Planet friendly living in Petersfield

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Head to Petersfield Heath on July 14th for ideas, advice and fun ways to celebrate earth-friendly living for the whole family

Find out more ways to enjoy earth friendly living at this year’s Petersfield Eco Fair on Sunday, 14th July when along with day-long live music, food and drink, it will be a celebratory occasion.

There will be more than 30 stalls themed around various aspects of eco living and plenty of activities for children, such as face painting, storytelling, the Woodland Theatre Company and a children’s activity marquee – all adding up to a fun day out for all the family at Petersfield Heath.

Find out about our local bees, bats, birds and more and what you can do encourage nature in your garden with ideas and inspiration at the Nature stalls: Petersfield Community Garden, Friends of Petersfield Heath, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Hampshire Bat Group, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and RSPB.

From solar panels to insulation and heat pumps, there’s advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and learn about plans for community energy in our local area.

Travel more sustainably advice on bikes and electric vehicles. There will be bicycle repairs on offer, bikes for sale and EV owners to chat to, courtesy of Petersfield Bicycle Buddies and JPAC Electrical.

Pick up some great ideas on low waste living from recycled products to plastic-free alternatives, with ways to help you consume less and recycle more. Among those offering low-cost living advice will be Petersfield Men’s Shed, Coffee Pod Creations and Green Boutique.

Discover the wide range of local community groups doing their bit to respond to the climate crisis, and join them in making a pledge to protect our planet.

There’s a brilliant line-up of live music to keep you entertained, plus woodland theatre, storytelling, face painting and other children’s activities, delicious food and refreshing drinks local suppliers with Crepe Britain, Dylan’s Ice Cream, Langhams Brewery, Roots and My Little Coffee Co at the Eco Fair. A cup deposit scheme will operate at the bar, so bring an extra £1 for your drink which will be refunded when the cup is returned.

And there’s the chance to showcase your skills with a photography competition where you can be in with the chance of winning a hamper of eco goodies and a young writers competition – can you write a short piece of fiction or non-fiction that has a nature or eco theme? You can win a book token prize.

For more details about the day and the two competitions, visit petersfieldcan.org/projects/eco-fair-2024 

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Hambledon Outdoor Theatre

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Would you like to experience the delight of outdoor theatre in one of the most beautiful Arts and Crafts settings in the South East of England?

Troubador Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday, 12th July, at 6pm, and Saturday, 13th July, at 1pm & 6pm at the beautiful Vann in Hambledon, GU8 4EF.

Four young lovers, five amateur players, and a warring fairy host descend on the same forest in one evening. What could possibly go wrong?! As the lines between reality and illusion begin to blur, no one but the mischievous Puck knows what is true and what is magic…

Troubadour’s take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy will transport you from your local forest, field, hall or dell to a truly magical midsummer dream. It is a production both epic and intimate, designed to be enjoyed by all the family. It is packed with original songs and plenty of wonder.

Gates will open half an hour before the performance or you can go early and enjoy the garden and picnic. Come rain, come shine, the show WILL go on!

Adult/Bards: £24, children/Troupers: £22. Early access and picnicking: £10pp

Purchase tickets.

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Arts for all in Alton

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Alton is gearing up for the first Alton Arts Festival, July 5th to 14th, a celebration of the arts, community and creativity

Excitement is building for the first Alton Arts Festival – a 10-day, multi-arts, multi-venue festival the likes of which Alton has never seen before!

There are still some hot tickets to get your hands on across the ambitious programme.

World-famous names like Cara Dillion, Simon Armitage, Laura Bates and Richard Herring, and the best local talent Alton has to offer; with world-premières and festival exclusives, compelling conversation and incredible intimate settings; hands-on workshops, kids’ comedy, free concerts, parties in the park and of course, a sprinkling of Jane Austen – all celebrating and showcasing the heritage, talent and creative spirit of this corner of East Hampshire.

Annie Lancaster, Alton Arts Festival Co-creator and Chair, said: “When we first considered putting on arts festival, I really had no idea if we could pull it off. We set ourselves some pretty high goals and wanted to be ambitious for the town. I needn’t have worried – the brilliant team of dedicated, inspiring volunteers who make up the committee have put together an exciting, diverse and honestly world-class line up.

“There are some highlights in the mix. I’m particularly looking forward to the family-friendly, interactive show with Testament, a world-record holding beatboxer, MC and poet, Holybourne Theatre on 10th July, and Austen & Friends, featuring the world première of some of Jane Austen’s lesser-known poems set to music. And the literary programme is just fantastic. I can’t wait to see Bridget Collins, a #1 bestselling author whose new book, The Silence Factory, has just been released to critical acclaim, taking part in our speculative fiction games night: “Worldbuilding… Live!”

“It has always been my hope that the festival will have benefits beyond the 10 days it runs – to audiences, to creatives, to local businesses, and to the whole community. That’s why we’ve worked so hard to put together a programme that really does have something for everyone, including our schools programme which offers arts experiences and workshops to almost 3,000 local children, free of charge. Now the festival is just around the corner, we can’t wait for all these plans to come to life!”

Among the highlights are a free community choral festival at St Lawrence Church on 7th, Arts in the Park which opens the weekend with a celebration of local community groups on 6th, culminating in Party in the Park winding up the festival with one big party with live music, dancing, local food and drink on 14th.

Full information and individual event booking information can be found at Alton Arts Festival

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Fresh & fabulous farm shops

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Summer is the perfect season to sample the fare and flavours at your local farm shop, not only are you shopping local and supporting homegrown growers but you’ll be helping the environment too

Farm shops are a feast for the senses from the fashion show of fruit and veg, succulent juicy meat, richly flavoured cheese and bread so fresh you can smell it as you walk through the door, what’s not to love! 

Add in the high-quality fare is locally produced, often right on the doorstep, and you’re helping to protect the environment, boast personal service and by shopping there you are supporting local small businesses and everyone’s a winner. 

Farm shops help produce a strong sense of community with many offering pick your own options, delis and cafes to enjoy on site and with produce available at local farmers’ markets shopping for healthy and nutritious food has never been easier. 

The family-run business at Dunnocks Farm Shop & Deli, Whipley Manor Farm, Palmers Cross, Bramley GU5 0LL, goes out of its way to support small, independent producers. The array of British made products even includes Good Taste award crisps! Find organic and vegan produce, local meats, cheeses, gift hampers, condiments, ready-to-bake pastries, pasta, rice and eco-friendly bio cleaning products. And they’ll deliver locally too. 

Fresh free range eggs and local honey, homemade jams, chutneys and pickles are just some of the produce to tempt you into Elm Nursery, Sutton Green Road, Guildford GU4 7QD, where you’ll also enjoy a wide range of gifts, treats, children’s presents, foodie treats, cards and more! Where else could you pick up produce from The Garlic Farm in the Isle of Wight and luxury wool alpaca socks as well as a selection of cakes, snacks and delicious Marshfields ice cream? 

If the thought of taking home freshly cooked bread while it’s still warm has you salivating, then drop into Frensham Garden Centre Farm Shop, The Reeds Road, Frensham GU10 3BP, where you’ll also find locally sourced jams and preserves to spread lavishly on top. There are more than 20 flavours of delicious pie which along with Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, samosas, and much more should ensure something for every palate. Need a drink to go with it? Try one of the many wines and ales. It doesn’t get more local than the award-winning Hogs Back T.E.A Ale. All you need for the perfect picnic. 

“Our fruit and vegetables are carefully selected from the most local quality growers we can find. Our meat, fish, eggs and dairy meet strict sustainability and animal welfare standards. Our breads, pies, quiches and cakes are locally baked and are absolutely delicious,” says Noel of Noel’s Farm Shop, Sutton Green, Woking GU4 7QB. The shop also offers an increased range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options and you can take along your own containers for sustainable refills too. Order online and collect or take advantage of delivery. 

Ripley Farm Shop in Portsmouth Road GU23 6EY offers products from local businesses, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit, handmade traditional pasties and quiches from their West Sussex farm, dairy products such as cottage cheese, and other locally-sourced products. Pop into the garden centre for plants while visiting. 

‘One of the best gourmet food destinations in the region’ is an accolade held by Secretts of Milford at Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford GU8 5HU for its gourmet and everyday foods and ingredients, many locally sourced. They are known as one of the leading vegetable and salad crop growers in Surrey and supply many of the area’s leading restaurants. Choose from more than 300 cheeses (heaven) and the craft gin and beer selection are also a hit. With an onsite butchers, tea room, English wine merchant and ethical clothing and gift shop, extensive grounds perfect for summer picnics and leisurely strolls as well as pick your own, it’s a fabulous day out. 

Pop in for one thing at Applegarth Farm, Headley Road, Grayshott, GU26 6JL and you’ll leave with a shopping bag full of delights from the deli – there’s charcuterie, sausage rolls, antipasto, salads and a range of other tasty treats ready for you to enjoy at home. An ‘extended family’ of artisan suppliers and producers brings some of the freshest produce with cheeses from independent makers, home-made cakes, sweets, artisan breads, chutneys, jams and more. 

Healthy fresh produce is grown on the 200-acre family-owned farm in Kingsley, Bordon GU35 0QP, where at the Country Market, Malthouse & Osborne Farms you’ll be surrounded by specialist fine foods and eco essentials. The multiple award-winning Owtons Butchery, freshly baked handmade breads and cakes from the artisan Good Taste Bakery, the best independent wines from The General Wine Company and of course, local produce, all make up the fine fare to shop. 

The shop at Durleighmarsh is at the heart of the farm providing seasonal freshly picked fruit and vegetables direct from their crops in Petersfield GU31 5AX alongside a wide range of delicious goods from local producers. Fresh bread and pastries, meat and fish, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices and so much more are stocked and at this time of year look out for hand-picked seasonal produce, in particular the extremely popular asparagus and strawberries. 

If Luff’s Farm Shop don’t grow the fruit and vegetables themselves at Headley, Bordon GU35 0PB, they buy from carefully chosen suppliers to ensure they can offer everything from potatoes and parsnips to carrots, cabbages and more, all fresh and full of flavour. Crisp apples, juicy peaches, sweet berries and zesty citrus fruits line the shelves. 

Fill your own milk bottles from the milk vending machine at Sky Park Farm, West Harting, Petersfield GU31 5PT, where you can even add your own milkshake flavour. The milk comes from a dairy herd grazing across the road so you can’t get much fresher. Many of their suppliers are located within a 30-mile radius so why not take home some deli meats, cheeses and dishes freshly prepared in the kitchen. Frozen meals are also available, all ‘made in our kitchen’.  

Just over 90 per cent of sales at West Lea Farm Shop, Ladycroft, Alresford SO24 0QS are sourced from producers within a few miles of the family run shop, from the smallest grower of runner beans to much larger local businesses squishing apples into a whole range of juices. In addition to watercress beds, there are veg, flowers, freshly baked bread, candles, chocolates and trout to enjoy too. West Lea Farm Shop has recently been crowned Champion in the regional Countryside Alliance Awards in the South East of England, thanks to customers’ votes. As we went to press they were awaiting their fate in the grand final.  

Find more shops near you and if you’re elsewhere on holiday this summer check out those locally at fabulousfarmshops.co.uk 

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Summer daze

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Holidays are on the horizon so let’s get out and have a good time whatever the weather. There’s fun for all ages to enjoy!

July heralds the start of the school summer hols, weeks of long lazy days lie ahead but there’s plenty to do from trails to follow, games to play, open air entertainment, delve into history, make a splash or go for full on adventure!

Discover family fun at a National Trust place near you this summer. Enjoy games, sports and free family theatre at Hindhead Commons and Frensham Little Pond and garden games and musical fun at Leith Hill Place, take a picnic and enjoy the day. Explore the pirate-themed activities at Hatchlands Park or book your tickets for evening outdoor theatre on the lawn.

Box Hill is also the place to get involved in games, sports and free family theatre. Check the National Trust website for full details and to book if required.

Enjoy a Summer of Play at Polesden Lacey from July 13th to September 8th and on July 19th there’s a display of vintage Rolls Royce cars and children’s pop-up theatre to entertain you.

Back by popular demand, the Pavilion Play will host active games for the whole family at Winkworth Arboretum from July 20th to September 4th and Winkworth Wild Crafts are returning every Wednesday during the summer holidays too.

There’s a jam-packed programme of summer holiday workshops for 5-to 18-year-olds at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from July 24th to August 9th. Budding performers can get involved in musical theatre, circus and dance workshops, or a bumper three-day drama camp. There are also workshops in directing and lighting design, and a robotics workshop for creative minds! You can find out more: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/by-genre/workshop

From tasting the King’s feast, to Tudor music, falconry and jousting displays you’ll have a day out to remember as you travel back to 1533 when Henry & Gertrude Courtenay invited King Henry VIII for a visit to West Horsley Place. There’s the chance to meet Henry VIII from July 29th to August 1st and quiz him on anything you like in a unique experience. Booking essential for the ‘meet & greet’. Find out more and book at Meet Henry VIII | West Horsley Place

Boutique music festival Weyfest is made more special than any other festivals by the setting. This is not a music festival in a muddy field, this is a music festival at the Rural Life Museum in Farnham. What other festival can boast historic buildings, an arboretum, four stages of live music over four days, August 15th-18th, and you can ride round the festival on the railway! Full details and tickets at weyfest.co.uk

Get into the woods and go wild with amazing outdoor experiences for children aged eight to 11 at Painshill Park on selected dates from July 23rd to August 22nd. Full details and booking at Painshill also has a wealth of outdoor theatre for you to enjoy through the summer with Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan on the programme. Find out more and book at Events at Painshill.

‘A truly royal way to travel! For an exceptional day out, head into Windsor town centre and jump on the French Brothers Riverboat. Take in the picturesque River Thames, before enjoying an evening at Royal Windsor Racecourse. Book via windsor-racecourse.co.uk for admission, return riverboat, and two drinks, all from £49.50.

Ahoy! Mermaids & Pirates are coming to The Square, Camberley, from July 24th to August 31st. There’ll be children’s shows, pirate and mermaid themed crafts and land lubbers can follow a treasure trail with prizes. Shiver me timbers it’s all free! A play pirate ship will amuse the children in between visiting big brand stores and unique independents. Visit thesqcamberley.co.uk for more information. 

The British Motor Show returns August 15th to 18th, offering a weekend of family fun and amazing experiences in Farnborough. Keep the whole family entertained with an amazing mix of driving experiences, supercars, live arena shows, fairground rides, celebrities and of course, cars. It’s more than just a motor show, it’s family fun redefined! More details and booking at thebritishmotorshow.live/ 

With new areas and luxurious experiences, BSpa at Brooklands Hotel has everything you need to unwind, relax and refresh your mind and body. Prepare to be truly pampered with a variety of state-of-the-art facilities to restore health and wellbeing and treatments offering the perfect balance between innovative and classical therapies. You will leave with your mind and body feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and energised. More at brooklandshotelsurrey.com/bspa/ 

Three Peaks Barfield is known for its action-packed activity parties and are launching the ultimate combat laser tag experience. Get adrenaline-pumping action like never before! The brand-new laser tag parties offer combat laser tag with top-of-the-line equipment for an unforgettable experience. Gear up, strategise, and unleash your inner warrior in the most immersive laser tag arena around. Are you ready to dominate the battlefield? Visit barfieldpst.org/birthday-parties for more information. 

Join The Phoenix, Bordon, for a spectacular weekend of music, dancing, craft workshops and fun in the summer sun on July 6th & 7th. Whether you’re looking for free eco-friendly activities for the kids, a relaxing evening of al fresco classical music or a Sunday session fuelled by a gang of rowdy sailors, The Phoenix Arts Festival has it all, phoenixarts.co.uk 

Grab your picnic gear and enjoy the glorious grounds of South Hill Park this summer for relaxed, outdoor theatre fun. There is something for all ages this summer with The Gondoliers on Friday, 26th July. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, Friday, 2nd August and The Railway Children on Friday, 16th August. More details & to book visit southhillpark.org.uk/whats-on/shows-events/ 

Become a heritage trail explorer at The Vyne for the day. Everywhere you look there’s archaeological evidence to be found. See what you can find using a free spotter sheet available at reception, July 13th to 28th.  

Illyria perform the much-loved family story The Adventures of Dr Doolittle on July 12th when Dr Dolittle learns how to talk to animals. He embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals. Booking essential, visit ticketsource.co.uk/illyria 

The Festival of Archaeology returns this year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of The Council of British Archaeology and this year’s theme is community. Go along to Hinton Ampner for finds handling, excavation activities, tours, geophysics demos and much more, July 13th to 28th. 

Mottisfont has a charming exhibition and activity trail running from July 20th to September 29th of John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories. Discover over 60 original illustrations including favourite stories and characters such as Mr Gumpy, Avocado Baby, and Oi! Get Off Our Train! There are comfy reading zones for kids to snuggle into with a book, colourful blown-up scenes for family photos, and dressing up inspiration. Look out for the life-size ‘magic’ bed that transports young imaginations to far away worlds, inspired by Burningham’s classic story The Magic Bed. An energetic activity trail weaves through Mottisfont’s gardens, introducing families to more characters, with games and challenges to complete. £3 per trail. 

Roll up, roll up and have fun at Hinton Ampner’s summer of circus from July 20th to September 1st. Have a go at circus yoga and show off your flexibility, wander down Circus Street and guess who lives behind each door and test your skills on the South Lawn where you will find juggling, balancing and hooping challenges to test your big top talents! 

For an energetic day out, all ages can enjoy bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens at The Vyne throughout the summer holidays, July 24th to September 1st. 

Pack up your picnic rug or camping chair and find your spot to enjoy outdoor cinema at The Vyne. Choose from Pretty Woman, August 1st; join the Grease sing-a-long on 2nd; The Greatest Showman sing-a-along on 3rd and Top Gun on 4th. Booking essential for these, details at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events 

Get your tickets for The South Downs Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park for awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows, animal petting zoo, children’s rides and fun zone, country life stalls, beer tent and catering with live music and much much more… on  August 10th – 11th. More details and tickets at southdownsshow.com/ 

Enjoy a day out with Thomas & Friends on The Watercress Line in Alresford, August 21st to 25th. Take a ride behind Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters, and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement! New this year are two Rusty & Dusty outdoor entertainment shows with Sir Topham Hatt, Percy, Diesel and Toad. Terence the Tractor will be visiting too. Book at watercressline.co.uk/special-days/day-out-with-thomas/ 

This summer at The Shed expect loads of free kids’ activities, a free family friendly music festival, a beer festival with live music and a whole host of delicious treats to keep everyone happy. With free parking for two hours during the day (and after 6pm) as well as a lovely park for picnics and a play area for the kids, The Shed always has something on offer for those ‘what shall we do days?’ More at theshedwb.com  

The mini children’s festival of curiosity, Fiesta, is back between 13th July and 2nd September at Winchester Science Centre and this time Olympic and Paralympic fever has hit. Outside, join the fun family Bug Olympics activity that will see families and groups of friends take on the bugs of the South Downs and beyond by competing in some Olympic and Paralympic inspired events. There will also be a chance for children to create their own opening and closing ceremony inspired by the stunning natural environment of the South Downs. Back inside, families will be able to delve into the curious world of our bodies in The Science of Us zone and during a brand new live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise. 

Start the summer holidays off at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens. The Selborne attraction will be celebrating Gilbert White’s 304th birthday with free admission for one day only on the 20th July between 10.30am and 5pm. The museum becomes a festival that evening with UK Fleetwood Mac, a polished band of experienced and accomplished musicians who come together to create the perfect homage to everyone’s favourite 70s rock band. With a remarkable sound, authentic look, and set-list jam packed with hits from Dreams to The Chain you’ll be singing Don’t Stop before you know it! Join family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready for the party of a lifetime at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens. Tickets and further details at gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk 

Enjoy your summer however you spend it! 

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A cordial invitation to Regency Week

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Immerse yourself in the world of Jane Austen with dances, walks, talks, workshops and more from June 21st to 30th.

Alton Jane Austen Regency Week has been extended to a 10th day by popular demand to allow people to collect costumes ordered for the Summer Ball for the following day or attend a workshop to produce decorative accessories to wear with them.

There will also be a Welcome Reception in the evening to collect tickets, meet the organisers and hear from our Patron and Guest of Honour, Caroline Knight, Jane Austen’s five times great niece, who grew up at Chawton House.

Most of the first weekend will follow the regular pattern; Regency Day on Saturday with the Regency Market in the Town Centre, followed by a Dance Workshop in the afternoon and Summer Ball in the evening.

The Festivities move to Chawton on Sunday morning with a visit to Jane Austen’s house, a walk round the village and a parade to Chawton House for a picnic lunch with Caroline Knight. Tea at the Allen Gallery is followed by Regency Choral Evensong with the renowned St Lawrence Church Choir.

Monday starts with a talk about Embroidered Paper and continues with an afternoon at Wyards Farm, the home of Jane’s favourite niece and regularly visited by her, before ending with a Midsummer evening at Chawton House.

Tuesday it’s on to Gilbert White’s House at Selborne for a sewing workshop and House and Garden tours. In the evening the Allen Gallery will show the 1940 film version of Pride and Prejudice starring Laurence Olivier.

Wednesday brings a bonnet workshop while the more energetic can opt for a guided walk around Alton. Take part in a parasol decorating workshop and enjoy a talk about Mr Darcy from Jessica Bull and Louise Morrish covering Jessica’s new book.

The Lunchtime Regency Organ Concert at St Lawrence Church will wake everyone up after a quiet morning in the library exploring their Jane Austen book collection, followed by a discussion of Northanger Abbey at the Friends’ Meeting House before an evening circular walk around Chawton.

Friday will be spent in Chawton with two hours at Chawton House during the day and Jane Austen’s house will be open during the evening until 8pm.

The morning is divided between Chawton and Alton on Saturday starting with a tour of Jane Austen’s house followed by guided walk of Chawton. At the same time there will be children’s Regency inspired crafts at Alton Library. The increasingly popular Country Dance will be held at the Assembly Rooms in the evening.

The 10th and last day, Sunday 30th, features a guided walk of Alton in the morning and a Book Fair at the Community Centre during the day. The week closes with the popular Regency Supper at Jane Austen’s house in the evening.

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Jazz with the Duke

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The Cotton Club comes to church with Froxfield Choir’s latest concert

Froxfield Choir’s summer concert is set to be an exciting departure from the norm, as we foray into the world of jazz, with Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert.

Ellington called this ‘the most important thing I have ever done’. He said many times that he was not trying to compose a Mass. The critic Gary Giddins has characterised the work as Ellington bringing the Cotton Club revue to the church.

We will also be performing George Shearing’s beautiful settings of Shakespeare’s Songs and Sonnets and singing alongside the brilliant Brass Breakout Jazz Orchestra – have a look at their website here.

Hear us on Saturday, 15th June, 7.30pm at Holy Trinity, Privett. Tickets: £18 (£12 students) available from One Tree Books, Petersfield or Ticketsource.

We continue to encourage singers to join our amateur choir. We rehearse on Thursday evenings at Froxfield Village Hall between 7.45-9.30pm and newcomers are welcome to come along any week for a taster session. Please contact Lesley Howe at [email protected] for more details.

A small choir of around 30-40 singers, we sing an eclectic mix of choral music from composers such as Bach, Mozart, Dowland, L’Estrange, Jenkins, Chilcott, Whitacre, Rutter and Brahms.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @FroxfieldChoir and on our website.

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Fizz fest at The Grange, Alresford

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Hampshire’s world class still and sparkling wines will be showcased at The Grange, Alresford on Sunday, 23rd June

The Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest is back for its 10th year offering visitors the chance to taste more than 20 world class Hampshire sparkling and still wines.

Wine makers and vineyard owners are on hand to showcase their wine portfolio including new vintages. Wine lovers can join a range of masterclasses, tour the vineyard and winery and enjoy Hampshire street food and live music as well as taking your favourite wines home.

This year the event will coincide for the first time with English Wine Week, (15th-23rd June, WineGB) including a range of local celebrations promoting Hampshire wines. The Grange’s winery adjoins Burges Field Vineyard, home to 52,000 vines which produce the award-winning The Grange wines.

“Fizz Fest provides the perfect opportunity to taste all of the best wines to be found in Hampshire and we are very much looking forward to hosting this showcase event and we are all proud for it to have reached its 10th year. We opened our state-of-the-art winery here in 2022, with the purpose of servicing our young vineyard and blending and producing our own wine. This year we are now able to do just that,” says Zam Baring, Managing Partner for The Grange wines.

During the day, the tasting tent will host wines and new vintages from all eight members: Black Chalk in Andover, Danebury Vineyards in Stockbridge, Exton Park, Hambledon and The Grange, Hattingley, Louis Pommery England and Raimes, all Alresford.

Book at Vineyards of Hampshire

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Vistas & veggies patches in Bramshott

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Bramshott Open Gardens offer courtyards, terraces, ponds & more to view

The hugely popular Bramshott Open Gardens weekend is returning on June 15th and 16th, to be opened this year by well-known author, broadcaster and comedian Sandi Toksvig.

‘BOG’ as it is affectionately known, is traditionally held every two years, when the residents of Bramshott village in Hampshire, come together to open their gardens and offer a warm welcome to visitors, while raising valuable funds for worthy local and national causes, and the young people in our community. As the largest open gardens event of its kind in Hampshire, there are over 20 private gardens open, covering a huge range and variety, from courtyards and terraces, to veggie patches, to stunning show gardens with beautiful vistas and delightful ponds.

Over 70 residents volunteer over the weekend, for this highly organised two-day event with over 1,000 visitors, free parking, shuttle buses to ferry visitors around the village, loos in convenient places, tea tents, BBQ, plant sale, and tombola, flower displays in 13th century St Mary’s Church, as well as the beautiful gardens. Bramshott is also reputed to be the most haunted village in England, and was home to the late Boris Karloff.

The event in 2022 allowed more than £20,000 to be donated to local good causes.

Tickets £8, covers both days, on sale on the day, and via our website. Children 12 and under, free. Apologies, no dogs, other than guide or assistance dogs. Use postcode GU30 7SQ to find us.

For more info and tickets, visit Bramshott Open Gardens.

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Honouring D-Day at The Shed

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Commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day at The Shed and in Bordon town centre

The Shed will be a central part of Whitehill & Bordon’s events commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Saturday, 8th June when visitors will go on a trip back in time with a series of military-themed nostalgic entertainment with music and food from the era.

From 2pm The Shed will be marking the town’s military heritage and hosting its own themed tribute to the Normandy landings with stalls and displays at the Town Park. There will be music and food from the era and an atmosphere of commemoration and celebration throughout the day and into the evening:

• 2-3pm: Performances by Jack Trinder and the Forest Players
• 3-4pm: Performance by Liss Brass Brand
• 4-5pm: Stephanie Belle our WW2 themed singer
• 6pm onwards: Vic Cracknell’s Jazz Band

The Phoenix Theatre will also be providing a ‘silent disco’ for an immersive D-Day experience, stalls will be selling home-made craft of militaria from the era, and Shed vendors are set to get into the spirit with spam fritters, Spitfire beer and dressing up throughout.

Free parking will be available in all areas, including Hogmoor Inclosure for the weekend of 8-9th June.

The Shed is just one part of the town’s 80th anniversary commemoration. Check out all the planned events in Whitehill & Bordon’s D-Day 80 at D-Day 80 – Whitehill Town Council.

Throughout 2024 The Shed is the place for a treat, to eat, create and meet. Details of future events at @theshedwb.com/shed-events.

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