Learn new skills at Coaching Barn

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Head to The Coaching Barn at Littlestoke Manor Farm on July 20th & 21st and 27th & 28th and join the Modern Makers Collective

Learn some new skills as the Modern Makers bring you two weekends of fun and creativity at the fabulous Coaching Barn near Wallingford – the perfect space to switch off.

Spend two days of meditative stitching with Aimée Alice Payton on July 20th & 21st as you create a beautiful gathered lampshade. Aimée is an upholsterer and lampshade maker who uses exquisite textiles to create bespoke items for beautiful interiors. Her handstitched and hand-rolled lampshades are full of colour, life and stories. She will share her knowledge to help you achieve a professional finish to your lampshade.

Mark aka Lino Lord will introduce you to the art of lino printing on July 20th when you’ll design, carve and print a black under his guidance. You may choose to create three beautiful stacking rings using traditional silversmithing techniques with award-winning jeweller, Charlotte Berry or how about creating a beautiful summer wreath with Jane Body, both on Sunday 21st.

Charlotte creates exquisite fine and heirloom jewellery from her workshop based in South Oxfordshire using traditional techniques and the finest materials and specialises in helping couples create their dream one-of-a-kind ethical wedding jewellery to cherish for a lifetime.

With a background in art and photography, Jane combines her expert eye for design with her love of the natural world. Much of Jane’s foliage comes from her own abundant garden which is delicately arranged with luxurious decorative elements. With a range of bespoke wreaths on offer, Jane also runs workshops and provides kits to be made at home.

The following weekend you can learn the ancient art of block printing fabric using Lino in a day long workshop with Oxfordshire-based textile printer Albert Harvey on 27th or spend time making a beautiful basket with basketmaker Louise Arthur from Rough Around the Hedges to use for storing and displaying items within the home or for gathering fruit, eggs, mushrooms and berries in the great outdoors.

The workshops weekend closes with another Lino printing class on Sunday 28th as above and a fun day making Boho jewellery earrings and necklaces with Kate Wilkinson.

For all events refreshments are provided with additional lunch options available from The Goring Grocer.

For full details of all the workshops and to book, visit Summer School | modern makers uk (modernmakerscollective.co.uk)

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Freddy, steady go in Seer Green!

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Star pianist Freddy Kempf will star in Seer Green on Sunday, 14th July, as the final highlight in Jordans Music Club’s 81st summer festival

Jordans Music Club’s members are delighted that Freddy Kempf is returning to play for them again after his triumphant concert in 2018.

Chairman Marian Pell says: “Freddy is one of today’s most successful pianists, performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. Exceptionally gifted with an unusually broad repertoire, Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer unafraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and musical artist.

“The concert opens with one of the great achievements for piano in Beethoven’s middle period, the C major Sonata dedicated to Count Waldstein, a sonata which reflects both the grandeur and the brilliance of the Eroica Symphony, composed the previous year.

“We are then treated to Moments Musicaux, first by Schubert and then by Rachmaniov. Schubert’s Moments are quite short, reflecting different moods from the melancholic to the whimsical. Rachmaninov’s versions show the influence of Chopin but are more monumental and virtuosic as Rachmaninov draws on models from high Romanticism and remoulds them. The mood moves from the intensely mournful through storms and calm to the majestic grand finale – a fitting close to our 2024 season.”

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Do you dig Greys Court?

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As part of this month’s Festival of Archaeology, archaeologists from the National Trust and South Oxfordshire Archaeology Group will investigate some of Greys Court’s fascinating buried archaeology. Katy Dunn tells us more…

The known history of Greys Court, between Henley and Rotherfield Greys, stretches back over 900 years, with the earliest known record being the Domesday Book of 1086. The de Grey family constructed the original manor house on the site, and early historic fabric survives, notably the Great Tower and adjacent wall fragments, dating from the 12th-14th centuries.

The archaeologists will examine the evidence of a series of “parch-marks” which are revealed on Greys Court’s oval lawn in particularly dry weather. These hint at a courtyard wall with a possible gatehouse structure. There were also other buildings on the site, now demolished. The team will also be guided by a geophysics survey across the lawn.

National Trust archaeologist Adrian Cox said: “We are hoping to add to our knowledge of the fascinating early history of Greys Court. We have a range of information already, including aerial photographs and the evidence of an 19th-century engraving depicting the site and showing its courtyard walls. We want to better understand the medieval and post-medieval layouts of the manor, so that we can give visitors a more accurate picture of how it looked in the past. We are aiming to give visitors close access to this archaeological research as it unfolds on site.”

The National Trust is proud to support the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) Festival of Archaeology, the UK’s biggest annual celebration of archaeology.

Shannon Hogan, National Archaeologist with the National Trust said “We’re delighted to be working with Council for British Archaeology on the Festival Archaeology at the places we care for. Archaeological experiences and activities offer opportunities for more people to find ways to connect with and learn about their local history and heritage. The Festival of Archaeology helps us deliver more for communities by uniting children and adults alike in a range of heritage activities and events.”

Archaeologists will be working at Greys Court from 15th to 21st July, and will be very happy to speak with visitors and explain the work and there may be opportunities to get involved.

To find more National Trust Festival of Archaeology events, visit Festival of Archaeology 2024 | National Trust

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Le Tour de Farcycles in Faringdon

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Faringdon-based Farcycles are getting ready to stage their 11th Le Tour de Farcycles on Saturday, 13th July

Take part in a sublime blend of BREW-tiful Cotswold countryside and three deliciously smooth MOCHA-me-happy rides depending on how far you want to push yourself.

We’re famous for the delicious homemade fare at the well-stocked feed stations, and the hot lunch at the finish!

All funds raised by the Sportive go towards local cycling projects including supporting the Cycle Park, teaching and commissioning infrastructure projects such as cycle repair stations, and road safety signs.

Primo-30 (the FLAT WHITE): 30 miles of rolling Cotswold countryside that is just enough to stretch someone looking for a first event. It is also the choice for regular cyclists to have a social meander through some of the region’s prettiest villages. The route is also perfect for families who would like to cycle together.

Medio-50 (the FRAPPUCHINO): 50 miles taking in some of our favourite country lanes. This is the perfect ride for cyclists who want to try a longer distance for the first time or who want a longer ride while still having enough energy for lunch afterwards.

Massimo-80 (the MACHO-ATTO): 80 miles taking in some hillier terrain that will stretch regular cyclists with a big hill or two, while still enjoying the archetypal Cotswold scenery. Back in time for lunch to relive your epic ride with your cycling buddies.

Go to Le Tour Overview — Farcycles or search for Le Tour de Farcycles.

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On a mission with Shakespeare

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To like or not to like Shakespeare? That’s the question Louise Taney is posing with her new theatre company Truth Told who are staging Romeo & Juliet at Cogges Manor Farm

Louise Taney is on a mission to help everyone enjoy Shakespeare and see the relevance of his plays today.

She originally trained at The Oxford School of Drama near Woodstock and has participated in TV, film and theatre shows but her passion is Shakespeare, and this is the driving force behind her new theatre company, Truth Told Theatre which is performing Romeo & Juliet on the Manor Lawn at Cogges Manor Farm in Witney, July 17th-19th.

Having never understood Shakespeare properly at school, where everyone would read round the class not knowing what they were saying, Louise discovered whilst at drama school that the grammar was there as an instruction for the actor on how to say the lines and to give an indication of how the character was feeling (for example, a full stop in the middle of a speech meant a quick change of thought for the character). By using the grammar, the characters come to life and she realised that Shakespeare should always be acted and not read, along with the fact that anyone who could act could act in a Shakespeare play!

This she proved when directing and playing Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream two years ago at Cogges in conjunction with Buttercross Theatre Productions. She quips: “One of the comments I got from a member of the audience after the show was that she’d never laughed at Shakespeare before!”

Launching her company this year, Louise says the thinking behind the Truth Told name is about playing a character truthfully to do justice to their performance and the script. The logo being of someone looking in a mirror, that has been a long-term symbol of truth.

She has been working with Cogges on other projects and loves the unique setting of the Manor lawn, with the farmhouse providing a unique and relevant back-drop for the play.

Louise edits Shakespeare’s plays down to a manageable watching time of two hours including an interval and tries to make her shows visually stunning, fast paced and full of action so modern audiences can relate to them.

She says: “Romeo & Juliet is the original teenage drama that ends in tragedy and the ending is extremely similar to storylines seen in modern soap operas such as EastEnders and Hollyoaks. It is about teenagers not being listened to and being forced to conform to the rules of the adult world along with gang warfare, all of which are still relevant today.”

There’s a bar and refreshments to add to your enjoyment. Bring your own rug or low backed chair. Doors open: 6pm. Curtain up: 6.30pm. Tickets £14 adults, £10 child 3-13; £12.60 adult / £9 child for Season / annual pass holders, £12 students.

Book at Buy Admission Tickets | Cogges (myonlinebooking.co.uk)

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Big Butterfly Count is flying high

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You can help protect the future of local species under threat thanks to Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, 14th July to 6th August

Butterfly spotting can be one of summer’s most wonderful experience. As the sun appears, and flowers bloom, more and more sightings of our fluttery favourites can be seen.

You may be able to identify some common butterflies quickly. The Brimstone, for example, is a yellow-green butterfly that’s one of the first species to be spotted in spring. The Comma is another favourite for many, and has distinctively scalloped wing edges and its underwings resemble dead leaves as a form of camouflage.

A number of stunning day-flying moths bring the same buzz. The Six-spot Burnet has striking red spots on each forewing. Butterfly Conservation has a handy online identification tool. You may also like to familiarise yourself with different species’ habitats. Red Admirals enjoy almost any habitat from hedgerows to the top of mountains. Others, such as the Speckled Wood inhabit woodland.

Holtspur Bottom Butterfly Reserve, HP9 1DH, covers an area of about 4.5 hectares (11 acres), and is managed thanks to the hard work of local Butterfly Conservation volunteers.

And, Yoesden HP14 4AR, is home to an impressive array of butterflies, considered by many one of the jewels of the Chilterns AONB, with some 28 species recorded, including three scarce blue species: Adonis, chalkhill and small blue butterflies, all of which rely on the flower-rich grassland that makes up half the reserve, owned & managed by Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust. Park at Bledlow Ridge; more info at Yoesden | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk)

The Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen science survey of its kind. By recording your sightings, you’ll provide valuable data on the populations and distributions of common species. Last year revealed species such as the Common Blue and Holly Blue had a good summer, with an increase in sightings of 154% and 120% from 2021 respectively.

It takes just 15 minutes and whether you’re in a park, garden or looking out of your window, taking part helps us understand UK butterflies’ plight. Some 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s and two thirds of common moth species have declined in the last 40 years.

Visit Big Butterfly Count (butterfly-conservation.org) to take part & Big Butterfly Count (butterfly-conservation.org) to find out more.

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Alice Day: artist’s ox & exhibition

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Abingdon artist Caroline Ritson tells us about her amazing Wonderland-inspired ox, part of the Sobell House OxTrail, and exhibition at St Ethelwold’s this weekend

Amooong the beautiful OxTrail creations is an Alice In Wonderland-inspired masterpiece by Abingdon artist Caroline Ritson.

She tells us: “I was inspired to create my design for my Ox for the OxTrail by the illustrated book of Alice in Wonderland that my mum had had as child and read to me. I also wanted to create images related to Oxford.

“I hope children and adults will spend time looking for all of the creatures and different Alice images and maybe go back to read the books again, or for the first time. I was thrilled that my design was chosen and to help raise money for Sobell House Hospice. It was a great experience and I have made many connections with other artists.”

OxTrail features a herd of 138 large and mini oxen on display to form a fun and family-friendly trail. Each sculpture is unique and has been painted by artists, schools, community groups, or local media (including Round & About). OxTrail is raising money for Sobell House Hospice, who provide expert and compassionate care to people at the end of life, and support to their family and friends.

Alice’s Day, Oxford’s city-wide celebration of all things Alice in Wonderland, is back on Saturday, 6th July. This year’s theme is Fabulous Monsters and Curious Creatures, celebrating anniversary of the birth of wonderland. As well as the giant Alice puppet, a 3ft Jabberwock will roam the city, crafted by the acclaimed theatre-makers and specialists in large-scale puppetry and magic, Rag and Bone. For more info please visit Alice’s Day | About Us | The Story Museum

You are also all welcome to an art exhibition featuring work by Caroline, Marion Owen & Bruce Bignold at St Ethelwold’s garden in east St Helen’s Street, from 5th to 7th July. Tea and cake will be on sale on Saturday 6th, 2.30-4.30pm.

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Artist RAWZ & his inspiring ox

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We asked multidisciplinary artist Rawz to tell us a bit about what inspired his wonderful ox, part of the Sobell House OxTrail…

Among the large oxen grazing in Oxford’s beautiful buildings and streets you will find Dreams of the Spires (also gracing our July cover), outside Saïd Business School, designed by RAWZ.

An established poet and musician from Greater Leys, RAWZ represents a less acknowledged side of Oxford with his intricate design which beautifully reinterprets Oxford’s iconic skyline, symbolising unique stories, influences and people of the city.

He says: “For countless hours, years, centuries, Oxford’s famous spires have stood in silence, witnessing the city’s dreams as the world changes around them. This work re-interprets the iconic skyline’s shapes, weaving an abstract narrative through patterns. The forms interlock like puzzle pieces; a visual metaphor for the lives that inhabit the city, the unique co-existing stories and ideas that constantly influence each other, and the world around them, in an interconnected, interdependent exchange, creating a perpetual state of transformation and evolution.

“It’s been a great experience working with the team at OxTrail and it’s such a good opportunity to share what I do with lots of people. Sobell House’s work is so important, and it means a lot to be able to support it in this way. There are so many talented artists involved in this trail, I hope everyone enjoys exploring the city to find the whole herd. I’m sure a lot of good memories will be made while doing it!”

Ox-plore the trail and collect the sculptures using the official OxTrail 2024 app or through the beautifully-decorated OxTrail map, which is available at all Sobell House shops and some of the mini herd locations. What’s more, there is a range of ox-clusive merch and fun activities for children to get involved in available at the Westgate Hub Shop.

All the proceeds raised through OxTrail will help to fund Sobell House Hospice, who provide expert care to people facing life-limiting illness and support to their loved ones. The hospice relies upon the support of its community to raise over £3million each year.

Join the moo-vement to explore Oxfordshire’s iconic attractions, uncover some hidden gems, and have lots of fun along the way!

To find out more or donate to this worthy cause please visit OxTrail – Sobell House.

To work with Rawz, The Urban Music Foundation or Inner Peace Records email [email protected]

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Amalfi Experience at Six by Nico

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Image by: Andrew Oglivy

Six by Nico in Oxford is a culinary gem that brings a refreshing and innovative dining experience to Oxford’s vibrant food scene. Ellie Cox went along to try out their new six-course tasting menu, embracing La Dolce Vita.

Located in the heart of Oxford, this restaurant offers a unique concept of themed six-course tasting menus that change every six weeks, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure for your taste buds.

From 1st July – 11th August, the tasting menu inspired by the Amalfi Coast promises to take guests on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of its menu namesake through contemporary spins on the traditional flavours of Southern Italy.

The whole dining experience delivered just that. Despite a gloomy evening in Oxfordshire, as soon as you step into Six by Nico you’re taken on a unique journey to explore a taste of Southern Italy. From sipping on Aperol Spritz, to drinking wines that perfectly match each course; it’s an experience to remember.

The restaurant itself offers a sleek, contemporary design of the interior which, combined with warm lighting and comfortable seating, creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The open kitchen adds a touch of excitement as diners can watch the chefs meticulously prepare each course.

However, the star of the show at Six by Nico is undoubtedly the food. The flavours are bold and inventive, with a beautiful presentation that is most definitelt Instagram-worthy. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite.

The six-course tasting menu is priced at £50, with an option to add matching wines to each course at £38 (highly recommend adding this).

The menu offers the following:

Course one – Parmesan Polenta
Espuma, Truffle, Mushroom Ragout

Course two – Heirloom Tomato
Green Olive Tapenade, Salted Lemon, Lovage Emulsion & Whipped Ricotta

Course three – Spaghetti Nero
Toasted Sourdough, Chilli, Confit Garlic & Scamorza Foam

Course four – Black Pollock
Bagna Cauda, Zucchini, Braised Fennel, Basil Dressing

Course five – Trio Of Pork
Belly Of Pork, Pancetta Ham Jam, Nduja Cannelloni, Smoked Onion, Pickled Summer Squash

Add-On (highly recommend that you try these!)
Crispy King Prawn, Peperoncino Verde Emulsion & Lemon Gel – £9

Course six – Delizia Al Limone
Lemon Mousseline, Polenta Cake, Caramelised White Chocolate, Yoghurt Sorbet

The ever-changing menus mean that there is always something new to look forward to, making it a great spot for special occasions and regular visits. The combination of exceptional food, outstanding service, and a stylish setting makes Six by Nico a must-visit.

Whether you’re local to Oxford or just visiting, make sure to be first in the queue (spaces get nabbed really quickly thanks to the buzz!) to book a table at Six by Nico for a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable.

Amalfi Coast six-course tasting menu available from July 1st – 11th August, visit Amalfi Coast – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Make a date for Calendar Girls

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Kevin Thomson invites us to laugh, cry, be elated, despair, feel uplifted (pun intended), and shout, “put ’em back on!” at Abingdon Drama Club’s new production of Calendar Girls

Middle aged Chris Harper and Annie Clarke are best friends. They spend much of their time at their local WI, whose motto is “enlightenment, fun, and friendship”.

Although they like most of the women at the Knapely group and in particular the flaky Chris, they think the way the local President, Marie runs the chapter, a tad dull. They find much of what goes on banal and devoid of fun.

After Annie’s husband John dies from cancer, Chris wants the WI to provide a memorial in his memory: a new sofa for the family room at the hospital. The one she wants is expensive and so she proposes to raise the money with a fundraising calendar featuring tasteful photographs of nude Knapely WI members. Annie likes the idea. But will the rest of the WI members? What about Marie? What about the husbands? Who will be the photographer?

The new of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on Knapely. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.

ADC is never frightened when it comes to performing controversial material… even when it is such great fun!

Director Alex Jenkins’ deft handling of Tim Firth’s hilarious play, ably assisted by, what we have to call, a stand-out cast, is nothing short of brilliant. She explains: “I like to direct plays that have lots of layers and emotion. Calendar Girls takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion, from laughing out loud to ugly crying on the same page. It has a strong female cast and is empowering.”

Based on the true story of 11 WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund, since Calendar Girls opened, it has become the fastest selling play in British theatre history!

A fabulous evening’s entertainment awaits us.

Tickets: £12, £10 concessions (60+, Under 12s, students, ADC members). Group bookings: Groups of 10 and over – All tickets £10 (£10.60 when booked online – just select the concession rate ticket and choose the number you require). Please let us know if you have any problems with your booking.

Tickets available from: The Bookstore, The Abingdon Precinct (15 Bury Street), Abingdon or online at abingdon-drama-club.com

Email: [email protected]

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