Get caught in The Housetrap

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Join Guildford Shakespeare Company at West Horsley Place and immerse yourself in a festive murder mystery, quiz the suspects and solve the crime, December 2nd to 21st

This Christmas, Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) invite you to a 1920s murder mystery staged in a real country manor house, West Horsley Place.

Following the company’s sell out show last Christmas on a grounded Boeing 747, this time they are relocating to the Grade I listed medieval manor house.

It’s December 1922 and nestled at the foot of the tranquil Surrey Hills is the home of the recently married Sir Robert Montague, Duke of Surrey. Tragically, his new wife’s body is found at the foot of the stairs and a snowstorm cuts everyone off from the outside world, tensions come to the fore, secrets are revealed and suddenly everyone is caught in… The Housetrap.

Styled in the vein of the golden age of detective writing, audiences will begin their adventure in the elegant Drawing Room. In between scenes, they will be divided into groups and invited to explore different rooms of the manor to interrogate the suspects first-hand. Throughout the evening they will return to the Drawing Room to watch the next episode in the mystery.

Matt Pinches, GSC co-founder, pictured, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the wonderful team at West Horsley Place. It is an extraordinary venue; immensely rich in history and so many of the rooms retain the ‘lived-in’ atmosphere of its previous aristocratic owners, making it the perfect setting for a country house murder mystery.”

Perhaps most recognisable as Button House in the four series of the BBC sitcom Ghosts, and the location for numerous films and TV shows including Enola Holmes, My Cousin Rachel, Vanity Fair, and The Crown, this is the first time West Horsley Place has been used as a venue for an entire indoor theatre production,

By re-igniting people’s passion for theatre-going GSC seek to break down the boundaries that preclude participation, encouraging inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. Their site-responsive approach places audiences right at the heart of the action, immersing them in the world of the play.

Matt adds: “At GSC our mandate is to create exceptional theatre in extraordinary places, and The Housetrap seeks to continue that mission. This is not only an immersive theatre experience, but also a unique chance to explore an incredible part of our shared local heritage.”

With a strictly limited capacity of just 60 people per performance advance booking is essential. The murder mystery is approximately 80-minutes long and all tickets include a glass of prosecco (or non-alcoholic alternative).

Book at Guildford Shakespeare Company THE HOUSETRAP –

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Take a surreal journey through Eulogy

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Have your senses deceived in the exhilarating Eulogy at The Shed Bordon

Step into a surreal, otherworldly journey through a dreamlike, labyrinthine hotel that exists entirely in your mind and discover Eulogy. How you arrived is a mystery and why you’re there remains unclear. Just make sure you read the pamphlet.

Darkfield, producers of innovative, immersive experiences at the forefront of technology and theatre, are bringing their critically-acclaimed shipping container show Eulogy to The Shed from Wednesday, 30th October to Sunday, 10th November.

Performed in complete darkness over 35 minutes, this intense and exhilarating ride uses binaural 360 degree sound and speech recognition technology to deceive the senses and transport audience members through rooms, down corridors and into the bowels of this strange and not altogether comfortable hotel. How your dream unfolds is, in part, up to you. However, make sure you follow the right path and don’t volunteer to become the subject of the eulogy every guest is preparing to deliver.

Eulogy is both an intense and exhilarating ride and deeper exploration of the relative merits of an embodied human conscious experience versus one that only exists in the imagination.

Eulogy premiered as part of the London BFI Film Festival 2021 and has since toured to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Latitude Festival, Nottingham Lakeside, Norwich Theatre and across Australia. Darkfield shows have launched to critical acclaim, featuring in major film festivals worldwide.

Book tickets at Whitehill & Bordon

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Shooting Star shop glitters

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Shooting Star Children’s Hospices shop in Godalming is the most-loved charity shop in the South East underlining its warm and welcoming atmosphere and fundraising achievements

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Godalming shop has taken the title of South East winner in The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards.

The title was awarded in the inaugural search for the UK’s favourite charity shop. The shop was one of 6,500 nominated across the UK and claimed the winning spot in a public vote involving almost 13,000 people.

Joe Tooze, Retail Manager at Shooting Star said: “We are thrilled to be named the South East winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award! Our amazing shop manager, Julie, and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked hard to create a store that the local community enjoys visiting. The shop is beautifully arranged with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located near our hospice, Christopher’s in Guildford, our Godalming shop enjoys tremendous support from customers, volunteers and donors – all of whom we are deeply grateful for, as the funds raised in our shops makes a significant difference to the families we support.”

Shooting Star supports more than 700 children and their families throughout Surrey and across 14 boroughs of London year round who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition or who have been bereaved. Their bespoke support for families includes a comprehensive range of therapies and support groups, specialist nursing care and respite, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Charity shops are an institution in the UK and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years as the public look for more ways to shop sustainably, support good causes and give back to their communities. The awards are the first of their kind and were launched in June to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Charity Retail Association, the membership organisation for charity shops in the UK.

Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Huge congratulations to Shotting Star Children’s Hospices. This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community. We have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to our search for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop, which celebrates the contribution the sector makes to communities and good causes across the UK”

The overall winner of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop 2024 will be announced at a special event this month.

The shops are always in need of quality pre-loved items, visit Retail wish list – Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to find out what they’re after

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Launchpad’s all-star candlelit carol highlight

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity invite you to enjoy Carols by Candlelight on Tuesday, 3rd December

This fantastically festive evening will return to Reading Town Hall from 6pm, with Launchpad patron and BBC presenter Matt Allwright and long-term supporter Andy Briggs as the hosts for the evening.

Enjoy a magical night of music and carols with the Take Note Community choir and the Reading Phoenix Choir. As well as seasonal songs there will be readings and inspiring stories about how, with your help, Launchpad is changing lives in Reading.

Every ticket sale will help Launchpad continue to provide homes for Reading’s most vulnerable this winter. Launchpad’s supported housing offers warm, clean, and safe accommodation for over 100 people in need – which are a lifeline to the many individuals, couples, and families at risk of homelessness, or who have already lost their homes.

Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad, says: “Every year, people tell us that Carols by Candlelight marks the start of their Christmas celebrations. Our event is a beautiful reminder of the spirit of community and the joy of giving during the festive season. We’d love to see you there!”

Tickets start at £12 per person and under-threes can attend for free. For more information and to buy your ticket, visit Carols by Candlelight 2024 – Launchpad

For anyone who is unable to attend, you can still support Launchpad’s work with a donation so the charity can help ensure local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home, for Christmas and beyond. Simply visit Donate – Preventing Homelessness In Reading

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Peterley Christmas Market starts 14th November

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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The magical Peterley Christmas Market promises to give you a warm welcome from 14th to 17th November

The market at the beautiful Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden, HP16 0HH, will feature over 70 boutique shopping stalls nestled in our atmospheric greenhouses.

You can look forward to a diverse range of offerings, including artisan goods, from interiors and jewellery to candles and crafts.

Tuck into delicious food and drink: Enjoy gourmet street food, luxury handmade chocolates, cocktails from Rythmik Cocktails, and unique wholesome, vegan and gluten-free food from Wild Rose Kitchen.

Experience live music and DJ sets that will enhance the festive atmosphere. With act including Jazz trio Blue in the Green, vocal harmony trio The Santa Babies or local artist Soraya Ray.

Adults-only shopping evenings offer you the chance for a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, a glass of prosecco, and a goodie bag from VIP event partner Mulberry’s. There will be live music, DJ sets, cocktails, wine tasting and the food trucks will be serving all evening too.

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Old Amersham Christmas Festival, 6th December

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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You’re all invited to celebrate the Magic of Christmas in Amersham Old Town, 4-8pm on Friday, 6th December

It’s that time again, the Old Amersham Christmas Festival is back!

The new-look Christmas Festival 2023 was a huge success and attracted over 5000 visitors. This year’s Festival is set to be even bigger and brighter.

Taking over the historic Old Town on Friday 6th December, 4-8pm, this magical late-night shopping extravaganza is the place to be.

Expect festive fun for all the family. Enjoy live music from the Amersham Band and the Barbershop Choir while shopping for Christmas gifts in the local shops and boutiques – most stores offering exclusive special offers for one-night-only. Browse the carefully curated collection of local traders in Cooper’s Market, all while indulging in mulled wine and delicious foodie treats from the local restaurant, cafes and pubs.

Twinkling Christmas lights are set to illuminate the town with the Christmas tree light switch-on at 6pm from a surprise local celebrity guest. No festive event would be complete without the most famous guest for all – little ones can meet Father Christmas and his ‘real life’ reindeers for a magical moment. A vintage fair with traditional ferris wheel, swing boats, go-carts and roaming stilt walkers add to the enchanting atmosphere. While face painting, Christmas-crafting, selfies with Rudolf and ‘pig-petting’ bring more family fun to the festivities.

Diana Halley, co-owner of Fabric Boutique which will be open late during the festival, says, “This fabulous Christmas Festival not only provides a platform for local artisans and businesses, but it’s also a gathering place for the community to join together to support and celebrate their town during the festive season. A torch light procession with pupils from St Mary’s Primary School will parade from the church to the Christmas Tree for more festive cheer and carol singing. The vision is to create a sparkling festive event for the whole community, and as with previous Christmas evenings our charity partner is ScannAppeal who will be running their popular Golden Tombola and offering hot chocolate in a ‘warm space’ upstairs in the Market Hall.”

Mark the date in your diary, it’s a not-to-be-missed event and prepare to be dazzled by a truly magical experience. Combine Christmas shopping with exploring the Old Town in all its festive glory, from the lights and fun entertainment, to the fabulous in-store offers, tasty foodie treats and artisan gifts from the Cooper’s Market stalls.

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Kew lights up the festive season

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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The UK’s original festive light trail returns to Kew Gardens in London, November 13th to January 5th

Christmas at Kew returns with a showcase of new installations and world premieres which will allow visitors to see Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage Site in an entirely new light.

A firm festive favourite since 2013, Christmas at Kew has led the way for other festive light trails across the country, celebrating the best of nature by night and providing a plethora of opportunity to create magical memories.

Bringing Kew’s incredible natural architecture to life, this year’s trail will feature perennial favourites including pea lit trees, a festive funfair and the charming Christmas Cathedral.

This year’s trail will feature two world premieres, with bespoke new installations on display to visitors for the first time anywhere in the world as part of Christmas at Kew. Ombre by TILT takes the form of a series of giant plants in bloom, springing up from the landscape in a spectrum of vibrant shades. Threshold by Studio Vertigo is an illuminated helix-like shape, bathed in golden yellow light to evoke the warmth and joy of the festive season.

Camellia Walk will be transformed into a snowy lane, showcasing the spectacular tree canopy and evoking a wintery wonderland at the start of the trail. Other highlights include Fish are Jumping by Dutch artists TOER and Mist Arches by Culture Creative creating an atmospheric ambience across Kew’s Lake Crossing.

Other highlights on the trail include returning favourites such as the spectacular light show on the Temperate House, evocative Fire Garden and seasonal selfie-spot Christmas Cathedral. Many of the Kew’s striking plants and trees will be highlighted along the route, allowing visitors to soak up the spectacle of nature from a new perspective and bask in vibrant colour as twilight falls. The much-loved Palm House finale will return for 2024, showcasing Kew’s iconic glasshouse in showstopping style.

To add an extra touch of magic to the Christmas at Kew experience, visitors cam book a delicious traditional Christmas dinner at The Botanical Brasserie. Along the route, visitors can also find delicious food and drink from independent street food vendors.

As part of our 2021-2030 Sustainability Strategy, every year Kew works closely with Christmas at Kew event partners and suppliers to design and deliver a beautiful Christmas light trail in a way that is as sustainable as possible – and every year they are making improvements to achieve a lower impact Christmas at Kew event for thousands to enjoy. In 2005, Kew Gardens became the first World Heritage Site to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation. ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard for environmental management, helping organisations to improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.

Where possible, all lighting on the trail is LED and they are working hard to transition towards 100% LED lighting for the artworks which form the Christmas at KEW trail over the next couple of years. This year all Christmas at Kew generators are being run of renewably sourced biofuel.

Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “Christmas at Kew is always a much-anticipated highlight of the year, and this year’s trail is already shaping up to be a truly magical season spectacle. With a selection of brand-new installations alongside firm favourites which have become iconic parts of the Christmas at Kew experience, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the beauty of Kew Gardens by night later on this year.”

At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, Glow Wild celebrates its 11th year with charming bespoke installations and the world’s largest living Christmas tree.

Tickets for Christmas at Kew and Glow Wild are available to purchase now at: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | Kew

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BBOWT nature photography competition

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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A stunning shot of ‘near threatened’ bee has been crowned the winner of a wildlife photography contest

The extreme close-up of an armed nomad bee won first prize in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) 2024 Photography Competition. A winter lake scene and a hungry bank vole are among the other winners.

The contest launched in April with nine categories including taking action for nature and mobile phone photography, and nature lovers of all ages were challenged to take pictures at one of BBOWT’s nature reserves or in their community.

The winning shot was taken by Luke Chambers at BBOWT‘s Dry Sandford Pit reserve Abingdon.

Luke said: “During one of my 4am outings, I was checking some vegetation for any subjects. This is one of the challenges with macro, you often have no idea what you’ll find, and it’s pure luck. But there she was, a very rare species of nomad bee, fast asleep. With my left hand, I adjusted the position of a nearby scabious flower so it was behind the bee, and help onto the plant she was on to stabilise the scene.

The image is also a focus stack – I took around 10 frames, all at different points of focus across the bee, then merged them together to achieve the detail you see. It wasn’t an easy photograph, but it was worth and is one of my favourite images to date. To win this competition with it means a great deal.”

As overall winner, Luke received a high-tech bird feeder camera. Along with all other category winners, he also won a wildlife photography masterclass as well as the honour of having his photo appear in BBOWT‘s 2025 calendar.

New for this year, the vote was also thrown open to the public with a new ‘People’s Choice Award’. After nearly two thousand votes were cast across ten shortlisted images, Peter Hines was crowned the public favourite with his close-up portrait of the iconic robin, and won a Nexcam solar-powered trail camera.

Peter said: “I am absolutely thrilled to received this award. My late sister-in-law, Anne, inspired me to get into photography 12 years ago and I love it. I have learnt so much from mistakes and successes. Wildlife, sunsets, smoke art and macro are my passions, so to have this recognition for one of my photographs is wonderful. A huge thank you to all who voted for my robin. Also thank you to BBOWT for giving me the opportunity to share my photos.”

Nine-year-old Logan Brown won the children’s category with his capture of a red admiral butterfly perched on red valerian. In addition to the category prizes, Logan has won a bundle of nature books for his school.

Speaking on behalf of Logan Brown, Frankie Gillespie said:
“Logan has recently been diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disease and unfortunately the outcome will be total blindness. He has always loved photography and nature, so for him to have become one of the winners is wonderful news and he’s so excited!”

Nearly 200 photographers were submitted entries for this year’s competition, and the winners were painstakingly chosen by our panel of judges: BBOWT’s Wild Magazine editor Ben Vanheems, BBOWT website & design officer Chris Deeney, BBOWT’s membership assistant Beth Milner and wildlife photographer Steve Gozdz of GG Wildlife Experiences.

Ben Vanheems said: “Being on the judging panel is such an honour. The photos demonstrate a real flair for detail and an eye for creativity, and being able to go through that is just a ‘wow’ moment! There’s been incredible deliberation because there’s been such strong photography this year. It’s a joy to be involved in this process.”

Steve Gozdz added: “We’ve seen a wonderful selection of photographs this year in all categories and from so many wide-ranging people, from the kids right the way up to the adults. My personal favourites have again been the insects – we get to see them at such great detail which is something you don’t get the chance at with the naked eye. Well done to all entrants and thank you for making it so hard to judge.”

The winners

• Butterflies and other insects, and overall winner: Luke Chambers (Armed nomad bee at Dry Sandford Pit). Runner-up: Andrew Bristow (Grasshopper).

• Children (ages 6-11): Logan Brown (Red admiral). Runner-up: Henry Webb (Glistening inkcap).

• Teens (Ages 12-17): Harry Huie (Brown hairstreak). Runner-up: James Lloyd (Red kite)

• Birds: John Kearns (Marsh Tit at Warburg Nature Reserve). Runner-up: Grace Miller (Mute swan at Loddon Nature Reserve).

• Mammals: Mark Lauri (Bank vole at Warburg Nature Reserve). Runner-up: David Byrne (Rabbit at Greenham Common)

• Our nature reserves: Martin Wheeler (Cholsey Marsh). Runner-up: Peter Smith (Round-leaved sundew at Snelsmore Common)

• Urban nature: David Thirlwall (Kingfisher). Runner-up: Eddie Leslie (Honey Bee)

• Taking action for nature: Graham Bonham (Hedgehog). Runner-up: Richard Hopkinson (Barn owl)

• Mobile phone photography: Jennifer Stevens (Thatcham Reedbeds). Runner-up: Emma Stone (College Lake)

• People’s Choice Award: Peter Hines (Robin)

The Trust is extremely grateful to GG Wildlife Experiences for sponsoring this year’s competition. See all this year’s winning photos at bbowt.org.uk/2024-photography-competition-winners

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Creating community at Bordon Cultural Hub

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Have your say on the proposed new cultural hub for Whitehill & Bordon, a space to celebrate the history of the town and the surrounding area

Phoenix Arts has long been celebrated as a vibrant grassroots organisation, nurturing local talent and fostering a strong sense of community through the performing arts.

Its current 100-seater venue provides a platform for emerging artists and experienced performers alike, covering all disciplines from comedy to dance, music, theatre, musicals, disability arts and much, much more.

In response to the growing demand for diverse and innovative performances, Phoenix Arts wants to establish a larger, more versatile venue in the new town centre.

The proposed Cultural Hub, an initiative from Phoenix Arts, Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company and Prince Phillip Park, will combine arts, entertainment, leisure and workspace. A new 250-seat theatre will be a key part of the plans, with the plot of the former Sergeants Mess acting as the focus for cultural activity in the town centre. The vision is one of bold, engaging design and architecture, while being sensitive to the historic fabric of the Mess Hall.

The new Cultural Hub will feature restaurants, entertainment and leisure spaces, additional retail and workspace studios, all grouped around a communal courtyard featuring a flexible seating area that can be used for outdoor events. This multi-purpose creative space aims to nurture local creatives, entrepreneurs and residents and moves towards completing the vision for Whitehill & Bordon as a desirable and unique destination.

Events at The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre have shown how the arts can bring people together, inspire creativity and enrich the cultural fabric of Whitehill & Bordon. This new space will open up more opportunities to cement arts and culture in East Hampshire’s largest town.

Rob Allertson, CEO of Phoenix Arts said: “From our inception in the 1980s as a community-led arts centre, and the coming together of the army and community of Whitehill & Bordon to provide affordable entertainment locally, through to the securing of Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding in 2022, we’ve been on a long-term mission to encourage greater engagement with the arts.

“The next chapter in this story is about to unfold and being central to the success of the new Cultural Hub is exciting and is acknowledged by our trustees, staff and volunteers as a brilliant development of our ethos and vision for creating community.”

Plans are on display in The Cube at The Shed. To give feedback on the proposals, scan the QR code on the display for access to a survey to have your say on the future of the arts, culture and entertainment in Whitehill & Bordon.

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Alison Molan’s Pup Goes The Easel

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Farnham artist Alison Molan of Pup Goes The Easel invites you to paint your pooch at a workshop at Sage & Salt in Petersfield and create the paw-fect paw-trait

Man’s best friend, woman’s best friend, everyone’s best friend – Alison Molan certainly believes so, she’s sharing the joy and love our four-legged friends bring into our lives with her colourful work.

Pup Goes The Easel started with her daughter’s Lurcher, Parker, developed with Frida, the Spanish Podenco and today the tale (tail?) continues with bright and bold pop-art inspired hues and the eclectic style of Frida Kahlo.

Alison’s portraits are not just paintings, their vibrant style reflects our relationships with our pooches and the bond created – one which you can create yourself at one of her workshops.

The next Paint a Pup workshop takes place at Sage & Salt in Petersfield on Friday, 8th November, 10am-4pm. These fun, sociable and informative one day workshops will give you all the materials you need and the hints and tips to create a painting of the pup you love. You will paint a work of art in the Pup Goes The Easel style, but with your own choice of colours and accessories to decorate your pup. At the end of the day, you will have a canvas to take home with you which captures the essence of your own pup.

These pawesome workshops are suitable for adults of all abilities and absolute beginners are warmly welcomed. The group sizes are kept small to enable you to achieve a whole painting in a day. These sessions are intended to be fun, relaxed and informative. It is widely recognised that being creative releases endorphins which enhance your mood and promote mental wellbeing. It is a pawfect excuse for some well-deserved ‘me time’.

Alison will provide a canvas, paper, pencils, acrylic paints and brushes which you will use, on the day, to create your unique painting. You will need to bring an A4 sized photograph or print of your own pup to copy (head and shoulders) as well as an apron to protect your clothes. In addition, she also asks you bring a light lunch and a water bottle. To book visit Workshops | Sage And Salt Studio

If you don’t think your artistic skills are up to scratch, commission Alison to em-bark on a custom pet portrait for you and let her capture the quirks and charm of your four-legged friend. Find out more about her work and enquire about a commission at Pup Goes The Easel where you can also see a range of cards and gifts for sale.

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