capturing a picture – it’s about preserving a feeling.

    A part-time primary school teacher and professional wedding and family photographer, Charlotte lives in Didcot with her husband and their two young sons, Xander and Arthur, along with Daisy, their “very sweet but extremely food-driven” cat.

    Life is busy, joyful and grounded in making the most of everyday moments –muddy walks, cooking together, reading when time allows.

    Charlotte grew up in Sonning Common and has lived in Didcot for the past 10 years. Oxfordshire’s landscape runs through her story: childhood adventures in beech woods, riverside walks in Henley, lunches in Mill Meadows during her college days.

    Now, she shares those same simple pleasures with her boys – trips to Wittenham Clumps, exploring the Ridgeway, mini golf and park visits back at Mill Meadows.

    Family is at the heart of everything Charlotte does. Both of her sons were born deaf due to Usher Syndrome, a genetic condition that is the leading cause of deaf-blindness. While they have their sight now, it will gradually deteriorate as they grow older. It’s a reality that has shaped Charlotte’s perspective profoundly.

    “We get out and enjoy life as it is,” she says. “Making as many visual memories as we can.”

    That philosophy informs her photography. Whether she’s documenting a wedding or capturing a family climbing trees or snuggling on the sofa with a book, Charlotte works in a relaxed, unobtrusive style, focusing on connection rather than perfection.

    “I aim to capture the feeling of the day and the story of the couple,” she explains. Her passion for inclusivity also runs deep; she actively campaigns for greater awareness of Usher Syndrome and has spoken in Parliament to highlight the challenges faced by those living with the condition.

    When she’s not behind the lens, Charlotte can often be found browsing plants at Root One Garden Centre or walking to The George at Upton with her family. No.33 in Didcot is another favourite — particularly for a Biscoff milkshake.

    As spring unfolds, Charlotte is looking ahead to new creative projects and another season of love stories, laughter and light-filled days — all captured, thoughtfully, for years to come.

    For more information, visit charlottedingleyphotography.co.uk.

  • Relive your childhood hits with James B Partridge at Reading Hexagon

    Relive your childhood hits with James B Partridge at Reading Hexagon

    Sing along to childhood hits with Britain’s favourite schoolteacher at the Reading Hexagon this April.

    Viral sensation James B Partridge returns with his biggest Primary School Bangers tour yet, bringing classic singalongs and nostalgia to the Reading Hexagon on 26 April 2026.

    This brand-new nationwide run will bring the songs that defined our childhoods to life across some of the UK’s most iconic theatres and concert halls across February, March and April.

    Fans can expect singalongs, feel-good nostalgia, and the infectious energy that has turned James into a national phenomenon.

    Following the sell-out success of The Big Christmas Assembly, which played to tens of thousands across the UK, demand for James continues to soar.

    What began as playful classroom performances has exploded into one for the country’s most joyful live music successes – from viral social media fame to afield-closing Glastonbury set featured on the BBC.

    James has also charmed audiences on Chris Evan’s Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, Sunday Brunch, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong, proving that his unique blend of humour and harmony delights every generation.

    For more information or to book, visit Reading Hexagon’s website.

  • 3 simple things to consider when refreshing your home this spring

    3 simple things to consider when refreshing your home this spring

    Interior designer Sara Wallander-Ross, founder of Oxford’s Studio Wallander, shares three key tips to keep in mind when refreshing your home.

    “Just like people, every building has its own behaviour, and the homes that function best are the ones that work with that.

    “When thinking about a home, whether it’s a period property or a newer house that needs more character, I always start with its personality and potential”, said Sara Wallander-Ross, founder of Oxford’s Studio Wallander.

    As spring approaches, homely quirks become more visible: here are three angles to keep in mind as you prepare for the lighter days.

    Lead with personality, not trends

    Great homes show your personality as well as the character of the space and feel both comfortable and beautiful. Colour, pattern and texture are the elegant tools of timeless rooms and nothing to be nervous about.

    Use them to your advantage. Antiques and vintage pieces in real wood and natural fabrics bring character and patina, so look to your local antique and secondhand shops as well as auction houses for small side tables, lamp bases and well-made chairs. They will age well; most flat-pack won’t. In a narrow Victorian hallway or a newer semi-detached home, a few solid pieces do more for character than a car boot of ornaments.

    Look to the light

    If you constantly feel irked by the colour and mood of your room, start by finding out which way it faces. Is it a cool north-facing space that needs warmth, or does it get strong westerly evening sunlight? Pinning down how much light you get, when it is at its brightest, and the colour temperature will help you with both mood and function.

    ‘I have seen dark, north-facing rooms go from dingy and lifeless to impactful jewel boxes when the light is allowed to steer the colour palette,’ Sara says. ‘If you try to fight the light, you will lose the battle. The right colour scheme can turn the gloomiest room into something cosy and welcoming.’ The upcoming seasonal shift is perfect for comparing the cooler winter light with the warmer days ahead and choosing colours that thrive in both.

    Plan before you buy

    Before you start buying new furniture or getting the paintbrush out, make a plan: storage to keep clutter at bay, lighting so you can see to read, and a furniture layout before committing to a larger sofa.

    Shopping is often the starting point for many people, but a home that feels ’off’ rarely needs more cushions. Understanding the spatial strengths and constraints of a room cuts down on stressful returns and helps avoid a house that no longer knows who or what it is. This is exactly when working with a designer can help.

    If you want to take a fresh look at colours, furniture layouts or plans for change as spring arrives, visit studiowallander.com for consultations and concept design.

  • Surprise tasting menu launches at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath

    Surprise tasting menu launches at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath

    A five-course menu that changes daily, championing the best seasonal British ingredients, has arrived at one of Hampshire’s most celebrated countryside pubs — giving diners a fresh reason to book a table.

    Foodies looking for a reason to escape to the countryside have a delicious excuse as The Mutton at Hazeley Heath launches its brand-new ‘surprise’ tasting menu.

    The award-winning Hampshire pub is serving up a five-course dining experience that changes daily, championing the every best seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

    Designed to showcase peak British produce, the menu promises something different with every visit.

    Curated each day by head chef Rob Boer, the tasting menu is guided by the freshest ingredients available and the kitchen’s creative inspiration.

    Diners can expect beautifully executed dishes that reflect both the rhythm of the seasons and the skill that has cemented The Mutton’s reputation as a destination for exceptional dining.

    Priced at £70 per person and available Tuesday to Saturday, the experience is a celebration of flavour and flexibility, with an ever-evolving line-up of dishes drawn from the pub’s most loved creations.

    Set within a lovingly restored 19th-century public house, The Mutton pairs refined cooking with warm, rural charm.

    Over the years, the Hampshire gem has racked up an impressive list of accolades, including South East ‘Pub of the Year’ at the 2024 National Pub & Awards, Silver for Best Pub at The Beautiful South Awards 2025/26 and two AA Rosettes.

    For more information or to book, visit The Mutton’s website.

  • Petersfield-based author Mikaela Jackson launches empowering book ahead of International Women’s Day 2026

    Petersfield-based author Mikaela Jackson launches empowering book ahead of International Women’s Day 2026

    Ambitious millennial women ready to claim their power and lead with greater purpose are the focus of Petersfield personal development expert Mikaela Jackson’s new book, You Are Meant for Something Bigger.

    Petersfield personal development expert Mikaela Jackson’s empowering new book You Are Meant for Something Bigger is perfectly timed for International Women’s Day this March 2026.

    We caught up with the mum-of-two to talk about millennial women, purpose-driven leadership, family life in Stroud, and her favourite local haunts.

    Hi Mikaela, You Are Meant For Something Bigger is “an essential read for millennial women ready to claim their power, realise their potential, and to live and lead with greater purpose” – can you explain more?

    “As an ambitious millennial woman navigating career, business, and family life, I wrote this book for us. It’s about helping women claim their power, realise their potential, and lead from purpose to create ripple effects of positive change – in their work, their lives, and the world.

    “We deserve to feel fulfilled, free, and like we’re truly winning at life. Because more empowered women are a positive force for all.”

    Tell us about your family

    “I’m a mum of two boys, six-year-old Koby and three-year-old Beau, and I live with them and my husband James in the village of Stroud in Petersfield.

    “I grew up in Aberystwyth and that’s where my parents still live.”

    What do you love about where you live?

    “Coming from a seaside town, I felt this burning desire to be closer to the coast and over a number of years, Petersfield kept calling us. Not only for its proximity to the coast and beautiful beaches like West Wittering – which was a huge priority, but also the beautiful South Downs countryside and its links to London and other nearby towns. It’s a great location, and the town is lovely.

    “My children go to the school and nursery in the village, so it’s just ideal. It’s a wonderful community, and the people are great and like-minded, so we’ve made lots of friends and connections already!”

    Where are your favourite haunts in the area?

    “I love going to Madeleine’s cafe in town for a coffee and to do some work on my laptop. Sky Park Farm for a nice meal, and I take my kids there – there’s often something going on, and it’s great for families. And the Seven Stars Pub on my doorstep is very convenient too!”

    Do you belong to any local groups?

    “I am on the Parish Council where I live and I go to local networking events.”

    What are you looking forward to this year?

    “My book launch is a pretty big deal for me because it has been a dream of mine to write one for so long. I’m really looking forward to enjoying the fruits of my labour and hopefully seeing the impact it has. My husband and I are turning 40 this year so we’re planning a few events to celebrate the occasion in style!”

    We are running a pets feature this month, do you have any pets and what do they mean to you?

    “We recently got a British Shorthair cat called George Blue Jackson. He’s the ideal pet for us. He’s a handsome indoor cat and not phased by much, which is good because my boys are always crashing about! I think it’s great for children to have pets to look after and love.”

  • Celebrate British Pie Week at The Savill Garden

    Celebrate British Pie Week at The Savill Garden

    A special British Pie Week menu at The Savill Garden will showcase venison sourced from Windsor Great Park itself, offering visitors a true field-to-fork dining experience this March 2026.

    Visitors to The Savill Garden can enjoy a true taste of the estate this British Pie Week, as the garden’s restaurants shine a spotlight on a signature venison and ale pie – made with meat sourced directly from Windsor Great Park.

    Taking place from Monday 2 to 8 March 2026, the celebration highlights a field-to-fork approach, featuring parkland venison paired with pale ale from Windsor & Eton Brewery, topped with golden puff pastry and served just steps from where the deer roam.

    Meanwhile, at the Gallery Cafe, guests can enjoy a choice of hearty, freshly made pies for £14, each served with two salads.

    Menu highlights include a chicken, ham hock and leek pie with a creamy sauce and shortcrust pastry lid, alongside a cauliflower and spinach pie filled with spiced cauliflower, chickpeas and lentils in vegan pastry.

    For those looking for a more indulgent dining experience, The Savill Garden Kitchen is serving a Pie Week special priced at £20.

    The elevated dish features venison braised with pale ale and root vegetables, topped with puff pastry and served with spring greens and creamy mash.

    Set within 35 acres of ornamental gardens and woodland, The Savill Garden has been welcoming visitors since 1932.

    British Pie Week offers the perfect opportunity to explore seasonal displays before sitting down to enjoy a dish that reflects the flavours — and provenance — of the surrounding park.

    For more information, visit Windsor Great Park’s website.

  • Greenham Common returns to the big screen: Gentle Angry Women + live Q&A

    Greenham Common returns to the big screen: Gentle Angry Women + live Q&A

    Are you one of the thousands of women who joined Embrace The Base in 1982? See Gentle Angry Women at Abbey Cinema this March – with a Q&A with the director.

    During International Women’s Week, a powerful new film brings the story of Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp back into focus – and remind a new generation why it still matters.

    On Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 6pm, you can watch Gentle Angry Women at Abbey Cinema, followed by a Q&A with Barbara Santi of Folklife Films.

    The evening, brought to you by Abingdon Peace Group, offers both reflection and inspiration, rooted firmly in local history.

    Greenham Common is etched into the memories of the 30,000 women – many from here – who joined the 1982 “Embrace the Base” protest against nuclear cruise missiles 25 miles from Abingdon. Although the missiles were removed nine years later, the peace camp continued for another decade, and the land has since returned to public access.

    Rather than retelling the story through archive footage alone, Gentle Angry Women follows three teenage girls from London, Cardiff and Cornwall as they encounter Greenham. What unfolds is a striking discovery of shared values: non-violent direct action, female empowerment, inclusivity and the joy of collective protest.

    Despite Greenham’s influence on arms reduction and global protest movements, its story is rarely taught. This film asks why and invites younger people to engage.

    For more information, visit Abingdon Peace Group on Facebook.