Henley Arts Trail celebrates 20 years in 2026

Zoe Gater

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Explore hidden corners and uncover a treasure trove of creativity from 300 exhibitors across 36 venues at the 20th anniversary of Henley Arts Trail 2026.

Celebrating two decades of creativity, the Henley Arts Trail returns over the May Bank Holiday weekend, inviting visitors to explore one of the region’s most popular open-studio events.

Running from Saturday 2 to Monday 4 May 2026, the trail offers the chance to experience artworks in artists’ studios, galleries, vineyards, a distillery, the world-famous Leander Club and, for the first time, a stately home on the banks of the Thames.

Founded in 2006, the trail has grown into a vibrant showcase for local talent, bringing together more than 300 artists and makers across Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding villages.

From painters and sculptors to ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists, the event offers a diverse snapshot of contemporary creativity in the Thames Valley.

What makes the Henley Arts Trail special is the chance to step inside working studios and unusual venues – from riverside locations and village halls to historic buildings and gardens – and meet the artists behind the work.

Artists announced for this year include Tim Slatter, who creates bold landscape etchings and prints and gained wider recognition from his appearance on Landscape Artist of the Year; Esté MacLeod, known for vibrant floral and still-life compositions that have attracted an international following from her studio in Charvil; and Shelagh Casebourne, a plein‑air landscape painter whose expressive work captures the British countryside.

Many venues host demonstrations, giving visitors an insight into techniques and creative processes, while most exhibitions offer the opportunity to buy original pieces directly from the maker.

Alongside established artists, the trail also supports emerging talent through ArtSpark, a competition for young artists aged 16 to 18 that includes mentoring from professional artists and the chance to exhibit during the event.

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Spire Thames Valley Hospital awarded gold for commitment to patient safety

Zoe Gater

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The National Joint Registry (NJR) has awarded Spire Thames Valley Hospital with Gold Level status after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits.

Part of the leading independent healthcare group Spire Healthcare, Spire Thames Valley Hospital has earned Gold Level status from the National Joint Registry (NJR) through its Quality Data Provider programme.

The National Joint Registry collects and monitors high-quality orthopaedic data on hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement procedures.

This information helps improve patient safety, raise standards of care and deliver better outcomes in joint replacement surgery. It also provides valuable feedback to orthopaedic clinicians and implant manufacturers.

The NJR introduced the Quality Data Provider certificate scheme to help hospitals achieve and maintain high standards in patient safety and data reporting.

The programme recognises hospitals that meet the registry’s strict targets for data completeness, accuracy and quality.

Each year, the NJR carries out a Data Quality Audit. It compares the number of joint replacement procedures hospitals submit to the registry with those recorded in their local Patient Administration System (PAS).

This process helps ensure the registry receives the most complete and accurate data possible from hospitals performing joint replacement surgery, including Spire Thames Valley Hospital.

Sue Holliday, Hospital Director at Spire Thames Valley Hospital, said: “Improving patient safety is of the utmost importance and something all staff at Spire Thames Valley Hospital take very seriously.

“We fully support the National Joint Registry’s work to improve clinical outcomes for joint replacement patients, and we are delighted to be recognised as an NJR Quality Data Provider.”

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GuilFest 2026: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers to headline Guildford’s biggest summer festival

Zoe Gater

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Seven stages, huge headline acts and entertainment for all ages will transform Stoke Park into Guildford’s biggest summer party when GuilFest returns this July 2026.

Want to go to the biggest party in Guildford this summer? Join disco diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor and legendary Scottish duo The Proclaimers as they headline the 26th Guilfest.

You won’t need to walk 500 miles and there certainly won’t be any ‘crying at the discotheque’ at the party of all parties – you won’t want to miss out on this hit with tickets available now for the perfect start to your summer.

Alongside Sophie on the bill on Saturday are Rudimental, The Lottery Winners, ABC, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Tiffany, Echobelly, Elvana, Old Time Sailors, Uncle Funks Disco Inferno, Phats and Small, Rick Parfitt Jnr, Daft Funk Live, Tankus, Bob Marley Revival and The Rock Choir.

Bringing the music before The Proclaimers on Sunday’s lineup are Kula Shaker, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Haircut 100, Heather Small, T’Pau, The Bootleg Beatles, Hugh Cornwell, The South, The Smyths, Letz Zep, Gavin Thomas, The Dolly Show and The Rock Choir.

In addition to the seven separate stages of music performing many genres, fashions and sounds, you’ll be able to enjoy the comedy tent, dance tent, art & craft village with brilliant workshops, street theatre, delicious world cuisine, huge beer tent, literary tent with interesting talks, cocktail bar, singing, dancing and drumming workshops and sessions, games tent, kids area, bushcrafts and open mic sessions.

Oh, and did we mention it has been voted Best Family Festival in the UK? Proving that it really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

If Guilfests of previous years have been anything to go by having featured Simple Minds, Pulp, Madness, Aha, Paul Weller, Motorhead and James, you won’t want to miss this year’s musical extravaganza!

A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets are available now and will only be available until they run out. These tickets do sell fast so grab yours while you can at the cheapest prices that they will be.

Payment plans options are available.

Book your tickets at guilfest.co.uk.

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The Ivy Collection reveals special menu for Mother’s Day 2026

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

From breakfast to dinner, treat your mum – and mother-figures – to an exclusive set menu at The Ivy, with a complimentary box of chocolates and tulips to take home.

This Mother’s Day, The Ivy Collection celebrates mums and mother-figures with a special three-course menu, as well as a brand-new breakfast option at venues including Oxford, Marlow and Windsor.

Available on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026, the set menu features seasonal produce and vibrant flavours, perfect for sharing with a loved one.

Starters include favourites such as buffalo burrata with pesto; crab and avocado tian; and The Ivy classic crispy duck salad.

Tuck into lemon butter roast chicken, oven-baked sea bream with Gigantes beans, and a plant-based asparagus courgette and broad bean linguine for mains.

And those with a sweet tooth can look forward to raspberry bloom parfait, a black bee honey and white chocolate cheesecake, as well as the oh-so-decadent signature Ivy chocolate bombe.

Alternatively, the breakfast menu offers up mini pastries with butter and preserves for the table, with mains such as truffled poached eggs, eggs royale with The Ivy Cure smoked salmon and caviar, or Eggs Benedict with pulled ham.

The Mother’s Day Set Menu is priced at £38.95 per person, while the Mother’s Day Breakfast costs £27.50 per person.

Plus, mums dining over the weekend will also receive a bouquet of tulips and a box of chocolates.

For more information or to book, visit ivycollection.com.

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New family mystery trail launches at RHS Garden Wisley

Zoe Gater

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Become a detective in Surrey this Easter with RHS Garden Wisley’s interactive trail for families – and help rescue the Easter Bunny.

This Easter, families can put on their detective hats and take on an egg-straordinary challenge at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey.

The interactive family trail invites little sleuths to follow clues, solve puzzles, and help rescue the Easter Bunny.

The mystery begins just as the Easter Bunny was about to deliver chocolate across the country. However, to his dismay, every egg basket had been emptied, leaving behind nothing but a solitary carrot.

Eight suspicious characters were spotted nearby – can your young detectives hop to it and uncover the culprit behind this egg-celent crime?

Armed with a £3 detective pack, children can explore the garden while working together to follow clues, decode secret ciphers, and complete fun activities.

Each pack contains colouring pencils, puzzles, and a variety of Easter-themed challenges designed to spark imagination and discovery.

For younger participants, a simpler trail is available, and every budding detective receives a chocolate reward at the finish.

On selected dates, families can also enjoy Easter Storytime to solve another seasonal mystery or join the Leaf and Clue Academy. This special walk teaches children how nature leaves clues that can help solve garden mysteries, adding an extra layer of discovery to their adventure.

Garden entry is free for members and children under five, whereas under-17s are £5 each. Detective packs and the Leaf and Clue Academy cost £3 per child, with online booking required for the academy.

RHS Garden Wisley promises an un-bunny-lievably fun day out, where young detectives can enjoy outdoor adventure, teamwork, and chocolate-filled rewards.

For more information or to book, visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley.

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Poets wanted: Celebrate Didcot’s routes in a beautiful illustrated book

Zoe Gater

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Local artist Linda Benton invites you to write about personal routes, journeys and everyday discoveries with a beautiful new spring collection.

Could you write a poem for The Poets’ Trail? If the thought makes you hesitate, you’re exactly the person Linda Benton and the team want to hear from.

The Poets’ Trail is a joyful, ongoing community project encouraging local people to put pen to paper and see their words brought to life in beautifully illustrated books. What began in East Hagbourne has steadily grown, with the most recent collection, Didcot’s Oaks, reaching further across the area.

Now, organisers are inviting submissions for the next book on the theme of routes – from pathways to railways in Didcot and villages.

The brief is deliberately wide open. Poems might explore a favourite dog walk, hedgerows discovered along the way, a familiar bus journey from the top deck, a train speeding through the countryside or a cycle ride to a village pub. Personal perspectives and contrasts are actively encouraged.

At the heart of the project is East Hagbourne resident Linda Benton, an artist and long-time community champion who believes poetry belongs to everyone.

Originally from Aberdeen and trained in drawing and painting in Dundee, Linda moved south decades ago and has lived here for over 30 years.

“I’ve always worked in art,” she says, “often alongside other jobs – because art income can be rather erratic.”

Her creative life has been rooted in the community, from running a health food shop in Didcot to caretaking at Hagbourne Village Hall.

Today, daily life revolves around family, village friendships and long walks with Poppy, the family’s petite golden Labrador.

“Having a dog has completely changed our routines,” she says. “It gets us out every day, and we’ve met a whole new group of people.”

Those walks often lead into Didcot for a coffee at Cornerstone or Berro Lounge, both welcoming dogs and their humans.

The local shop and post office, along with The Fleur de Lys pub – known for its music nights and relaxed atmosphere – are all part of what Linda treasures about village life.

“There’s a real feeling of community here,” she says. “Supportive, friendly, and close to the railway too – which fits the Routes theme perfectly.”

Poems should be no more than 36 lines, including the title and spaces, and must be submitted by Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Whether you’re an experienced writer or a first-time poet, The Poets’ Trail offers a gentle invitation to follow where your words might take you.

Send to Linda.benton@live.co.uk. Any questions, please call on 01235 817891

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Pub in the Park unveils sizzling line-up for 2026 – with tickets on sale now

Zoe Gater

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Over four days, visitors can enjoy top chefs and pop-up restaurants, live performances from big-name artists, and a mix of talks, masterclasses, and interactive experiences as Pub in the Park returns.

The ultimate food and music festival returns to Marlow this spring, when Pub in the Park hosts some of the nation’s best chefs, tasty pop-up restaurants and unmissable live performances.

Running from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May 2026, guests can enjoy four days of delicious food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Culinary programme at Pub in the Park

Experience bold flavours, unforgettable dishes and a showcase of talent at this year’s festival.

Visitors include talented chef, author, and presenter Si King, whose approachable, hearty cooking has captivated audiences for decades. Other stars include the renowned Raymond Blanc OBE, the much-loved UK chef James Martin, and Tommy Banks, the youngest British chef to achieve a Michelin star, who will showcase his thoughtful, seasonal approach.

And don’t miss television favourite Matt Tebbutt, joined by special guest and wine expert Helen McGinn, as well as the pioneer of modern Indian cuisine in the UK and Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar.

Other unmissable names on the bill include Simon Rimmer, Emily English, Candice Brown, Thuy Diem Pham, Ping Coombes, Adam Purnell, Jack Blumenthal, Karan Gokani, and more.

Restaurants at Pub in the Park

With a mix of new and returning restaurants and pubs, you won’t struggle to find something delicious to tuck into this May 2026.

Expect The Oarsman and The Star Inn, bringing elevated pub classics; cult chicken brand Ginger Wings; Raymond Blanc’s The George & Dragon; and, for seafood lovers, simple coastal-inspired dishes from Rick Stein.

New for this year, Temper brings bold, fire-led cooking and tacos to the park, while Six by Nico offers a playful and immersive approach to dining. Fresh from the countryside, enjoy ingredient-led cooking straight from field to flame with Oxmoor Farm, or experience brilliant comfort food at Tommy’s Pie Shop. And burger legends The Beefy Boys will also be serving their award-winning, flavour-packed creations.

After something spicy? Sticky Mango delivers global flair and vibrant Thai flavours.

Music headliners at Pub in the Park

Don’t forget your dancing shoes – Pub in the Park has a brilliant line-up of performers to keep you entertained.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Craig David, Gabrielle, McFly, Craig Charles, and Razorlight are among just some of the top names announced to perform live for guests this year.

Alternative entertainment at Pub in the Park

If all that wasn’t enough, the festival also introduces several exciting new additions.

For the first time, guests can dance the night away at the all-new Kitchen Disco, enjoy inspiring talks with favourite authors in the Book Club Tent, and deepen their drinks knowledge in the Drinks Masterclass Tent.

Tickets to Pub in the Park

Standard ticket prices start from £47 per person, with special VIP packages also available.

For more information or to book, visit pubintheparkuk.com.

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How one mobile vet is transforming pet care across Wantage and the Ridgeway

Zoe Gater

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We chat to mobile vet Dr Laura Sells MRCVS , helping pets thrive across Wantage and the Ridgeway.

In a 450-year-old thatched cottage just outside Wantage, animals joyfully rule the roost at the Sells household.

There’s Zip the lurcher – the inspiration for the name of mummy Laura’s  business ZipVet and resident sofa-stealer – Reggie the rescue cat, and five gloriously named chickens: Unicorn, Hoppy, Rose and the three “Raptors” (creative direction courtesy of two small children aged three and seven).

It’s a lively household, shared with a husband who is also a vet (equine, in his case), and anchored firmly in the Oxfordshire countryside.

After relocating from Surrey in summer 2025, the family quickly fell for the Ridgeway’s wide skies and the magic of Uffington White Horse. Walks here are a regular adventure, with Zip bounding ahead and the children scanning the skyline.

At home, living near a chalk stream means kingfishers flash past like jewels, tawny owls call at dusk, and hedgehogs shuffle through the garden after dark.

Animals aren’t just part of family life – they’re the heart of her work too.

With more than 15 years’ experience as a vet, she now runs a mobile veterinary service, bringing calm, compassionate care directly into pets’ homes.

For many dogs and cats, the trip to a clinic can be stressful – particularly for older pets or those in pain. Being treated in familiar surroundings makes all the difference.

Consultations last a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing time for gentle handling, careful observation and thorough conversations with owners. There’s no rush, no clinical waiting room – just reassurance, understanding and a health plan tailored to each individual animal.

She has a special interest in elderly pet care and chronic pain management, helping beloved companions stay comfortable and content in their golden years. Regular home visits mean subtle changes are spotted early and small adjustments can have a big impact on quality of life.

“There’s something incredibly special about supporting pets as they age,” she says. “They’ve given so much love – they deserve thoughtful, individual care in return.”

As renovation dust settles and village life begins to feel like home – with coffee from Childrey Stores and dog-friendly evenings at The Greyhound in Letcombe Regis — she’s looking forward to building lasting bonds with local families and their four-legged friends.

Because for this vet, it’s always been about the animals first — happy paws, wagging tails and peaceful golden years.

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Wantage dad gains new independence with assistance dog Cassie

Zoe Gater

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Wantage dad Paul Jacobs tells us how his assistance dog Cassie has helped him, thanks to a newly qualified Support Dogs partnership.

Sometimes, a helping hand comes with four paws and a wagging tail. For Wantage dad Paul Jacobs, that helping hand is Cassie, a clever black Labrador who has transformed daily life for him and his young family.

Paul was just 21 when his world changed forever. A serious motorcycle accident left him with a spinal injury, and he spent four months at Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s National Spinal Injury Centre before finally returning home. Once an active apprentice plumber with a bright future, Paul suddenly found himself learning how to navigate life as a wheelchair user.

“To go from being fairly active to being in a wheelchair was quite the change,” says Paul, now 42 and a dad of two. Rebuilding confidence took time and courage, but one constant helped guide him forward. His lifelong love of dogs.

That love led Paul to Cassie, who recently graduated alongside him as a successful Support Dogs partnership. Trained by the Yorkshire-based national charity Support Dogs, Cassie is now Paul’s disability assistance dog, giving him independence, reassurance and the freedom to enjoy family life more fully.

Living with limited balance and core strength, everyday tasks can be challenging. Cassie has been trained to pick items up from the floor, a skill that proves invaluable in a busy household with children Oliver, nine, and seven-year-old Benjamin.

“There are often clothes and toys everywhere,” Paul smiles. “Cassie picks up my shoes, her toys, and even takes clothes to the washing machine. She can help load it too, and she pulls my socks and jacket off.”

Out and about, Cassie closes doors, presses access buttons and provides something just as important as practical support. Confidence.

“When you go from able-bodied to disabled, going outside on your own can be quite scary,” Paul explains. “Having Cassie with me relieves that anxiety. She helps physically, but also emotionally.”

Cassie also opens doors socially. Wearing her Support Dogs jacket, she sparks conversations and helps Paul feel connected, rather than isolated. Her training means she can accompany him into shops, making everyday life smoother and more inclusive.

Paul, who retrained as a design engineer just eight months after his accident and still works for Warburton Building Services, is full of praise for Support Dogs and the life-changing work they do.

“It’s amazing what they can teach a dog, and how much that changes someone’s life,” he says. “Life would be a lot more difficult without Cassie.”

Support Dogs provides all its services free of charge and relies entirely on donations. For Paul and his family, Cassie is not just a dog. She is a teammate, a confidence booster and a much-loved member of the family.

Visit supportdogs.org.uk.

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

Zoe Gater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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