How a Farnham dog choir is turning singing into a social lifeline

Zoe Gater

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Expect rounds of ap-paws all round at the end of get togethers in Farnham where Dogs Choir is bringing together singers with two legs and those with four.

Puppy Love, Who Let the Dogs Out, Hound Dog – you’d expect them all to be on the set list for members of a very special choir in Farnham.

Jeanine founded Singing with Dogs UK in 2020 which has since led to its subsidiary Dogs Choir UK. The choir welcomes dog lovers, dog owners and dog carers of all ages, from 11 upwards with an adult, with the simple idea of reducing loneliness.

“One issue for dog owners is that much of the time, they can’t bring their dogs to classes, which creates a barrier. It can also be quite isolating to have a dog, so Dogs Choir brings together ‘dog people’ – owners and carers – to do something they love,” Jeanine explains.

“The dogs sometimes vocalise, but mainly enjoy the music, bond with their owners, and are also helped to socialise with other dogs. We are going to be starting the Howlelujah Chorus soon, as an ongoing project.”

Dogs Choir runs every Sunday in Farnham and a portion of any profits is donated to nominated dog rescues, and as a grassroots choir will continue to grow.

Dogs must be kept on their leads, and everyone coming has to bring a dog, due to licensing. 

Having moved to Farnham last year, Jeanine is keen to grow her roots there too as a descendant of the Hack family stretching back to 1520 and says she “definitely feels a tangible connection with the Wrecclesham area” adding that she recently found her ancestral graves after months of looking in Green Lane Cemetery.

“My great grandfather was the cemetery caretaker when George Sturt passed away, so he would have buried him. I found my great, great, great grandparents’ house (who had 15 children) recently, in Middle Bourne Lane, and the owner’s tennis coach is George Sturt’s descendant. So it’s a very small world!

“My ancestral churches are St Thomas on the Bourne (they all got christened and married on the former site), St Andrew’s Farnham (around the 1700s was the Hack’s church) and St Peter’s Wrecclesham. There is a Hack plot there, and I am trying to find my grandad’s first wife, Florence Amy Wilkinson, who died young.

“The Hack family were hop growers and farmers, but were also strong and carved gravestones (my grandad) – who is mentioned in one of George Sturt’s history books as a young boy in petticoats!”

Jeanine is also an actor and is exploring the possibility of a youth theatre project about her history and the history of Wrecclesham and the Bourne which she thinks is important younger people know about.

Anyone interested should email her at hello@grammaticarts.com.

For more on the choir contact Jeanine on dogschoiruk@hotmail.com and see more at facebook.com/DogsChoirUKSingwithYourDog.

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Nail It DIY seeks new venues to expand women’s confidence workshops cross Berkshire

Zoe Gater

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Women’s DIY workshops are growing in popularity and Nail It DIY is on the hunt for more venues near you.

Nail It DIY is about so much more than hammering nails and using a screwdriver; women attending the workshops are learning confidence and self-belief as they drill.

Founded by Justine Wortman and Sarah Bolger who combined their practical skills and experience – Justine’s in running creative workshops and events and Sarah’s as a qualified electrician – they deliver engaging, hands on sessions sharing their knowledge.

Born from Sarah helping Justine with DIY jobs at home, the pair realised many women were relying on others for basic home tasks, not because they can’t do then, but because they’ve never been shown how.

“We wanted to create a space where women could learn those skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.”

And the women who attend are getting so much more than just the useful life skills – especially confidence – as Justine explains:

“There’s a real shift that happens when someone uses a drill or changes a fitting for the first time and realises they can do it. It’s not just about the task – it’s about independence and feeling more capable in your own space and in life generally.

“Many women simply haven’t been encouraged to try DIY, or they’ve been made to feel it’s something too technical or just ‘not for them’. Once that barrier has been removed, they’re more capable. We’ve seen that time and again.”

Lots of women arrive at the sessions feeling nervous but leave having done things they never thought they could, some go straight home and tackle projects – including one who hung a cabinet she’d been looking at every day for months.

“Another woman attending via our subsidised scheme was able to hang a mirror in her bathroom. This person has experienced some particularly challenging personal circumstances recently and is now feeling so excited knowing she is capable of doing so much to make her house a home.”

Justine’s message for those who think they can’t do DIY:

“You absolutely can – you just haven’t been shown how yet.

“Like anything, it’s about having the right guidance and a chance to try. Women that attend get chatty straight away over tea and biscuits, realising they’ve got loads in common and settling in. That shared learning environment makes a huge difference, and people leave not just with new skills, but feeling more confident and connected.”

Established in the Reading area, they are looking to extend to younger audiences too including an upcoming session with Cubs.

Nail It DIY runs workshops across Berkshire with plans to continue expanding into new locations.

They are looking for venues in the Sunningdale, Ascot, Virginia Water, Lightwater and Chobham area.

If you can help and to find out more, please visit facebook.com/Nail.It.DIY/.

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Haslemere Museum celebrates 100 years with 1920s-themed summer fair

Zoe Gater

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This summer, Haslemere Museum invites the community to step back in time while it celebrates 100 years on the High Street.

A 1920s-themed summer fair and two special exhibitions bring Haslemere’s rich history vividly to life in June 2026.

The Summer Fair stands as the highlight of the celebrations and takes place on Saturday 27 June. The museum first moved into its current home during that decade, and the gardens will fill with stalls, games, and entertainment. The event features live music from the Haslemere Town Band, along with cream teas, Pimm’s, and a display of vintage 1920s cars that create an authentic atmosphere.

The fair runs from 11am to 4pm, and organisers encourage everyone to join the spirit of the era. Visitors are encouraged to wear 1920s attire, with the museum awarding a prize for the best-dressed guest.

After the fair, a family-friendly exhibition opens on Tuesday 30 June and explores life in the town over the past century. It welcomes all ages and includes hands-on activities for children, alongside recorded memories from residents that give a personal view of the town’s changing story.

Another exhibition in the museum’s Terrace Room runs throughout summer and celebrates its century-long role in the community, showcasing objects added to the collection over the past 100 years.

The collection spans natural and social history, educational scientific equipment, and the oldest hand-made item in the building, offering something for every visitor.

The museum purchased its Georgian building in 1925, when it carried the name The Lodge. The Hesse family had owned the building since 1848. Over the following months, workers converted it from a private home into a public museum space.

The former museum off East Street closed on 20 May 1926.

Local carrier Mr Smithers and his sons transported its contents to 78 High Street, where they filled the new galleries and display spaces. The museum officially opened at its current site on 27 August 1926 – 100 years ago.

The museum’s survival over the past century depends on the efforts of dedicated people. Staff and volunteers continue to support its work in the community and beyond.

And a special display in the gallery spotlight area will recognise some of the early contributors who helped shape the museum’s history.

Plus, as part of its centenary celebrations, the museum has launched a fundraising appeal to support the upkeep of its Grade II listed building and ensure it remains a vibrant community space for the next 100 years.

Find out more about the Summer Fair, exhibitions, and fundraising appeal on the Haslemere Museum website.

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Fizz Fest returns to Hambledon Wine Estate with tastings, tours and English wine celebration

Zoe Gater

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Hampshire’s flagship wine celebration returns to Hambledon in June with tastings, tours and summer sparkle.

Wine lovers, this one’s for you – Hampshire’s much-loved Fizz Fest returns on Sunday 28 June 2026, bringing a full day of tasting, learning and celebration to the stunning Hambledon Wine Estate.

Hosted by Vineyards of Hampshire, the annual flagship event shines a spotlight on the county’s thriving wine scene – now recognised as one of the most exciting in the UK.

Set among rolling vines at the historic estate, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern English wine, Fizz Fest offers the perfect blend of relaxed summer atmosphere and premium wine experiences.

Across the day, guests can explore 20+ exceptional still and sparkling wines, with producers from eight leading vineyards including Hattingley Valley, Exton Park and Louis Pommery England.

A dedicated tasting marquee gives visitors the chance to sample, compare and chat with the winemakers behind the bottles. Beyond the glass, there’s plenty to savour.

Ticketed brunch and lunch sittings at the estate’s Michelin Guide-listed restaurant offer a more indulgent experience, while artisan food stalls and live entertainment create a lively festival feel throughout the grounds.

A highlight of the day is the programme of masterclasses, including sessions hosted by food and drink expert Andy Clarke. From Behind the Bubbles to food and wine pairing and cocktail inspiration, these sessions offer deeper insight into the craft and creativity of modern English wine-making.

Visitors can also join guided vineyard tours, exploring the landscape and learning more about the processes that make Hampshire wines so distinctive.

Taking place during English Wine Week, Fizz Fest is perfectly timed to celebrate the region’s growing reputation for quality and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious to discover something new, this is a sparkling summer day out not to be missed.

For more information or to book tickets, visit vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk/our-events.

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Designer Roger Bennett reflects on a lifetime of creativity in autobiography Chair Man

Zoe Gater

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Still working at the age of 94, local furniture designer & father Roger Bennett reflects on a remarkable career and life in his book, Chair Man, with profits to Great Ormond Street.

At an age when many have long since retired, Roger Bennett is still working, creating, reflecting and sharing the story of a life shaped by design.

Now aged 94, the father, grandfather and great-grandfather has published his autobiography, Chair Man, charting a career that spans decades and captures the spirit of a transformative era in British furniture design.

Written in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, the book offers both a personal and professional journey through changing times.

Roger made his mark during the “swinging sixties”, working with leading names including G-Plan and contributing to projects for major clients such as the Hilton Hotel Park Lane.

It was a time of bold ideas and evolving tastes, where furniture design began to reflect a more modern, aspirational lifestyle.

His story is also closely tied to Bucks, long regarded as a powerhouse of British furniture making. During the 1960s, the county was a hub of innovation, with manufacturers experimenting with new materials and forms that helped define the era’s distinctive look.

Among Roger’s most recognised creations is the internationally renowned GoGo chair, produced by Evans of High Wycombe. With its bucket-shaped design and bold vinyl finish, it perfectly captured the energy of 1960s pop culture. The chair was exhibited across Europe.

Like much of Roger’s work, it balances function with flair – a hallmark of his design philosophy. But Chair Man is more than a catalogue of achievements. It’s also a deeply personal account of a life lived with curiosity and resilience, offering insight into challenges and triumphs behind the scenes.

Describing himself as a “restless creature”, Roger’s memories of his childhood and early fatherhood offer charming glimpses of a bygone era, as well as his own impressive paintings.

Roger and his first wife Joyce opened In Time in Hazlemere, where he served as postmaster for 23 years and was given exclusive rights for sales of Paddington Bear, thanks to a young Jeremy Clarkson. Today, he continues to run In Time in Hazlemere.

His passion for design remains evident, not just in his past work but in his ongoing engagement with the industry.

Perhaps most striking is the book’s final chapter, where Roger reflects candidly on ageing. With honesty and warmth, he explores both the rewards and realities of growing older – a perspective that resonates far beyond the world of design.

You can buy a copy of Chair Man for £5.95 from In Time in Hazlemere; 01494 718497.

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Meet the Bucks stylist nominated for eight national hair awards

Zoe Gater

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We chat to Shannon Byrne, the Bucks stylist & SEN champion mum who’s earned national recognition with eight UK award nominations.

For local stylist Shannon Byrne, building a business has always been about more than great hair – it’s about heart, community and confidence.

Founder of Shan’s Salon, a home-based space specialising in colour, blondes and creative transformations, Shannon has spent the past decade honing her craft.

Starting in the industry aged just 16, she qualified by 19 and has since built a loyal client base – all while raising her two young children.

“It means so much to build something in the town I’ve grown up in,” she says. “There’s a real sense of community here.”

Inside the award-nominated home salon

That connection is now being celebrated on a national stage. Shan’s Salon has been named a finalist in an incredible eight categories at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026, including Best Home Salon, Best Colour Salon and Hair Stylist of the Year.

For Shannon, the recognition goes far beyond technical skill.

“It reflects the whole experience – the care, the branding, the environment. Everything I’ve worked so hard to create.” Her salon is designed to feel calm, welcoming and personal – a place where clients can truly relax.

Creating a calm and inclusive client experience

This ethos extends to her inclusive approach, offering flexible, understanding appointments for SEN children and neurodivergent clients.

“It’s something very close to my heart, everyone deserves to feel comfortable and looked after.”

A proud homegrown Bucks success story

Shannon’s roots in the area run deep. Having attended local schools before training at Buckinghamshire College Group, her journey is a true homegrown success story.

Today, she continues to champion other independents, giving a shout-out to local favourite Livia’s Sweet Treats and supporting community events wherever she can.

She is also a member of the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, reflecting her wider commitment to the local environment and community.

Representing Aylesbury on a national stage

Looking ahead, the awards ceremony is set to be a major highlight in an already landmark year.

“To represent Aylesbury at that level is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she says.

But despite the accolades, Shannon remains grounded in what matters most: her clients, her family and the town that supported her from the start.

For her, success isn’t just about great hair – it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, supported and confident when they walk out the door.

Find out more by following @shans_salon on Instagram.

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Love The Great British Sewing Bee? Mark Francis is heading to Wantage this June

Zoe Gater

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Great British Sewing Bee favourite Mark Francis brings stories, stitches and Doctor Who magic to Wantage in June.

If, like me, you’re partial to a bit of The Great British Sewing Bee, you’ll be delighted to hear that one of the show’s most memorable makers is heading to Wantage.

The Great British Sewing Bee favourite Mark Francis will be the special guest at an inspiring evening hosted by the King Alfred Quilters and Textile Group at East Challow Village Hall on Wednesday 3 June 2026.

Known for his immaculate style, warm humour and meticulous craftsmanship, Mark became a firm fan favourite when he appeared on the 2020 series of the hit BBC show. But life after television, he says, has taken him somewhere he never expected.

“The most surprising and rewarding part of being on Sewing Bee has been the complete change in my life since leaving the show,” he says. “None of it was planned.”

Since stepping out of the famous sewing room, Mark has swapped day jobs for dressmaking full-time, building a thriving business teaching sewing, giving talks and developing his own pattern range.

And then there’s his rather extraordinary niche.

“The biggest part of my work is making replica costumes from my favourite BBC series, Doctor Who.”

From bespoke commissions for clients around the world to creating costume pieces linked to upcoming BBC projects, Mark’s post-Bee journey has stitched together creativity, fandom and craftsmanship in the most unexpected ways.

“Six years on, what still surprises me most is the sewing community,” he says. “The love people have for Sewing Bee never fades. People still stop me and tell me stories about watching the show. It’s both humbling and incredibly rewarding.”

Together with husband Clive Bruder, Mark now runs Sew NewBo, a sewing studio in New Brighton on the Wirral, where they host workshops and courses for makers of every ability.

His advice for anyone picking up a needle for the first time?

“Take your time, enjoy the process and keep gently pushing yourself to try new things. Make the things you love.”

Mark’s talk begins at 7pm on Wednesday 3 June 2026, at East Challow Village Hall, OX12 9SU.

Non-members are warmly welcome, tickets are £5 including refreshments, and parking is free.

For more info please contact Janice on 07786 333497 or visit kingalfredquilters.org.uk

And if that inspires you to thread your own needle, the group’s summer party follows on Wednesday 1 July 2026.

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Care Home Open Week 2026 invites you to explore and connect

Zoe Gater

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Curious about care homes? Care Home Open Week invites you to step inside and discover what’s on offer.

From Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June 2026, the annual Care Home Open Week event celebrates the warmth, care, and vibrant communities that care homes across the UK create and support.

With a special World Cup–inspired theme, the week highlights what life in a modern care home is really like, while also showcasing the rewarding career opportunities the sector offers.

Visitors step through the doors and experience the heart of care home life – they meet residents and staff, hear personal stories, and discover the activities and connections that make each home unique. It offers a first-hand look at the sense of community, kindness, and inclusivity that define today’s care settings.

The week also shines a light on innovation in social care, with homes showcasing new approaches to wellbeing and demonstrating their ongoing commitment to delivering the highest quality of life for residents.

Supporting Care Decisions

For families facing a sudden or time-sensitive decision about care, visiting during Care Home Open Week can prove especially valuable. It helps them understand what to look for in a home, what questions to ask, and how residents experience daily life.

Last year, more than 5,500 care services took part, opening their doors to local communities, businesses, and groups.

Mitesh Dhanak, Chair of the Care Home Open Week Committee and board member of Championing Social Care, said:

“Care Home Open Week is a fantastic opportunity to reposition the care sector in the public’s mind. It’s a chance to welcome people in, build trust, strengthen relationships, and show the energy, creativity and compassion that define today’s care homes.”

The week also provides an important opportunity to recognise care home teams. Homes celebrate staff achievements, highlight unsung heroes across all roles – from carers and chefs to activity coordinators – and share pride in the care they deliver every day.

Great British Care Cycle Relay

Care Home Open Week is supported by the Great British Care Cycle Relay, which takes place from 11–15 June 2026. The event brings together cycling, community spirit, and connection across five routes over five days.

The final London leg begins in Caversham and passes through Windsor, Chertsey, and Kingston before finishing in Wandsworth. The route starts and ends at care homes, with stops along the way where participants meet residents and staff and enjoy refreshments.

To find out more or sign up for the cycle ride, visit championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-home-open-week.

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Fall in love with the UK again: The rise of modern staycations

Zoe Gater

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We’re all going on a summer holiday, and more of us are going on staycations – double-decker bus optional…

I do like to be beside the seaside – and in the countryside too – and so do millions of us, with more opting for a staycation last year than hopping on a plane and going abroad.

South West England, Yorkshire, Wales and Scotland are the most popular choices with cottages, caravans and camping all enticing us to enjoy the stunning scenery, history and heritage around us, not to mention visits to the many and varied excellent local pubs and restaurants too.

Combine the comforts of home with the atmosphere of a destination break with a home from home at a holiday park. They make the ideal choice if travelling as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, they’re designed to make holidays easy, enjoyable, and packed with choice, offering plenty to entertain the whole family.

Accommodation is a big part of the appeal. Holidaymakers can choose from cosy caravans and modern lodges to luxury cabins with hot tubs, often set in scenic locations by the coast, countryside, or lakes. Many options are fully equipped with kitchens, living spaces, and outdoor seating, giving you the freedom to holiday on your own terms.

On-site facilities are another highlight. Most holiday parks feature swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment venues, and play areas, so there’s always something to do without leaving the park.

For families, kids’ clubs and organised activities keep younger guests engaged, while adults can enjoy live shows, fitness facilities, or simply unwind.

Holiday parks also offer a strong sense of community and convenience. Everything you need is usually within walking distance, from shops to dining options, creating a safe and social environment. At the same time, you have the flexibility to explore the surrounding area, whether that’s beaches, walking trails, or local attractions.

Holidaying this way allows you to strike a balance between activity and relaxation – giving you the freedom to do as much or as little as you like, all in one place.

With the increase of flexible working, pet-friendly accommodation, and with a nod to more mindful travel, staycations are here to stay and are better than ever and if holidaying without airport queues, luggage allowances and keeping an eye on your carbon footprint strike a chord then staycationing is the way to go.

Discover the hidden gems this country has to offer from cosy countryside escapes to indulgent spa days and vibrant local dining, a staycation lets you experience all manner of delights and fall in love all over again with favourite childhood destinations.

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Star Q&A: Racing legend, Nigel Mansell

Zoe Gater

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We share a chat with racing legend Nigel Mansell who is staying at The Pop-Up Hotel which has returned to Silverstone in time for summer.

Hi Nigel! What’s your favourite corner at Silverstone?

Becketts is pretty awesome, but then so is Stowe. The old Stowe – the new Stowe is not as challenging.

And your favourite Silverstone memory?

Winning… oh no, there’s a few of them! 1992, when I won the championship.

What are you doing here at the Pop-up?

The hotel is bringing something genuinely different to Silverstone, and I’m looking forward to staying. To have that level of comfort and hospitality right inside the circuit, with great food, a relaxed atmosphere and everything taken care of across a race weekend allows you to enjoy the event in a different way.

Apart from the British event, what Grand Prix is your top race to attend?

Difficult one. Without even thinking about it, I do have a soft spot for Hungary. I always used to have my birthday there, and I won the Grand Prix and finished the World Championship there.

What would you change about the Monaco track to make it better from a fan’s perspective?

I wouldn’t change too much. You’ve got what you’ve got at Monaco. They’ve made it much safer. You could possibly – somehow, I’m not sure – make it a bit wider in places for more overtaking opportunities, because there’s hardly any. But Monaco is all about qualifying, and everybody knows that. If you do a great job in qualifying and your car is reliable, then you should be able to win.

What country that doesn’t have an F1 race do you think would be great?

New Zealand’s too small… Thailand would be good. Singapore has a fantastic race. Probably a few others.

Does Lewis Hamilton have one more championship in him?

Well, yes – no question.

What would be on your playlist if you could listen to music while driving an F1 car, what would be on your playlist?

Queen.

Do you drive an electric car?

No – I don’t think fully electric is sensible. Hybrid is totally different – half and half is fantastic, recharging energy as you go along. Hybrid is smart.

Who’s your favourite person from your F1 career?

There’s only one – my dear wife.

If you could have your career again, would you race now, in your era, or another era?

That’s a difficult one. But to have twice the capability of doing the job you love, for twice the number of years and not getting injuries – now is a special time to race.

If you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?

Peace, tranquillity… try to think the best of people and get rid of disharmony. Just get rid of conflict. I don’t understand why we have to repeat history.

We don’t have to have conflicts – negotiate before there’s any conflict at all. But peace and harmony.

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