Unearth Tudor secrets at Petworth

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Image by: James Dobson

This summer archaeologists are tracing the footsteps of Henry VIII as they search for evidence of a lost Tudor wing of the National Trust’s magnificent Petworth House and Park, July 19th to 31st

The two-week dig at Petworth is part of ‘Henry VIII’, a landmark research project led by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) in partnership with the University of York.

For the first time, they plan to map every venue occupied by the legendary Tudor king on his ‘royal progress’, a tour consolidating his rule over the country. The project aims to enhance historians’ understanding of the purpose of royal progresses and their impact on 16th-century political culture.

Image by: DigVentures

Image by: DigVentures

The excavation coincides with the International Festival of Archaeology and there will be opportunities for the public to take part, including guided tours of the dig site, bookable half day sessions as well as family-friendly sessions to help with the dig itself or handle any finds that may be uncovered. Other free Tudor-themed activities will be available with no booking required. Normal admission to Petworth House applies.

The archaeologists will be searching for the footprint of the lost North Wing which was built when Henry acquired the house in 1536. The wing included a chapel, fortified tower and large hall, and was located on what is now the north west lawn in the park.

Image by: John Miller

Image by: DigVentures

There is also the tantalising possibility of discovering a lost ‘mystery building’ in the park which is indicated in several historical documents and was believed to be a banqueting house or hunting lodge where the king would have entertained his guests.

Visitor Experience Manager at Petworth Sue Rhodes said: “It’s extraordinary to think that Henry VIII once owned Petworth House, and we can’t wait to finally understand more about these lost buildings he may once have stood in. We’re also very keen for our visitors to get involved in the dig.”

Professor Anthony Musson, Head of Research at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “We’re really excited to be partnering with Petworth as part of the Historic Royal Palaces-led ‘Henry VIII on Tour’ research project. Our ambitious three-year venture is charting all of Henry’s royal progresses and exploring the properties he stayed at, particularly the less well-known venues and those now ‘lost’ Tudor palaces and landscapes. It is very much part of our commitment to help communities discover their local heritage, which we’re facilitating through digital visualisations, Tudor festivals, archaeological digs and musical performances. We’re especially looking forward to seeing what we uncover in this dig.”

For further information including booking details, please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth/archaeological-dig-at-petworth

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Step out in Haslemere

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Haslemere’s annual Walking Festival is back with expertly guided walks exploring the history and wildlife of the area from Friday 12th to Sunday, 14th July as Adaleigh Buckrell writes

Delve into the rich past and exquisite countryside of the area as part of Haslemere Walking Festival which offers a varied programme of free walks around the town centre and its surroundings.

Depending on your choice of walk you might be led at a leisurely pace through the market town’s charming streets, the ponds of Waggoners Wells, or around the Devil’s Punchbowl in the Surrey Hills, one of the UK’s protected National Landscapes.

The joint initiative run by Haslemere Town Council and Visit Haslemere allows everyone to get outside, learn new things and have fun with all the family. Those coming from further afield can easily travel to the town by train or bus to access the beautiful heathland, woods and rolling hills on its doorstep.

All the walks in the festival are led by informative volunteers who are experts in their field and experienced in guiding walks. Local tree warden Clive Davidson invites you to discover the most notable trees in Haslemere and the tallest trees in Surrey. Additionally, you can join local historian Tim Winter if you are keen to learn about Haslemere’s political, artistic and war-time history.

Returning due to popular demand, the wonderful local author and playwright Jo Owen Smith and a supporting cast will bring to life Sir Robert Hunter, one of the founders of the National Trust, and friends. The group will shed light on the fascinating history of Hindhead Common in this dramatised walk.

More drama will be uncovered in John Casey’s historical walk discussing, amongst other things, the murder of a sailor on the Devil’s Punchbowl in 1786 and the 1945 plane crash on Gibbet Hill, the second highest point in Surrey.

Don’t miss out on the new Blue Plaque Trail of Haslemere and Hindhead, led by Chris Harrison from the Haslemere Society. The homes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Viscount Montgomery of Alamein are just two of the remarkable places you would visit, contributing to the richness of the area’s cultural heritage.

Whether you fancy a breath of fresh air to clear your mind, an activity to do with the kids and grandparents, or a longer trail where you can meet friends, old and new, a walk for everybody can be booked online at Haslemere Educational Museum – Art Tickets.

The festival programme with descriptions of the walks and their lengths and challenge levels can also be found at Haslemere Visitor. Further walks will be announced on Facebook when they are finalised, so keep an eye out.

Numbers are limited so do book early. For any enquiries call Visit Haslemere on 01428 645425 or email [email protected]

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Petworth’s world class arts festival

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If ever there was a year to enjoy the thrill of live performance in Petworth, this is clearly it with an array of world class performers in the South Downs from July 10th to 27th

“We have always sought to bring the greatest quality of performance to Petworth, but when you add in the sheer charisma of so many of this year’s artists, I can only look forward to the festival with the most extraordinary degree of anticipation!”

Petworth’s Artistic Director Stewart Collins is clearly delighted with this year’s line up and backing up his comments, he points to a whole series of unique talents who will be taking to the Petworth stage.

Classical stars Simon Keenlyside, Boris Giltburg and Joanna MacGregor all have what Stewart describes as ‘that crucial x-factor’, as do stellar talents from other genres, jazz musicians Eliane Correa and Petworth favourite Joe Stilgoe, world music star N’famady Kouyate, performance poet and storyteller Luke Wright, and Mike and the Mechanics front man Roachford, who brings his own band to the festival. 

Image by: Sasha Gusov

Image by: Pal Hansen

And it goes way beyond this. The South African cellist Abel Selaocoe is a force of nature whether playing Bach or traditional African music; Martin Harley is genuinely one of the modern blues-guitar greats; percussionist Delia Stephens playing in tandem with harmonica genius Will Pound… virtuosity simply doesn’t sum it up!

Image by: Mlungisi Mlungwana

Image by: Silvia Cruz

And that’s not to mention the ‘Big Gigs’ at The Petworth House Stable Yard and Midhurst Rother College

Thurs 18th: The Wonder of Stevie – a triumphant celebration of Stevie Wonder’s music
Fri 19th: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours – a vivid recreation by The Transatlantic Ensemble
Sat 20th: Jazz in the Stables – headlined by Anglo/Cuban powerhouse Eliane Correa
Wed 24th: Aretha – the brilliant Vanessa Haynes of Incognito stars
Thurs 25th: Roachford – the dynamic front man of Mike and the Mechanics with his own band
Fri 26th: Comedy Double Bill – with Mark Watson and Mark Simmons

Petworth Festival kicks off on Wednesday, 10th July and runs through to Saturday, 27th July when events culminate with a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (‘blue’ being a theme that runs through the festival) in the hands of yet another astonishing talent, Ronnie Scott’s supremo pianist James Pearson.

Events run every day including a dozen daytime/lunchtime events with family events scheduled for both Coultershaw Heritage Site and the Leaconfield Hall. More information and tickets at petworthfestival.org.uk/whats-on

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Godalming Photographic Club exhibition

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Featured image by: Mark Rolfe

Godalming Photographic Club are holding their annual summer exhibition at Godalming Museum, July 9th to 27th, showcasing members’ printed and digital images. Mark Rolfe tells us more

Photography has changed dramatically since Godalming Photographic Club was founded in March 1980, but what hasn’t changed over the decades is the friendly, supportive atmosphere aimed at inspiring, informing and involving members.

A group of friends got together more than 40 years ago in the Borough Hall explaining their hopes and intentions. By the end of the evening 30 people had joined. Meetings were held once a month, but this was soon increased to three a month before becoming weekly.

Image by: Brian Houghton

Image by: David Hughes

The new club joined the Surrey Photographic Federation (later to become the Surrey Photographic Association or SPA) and entered its inter-club competitions.

Competitions were seen as a way to increase skills and several trophies were soon provided as awards for the best work. The founding group paid for the Founders’ Plate, awarded to the winner of the series of internal print competitions, and the Woolwich Building Society donated a trophy for the best print at the annual exhibition.

Since its foundation, the club has more than held its own among its peers in the SPA and has won both Open and Nature sections of the annual inter-club competition. The club has also represented the SPA at national inter-club championships organised by The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).

With a subscription income, the club continues to have outside judges for its competitions and expert speakers on a broad range of subjects. Practical workshops, technical sessions and discussion of different aspects of photography are featured. Other events include photographic trips, a Christmas dinner and a summer party.

Members primarily use digital cameras and smartphones and competitions are divided into Print and Projected images, covering themes from Open (any content) to Nature, Landscape, Monochrome, Street and fun topics, such as ‘Match the style of a famous photographer’. Competitions are split into three groups, so everyone can compete at their own level.

GPC meets each Wednesday evening from September to May at Shackleford Village Hall. Come along and experience a meeting with no obligation or contact us for more details via our website. New members are always welcome. For enquiries, see Godalming Photographic Club, Facebook, or Godalming Photographic Club (@gofocal). The exhibition runs Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm at Godalming Museum. Entry free. Some of the photographs will be on sale at modest prices. You can vote for your favourite image.

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Sunny delight at Brooklands’ B Spa!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls visits fully revamped B Spa at Brooklands Hotel in Weybridge where you can enjoy the benefits of sunshine on a deluxe indoor beach

Hello… summer? Are you there!? It looks as though British summertime might have stood us up 🙁 (except for the mini heatwave last week).

But the newly revamped B Spa is here to save your summer!

If we’re honest, going on holiday somewhere scorchio (taking the obligatory sausage leg pic to post on the ‘gram) is radically boosted by knowing it’s soggy back home in Blighty. Right?!

So, picture the scene: you’re lying on your own comfy beach chair, cocktail in hand, soaking up the sunshine like a lizard in front of a sugar-sand beach paradise… while the storm clouds gather outside and rain lashes against the window.

This is exactly what you can enjoy at BSpa which boasts a Sunlight Therapy Room using 100% safe ‘sunlight simulators’ to fully replicate natural sunlight. These generate full-spectrum sunlight with reduced UVA and UVB, full spectrum visible light and infrared heat. Benefits include a boost in Vitamin D and energy, reducing the nasty effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, a stronger immune system, better circulation, eased muscles and a better metabolism…

Which is perfect because the 1907 beach bar will serve you cocktails (thanks Rhys!) & light snacks. Downstairs in the swanky hotel itself the award-winning 1907 restaurant, bar & grill (named after the year the world-famous Brooklands racetrack opened), in a setting inspired by the 1920s & ’30s, the team serve up a mean afternoon tea. They have also earned two AA Rosettes for their hearty breakfasts, Sunday lunches and more, including incredible burners. The windows in both the spa beach, pedicure room and the restaurant face out on to the drivers doing doughnuts on the Mercedes-Benz World track.

But back to the spa which has been lavished in love to provide you with treatments and TLC. Spa experiences start from £49pp (the Spa & Dine package includes use of the spa facilities for three hours and either lunch, afternoon tea or dinner which is phenomenal value). The facilities include: a Himalayan salt room, Finnish & infra-red saunas, steam room, ice fountain and hydrotherapy hot tub with Venturi jets.

On one particularly frazzled and dreary Wednesday my skin and muscles were thoroughly spoilt with a Comfort Zone Aromasoul ritual massage which helped work away all that tension. Other fabulous treatments on offer (maybe book your other half for one?) include a Himalayan salt or cranial massage, plus there are wonderful facials to plump up tired and thirsty skin, using products from the deluxe Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone. No wonder the spa is loved by many pamper-seekers, including Chelsea FC players.

Just to add to the relaxation and ensure it lasts beyond your visit, spend some time floating in the Tranquillity Meditation Room…

All in all, a fantastic way to beat the summer blues and top up that mojo without getting on a plane! I’ll see you there – mine’s the middle beach chair!

You can enter our competition here to win an indulgent Brooklands Spa day.

For deals and packages please visit Bspa | Luxury Spa in Weybridge – Brooklands Hotel Surrey

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Go on safari in Fleet

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Fleet & District Carnival Chairman Leanne Walmsley invites us all to a fun-filled day with fantastic events and all for a wonderful community cause

On Saturday 6th July, we will be celebrating the 67th Fleet and District Carnival! We have an awesome line up of events for you this year and look forward to you helping us raise money for this year’s charity.

Chosen by our Facebook supporters the 2024 charity is Parity for Disability, a local association which enables adults with multiple disabilities to continue to be a part of the wider community, supported by trained and caring staff.

The theme for this year is ‘safari’, and we can’t wait to see all those fantastic procession entries roam through the streets of Fleet.

The procession is just the start of this fantastic day, and once they lead onto Calthorpe Park, we have a whole host of entertainment lined up for you including the main stage featuring six amazing acts; traditional fete games are back after proving so popular in 2023; Searle’s fun fair and we have an awesome petting zoo which will be next to the ever-popular dog show. The Park will be filled with plenty of refreshment options and the other local charity and community stalls.

We also welcome our 2024 headline sponsor – Untold Reality. Located on Fleet high street, Untold Reality is the premier destination for futuristic experiences.

They will be in Calthorpe Park for the carnival, and with top-of-the-line modern VR systems and a wide range of games, they will be the place to be to try out a VR game, escape room, and many other VR experiences.

Come down and join us for what will be an absolutely fun packed day which you don’t want to miss out on!

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Fresh & fabulous farm shops

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Summer is the perfect season to sample the fare and flavours at your local farm shop, not only are you shopping local and supporting homegrown growers but you’ll be helping the environment too

Farm shops are a feast for the senses from the fashion show of fruit and veg, succulent juicy meat, richly flavoured cheese and bread so fresh you can smell it as you walk through the door, what’s not to love! 

Add in the high-quality fare is locally produced, often right on the doorstep, and you’re helping to protect the environment, boast personal service and by shopping there you are supporting local small businesses and everyone’s a winner. 

Farm shops help produce a strong sense of community with many offering pick your own options, delis and cafes to enjoy on site and with produce available at local farmers’ markets shopping for healthy and nutritious food has never been easier. 

The family-run business at Dunnocks Farm Shop & Deli, Whipley Manor Farm, Palmers Cross, Bramley GU5 0LL, goes out of its way to support small, independent producers. The array of British made products even includes Good Taste award crisps! Find organic and vegan produce, local meats, cheeses, gift hampers, condiments, ready-to-bake pastries, pasta, rice and eco-friendly bio cleaning products. And they’ll deliver locally too. 

Fresh free range eggs and local honey, homemade jams, chutneys and pickles are just some of the produce to tempt you into Elm Nursery, Sutton Green Road, Guildford GU4 7QD, where you’ll also enjoy a wide range of gifts, treats, children’s presents, foodie treats, cards and more! Where else could you pick up produce from The Garlic Farm in the Isle of Wight and luxury wool alpaca socks as well as a selection of cakes, snacks and delicious Marshfields ice cream? 

If the thought of taking home freshly cooked bread while it’s still warm has you salivating, then drop into Frensham Garden Centre Farm Shop, The Reeds Road, Frensham GU10 3BP, where you’ll also find locally sourced jams and preserves to spread lavishly on top. There are more than 20 flavours of delicious pie which along with Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, samosas, and much more should ensure something for every palate. Need a drink to go with it? Try one of the many wines and ales. It doesn’t get more local than the award-winning Hogs Back T.E.A Ale. All you need for the perfect picnic. 

“Our fruit and vegetables are carefully selected from the most local quality growers we can find. Our meat, fish, eggs and dairy meet strict sustainability and animal welfare standards. Our breads, pies, quiches and cakes are locally baked and are absolutely delicious,” says Noel of Noel’s Farm Shop, Sutton Green, Woking GU4 7QB. The shop also offers an increased range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options and you can take along your own containers for sustainable refills too. Order online and collect or take advantage of delivery. 

Ripley Farm Shop in Portsmouth Road GU23 6EY offers products from local businesses, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit, handmade traditional pasties and quiches from their West Sussex farm, dairy products such as cottage cheese, and other locally-sourced products. Pop into the garden centre for plants while visiting. 

‘One of the best gourmet food destinations in the region’ is an accolade held by Secretts of Milford at Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford GU8 5HU for its gourmet and everyday foods and ingredients, many locally sourced. They are known as one of the leading vegetable and salad crop growers in Surrey and supply many of the area’s leading restaurants. Choose from more than 300 cheeses (heaven) and the craft gin and beer selection are also a hit. With an onsite butchers, tea room, English wine merchant and ethical clothing and gift shop, extensive grounds perfect for summer picnics and leisurely strolls as well as pick your own, it’s a fabulous day out. 

Pop in for one thing at Applegarth Farm, Headley Road, Grayshott, GU26 6JL and you’ll leave with a shopping bag full of delights from the deli – there’s charcuterie, sausage rolls, antipasto, salads and a range of other tasty treats ready for you to enjoy at home. An ‘extended family’ of artisan suppliers and producers brings some of the freshest produce with cheeses from independent makers, home-made cakes, sweets, artisan breads, chutneys, jams and more. 

Healthy fresh produce is grown on the 200-acre family-owned farm in Kingsley, Bordon GU35 0QP, where at the Country Market, Malthouse & Osborne Farms you’ll be surrounded by specialist fine foods and eco essentials. The multiple award-winning Owtons Butchery, freshly baked handmade breads and cakes from the artisan Good Taste Bakery, the best independent wines from The General Wine Company and of course, local produce, all make up the fine fare to shop. 

The shop at Durleighmarsh is at the heart of the farm providing seasonal freshly picked fruit and vegetables direct from their crops in Petersfield GU31 5AX alongside a wide range of delicious goods from local producers. Fresh bread and pastries, meat and fish, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices and so much more are stocked and at this time of year look out for hand-picked seasonal produce, in particular the extremely popular asparagus and strawberries. 

If Luff’s Farm Shop don’t grow the fruit and vegetables themselves at Headley, Bordon GU35 0PB, they buy from carefully chosen suppliers to ensure they can offer everything from potatoes and parsnips to carrots, cabbages and more, all fresh and full of flavour. Crisp apples, juicy peaches, sweet berries and zesty citrus fruits line the shelves. 

Fill your own milk bottles from the milk vending machine at Sky Park Farm, West Harting, Petersfield GU31 5PT, where you can even add your own milkshake flavour. The milk comes from a dairy herd grazing across the road so you can’t get much fresher. Many of their suppliers are located within a 30-mile radius so why not take home some deli meats, cheeses and dishes freshly prepared in the kitchen. Frozen meals are also available, all ‘made in our kitchen’.  

Just over 90 per cent of sales at West Lea Farm Shop, Ladycroft, Alresford SO24 0QS are sourced from producers within a few miles of the family run shop, from the smallest grower of runner beans to much larger local businesses squishing apples into a whole range of juices. In addition to watercress beds, there are veg, flowers, freshly baked bread, candles, chocolates and trout to enjoy too. West Lea Farm Shop has recently been crowned Champion in the regional Countryside Alliance Awards in the South East of England, thanks to customers’ votes. As we went to press they were awaiting their fate in the grand final.  

Find more shops near you and if you’re elsewhere on holiday this summer check out those locally at fabulousfarmshops.co.uk 

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Summer daze

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Holidays are on the horizon so let’s get out and have a good time whatever the weather. There’s fun for all ages to enjoy!

July heralds the start of the school summer hols, weeks of long lazy days lie ahead but there’s plenty to do from trails to follow, games to play, open air entertainment, delve into history, make a splash or go for full on adventure!

Discover family fun at a National Trust place near you this summer. Enjoy games, sports and free family theatre at Hindhead Commons and Frensham Little Pond and garden games and musical fun at Leith Hill Place, take a picnic and enjoy the day. Explore the pirate-themed activities at Hatchlands Park or book your tickets for evening outdoor theatre on the lawn.

Box Hill is also the place to get involved in games, sports and free family theatre. Check the National Trust website for full details and to book if required.

Enjoy a Summer of Play at Polesden Lacey from July 13th to September 8th and on July 19th there’s a display of vintage Rolls Royce cars and children’s pop-up theatre to entertain you.

Back by popular demand, the Pavilion Play will host active games for the whole family at Winkworth Arboretum from July 20th to September 4th and Winkworth Wild Crafts are returning every Wednesday during the summer holidays too.

There’s a jam-packed programme of summer holiday workshops for 5-to 18-year-olds at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from July 24th to August 9th. Budding performers can get involved in musical theatre, circus and dance workshops, or a bumper three-day drama camp. There are also workshops in directing and lighting design, and a robotics workshop for creative minds! You can find out more: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/by-genre/workshop

From tasting the King’s feast, to Tudor music, falconry and jousting displays you’ll have a day out to remember as you travel back to 1533 when Henry & Gertrude Courtenay invited King Henry VIII for a visit to West Horsley Place. There’s the chance to meet Henry VIII from July 29th to August 1st and quiz him on anything you like in a unique experience. Booking essential for the ‘meet & greet’. Find out more and book at Meet Henry VIII | West Horsley Place

Boutique music festival Weyfest is made more special than any other festivals by the setting. This is not a music festival in a muddy field, this is a music festival at the Rural Life Museum in Farnham. What other festival can boast historic buildings, an arboretum, four stages of live music over four days, August 15th-18th, and you can ride round the festival on the railway! Full details and tickets at weyfest.co.uk

Get into the woods and go wild with amazing outdoor experiences for children aged eight to 11 at Painshill Park on selected dates from July 23rd to August 22nd. Full details and booking at Painshill also has a wealth of outdoor theatre for you to enjoy through the summer with Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan on the programme. Find out more and book at Events at Painshill.

‘A truly royal way to travel! For an exceptional day out, head into Windsor town centre and jump on the French Brothers Riverboat. Take in the picturesque River Thames, before enjoying an evening at Royal Windsor Racecourse. Book via windsor-racecourse.co.uk for admission, return riverboat, and two drinks, all from £49.50.

Ahoy! Mermaids & Pirates are coming to The Square, Camberley, from July 24th to August 31st. There’ll be children’s shows, pirate and mermaid themed crafts and land lubbers can follow a treasure trail with prizes. Shiver me timbers it’s all free! A play pirate ship will amuse the children in between visiting big brand stores and unique independents. Visit thesqcamberley.co.uk for more information. 

The British Motor Show returns August 15th to 18th, offering a weekend of family fun and amazing experiences in Farnborough. Keep the whole family entertained with an amazing mix of driving experiences, supercars, live arena shows, fairground rides, celebrities and of course, cars. It’s more than just a motor show, it’s family fun redefined! More details and booking at thebritishmotorshow.live/ 

With new areas and luxurious experiences, BSpa at Brooklands Hotel has everything you need to unwind, relax and refresh your mind and body. Prepare to be truly pampered with a variety of state-of-the-art facilities to restore health and wellbeing and treatments offering the perfect balance between innovative and classical therapies. You will leave with your mind and body feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and energised. More at brooklandshotelsurrey.com/bspa/ 

Three Peaks Barfield is known for its action-packed activity parties and are launching the ultimate combat laser tag experience. Get adrenaline-pumping action like never before! The brand-new laser tag parties offer combat laser tag with top-of-the-line equipment for an unforgettable experience. Gear up, strategise, and unleash your inner warrior in the most immersive laser tag arena around. Are you ready to dominate the battlefield? Visit barfieldpst.org/birthday-parties for more information. 

Join The Phoenix, Bordon, for a spectacular weekend of music, dancing, craft workshops and fun in the summer sun on July 6th & 7th. Whether you’re looking for free eco-friendly activities for the kids, a relaxing evening of al fresco classical music or a Sunday session fuelled by a gang of rowdy sailors, The Phoenix Arts Festival has it all, phoenixarts.co.uk 

Grab your picnic gear and enjoy the glorious grounds of South Hill Park this summer for relaxed, outdoor theatre fun. There is something for all ages this summer with The Gondoliers on Friday, 26th July. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, Friday, 2nd August and The Railway Children on Friday, 16th August. More details & to book visit southhillpark.org.uk/whats-on/shows-events/ 

Become a heritage trail explorer at The Vyne for the day. Everywhere you look there’s archaeological evidence to be found. See what you can find using a free spotter sheet available at reception, July 13th to 28th.  

Illyria perform the much-loved family story The Adventures of Dr Doolittle on July 12th when Dr Dolittle learns how to talk to animals. He embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals. Booking essential, visit ticketsource.co.uk/illyria 

The Festival of Archaeology returns this year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of The Council of British Archaeology and this year’s theme is community. Go along to Hinton Ampner for finds handling, excavation activities, tours, geophysics demos and much more, July 13th to 28th. 

Mottisfont has a charming exhibition and activity trail running from July 20th to September 29th of John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories. Discover over 60 original illustrations including favourite stories and characters such as Mr Gumpy, Avocado Baby, and Oi! Get Off Our Train! There are comfy reading zones for kids to snuggle into with a book, colourful blown-up scenes for family photos, and dressing up inspiration. Look out for the life-size ‘magic’ bed that transports young imaginations to far away worlds, inspired by Burningham’s classic story The Magic Bed. An energetic activity trail weaves through Mottisfont’s gardens, introducing families to more characters, with games and challenges to complete. £3 per trail. 

Roll up, roll up and have fun at Hinton Ampner’s summer of circus from July 20th to September 1st. Have a go at circus yoga and show off your flexibility, wander down Circus Street and guess who lives behind each door and test your skills on the South Lawn where you will find juggling, balancing and hooping challenges to test your big top talents! 

For an energetic day out, all ages can enjoy bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens at The Vyne throughout the summer holidays, July 24th to September 1st. 

Pack up your picnic rug or camping chair and find your spot to enjoy outdoor cinema at The Vyne. Choose from Pretty Woman, August 1st; join the Grease sing-a-long on 2nd; The Greatest Showman sing-a-along on 3rd and Top Gun on 4th. Booking essential for these, details at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events 

Get your tickets for The South Downs Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park for awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows, animal petting zoo, children’s rides and fun zone, country life stalls, beer tent and catering with live music and much much more… on  August 10th – 11th. More details and tickets at southdownsshow.com/ 

Enjoy a day out with Thomas & Friends on The Watercress Line in Alresford, August 21st to 25th. Take a ride behind Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters, and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement! New this year are two Rusty & Dusty outdoor entertainment shows with Sir Topham Hatt, Percy, Diesel and Toad. Terence the Tractor will be visiting too. Book at watercressline.co.uk/special-days/day-out-with-thomas/ 

This summer at The Shed expect loads of free kids’ activities, a free family friendly music festival, a beer festival with live music and a whole host of delicious treats to keep everyone happy. With free parking for two hours during the day (and after 6pm) as well as a lovely park for picnics and a play area for the kids, The Shed always has something on offer for those ‘what shall we do days?’ More at theshedwb.com  

The mini children’s festival of curiosity, Fiesta, is back between 13th July and 2nd September at Winchester Science Centre and this time Olympic and Paralympic fever has hit. Outside, join the fun family Bug Olympics activity that will see families and groups of friends take on the bugs of the South Downs and beyond by competing in some Olympic and Paralympic inspired events. There will also be a chance for children to create their own opening and closing ceremony inspired by the stunning natural environment of the South Downs. Back inside, families will be able to delve into the curious world of our bodies in The Science of Us zone and during a brand new live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise. 

Start the summer holidays off at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens. The Selborne attraction will be celebrating Gilbert White’s 304th birthday with free admission for one day only on the 20th July between 10.30am and 5pm. The museum becomes a festival that evening with UK Fleetwood Mac, a polished band of experienced and accomplished musicians who come together to create the perfect homage to everyone’s favourite 70s rock band. With a remarkable sound, authentic look, and set-list jam packed with hits from Dreams to The Chain you’ll be singing Don’t Stop before you know it! Join family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready for the party of a lifetime at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens. Tickets and further details at gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk 

Enjoy your summer however you spend it! 

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David Walliams’ Awful Auntie goes live! 

Round & About

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Surrey

David Walliams invites us all to enjoy a new production of his fourth book at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre from July 4th to 6th and tells us about his collaborations with his fellow Little Britain co-creator & star Matt Lucas

Watch a sneak preview of Awful Auntie in our new podcast, Spotlight: A Diary For The South East, out on YouTube now.

Bestselling children’s author David Walliams and the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company have teamed up for a new production of the family adventure Awful Auntie. This is their latest collaboration in a series of shows which includes the Oliver Award-nominated Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy.

So how does David feel about Awful Auntie, his fourth book, being translated into a play by this talented lot? He says: “It’s a thrill. They’re the kings of doing family shows and so I’m really lucky I can trust them 100% with it. With this story you have to be very imaginative moving it from the book to stage because it’s a book on a big scale. You’ve got a ghost, you’ve got a killer owl, you’ve got a car chase. The show has to be spectacular, funny and thrilling, and it is.

“Neal [Foster] is a writer, director, actor, and he adapted the book, he’s directed it and he’s starring in it… a very humble man! I’ve realised what an amazing part Aunt Alberta is: a female part played by a man so one day I’d like to play Aunt Alberta, but I can’t commit to a production for practical reasons like being a dad and having to do others things. But I’d like to.”

Speaking of cross dressing, does David have anything in the pipeline with his Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas? “Me and Matt Lucas started our first show in Edinburgh in 1995, nearly 30 years ago. In fact, Matt recently sent me a picture of Jackson’s Lane Community Centre which was our very first gig and he said ‘wow 29 years ago’. That’s how long we’ve been in each other’s lives! We did a show in Edinburgh and we took it on a small show of art centres and little theatres. That was quite exciting and then we did a Little Britain tour which was on a much bigger scale.

“Me and Matt are working on a brand new show together with brand new characters. So that’s exciting because as much as I love writing on my own books, it’s very rare that it’s collaborators writing the same story together. I’m working on a cartoon series of Gangsta Granny and I’m writing a movie screenplay of Slime for Nickelodeon. We have a few other bits and pieces in development, a film of Fing from one of my books so there’s loads of activities that flow from the books that’s more than just writing the books. So, there’s lots to do, we’re working on a Gangsta Granny musical, all kinds of things. That’s one of the incredible things about writing books, the book is not the end! Can it be a play? Can it be a TV series? Can it be a movie? A Gangsta Granny theme park ride?!”

“Me and Matt are working on a brand new show together with brand new characters.”

“Normally when I’m writing I’m thinking about them as films. Something I learnt from reading Roald Dahl was that if you can make your villains equally funny and scary then you probably are on the right path. In Awful Auntie there’s a giant owl called Wagner who can fly after Stella the heroine and pick her up and fly off with her as if she is a bit of prey. It’s fun to come up with things that are pretty surreal and still scary but within safe boundaries.”

David says he’s inspired by his son who often comes up with ideas when they’re at park… “Sometimes he gives me great ideas – he gave me the title and the idea for Mega Monster, which came out a few years ago, but the problem is he does want 50% of the royalties!”

You can catch Awful Auntie, which is adapted and directed by Neal Foster, (assistant director/movement director Richard J Hinds, designer Jackie Trousdale, lighting by Jason Taylor, sound by Nick Sagar and the music by Jak Poore) on the following dates in the South East:

4th-6th July at New Victoria Theatre, Woking 

25th to 27th July at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham 

19th to 22nd  September Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury 

31st October to 2nd November at Milton Keynes Theatre 

7th to 10th November at New Wimbledon Theatre 

Tickets are available from the theatre box office and via Birminghamstage.com 

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Grayshott Folk Club favourites

Round & About

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Surrey

Grayshott Folk Club are delighted to welcome back award-winning trio Harp & a Monkey

Award-winning song and storytelling trio Harp & a Monkey specialise in poignant, uplifting and melodic short stories, original and traditional, about everyday life, love and remembrance – the extraordinary ordinary.

Expect songs about everything from Medieval pilgrimages to bare-knuckle Victorian boxers and naked lifesavers at Grayshott Village Hall, Headley Road, GU26 6TZ on Friday, 28th June at 7.30pm.

The Mancunian outfit’s work has been described as ‘bold and brilliant’ by The Observer, ‘fantastic’ and ‘fascinating’ by Mark Radcliffe on BBC Radio 2, ‘inventive’ by Mojo magazine, ‘excellent’ by The Guardian, and ‘unique’ by folk legend Mike Harding.

With four acclaimed albums under their belts, the multi-instrumentalists (banjo, harp, accordion, guitars, glockenspiels and more) are regulars on the national concert circuit and guarantee poignancy, humour and great audience rapport at their live shows.

They have delighted us with their charm and wit here at Grayshott in the past (March 2018, September 2019), and it’s been far too long since we persuaded them to travel back down here – making this a show you will not want to miss.

Check out Harp & a Monkey here: Harp and a monkey Soldier’s song (youtube.com)

Tickets £15. Available (in person only) from Grayshott Post Office, by phone with Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096 or Harp And A Monkey Nr. Hindhead, Surrey Tickets

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