ArtWeeks returns to Earth Trust with pop-up gallery and eight exhibiting local artists
Earth Trust is bringing together an exciting range of local artists for this year’s Oxfordshire ArtWeeks with a pop up gallery open to visitors 19-27 May, situated in the centre’s beautiful converted 19th Century barn.
From ceramics, acrylics and oils, to sustainable fashion and upcycled jewellery, eight creatives will be sharing a selection of their work and talking to visitors about the techniques they use, and the eco themes that inspire them.
Visitors can immerse themselves in beautiful artwork inspired by the natural world while surrounded by the beautiful local landscape of the Wittenham Clumps.
Amy Rowland, Public Programming Manager at Earth Trust said: “Our exhibiting artists are celebrating the role that art can play in our understanding and connection to the natural world. Connecting with nature is not just about being outdoors – it’s about how we engage with nature while we’re there. It’s about noticing, feeling, beauty, celebration and care. We’re delighted to be exploring this once more with such a fantastic line-up of talented creatives.”
Included in the exhibiting artists are Earth Trust’s previous and current Artists in Residence, JC Niala and Nicola Fielding. Also exhibiting are Caroline Butler, Jessica Farrell, Jayne Ford, Helen Grimbleby, Paul Whitehouse, and Emma Williams. From Caroline’s emotive reflections of the Chilterns to Jessica’s sustainable pieces integrating nature, each artist offers a unique lens into the natural world. Nicola’s residency work, inspired by local wildlife, stands alongside Jayne’s serene landscapes capturing fleeting moments of light.
Helen’s sketches evoke nature’s tranquillity, while JC’s collaborative prints celebrate Earth Trust’s landscapes. Paul weaves tales of human connection with the environment, and Emma’s colourful images reflect the sea’s allure and prehistoric landscapes. Together, their art invites visitors to connect deeply with nature’s beauty and stories, fostering appreciation and awareness of our environment.
“Throughout the week, visitors can engage with JC’s legacy artwork installation and visit Nicola in her open studio, experiencing first-hand the profound influence of nature on artistic expression.”
The gallery is open Sunday 19th-Monday 27th May daily from 11am-4.30pm, excluding Saturday 25th May. Part of the Oxfordshire ArtWeeks Wallingford Art Trail.
Ideal for families and anyone interested in art. Children and dogs are welcome. Refreshments will be available from our friends at Horsebox Coffee.
“After a visit to the gallery, visitors can head up to the Clumps for spectacular views, explore the serenity of Little Wittenham Woods or discover Broad Arboretum, and experience the green spaces that have inspired some of our artists.”
Our wine columnist, Giles Luckett, catches up with Graham Beck’s Cellarmaster, Pierre de Klerk
I’ve called this piece a producer profile as that’s technically what it is, in the same way that a Ferrari is technically just another car. This is probably closer to a hymn of praise. As regular readers of this column will know, I’ve recommended Graham Beck’s wines on many occasions – and rightly so, they’re fantastic, and offer a mix of quality and value that’s hard to find. I’ve been an admirer of their wines for over twenty years and I’ve never had a bad bottle.
So what makes Graham Beck’s wines so good? To find out I caught up with their Cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk to discuss his vineyards, his wine, his thoughts on climate change and wine, and the future of South African wine in general.
Giles: Graham Beck is based in Robertson, one of the cooler areas of South African wine production if memory serves. How important is this location to the quality of your wines?
Pierre: The site is everything. You can have the best vines, the best winery, and the best winemakers in the world but if you don’t have great sits to produce great grapes, you can’t make great wine. Robertson has a cool climate, but within any one vineyard you can have microsites that produce different results. It can be challenging, but it also gives you amazing raw materials to work with.
Giles: How would you sum up your winemaking philosophy?
Pierre: For me, winemaking is about nurturing and respecting what nature gives you. When making sparkling wines, you need to keep your eye on the ball as there are just too many pitfalls. Most of the time you’re working with a mix of grapes from a number of different sites and to get consistency and harmony you need to be vigilant.
Graham Beck Brut (Majestic £11.99). White gold with amber lowlights. It’s elegant, fresh and refined, with a lovely nose of Granny Smith apples, limes, coconut, and yeast. On the palate, it’s clean yet rich and offers plenty of white fruits with hints of honey and spice. It’s perfect as an aperitif, with seafood or white meats and creamy cheeses.
Giles: South Africa makes great wines across the board. I’ve had fantastic Chardonnays, Cabernets, and Pinot Noirs from districts such as Stellenbosch, Walker Bay, and Paarl. Why do you think South Africa is so well-suited to producing sparkling wines though?
Pierre: It’s cool enough to give grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the long ripening season they need. The sunny, dry climate, low levels of disease and the diversity of the South African soils add colours to your palate to paint the final picture. Chardonnay on limestone in Robertson [very similar to those found in Champagne] is completely different to Chardonnay on granite in Stellenbosch. It’s ideal for world-class, sun-kissed sparkling wine.
Graham Beck Vintage Rosé (Simply Wines Direct £17.99). Deep pink with an inviting bouquet of red berries and blossom, this is fuller than the Graham Beck Non-VintageRosé (Majestic £16.99 or £11.99 on mixed six) and has cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant notes, good intensity and sufficient weight to partner with food.
Giles: ‘Right grape, right site’ is a mantra I hear a lot these days, and it’s one that seems to have played a significant role in the elevation of the quality of wines in Australia, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. Is site selection important to you?
Pierre: Respect the best combination of soil and climate. Site selection matters hugely. Come into our cellars and taste 200 base wines [still wines from which the final sparkling wine will be made] and from two cultivars [Pinot and Chardonnay], you’ll be flabbergasted by the differences.
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs (Majestic £18.99) is 100% Chardonnay, it’s golden, with a nose that’s delicate yet weighty and complex with apples, pears, toasted brioche, citrus and yeast. On the palate, it’s soft and yielding, with white peach, yellow plum, and red pear fruit offset by honey, spices and vanilla. There’s an intriguing mix of delicacy and intensity that is the hallmark of a great blanc de blancs, and the obvious bottle age has added depth.
Giles: How do you see the future for South African sparkling wines? More innovation? New wines?
Pierre: The future is bright for varietal [single grape] wines. We traded some Pinot Noir for some Pinot Meunier [one of Champagne’s black grapes] a few years ago and we were impressed with the results. We have now planted our own Meunier vines which will give us our first vintage in 2026. That should be very exciting.
There’s been a trend in sparkling wines in recent years to offer ‘ultra-dry’ styles. These low or no dosage – dosage being a mix of wine and sugar that’s added to balance acidity and improve mouthfeel – can be delicious, particularly when they have had some bottle age. These wines leave a winemaker with nowhere to hide, however. Underripe grapes, blending miscalculations and winemaking errors are laid bare.
Get it right though and you have marvellous wines such as the Graham Beck Ultra Brut 2016 (Vinum £19.95), a wonderful expression of this style. Deep gold with a rich, dried white fruit nose, it’s ripe on the palate and displays white fruits, honey and a touch of cocoa bean creamy bitterness. The finish is bone dry, clean, and mineral-laden. This is an intriguing style of sparkling wine that’s well worth trying.
Giles: Is climate change having an impact on South African wine?
Pierre: Climate change isn’t happening, it’s happened. It’s getting drier and it’s getting hotter. I was in Elgin, one of the coolest regions in South Africa, in February and it was 23 degrees at 7 in the morning. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir might not be the be-all and end-all in the future. We’re experimenting with new varietals. We’re excited about the possibilities, but there are challenges ahead.
Thanks to Pierre for his time and keep up the great work!
My last recommendation is the Graham Beck Cuvee Clive (Frontier Fine Wines £42.95) – this is their top wine, their cuvée prestige as they say in Champagne. Made in the finest years and using their best fruit, it doesn’t just take South African sparkling wine to new heights, but sparkling wine in general. Made from vines in Robertson and Darling, it receives three months of ageing in oak before spending five years on its lees (yeast and other bits left over after the second fermentation in bottle) ahead of its release.
The resulting wine is amber in colour, with a complex nose of apricots, dried pears, vanilla and blood orange. The palate is weighty and nuanced and floods the mouth with sweetly tinted green and yellow fruits, vanilla smoke, lime, and salt-tinted minerals. This is a mighty wine that somehow manages to remain balanced and refined.
An acclaimed international chamber choir will be holding a choral music evening at St Peter’s Church, Manningford, in aid of vital church roof repairs this June.
‘My Spirit Sang All Day’ will be conducted by renowned vocal coach and musician Rachel McCorry who will lead the Sharcott Chamber Group in a selection of timeless, sacred and secular choral music from across the centuries. Including works by Finzi, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Bruckner.
The event is taking place on Saturday 1st June at St Peter’s Church, Manningford, near Pewsey. Doors open at 6pm for a glass of wine and nibbles which are included in the £15 ticket price. The concert will run from 6.30pm to 8.15pm with an interval.
The choir is a tightly-knit ensemble based in Wiltshire who have shared years of musical experiences. Including tours in the US, the Netherlands, France and Belgium. They have chosen St Peter’s Church because of its excellent acoustic and are kindly donating their services in return for using the space for a recording earlier this month.
The group of nineteen singers who will sing in Manningford Church were an auditioned subset of ‘The Village Singers’. Founded by Rachel, the choir is an ensemble of around 70 musicians ranging in age from teenagers to 80 year olds from all around Wiltshire. The group began singing in the pub at Sutton Benger but quickly grew and relocated to a village school before moving to St. Andrew’s, Chippenham under the musical directorship of Rachel McCorry. The choir’s repertoire includes sacred and choral pieces, classical and opera, spirituals, folk, pop and show tunes.
In 2014 the choir sang in Ypres Cathedral and at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Bruges. In 2017, they performed in three stunning Paris venues. Eglise de la Madeleine, Eglise St Louis en L’Ile and Eglise St Germain l’Auxerrois. In January 2019 they performed the US premier of Symphonic Adiemus, in Carnegie Hall, New York, as part of an international choir with composer, Sir Karl Jenkins in residence. Earlier this year, Rachel took a small group for a return trip to Carnegie Hall and to celebrate the end of her time with The Village Singers, they have very recently completed a tour in Amsterdam.
The church has space for around 75 so people are advised to book early to be sure of a seat. There will be managed parking close to the church.
Tickets for the June concert are available in advance only from:
Manningford PCC Sort code: 30-92-63 Account number: 01724232 Reference: ‘Concert’ and your name.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years and you’re invited to join the party and help their life saving work
In 1999, Thames Valley Air Ambulance first took to the skies to treat patients in critical need. Now, a quarter of a century and nearly 35,000 call outs later they are celebrating this milestone with a fun-filled family day for the whole community on June 22nd at Penn Estate.
Amanda McLean, Chief Executive Officer at Thames Valley Air Ambulance said: “Both the care we deliver at the scene and the support we offer long afterwards are funded solely by our community. It’s your generous donations that have allowed us to be there for these 35,000 people in their time of need.”
Their ‘Big Birthday Bash’ will include a variety of fun activities for both kids and adults to enjoy, from circus shows and workshops to special demonstrations from their crew plus plenty of delicious food and drinks from local vendors.
Tickets start from £4 and all proceeds go to help Thames Valley Air Ambulance continue to be there for those in most need across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. More at Big Birthday Bash – Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Did you know: • Last year, we were called out 3,293 times to help people in need of urgent critical care. • We are called out on average 9 times a day. • The flight time between our base at RAF Benson and anywhere in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, or Oxfordshire is just 15 minutes. • To find out more about the work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and donate visit Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Trial by media examined in Accolade starring Ayden Callaghan and Honeysuckle Weeks
Theatre Royal Windsor is delighted to be staging two plays directed by award-winning director Sean Mathias this year starting with Accolade this month.
Ayden Callaghan and Honeysuckle Weeks are to lead the cast in Emlyn Williams’ gripping drama Accolade, the first play in this year’s Sean Mathias season.
Ayden Callaghan is best known for his roles as Joe Roscoe (Hollyoaks), Miles De Souza (Emmerdale) and as Frank Farmer in last year’s UK tour of The Bodyguard The Musical.
Honeysuckle Weeks became a popular face on television playing Sam Stewart (Foyle’s War). She has just finished touring the UK in the role of Cora in Calendar Girls the Musical.
In Accolade, Ayden will play the protagonist Will Trenting, with Honeysuckle, his socially ambitious wife, Rona. Whilst William’s dark and sinister play originally stems back to 1950, the underlying tensions, couped with the fragility of one’s personal reputation, make this play as relevant today as when it was first written.
Completing the cast are Jamie Hogarth (Albert), David Phelan (Thane Lampeter), Sarah Crowe (Marian Tillyard), Louis Holand (Ian), Gavin Fowler (Harold), Sarah Twomey (Phyllis), Nardiner Samra (Daker) and Kayleigh Cooper (Parlour Maid).
Accolade opens at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Friday, 31st May and will run until Saturday, 15th June before embarking on a tour within the UK over the summer.
Accolade will be followed this autumn with Felicity Kendal in the title role of Eduardo de Filippo’s Filumena, the second play to be directed by Sean Mathias this season.
Director Sean Mathias said of staging the two plays: “These two plays are not what they first appear to be. Accolade is atypical of Emlyn Williams, examining success as approved by the establishment, it quickly deconstructs that success and then looks to smash it. The central character, Will Trenting, was written by the author for himself to play in the world premiere – a character lionized by an order he despised, Will contains shades and shadows of the Welshman himself, who refused to fit into any boxes. Williams had a deep fascination with the psychology of the criminal or alternative mind, and Accolade is a riveting theatrical reflection of his interests.”
Kiri Pritchard-McLean is delighted to announce the UK Tour of her brand new show, Peacock.
Kiri has had a busy few years. As well as hosting Live at the Apollo, fronting the Radio 4 panel show Best Medicine and starting a comedy school, she’s become a foster parent. Didn’t know that about her? Well, until now she hasn’t been able to talk about it on stage, she hasn’t even told the kids in her care that she’s a comedian oh and she uses a different name – she’s the Bruce Wayne of comedy but without the mansions.
However, this year something changed and after a couple of the eggiest gigs of her career in boardrooms to social workers a show about becoming a foster carer has been signed off! So, come and join “Louise” as she lifts the lid on social workers, first aid training and what not to do when a vicar searches for you on YouTube.
“It’s fantastic to see our foster carer, Kiri, positively promoting fostering during her UK tour. It will really help increase awareness of foster care, and challenge false perceptions around what it takes to be a foster carer.
We hope that through Kiri candidly sharing her fostering journey, people will recognise skills and qualities in themselves and consider putting in an enquiry to foster.”
Alastair Cope, Head of Foster Wales.
Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean is a multi-award winning comedian, satirist and writer. Her recent credits include hosting Live at the Apollo and appearances on Have I Got News For You, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order. She has a weekly show on BBC Radio Wales, and has hosted Newsjack, Loose Ends and The News Quiz and her Radio 4 panel show, Best Medicine, has recently been commissioned for a second series.
Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of West London
Located in the heart of Chelsea, Mezcalito is a vibrant Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar specialising in tapas-style Mexican fare and classic cocktails. The extensive collection of over 600 tequilas and mezcals is truly impressive and promises an authentic experience for aficionados of agave spirits.
The menu is diverse and tantalizing, featuring Mexican tapas-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. From classic favourites like guacamole and street corn salad to inventive twists like Mexican sushi, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Platos Fuertes sound especially delicious, with options like Enchiladas and Camarones al Tequila showcasing bold flavours.
And of course, no Mexican experience is complete without cocktails. The cocktail menu seems extensive and well-crafted, offering both traditional favourites and innovative creations inspired by different regions of Mexico. The weekly events program adds another layer of excitement, with Taco Tuesdays, live Mariachi bands, and DJ nights ensuring there’s always something fun happening at Mezcalito.
The Tulum Bottomless Brunch sounds like a fantastic way to spend a weekend afternoon, indulging in delicious food and drinks in a lively setting. And for those who enjoy cigars, the cigar menu offers a sophisticated addition to the experience, curated with the finest selections imported from Cuba.
Overall, Mezcalito Chelsea appears to offer an immersive and unforgettable Mexican dining and drinking experience, thanks in part to the vision and expertise of co-founder Oliver Castilla-Tristan. It’s a place where guests can savour the flavours of Mexico while enjoying the vibrant energy of Chelsea.
Come and try bowling at West End Bowls Club open day Sunday, 5th May – 10 am to 2 pm – no need to book, just come along wearing flat soled shoes…
If you enjoy it and want to do more they can offer free instruction and discounted membership for new bowlers.
They are a very friendly club in a superb setting and bowl at every level – from informal rollups to participation in national competitions. Short Mat Bowls and a range of social activities for our members is a bonus!
Following last year’s successful pilot programme, The FA’s ‘The Greater Game’ is being rolled out nationwide.
The FA’s announcement of ‘The Greater Game’ campaign is a commendable initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of 12-16 year-olds across the UK. By partnering with organizations like Nuffield Health and M&S Food, they’re addressing crucial aspects of physical and mental health.
The focus on grassroots programs is especially promising, as it allows for widespread participation and engagement. The positive impact observed during the pilot phase underscores the potential for significant change on a national scale.
Addressing the concerning statistics regarding young people’s attitudes toward exercise, diet, and sleep is vital. The introduction of initiatives like ‘DROPS’ and featuring well-known football stars adds excitement and relatability, making it more likely for young people to get involved.
Given the staggering number of youth experiencing mental health issues, promoting physical activity as a means of improving mental wellbeing is crucial. Providing practical tips and techniques across various health elements is a comprehensive approach to supporting healthier choices.
The statistics concerning sleep and diet habits among young people highlight the urgency of such campaigns. Encouraging adequate sleep and nutritious eating habits is essential for their overall development and wellbeing.
Overall, ‘The Greater Game’ campaign has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering positive habits that can last a lifetime.
The Greater Game ambassador and former England international, Jill Scott, said: “I’m a huge believer in the importance of being active, not just through football, but throughout your everyday life. What’s important about The FA’s Greater Game campaign is that it educates young people on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, whilst providing them with the tips and tools to go out and put that into practice. I’m looking forward to seeing grassroots clubs across the country start to introduce The Greater Game programme, allowing us to make a real difference. I also can’t wait to have a go at playing DROPS myself!”
The Corn Exchange Newbury launches fundraising raffle to win sold out Al Murray tickets
The Corn Exchange Newbury has launched their latest fundraising raffle to give one lucky winner the chance to get two, central, stalls tickets for their sold out Pubtastic Fundraising Event with Al Murray.
Raffle tickets are priced at £5 each and all funds raised will go towards the Old Library Campaign, to redevelop the historic building on Cheap Street in Newbury and make it into the new permanent home for their creative participation work.
The raffle will close at 12 noon on Thursday 23rd May, with the winner being drawn and contacted the same day.
