Care options: Where your heart is

Zoe Gater

Wherever you call home in later life, make the most of your golden years with assistance and advice.


Home sweet home or a move to a new home? The options for later life care are many and essentially come down to any medical needs you may have, your budget, and your desired level of independence.
You love where you live, great friends, an ideal location with good proximity to shops and services so why would you want to leave all that behind?

Domiciliary care could be the answer with visits from a carer who will provide assistance with specific needs and personal care needs such as washing, dressing or cooking. Domiciliary care is tailored to specific needs and routines. With the help of a caregiver you can continue to enjoy your independence and to maintain the relationships and connections you’ve spent a lifetime building.

Staying in your own home may also involve a few changes with adaptations, mobility aids and alterations or additions to everyday equipment.

If you feel unsteady or unsafe on the stairs, now’s the time to invest in an Acorn Stairlift. Easily installed on almost any type of stairs, it will help safeguard your wellbeing and independence at home for many years to come. Acorn’s British-made stairlifts can be installed within just a few days even on non-standard staircases. Designed with you in mind, they are reliable and simple to operate, with expert help just a phone call away should you ever need it. Imagine being able to go up and down your stairs whenever you like, free from pain or discomfort and, most important of all, safe from the worry of falling. Now that really is reassuring, for you and your loved ones alike.

A bath lift will support you as you get in and out or consider swapping it out for a side -opening door which negates the need for climbing in and out if you’re struggling. If you prefer a refreshing shower then how about converting to a wet room-style alternative so you can just walk straight in and out? Make sure you have a suitable non-slip bath mat to step on to.

Simple “fixes” in the kitchen can ensure it continues to be the “heart of your home” with adaptive cutlery and aids to assist opening jars and tins being small but essential changes.

Fiona and Stuart are in their seventies and have spent more than 40 years in their semi-detached in a leafy suburb making a lifetime of memories, friends and fun and with family members close by want to keep up with all this for as long as possible.

Stuart explained how a few changes have made this possible for them: “We’re lucky enough to still be in good health generally but we all need a bit of help sometimes. I had a bit of a fall and with Fiona’s arthritis she struggled to do some of the basics I needed. For us, having someone come in for a few days for a few weeks made all the difference. Should we need further help we wouldn’t hesitate to ask for more home care visits if needed.”

More help may mean moving to a residential care home where you can enjoy comfortable living and a lifestyle that offers choice allowing you to live life your way.

Care homes offer companionship and community and activities to enjoy with others – want to get your hair done or enjoy a movie in cinema-like surroundings, enjoy picturesque gardens without having to do any of the work yourself or perhaps you just want to catch up over a cuppa or even treat yourself with an early evening glass of wine?

Julia took the decision to move into a residential care home when her own home became too much for her and, with a friend having recently made the move elsewhere, she decided to take a look and see what it could offer her. “I wanted somewhere I could still look after myself and have some independence on a day-to-day basis but with the added bonus of knowing there was help at hand if necessary,” she explained.

“I’ve had some problems with my hip so some days walking too far can be an issue. Here I can pop down to the café for a mid-morning gossip with my new friends, get my hair done and relax in the cinema room. Of course my family come and visit whenever they like and they have the peace of mind of knowing that I’m living my best life as I enter my eighties.”

Living her best life also includes taking part in regular activities such as quizzes, singing afternoons and arts and crafts as well as exercise classes to aid mobility and ensure Julia and others enter their later life in as best shape as possible.

Enjoy an evening of open-air theatre at Basset Manor while supporting Citizens Advice Oxfordshire

Zoe Gater

Illyria’s acclaimed adaptation of The Three Musketeers is coming to the beautiful grounds of Basset Manor this August, with an evening of outdoor theatre, picnics and a silent auction raising vital funds for Citizens Advice Oxfordshire.


Audiences are invited to enjoy a summer evening of swashbuckling adventure as Baroness Sheehan hosts an open-air production of The Three Musketeers at Basset Manor, with all proceeds supporting Citizens Advice Oxfordshire.

Taking place on Saturday 1 August 2026, the historic grounds of Basset Manor will be transformed into 17th-century France as acclaimed outdoor theatre company Illyria brings Alexandre Dumas’ much-loved classic to life.

Renowned for its energetic performances and spectacular stage combat, Illyria’s adaptation follows the young D’Artagnan as he sets out to prove himself worthy of joining the King’s elite Musketeers — Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Along the way, audiences can expect daring duels, royal intrigue, dramatic twists and memorable encounters with the formidable Cardinal Richelieu and the scheming Milady de Winter.

Running for approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, the production promises an evening packed with romance, betrayal, humour and action beneath the summer sky.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket or folding chair and settle in for an atmospheric outdoor performance, with refreshments also available to purchase on the night. As the performance continues into the evening, warm clothing is recommended.

Alongside the performance, visitors will have the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, featuring a carefully curated selection of prizes, with every bid helping to support the charity’s work.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Citizens Advice Oxfordshire, helping the organisation continue providing free, independent and confidential advice to people across the county.

The venue is wheelchair accessible via a gravel path, and only assistance dogs are permitted.

For more information and to book tickets, visit ticketsource.com/illyria/the-three-musketeers-at-basset-manor/e-bgypjl.

Astrology & Tarot for August 2026

Zoe Gater

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


Aries (21 March – 20 April)

Your creative spark burns brightly throughout August as the Sun and Jupiter illuminate the area of life connected with joy, self-expression and the simple pleasure of making something beautiful. Whether you’re refreshing your home, bringing colour into the garden or losing yourself in a creative project, the act of creating becomes deeply restorative.

From the 6th, Venus softens your relationships, making it easier to find balance, harmony and genuine connection. Mercury follows a few days later, helping heartfelt conversations flow more naturally, especially where romance or family are concerned. Yet Mars moves into your home and family area of life on the 11th, reminding you that caring for others should never come at the expense of yourself. Loving boundaries may become an important theme.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th offers fertile ground for new beginnings in love, creativity or family life. Whatever is planted now has the potential to flourish over time. Around the 17th, you may feel caught between inspiration and action. Dreams have their place, but they also need gentle structure if they are to become reality.

As the Sun enters your work area of life on the 22nd, followed by Mercury on the 25th, your confidence grows and others naturally look to you for direction. By the Lunar Eclipse on the 28th, the world may feel rather noisy. Rather than seeking more stimulation, allow yourself an evening beneath the stars, a favourite book in hand, and remember that even fire signs need moments of quiet to replenish their flame.

Tarot Card – The Sun

Your warmth, confidence and creativity become contagious this month. The more authentically you express yourself, the more life responds in kind. What part of yourself is ready to step fully into the light?

Taurus (20 April – 20 May)

Home becomes the heart of your world this month. With the Sun illuminating your home and family area of life, August brings visitors, celebrations and the comforting rhythm of everyday rituals. There is pleasure to be found in preparing meals, tending the garden or simply gathering with the people who help you feel most like yourself.

Venus, your ruling planet, moves into Libra on the 6th, encouraging you to restore balance through gentle daily habits rather than dramatic changes. Small acts of care often have the greatest impact. Mercury joins the conversation a few days later, making family discussions more open and heartfelt. News worth celebrating could arrive around the dinner table.

Mars enters Cancer on the 11th, bringing movement into your local world. Spontaneous outings, invitations and unexpected encounters remind you that meaningful experiences are often found close to home. The Solar Eclipse on the 12th is especially supportive if you’re beginning a decorating project, moving house or creating a space that truly reflects who you are. The energy surrounding your home has the potential to shift in lasting ways.

Mid-month offers a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with someone you love. Whether through a weekend away or simply spending uninterrupted time together, shared experiences deepen emotional bonds.

As the Sun and Mercury move into the area of life connected with romance, creativity and pleasure from the 22nd onwards, your playful side begins to emerge. Give yourself permission to flirt with life again, whether that means falling in love, rediscovering an old passion or simply embracing moments of uncomplicated joy.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th reminds you that happiness is often amplified when it is shared. Which simple pleasure have you been meaning to return to?

Tarot Card – Strength

Your greatest power lies not in force, but in quiet self-belief, compassion and courage. Where in your life could gentleness prove stronger than control?

Gemini (21 May – 21 June)

August invites you to become more curious about the world immediately around you. The Sun illuminates the area of life connected with learning, communication and your local community, making this a wonderful time to reconnect with neighbours, explore somewhere new or simply notice the richness of everyday encounters. Life feels busy, but in an energising rather than overwhelming way.

Venus enters Libra on the 6th, bringing warmth and ease to romance, creativity and all the things that make your heart feel lighter. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, enjoying spontaneous date nights or rediscovering a favourite hobby, pleasure asks for a little more of your attention. Mercury, your ruling planet, joins the conversation on the 9th, awakening your desire to wander. A weekend away, a family camping trip or an unplanned adventure could provide exactly the change of scenery you’ve been craving.

Mars shifts into your financial area of life on the 11th, increasing your motivation to earn and reminding you that your talents have real value. The Solar Eclipse on the 12th opens the door to new conversations, fresh perspectives and unexpected meetings. A chance encounter or a simple exchange of ideas could alter your direction more than you imagine.

From the 22nd onwards, your attention turns towards home and family as the Sun, followed by Mercury, move into this deeply personal area of life. You may feel inspired to redecorate, spend more time in the garden or create a home that feels more nourishing and reflective of who you are now. By the Lunar Eclipse on the 28th, one chapter in your working life may naturally draw to a close, creating space for something that feels more aligned with where you’re heading. Sometimes the endings we resist become the very openings we’ve been waiting for.

Tarot Card – The Magician

Your greatest resource this month is your ability to communicate, adapt and recognise opportunity where others see only coincidence. What conversation is quietly waiting to change your life?

Cancer (22 June – 22 July)

August brings a welcome sense of reassurance around finances and self-worth. With both the Sun and generous Jupiter illuminating your money area of life, opportunities to strengthen your income or make wiser use of your resources begin to emerge. There is less pressure to simply get by, and more space to consider what truly brings lasting security.

Venus moves into your home and family area of life on the 6th, making it tempting to beautify your surroundings or invest in those you love. Creating a home that feels peaceful and restorative is a
worthwhile investment, provided your heart doesn’t persuade your purse to become too generous.
Mercury joins the Sun on the 9th, helping you think clearly about financial decisions and recognise where small changes today could create greater stability tomorrow.

Mars enters your sign on the 11th, bringing renewed vitality and determination. Your energy rises noticeably over the coming weeks, encouraging you to tackle projects that may have lingered on the sidelines. Whether you’re travelling, tending the garden or beginning something entirely new, you’ll
feel ready to move with greater confidence.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th offers fertile ground for launching a new source of income or developing a talent that has quietly waited in the wings. Believe in the value of what you have to offer. As the Sun and Mercury move into the area of life connected with communication, learning and local connections from the 22nd, conversations become increasingly important. The people you meet, the stories you hear and the journeys you make may all carry unexpected significance.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th encourages you to broaden your horizons, whether through travel, study or simply seeing life through a different lens. Sometimes abundance begins not with what we own, but with how willing we are to experience the world.

Tarot Card – Ace of Pentacles

A new opportunity has the potential to grow into something lasting, but like every seed, it asks for patience, care and belief. What gift or talent are you finally ready to cultivate?

Leo (23 July – 22 August)

With the Sun, your ruling planet, travelling through your sign alongside expansive Jupiter, August feels like an invitation to remember who you are beneath the expectations of others. There is a quiet confidence growing within you now, one that doesn’t need to announce itself because it simply knows its own worth. This is your season to step forward with warmth, generosity and heart.

Venus moves into Libra on the 6th, bringing ease to conversations and helping you express affection with honesty and grace. Mercury joins you in your sign a few days later, sharpening your insight and giving your words greater impact. Whether you’re speaking to one person or many, others are more receptive to what you have to say.

Mars enters the quieter, more hidden area of life on the 11th, encouraging you to work behind the scenes rather than seeking immediate recognition. Rest, reflection and careful preparation will ultimately serve you better than rushing ahead. There is value in allowing ideas to mature before revealing them to the world.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th offers a beautiful opportunity to reinvent yourself in some way. A new hairstyle, fresh wardrobe or subtle shift in how you present yourself may seem outwardly small, yet it reflects a much deeper inner change. You’re not becoming someone different; you’re allowing more of your authentic self to be seen.

From the 22nd onwards, your attention turns towards finances and the area of life connected with your personal resources. New ideas could increase your income, while conversations around work or promotion become increasingly fruitful. By the Lunar Eclipse on the 28th, an old financial habit or unnecessary expense may become impossible to ignore. Sometimes greater abundance begins simply by becoming more conscious of where your energy is flowing.

Tarot Card – The Empress

The Empress reminds you that true abundance grows through care rather than force. This is a month to nurture your creativity, honour your natural gifts and trust that what you cultivate with love will flourish in its own time. Where could you stop striving and simply allow yourself to bloom?

Virgo (23 August – 22 September)

August begins by inviting you to slow your pace and listen more carefully to your inner world. With the Sun and Jupiter illuminating the quieter, more reflective area of life, there is wisdom to be found in stillness. Moments of solitude, time spent in nature or simply switching off from life’s constant demands will nourish you far more than keeping endlessly busy.

Mercury, your ruling planet, joins this reflective influence on the 9th, making it easier to hear your own thoughts without the usual background noise. Journalling, meditation or quiet contemplation could reveal answers that have been waiting patiently beneath the surface all along.

Venus leaves your sign for Libra on the 6th, drawing gentle attention towards your finances and reminding you that receiving can be just as important as giving. You may discover that opportunities arrive with less effort than expected, allowing you to relax your grip a little.

Mars enters your friendships and community area of life on the 11th, filling your diary with invitations, gatherings and opportunities to reconnect with people who lift your spirits. The challenge is not saying yes to everything. Your energy is precious, and choosing where to invest it becomes an act of self-care.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th is the perfect excuse to step away from the outside world for a day and reconnect with yourself. Permission to rest is not something you need to earn.

As the Sun enters your sign on the 22nd, followed by Mercury a few days later, your own light becomes impossible to overlook. Others naturally notice your wisdom, reliability and quiet confidence.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th offers an opportunity to release relationships or situations that have quietly drained your energy. Letting go is rarely easy for you, but making space often allows something healthier to arrive in its place.

Tarot Card – Four of Wands

Four of Wands is a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come. This card celebrates a sense of belonging, inner stability and the quiet joy that comes from creating a life built on solid foundations. What blessings might you notice if you allowed yourself to stop and celebrate the present moment?

Libra (23 September – 22 October

August begins with friendships, shared experiences and meaningful connections taking centre stage. The Sun illuminates the area of life connected with community, reminding you that life feels richer when it is shared with those who truly understand you. Gatherings, celebrations and chance encounters may all lead to conversations that linger long after the moment has passed.

Your ruling planet, Venus, returns to your sign on the 6th, wrapping you in its natural grace and charm. There is something especially magnetic about you now, not because you’re trying to impress anyone, but because you’re comfortable in your own skin. Mercury joins the Sun in Leo a few days later, making this an excellent time to reconnect with old friends, expand your circle or speak from the heart.

Mars enters your career area of life on the 11th, bringing renewed ambition and determination. You may find yourself taking on greater responsibility or feeling called to pursue a goal that once seemed beyond your reach. While your drive is admirable, remember that achievement is only meaningful if it leaves pace for the people and experiences that nourish you.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th could introduce an inspiring new friendship, a collaborative project or a community that reflects who you are becoming. Sometimes we don’t realise we’ve outgrown a circle until we discover another where we feel completely at home.

From the 22nd onwards, life naturally turns inward as the Sun, followed by Mercury, move into the quieter, more reflective area of life. Solitude becomes restorative rather than lonely, offering the opportunity to process the experiences of recent months before your own birthday season begins. By the Lunar Eclipse on the 28th, an old habit, lingering worry or emotional burden may finally be ready to fall away. What would become possible if you gave yourself permission to lay it down?

Tarot Card – Temperance

Temperance invites you to move gently through the month, blending work with rest, giving with receiving and solitude with companionship. Harmony isn’t something you need to chase; it emerges naturally when you allow every part of your life to find its own rhythm. Where could patience bring greater peace?

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)

The spotlight naturally finds you this month as the Sun illuminates the area of life connected with your vocation, reputation and the contribution you’re here to make. Alongside generous Jupiter, August offers opportunities to step forward with confidence, share your experience and allow others to recognise the depth of what you bring.

Mercury strengthens your voice from the 9th, making this an excellent time for interviews, presentations or conversations that require both honesty and conviction. You don’t need to force your presence. Quiet authority often speaks the loudest.

At the same time, Venus moves into the quieter, more private area of life on the 6th, reminding you that even the strongest among us need moments of retreat. Time spent in nature, tending the garden, reading or simply stepping away from the demands of the world will help restore your emotional reserves.

Mars enters the area of life connected with travel, learning and expanding your horizons on the 11th, awakening your natural desire to explore beyond familiar territory. Whether this takes the form of a physical journey, further study or a new spiritual path, your perspective is ready to grow.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th may open an unexpected door in your professional life. A promotion, new role or surprising opportunity could appear when you least expect it, particularly if you’ve quietly been preparing for this moment over many months.

As the Sun and Mercury move into your friendships and community area of life from the 22nd onwards, life becomes more social once again. Gatherings, celebrations and shared experiences remind you that success is sweetest when there are people to celebrate it with.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th shines a gentle light on your closest relationships, encouraging you to make time for love, laughter and genuine connection amidst life’s achievements.

Tarot Card – Six of Wands

Six of Wands speaks of well-earned recognition and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’ve stayed true to your path. Receive appreciation with humility, celebrate your achievements and allow yourself to acknowledge how far you’ve travelled. In what area of your life is it time to recognise your own success?

Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)

Your spirit longs for wide horizons this month. With the Sun illuminating the area of life connected with travel, learning and expanding your understanding of the world, August encourages you to step beyond the familiar. Whether through a physical journey, a new course of study or an unexpected conversation, every experience has the potential to broaden your perspective.

Venus enters Libra on the 6th, reminding you that adventures are often sweeter when shared. Friends may invite you away, or perhaps you’ll reconnect with someone whose company always leaves you feeling inspired. Mercury joins the Sun on the 9th, awakening your curiosity and making this an excellent time to plan future travels or immerse yourself in subjects that have long fascinated you.

Mars moves into the area of life connected with shared resources and deeper emotional bonds on the 11th, encouraging you to address financial matters honestly while also exploring the trust that exists within your closest relationships. Sometimes true freedom begins with allowing yourself to rely on others.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th opens a doorway towards new experiences. A journey, retreat or opportunity for personal growth could arrive unexpectedly, changing not only where you go, but how you see yourself.

As the Sun and Mercury move into your career area of life from the 22nd onwards, your ambitions come back into focus. Others are beginning to notice your experience, optimism and natural leadership. By the month’s end, the Lunar Eclipse helps you bring balance between your public responsibilities and your private world, reminding you that success feels far more meaningful when there is somewhere peaceful to return home to.

Tarot Card – Two of Wands

The world is quietly calling you forward. One path is familiar, the other asks for courage. Which future are you ready to choose?

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)

August invites you to take an honest look at the foundations of your financial world. The Sun and Jupiter illuminate the area of life connected with shared resources, investments and long-term security, encouraging thoughtful planning rather than quick decisions. Practicality remains your greatest strength, but this month asks you to combine wisdom with trust.

Venus enters your career area of life on the 6th, softening professional relationships and quietly increasing your visibility. Recognition often arrives when you stop striving to prove yourself and simply allow your experience to speak.

Mercury joins the Sun on the 9th, making this an excellent time for financial discussions, reviewing investments or seeking expert advice. The Solar Eclipse on the 12th may bring welcome relief around money, whether through an unexpected opportunity, successful negotiations or the resolution of a lingering concern.

Towards the end of the month, the Sun and Mercury move into the area of life connected with travel, learning and broadening your horizons. After weeks of focusing on practical matters, your soul begins to crave fresh inspiration. Whether you travel across the world or simply discover a new way of thinking, the journey itself becomes the reward.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th reminds you that not every adventure requires extravagant spending. Sometimes the places that leave the deepest impression are closer than you imagined.

Tarot Card: Eight of Pentacles

Patient effort is beginning to bear fruit. Every small step you’ve taken has been shaping something far more enduring than you may yet realise.

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)

Relationships become one of August’s greatest teachers. With the Sun and Jupiter illuminating the area of life connected with partnership, every meaningful connection offers an opportunity to understand yourself more deeply. Whether in love, friendship or business, honest conversations help strengthen the bonds that truly matter.

Venus moves into Libra on the 6th, awakening your love of discovery and encouraging you to explore new places, ideas and experiences with someone whose company expands your world.

Mercury follows on the 9th, making heartfelt conversations easier and helping misunderstandings dissolve.

Mars enters your work area of life on the 11th, bringing renewed momentum and a welcome sense
of purpose. Busy days lie ahead, but you’ll gain real satisfaction from seeing tangible progress.

The Solar Eclipse on the 12th offers beautiful potential for new relationships or the deepening of an
existing one. Remain open to the unexpected, as life has a wonderful habit of introducing people
precisely when we’re ready to meet them.

As the Sun and Mercury move into the area of life connected with shared finances, emotional intimacy and transformation from the 22nd onwards, practical matters may require attention, yet they also offer an opportunity to create greater security for the future. By the Lunar Eclipse on the 28th, a financial concern or uncertainty may finally begin to resolve itself, leaving you feeling lighter as September approaches.

Tarot Card – Six of Cups

Meaningful connections often remind us of who we’ve always been. Which relationship helps you feel most authentically yourself?

Pisces (19 February – 20 March)

August encourages you to bring gentle order to the rhythms of everyday life. With the Sun and Jupiter illuminating your work and wellbeing area of life, there is every opportunity to create healthier routines, discover greater fulfilment in your work and recognise just how much your daily choices shape your future.

Mercury joins this area of life on the 9th, helping you communicate with confidence and making it easier for others to recognise your talents. Around the Solar Eclipse on the 12th, an unexpected opportunity connected with work or purpose may emerge. Remain open-minded, as what first appears to be a small change could grow into something deeply rewarding.

Venus enters Libra on the 6th, bringing greater warmth and emotional closeness within your intimate relationships, while Mars awakens the area of life connected with creativity, romance and joy from the 11th. Your heart longs to express itself more freely now, whether through love, artistic pursuits or simply allowing yourself to play a little more.

From the 22nd onwards, the Sun and Mercury move into your partnership area of life, encouraging deeper conversations and stronger commitments. Every healthy relationship asks us to reveal a little more of ourselves, and this month offers the courage to do exactly that.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th shines a light on balance. As you honour your own needs alongside those of others, your relationships naturally become healthier, kinder and more fulfilling.

Tarot Card – Nine of Cups

Contentment rarely arrives all at once. More often, it grows quietly from appreciating the life you’re already creating. What already brings you quiet joy that perhaps deserves a little more gratitude?

Unwind in nature at Surrey’s new off-grid woodland sauna

Zoe Gater

A wood-fired sauna with panoramic views of the Surrey Hills has opened on Hampton Estate near Farnham, offering a peaceful wellness experience designed to help visitors slow down and reconnect with nature.


If you’re looking to swap the stresses of everyday life for fresh air, woodland views and complete relaxation, The Waggon Sauna on Hampton Estate near Farnham could be the perfect escape.

Nestled in the countryside and reached by a peaceful 10-minute woodland walk, the off-grid, wood-fired sauna overlooks sweeping views of the Surrey Hills, creating a unique setting for visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature.

The sauna sits alongside the estate’s popular Waggoners Campsite, with the two experiences designed to complement one another by encouraging guests to embrace a slower pace of life surrounded by nature.

Sustainability is at the heart of the project. The sauna has been built using timber grown on Hampton Estate, together with reclaimed materials from the farm’s historic hop kiln. Heated by a traditional wood-fired stove fuelled with logs from the estate, the sauna operates entirely off-grid, reflecting the estate’s wider commitment to regenerative farming and nature restoration.

Bill Biddell, CEO of Hampton Estate, said: “We wanted to provide people with an opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature in a beautiful setting. It fits closely with our estate ethos of nature restoration and regenerative farming, and we’re delighted to see such a positive response so early on.”

Sauna Manager Elenid Coleman believes the experience offers more than just relaxation.

She said: “We believe in saunas becoming the new ‘third space’ — somewhere people can come together, switch off, and feel part of something. We’re really excited to be building a community of nature-based sauna lovers here.”

Although only recently opened, The Waggon Sauna is already attracting praise from visitors for its tranquil atmosphere, thoughtful design and spectacular setting.

The Waggon Sauna is located on Hampton Estate, Puttenham Road, Seale, near Farnham (GU10 1HP). Sessions must be booked in advance and have limited capacity to preserve the peaceful experience.

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

BBC Gardeners’ Question Time returns to RHS Wisley Flower Show

Zoe Gater

Gardening enthusiasts can watch two special live recordings of the BBC’s much-loved Gardeners’ Question Time this September, with expert panellists answering audience questions at RHS Wisley Flower Show.


Green-fingered visitors are in for a treat as BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time returns to RHS Wisley Flower Show for two special live recordings on Saturday 5 September.

Taking place at 12pm and 2pm, the bumper episodes will be recorded in front of a live audience, giving gardening enthusiasts the chance to put their own horticultural questions to some of the UK’s best-known experts.

Hosted as part of the RHS Wisley Summer Garden Party, the sessions promise lively discussion, practical advice and plenty of seasonal inspiration, covering everything from troublesome pests and planting ideas to the latest trends in gardening.

Among the expert panellists appearing are former RHS Garden Wisley Curator Matthew Pottage, alongside familiar Gardeners’ Question Time favourites Chris Beardshaw, Chris Thorogood, Matthew Wilson, Pippa Greenwood, Frances Tophill, James Wong and Marcus Chilton-Jones.

As well as attending the live recordings, Summer Garden Party ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet the panellists, ask their own gardening questions and join discussions on some of horticulture’s hottest topics.

Visitors can also take part in the popular Potting Shed Sessions, where the Gardeners’ Question Time team will tackle quick-fire gardening dilemmas in an informal setting.

There’s plenty more to enjoy throughout the day too, with spectacular floral displays, plant shopping, gardening demonstrations, food and drink stalls, and the vibrant atmosphere of one of the RHS’s most popular annual flower shows.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting to grow your own, the event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from some of Britain’s leading horticultural experts while enjoying a day out at the iconic Surrey garden.

Tickets for the Gardeners’ Question Time recordings cost £8 in addition to entry to RHS Garden Wisley and the RHS Wisley Flower Show.

Advance booking is essential via gardentickets.rhs.org.uk.

Meet the Witney woman proving vintage style never goes out of fashion

Zoe Gater

Through her colourful wardrobe, love of charity shopping and uplifting social media platform, Witney’s Sharon Thomas is inspiring people to embrace sustainable fashion, celebrate their individuality and wear what makes them happy.


For many people, fashion is about keeping up with the latest trends. For Sharon Thomas, it’s something altogether more meaningful.

The Witney mum of five has become a familiar face around town thanks to her vibrant outfits, fearless use of colour and infectious positivity. Now she’s sharing her passion with a growing online audience through Rebel With A Vintage Cause, a social media platform celebrating charity shopping, sustainable style and the confidence to dress for yourself.

“Style doesn’t have to be expensive, brand new or limited by age,” says Sharon. “My message is simple: wear what makes you happy.”

Rather than chasing fast fashion, Sharon delights in discovering hidden treasures in charity shops, giving pre-loved clothing a new lease of life and showing others that great style can be found without spending a fortune.

Her outfits are instantly recognisable for their bold colours and joyful combinations – something she believes does far more than brighten up an outfit.

“I think when you dress in bright, colourful clothes it’s an invitation for conversation,” she says. “People often stop me to comment on an outfit and I’ve met so many wonderful people through those interactions.”

Sharon’s own journey has been anything but conventional. Although school wasn’t the right fit for her, she later returned to education to study illustration before embarking on an entirely new career at the age of 50 by retraining as a hairdresser.

She went on to build a successful career at Verve & Virtue Hairdressing, where she also met her husband, Stefan.

“It’s never too late to learn new skills, change direction or follow your passions!” she says.

Her optimistic outlook has also shaped her personal life. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sharon and Stefan arranged a whirlwind wedding so that both sets of parents, who had each been diagnosed with cancer, could be there to celebrate with them as restrictions eased.

Community remains central to everything Sharon does, whether she’s chatting to fellow charity shop enthusiasts, encouraging others online or supporting local creatives. One of her favourite photographs – now the cover image on her Facebook page – was taken by local photographer David Stumpp, who spotted her posing against colourful boards in Oxford and offered to capture her portrait.

Today, Rebel With A Vintage Cause is about far more than clothes. It’s a reminder that confidence, creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.

“I’d love people to worry less about what others think and feel more confident being themselves,” says Sharon. “Life is far more colourful when we embrace our individuality.”

Follow Rebel With A Vintage Cause on Facebook or @rebelwithavintage on Instagram.

Journey through the cosmos at Woking Planetarium

Zoe Gater

From flying through distant galaxies to exploring the night sky above your own back garden, Woking Planetarium offers an immersive 360° space experience that’s out of this world for families, curious minds and budding astronomers.


Whether you’re fascinated by black holes, dreaming of becoming an astronaut or simply looking for a unique family day out, Woking Planetarium offers an unforgettable journey through the universe.

Located at The Winston Churchill School in St John’s, Woking, the immersive planetarium is the only state school-owned planetarium in the UK and welcomes the public to enjoy a packed programme of fascinating live shows outside school hours.

Inside the domed theatre, visitors are surrounded by breathtaking 360° visuals as planets, stars and galaxies come to life overhead. Using advanced Digitarium technology, presenters can transport audiences anywhere in the universe — from the Australian Outback to the rings of Saturn and even beyond our own galaxy — using real scientific data and imagery.

Every live presentation is different, reflecting the changing night sky and offering visitors a fresh experience with every visit. Alongside stunning 2K full-dome graphics and immersive 5.1 surround sound, audiences can discover everything from the Solar System and space exploration to weather, constellations and the mysteries of black holes.

There are also family-friendly themed shows, including a hugely popular dinosaur session, making the planetarium an ideal destination for children aged four and above while remaining just as engaging for adults.

Beyond its regular public programme, Woking Planetarium is also available for exclusive hire. The venue hosts everything from corporate events and Scout and Guide Space Badge sessions to creative experiences for artists and musicians, with presentations tailored to individual groups.

Officially opened in 2019 by Doctor Who actor Peter Davison, the planetarium continues to inspire visitors to look up and explore the wonders of the universe.

Public shows can be booked online at wokingplanetarium.co.uk, where you’ll also find the latest programme, prices and availability.

Please note that the planetarium is not suitable for visitors with sensitivity to flashing lights or motion effects. Anyone with accessibility requirements is encouraged to contact the venue before visiting.

Star Q&A: Blur’s Alex James

Zoe Gater

Liz Nicholls chats with musician Alex James ahead of Big Feastival on his Cotswolds farm, 28th to 30th August.


Big Feastival celebrates its 15th anniversary this summer, bringing together chart-topping music, award-winning chefs and family fun on Alex James’ Cotswolds farm. Ahead of the festival, Liz Nicholls caught up with the Blur bassist to talk food, music and how the event has grown into one of the UK’s favourite weekends.

Q. Hi Alex! Big Feastival is in its 15th year… did you ever imagine it would become this big?

Alex James: “Hiya! I always loved doing it, but I don’t think I imagined quite how it would grow. It’s helped that we started it at a time when British food was really coming back. When my wife Claire and I bought the farm 20 years ago, farming was in a tough place… foot and mouth, BSE; you’d only ever see farmers on telly having a terrible time. Now it’s so different. There’s been this huge food renaissance, especially in the Cotswolds. It’s become a real foodie mecca.”

Q. What makes Big Feastival different from other festivals?

Alex James: “It’s that mix of food, music and family. Food is universal – it’s something everyone can enjoy together. We’ve made it really accessible for families, with everything from kids’ cookery schools and mud kitchens to fire pit sessions and chef demos. Hopefully there’s something for everyone and you can learn something in the day, then have a few drinks and forget it all in the evening.”

Q. The line-up’s banging!

Alex James: “I’ve been trying to book Bastille for years – my kids are thrilled. The Streets will be brilliant. On the food side, we’ve got Simon Rogan, Rachel Allen, and lots of Bake Off and MasterChef talent. We started with three stages, now it’s about 30, including comedy, which has really taken off.”

Q. How has the food scene changed?

Alex James: “When we started, it was molecular gastronomy, chefs in lab coats, food from the future stuff. Now it’s gone the other way – back to basics! Fire, simple ingredients, cooking outdoors. Much more instinctive, and actually much easier to do in a field!”

Q. Food clearly plays a huge role in your life – what’s your signature dish and guilty pleasure?!

Alex James: “We’ve been making pizzas every weekend for about 20 years – from scratch, growing the wheat, tomatoes, making the mozzarella. Simple things done well are best. Great cheese on toast is as good as anything if the ingredients are right. As for guilty pleasures, I still love Primula in a tube. You never grow out of the food of your childhood.”

Q. What’s your earliest music memory?

Alex James: “Wanting the Laurel and Hardy record Trail of the Lonesome Pine. As a teenager, New Order – Blue Monday made me want to be in a band.”

Q. How do you see the music industry now compared to the early days of Blur, back in the ’90s?

Alex James: “It’s much harder for new artists. You’re either huge or nothing. It used to be possible to make a living playing small gigs, building up. It’s tough. But at least that independent spirit has moved into food instead.”

Big Feastival takes place from 28th to 30th August at Alex James’ Farm in Kingham. Find out more and book tickets at thebigfeastival.com.

Be wildfire aware: Simple steps to protect Surrey’s countryside this summer

Zoe Gater

As hot, dry weather increases the risk of wildfires, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the Surrey Nature Partnership are urging visitors to help protect the county’s precious heathlands, wildlife and communities.


“Wildfires can cause devastating damage to our countryside, wildlife and local communities, often taking years to recover.”

That’s the message from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, which has joined forces with the Surrey Nature Partnership to remind everyone that a few simple actions can make a big difference to keeping the countryside safe this summer.

Increasing temperatures and prolonged dry conditions are placing Surrey’s green spaces at greater risk of fire. Important heathland habitats including Chobham Common, Hankley Common and Blackheath Common are particularly vulnerable. These landscapes are home to rare wildlife including Nightjars, Dartford Warblers and other protected species that depend on this fragile environment.

Most wildfires in Surrey are caused by human activity and are entirely preventable.

The Surrey Nature Partnership, which includes Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey County Council, the Forestry Commission, The Woodland Trust, the National Trust, Thames Basin Heaths Partnership and Surrey Hills National Landscape, is encouraging everyone visiting the countryside to follow a few simple steps:

– Swap BBQs for picnics. Do not use disposable barbecues, open fires or camping stoves on Surrey’s heathlands or grasslands.

– Dispose of all smoking materials safely and never leave them behind.

– Take litter home or use bins where provided, as discarded rubbish can pose a serious fire risk as well as harming wildlife.

If you see a fire

– Report it immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire Service.

– Give as much information about the location as possible.

– Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself. Move to a safe distance and follow emergency advice.

Wildfires have become an increasing threat across Surrey in recent years, damaging important wildlife sites including Chobham Common, Whitmoor Common and Barossa.

In 2022, a major wildfire devastated around 500 hectares of Pirbright Ranges, an internationally important heathland that could take more than a decade to recover.

Nicola Buckland, Communications Officer at Thames Basin Heaths Partnership, says: “Wildfires can cause devastation to lowland heathland habitats and decimate populations of slow-moving animals such as reptiles and ground-nesting birds. We appeal to all visitors to ‘Be Wildfire Aware’ and support us in helping protect these rare landscapes.”

Find out more about protecting Surrey’s countryside at the websites of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the Surrey Nature Partnership.

Hampshire Open Studios returns with 300 free creative experiences

Zoe Gater

Artists and makers across Hampshire will open their doors this August, inviting visitors to explore studios, exhibitions and workshops as part of the county’s annual celebration of creativity.


For 10 inspiring days, more than 300 venues across Hampshire will open their doors free of charge, welcoming art lovers to discover the people, stories and creativity behind the county’s thriving arts scene.

Running from August 22nd-31st, Hampshire Open Studios offers the chance to explore everything from welcoming home studios and community exhibition spaces to working workshops, with more than 30 venues across Basingstoke, Alton and Petersfield taking part.

Visitors can discover an impressive variety of contemporary and traditional art forms, including painting, ceramics, jewellery, glass, printmaking, textiles, sculpture and mixed media, while meeting the artists behind the work.

“Hampshire Open Studios offers a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes, meet artists in the places where they create, hear the stories behind their work and watch demonstrations of different creative techniques,” says Creative Director Lesley Self.

“This year’s trail includes a mix of returning favourites and new exhibitors, offering fresh opportunities to discover local talent. Visitors can enjoy everything from intimate home studios to larger shared exhibitions, with many artists happy to discuss their creative process and the inspiration behind their work.”

Around Basingstoke, visitors can explore Basingstoke Art Club’s mixed media exhibition in the historic village of Dummer, alongside nearby studios including new exhibitor Peter Mears, who will showcase sculpture, and Consuelo Simpson, who will exhibit alongside her daughter Phoebe with abstract prints and bespoke jewellery.

The area also welcomes returning favourites, including painter Jill Simpson, joined this year by wood artist Brian Hannam. Nearby glass artist Aileen Mayers will open her studio in a beautiful garden setting in Old Basing, while Sara Kirby, also new for 2026, will showcase screen-printed home textiles, gifts and accessories. Visitors can even try their hand at creativity through Sara’s workshops.

In Alton, three venues will celebrate the diversity of artistic expression, including Freedom Through Expression, which highlights creativity from artists and craftspeople with disabilities and features inspiring work from Mouth and Foot Painting artists.

Petersfield offers a wealth of venues to explore, from Loam Studio pottery and Petersfield Arts & Crafts Society at Festival Hall to Rushes Road Creative, where an entire street comes alive with artists and makers. Visitors can also discover established town venues including Sage & Salt and Gallery No. 30, visit Frans de Leij’s studio for expressive watercolours, or finish a creative day at Hampshire Art & Craft Collective in the peaceful Physic Garden.

Planning an art trail is simple, with a free full-colour catalogue or the Hampshire Open Studios app, available on Apple and Android devices. The app allows visitors to search venues by location, medium or opening date, save favourites and navigate using interactive maps.

Visitors also have the chance to win a £100 prize towards purchasing artwork from a favourite Hampshire Open Studios artist.

Simply pick up a brochure, download the app and follow the distinctive pink directional arrows guiding you to studios and exhibitions across Hampshire.

Find out more at hampshireopenstudios.org.uk.