Festive cheer with local beer!

Karen Neville

Posted on

Petersfield & Villages

Hogs Back Brewery gears up for Christmas with new beer and parties at its Tap

Hogs Back Brewery is getting ready for Christmas! The Tongham brewery has a trio of festive beers, available from the Brewery Shop and Tap as well as local pubs. For anyone after some festive fun in the brewery, ‘Winter Wonderland’ nights in December offer delicious food, drink and a crowd-pleasing disco.

Newly brewed for this Christmas is Fairy Tale of New Pork, a 4% ABV amber ale available on draught. Brewed with authentic beechwood smoked German malt, English pale and crystal malts, it has flavours of cinder toffee, caramel, biscuit and warm smokiness.

Fairy Tale of New Pork joins two returning seasonal favourites: Mistletoe & Swine, a 4.2% ABV, full-bodied cask ale with subtle hints of sultana, peppery ginger, warm cinnamon and orange zest and Advent Ale, a 4.4% deep chestnut ale with notes of sweet liquorice and rich dark chocolate aftertaste, which is available in bottle as well as on draught – making the perfect stocking filler for a beer lover! 

Fun on Tap

The brewery’s Tap has become a destination for great beer, food and regular performances from local bands when it becomes a party space every Friday and Saturday night, offering a range of menus – including vegan options – and drinks packages to suit every taste and budget. And with a DJ playing all the hits through til midnight, it’s a great way to celebrate the party season with friends or work colleagues. Book your table and dust off your dancing shoes now!

Other festive events at the Tap include a special family-friendly charity quiz on Thursday 21st December. Or just book a Tap table with friends for any night and enjoy a Snorter – a refillable glass flagon containing 31/2 pints of any of Hogs Back’s festive or year-round favourites, fresh from the brewery.

And for designated drivers or those wanting to take a break from drinking, Hogs Back’s Little Swine 0.5% is a full-bodied, flavourful pale ale. Brewed with speciality malts and three hop varieties including Cascade from Hogs Back’s hop garden, Little Swine allows offers all the taste of a full-strength beer, without the alcohol. Available in 330ml bottles from the Tap or Brewery Shop.

Managing director Rupert Thompson said: “The run up to Christmas is always a busy time for us: we’re brewing flat out to meet demand from pubs and customers in our Shop, and at the same time we’re hosting parties and other events in the Tap. There’s always a great atmosphere with many of our regular drinkers popping in to pick up supplies for their celebrations at home, or to meet friends for a drink.”

For more details on events at the Hogs Back Tap, go here. The Brewery Shop will be open for extended hours from December, for details go here.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Spirit of Christmas comes to Fleet

Karen Neville

Posted on

Petersfield & Villages

As the Christmas season gets underway, Fleet is preparing to wrap itself up in the magic of the season with three heartwarming events that capture the essence of Christmas

Get ready for the annual Fleet Christmas Festival on Wednesday, 22nd November, from 2pm to 9pm. Organised by a passionate team of volunteers, the festival transforms Fleet into a festive hub, boasting 120 market stalls lining Fleet Road.

From hot and cold culinary delights to unique gifts and decorations, the Christmas Market is a celebration of Christmas and the warmth of community connections. There will also be entertainers and rides as well as a giant snow globe where you can immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland.

Gurkha Square becomes a stage for the town’s talents, featuring school choirs, community groups and the cast of the year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington. The switching on of the Christmas tree lights at 6.30pm marks a moment of shared joy and anticipation. The square also includes community stalls, celebrating the people who make a difference locally. Father Christmas will be in his grotto in The Harlington which will also host the Harlington Bazaar.

Hart Shopping Centre are hosting the Hart of Craft Christmas market where you can pick a unique or handmade gift, and also enjoy a free glass of wine and mince pie. The Shopping Centre is also host to Autism Friendly Fleet’s Chill Zone offering a quiet space to rest and chill.

Santa’s Post Office: Where wishes take flight

Santa’s Post Office returns to the Hart Shopping Centre, delivered by the Fleet Business Improvement District (BID) and funded by local businesses. This is a charming experience for adults and children alike and children can meet Santa’s elves and write their letters to Santa. It is a true community event with volunteers from Fleet Guides manning the Post Office, raising awareness of the great work they do.

Opening hours:

Wednesday 22nd November, 4pm to 7pm

Saturdays 25th November, 2nd, 9th and 16th December, 10am to 4pm

Sundays 26th November, 3rd, 10th, 17th December, 10am to 4pm

School holidays, Monday 18th – Friday 22nd Dec, 10am to 4pm

Snow Windows: Artistry in every corner

Building on last year’s success, the Fleet Business Improvement District has again commissioned Snow Windows to create unique Christmas artwork in Fleet. Shop windows throughout the town have been transformed into unique pieces of art, each personally designed by renowned artist Tom.

This unique street exhibition showcases the individuality of these local businesses, making a perfect Christmas trail for families to spot the details that make each artwork so special.

For anyone wanting to see the artist at work, Tom from Snow Windows will be decorating the window of 217 Menswear at 217 Fleet Road during the Fleet Christmas Festival on 22nd November.

Tracey Shrimpton, Fleet BID Manager said “Fleet puts on some amazing events throughout the year, and Christmas is a really special time in the town.

“The Fleet Christmas Festival is organised by a dedicated group of volunteers who work so hard every year to organise this event which attracts people from far and wide. Through the contributions of local businesses, the Fleet Business Improvement District is able to provide additional free entertainment including the magical experience of Santa’s Post Office and the awe-inspiring artwork of world-famous Snow Windows.

“We recognise that families may find the pressure to spend money stressful this Christmas and we are delighted that we can offer something very special for families to enjoy that they can do completely free of charge.

“We are so lucky to have such a fabulous range of committed small business owners who open their doors every day to offer customers unique services and products, with local staff to provide help and advice. The High Street is facing many challenges right now and our mission is to support businesses in Fleet with a number of activities to improve the trading environment and this is a great opportunity for people to show their support for local businesses which are the lifeblood of our community.”

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

 Celebrate at The Shed this November

Karen Neville

Posted on

Petersfield & Villages

There’s plenty to celebrate at The Shed this November, with a fireworks bonanza, a cosy comedy club and a Remembrance Day afternoon, plus Saturday Markets and Christmas Wreath workshops

The Shed has a sparkling selection lined up with some real fireworks throughout November with the return of the Cube Comedy Club as well as live music, quiz nights and the ever popular markets.

The venue offers the perfect backdrop for evenings of laughs and fantastic community events.

The Cube Comedy Club, 2nd November, 8pm

We’re back with a bang this November and continue to bring you the best of the best from the UK comedy circuit. This month features Matt Price, Eva Bindeman and Joey Page.

Eva Bindeman is a Bristol based, North East Comic bringing a warm, conversational sense of humour with a twist of the unexpected and named Funny Women “one to watch” in 2022.

Joey Page has been hailed as the future of stand up and is storming the circuit with his trail blazing brand of ‘Indie Comedy’ that’s surreal and inventive and has gained a big following during his time as support act for Noel Fielding on tour.

‘Conversations with Criminals’ podcast host Matt Price interacts with a crowd in a way that makes everyone in the room feel good. Matt’s stories are from the wilder side of life but surprisingly easy to relate to.

Firework Extravaganza, November 4th, 5-9pm

Get ready to light up the night sky with a FREE Firework Display on November 4th, with a night of dazzling lights, delicious treats, and fairground rides.

Head to Parade Square for a spectacular night of jaw-dropping fireworks at Whitehill and Bordon, with gates opening at 5pm and the breath-taking display commencing at 7pm, this event is not to be missed.

There will also be an array of exciting fairground rides for all ages. And when hunger strikes, indulge in mouth-watering meals from a selection of food trucks, offering sizzling burgers, hot dogs, delicious hog roasts, and a variety of sweet treats including donuts, waffles, and crepes.

Remembrance Sunday with Stephanie Bell, November 12th, 12-2pm

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of the 1940s as Stephanie Bell takes the stage gracing us with not one, but two captivating sets of music, each lasting 45 minutes. Absolutely free with no need to book, this is the perfect way to get the family together for an afternoon of remembrance and celebration.

Throughout November there are also the popular Saturday Markets on 11th and 25th November, as well as a Christmas Wreath Workshop at Bud Hut, where guests can learn how to create a stunning moss-based wreath adorned with seasonal natural accessories.

You can find the full line-up of all upcoming events at The Shed here: theshedwb.com/shed-events

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Garden Invaders

Round & About

Posted on

Petersfield & Villages

There are many plants that can inadvertently take over our gardens, particularly weeds, but there are some beautiful plants on sale that you can wonder why you ever planted. These are my own experiences and everyone will have a different gripe, says R&A gardener Cathie Welch

Houttuynia cordata ‘Chamaeleon’ (pictured)

A beautiful plant often sold for ponds and waterside planting now rampaging in my edible border. It is edible but not very nice. It spreads underground by rhizomes and pops up everywhere gathering momentum after its winter sleep.

Bamboo

This is where it is essential to do your homework. There are bamboos and there are bamboos. Avoid at all costs the running away ones that can colonise gardens and invade those of your neighbours as well as lift up paths, destroy foundations and puncture pond liners. I tend to choose Phylostachys aurea and nigra which are clump forming with beautiful stems but they are quite high maintenance needing to be thinned and trimmed constantly. Occasionally an unwanted shoot pops up but it is important to cut it off. You are in charge of your plants and not vice versa.

Helianthus

Helianthus is the Genus which includes the annual sunflower. There are several perennial varieties that spread indefinitely if you don’t keep them in check. They also spread by underground tubers and as anyone who has grown Jerusalem artichokes on their allotment will know.

Sorbaria

This is a very pretty fern-like spreading shrub colonising the whole of Thursley common and the surrounding gardens. It is readily on sale in garden centres but never plant it in your garden unless you have the room.

Anemone japonica

I mentioned these in my last article and have battled with them in many a small garden. There are tall invasive varieties but also delightful cultivars like ‘Frilly Knickers’ which I can’t grow at all. They need a regular cull so just choose carefully.

Others

There are many other invasive garden plants like Hypericum calycinum which spreads like mad but is great for banks as is Vinca major or periwinkle. There are many Buddleias and Ivies that do not seed and are not invasive. All plants have their right place. Choose your plants and their location carefully and do a little research on your soil type as one person’s thug plant may not even thrive in your garden.

CGS Courses

Please ask for details as I am now meeting potential students for Spring Courses as well as bespoke workshops and volunteering. I can also come and teach you in your own garden and am happy to chat over a coffee at Ashdene.

Consultancy gift vouchers available too.

Website Cathie’s Gardening School: Surrey’s Garden School

Email [email protected]

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

A new lease of life

Karen Neville

Posted on

Petersfield & Villages

Second Hand September, upcycling furniture and repair cafes are all fabulous ways to fall in love again with something you once cherished, not only will it save you money but you’ll be doing your bit to help save the planet too!

How often have you bought something (often on impulse) got it back home only for it to loiter in the back of your wardrobe unworn for years? It’s probably something we’ve all been guilty of at one time, so this month rather than a) buy it at all or b) leave it lurking unloved, why not get involved in Second Hand September?

Find out how to get involved where you live

Berkshire
West Berkshire & Wiltshire
Oxfordshire
Surrey & Hants

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter: