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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Fleet Lions celebrates its 39th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours in 2026

Zoe Gater

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Join Fleet Lions for the 39th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours on Monday 4 May 2026 – and boost local charities.

“Get the bike out of the garage, change the oil, check the plugs and give it a polish – unless it is in wonderful ‘as original’ condition, then please don’t show it the polishing rag, it will have a heart attack!”

Wise words from Fleet Lions who are revving up for this year’s Motorcycle Run and Concours on Monday 4 May 2026.

Polished or not, it’s time to register your bike and be part of this fantastic day of classic bikes, a great ride and good company all while supporting Fleet Lions for the early May bank holiday.

Starting in The Key car park at Elvetham Heath on the A323 Fleet to Hartley Wintney Road (///wallet.twinkling.bonkers), the event normally attracts well over 200 entrants with bikes ranging from the early 1900s to the later classics, with conditions varying from untouched original to gleaming concours restoration.

Riders come from far and wide around the South East to take part, with it becoming a well-established event in the enthusiasts’ calendar.

If you’ve not been recently or are a virgin in the classic bike world, join Fleet Lions for the 39th run from the car park around the Hampshire and Berkshire countryside and returning for the Concours in the afternoon.

The route will be the tried, tested and much-loved route that has been ridden on for many years (subject to change), which if you have not been before uses good country roads, not one-track lanes with loose gravel in the middle.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast between 9.30am and 10.30am courtesy of the Lions catering team, washed down with a tea or coffee at half price if you bring your own re-usable cup.

Enjoy catching up with riders and visitors, old and new, have a chat, compare notes and then you’ll be ‘fuelled up and ready for the off at 11am.

The road run is approximately 46 miles (subject to change). Route cards, numbers, and badges, etc., will be issued on registration at the start in the car park.

There will be no time checks or observed sections. Riders will be despatched at suitable intervals in order to avoid congestion.

The route is marked at junctions where a turn is required by arrows on the road signs.

The Calleva Arms in Silchester, roughly half way round the route, has kindly agreed to host any riders who wish to stop there for any refreshments.

Pre-registration costs £11 or £14 on the day.

All riders receive an enamel commemorative badge.

To take part, register here: fleetlions.org.uk/booking35 and for more information, including the Concours Classes, visit fleetlions.org.uk/fundraising/motorcycle.

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Meet Dom Ford: Oxfordshire garden designer

Zoe Gater

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We chat to dad and local gardener Dom Ford, whose life and work are shaped by soil, seasons and the community.

Spring is a season of promise, and for Dom Ford, it’s where everything begins. Aged 34, Dom is a father of two, a soon-to-be newlywed, and co-owner of Ford and Kent Gardens – a growing Oxfordshire business that’s rooted by a deep love of plants, people and place.

Dom runs the company alongside his partner Kat, balancing garden maintenance and design with family life. “All things that bloom excite me,” he says, and it’s easy to see why.

Gardening isn’t just his work – it’s the rhythm of his year. Each season brings something new to look forward to, whether it’s fresh shoots in spring, summer borders at their peak, or planning future designs.

Now living in Wootton near Woodstock, Dom feels lucky to be surrounded by countryside. “Oxford’s history and architecture are incredible,” he says, “but it’s the landscape that really feeds the soul.”

Being on the edge of the Cotswolds and close to the Chilterns means walks are never dull, especially the winding National Trust hillside route down through hidden valleys, past Friar Park and on to Hambleden, a village with serious film-star credentials. As a gardener, Dom knows his local centres well, regularly visiting Bunkers Hill, Yarnton and Oxford Garden Centres for inspiration and supplies.

Yarnton’s antique shop and indoor play area make it a family favourite, while in Oxford he’s discovered a new ritual stop: The Golden Cup coffee shop by St Michael’s church.

Further afield, he recommends a detour to Nettlebed Creamery and a legendary cheese toastie.

Food and family go hand in hand, with The Old Shed in Charlbury a regular lunch stop, and The Killingworth in Wootton or The Greyhound near Cumnor saved for relaxed evenings out.

This year holds some particularly exciting milestones. Dom and Kat are set to marry atop a mountain in Austria at the end of this month, and professionally, he’s completing advanced garden design training at the English School of Gardening, based at the historic Chelsea Physic Garden. He’s also planning guided garden tours this summer, offering a horticultural eye on some of Oxfordshire’s finest green spaces.

Above all, Dom’s outlook is rooted in care. “Let’s value the outdoors and each other more,” he says – a simple wish, perfectly planted.

You can call Dom on 01865 688324 or visit fordandkent.co.uk for more information.

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Oxfordshire photographer Charlotte Dingley on capturing life, love and light

Zoe Gater

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We chat to mum and photographer Charlotte Dingley, who captures life, love and light across Oxfordshire.

For Oxfordshire-based Charlotte Dingley, photography is about more than capturing a picture – it’s about preserving a feeling.

A part-time primary school teacher and professional wedding and family photographer, Charlotte lives in Didcot with her husband and their two young sons, Xander and Arthur, along with Daisy, their “very sweet but extremely food-driven” cat.

Life is busy, joyful and grounded in making the most of everyday moments –muddy walks, cooking together, reading when time allows.

Charlotte grew up in Sonning Common and has lived in Didcot for the past 10 years. Oxfordshire’s landscape runs through her story: childhood adventures in beech woods, riverside walks in Henley, lunches in Mill Meadows during her college days.

Now, she shares those same simple pleasures with her boys – trips to Wittenham Clumps, exploring the Ridgeway, mini golf and park visits back at Mill Meadows.

Family is at the heart of everything Charlotte does. Both of her sons were born deaf due to Usher Syndrome, a genetic condition that is the leading cause of deaf-blindness. While they have their sight now, it will gradually deteriorate as they grow older. It’s a reality that has shaped Charlotte’s perspective profoundly.

“We get out and enjoy life as it is,” she says. “Making as many visual memories as we can.”

That philosophy informs her photography. Whether she’s documenting a wedding or capturing a family climbing trees or snuggling on the sofa with a book, Charlotte works in a relaxed, unobtrusive style, focusing on connection rather than perfection.

“I aim to capture the feeling of the day and the story of the couple,” she explains. Her passion for inclusivity also runs deep; she actively campaigns for greater awareness of Usher Syndrome and has spoken in Parliament to highlight the challenges faced by those living with the condition.

When she’s not behind the lens, Charlotte can often be found browsing plants at Root One Garden Centre or walking to The George at Upton with her family. No.33 in Didcot is another favourite — particularly for a Biscoff milkshake.

As spring unfolds, Charlotte is looking ahead to new creative projects and another season of love stories, laughter and light-filled days — all captured, thoughtfully, for years to come.

For more information, visit charlottedingleyphotography.co.uk.

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Relive your childhood hits with James B Partridge at Reading Hexagon

Zoe Gater

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Sing along to childhood hits with Britain’s favourite schoolteacher at the Reading Hexagon this April.

Viral sensation James B Partridge returns with his biggest Primary School Bangers tour yet, bringing classic singalongs and nostalgia to the Reading Hexagon on 26 April 2026.

This brand-new nationwide run will bring the songs that defined our childhoods to life across some of the UK’s most iconic theatres and concert halls across February, March and April.

Fans can expect singalongs, feel-good nostalgia, and the infectious energy that has turned James into a national phenomenon.

Following the sell-out success of The Big Christmas Assembly, which played to tens of thousands across the UK, demand for James continues to soar.

What began as playful classroom performances has exploded into one for the country’s most joyful live music successes – from viral social media fame to afield-closing Glastonbury set featured on the BBC.

James has also charmed audiences on Chris Evan’s Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, Sunday Brunch, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong, proving that his unique blend of humour and harmony delights every generation.

For more information or to book, visit Reading Hexagon’s website.

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