Get set glow!

Karen Neville

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Marlborough

Karen Neville

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As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead

Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. There’s still a few days left to discover the breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy at Welford Park near Newbury. Explore the night-time wonder of Welford Park through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the stars until November 10th. Book at Spectacle of Light | Welford Park

Stourhead has been enhanced by the curated trail featuring the stunning Christmas Cathedral, in which more than a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape. New features this year include a Sea of Light stretching into the distance, larger-than-life snowflakes suspended in trees and Light a Wish, which fills the air with giant, floating dandelion seeds. You’ll be surrounded by a sea of light and feathers floating in the night sky from November 29th to January 1st. Book at Christmas 2024 | Stourhead | Wiltshire | National Trust

Create magical memories at Longleat as you journey through time at the Festival of Light with a Roman chariot, mammoth, dinosaurs and an Egyptian pyramid as well as a dragon boat from the Shang dynasty. The highlight will feature Longleat House transformed as part of an immersive video display. Travel through time from when dinosaurs roamed to the present day with an appearance by Elizabeth I. The display November 9th until January 5th features more than 1,000 lanterns. Tickets at Longleat

Be part of the Corn Exchange’s Festival of Light on Sunday, 15th December and help transform Newbury town centre into a twinkling wonderland. The procession will travel along Northbrook Street before arriving in the Market Place with live music and a festive atmosphere. In the run up to the event, join a lantern making workshop, November 30th – December 8th and create a traditional pyramid lantern out of willow and paper ready to carry in the procession. More details & booking at Lantern Making Workshop | Corn Exchange | Corn Exchange Newbury

The illuminated outdoor Christmas Trail in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. Wander the picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer to discover a place where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and Christmassy sounds fill the air with festive fun. Inspired by the natural world and festive themes, the illuminations have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the festive season. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles, shimmering tunnels of light and vibrant woodland lakeside displays. November 15th to January 1st. Booking essential Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market

The family-friendly illuminated light trail at Cotswold Farm Park is a wondrous night-time experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations. The lights will guide you on an enchanting stroll through the park after hours along the picturesque trail. Enjoy thousands of lights Nov 22nd-24th, Nov 29th-Dec 1st, 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 18th-23rd and 28th-31st. Book at A Magical Enchanted Light Trail On The Farm | The Cotswolds

The elves are busy at Bucklebury Farm creating the most magical experience for you to enjoy this Christmas time. Book your grotto slot with Santa, select dates from 7th December. Book at Buy Father Christmas at the Farm Tickets online – Bucklebury Farm

Christmas comes to Marlborough on November 29th with the festive market and lights switch on. The following day brings the chance to shop for gifts at the Christmas fair at St Peter’s selling a range of products, from hampers and gifts to candles and infusers, local gins and natural skincare, handmade textiles, glass crafts and art. 

Newbury gets into the Christmas spirit with the lights switch on (6pm) and a day of festivities on November 16th before finishing off with the official Lights Switch On Afterparty at Newbury Racecourse. The artisan Christmas market starts the day with unique and handmade gifts on offer. From Inch’s Yard to the Market Place and the Waterside Centre, the town will be filled with the sound of music and live performances throughout the day.  

The Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza is a highlight of the area’s festive calendar on December 13th. The town becomes a Victorian-era wonderland, complete with fairy tale Christmas lights, steam engines, entertainers, charity stalls, food stalls, The Rock Choir, and Elsa, Anna and Olaf. The festivities kick off at 5pm with a Christmas street fair of stalls, Santa’s grotto, Christmas horse carriage rides, steam engines, festive food and drinks, big wheel and fairground rides. There’s also an indoor Christmas market in the Town Hall offering crafts, honey, cakes, cheese, chocolates and liqueurs, jewellery, glassware, knitted accessories, smoked trout, books, pies, pastries, cosmetics and organic oils. 

One of the most popular Christmas markets  and not just in Wiltshire is Bath Christmas Market which returns from Thursday, 28th November until Sunday, 15th December.  Meander through the cobbled streets of the heritage city centre of Bath, soaking in the festive atmosphere whilst browsing some of the best independent makers for the South West and beyond. Bath Christmas Market is a free, open-air event that is sure to get 
you in the festive mood. 

This Christmas, discover a wonderland of light and festive cheer at the historic Town Gardens, Swindon as you embark on the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail. Wander through a magical backdrop of illuminated trees, discover a 
trail of remarkable light art sculptures, low level soundscapes, interactive illuminations and a specially commissioned light show. Follow the trail from November 29th to December 24th. Book at Events for 29/11/2024 

Hop aboard The Rose of Hungerford for an hour-long trip where everyone meets Santa and the children all receive a present. For more & to book visit The Rose of Hungerford – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Take a trip on the Jubilee at Newbury which will be cruising to Greenham Land to find Santa. Enjoy a Christmas story, singing and time with Santa on the one-hour trip with a gift. More at Jubilee – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Both trips available on selected December dates. 

At the home of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre at Coleshill, explore this makers market to discover artisan gifts hand made by local crafts people and craft course providers. Browse locally handmade crafts, gifts, and much more. Bring the kids along to enjoy some festive children’s activities too on Sunday, 24th November.  

Steam into Christmas at Didcot Railway Centre and help Santa find his missing reindeer, November 30th and selected dates in December. The reindeer have escaped and are lost, he needs them to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. You’ll receive a special passport and stocking as you enter as well as a small gift at each reindeer station. On December 17th book for a very special one-man show, A Christmas Carol features Gerald Dickens, Charles’ great great grandson. Book at Didcot Railway Centre

The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis near Wantage is offering a fixed price Festive Dining Menu from November 29th until Christmas Eve from £35pp. Private dining rooms available for larger groups. Wreath-making courses available 29th & 30th November. Stuck for a present idea? Buy a Greyhound Gift Voucher for a range of dining or stay experiences. All details at Home – The Greyhound Inn or call 01235 771969 to discuss your requirements. 

Looking to create a hamper as a gift or for the perfect party fare? Gastro Nicks in Collingbourne Ducis is an Aladdin’s Cave of charcuterie, antipasti, cheese, chutneys, pasta, pesto, sauces and oils not to mention the wines, Champagne and sparkling wines to accompany it all. And no Christmas celebration would be complete without a slice of delicious Panettone. Add a touch of the Med to your festivities, shop at gastronicks.co.uk 

And finally, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without that great British tradition, the panto… oh no it wouldn’t! Corn Exchange Newbury is staging Dick Whittington, the tale of the lad who went to London in search of his fortune from November 29th to January 5th, Book at Dick Whittington Pantomime 2024 | Corn Exchange Newbury

More next month in our panto special! 

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Play at Marlborough Cricket Club

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Hugh Norris is a youth coach and committee team member at Marlborough Cricket Club where they’re looking for junior members and hoping to start a girls’ team

Marlborough Cricket Club is located on the edge of Savernake Forest, in the beautiful market town of Marlborough – hence our club nickname of ‘The Trees’. From our ground you can enjoy stunning views of the Wessex Downs.

We are dedicated to promoting cricket and providing a welcoming, and inclusive environment for all. Whether you have experience, or are completely new to the game, Marlborough Cricket Club is the perfect place to have fun, hone your skills, make lifelong friendships, and enjoy everything the game offers on and off the pitch.

Growing our junior section

Several of our current first team players started their cricket in our Junior section.

We are passionate about providing cricket opportunities for youngsters in the town and are actively seeking new Junior members.

We offer both soft ball and hard ball cricket and all coaches are ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) qualified, DBS checked, and first aid trained.

Our focus on girls’ cricket – free taster sessions

The women’s game has thrived in recent years, both on and off the pitch and are keen to play our part in helping grow the girls’ game.

We’d love to hear from you if you would like to play, as we look to establish Marlborough CC’s first girls’ cricket team.

We are offering free taster sessions throughout the summer and have plans to add a girls’ team training night too, subject to levels of interest. No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided, so do get in touch!

Our junior groups

‘All Stars’ (ages 5-8) and ‘Dynamos’ (8-11) takes place on Fridays at 6pm over 8 weeks.

Junior training for under 11’s, 13’s and 15’s takes place on Mondays from 6-7.30pm.

Off the pitch

We offer many opportunities to enjoy the social side of cricket too. We have our own pavilion, bar and barbecue and organise socials at the club and beyond through the summer and winter months.

We offer many opportunities to enjoy the social side of cricket too. We have our own pavilion, bar and barbecue and organise socials at the club and beyond through the summer and winter months.

We look forward to welcoming you. Just reach out to us using the contact details below.

Email: [email protected]
Location: Savernake Forest Ground Marlborough SN8 3HN
Find us at – What3words: banana.grinning.thread

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Marlborough LitFest announces first event

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Sir Simon Russell Beale, will discuss his memoir with Emma Smith

Marlborough LitFest celebrates its 15th year in 2024 from 26-29 September and the festival programme is currently being put together to provide an exciting mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s authors and free family activities over the festival weekend. The first announcement for the 2024 line-up is LitFest Patron, Sir Simon Russell Beale, talking about his memoir, A Piece of Work, on the evening of Sunday 29 September.

Sir Simon Russell Beale has had a longstanding and stellar career both on stage and screen. The critically acclaimed actor was knighted in October 2019 and won a Tony Award for his role in The Lehman Trilogy in 2022. He now lives in Marlborough, becoming LitFest’s first Patron in 2020. Russell Beale’s first book, A Piece of Work, is due to be published on 5 September, recounting his acting career with a focus on playing Shakespearean characters.                                                                                 

Russell Beale will be interviewed at LitFest by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford, who has published and lectured widely on William Shakespeare. She has written on Shakespeare’s First Folio (1623) and is interested in the cultural impact of the playwright over four centuries. She is an associate scholar with the Royal Shakespeare Company, has contributed to radio and TV programmes and written extensively for newspapers and magazines, as well as being a published author. Her recent book, This Is Shakespeare: How to read the world’s greatest playwright, was a Sunday Times bestseller and Portable Magic: A History of Books and their Readers was shortlisted for the Wolfson Prize in 2023.

Genevieve Clarke, Festival Chair, said: “This feels like a very fitting event for our 15th festival – our patron in conversation with a top Shakespeare scholar and book enthusiast.  Meanwhile we’re working hard to bring a raft of authors to Marlborough in September to appeal to all ages and interests.”

Friends of Marlborough LitFest benefit from priority booking for festival events and a brochure in the post. The full programme will be announced in July when tickets go on sale. For more information and regular 2024 festival programme updates, see www.marlboroughlitfest.org

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Marlborough LitFest celebrates its 15th year

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The first announcement for the 2024 line-up is LitFest Patron, Sir Simon Russell Beale

Marlborough LitFest is set for its 15th year and runs from 26th-29th September and the festival programme is currently being put together to provide an exciting mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s authors and free family activities over the festival weekend. Sir Simon Russell Beale will be talking about his memoir, A Piece of Work, on the evening of Sunday 29th September.

Sir Simon Russell Beale has had a longstanding and stellar career both on stage and screen. The critically acclaimed actor was knighted in October 2019 and won a Tony Award for his role in The Lehman Trilogy in 2022. He now lives in Marlborough, becoming LitFest’s first Patron in 2020. Russell Beale’s first book, A Piece of Work, is due to be published on 5th September, recounting his acting career with a focus on playing Shakespearean characters.

Russell Beale will be interviewed at LitFest by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford, who has published and lectured widely on William Shakespeare. She has written on Shakespeare’s First Folio (1623) and is interested in the cultural impact of the playwright over four centuries. She is an associate scholar with the Royal Shakespeare Company, has contributed to radio and TV programmes and written extensively for newspapers and magazines, as well as being a published author. Her recent book, This Is Shakespeare: How to read the world’s greatest playwright, was a Sunday Times bestseller and Portable Magic: A History of Books and their Readers was shortlisted for the Wolfson Prize in 2023.

Genevieve Clarke, Festival Chair, said: “This feels like a very fitting event for our 15th festival – our patron in conversation with a top Shakespeare scholar and book enthusiast.  Meanwhile we’re working hard to bring a raft of authors to Marlborough in September to appeal to all ages and interests.”

Friends of Marlborough LitFest benefit from priority booking for festival events and a brochure in the post. The full programme will be announced in July when tickets go on sale. For more information and regular 2024 festival programme updates click here.

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Spring into Easter

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Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!

There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.

This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.

Make your way along the trail at Avebury while taking part in 10 fun, creative, and playful activities inspired by our native wildlife for the whole family. The trail takes place between March 23rd and April 14th, so go along and explore the beautiful gardens of Avebury.

Basildon Park is going to the movies, March 23rd-April 14th, as children and families become director of their own Easter movie in the parkland. Basildon Park is often seen on screen as a location in films and the 10 action stations of the Easter trail will help families create their own movie. There’ll be plenty of walking, fun games and photo opportunities to be had along the way. There are also two pre-bookable Easter wreath-making workshops on March 19th and 21st.

Follow the trail through Highclere Castle’s gardens and woodland, finding clues en route to win a chocolate Easter egg at the end on Saturday, 6th April. Show off your creations in the Easter bonnet parade, meet some of the farm animals and take to the bouncy slide in a day of family fun for all ages. Please pre-book adult tickets and confirm how many children are coming with you so Highclere can ensure every child receives an Easter egg once they have completed the trail. Donations to the chosen charity on the day (suggested donation £5) are invited when collecting a map for the Easter Trail on arrival.

Explore Shaw House and follow the clues to find all the bunnies hidden around the historic rooms on Saturday, 13th April, 11am-1pm. Themed crafts will also be available in the Activity Room. Suitable for ages 4 – 8 years old, but younger and older visitors are welcome. Suggested donation £1.

Buscot Park house and gardens reopen for the summer season on Good Friday, 29th March, and will be open 2-6pm daily over the Easter bank holiday weekend. New for 2024 is a free sculpture trail around the gardens, featuring stunning glass sculptures by Gloucestershire artists Sally Fawkes and Richard Jackson. More here.

Hop into spring with a joyful Easter egg trail scavenger hunt at Town Gardens in Swindon on Saturday, 30th March. Children will crack the code, claim delicious treats, and create lasting memories. The trail starts at the bandstand by 10am.

Celebrate new life at Roves Farm near Swindon this spring with the birth of lambs and baby goats. Boer goat nannies will be kidding from 12th March and the kids will be included in the bottle feeding sessions once old enough from around early April, perfect timing for the Easter holidays! The second lambing takes place at the farm from April 6th to 23rd. Spend some time on the viewing walkway looking out over the barn as the day’s action unfolds. You may be lucky enough to see a lamb or two being born. And of course, there will be all the usual fun on the farm with daily activities, indoor and outdoor play, tractor rides, Rugrats & Rascals sessions, meet & feed the animals & lots more.

Crofton Beam Engines will be letting off steam on March 31st and April 1st when you can enjoy a look behind the scenes over the Easter weekend.

Easter fun awaits at Bowood House & Gardens from March 29th to April 14th where the Bowood Easter Bunny has hidden 10 large eggs through the Arboretum. Find the eggs, unscramble the letters and guess the word to win a prize. On Easter weekend, March 29th to April 1st, four golden eggs will be hidden within the grounds, along with one rainbow egg each day, (Friday –  Monday inclusive). Those that find a golden egg will win a chocolate Easter Egg and the rainbow egg winner will win a Season Ticket. Book here.

Meet rare breed ponies, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ducks, geese, goats, and more at Cholderton Charlie’s Rare Breeds Farm near Salisbury. Offering a range of events and activities during the Easter holidays, this is a fantastic place to take the children during Easter. Adults will also want to stop by the Farm Shop to browse gifts and locally produced food and drink and gifts before heading home. Visit choldertonrarebreedsfarm.com

Instead of Easter bunnies how about Easter horses? Huntersfield Equestrian Centre near Faringdon hosts regular pony camps, days and rallies during holidays and mid-term breaks. Open to children between the ages of four and 16 years, no prior experience is needed, just a positive and eager attitude to learn more about horses and their care. And of course there’s loads of fun to the activities too. Find out more and book at huntersfieldec.com

Image: National Trust/Paul Harris

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Ring the changes with your wedding

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Celebrate your big day, your way, your wedding day should reflect who you are and with these trends for 2024 it shows you can ‘rip up the rule book’ and surprise your guests

Congratulations! You’ve celebrated your engagement and now’s where the fun / hard work starts. Planning a wedding is exciting and sometimes overwhelming. Why not take some inspiration from the trends for 2024 to kick start those plans for your ‘big day’…

Sustainability is a key consideration for many brides and grooms this year with couples becoming increasingly aware of the impact on the environment of ‘throw away’ items. Many will opt for biodegradable, recycled and upcycled decorations with ‘pre-loved’ dresses ticking both the eco and cost boxes. Charity shops are a great source of beautiful bargain dresses and Oxfam has a website dedicated to them, onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/bridal

Hiring is growing in popularity too for all the reasons above, older readers will remember fondly popping into high street stores for tails and top hats. Searches for ‘wedding dress hire’ have increased with specialist shops offering the opportunity to rent designer or vintage dresses. It’s only worn for one day and if you’re on a budget or are trying not to splash too much cash on one item, it gives you funds to use elsewhere. One of the key dress trends for this year is colour, expect blush or champagne hues, bold brides may even try blue or peach.

Alongside alternative colours and styles are a move towards alternative venues allowing couples to be more creative and often offering a more personal choice – beaches, barns, vineyards and even industrial spaces are becoming increasingly popular as are outdoor options. During the pandemic many couples wishing to continue with their nuptials had no alternative but to say “I do” in the open air and this is continuing especially with brides and grooms wishing to get up close to nature and celebrate in the great outdoors.

Ideally positioned within the heart of the charming historic village of Crondall, Crondall Village Hall offers a perfect setting for your magical day. Opening onto the village green and able to seat 150 guests comfortably, offering a further smaller room which can act as a bar, buffet space or a further entertaining area, a large well-equipped kitchen, parking and competitive packages, making it suitable for all requirements. Please contact [email protected]

Hand in hand with the venue will go the choice of food and again, there is an increasing trend towards less formal fare with couples reflecting their personalities with sharing platters and grazing menus. Both provide a great way for guests to mingle and break the ice, chatting over the charcuterie and cheese, wandering among warm bread and olives. Dessert bars are an original alternative to the traditional cake, choose a variety of mini options that are sure to please even the pickiest of guests, bear in mind you’ll need to cater for different diets but the possibilities are endless.

After the day-long celebration comes that precious time for the two of you to be together and reflect but don’t despair if that bucket-list once-in-a-lifetime trip isn’t possible right now, opt for a minimoon instead. Choose a nearby location and enjoy just recharging and relaxing after the hectic past few months, perhaps extend your stay at your wedding venue and enjoy what that has to offer.

Explore a delightful array of wedding gifts at Culinary Concepts, crafted to capture the hearts of the newlyweds and be treasured for years to come. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a stunning centerpiece, from beautiful barware to charming token gifts, our collection has you covered. Visit culinaryconcepts.co.uk for ideas.

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Garden Invaders

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There are many plants that can inadvertently take over our gardens, particularly weeds, but there are some beautiful plants on sale that you can wonder why you ever planted. These are my own experiences and everyone will have a different gripe, says R&A gardener Cathie Welch

Houttuynia cordata ‘Chamaeleon’ (pictured)

A beautiful plant often sold for ponds and waterside planting now rampaging in my edible border. It is edible but not very nice. It spreads underground by rhizomes and pops up everywhere gathering momentum after its winter sleep.

Bamboo

This is where it is essential to do your homework. There are bamboos and there are bamboos. Avoid at all costs the running away ones that can colonise gardens and invade those of your neighbours as well as lift up paths, destroy foundations and puncture pond liners. I tend to choose Phylostachys aurea and nigra which are clump forming with beautiful stems but they are quite high maintenance needing to be thinned and trimmed constantly. Occasionally an unwanted shoot pops up but it is important to cut it off. You are in charge of your plants and not vice versa.

Helianthus

Helianthus is the Genus which includes the annual sunflower. There are several perennial varieties that spread indefinitely if you don’t keep them in check. They also spread by underground tubers and as anyone who has grown Jerusalem artichokes on their allotment will know.

Sorbaria

This is a very pretty fern-like spreading shrub colonising the whole of Thursley common and the surrounding gardens. It is readily on sale in garden centres but never plant it in your garden unless you have the room.

Anemone japonica

I mentioned these in my last article and have battled with them in many a small garden. There are tall invasive varieties but also delightful cultivars like ‘Frilly Knickers’ which I can’t grow at all. They need a regular cull so just choose carefully.

Others

There are many other invasive garden plants like Hypericum calycinum which spreads like mad but is great for banks as is Vinca major or periwinkle. There are many Buddleias and Ivies that do not seed and are not invasive. All plants have their right place. Choose your plants and their location carefully and do a little research on your soil type as one person’s thug plant may not even thrive in your garden.

CGS Courses

Please ask for details as I am now meeting potential students for Spring Courses as well as bespoke workshops and volunteering. I can also come and teach you in your own garden and am happy to chat over a coffee at Ashdene.

Consultancy gift vouchers available too.

Website Cathie’s Gardening School: Surrey’s Garden School

Email [email protected]

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A new lease of life

Karen Neville

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Marlborough

Second Hand September, upcycling furniture and repair cafes are all fabulous ways to fall in love again with something you once cherished, not only will it save you money but you’ll be doing your bit to help save the planet too!

How often have you bought something (often on impulse) got it back home only for it to loiter in the back of your wardrobe unworn for years? It’s probably something we’ve all been guilty of at one time, so this month rather than a) buy it at all or b) leave it lurking unloved, why not get involved in Second Hand September?

Find out how to get involved where you live

Berkshire
West Berkshire & Wiltshire
Oxfordshire
Surrey & Hants

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Education Guide: Winter 2023

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As the new year starts for many it will mean a change in education or time to think about something new, read on for ideas

Click to view the interactive Schools map

Check out more education related articles

Make a splash at school

An initiative launched by The Outdoor Guide Foundation is helping provide Waterproofs and Wellies to state primary schools to allow pupils to enjoy their childhood

As a child, there’s nothing like the simple pleasure of splashing in a puddle. But to do this without being told off and getting too wet, you need the right clothing.

Sadly many children in state primary schools do not have these basic “tools” – Wellington boots, a hooded waterproof jacket and over trousers – to enable them to get out and enjoy this most innocent of pastimes.

However, thanks to The Outdoor Guide Foundation many are now being given this opportunity through the Waterproofs and Wellies Project, the first of what it is hoped will be several similar schemes from the foundation to help disadvantaged children make the most of the natural world around them.

The Outdoor Guide Foundation is the charitable arm of The Outdoor Guide, a free walking tool founded by TV presenter Julia Bradbury and her sister Gina, which aims to make the outdoors more accessible
for all.

Waterproofs and Wellies splashed onto the scene in March 2021 with CBeebies presenter Gemma Hunt launching the initiative alongside Gina. Gemma said: “I am thrilled to be supporting this wonderful initiative and encouraging more children to get outside. The kits provide the basic gear that will allow children to have wonderful outdoor experiences when at school, whatever the weather!”

The goal is to donate 10 sets of wellies and waterproofs to every state primary school in the UK – a whopping 20,000 – to make the outdoors more accessible for all, allowing youngsters to experience, understand and protect nature. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns proved the benefits of being able to get outside: educational, social interaction and empathy, enhancing wellbeing, reduction in anger, stress and anxiety, improved physical fitness and community engagement.

The Children’s Society says spending time outdoors and in nature enhances a young person’s short and long-term wellbeing. It is also known to improve mental development and personal fulfilment, all of which is endorsed by Mind, advocates of the health benefits of outdoor activities in all age ranges including a reduction in anger, stress, anxiety and an increase in physical fitness as well as a sense of balance and personal awareness.

Waterproofs and Wellies is the result of working with reputable suppliers to source the best value kit with the sale cost for the whole kit just £30. The not-for-profit project donates 10 various-sized kits to a school for them to decide how to distribute at their discretion. Schools and parents can buy extra kits at the same cost.

Julia says: “I am thrilled to be supporting this and encouraging more children to get outside in all weathers! These packs have been sourced as the basic gear that will allow children to have wonderful outdoor experiences, whatever the weather.”

If you can help, please donate at tinyurl.com/mpf62jjv

£30 – will buy and deliver one complete kit to a school

£300 – will buy and deliver 10 complete kits to a school

£1,200 – will buy and deliver 40 complete kits to four schools

£10,000 – will provide kits for schools you choose in a specific area

Teachers, to find out more and nominate your school visit theoutdoorguidefoundation.org/

Get involved

Waterproofs and Wellies are calling on businesses to help support the project too – every business which donates £300 to the initiative will receive a certificate thanking them for their gift for putting something back into the community and will be able to choose which schools they support.

Thanks to the generous donations so far, The Outdoor Guide Foundation has been able to help more than 200 schools since the launch. Businesses interested in getting involved in Waterproof and Wellies should email Gina at [email protected] or call 0203 393 5084.

View the interactive schools map

More education related articles

Learn a new skill with Oxfordshire Adult Learning

2023: The year to learn

New year, new courses

Why choose an independent education?

Applying to University – The Personal Statement

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Let us handle your care

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CareHandle is an exciting new service supporting those exploring Care Homes for the first time

If you are over the threshold and paying privately you often explore care options alone which can be daunting and frustrating, especially when you need to focus on you or your loved one’s well-being.

Looking for care can be confusing, stressful and time-consuming, the team at Carehandle are on a mission to change this by offering advice, support and insight in a personal way.

We take care seekers through a 3-step process first to listen, understand and work through possible options. Next, we help Handle the search, find options and provide a free shortlist, we check availability, costs and quality. We are with you every step of the way to support better outcomes, we can book appointments and work with the provider for the best outcomes, a large number of those in care regret the initial decision so we can help to support and get it right first time.

Don’t handle it alone contact Carehandle.

E-mail: [email protected]

Call: 01242 384938

Visit: https://carehandle.co.uk/

Our mission also supports charities and by using our services we can help make a difference in local communities.

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