Heat up your home for less this winter with InStil Design’s Winter Warmer deal

Zoe Gater

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From beautifully considered layouts to those all-important finishing touches, InStil Design is making winter an especially good time to rethink the heart of your home – with complimentary underfloor heating included with every complete bathroom or kitchen order.

This winter, InStil Design is giving homeowners across Oxford – and beyond – another reason to turn their attention to the bathroom or kitchen they’ve been thinking about.

From November 2026 to February 2027, its Winter Warmer offer includes complimentary underfloor heating with every complete bathroom or kitchen order, subject to a minimum order value.

Of course, a warm floor is a welcome extra during the colder months, but there’s much more to an InStil Design project than the finishing touches.

As an independent bathroom and kitchen studio, InStil takes a personal, design-led approach to every project. Rather than working with just one manufacturer, the team can source cabinetry, brassware, tiles, worktops, appliances and finishes from a range of suppliers. That means the design starts with your home, your space and how you want to use it – not with a catalogue.

It’s about getting the details to work together. From the layout and storage to lighting, materials and finishes, everything is considered as part of the bigger picture, creating rooms that feel comfortable, cohesive and individual.

And when there are seemingly endless choices to make, having someone to narrow them down can make all the difference. InStil’s designers help clients navigate the options, talk through what will work and bring the different elements together into a scheme that feels right for their home.

Whether you’re dreaming of a completely new bathroom, giving your kitchen a fresh start or simply ready to explore what’s possible, the InStil Design’s seasonal offer is a good excuse to get the conversation started.

Find out more at instil-design.co.uk and see how InStil Design could help bring your next project together.

In partnership with InStil Design

InStil Design is an award-winning, independent bathroom and kitchen design studio in Oxfordshire, founded by Martina Landhed in 2012. Its experienced designers take a personal, design-led approach, selecting products and finishes from multiple brands to create spaces tailored to each project. The studio’s Oxfordshire showroom showcases complete bathrooms, kitchens and a curated selection of products and finishes.

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Twyford Scarecrow Trail returns for a wildlife-themed half-term adventure

Zoe Gater

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More than 60 creative scarecrows are expected to pop up around Twyford this October, as the popular community trail returns to raise funds for local schools.

Twyford is set to go wild this half-term as the Twyford Scarecrow Trail returns from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October 2026.

Residents, local businesses and community groups will be transforming the village with imaginative scarecrows inspired by this year’s theme, Wildlife, giving families the chance to explore Twyford and see what creative creatures they can discover along the way.

Maps cost £3, with proceeds helping to raise funds for the PTAs of Polehampton Infant & Junior Schools and The Colleton Primary School, supporting educational initiatives and activities for pupils at both schools.

Maps will be available throughout the trail from Grapevine Estate Agents, open from 9am to 5pm, and Ola Coffee Shop, open from 8am to 3pm.

With more than 60 scarecrows expected to feature, visitors are encouraged to allow plenty of time to explore the village on foot, with opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way.

The annual trail has become a popular fixture in Twyford’s calendar, bringing together the community for a week of creativity, family fun and fundraising.

So grab your map, put on your walking shoes and see how many wildlife-inspired creations you can spot this October.

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Crafted for your home: Meet Ben Heath Furniture Makers

Zoe Gater

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At Ben Heath Furniture Makers, creating beautiful bespoke furniture designed around you, your home and your lifestyle is at the heart of everything we do.

For over 25 years, our family-run business has been designing and handmaking exceptional furniture from our workshop near Hungerford. We specialise in high-quality kitchens, fitted furniture, dressing rooms, studies, bookcases and individual furniture commissions, combining timeless design with practical functionality and lasting quality.

Every project is unique. Our experienced in-house design team works closely with each client to understand their needs, tastes and the way they use their home. From the initial consultation through to completion, we provide a personal and considered service. Where appropriate, we visit clients in their homes to offer expert advice, assess the space and develop designs that sit naturally within the existing surroundings.

Mood boards, materials and colour palettes can be used to help clients visualise the finished scheme, while careful consideration is given to proportion, layout, storage and everyday use. Whether creating a complete kitchen, a fitted dressing room or a single piece of freestanding furniture, our aim is to combine elegance with practicality.

Once the design is agreed, our team of five skilled cabinet makers brings each piece to life in our Hungerford workshop. We combine traditional woodworking techniques with contemporary expertise and carefully selected, high-quality materials. Every item is individually made and meticulously crafted, with close attention to detail at every stage of the process.

Our furniture is designed not only to look beautiful, but to withstand the demands of everyday life. Quality construction, durable materials and skilled craftsmanship ensure that every piece is made to last.

Our own experienced installation team completes fitted projects, ensuring that each item is installed with precision and care and fits perfectly within the space for which it was designed. Clients can choose from a supply-only service through to a fully managed project, depending on their requirements.

Our services include:

– Bespoke traditional and contemporary kitchens and Utility rooms
– Fitted bookcases and media units
– Bedrooms and dressing rooms
– Studies and home offices
– Under-stairs furniture
– Handmade freestanding furniture
– One-off furniture commissions
– From Supply-only to fully managed installation projects

At Ben Heath Furniture Makers, exceptional quality, thoughtful design, precise craftsmanship and outstanding customer service are central to everything we do. We take pride in creating individual pieces and interiors that enhance our clients’ homes and bring lasting pleasure for years to come.

If you are considering a bespoke furniture project, we would be delighted to discuss your ideas. We welcome clients to visit our Hungerford workshop, where every piece is designed and handmade.

For more information, visit benheath.com.

In partnership with Ben Heath Furniture Makers

With more than 25 years of experience, Ben Heath Furniture Makers is a family-run company specialising in the creation of beautifully crafted, high-quality living spaces across Newbury, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and the surrounding areas.

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Give your home a little extra warmth this Christmas with bespoke curtains from D&R Furnishers

Zoe Gater

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From fabrics and curtain headings to measuring and fitting, D&R Furnishers explains how bespoke curtains can bring warmth, character and elegance to your home this Christmas – and throughout the year.

There is a particular magic to a home at Christmas. As the days grow shorter and the evenings draw in, we find ourselves wanting our interiors to feel warmer, softer and more inviting. Candles are lit, the fire is glowing and rooms take on a new importance as we gather with family and friends.

For us at D&R Furnishers, beautifully dressed windows are an important part of creating that atmosphere. We have always believed that curtains should do more than simply frame a window. They should compliment the architecture of a room, enhance the character of a home and, most importantly, feel as though they belong there. This is why we take such care with our bespoke curtain service, creating made-to-measure window dressings that are unique to each customer and their home.

Rather than choosing something purely for Christmas, we encourage our customers to consider how their curtains will look and feel throughout the year. Choosing the perfect fabric is only part of the process, albeit an enjoyable one, especially in our showroom.

Discover a range of curtain headings, from classic pencil pleat and double or triple pinch pleat to the clean lines of a contemporary wave heading. The finishing details can make all the difference from pelmets, tiebacks, swags and tails, and give us the opportunity to create something truly individual to you.

Our experienced team is on hand to guide customers through the options, from colour and pattern to texture and practicality. Take home fabric and detail samples, allowing you to see how your chosen material works alongside your existing furnishings, flooring and paint colours before making a final decision.

What’s more, we can take care of measuring and fitting, ensuring that every curtain is made to the correct proportions and finished beautifully. For us, this is what bespoke furnishing is all about: thoughtful design, traditional craftsmanship and attention to the details that make a house feel like home.

And if you are hoping to have your new curtains in place for Christmas, now is the time to start planning. Our usual bespoke curtain service takes around six weeks.

Simply pop into our showroom or make an appointment on our website dandrfurnishers.co.uk.

Christmas provides the perfect excuse to give your interiors a little extra warmth and elegance. And with beautifully made curtains, that feeling can remain long after the decorations have been packed away.

In partnership with D&R Furnishers

D&R Furnishers is a family-run furniture business with over 60 years of experience, based just outside Marlborough, Wiltshire. Their showroom serves customers across Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, offering quality furniture alongside friendly, personal service.

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Win! Two tickets to a glamorous Marilyn Monroe afternoon at Hartwell House – worth £138

Zoe Gater

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Fancy champagne, afternoon tea and a little old-Hollywood glamour? Win two tickets to an exclusive Marilyn Monroe event at Hartwell House.

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but we reckon champagne, afternoon tea and Marilyn Monroe make a pretty sparkling trio too.

On Friday, 27th November, magnificent Hartwell House will host an exclusive afternoon with acclaimed biographer and journalist Andrew Wilson, celebrating his latest book, I Wanna Be Loved By You – Marilyn Monroe: A Life in 100 Takes. And we have two tickets to give away.

The afternoon begins at 2pm with a welcome glass of champagne, followed by traditional afternoon tea in Hartwell House’s elegant public rooms. Guests will then hear Andrew in conversation with arts journalist Liz Hoggard, before having the chance to put their own questions to him during a live Q&A.

Andrew’s book looks beyond the platinum curls and dazzling smile to explore the woman behind the legend. Through 100 carefully chosen snapshots, he traces the life of Norma Jeane Mortenson, from a turbulent childhood and extraordinary rise to fame to her marriages, friendships, artistic ambitions and the unanswered questions surrounding her tragic death.

Drawing on previously unpublished material, Wilson explores the ambitious, intelligent and vulnerable woman behind one of the world’s most enduring images.

The author has previously written acclaimed biographies of Patricia Highsmith, Sylvia Plath and Alexander McQueen. His debut, Beautiful Shadow: A Life of Patricia Highsmith, was shortlisted for the Whitbread Biography Prize and won both the Edgar Allan Poe Award and Lambda Literary Award.

After the conversation and Q&A, guests can browse copies of the book and have them signed by Andrew.

With Hartwell House’s grand interiors and 94 acres of historic National Trust gardens providing the backdrop, it promises to be a rather fabulous November afternoon.

To book tickets, visit hartwell-house.com or call 01296 747444.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 27 November 2026.

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Discover Oxfordshire’s talented makers at these autumn gift fairs

Zoe Gater

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Beccy Hunt invites us all to celebrate our local talented makers & producers at three artisan gift fairs in October & November.

As Christmas edges closer, there’s never been a better time to shop local – and three much-loved food & gift fairs are giving visitors the chance to discover some of Oxfordshire’s most talented independent makers, producers and artisans.

Organised by Beccy Hunt, founder of Chez Beccy, the autumn events have become firm favourites with shoppers looking for thoughtful gifts, delicious local produce and the opportunity to support small businesses. Passionate about championing British craftsmanship, Beccy carefully curates each fair to showcase high-quality exhibitors in welcoming community settings.

The season begins at the Bampton Autumn Food & Gift Fair on Saturday, 17th October, where Bampton Village Hall and The Market Tavern will be filled with 17 carefully selected exhibitors.

Visitors can browse handmade jewellery, ceramics, artwork, textiles, homeware and seasonal gifts alongside artisan food, cakes, preserves and locally produced treats.

With free entry and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal opportunity to start Christmas shopping while supporting Oxfordshire businesses.

Attention then turns to the Cotswolds with the Burford Autumn Food & Gift Fair on Saturday, 31st October. Held at Warwick Hall in the heart of the historic town, the event brings together talented makers and artisan food producers from across the region, offering everything from handcrafted home accessories to locally made food and drink.

The festive season continues on Saturday, 28th November, with the Burford Christmas Food & Gift Market, perfectly timed before Burford’s Christmas celebrations and annual lights switch-on. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely afternoon discovering unique presents and seasonal delicacies before soaking up the festive atmosphere in one of Oxfordshire’s prettiest market towns.

Beyond the shopping, the events reflect the strength of Oxfordshire’s creative community, helping small businesses connect directly with customers while encouraging shoppers to buy local and support independent producers.

Whether you’re searching for handmade Christmas gifts, artisan food or simply a friendly community event, these fairs offer the chance to discover something special while celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit that make Oxfordshire such a wonderful place to shop.

For full details, visit chezbeccy.com.

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Cathy Rentzenbrink’s love of books, life and Agatha Christie

Zoe Gater

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Best-selling author Cathy Rentzenbrink tells us about her soft spot for Agatha Christie, and her own story, ahead of her talk on 3rd November at Abingdon Trinity Church, thanks to Mostly Books.

If Cathy Rentzenbrink could escape into one fictional world, it would be Narnia. The author of The Last Act of Love and Everyone Is Still Alive says that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe remains a favourite since childhood – and one she still revisits “on a very regular basis”.

These days, though, Cathy has a different kind of literary escape on her bedside table. If forced to choose one favourite, she would plump for Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, a book she says she could read again and again.

It’s no surprise, then, that Cathy will soon be heading to Abingdon to talk about her latest book, The Agatha Christie Cure. But what is it about Christie and crime fiction that continues to exert such a powerful pull?

For Cathy, it’s partly the irresistible question at the heart of a mystery. She much prefers a good old-fashioned “whodunnit?” to the romantic uncertainty of “will they/won’t they?”, and likes her crime fictional rather than brutally realistic.

“Agatha Christie is so enjoyable because her murders are not distressing and her psychology is spot on,” she says. There are lessons for writers of every genre, too. Cathy admires Christie’s strong sense of place and her ability to scatter little mysteries throughout a story before neatly resolving them at the end.

And perhaps that’s why Cathy is so interested in characters who feel real rather than perfect. The most memorable, she believes, are often ordinary people – recognisable because they’re “a bundle of virtues and flaws”.

Her own writing career has taken her far beyond the world of cosy mysteries. Looking back, Cathy says she is proudest of the writing workshops she has delivered in prisons, where some attendees could barely write.

Finding ways to make those sessions work was challenging, but deeply rewarding. People told her that, for a couple of hours, they had felt like human beings rather than numbers.

“I’ve done swanky things in fancy places,” Cathy reflects, “but it always feels like finding a bit of connection and humanity in a grim room in a prison is a good deed in a naughty world.”

Now, she’s bringing that warmth, wit and love of storytelling to Abingdon. Expect plenty of Christie, conversation and perhaps a few mysteries along the way.

Cathy Rentzenbrink will bring The Agatha Christie Cure to Trinity Church, Abingdon, at 7pm on Tuesday, 3rd November.

Find out more and book and tickets at mostly-books.co.uk.

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Discover the colourful stories behind great artists’ masterpieces

Zoe Gater

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Explore the relationship between colour and creativity with Alexandra Loske this October.

What colour means to us – and how artists harness it – is the subject of a fascinating talk as part of Wantage Literary Festival.
Art historian, writer and curator Alexandra Loske will explore the stories behind some of the world’s most celebrated paintings in The Artist’s Palette: The Palettes Behind the Paintings of 50 Great Artists.

Taking place at The Beacon at 1pm, the talk promises a vibrant journey through art history, exploring how more than 50 great artists used colour to create their masterpieces and express their individual visions.

Among the artists featured are Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky and Georgia O’Keeffe, whose very different approaches to colour offer a fascinating insight into the creative process.

Alexandra’s beautiful book looks beyond the finished canvas to consider the palettes behind the paintings – and how an artist’s choice and use of colour can tell us more about their work and the world in which they lived.

The talk also explores the influence of colour on the wider cultures to which these artists belonged, offering a broader perspective on something we might usually take for granted. Why do certain colours evoke particular feelings? How do artists use combinations, contrasts and tones to shape the way we experience an image? And what can a palette reveal about the person behind the paintbrush?

Expect a richly illustrated and colourful presentation that brings together art, culture and fascinating stories, whether you’re already an art-history aficionado or simply curious about what makes a painting memorable.

With Alexandra’s experience as an art historian, curator and writer, this promises to be an accessible and illuminating addition to the festival programme – and a perfect excuse to see some of the world’s greatest artists through a new lens.

The event is suitable for ages 13 and over. Adult tickets cost £13.50pp, with student and under-14s £8.

Visit wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk.

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Flat & the Curves bring their outrageous musical comedy to Didcot

Zoe Gater

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Award-winning musical comedy trio Flat & the Curves bring their gloriously outrageous show to Didcot this November.

Forget the rose-tinted spectacles – the Rosé Tinted team are taking a rather more honest look at the good, the bad and the blurry bits of getting older.

Award-winning musical comedy trio Flat & the Curves bring their riotous show to Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot on 12th November 2026, promising big voices, sharp lyrics and plenty of laughs. The show asks a deceptively simple question: were the best years actually the ones we can’t quite remember?

The answer, judging by the trio’s description of Rosé Tinted, may involve a few hangovers, a handful of trips to A&E and, yes, a divorce.

Three women with enormous voices take audiences on a musical journey through the things their mothers warned them about, tackling ageing, relationships, friendship and the general chaos of being a grown-up with plenty of wit and a healthy disregard for good taste.

And they’re not short of impressive credentials. Flat & the Curves have appeared on the BBC and were named among the British Comedy Guide’s best-reviewed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Their reviews are equally enthusiastic, with the Sunday Express describing them as “the most dynamic group to hit the comedy circuit in 40 years”, while The Scotsman praised their “electrifying, outstanding, powerhouse cabaret”.

Their style sits somewhere between musical theatre, cabaret and stand-up, with original songs at its heart – making for a show that is as musically accomplished as it is funny.

The trio themselves describe Rosé Tinted as being for anyone who has ever wondered whether their best days are behind them. But rather than wallow in nostalgia, they turn the whole idea on its head, celebrating the ridiculousness of life as it actually happens.

And if you’re a fan of Fascinating Aïda, there’s a particularly appealing comparison: Flat & the Curves describe themselves as the “unruly nieces” of musical comedy’s grande dames. Expect the same love of clever songwriting and glorious harmonies, but with a rather more chaotic family gathering.

With the festive season approaching, November can sometimes feel like the point at which everyone starts counting down to Christmas. Why not press pause, gather your friends and enjoy a proper night out first?

Flat & the Curves: Rosé Tinted is at Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot, and is suitable for ages 16+.

Tickets and information are available from Cornerstone Arts Centre.

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Meet Oxfordshire’s adrenaline-loving activities coordinator

Zoe Gater

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From caring for others to throwing herself out of a plane, Blerta Cesula is making the most of life in Oxfordshire.

If you’re looking for someone who embraces life with enthusiasm, meet Blerta Cesula. The 26-year-old activities coordinator at Waterside Court Care Home in Wallingford moved to the UK from Albania in 2023 and has settled into local life – while finding plenty of ways to keep busy.

Describing herself as sociable, positive and outgoing, Blerta loves meeting people, hearing their stories and trying new experiences. She also enjoys keeping active, whether she’s at the gym, swimming or exploring the countryside on foot.

And she’s certainly not afraid of a challenge. A self-confessed adrenaline junkie, Blerta recently completed a skydive from 12,000 feet to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, a cause close to her heart. Thanks to the generosity of residents, families, friends and colleagues at Waterside Court, she raised an impressive £650.

“Skydiving from 12,000 feet was both exhilarating and emotional,” says Blerta. “I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who supported me. Knowing that the money raised will help people living with dementia makes the experience truly meaningful.”

Her role at Waterside Court is all about enriching residents’ lives through activities and experiences. Her love of animals has also led to local connections, including working with Blakes Pet Foods and Benson Tack & Feed – Animal & Pet Food Shop, and helping organise the Paws & Community Dog Show.

Although she doesn’t currently have a pet, Blerta is hoping to welcome a furry friend of her own one day. “I’ve always liked animals and would really enjoy having a pet to spend time with and take on walks,” she says.

When she’s off duty, Blerta enjoys exploring Oxfordshire. She particularly likes mooching around the independent shops, cafés, bakeries, charity shops and markets of north Oxford, with Summertown, Wolvercote and North Parade among her favourite spots.

She prefers discovering somewhere new to visiting the big high-street chains, enjoying the community atmosphere along the way.
For food and drinks, The Nags Head, The Victors and The Wandering Kitchen all get her vote, whether she’s enjoying a meal or catching up with friends. It’s the balance between countryside and city that Blerta loves most about Cumnor, where she lives.

“It gives you the best of both worlds,” she says. “It has a lovely village and countryside feel, with plenty of green spaces and beautiful walks nearby, but you’re also very close to Oxford.”

Looking ahead, she’s looking forward to crisp weather, colourful walks, festive markets, good food and time with family and friends. New Year’s Eve is particularly special, as it’s a big celebration in Albania.

And her wish for the world? Peace – along with a reminder for us all to slow down, be present and appreciate the people and moments around us. A pretty good philosophy for life.

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