Alton in Bloom Community Grow Club has won the Hampshire Grassroots Action Award and is now one of four projects nominated for the CPRE Hampshire Choice Award
Now they need your vote to win that accolade. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday, 6th December with the winner being unveiled at a ceremony on December 10th.
The Community Grow Club is a new initiative from Alton Town Council which launched last year and is about more than just gardening; it’s about growing together as a community. Over the past year they have held a series of multigenerational community sessions and carried out projects that have enriched the town, environment and wildlife while teaching families to grow their own food and flowers.
Projects have included planting new community orchards with the help from residents and local school children. The first was planted at the Hawthorns allotment and the second added to the fruit trees at Barely Fields. The trees for these orchards were supplied from the Hampshire Forest Partnership who said: “The Hampshire Forest Partnership were delighted to support Alton Community Grow Club to create two new community orchards in Alton. We are helping make Hampshire a greener place to live and deliver ‘a legacy in leaves’ for future generations.“
Grow Club workshops were held in the Public Gardens in the spring where families were taught how to grow plants from seeds. Sowing a variety of pollinator friendly flowers that were then planted out into the town centre planters and flower beds. Along with vegetables and fruit that were planted into the Community Kitchen Garden beds in the Public Gardens. The children have really enjoyed watching them all grow and then being able to eat them when they visit the park!
Alton Town Mayor, Annette Eyre said: “We are delighted that the achievements of our volunteers and Town Council officers have been recognised with the Hampshire Grassroots Action Award for our ‘Alton in Bloom Community Grow Club‘.
“We hope that their hard work and dedication to make our town a better place for the community, environment and wildlife is also recognised by the people and ask you all to vote for the Community Grow Club project to win the overall CPRE Hampshire Choice Award!”
The Community Grow Club was part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with a grant from EHDC’s ‘Grow Up’ programme. It supports projects growing, planting, education and helps residents reconnect with residents while promoting mental and physical wellbeing.
You can learn more about the Alton in Bloom – Community Grow Club project online, the our video, and vote for the project to win the CPRE Hampshire Choice Award by visiting: Hampshire Choice Award – CPRE Hampshire
Dazzling new artworks are set to light up the trail in Wiltshire this festive season
Excitement is building as Christmas at Stourhead returns from 29th November to 1st January – promising to be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever before.
This year’s illuminated after-dark trail, created by Culture Creative and produced in partnership with Sony Music and the National Trust, will feature an array of dazzling new light installations guaranteed to enchant visitors of all ages.
This year’s trail is set to sparkle with new artistic innovations from internationally renowned creators, ensuring a festive experience like no other.
Among the new must-see features are:
Sea of Light by ITHACA Studio: An awe-inspiring large-scale display, where thousands of individually controlled LED light balls animate in harmony with a bespoke soundtrack, creating a mesmerizing and immersive experience.
Light a Wish by OGE Design Group: Capturing the whimsy of dandelion seeds floating through the air, this piece symbolises wishes taking flight, adding a touch of wonder to the trail. This playful and emotion-evoking installation by artists Merav Eitan and Gaston Zahr has captivated audiences worldwide.
Snowflake Show by Scot Gianelli: Huge snowflakes, up to five metres tall, will light up in time with festive music, casting a magical glow across the grounds. Designed by Scot Gianelli, a Los-Angeles-based lighting designer known for his work across theatre, fine art, and architecture, this display is sure to wow visitors.
These dazzling new artworks will join Stourhead’s already beloved illuminated trail, featuring a spectacular array of twinkling lights, sparkling tunnels, and vibrant woodland and lakeside displays.
The historic landscape will be filled with the scents and sounds of Christmas, offering visitors the chance to step into a winter wonderland like no other.
Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or loved ones, this festive trail promises to create new memories against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the UK’s most iconic gardens.
There’s even a chance to catch a magical glimpse of Father Christmas as you stroll through the sparkling grounds.
With over a million twinkling lights transforming Stourhead’s stunning grounds, this is an unmissable event for your festive calendar.
Well done to the 200+ strong team of volunteers from local charity Restore Hope have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024.
A team of volunteers have earned the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is equivalent to an MBE, and awarded for life. This recognition comes at a seminal moment for the charity, which has just received planning permission to transform the former St John’s Methodist Church in Woodside Road, into a Community Hub, in the heart of Amersham.
Since opening in 2002, Restore Hope’s volunteers have helped thousands of families in need throughout our community. Last year Restore Hope’s volunteers gave more than 7,500 hours of their time, working tirelessly to improve the lives of local families facing difficult life circumstances.
Restore Hope’s volunteers support parents and families by delivering courses, coffee mornings, lunch groups, celebration events, and gardening groups. They also support fathers and young men through the outdoor fire kitchen, helping those who attend to improve confidence, gain practical skills in cooking and construction, and be inspired to become positive role models.
The volunteers pack and deliver weekly fresh produce boxes to those experiencing food insecurity, grow and harvest fruit and vegetables for food boxes, help young people by teaching them about local land and unique chalk stream eco-system, and the value of volunteering.
Volunteers also maintain the charity’s 360-acre estate by mending bridges, repairing equipment and landscaping, ensuring the site is safe and welcoming to all. They mentor people on the pathway towards employment, offering practical and emotional support.
The charity also welcomes groups of young volunteers from three nearby special secondary schools, who help care for the environment, grow produce for our food boxes, and help maintain the estate.
Restore Hope CEO, Nate Sence, says: “Restore Hope simply wouldn’t exist without our volunteers, some of whom have been at the charity serving local people for the last 22 years. I am incredibly grateful for their time, energy, and passion. I can’t think of a more deserving group of people to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King, than Restore Hope’s caring and dedicated volunteers.’
Restore Hope in latimer will host an outdoor nativity light Trail, 4.30-6pm or 7-8.30pm on 3rd, 4th & 5th December.
“Folk music for the modern age” is how Bella Hardy’s work has been described as you can discover for yourself at Grayshott Folk Club on Friday, 29th November
Bella Hardy is a singer-songwriter with a gift for storytelling, who has earned a reputation as a boundary-pushing artist whose work continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in the traditions that shaped her.
Fans can expect a show that spans her remarkable career, with new songs (two to be released this autumn) sitting comfortably alongside classics from her extensive back catalogue. This is folk music for the modern age- rooted in tradition but unafraid to venture into new, uncharted, and very personal territory.
Bella says: “There’s something magical about performing live, where the songs can grow and change each night depending on the energy in the room. I’ll be performing a collection of songs very close to my heart, and there’s nothing like the energy of a live show to bring them to life.”
For anyone who’s seen Bella live, it’s clear that she’s an artist who knows how to captivate an audience. Her voice – at once powerful and delicate – has a way of drawing listeners in, making each performance feel like a conversation between old friends. And with award-winning guitarist Jenn Butterworth by her side for the first time, this tour promises to be something truly special.
Hardy’s debut album Night Visiting (2007) established her reputation as a talented songwriter when her first original composition Three Black Feathers earned a BBC Folk Award nomination. Since then, Bella has sung unaccompanied ballads at a sold out Royal Albert Hall, and learnt the songs of Chinese farmers during her time as British Council Musician in Residence in Yunnan Province. She’s sat on the moors of her beloved Peak District with only her fiddle for company. She spent a year in Tennessee as a ranch hand, looking after horses, fiddle-singing in the diners, and immersing herself in the music culture of Nashville. And she’s released ten solo albums along the way.
With the ability to conjure and twist stories that call straight to the heart, her themes of displacement and home, lost and found love, heartache and joy, are delivered with her unique, disarming honesty, and, of course, the acclaimed crystalline voice that won her BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year.
A garden room extension can be a highly rewarding investment. Discover all you need to take into consideration, including planning, design and cost.
A garden room extension can create extra living space, provide a lovely location for a home office, or allow room for a tranquil retreat. All in all a highly rewarding investment.
One company at the forefront of building bespoke oak-framed garden rooms is The Classic Barn Company. Renowned for their expertise in constructing a wide range of oak framed buildings their skilled craftsmen possess the ability to handle projects of varying sizes and complexity, showcasing the versatility of oak framing.
This editorial will cover all the essential questions UK homeowners need to consider before embarking on a garden room extension project, with insights drawn from the experience of Andrew Guppy, founder of The Classic Barn Company.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garden Room Extension?
The price of building a garden room varies significantly depending on the size, materials, and design. According to The Classic Barn Company, oak-framed garden room extensions typically range between £70,000 and £120,000 + vat at today’s prices, depending on the complexity and specification.
Key cost factors include the foundation work, the choice of glazing (whether you opt for bi-fold doors, for example), insulation, and interior finishes. Oak is a premium material, and while it may cost more upfront, its durability and timeless aesthetic often make it a worthwhile investment.
Garden Room Extension
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room Extension?
Whether or not you need planning permission for your garden room extension depends on several factors. If the garden room is under a certain size and within permitted development rights, it may not require planning permission. The Classic Barn Company advises that it is essential to adhere to both planning and building control requirements when planning any building work. This is something you can attempt to navigate yourself but they do offer full planning and building control services, guiding you through the process and ensuring that all aspects of your garden room extension comply with UK planning regulations.
Oak Beams in Room Above Extension
Bathroom in Garden Room Extension
Do Garden Rooms Add Value to Your House?
Adding a garden room to your property can significantly increase its market value. On average, garden rooms can add between 5% and 10% to the overall value of your home, especially when built to a high standard using premium materials like oak.
The Classic Barn Company builds bespoke oak-framed garden rooms that enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of a property. Their garden rooms are designed to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture and often incorporate garage space and room above space, providing potential buyers with a desirable additional living space. The durability of oak framing also ensures that the extension remains an attractive feature for years to come. For a detailed look at how oak-framed buildings can add value, visit The Classic Barn Company or check out their informative YouTube channel
Oak Extension Linked To House
Can I Attach a Garden Room to My House?
Yes, you can attach a garden room extension to your house. Many homeowners opt to link their garden room to their main residence via a connecting hallway or corridor. This provides easy access to the garden room, which can be used as a living area, home office, or even a guest room. This also adds more value relative to the build cost, as the space contributes to the main property’s overall square footage.
The Classic Barn Company specialises in designing oak-framed garden rooms that can be seamlessly attached to your home, providing a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Their expert team can create a design that complements your existing architecture while enhancing the overall layout of your home.
Living Quarters Above A Garage Extension
Can I Add an Oak Framed Garden Room to a Brick Built House?
Absolutely. Oak frames can be added to a wide variety of property types, including brick-built houses. The juxtaposition of traditional brick with natural oak can create a stunning aesthetic, blending the strength and solidity of brick with the warmth and character of oak.
The Classic Barn Company has extensive experience in designing oak-framed extensions for brick homes. Their bespoke oak structures are carefully crafted to harmonise with your existing property, creating a cohesive look. Whether your home is modern or period, oak can provide an elegant, high-quality extension that feels like an integral part of the original house.
Glazed Gable Balcony On Garage Garden Room
Do Oak Frames Make a Good Garden Room Extension?
Oak frames are an excellent choice for a garden room extension. Oak is renowned for its strength, durability, and timeless beauty. It’s also a sustainable building material, with oak trees being replanted to ensure future supplies.
One of the major advantages of using oak for a garden room extension is its natural insulation properties. Oak frames can help maintain a comfortable temperature in your garden room, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The Classic Barn Company’s oak-framed structures are built using traditional craftsmanship combined with modern building techniques, ensuring that your garden room extension is both energy-efficient and long-lasting.
Timber Framed Extension Linked To House
What Is a Link Extension?
A link extension is a small corridor or hallway that connects a garden room or other extension to the main house. It serves as a transitional space, providing easy access between the main property and the extension.
Link extensions are a popular choice for garden rooms, as they allow homeowners to create a seamless connection between the house and the garden room while maintaining the integrity of the original building.
The Classic Barn Company is adept at designing and building link extensions that enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your property.
Living Quarters Above A Garage
Can You Use a Link Extension with an Oak Frame Garden Room?
Yes, a link extension can be used with an oak-framed garden room. In fact, combining the two can create a striking architectural feature. Oak frames add character and a sense of grandeur to any property, and when paired with a well-designed link extension, they can create a harmonious transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Classic Barn Company offers bespoke oak-framed link extensions that are tailored to match the design of your garden room and home. Whether you’re looking for a glazed corridor to maximise natural light or a more traditional oak-framed walkway, they can design and build a solution that fits your vision.
3 Bay Garage With Room Above
Is it Worth Building a Garden Room Extension?
A garden room extension can provide valuable extra space while enhancing the aesthetic and financial value of your home. Whether you choose to use it as an office, living room, or guest space, the versatility of a garden room makes it a popular choice for UK homeowners.
Working with a company like The Classic Barn Company, known for their craftsmanship in oak framing and an accredited member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, ensures that your garden room extension is built to the highest standard.
From planning permission to design and construction, The Classic Barn Company offers a full range of services to guide you through the process, with an array of design solutions for both single storey designs or room above garages making your dream garden room a reality.
With their expertise in oak framing, they can create a bespoke extension that not only meets your needs but also stands the test of time.
To learn more about oak-framed garden rooms visit The Classic Barn Company or watch their informative videos on YouTube.
Garden Room Oak Extension With Guest Room
Glazed Balcony In Gable End
What is Different About The Classic Barn Company?
The Classic Barn Company stands apart from other oak framing companies due to its rich history, unwavering values, and team of highly skilled experts. Founded over three decades ago, the company has honed its craft and developed innovative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional oak framing.
At the heart of The Classic Barn Company lies a deep commitment to sustainability. They source their oak from responsibly managed forests, ensuring that every project contributes to the preservation of our natural environment. Their team of master craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for years, possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that is passed down through generations.
One of the company’s unique strengths is its ability to seamlessly blend traditional oak framing methods with modern design sensibilities. They understand that every client has unique needs and preferences, and they work closely with them to create bespoke structures that not only meet their functional requirements but also reflect their personal style and vision.
The Classic Barn Company’s innovative techniques and attention to detail set them apart from the competition. From intricate joinery to meticulous finishing touches, every aspect of their work is executed with precision and care. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the stunning oak framed structures they have created, each one a testament to their craftsmanship and dedication.
Who founded The Classic Barn Company?
Andrew Guppy is the founder and lead designer at The Classic Barn Company. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Andrew has established himself as a true authority in the field of oak framing.
His passion for this traditional building method began at a young age, and he has dedicated his career to mastering the intricate art of oak construction. Andrew’s extensive knowledge encompasses not only the technical aspects of oak framing but also the rich history and heritage behind this time-honoured craft.
Throughout his career, Andrew has been recognized by his peers and industry organisations for his exceptional work. His designs have won awards and been nominated to the prestigious ‘Built it’ awards. In addition his barns have been opened by Royals and are often recognised as flag ships in villages across the countryside and rural areas.
His deep understanding of oak’s unique properties and his ability to translate clients’ visions into reality have made him a sought-after authority in the industry.
Garden Room Above With Balcony
What sort of oak framed buildings do The Classic Barn Company build?
The Classic Barn Company is renowned for their expertise in constructing a wide range of. Their skilled craftsmen possess the ability to handle projects of varying sizes and complexity, showcasing the versatility of oak framing and the ability to combine habitable spaces such as guest accommodation.
One of their specialties is the construction of oak framed garages, both traditional standalone structures and those with additional living spaces above. These garages are not only functional but also exude a timeless charm that seamlessly blends with any property.
Beyond garages, The Classic Barn Company excels in the creation of stunning oak framed barns, stables, complexes, extensions and outbuildings. The Classic Barn Company has an excellent video that showcases their craftsmanship and the oak framing process. The video takes you through the entire process of an architecturally led build, from the concrete being poured to a fully fitted interior. You can witness the skilled craftsmen carefully constructing different phases of the project and the attention to detail of each beautifully crafted aspect. You’ll see them expertly assembling the oak frame, with each piece precisely fitted together using intricate joinery methods, and the finished project in all it’s glory.
With the festive season fast approaching, those invitations to lunches, office parties and Christmas drinks start rolling in. So – what are you going to wear?! Lucy Briggs has the answer
Festive wear is all about the sparkle and glitter but do we really need to buy a new outfit for each occasion? Or can we get creative with our festive-wears especially when we think of the environmental impact of our clothing.
The fashion trends this year are very similar to previous years which means that most of us will have something to wear already. This season’s biggest colours are burgundy, red, green and grey. Party staples, layering and luxurious textures – velvet, lace and faux fur – can be updated with tailoring and leopard print! So, you can still feel current in your old Christmas jumper simply by pairing it with tailored wide-leg trousers and heels or leopard print jeans and metallic trainers!
However, if your body has changed (it happens to us all) and you no longer fit your partywear – what should you do? Sustainably move it on – sell online, donate to charity shops or take it along to a Clothes Swap – then you can replace items with an equally sustainable, secondhand option where the resources to make it have already been used! Charity shops, preloved sellers (online and boutiques) and clothes swaps have an abundance of partywear just waiting to be re-loved.
Regardless of trends, to look and feel your best, my advice is always a 3-step approach:
1. Know your best colours 2. Understand your body-shape 3. Nail your personal style
Knowing these three things can help you shop anywhere – high street, vintage, charity shops & clothes swaps – and help you save money, feel confident and love your wardrobe!
If you would like to see preloved styling in action, Tory (Transform with Colour) and I, Lucy (Sustainably Styled) will be hosting our Festive Sustainable Style & Swap evening. You’ll learn about colour and style whilst enjoying a glass of bubbles and then take part in the Festive Clothes Swap! Bring along those items you no longer wear and swap them for something ‘new to you’! Sequin clothing are definitely ones to bring along to keep in circulation! Plus, some ticket holders will be able to book mini sessions with us for personalised advice – spaces are limited!
So, bring your friends and come along to Festive Sustainable Style & Swap on Friday 22nd November, 7pm at The Northcourt Centre. There’ll also be gift stalls to kick start your present shopping. We look forward to seeing you there! Book at Festive Sustainable Style & Swap! Tickets, Fri 22 Nov 2024 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
The Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care team are once again offering people the chance to remember the lives of loved ones with its annual Light up a Life campaign.
The charity will host two Light up a Life services in the lead-up to Christmas.
The first event will be held at Duke Street Gardens in Princes Risborough at 4pm on Sunday, 24th November. It will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Princes Risborough as an outdoor Tree of Light service including readings, poems, and carols.
The second event will be held at All Saints Parish Church in High Wycombe at 2pm on Saturday, 30th November. Hosted by the Rennie Grove Peace High Wycombe Fundraising Group, the service will include carols and readings followed by the switching on of the Christmas tree lights.
Local people are invited to light a candle in memory of a loved one. Those attending the High Wycombe event will also have the opportunity to hang a silver star with a personalised message on a special tree of remembrance.
The services are free to attend and open to anybody who has been bereaved and would like to remember the people they miss in this special way.
Those who can’t attend in person are invited to dedicate a star in memory of the people they miss. Anyone who makes a donation to the charity will receive a star and card to personalise and display at home during the festive season.
Tracey Hancock, Director of Fundraising at Rennie Grove Peace, says: “We know that this time of year can be very difficult for anybody who has been bereaved. By offering people the chance to dedicate a star or attend our remembrance service we hope we are giving them a chance to remember the people they have lost, at the same time as supporting our work.
“Every penny raised through donations at the event and star dedications will be used to provide vital hospice care services for people in our community who are living with life-limiting illnesses.”
Round and About’s resident wine columnist Giles Luckett celebrates the Beronia Rioja and suggests some festive wine gifts
Hello. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been inundated with press releases telling me why X wine is this year’s Christmas essential.
Suggestions have ranged from the good – Louis Jadot ‘Les Roches Blanches’ Mâcon-Villages (Majestic £11.99 as part of a mixed six) – by way of the unusual – the Teleda Qvevri Saperavi 2022 (The Wine Society £17) – to the eye-watering – the Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs – Assemblage No. 4 (Champagne Direct £1,150). Elon Musk has this last wine coming out of his taps, apparently.
One recommendation that did strike a festive chord with me was the suggestion that people share their love of wine this Christmas with the gift of wine in the comely shape of the Beronia 3 Bottle Gift Pack (Ocado £65). People rarely give me wine as gifts, their reasoning being based either on them not knowing what to buy me or that I have enough wine already, a concept I simply don’t understand. If they did (Santa, please take note) then a Beronia three-bottle gift pack would be a cracking Christmas present. A bottle of the Beronia Crianza, Reserva, and the majestic Gran Reserva would spell a very happy holidays for me as I’ve been a fan of their wines for years. Equally, if I find my stocking contains a cheeky quarter bottle of the Beronia Crianza (Ocado £3.89) my Christmas morning lay-in will prove very jolly.
Beronia Rioja: Innovative. Sustainable. Genuine.
While it is one of the younger Rioja bodegas having been founded by a group of fine food-loving friends in 1973, Beronia is also one of the most dynamic and innovative. I tasted my way through their range earlier this year and was struck by the wines’ combination of value and excellence. Rioja remains the world’s most affordable fine wine region, and while some examples are getting seriously expensive – the Sierra Cantabria ‘Magico’ will set you back £375 a bottle – wineries like Beronia offer beauty on a budget.
What’s less well-known about Rioja is the diversity of styles that it offers. This is another reason why I’m such a fan of Beronia. Their motto is, “Wines that are honest through and through” and it’s a philosophy that’s manifested itself in them being led by the land, planting grapes that are best suited to their sites and using sustainable methods to ensure future generations can enjoy their wines. While it may have been tempting to produce nothing but red wines, the easiest to sell, instead they’ve crafted a range of white, rosé and red Riojas that are true to their roots.
So, with the long dark nights now with us, and with Slade already banking their PRS 2024 royalties, allow me to celebrate the wines of Beronia with you and recommend some real crackers.
First up, a white, the Beronia Virua (Songbird Wines £11.75). This wine encapsulates Beronia’s approach to winemaking to me. Traditionally white Riojas were heavy, oak-laden affairs that were as zesty as a bottle of sunflower oil and about as appetizing. This though is a modern take on it. Complex and intense on the nose, it offers citrus, apple and white peach with a hint of pineapple, pear and savoury herbs. Medium-bodied, its intensity makes it feel more powerful than it is and means it’s the perfect partner for seafood white or brown meats, or as a satisfying solo sipper.
Next up is a pair of Rioja rosés. If white Rioja was historically the region’s poor relation, then rosé Rioja was the barely tolerated black sheep. The main reason for this was that rosé Rioja was made either as an afterthought or by using over-cropped Garnacha grapes to use them up. Beronia has given rosé (rosado) Rioja the respect it deserves, and they offer two exceptional examples. The first is the bouquet packed with strawberries, red cherries, blossoms and citrus. On the palate, it’s lively, fresh and full of life, with strawberries, raspberries and loganberries being offset by almonds, gentle spices and rhubarb. This is just the thing for savoury hors d’oeuvres or smoked fish.
Their other rosé Rioja is the Alegra de Beronia which takes rosé Rioja to a whole new level. Designed to be a fine wine, it’s just that. Rose gold in colour, the nose offers a subtle blend of plums, black cherries and strawberries with just a touch of pomegranate. In the mouth, it’s full, mellow, rich and refined. Layers or red and black fruits are held in a low acidity, luxurious body that gives it weight, depth and complexity. I’ve had this with risotto, spring lamb, and on its own and it’s always impressed me. I’ve even tasted it against the Whispering Angel range – including the £90 a bottle Garrus – and the Alegra was my favourite.
And so, to the reds. When it comes to red Rioja, Beronia really does spoil you for choice, and having had all their wine on multiple occasions, I would recommend them all. But to highlight Beronia’s innovation and diversity I’ve picked three of my favourites.
The first is the Beronia Reserva 2019 in magnum (Amazon £30). Magnums (two bottles in one) are my favourite bottle format. Not only do they allow wines to develop more slowly and ultimately achieve greater complexity, but they are also great for large gatherings and look so impressive on the table. The Beronia Reserva is only made in exceptional years (and 2019 was one of the best ever) and is given a minimum of a year in oak and two years in bottle before it is released. The result is a powerful, rich, dark, spicy wine that’s packed with juicy black berries, tangy red fruits, herbs and has a touch of chocolate and cherry liqueur to the finish. Pair this with roasted red meats, hard Spanish cheeses, or a selection of cured meats, olives, and tomato-based dishes.
Mazuelo may not be a grape you’re that familiar with, especially coming from Rioja where it accounts for less than 2% of black grape plantings. When yields are kept low and when it’s planted on the right soils, however, it can be spectacular. Beronia’s Mazuelo Reserva (Amazon £20.60) is a fantastic example of what it can do. Inky blue-black, the grape’s natural red berry freshness shines through on the nose, with the long oak ageing adding vanilla spice and a twist of green herbs. With its flavours of bright red berries, creamy vanilla, and a touch of sweetness, this is a fascinating wine that shows a completely different style of Rioja. Enjoy this with brown meats – its juiciness means it’s perfect with cold turkey – blue cheeses or nuts.
I’ll finish with a flourish and the Beronia III a. C (Cellar Door Wines £65). This is a taste of wine history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rioja’s vineyards were devastated by the phylloxera beetle and most vines had to be ripped out. The Beronia III a. C is made from vines that survived phylloxera’s onslaught and offers old-world charm with modern-day freshness and vibrancy. Aged for 15 months in a mixture of old and new oak, its signatures are blackberries, cherries, and red fruits with hints of liquorice, cocoa, vanilla and aged balsamic. Wonderfully complex and nuanced, give this several hours open and serve with goose or game as you would a fine red Burgundy.
All this talk of Beronia has given me a thirst, so I’m off to read my daughter’s letter to Father Christmas, after which I’ll need a stiff drink. Next time, festive fizz. Cheers! Giles
A spell binding evening awaits at The Unicorn, November 27th-30th as ADC stage A Christmas Carol. Kevin Thomson tells us more
Abingdon Drama Club’s last production – in their 80th anniversary year – is the seasonal tale A Christmas Carol.
One ghostly Christmas night, cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge (Adam Blake) gets the fright of his life, discovers the truth about himself, and learns to love his neighbour.
This adaptation by David Edgar of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol rediscovers the social conscience of this timeless tale and through time jumps, a realisation of how Scrooge’s life was in the past, how it is going on around him in the present and the shock of what it will be in the future.
All the well-known characters are here and the extra element added to the original gives us an insight into the various parliamentary reports of the 1840s on abolishing rotten boroughs, establishing workhouses etc and how Dickens brings that to our attention.
Edgar’s clever (and amazing) adaptation is brought to the Unicorn stage by Abingdon Drama Club directed by one of the club’s finest directors, Susi Dalton.
Edgar has reinvented this most Victorian of stories and his masterstroke is having the author, Dickens (Terry Atkinson), tell the story with his editor and friend John Forster (Kieran Madden). The show begins with Dickens trying to write another book on poverty and child labour. Forster suggests this may be too bleak and sad for a Christmas time readership. The two of them construct the story in front of us, with themselves watching as the tale unfolds. This play’s wonderful device shows us how Dickens decided on the various scene.
Explaining why she wanted to direct this adaptation, director Susi Dalton says: “I love different versions of well-known classics and I directed another different version of A Christmas Carol at the school where I work, a few years ago. I decided to go with David Edgar’s version, not only to give myself new challenges, but also because I felt this version added something extra to the original we all know and love.”
She continues: “I am really looking forward to directing and seeing this version of A Christmas Carol with our wonderful actors, as I know they will help me make my vision a great success for Abingdon Drama Club.”
You’re all invited to embark on a magical journey through the enchanted Swinley Forest in Bracknell on Sunday, 8th December, in aid of a wonderful cause
Attention Dashers! A sleigh of Santas and their herd of reindeer are taking time out of their busy festive schedule to help a very special charity.
You can choose between a 2k, 5k or 10k route, suitable for the dashers, prancers or steppers, there’s something for everyone.
Invite your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours to take part and help raise funds to ensure Thames Hospice can provide compassionate care to those who need it now and in the future.
You’re just asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £50. By raising just £50 you could fund two Healthcare Assistants visiting a patient at home making sure they have everything they need to be comfortable in a familar environment, surrounded by their loved ones.
