Half-term horrors

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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There are plenty of Halloween activities and ideas to entertain your little monsters this holiday

From glorious autumn colour to Halloween fun, there’s lots for everyone to enjoy at a National Trust place near you this autumn. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours at Winkworth Arboretum. soak up the far-reaching views at Leith Hill and Hindhead Commons and bring the little ones for spooky fun at Hatchlands Park and Claremont Landscape Garden.

There’s spine tingling spooky fun to be had at Hatchlands Park with a pumpkin hunt in the garden for younger ones and spooky fun in the house. You can also follow a Halloween themed trail at Hindhead Common.

Join a spooktacular fun run at Dapdune Wharf on Saturday 26th and test your fitness as darkness falls in a 2k run around the haunted wharf and island. Dressing up encouraged. £5 per runner. Booking essential. Visit River Wey & Godalming Navigations │ Surrey | National Trust. You can also explore the stars and space at the wharf, make a mini rocket and create your own constellation.

Help Sarah the Spider find her boots the mischievous mice have hidden at Winkworth Arboretum, Oct 19th-Nov 3rd. Based on the Sarah the Spider children’s books by Hilary Robinson. Find eight activity stations themed around friendship and a very friendly spider who loves to dance.

Conjure up some spooks and spells and get those cauldrons bubbling at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Tuesday 29th at a Halloween themed workshop for 5-7 year olds. Book at Spooks and Spells 5-7yrs | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (yvonne-arnaud.co.uk)

Celebrate pumpkin week at Secretts Farm, Milford, October 19th & 20th and 25th to 30th. Dress to impress in the Halloween costume competition and try the pumpkin-themed menu.

Discover beautiful, handcrafted designs from over 75 talented makers at the festival of crafts, now in its 28th year. Well-established in the craft calendar and part of Farnham’s October Craft Month, the event, October 12th & 13th, champions great design, craftsmanship and skill. With hand-picked exhibitors, browse stalls showcasing a variety of media from textiles and print to homewares and jewellery. Expert-led talks, drop-in craft activities and bookable workshops. More at festival of crafts | Farnham Maltings

October is a wonderful time to visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens; perfect for autumnal walks, fascinating exhibitions and the café is open to all, with a great array of hot drinks and gorgeous cakes. Plus this October Gilbert White’s House has a packed half term schedule with a pumpkin trail around the garden, owl themed twilight tales for the little ones, craft and story telling. To see everything that is on offer visit Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World

Take your ghouls and goblins to The Otter Nursery, Murray Road, Ottershaw from October 21st to November 1st and join the thrilling word hunt. It’s free and everyone gets to take home a prize. There’ll also be pumpkins available!

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Half term horrors

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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There are plenty of Halloween activities and ideas to entertain your little monsters this holiday

October is a wonderful time to visit Gilbert White’s House & Garden; perfect for autumnal walks, fascinating exhibitions and the cafe is open to all, with a great array of hot drinks and gorgeous cakes. Plus this October Gilbert White’s House has a packed half term schedule with a pumpkin trail around the garden, owl themed twilight tales for the little ones, craft and story telling. To see every there is on offer visit Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World

Follow the Halloween pumpkin trail at The Vyne, October 26th – November 3rd. Explore the ground floor of the house, find 10 suncatchers featuring mysterious and magical pumpkins. With a jack-o’-lantern theme, in the gardens enjoy family games. £2 per trail sheet and prize.

Join Hinton Ampner’s Halloween Potions Trail with Wilma the Witch, October 19th- November 4th. Double, double toil and trouble…. Stir the cauldron and watch it bubble! Hidden in the spookiest corners of Hinton Ampner’s gardens are the ingredients Wilma needs for her magic potion. You’ll need to race on your broomstick, toss a ring onto the witch’s hat, move your pet spider through the maze and more to complete the challenge and make the potion! Trails are £2, normal admission fee applies.

Discover beautiful, handcrafted designs from over 75 talented makers at the festival of crafts, now in its 28th year. Well-established in the craft calendar and part of Farnham’s October Craft Month, the event, October 12th & 13th, champions great design, craftsmanship and skill. With exhibitors hand-picked from across the UK, browse stalls showcasing a variety of media from textiles and print to homewares and jewellery. Enjoy meeting the makers and learn about the processes used in both traditional and modern techniques with expert-led talks, drop-in craft activities and a programme of bookable workshops. More at festival of crafts | Farnham Maltings

Swap spooky scares for frightful fun on the trick or treat trail at Winchester Science Centre from October 12th to November 4th where Skully the skeleton needs help to find their lost bones. There’ll be a new free live show, Potions Science Lab, mixing up fun with chemistry and bringing to life some famous bewitching brews. And little werewolves, withces and ghouls can show off their best moves on the dancefloor at the mini monster disco.

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Gavin & Stacey star Jo Page

Liz Nicholls

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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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Pond Contemplation

Round & About

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My pond gives an added dimension to the garden and an opportunity to encourage diverse wildlife and a whole new range of plants. Someone once said to me “A garden without a pond is like a theatre without a stage”

Where to start

It is not as simple as digging a hole but that’s a good place to start! Find a suitable spot in the garden and plan one in scale with the rest of the site. Ideally avoid a rigid liner and instead go for a flexible liner which will mould to the hole you have dug. It’s important to have a deep area and a shallow beach area and place it where you can enjoy it.

Sculpt the pond

Ensure there is a deep area in the middle or at one side. When we did ours the patio flanks the deep area, this should be around three feet for deep water aquatics and over wintering plants, fish and wildlife. From the deep area there is a gentle slope in case our residential hedgehogs fall in and a shelf around the edge for marginal plants. It’s important to do all this before you fill your pond with water.

Line the pond

Use and underlay, carpet, newspaper and anything else to prevent the butyl or pvc liner getting damaged. Also ensure the size of the liner allows for the depth of the pond too. Spread over and fold as you fill with water, it helps to get in a this point. The water will pull the liner into place and make sure there is an overlap.

Plant your pond

After adding a product to neutralise all the nasties in tapwater you can plant. It’s important to edge the pond with stones, cobbles, gravel and plant amongst these. Here you can use perennials, ferns and small woody plants. Place your oxygenators into water, plant deep water aquatics like water lilies in the deepest part and add marginals on the shelf around the edge. You can also add floating aquatics like water soldiers and frogbit. It’s essential to have the range of plants for example without marginals the dragonfly larvae can’t get out of the water and shading of the surface is essential from the deep water aquatics and floaters.

Fish and Wildlife

You have to decide whether you want fish and the wildlife will come. Often newt eggs and snails come with the plants. Flying insects are drawn to the water like pond skaters, damselflies and dragonflies. Try to let the pond balance itself. If you have a range of plants to cover the surface this will happen and don’t be put off by the water going green or murky it’s a natural process.

Enjoy your pond

There is lots of learn so read up about it or visit my gardening school for some inspiration. As well as looking after the pond it’s important just to sit, gaze and contemplate.

Website Cathie’s Gardening School: Surrey’s Garden School (cathiesgardeningschool.co.uk)

Email [email protected]

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Surrey Artist of the Year

Karen Neville

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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.

More at What’s On – New Ashgate Gallery and Shop

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Trust your instincts on open days

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Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child. It is also one of the most difficult. Tom Dawson, Headmaster of Sunningdale School, has some tips and advice

How can you possibly judge what will suit your children when so many schools, on the outside at least, appear so similar and so good? It is just like buying a house, you might get one or possibly two chances to visit and then you have to take the plunge. These visits are so important and parents need to make sure that they approach them in the right way so that they can have real faith in the decisions that they ultimately make.

A lot of schools offer the choice between an open day and an individual visit and there are advantages to both. It is perfectly reasonable to ask to do both. This is a huge decision and schools should be bending over backwards to make it as easy as possible to get to know the school. The advantage of open days is that for many, they are a way of getting an initial feel for a school without being put under too much pressure. A one to one tour with the head or the director of admissions can, for some, be a little intimidating and at least at an open morning there is safety in numbers. Many parents attend an open day and, if they like what they see, then ask for an individual tour to really get under the skin of a particular school and to get know the key people.

It is important to remember that schools spend significant time planning open days and you need to know what to look for to see beyond the various activities that may have been planned.

The day is likely to start with a welcome coffee, which can always feel a little awkward as different groups of parents congregate in various corners of the room making small talk. This can actually be a good opportunity to see which schools other parents have looked at and what they might already know about the school. It is also a chance to chat to senior members of staff who might be present.

Many schools get the pupils to do the tours for their open mornings. This can be very hit and miss. Get a good tour guide and they can be brilliant and really give you an insight into what it is like to be a pupil at that particular school. Whatever the situation, you need to make the most of the tour.

Ask the right questions

Try to put your guide at ease and get to know them. If you show that you are interested in them, you are much more likely to have a positive experience. It is useful to think of some questions in advance. Do some research in advance of the day. What do you really want to know? Try to avoid asking question to which the answer can be yes or no; give the tour guide a chance. You know the facilities are good so no need to ask them whether there is a climbing wall or if the floor of the swimming pool goes up and down. Try to seek their opinion. What subjects do you particularly enjoy? What are the most popular subjects at GCSE, A-Level or IB? What do you think of the teachers? What do you like most about your boarding house? Which sports do you take part in? What do you think of the food? What is the best thing about the school? Why did you choose this school? You should also ask other key questions about school life: What is the policy on mobile phones? What do you do if you are having difficulty with your homework? What do pipuls tend to do during their free time? What happens when you are ill?

You should get the opportunity to meet some staff on your tour. You should try to get a feel for what they are like. Can you see them teaching your child? Do they seem approachable and normal or are they a little bit please with the fact that they are teaching at this particular school. How do they interact with the pupils that are giving you the tour? Do they seem to know the pupils well? If you have your children with you, do the staff seem interested in them?

The most important thing about any visit to a school is how it makes you feel. Can you see your child being happy at this school? This is, after all, the most important thing. Just like buying a house, if it feels right, it probably is. Hopefully you will visit at least three schools and the best piece of advice for any parent is to trust your instincts. Don’t be swayed by facilities or the choices your friends are making; you know your child and you know what will work for them. Trust yourself!

Tom Dawson
Headmaster
Sunningdale School
August 2024

Tom Dawson has been Headmaster of Sunningdale, an all boys prep school, since 2005. Prior to that, he taught French and Spanish at Harrow School. He has been a governor of two independent prep schools, one of which was co-ed and one an all girls school. He is also a co-director of Heritage Summer Camps, a co-ed summer school aimed at preparing children for senior school assessments and the ISEB Common Pre-test.

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The Ivy: 3-course menu for £29.50!

Ellie Cox

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The Taste of Autumn Menu has been crafted to celebrate the launch of the new The Ivy Collection Cuvée, set to become a star of the wine list for restaurants nationwide*.

This autumn, The Ivy Collection introduces its new The Ivy Collection Cuvée, set to be a standout addition to wine lists at restaurants across the UK. To mark the occasion, the brand has launched an exclusive ‘Taste of Autumn’ menu, offering guests a seasonal three-course meal paired with a glass of Cuvée for £29.50.

Available from 18th September at The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide, the menu has been carefully crafted by The Ivy’s executive chefs to celebrate seasonal ingredients and complement the flavour profile of the new Cuvée. For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, the Wild Idol Sparkling White is also available.

Diners can enjoy starters like the rich Truffle Taglioni, made with durum wheat pasta and topped with black truffle, or the fresh Stilton, Chicory, and Pecan Salad, served with sliced apple and a honey mustard dressing. Main courses include the classic Ivy Shepherd’s Pie or the new Artichoke and Sweet Potato Tagine with harissa couscous. Dessert options feature the Cherry and Pistachio Nougat Glacé Flambé, doused in kirsch, or the indulgent Sticky Toffee Pudding with salted caramel sauce.

The Ivy Collection Cuvée, produced in Kent, is the first English sparkling wine to join The Ivy’s portfolio. It features aromas of elderflower, pear and apricot, with a fine mousse and refreshing finish – perfect for pairing with the autumnal menu.

Sebastian Kasyna from The Ivy Collection explains, “We wanted an English sparkling wine to celebrate the great quality wines being produced locally. The Cuvée, sourced from a vineyard in Kent, perfectly complements our seasonal British dishes.”

*The ‘Taste of Autumn’ menu and The Ivy Collection Cuvée will not be available at The Ivy West Street, The Ivy Belfast Brasserie and The Ivy Dublin Brasserie.

To book a table, visit https://ivycollection.com/book-a-table/.

To become a member of The Ivy Premier Rewards App, download here: https://theivycollection.app/

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The ‘Taste of Autumn’ menu is available at The Ivy Collection restaurants until Sunday 20th October, from Sunday to Friday (excluding Saturdays), starting at 11:30 am.

*The ‘Taste of Autumn’ menu and The Ivy Collection Cuvée will not be available at The Ivy West Street, The Ivy Belfast Brasserie and The Ivy Dublin Brasserie.

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Marlborough LitFest stars to shine

Liz Nicholls

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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

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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!

Full details at Thame Food Festival | 28 & 29 Sept 2024

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Arts & minds

Karen Neville

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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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