An exciting series of events marks Windrush Day 2024 in Oxford from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd June.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘Women of the Windrush’. Traditionally, the focus has been on the men who disembarked from the Windrush ship, but this year’s festival will highlight the female arrivals, their stories, and their voices.
This marks the 5th year that Windrush Day has been officially celebrated in the city and the 76th anniversary of the HMT Windrush arriving at Tilbury Docks in Britain. While many passengers settled in large cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool, a number came to Oxford and built homes here. Over time, individuals and community organizations has established networks, advocated for equal rights and opportunities, and made significant contributions to the city, enriching its cultural life. Many of these organizations and networks have been initiated and led by women.
Euton Daley of the Oxford Windrush Working Group says, “Women of the Windrush Generation have made a huge contribution to communities around the UK, and Oxford is not the least of these. They have made their mark on the city and helped create its modern identity. It’s their voices we hear daily in social interactions in hospitals, shops, community centres, schools, and churches. This Windrush Day we are celebrating them, and everything they’ve achieved.”
An artist is being commissioned to work with Oxford’s young people over the school May half-term holiday at the Pitt Rivers Museum and other locations, as well as over the festival weekend at Florence Park. Sessions will also take place at local primary schools and with the Black Excellence Project Saturday group. Many organizations and individuals have come together to create this programme of events for local communities to get involved, share stories, learn new skills, and have fun.
This year’s events have been made possible thanks to a share of £500,000 in funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, administered by Near Neighbours.
The Dolphin recently picked up Greene King’s Community Pub of the Year for its excellent range of events and community initiatives, landlady Emma Cox shares her delight
To me the pub trade isn’t just about selling alcohol it’s about being an all-inclusive base where everyone can come together. For celebration, commiserations, for support through the high times and the low times.
I’ve been at The Dolphin working since I was 13 as a cleaner to start off with and my parents became managers when I was 16 so I’ve watched the trade change over the years.
I love Wallingford and we are in a position to give back some of the support we have been shown over the years. When lockdown happened I noticed there was so much more we could do. So many customer didn’t return through fear of covid that we started doing food parcels, prescription runs, phone calls for company, which lead to us getting involved in the different community centres.
The reason I do it is simple. If the shoe was on the other foot or one of my family or friends are in need I’d really hope somebody would be there to help – one of my mottos is ‘it’s nice to be nice!”
I love the kids eat free, my daughter Annie is six. She struggled socially for a long time after lockdown. I think social skills build such a great confidence in our children and that’s so important.
Winning the award is probably one of my greatest career achievements so far! But, it’s not just me. There’s a whole team of amazing people that work at The Dolly who go above and beyond everyday. And we couldn’t do what we do without each other.
Petersfield based charity Hounds for Heroes needs your support. Could you be a full-time volunteer and look after puppies in training?
Volunteering to be a puppy parent is a rewarding opportunity to become part of the Hounds for Heroes team and provide puppies with the training and care crucial for their development to become a life enhancing assistance dog.
Don’t want to read the full article? Jump to our FAQs here or enter this month’s competitions FOR FREE!
Prior experience or qualifications aren’t required, but a willingness to learn and meet certain criteria is necessary. The ongoing support and training provided by Hounds for Heroes ensures that volunteers are equipped to care for the puppies effectively.
The commitment involved, from opening up your home to a puppy for over a year to attending training sessions and classes, highlights the dedication required for this role. However, knowing that you’re contributing to the journey of these assistance dogs makes it a worthwhile endeavour.
Hounds for Heroes covers the costs of food, training equipment, and veterinary bills for the puppies.
Volunteering with Hounds for Heroes is not only beneficial for the assistance dogs but also for the individuals who will eventually benefit from their support.
Hounds for Heroes works to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled personnel of both HM Armed Forces and emergency services. We aim to provide help and practical support leading to an enhanced quality of life.
Hounds for Heroes assistance dogs can help overcome some of the physical barriers and obstacles caused by a disability; promoting an increased sense of freedom, providing a loyal comrade and just maybe the beginning of a new lease of life.
Hounds for Heroes believe that everyone who fits out criteria, and requires the services of one of our dogs, should be able to experience the positive and life enhancing impact they will bring. The cost of the assistance dog’s food, equipment, insurance and veterinary costs are all met by Hounds for Heroes’ therefore you can safely apply knowing that in having one of our dogs, there will not be a negative impact on your existing income.
As of 2021, there are over 900,000 injured servicemen and women in the country and that number continues to grow on a daily basis. The unique mental attitude of service personnel means that only a handful so far have chosen to have an assistance dog provided by the civilian offerings, many will battle on in silence.
Find out more about their work and to register your interest in becoming a Puppy Parent visit Homepage | Hounds for Heroes
FAQs
1. How do I get in touch with Hounds for Heroes? – You can email [email protected] or call 01730 823118 Mon – Fri 8.30am – 4pm
2. How do I apply for a dog? – For enquires regarding applying for one a dog please contact: [email protected]
3. How do I volunteer? – If you are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent or Foster Puppy Parent please contact: [email protected]m or if you are interested in general volunteering opportunities please contact: [email protected]
4. How do I find Hounds for Heroes? – Hounds for Heroes, Unit 2B Rookery Farm Buildings, Ramsdean, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1RU
Enjoy The Comedy Of Errors thanks to the Chiltern Shakespeare Company this month at Hall Barn in Beaconsfield
Chiltern Shakespeare Company was founded in 1986 by Michael and Aviva Wiseman, residents of Beaconsfield who were prominently involved in local theatrical activities.
Their mission, to the this day, is to deliver the Bard’s plays featuring some of the finest amateur local actors, and to encourage children to participate in plays, bringing the sometimes dry study of the text at school to life.
From its early productions in a Beaconsfield school hall the company graduated in 1989 to the lovely open air setting of Hall Barn, a stately home on the outskirts of Beaconsfield, by kind permission of the Burnham family.
The company celebrated their 20th summer season at Hall Barn in 2008 with their third production or A Midsummer’s Night Dream, followed in 2009 by Romeo & Juliet. In total CSC has now staged 28 productions, including the majority in the open air at Hall Barn.
A further key objective of the company was – and remains – the raising of funds for selected charities from any surplus funds generated by their productions. This is made by the efforts of the company’s members who give so much of their free time (no one is paid at all) and the generosity of Hall Barn’s owners who continue to host the events on such favourable terms. A performance at Hall Barn is made complete by booking a delicious picnic (with or without prosecco) to enjoy before the play in the glorious grounds.
The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins separated at birth. Antipholus and Dromio (both from Syracuse), arrive in Ephesus, unknowingly the home of their identical twin brothers (also named Antipholus and Dromio). Hilarity ensues as mistaken identities lead to confusion, accusations, and romantic entanglements. Through a series of misunderstandings, the twins and their servants create chaos until a final reunion brings everything to a happy end.
There will be 10 performances on the evenings of Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June plus a matinee on Saturday 8th, the Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and again a matinee on Saturday 15th. Evening performances start at 7.45pm with the matinees at 1.45pm.
There are a range of tickets from £15-£25 depending on your chosen performance and age. Concessions are available for over-65s and students in full-time education on Wednesday performances and on both matinees.
All proceeds will go to The Ducklings Trust, a charity set up to raise money for equipment and help improve the environment in the maternity units at Stoke Mandeville and Wycombe. This fundraising continues to help ensure the units are the best birth environment they can be for families and staff.
As well as organising fundraising events, contributions from the public are very welcome. To find out about The Ducklings Trust please visit The Ducklings Trust
Amersham & Villages Community Board invite you all to a free volunteering fair 1-6pm on Wednesday, 5th June, at Chilterns Lifestyle Centre
Are you new to the area? Retiring soon and looking for a new purpose/new challenge? Looking for a new career path? Leaving school/university and boosting that CV…?
Maybe you just get a buzz from helping people. There are so many charities and community groups making a big difference. This event invites you to find out what Amersham has to offer, helping make a difference to others’ lives and improving yours, too.
Members of the helpful Amersham & Villages Community Board have partnered up with the local voluntary sector to put you in touch with more than 35 local organisations which would love your support, whatever time you can spare. These include volunteering opportunities outdoors, such as gardening and at sports clubs close to home. And, as David Cash points out: “It’s also a great way to celebrate our fantastic community!”
Can’t make the event? You can sign up to volunteer at any time using the Volunteer Matching Service hosted by Community Impact Bucks. Visit the website and the team will help you match your interests and criteria to a specific role.
After the success of last year’s fundraising event, Fiona Cox and friends are again taking you on a musical journey
Expect a spectacular evening of musical entertainment at The Croft Hall in Hungerford on Saturday, 29th June.
Get ready to be transported into the magical world of musicals as talented performers take the stage to bring your favourite songs to life.
Following last year’s sell-out smash-hit show, singers and musicians from MTW Gold and friends will delight with songs from the West End and Broadway.
From show-stopping numbers to heartwarming ballads, this event promises to be a night to remember. So grab your friends, family, and musical-loving buddies and come along for a night filled with laughter, joy, and toe-tapping tunes.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of musical theatre up close and personal! There’s also a raffle to buy tickets for with some great prizes up for grabs.
Bring a picnic and enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment from 7.30pm. Doors open 7.15pm.
Summer is finally here, which means it’s cricket season. John Rolfe tells us about Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club and invites seniors, umpires & scorers to join the club.
Bledlow Ridge CC is a village cricket club with a big club mentality. We’re based at ‘Meadow Styles’ with two distinctive landmarks.
There are two Senior Saturday Xls playing in the Cherwell Cricket League, Sunday friendlies and a thriving Junior section for age five and up, who practise on Friday nights and play matches during term-time.
After the summer term ends, we play T20 friendlies which keeps the Friday night bar and barbecue busy until September. We’ve just invested in a ‘Frogbox’ system to enable us to show matches in real time.
The senior club is always looking for new playing members, and volunteer umpires and scorers. The ground sits in stunning countryside and has earned a reputation both for its beautiful location and for the quality of its playing surface. Visitors to ‘Meadow styles’ as it’s known, will also see two larger-than-life sized wood carvings hewn from the trunks of two fallen trees. Spectators are welcome at all matches and Martina runs The Clubhouse Café from our pavilion on Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays.
Senior net practice is on Wednesday evenings from 6pm. New players are welcome to just turn up, or you can call John Rolfe on 07873 516568 first for more info. There is plenty of information online at Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club
Discover the diversity and creativity of Surrey artists as they open their doors for you to explore, meet and enjoy at Surrey Artists Open Studios, June 1st to 23rd
This year’s Surrey Artists Open Studios features more than 250 artists taking part in 165 studios across Surrey with a fantastic array of artworks and disciplines on show to browse and buy.
As well as a chance to meet and talk to artists in their place of work, the summer open studios event offers visitors the opportunity to view demonstrations, buy artwork, enter a free prize and even get involved in creative workshops.
The SAOS launch weekend takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday, 2nd June with artists offering an array of activities exclusively for first weekend visitors to this popular county-wide event, complete with taster workshops featuring different materials across the arts and crafts.
SAOS has been running for 24 years representing the best in the county’s creativity and shining a light on makers, artists and creatives producing everything from ceramics and jewellery to paintings and sculpture.
SAOS Manager Caitlin Heffernan says: “SAOS is a wonderful opportunity to discover the county’s creativity on your doorstep. Not only will you uncover a vast range of artworks made by a truly impressive array of hundreds of individual artists, you will also find some unique pieces to take home with you.
“This year there is an impressive range of workshops to learn new techniques delivered by highly experienced artists. Whatever your taste or budget, SAOS artists offer unique artworks across virtually every discipline from ceramics and sculpture to paintings and jewellery.”
Among artists taking part are Joanna Lloyd Glass in Woking whose work includes sculptures cast from everyday objects such as her mum’s sewing utensils and her dad’s DIY tools. Elaine Winter is opening her studio in Woking for the first time in five years, where you’ll find the walls covered in paintings. Art on A Pot is on show in Woking, with an array of ceramics, jewellery and wall pieces while Louise Rowe whose work can also be seen in Woking, often uses gold leaf as a background to pen and ink drawings of wildlife.
In Englefield Green, printmaker and painter Stefanie Smith employs a variety of methods of produce art work inspired by local woodlands, wildlife and seasonal treasures.
Maria Billington takes much of the inspiration for her metal work from her garden to create her work in steel, copper and aluminium at her studio in Frimley Green. There’s a unique behind the scenes opportunity to ask and learn about the clay to bronze portrait commission process of Marian Rowling in Farnborough where you can ‘get the sculptor’s insight’.
Visit and marvel at the work of landscape painter Stephen Kinder in Godalming. Georgie Gardiner makes vessels and bowls on her potters wheel in Godalming using the technique of paper resist. In Cranleigh you’ll find Monique Birley’s contemporary landscapes, figurative work and still lives, while in Petworth, Sue Ransley takes a lighter look at life through her portraits. Retirements led Michael Colbourne to take a fine art degree and has resulted in the creation of more than 250 pieces of art at his home studio in Fernhurst. Impressionist oil paintings of iconic London, coastal scenes, landscapes, portraits, animals and still life are conjured up by Wendy Richards in Liphook. Jessica Stroud specialises in stained glass in Haslemere where you can see her current commission and small panels for sale.
There are a whole array of creative folk in the Farnham and Alton areas. In Sue Cook’s garden in Dippenhall, visitors will see many paintings on a variety of subjects: landscapes, seascapes, boats, architecture, house portraits, still life and patina. If photography is your thing then you need to visit Kiln Photo in Badshot Lea where you’ll find members’ work in various forms.
The Mill at Elstead is home to Becca Clegg, Beth Kirby, David Dragon and Robyn Horsburgh who collectively will be showing artwork and sculpture alongside smaller more affordable pieces in a rustic setting with food and refreshments on the premises.
In Farnham you can enjoy the work of painter Jackie Rennie, Ruta Brown makes jewellery from precious metals and stones rich in contrast and texture and for something different, take a look at the exquisite hand woven silk scarves made by Carolyn Wallis.
Emma Dunbar is inspired by her daily dog walks and even by supermarket trips to create her colourful paintings in Bordon. Take a trip to Upper Farringdon to view the local landscapes created by artist Fiona Pearce, Andrea Merron has a unique take on the sky in her work and at Atherton Green Art Gallery you’ll find work by more than 25 artists and sculptures in the former Victorian rectory. Seascapes and ceramics can be viewed courtesy of Susannah Acland and Clare Mattey in the Hay Barn Studio.
View the work of a cluster of artists in Guildford including self-taught figurative painter Sinclair Webster, landscapes and still lifes are created by Julie Verity in her Shed aka studio, photography and ceramics are displayed in the peaceful setting of Cathy Pyle’s garden studio and greenhouse alongside Bonnie Rasmusseun’s ceramics. Rosalinda Kightley is inspired by the natural world in her vibrant and colourful floral paintings and for something different how about the comic art / colouring projects of John Charles @ Art & Grind. See abstract landscapes as well as musical figurative work in a variety of media from Andrew Curtis while the love of colour comes through in Sarah Cox’s joyful paintings of the Surrey Hills and Cornish coastline. Pop in to see Gina making lampwork beads in her garden studio. You will also be able to peruse a range of jewellery, ornaments and pictures created using individually made beads.
Artventure Trust is a charity providing visual art sessions for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs through drawing and painting to printmaking, textile, photography, pottery and much more in their purpose-built studio in the grounds of St Peter’s School in Merrow.
Brochures are available from libraries, key galleries and at artists’ studios. Full details, studio addresses and booking for workshops can be found at Open Studios (surreyopenstudios.org.uk)
Summer is on the horizon bringing with it warmer days, hopefully plenty of sun and the glorious sight and scent of roses blossoming and spreading their joy
Our most popular flower is rich in symbolism and history featuring in literature, music, heritage, as our national flower, in skin care products and as the emblem for many sports teams.
Classic and instantly recognisable, they are ideal for almost every style of garden, flowering abundantly from early summer in pastel shades of pink, peach, cream or snowy-white; vibrant yellow and gold; orange, crimson and red.
And as any gardener will tell you, there are a few essential rose rules to ensure ‘everything comes up roses’.
Round & About gardening expert Cathie Welch will tell you “It’s all in the pruning!” and advises “before you prune, know your rose type and sharpen your secateurs to avoid damage.”
She adds: “Make sure you cut correctly in the right place. Dead heading throughout the summer and winter pruning should all be cut to ideally pencil thickness growth to encourage more flowers. Cut out dead and weak growths as well as congested growth and don’t forget the suckers which come from the wild rootstock.”
Ramblers are in full bloom at this time of year and to ensure an attractive abundance in future, she says: “After flowering has finished prune out some of the flowered shoots and tie in the annoying long ones that you have wanted to cut off because these will produce next year’s flowers.”
And remember to dead head throughout the summer.
If you prefer to admire the beauty of roses and take in the rich fragrance from someone else’s handiwork there are plenty of gorgeous English gardens full of stately blooms.
There are more than a thousand Old English rose bushes to take in at Loseley Park, Guildford which can be seen at their best at this of year. Nearby at RHS Wisley, the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden boasts a contemporary design combining roses with evergreen shrubs, herbaceous plants, bulbs and clipped yews. Look out for some spectacular blooms into autumn.
Visit The Six Quarters at Gilbert White’s House in Selborne and be greeted by summer beds containing different species of old rose planted in among lavender, geraniums, dianthus, foxglove and columbine.
You’d expect the National Trust to offer up some of the best gardens to wander through and these don’t disappoint. There’s A Celebration of Roses at Polesden Lacey, June 8th to July 14th, where the walled gardens hold more than 35 varieties and over 100 rambling roses form tunnels of petals over the pergola leading to the central wishing well. Bright yellow blooms mix with more subtle pale pinks. The celebration offers the opportunity to learn more about the blooms, the garden’s history and the work that goes into maintaining it. View metal rose installations made by charity the Camelia Botnar Foundation which provides residential training and work experience to young people. The roses in the installation are for sale and can be collected after the celebration has finished.
The Rose Garden at Nymans in Sussex boasts more than 600 bushes – their heady scent carries a long way, notably on a warm summer’s day, mingling with the lavendar.
The more than 100 varieties blooming at Hinton Ampner near Alresford are sure to feature in the Festival of Flowers from June 8th to 30th which celebrates the art of flower arranging as part of Hinton in Bloom: Summer where you can wind your way through the walled garden to the parterre, look for the rose motifs and breathe in their scent throughout the month.
The walled gardens at Mottisfont near Romsey are home to a collection of pre-1900 shrub roses. This year, Mottisfont is marking 50 years since the collection was brought to the grounds to be enjoyed by all and how they are preparing for climate challenges of the future. The gardens are open until 8pm through to June 29th affording longer for you to appreciate them and on 7th, 14th and 21st you can enjoy live jazz, wine tastings and wine for sale from award-winning Hampshire vineyard Black Chalk.
Take in the scent of the contemporary Rose Garden with its viewing platform overlooking the roses as well as the garden beyond at Savill Garden and immerse yourself in the old fashioned scented French musk roses inter-planted with a wide range of shrubs and perennials.
The start of July brings the glorious Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, 2nd to 7th, where you can’t fail to be inspired by the beautiful show gardens and ‘get started’ gardens created by new designers with innovative ideas, beautiful plants and detailed landscaping.
Summer is on the horizon bringing with it warmer days, hopefully plenty of sun and the glorious sight and scent of roses blossoming & spreading their joy
Which country is one of the world’s largest suppliers of roses with 54% of its land filled with the fragrant flower? Give yourself a pat on the back if you guessed Ecuador where the natural light provides the perfect year-round climate for them to thrive.
How about the most expensive rose in the world? The David Austin Juliet Rose, named after Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, was developed over the course of 15 years at a cost of a whopping £2.3million. The delicate apricot coloured large headed blooms were first displayed at Chelsea Flower Show in 2006.
More rose facts: the oldest living one is 1,000 years old and can be found on the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany, all varieties of rose are edible and the earliest rose fossils have been discovered in Colorado dating back 35 million years.
The most popular flower is rich in symbolism and history featuring in literature, music, heritage, as our national flower, in skincare and as the emblem for many sports team. Classic and instantly recognisable, they are ideal for almost every style of garden, flowering abundantly from early summer in pastel shades of pink, peach, cream or snowy-white; vibrant yellow and gold; orange, crimson and red. As any gardener will tell you, there are a few rose rules to ensure ‘everything comes up roses’.
Round & About gardening guru Cathie Welch says: “It’s all in the pruning! Before you prune, know your rose type and sharpen your secateurs. Cut correctly in the right place, dead heading throughout summer. Winter pruning should be cut to ideally pencil thickness to encourage more flowers. Cut out dead, weak and congested growth and don’t forget the suckers which come from the wild rootstock.”
Ramblers are in full bloom at this time of year and to ensure an attractive abundance, she adds: “After flowering has finished prune out some of the flowered shoots and tie in the annoying long ones that you have wanted to cut off because these will produce next year’s flowers.”
If you prefer to admire the beauty of roses and take in the rich fragrance from someone else’s handiwork there are plenty of gorgeous English gardens full of stately blooms.
The Rose Garden at Cliveden, SL1 8NS, is a heavenly place to visit, tucked away in a grove of mature trees. The contrast of the natural setting with the formality of the rose garden and its riot of colour and fragrance makes it feel like a magical secret garden. Wander under climbing rose arches with every colour from palest lemon to vibrant oranges to velvety dark crimson. With more than 900 in the summer-long display you’re sure to find a favourite.
Visit Waddesdon Manor, HP18 0JH, this month for the sweet scent of the rose garden from the colourful blooms filling the stately setting. The beds in the aviary and parterre have been decorated with colour influenced by Victorian-inspired planting.
