Eggar’s: A small school with a big heart where every child is known and valued

Zoe Gater

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Eggar’s is a friendly, vibrant state-funded secondary school in the heart of Hampshire set in a magnificent 38-acre site. Our 750 students thrive in calm, purposeful classrooms where they are engaged in exciting learning. Our greatest resource is our specialist teachers who are “experts in their subjects and enthuse pupils to want to learn more” (Ofsted 2024).

We provide students with a range of opportunities to experience success and develop into confident, motivated and responsible individuals. We inspire leaders of the future through extensive ambassador opportunities, our Eco Committee and our unique extracurricular offering, the Eggar’s Experience.

As early as Years 4 and 5 with our bespoke Discover Programme, we love getting to know our future students and helping them feel at home in our happy community of learners, where they will be inspired and nurtured to grow and succeed.

Our reputation is well established for academic excellence, sporting prowess and exceptional creativity in the visual and performing arts. Our GCSE Attainment and Progress remained very strong across the board in 2026, with particularly impressive results in English, Music, Science, French, Drama and Art.

It is a pleasure to lead Eggar’s School, promoting daily our values of Belong, Aspire and Achieve. I love coming to work and have the highest expectations of every student.

Please join us to experience our irresistible curriculum in action at our Open Events on Thursday 17 September (5pm-8pm), Friday 25 September (9.15-10.30) and Friday 9th October (9.15-10.30). 1:1 tours, Meet the Head Teacher and SENCO opportunities are also available on request. Please book via www.ticketsource.com/eggars-school.

I look forward to giving you a personal, warm Eggar’s welcome.

Sarah Holman, Head Teacher

In partnership with Eggar’s School

Eggar’s is a friendly and vibrant school in the heart of Hampshire. Set in a 38-acre site, the campus is an impressive environment where students can focus on their learning and thrive in all aspects of school life. 

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Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra announces its new season

Zoe Gater

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For nearly three decades, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra has been building a reputation for inspirational performances in Oxford, across the UK and worldwide.

Founded in 1998 by Music Director Marios Papadopoulos, the Orchestra has grown exponentially, sharing stages with Martha Argerich, Maxim Vengerov, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Evgeny Kissin and Sir Bryn Terfel.

Despite performances all over the world, the heart of the Orchestra remains firmly in Oxford, where it performs much of its season, family concerts and the celebrated Oxford Piano Festival.

The forthcoming 2026/27 season is its most ambitious to date, with performances that will rouse lovers of classical music and newcomers alike.

In September, the season begins with the launch of Oxford International Opera – a brand-new company founded by the Orchestra, with Sir Bryn Terfel as Artistic Director. In its debut production, Puccini’s Tosca, Terfel stars as Scarpia for the final time alongside Carmen Giannattasio and Saimir Pirgu.

From October, in the run-up to Christmas, audiences can hear the Orchestra in beloved Oxford venues including the Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room and the Olivier Hall, with repertoire that includes Elgar, Holst, Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Dvořák.

The new year then brings the beginning of the Oxford Beethoven Festival 2027, marking 200 years since the great composer’s death. The Festival features performances of the symphonies and piano concertos, the complete piano sonatas and a symposium bringing together leading minds on Beethoven.

February marks the return of superstar soloists Martha Argerich and Maxim Vengerov for concerts in Oxford, before they join the Orchestra on tour in Berlin, Istanbul, Munich and Athens.

In May, Sir Bryn Terfel rejoins the Orchestra for a performance of Beethoven’s Choral Symphony at the Sheldonian and then at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall.

As the season reaches its end, a lighter touch: Gershwin in Oxford and at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, with other leading soloists joining the Orchestra at Cadogan Hall and the Sheldonian Theatre once again.

Throughout the forthcoming season, in addition to concerts that bring some of the most exciting programmes in the national calendar to Oxford, the Orchestra continues to serve its longstanding commitment to community, outreach and education.

Young people are supported with an expanded FUNomusica family concert programme, welcoming children aged four to eight as before, now with select events for ages eight to twelve. The Academy Programme, which guides the next generation of talent, similarly supports young people in the community.

With a fantastic, exciting schedule ahead, now is the time to experience the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra for yourself – whether that means booking a ticket to hear world-class talent in the centre of Oxford or supporting the Orchestra directly.

The group is passionate about delivering magnificent talent and unparalleled community programmes in Oxford and beyond, and relies on the generosity of our supporters.

To find out more about donating, or to book concert tickets, call the Box Office on 01865 980 980 or visit oxfordphil.com.

In partnership with Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading professional orchestras, bringing outstanding performances of great orchestral music to audiences in Oxford and beyond. Founded in 1998 by Music Director Marios Papadopoulos, the orchestra works with world-class soloists and musicians, presenting an inspiring programme of concerts, collaborations and educational initiatives.

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Making moving home easier in later life

Zoe Gater

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Third Age Moves is helping older people and their families navigate the practical and emotional challenges of relocating.

Moving home can be stressful at any age, but for older people, downsizing or relocating can bring an added layer of emotional and practical challenges.

After years – sometimes decades – in the same home, deciding what to take, what to leave behind and how to manage the move can feel overwhelming. For families too, particularly adult children who may not live nearby, coordinating everything can be a daunting task.

That’s where Third Age Moves, a specialist Senior Move Management service based in Swindon, comes in.

Covering Wiltshire and the surrounding areas, as well as the wider UK, Third Age Moves provides a complete relocation service specifically for older people and their families.

Rather than simply transporting furniture from one property to another, the team supports clients throughout the entire process, from planning and decluttering to unpacking and settling into their new home.

The business was founded following personal experience of downsizing from the family home and helping older relatives and friends through similar moves. Seeing first-hand how challenging the process could be highlighted the need for a service that could offer both practical help and sensitive support.

Each client is assigned a dedicated Move Manager, providing a single point of contact throughout the move. This personalised approach means that every relocation can be planned around the individual, taking into account their circumstances, preferences and priorities.

Services can include planning, downsizing and decluttering, responsible recycling, packing, transportation, unpacking and setting up the new home. The team can even make sure furniture is positioned as requested, essentials are unpacked and the home is vacuumed, helping clients settle in from day one.

For many older people, however, the most difficult part of moving isn’t the logistics. It can be the emotional process of letting go of possessions accumulated over a lifetime.

Third Age Moves understands that downsizing isn’t simply about deciding what will fit in a smaller home. Personal belongings can hold memories and meaning, and the team takes a compassionate and respectful approach to helping clients make those decisions.

The service can also offer reassurance to adult children who want to support their parents but aren’t able to manage the practicalities of a move themselves. Having an experienced Move Manager oversee the process can provide peace of mind, while ensuring the older person remains at the centre of every decision.

The team brings together experience in Adult Social Care, small business development, furniture distribution and supporting vulnerable adults. Its professional, DBS-checked team is experienced in working with older people and their families, with the emphasis firmly on providing a calm and supportive experience.

Although based in Swindon, Third Age Moves covers the whole of the UK, with local coverage including Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Somerset, Bristol and Bath.

For more information or to arrange a home visit and no-obligation quote, contact Olivia or James on 01793 201100 or email enquiries@thirdagemoves.co.uk.

Visit thirdagemoves.co.uk to find out more.

In partnership with Third Age Moves

Third Age Moves is a friendly, professional moving service designed to make life transitions easier in later life. From downsizing and decluttering to packing, moving and settling into your new home, the team offer practical, compassionate support every step of the way.

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Win! A weekend for four at Berko Fields Festival – worth almost £400!

Zoe Gater

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Fancy three days of live music, dancing, delicious food and a spectacular 400-drone show? We’ve got four weekend tickets to Berko Fields Festival up for grabs!

Get ready for a brand-new festival weekend in the Chilterns, as Berko Fields takes over Berkhamsted Cricket Club from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026.

We’ve got four weekend tickets worth nearly £400 up for grabs, giving one lucky winner and three friends access to all the festival fun from Friday through to Sunday.

And there’s plenty to get excited about. Alongside world-class DJs, live music, dancing and entertainment, Berko Fields has revealed a spectacular 400-drone aerial display, which will light up the sky above the main stage on Friday and Saturday night.

The 12-minute show will see hundreds of drones rise behind the stage at 10.10pm, forming huge, vivid 3D shapes and images choreographed to the music. On Friday, it will accompany Fish56Octagon’s headline set, while Saturday’s Symphonica Orchestra Ibiza Classics finale will get the same spectacular treatment.

The weekend line-up also includes DJ SKT, BBC Radio 1’s Danny Howard, So Solid Crew and Artful Dodger, plus plenty of local food and drink traders serving everything from smashed burgers to sourdough pizza.

Whether you’re after a big night out, a family-friendly festival day or the full weekend experience, Berko Fields is shaping up to be one of the Chilterns’ newest must-visit events.

ENTER BELOW for your chance to win four weekend tickets, worth nearly £400.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Monday 7 September 2026.

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Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.

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Foodies Festival returns to Oxford’s South Park over the bank holiday weekend

Zoe Gater

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Celebrity chefs, chart-topping music and plenty of tasty treats await at this year’s Foodies Festival in Oxford’s South Park.

Fancy spending the bank holiday weekend eating, drinking and dancing your way around South Park? Foodies Festival returns to Oxford from 29 to 31 August 2026, celebrating its 21st year with a star-studded mix of food, music and family fun.

The three-day gastronomic extravaganza brings together an impressive menu of celebrity chefs, bakers and food experts, alongside some seriously nostalgic pop acts.

Among the headline names are MasterChef 2025 champion Harry Maguire and finalist Sam Kaeokon, alongside MasterChef champions Thomas Frake and Dhruv Baker. Royal cake-maker Mich Turner MBE, BBC Platinum Pudding finalist Sam Smith, TV chef and author Radhika Howarth and MasterChef: The Professionals star William Joshua will also take to the stages.

There’s plenty of local talent on the menu, too. Great British Menu star Ashleigh Farrand, head chef at the Kingham Plough, and Andrew Carr, head chef at Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant The Yurt, are among the chefs showcasing their skills.

Foodies is about far more than watching other people cook, though. In the Chefs Theatre, visitors can pick up tips and tricks while watching culinary stars create signature dishes, while the Cake & Desserts Theatre promises plenty of spectacular bakes. New for 2026 is Ready, Steady, Cook!, an audience-powered competitive cook-off pitting star chefs against each other.

For those with a taste for something stronger, the Drinks Theatre offers tutored masterclasses covering Champagne, beer, cider, cocktails and wine, while the Artisan Market and Feasting Tent provide ample opportunity to sample, shop and graze. And if you like your food with a serious kick, the legendary chilli-eating competition is turning up the heat with the Ultimate Hot Wings Challenge.

Then there’s the music. Boyzone and Westlife supergroup Boyzlife, featuring Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, will perform their collection of No 1 hits, while Pop Idol favourite Gareth Gates brings his Boyband in the Park show, packed with favourites from the 1990s and 2000s. Iconic 90s group B*Witched will also take to the stage.

“We’ve got a set list full of our favourite hits, so dancing and singing along is a must!” says Boyzlife.

Younger festival-goers haven’t been forgotten, with a Kids Cookery School, new Foodies Treasure Hunt Trail, fairground and Kids Zone.

Add local bands, street food from around the globe and plenty of opportunities to discover new flavours, and Oxford’s bank holiday looks decidedly delicious.

Find tickets and more information at foodiesfestival.com.

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This free Bracknell book fair promises a brilliant day out for readers and aspiring writers

Zoe Gater

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Book lovers and aspiring writers can discover their next great read at Bracknell Book Fair this September, with 23 authors, talks, Q&As and plenty of bookish inspiration at its new home, Oaktree Garden Centre.

Book lovers and aspiring writers are invited to Bracknell Book Fair on Saturday, 19th September, when the free community event returns in a new home at Oaktree Garden Centre, Warfield.

Founded by local award-winning author E. L. Williams in 2024, the fair features home grown talent and writers from further afield for what promises to be a deliciously bookish day out.

Visitors can expect a wide range of genres, including crime, thrillers, romance, fantasy, YA and children’s books from the 23 attending authors.

Williams said: “2026 is the National Year of Reading and the fair aims to help readers discover titles they might not stumble across on the shelves of their local bookshop.”

The fair welcomes traditionally published, self-published and hybrid authors alike. “In my experience, readers aren’t worried about the route a book took to reach them. They care that it’s professionally produced and tells a great story,” said Williams.

The speaker programme will include readings, Q&As, author talks and panel discussions on topics such as getting started in creative writing, turning your life experience into fuel for your novel and the pros and cons of traditional vs self-published routes.

Oaktree Garden Centre Director Phil Went said they are delighted to host the Bracknell Book Fair for 2026.

“Our garden centre has always aimed to be a community hub, and supporting authors and creatives aligns perfectly with our values. We’re excited to welcome visitors for a day full of inspiration, conversation and – of course – great books.”

Williams added: “Oaktree is a stunning independent garden centre with a large dog-friendly café, and I honestly can’t think of a more perfect day – books, flowers, dogs, great food and the most fabulous cakes.”

Williams is best known for her Ethereal World novels, she also supports emerging writers through her Writing Scared Substack and one-to-one mentoring.

The book fair, 10am to 4pm, is free to attend. Free car parking on site. Dog Friendly.

See a list of those taking part at elwilliamsauthor.com/pages/bracknell-book-fair-2026.

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White Horse Festival returns to Wiltshire with classical music, countryside adventures and plenty of culture

Zoe Gater

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From ceilidhs and opera to woodland adventures and Vivaldi beneath the skies, the White Horse Festival returns, 1-11 October 2026, with another inspiring celebration of music, nature and more.

World-class music doesn’t have to mean city concert halls. The White Horse Festival returns to Wiltshire with an imaginative programme proving that some of the most memorable performances are those experienced amid rolling countryside, ancient woodland and historic rural venues.

Running from 1-11 October 2026, the volunteer-led festival celebrates classical music while happily stepping beyond traditional boundaries, pairing exceptional musicians with art, food, nature and family-friendly experiences to delight audiences of all ages.

Founded by Ramsbury resident Julia Hudson and led artistically by acclaimed conductor Hilary Davan Wetton, the festival was created from a simple belief: that rural communities deserve access to the same calibre of cultural experiences found in Britain’s major cities.

Following a hugely successful 2025 festival, when many events sold out, organisers have curated an even richer programme for 2026.

The festivities begin with Feast and Fling, combining a hearty Scottish supper with energetic ceilidh dancing at The Ridgeway Barns. Music-lovers can also experience the magnificent Band of the Household Cavalry up close in Marlborough before exploring Wiltshire’s landscapes through Rooted in Earth, an expert-guided countryside walk and rustic farm lunch with live folk music.

One of the festival’s most distinctive events sees Hilary Davan Wetton lead An Organist’s Odyssey, taking audiences on a fascinating musical journey through three beautiful Wiltshire churches, uncovering the stories and sounds of their historic organs.

Art and music come together beautifully during Notes on Colour, where violinist Ruth Rogers, artist Georgie Weedon and the Nadejda Quartet explore Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons through both sound and paint. Younger visitors are equally well catered for, with creative workshops, musical storytelling and woodland-inspired adventures designed especially for babies, toddlers and primary-age children.

Food also plays a starring role. The elegant Festival Opera Gala Dinner promises an unforgettable evening of fine dining accompanied by spectacular performances from soprano Hilary Cronin, baritone Michael Lafferty and pianist Alex Aitken in the beautiful surroundings of Carvers Hill Estate.

The festival concludes in suitably celebratory style with Trumpet Fireworks, featuring internationally acclaimed trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins alongside Hilary Davan Wetton in a rousing concert at Holy Cross Church, Ramsbury.

Book tickets at whitehorsefestival.co.uk, with sponsorship opportunities also available to help support this growing celebration of culture, community & countryside.

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Shiplake jeweller Wendy Penrose creates bespoke pieces inspired by nature, memories and community

Zoe Gater

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We chat to award-winning Shiplake jeweller Wendy Penrose who creates bespoke pieces inspired by nature, family and community.

For Wendy Penrose, jewellery is about far more than sparkle. Every bespoke piece she creates carries stories, memories and emotional connections designed to last a lifetime.

The award-winning goldsmith, who has lived in Shiplake for 26 years, collaborates with customers on one-of-a-kind commissions crafted from recycled precious metals and ethically sourced gemstones.

She specialises in creating bespoke jewellery designs for eternity, engagement and wedding rings in her signature flowing, organic style, all from her peaceful garden workshop near Henley, where she welcomes visitors by appointment.

Before retraining as a jeweller, Wendy worked in corporate marketing, travelling frequently for large companies. When her children were born, she realised she wanted a different balance.

“I didn’t feel that I wanted to juggle constant travel with looking after a family, so I took the opportunity to get back to being creative,” she says. “It was the best decision.”

Her business grew alongside her children, allowing Wendy to build a successful creative career while remaining present for family life. Today, her son and daughter are grown up and living in Sheffield and Edinburgh, although they still play an important role as sounding boards for new design ideas.

Working closely with clients, Wendy is passionate about remodelling inherited jewellery into contemporary pieces that can be worn and treasured.

“What’s so rewarding is knowing these pieces become part of people’s lives,” she says. “Jewellery often carries huge emotional meaning and it’s wonderful to help give treasured gems a new chapter.”

Nature remains Wendy’s greatest inspiration. Her workshop overlooks the couple’s tranquil cottage garden, lovingly transformed over the years by her husband into what she describes as “a peaceful oasis filled with birdsong”. That connection to the natural world flows into every design, shaped by both artistic creativity and an early fascination with science after studying biology at university.

Wendy has also become a familiar face through the hugely popular Henley Arts Trail, opening her studio to visitors since 2008. Since taking over the management of the not-for-profit event three years ago, she has helped double visitor numbers to about 34,000 this year across 36 venues.

She also launched the Henley Arts Trail ArtSpark competition, supporting young artists aged 11 to 13 with tuition, art materials and encouragement.

“We support creatives at every stage of their careers,” Wendy says. “The trail is about bringing people together through art, creativity and beautiful spaces.”

Through initiatives such as ArtSpark, she hopes to inspire and encourage the next generation of local creatives.

To find out more and shop please visit wendypenrosejewellery.co.uk.

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Henley artist Clare Hoath proves it’s never too late to find your creative spark

Zoe Gater

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Henley artist Clare Hoath shares how motherhood sparked her passion for painting, her inspiration from Oxfordshire and her new art classes.

Some people discover their life’s passion early. For Clare Hoath, it began with a paintbrush, a new baby and an unexpected career change.

After years working in sales and marketing in the financial services sector, Clare found herself with time on her hands following the birth of her first son. Curious to try something new, she joined local art classes, attended community groups and borrowed every painting book she could find from the library.

“I was instantly hooked,” she says.

Today, the Oxfordshire artist paints impressionist landscapes and colourful garden scenes, selling her work through exhibitions, art fairs, commissions and her growing Instagram following. But despite finding her artistic voice, Clare refuses to be confined by one style or medium.

“I’ve experimented with everything from painting to sculpture,” she explains. “There’s just so much to explore creatively.”

Having grown up in Oxfordshire and studied at Henley College, Clare now lives in the tiny village of Aston, just outside Henley, where the surrounding countryside provides endless inspiration.

Favourite walks include the Thames Path and riverside routes into Henley, usually accompanied by her much-loved Cavapoo, who, she laughs, is “possibly the world’s largest and neediest” – although not, it seems, a fan of particularly long walks.

Away from the easel, Clare enjoys discovering treasures at Henley’s Vintage Shop, relaxing at The Flower Pot in Aston and catching comedy shows at the Kenton Theatre, where she has recently seen comedians including Jack Dee and Milton Jones.

She’s also an active member of several local groups, attending weekly life drawing sessions at White Waltham Village Hall, swimming and playing tennis at Phyllis Court, golfing at Hennerton Golf Club and preparing to try the increasingly popular sport of padel at Wargrave Tennis Club.

This autumn marks another exciting chapter as Clare launches beginners’ impressionist painting classes, hoping to inspire others who, like her, might discover a hidden creative talent later in life.

Her advice? Don’t worry about getting it right.

“Just start. You never know where that first brushstroke might lead.”

Find Clare’s work, commission enquiries and details of her new art classes on Instagram @clarehoathart or email clarehoathart@gmail.com.

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DogFest is coming to Blenheim Palace for a tail-wagging weekend this October

Zoe Gater

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Attention dog-lovers! Blenheim Palace will open its gates to four-legged visitors for a spectacular new weekend of canine celebration this October 2026.

Prepare for wagging tails, muddy paws and plenty of royal treatment, because this autumn dogs will take centre stage as DogFest at the Palace makes its debut at Blenheim Palace on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026.

This new dog-friendly festival, presented by Agria Pet Insurance, promises a weekend where our four-legged companions are the true VIPs.

Set within the breathtaking grounds of Blenheim Palace, the event will transform the historic estate into a dog-lover’s paradise, with opportunities to explore the beautiful parkland, meet fellow owners, enjoy delicious food and browse a host of shopping stalls dedicated to dogs and their humans.

A packed programme of activities will ensure there is something for every pup, whether they are energetic adventurers, social butterflies or simply in search of a few extra treats.

Highlights include the Palace Parade, a joyful royal-inspired showcase where dogs can strut their stuff, and the Agria Fun Dog Show, featuring playful categories and the chance to be crowned the ultimate Best in Palace.

There will also be breed meet-ups, giving dogs and owners the chance to make new friends, while The Palace Lawn offers a relaxed space to sit back with a picnic, enjoy live acoustic music and join in with quizzes.

One of the most anticipated experiences will be the Agria Big Dog Walk, a rare chance for visitors and their canine companions to enjoy the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace together and take in the views of one of Britain’s most famous estates.

For those wanting the full royal experience, DogFest Plus tickets include fast-track entry, premium parking, access to an exclusive private paddock and a few extra treats for both dogs and their owners.

With all have-a-go activities included in the ticket price, plus an official commemorative photograph to remember the day, DogFest at the Palace is set to become the ultimate outing for dog lovers.

Book tickets at dogfest.co.uk.

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