Gavin & Stacey star Jo Page

Liz Nicholls

Activities & Events

Actress & mum Jo Page chats to Liz Nicholls about the upcoming Gavin & Stacey Christmas reunion, life, love, wildlife & more

You can watch & hear Jo’s full chat on our Spotlight podcast:

Hi Jo, how are you?
“Good thanks. I’m in the middle of filming at the Wildlife Aid Foundation hospital in Leatherhead. I’m dealing with badgers, foxes, bats: cleaning cages, coming home and changing nappies. So my life is just cleaning up poo: animals and children!”  

Q. We’re excited about the Gavin & Stacey special. What’s in store for Nessa & Smiffy, and you two!? “Oh gosh I’ve no idea. I just hope to God they haven’t got me in a bikini on Barry Island because I’m 47 now! We haven’t seen a script yet and even my husband said ‘don’t tell me!’ I’m as excited as everyone else.” 

Q. What’s it like on set? “Everyone’s lovely. When we first started it was clear we had great chemistry, and would be big pals, like family. I love them all. Rob Brydon is so funny, always doing voices. And the impressions! He’s either doing Hugh Grant or Al Pacino. It’s an utter joy. I’d only ever watched Gavin & Stacey once; my daughter is 11 and asked if we could watch the first series and… it’s really funny! And rude!” 

Q. What does your Christmas look like? “I’m a real home girl… apart from one year when I did panto in Milton Keynes which was weird! I’m the sort of person who takes the Halloween decorations down and wants to put the tree up. I don’t have any recipes or a precious way I do my potatoes: I don’t enjoy cooking because I cook so much for the kids, so if the men want to take over, I’m fine with that! We’re up opening presents, having Bucks fizz. We stay in pyjamas all day, eat and play with toys – it’s bedlam! I’m already thinking how on earth are we going to watch Gavin & Stacey? Mind you they’re a bit older now so they might sit still.” 

Q. Can I ask you about your naked bit-part in Love Actually with Martin Freeman? “I first watched it sitting next to my parents and I was mortified! I was only 23 and terrified when we made it, as all the cast were there. I remember thinking ‘it’s Alan Rickman! Emma Thomson! Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson!’ It was so exciting.” 

Q. Do you ever get star-struck? “I don’t normally… but I saw Paul Gorton from The Traitors at the NTAs this year and went beserk!” 

Q. You and your husband got together after you both starred in David Copperfield? “Yes! I saw him on telly and thought ooh he’s so rugged and handsome. I said to my mum: ‘I want that man to be the father of my children!’ My mate Maxine Peake called me and said: ‘I’m working with an actor who says he’s in love with you: will you please come and see the play?’ I went to the green room bar and we just did not stop talking. I just knew. And he had lovely forearms and great neck / shoulder area.” 

Q. What invention would drastically improve the quality of your life as a busy working mum? “Hmm… A contraption that allows me to have a constant massage, fly and gives me a lie-in. And makes me breakfast and looks after the children so I could sleep in until one in the afternoon. Then it would turn back time to 8am but I’d be incredibly well-rested and enjoy my day with everyone… Basically a nanny/husband and a time machine. With a constant massage!” 


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Surrey Artist of the Year

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

The New Ashgate Gallery is celebrating the rich tapestry of Surrey’s artistic talent at the Surrey Artist of the Year 2024 – vote and be part of the journey to crowning the winner

Surrey Artist of the Year is a celebration of the wealth of talent and creativity that exists in the county and you can have your say in bestowing the titular honour.

Presented in collaboration between the New Ashgate Gallery and Surrey Artists Open Studios, this annual event has been showcasing the exceptional talent of local artists since 2009. From intricate designs to bold expressions, discover a rich array of artwork spanning mediums such as painting, drawing, textiles, ceramics, glass, and paper art.

The exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery runs until November 9th but you have the chance to get involved, see the artwork firsthand and cast your vote in person at the gallery until October 25th when Surrey Artist of the Year 2024 will be revealed.

The 17 artists competing for this year’s prize of a bursary of £1,000 and a solo exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery are:

v             Simran Ahira, Woking: Day and Night, mixed media painting
v             Tracey Jane Cooper, Reigate: Ocean Jewels, mixed media painting
v             Sarah Cox, Guildford: Swoop and Swirl, painting
v             Diana Croft, Dorking: Monet’s Garden, printmaking
v             Liz Hauck, Horley: Blue Velvet, painting
v             Alison Hunt, Hindhead: Copper Mist, painting
v             Richard Jack, Farnham: Mixed Emotions, sculpture
v             Jennifer Jokhoo, Redhill: Midsummer, printmaking
v             Rosalinda Kightley, Guildford: Orange Nasturtium, painting/printmaking
v             Claire Kent, Dorking: Precipice View, textiles
v             Colette Moscati, Farnham: The Flashes, painting
v             Peg Morris, Gomshall: Sassuolo Enfilade, printmaking
v             Julie Patton, Horley: In Coming Tide, enamel/ceramics
v             Philip Ryland, Farnham: Glitterball, painting
v             Sarah Rawlins, East Horsley: Positive Energy Scarf, textiles/painting
v             Julia Stockwell-Hamid, Ockley: Silver Rain I, painting/jewellery/sculpture
v             Chantelle Watson, Shamley Green: The Journey – Pitch Hill, Surrey, painting

As part of the commitment to fostering creativity within the community, they’re offering free family workshops during the October half-term on the 29th and 30th. Join the paper crafts and cardmaking led by Lucy Dorothy Nichols, the 2023 winner, alongside artist Kate Kennington Steer from the DAiSY network.

This year’s exhibition coincides with October Craft Month in Farnham, a celebration of craft and making that brings together artists, makers, and enthusiasts from all over the region. October Craft Month will feature a series of events, workshops, and exhibitions designed to inspire and engage the community in the joy of handmade crafts.

Lucy Dorothy Nichols, Surrey’s Artist of the Year 2023, returns for a simultaneous One Year On exhibition in the New Ashgate Gallery. The collection of works by the paper artist celebrates the joy of storytelling. But it isn’t a collection celebrating your average story… This is a world where stories that seem impossible to believe are perfectly plausible, a world where dreams and reality are delicately intertwined.

Taking titles from the Observer Pocket Book series as her starting point, Lucy has disregarded the wealth of interesting facts and figures contained within the pages of those well-loved, little reference books and instead conjured up a series of intricate paper sculptures which turn those facts and figures upside down. Stories, created from treasured papers, old envelopes, discarded wrapping paper and even the odd chocolate bar wrapper, now spill out from between the pages of these colourful little books. There are tales of shops selling musical notes by the jar, of marvellously magical rainbow-making machines, and if you look up, you’ll be able to wonder at skies full of birds laden down with bags, all flying off on their latest adventure. Pictured top right is Mozart and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

New Ashgate Gallery director, Dr Outi Remes says: “The Surrey Artist of the Year competition is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that thrives within our community. We are proud to support and showcase these artists, providing them with a platform to share their work and inspire others.”

Sadly Richard Jack, shortlisted for the Surrey Artist of the Year 2024, has recently passed away. At the request of his family, his artwork, Mixed Emotions, will still be part of the exhibition as a tribute to his talent and contribution to the arts community. The New Ashgate Gallery extends its condolences to his family and honours his enduring legacy.


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Marlborough LitFest stars to shine

Liz Nicholls

Activities & Events

Marlborough LitFest celebrates its 15th year with a packed programme full of more than 40 events offering a myriad of topics for all ages across the festival weekend from 26th to 29th September

On offer this year is an exciting mix of debut authors and established writers in fiction and non-fiction, as well as poetry, children’s authors and free schools events, workshops and LitFest’s annual Big Town Read in the historic market town.

This year’s line-up includes LitFest Patron Sir Simon Russell Beale, 2024 Golding Speaker Linda Grant, Celia Imrie, Robert Hardman, Kate Mosse, William Dalrymple, Zeinab Badawi, Robert Peston, Sarah Perry, Martin Sixsmith, Jonathan Dimbleby, Felix Francis and children’s author and illustrator duo Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre.

With autobiography, memoir, poetry and fiction and non-fiction covering genres including Shakespeare, royalty, politics, history, nature (in particular trees and tulips), signing therapy, midlife crises, a history of childhood reading, crime, food and travel, AI, sport, storytelling for both adults and children and a Big Book Quiz at The Parade Cinema, this year’s 15th anniversary programme has something for everyone.

Bestselling Sunday Times author and award-winning actor Celia Imrie will discuss her latest novel, Meet Me at Rainbow Corner. Fans of the international bestseller, The Essex Serpent can hear Sarah Perry talking about her new novel, Enlightenment. Political and economics reporter Robert Peston will talk about his latest novel, The Crash, featuring his recurring main protagonist, Gil Peck.

Join local playwright and author Barney Norris on a walk in Savernake Forest, examining the link between place and memory when writing about fiction. Participants can write about their own experiences and discuss this over a drink in a local Marlborough pub.

LitFest Patron Sir Simon Russell Beale will be interviewed by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford, discussing Beale’s first book, A Piece of Work, recounting his acting career with a focus on his Shakespearean characters.
Broadcaster and journalist Jonathan Dimbleby, acclaimed for his Second World War histories, will talk about Endgame 1944: How Stalin Won the War.

Among many other highlights, sports journalist Sam Peters will be in conversation with rugby player Steve Thompson about concussion in sport in his book Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth. First time writer Chloe Dalton will share her astonishing story of Raising Hare. Tristan Gooley, bestselling author of How to Read a Tree, will share tips on tree identification and how to unlock the secret signs that trees give about their past and surrounding landscape.

This year’s Big Town Read, run in association with Wiltshire Libraries, is The Secret Life of John le Carré by Adam Sisman.

In its 15th year LitFest has expanded its free activities for younger children and their families, with many ways to join in and share everyone’s love of stories. The children’s festival programme features a bumper crop of events – many free – to keep all ages entertained both before and during the festival weekend. Little ones can enjoy poetry and storytelling slots at Pewsey and Marlborough Libraries, with Street Storytellers at The Parade Cinema, as well as free craft activities at St Peter’s Church with Aldbourne Children’s Book Group.

To book your tickets and find out more please visit Marlborough Literature Festival. You can also call 0333 666 3366 or buy from The White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough, and from the box office in the Town Hall over the festival weekend. Please note that the bookshop cannot take orders by phone.


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Tasty treats at Thame Food Festival

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

A real foodie destination returns on September 28th & 29th with a wonderful mix of more than 120 stalls in the Artisan Market

Thame Food Festival promises a delicious mix of sweet, savoury, vegan, vegetarian and flavours from around the world offering something delicious to suit every taste!

This will be alongside the Street Food market with an extensive range of carefully selected, passionate producers. All guaranteed to enjoy then and there or to take away and savour in another moment in this fabulous feast of an event sponsored by Lightfoots Solicitors.

Headlining the celebrated Big Cookery Stage this year will be Matty Edgell – winner of last year’s Great British Bake Off. He will be joined by fellow finalist Dan Hunter. Several familiar faces will be alongside them including Steven Carter-Bailey, Alex Hollywood, Eva Humphries, Dave Mooney, Val Stones, Tristan Welch, and for the first time DJ Supper Club. This includes Daniel Adams, an ex-three Michelin star-trained chef, who honed his skills under Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck. Joel Mignott, known for his cooking, fashion, entertainment as a DJ and model, and as a star on ITV’s Made in Chelsea, joins him as a dynamic culinary duo.

In addition, LumberjAxe Food Company will be really increasing the heat; with BBQ demonstration showing how to take your BBQ to the next level. Join them as they fire up the festival and offer delicious tastings too.

More than just food

The core of Thame Food Festival is always about the food and drink. However, no festival is complete without live music which will again feature alongside the ever-popular Pop-Up pub. Then for the shopaholics, step into the marquee of eclectic home and kitchenware which will be returning with Humble Country.

The dedicated children’s activity area will return with local charity Thomley entertaining the children with lots of art and fun things to do. And once again, there will be dog show and demonstrations by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People with all money raised going directly to the charities. Circus skills workshops will encourage younger visitors to try juggling, spinning plates and more.

Fast Track Priority Tickets are available to purchase online now, at £12 for adults (17+ yrs), £5 for children aged 12-16, all under 12s free. Family tickets for two adults and two children are available prior online for £29 (only available online until 20th September and not available on the day). Gates open at 10am each day and once within the festival site all the music, demonstrations, interviews, circus workshops and masterclasses are free.

Come eat, drink and do! Join for a fun, fabulous, feasting family day out!


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Arts & minds

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

Art-lovers! Check out Wokingham Arts Trail, 10.30am-5pm over the weekend of 21st & 22nd September, with free entry & work by 29 artists to enjoy

Nine local venues will take part in this highlight. This, the 13th annual trail, will feature ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists and more.

Watercolour, acryllic and oil paintings, jewellery, handmade books, ceramics, glassware and textiles will be on display in studios and including groups at WADE Centre in Reading Road, and the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street. Regular participants and 10 new faces will be involved, offering the opportunity for visitors to meet the artists, view and buy unique outstanding and varied works.

Peter Izod says: “I’ve been a participant in Wokingham Arts Trail since 2010 under the inspiring chairmanship of Christine Morgan, until I took over from her in 2020. I have been fortunate to have my own venue in the town centre and the Arts Trail has attracted over 200 people each year, many regular visitors.

“It’s a great opportunity to show your art, ceramics and jewellery, meet visitors and discuss the displays. We all learn something from it every year and the broad involvement of the public – many of whom get round to every venue – show Wokingham’s thriving interest in art. This year, with 29 participants, I think we have one of the most varied and high quality trails to enjoy.”

Artist Christine Morgan (Brandywine Art) adds: “I have made a few changes in my studio since the last Arts Trail so I can use the space for mixed media work and clay. I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors as I work. I love to encourage all ages to experiment and enjoy making art in whatever form. Opening my studios gives me the opportunity to share simple ways to allow them to ‘have a go’.”

The 2024 brochure is out now in local shops and you can visit wokinghamartstrail.co.uk


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Skill and artistry at September Ceramics

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

Katherine Kingdon invites us to marvel at the creativity and talent on show at September Ceramics 2024 in Newbury, September 13th to 22nd

A handmade object has something special about it. The maker’s experience is made visible, in the design, in the construction, in the quality of the surface. There’s something else too, something less concrete, more personal.

It’s something about where it was made and who it was made by. It wasn’t mass-produced in a factory far, far away. It was made somewhere closer to home, perhaps in a garden shed, perhaps with the sound of pigeons cooing in the background and certainly by someone who was thoroughly engaged in the act of making, using their skill to navigate its joys and frustrations.

Clay is a material with many joys and frustrations. It’s amazingly adaptable. You can squidge it, you can pour it, you can carve it and until you apply heat to it, you can recycle it ad infinitum. With few tools and little experience, it’s easy to create a simple form, with practice, practice, practice and as many or as few tools as you wish, you can make magic happen. But as even the most experienced ceramicists know, it also has a mind of its own. It loves to wrap and crack, even melt. Those who stick with it get used to this. They learn from it and develop a resilience which pushes them to explore furhter.

Join us at September Ceramics 2024 at City Arts Newbury, Hampton Road RG14 6DB, to see work by a group of local makers who’ve spent many years honing their craft. During the first weekend you can meet these makers and enjoy a rolling programme of demonstrations.

This year’s makers are Lizzy McCracken, thrown and tin glazed earthenware; Anne Dalton, thrown-ware with sea creatures and glazed and unglazed surfaces; Pots of Hope Susie who is also offering have-a-go sessions on the potter’s wheel (sign up for these on CITY ARTS NEWBURY); Ali Keeling, hand-built vessels explore the relationship between surface and form; Helen Long, working with coloured porcelain to celebrate the power of the sea; Rebecca Maynard’s distinctive animals and busts; Leah Blake’s wonderfully constructed animal sculptures and Katherine Kingdon’s playful piece, guaranteed to make you look twice.

There’s also a ceramics raffle, the ‘Up and Coming Makers’ competition delicious tea and cake at The Art Hub Café and voting for your favourite work.

This year’s sponsors are Scarva Pottery Supplies, Bluematchbox Potters Supplies, Ugly Duckling Pottery Painting and City Arts Newbury. For more details, visit CITY ARTS NEWBURY.


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Big Berkshire show

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

Newbury Show is widely regarded as one of the best county shows in the country hosted over two years, September 21st and 22nd, at Newbury Showground

Newbury Show remains true to its roots – a celebration of all aspects of farming and rural life in the area, showcasing agricultural technology, animals, artisan products, local produce and more!

The Newbury Show offers a great day out combining displays, competition, shopping, an unrivalled food hall experience, craft marquee, rural crafts, have-a-go activities plus all the traditional attractions of a county show.

The Grand Parade of Livestock will enter the Main Arena on Saturday and Sunday. Winning cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas and alpacas will all be parading for your enjoyment. Come see them all, you may see some breeds you’ve never heard of before!

In the Sports Zone you will be able to see what it is like to do circuit training, have an introduction to stress management exercises and even find out about kettle ball.

It won’t be long until Christmas and there are many original ideas for presents, as well as a few treats for yourself you won’t see on the high street.

There will be a wealth of food stalls crafts in craft tent, spectacular displays of plants in the horticulture tent and trade stands galore.

Over at the Bandstand you can relax with your cup of coffee or lunch and listen to a wide variety of the counties musical talent.

Sponsored by Ramsbury Brewery, it’s going to be another fabulous countryside celebration for the entire family.

Book tickets at Newbury Show (ticketsrv.co.uk)


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Take off on Twilight Runway Challenge

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

The 2024 Twilight Runway Challenge is cleared for take off, book your place and help boost local charities with the Community Matters Partnership

Run, walk, cycle, scoot or skateboard along the strip at Blackbushe Airport and help raise funds for a local charity or school in the Twilight Runway Challenge.

The fun, family-friendly event which is the flagship event of the year for the Community Matters Partnership takes place on Saturday, 21st September and is open for entries.

It attracts a wide variety of participants, from people looking to get fit, beating a personal best, taking part in fancy dress or having fun with friends, family or colleagues and it’s up to you how you get round the course with the choice of taking on a 3km, 5km or 10km route.

You also have the option to take part and raise vital funds for a local charity or school of CMP’s choice. Simply choose the cause, set up an online fundraising page and share it with friends, family and colleagues. There are already a variety to support including Aerobility which offers disabled adults the opportunity to fly a plane, The Zone which supports families living with autism and arts for wellbeing charity Creative Response among many more. For the full list of those you can support visit Twilight Runway Challenge.

CMP works to connect businesses with community enabling them to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility and commitment to social good.

Simon Jarvis, CEO of CMPP, said: “CMPP is all about community and collaboration, and our Twilight Runway Challenge embodies this. We are proud that this flagship fundraising event helps to raise vital funds for charities across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Last year the event helped to raise over £39,000 for local charitable causes and we are hoping to raise even more this year.”

The Twilight Runway Challenge is a unique opportunity for the community to get together, have fun and raise funds for local causes.

CMP would like to thank Blackbushe Airport for their support in hosting the annual Twilight Runway Challenge for the third time.

Gates open at 4pm, with the start at 5.15pm. All Challengers receive a finisher’s medal (wooden). To find out more and enter visit Twilight Run Challenge 2024 | Home (twilightchallenge.co.uk)


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Food, glorious Haslemere Food Festival

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

Mouthwatering morsels and delicious drinks will surround you at Haslemere Food Festival. Taste and sip on a variety of treats as Adaleigh Buckrell tells us

Haslemere’s annual Food Festival, a delicious celebration of locally made delicacies will tempt foodies to Lion Green on September 21st.

With free entry to enjoy the mouth-watering food and drink of producers and providers from Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, there’s plenty to enjoy and tuck into from 10am to 4pm. From cured meat, to shortbread and baked goods, to cheese, pies and gourmet condiments, the variety of culinary treats available in the local area is impressive. This is showcased by the diverse choice of stalls on offer at the festival.

Take the opportunity to sample the tasty bites before you buy, and purchase a glass of your favourite beer, gin or wine as a prelude to the bottle you take home. Whether you are in the mood for sumptuous burgers and tacos, moreish Thai or Sicilian street food, or a burrito (of which there are vegan and veggie friendly options), you won’t have to look far for a lunch to devour on the grassy green.

A drop from the pop-up Prosecco bar or a scoop of ice cream would be the perfect refreshment to accompany the live music played by bands from Haslemere and the surrounding towns. As you recline on your rugs around the stage, the kids will be entertained by the blow up obstacle courses, slide and other fun activities, or distracted by the pick ‘n’ mix stand. Not only will you be supporting local businesses by coming along to the festival, but it is a great day out that brings the community together.

Even your dog will be excited by the special pet biscuits stall. The Surrey Wildlife Trust will also be in attendance to provide yummy snacks to leave out for the hungry creatures in our gardens – hopefully they have not eaten the tomato plants being grown by school children in the area. The fruits of their labour will be judged by the town mayor at the festival and prizes given out.

The festivities are organised by a committee of volunteers who give up their time to ensure everyone can appreciate the delectable, high-quality products that are created by award-winning suppliers in and around Haslemere.

Make sure to pop by before they are sold out!

There are plenty of car parks nearby and the festival really caters for all! Email enquiries to [email protected] and follow @haslemerefoodfestival on Facebook for updates.


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Bid in OxTrail auction

Karen Neville

Activities & Events

Oxfordshire’s oxen are set to go under the hammer on September 13th to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice

More than 130 oxen decorated the county with people discovering hidden ox designs across the area, but now it’s time to herd them up and auction them off.

The auction will be held online and in person at the Saïd Business School, Oxford on Friday, 13th September at 7.30pm. The sale will feature a stunning selection of life-sized ox sculptures and mini oxen, all available for online bidding.

The event will be hosted by celebrity auctioneer, Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester. Those looking to attend can check out the online auction via the digital catalogue and register their interest today.

Thomas said: “I simply can’t wait to wield my gavel like am American cowboy in the mid-west driving my herd to an ox-tounding sale at auction, raising such much needed and valuable funds for Sobell Hospice!”

Among those at auction is Children’s illustrator KorKy Paul with his “Winne and Wilbur” inspired ox, and international artist, Amanda Quellin’s design inspired by the stained glass found in Oxford’s architecture. Both with starting bids at £2,500.

The much talked about BBC Radio Oxford ox has also gone up for auction. This sculpture features hundreds of crocheted segments stitched together representing the ‘colourful and diverse’ communities of Oxfordshire. Starting the bids at £1,300, this special Ox is named ‘Tony’ after the artist Yarnsy’s Grandad, who was cared for at Sobell House.

And those looking for a celebrity treat, the trail’s scribed mini ‘Post-ox’ is also starting at £1,300 in the auction house. As part of the ‘moo-vement’, Postb-ox features doodles and signatures from over 20 famous faces – including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Prue Leith, Ben Shephard, Radiohead and Miriam Margoyles.

Director of Fundraising, Beth Marsh from Sobell House Hospice, said: “The auction provides a fantastic opportunity to own a unique piece of art while supporting the vital work we do at the hospice. We are very excited for the sale, it’s the perfect opportunity to purchase one of the moo-jestic ox sculptures and share in the legacy of OxTrail 2024.”

Those who wish to bid on oxen in September can purchase £50 tickets, they include drinks, canapés, and entry. Alternatively, bidders can register online, and place their offers ahead of the auction.

Beth added: “We give people the chance to live well in the time they have left and provide them with compassionate and dignified end of life care. Please place your bids and make an ox-tra big difference this September.”

For more information on OxTrail visit Home – OxTrail 2024


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