Meet Wallingford artist Sarah Le Fevre, whose work and community spirit brighten the town…
If you’ve moved in Wallingford’s creative circles, you may already know local artist Sarah Le Fevre. Her vibrant mixed-media work often carries subtle echoes of the Thames.
Having lived in Wallingford High Street for eight years, and previously in Crowmarsh Gifford, the river has quietly shaped her style; flowing, layered, full of story.
Sarah, who is also a game designer, is inspired by nature and living with neurodivergence.
She lives with one “naughty, Bengal-adjacent” cat, who provides equal parts chaos and inspiration.
When she’s not creating art, she’s building community in other ways – especially through her passion for board games.
“Art helps people connect again. Creativity gives us space to breathe.”
She runs her own open game night at the Comrades Club on the second Tuesday of every month, and she’s also a regular at the Wallingford Boardgame Society at Hithercroft.
“All are welcome,” she says.
“The joy of games is that they bring people together across ages, backgrounds and moods.”
Supporting local makers is also central to Sarah’s world. She gives a heartfelt shout-out to Ed at the Elyssian Collective, who proudly displayed her work when she first found the courage to share it publicly.
The Wallingford Arcade is another favourite haunt, especially the infamous junk shop. “It’s not junk,” she insists. “It’s found objects for making art!”
When it comes to food and drink, Sarah knows exactly where to go.
Avanti remains her go-to restaurant – “always a great meal and a wonderful experience,” she says, thanks to Luca.
She also praises Dave and Emma at The Cross Keys for excellent ales and lively quiz nights.
And for the best afternoon tea in town? “Phil and Laura at the Wallingford Tearooms, every time.”
Looking ahead, Sarah is excited for ArtWeeks, both as a participant and an enthusiastic art-seeker. She finds endless inspiration in the community spirit of Wallingford’s festivals, especially Bunkfest and the town’s fireworks displays.
“There’s something wonderful about living somewhere with such strong, positive shared experiences,” she says. “That sense of belonging flows into my work.”
Sarah is also part of a collective of artists exploring new ways to make art more accessible.
“We want to get beautiful, original work into more homes,” she explains.
They’re looking to collaborate with interior designers and property dressers, as well as offering payment plans, flash sales and workshops to help people access art they love – including bespoke commissions.
And her wish for the world? “That we move away from polarisation and back to civil discourse. People are so angry. Art helps with that – truly.
Making space to be creative gives people somewhere to put the things they can’t always say.”
It’s a sentiment that captures Sarah’s work perfectly: thoughtful, connective and rooted in community.
David Crawley, chairman of Faringdon Twinning, invites everybody to a Welcome to Twinning evening on Friday 6th March 2026, and enjoy another year of amitié.
Faringdon Twinning celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, but 2026 is already shaping up to be another joyful year of friendship, culture and connection with Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe in Normandy.
On Friday 13th February 2026, there’s the ever-popular French film night; tickets are available in advance at Faringdon Information Centre (£4pp, £3 u18s, family ticket £10), or pay just £1 more on the night.
Everyone is invited to the informal Welcome to Twinning evening, from 7pm until 9pm on Friday 6th March 2026, in the Barbour Rooms.
Enjoy a free glass of wine and nibbles, and find out more about what Twinning is all about.
May brings a much-anticipated visit from French friends, who will stay in Faringdon Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th May, with plenty of socialising, good food and shared celebrations planned.
In July, the much-loved Youth Exchange returns, offering local children aged 12–16 the chance to experience French family life, make new friends and enjoy a packed programme of activities – all for just £125, including travel, food and trips.
The highlight of the year is the visit to Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe, Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th August, when members travel by coach and ferry to stay with welcoming host families. It’s a weekend filled with laughter, shared meals and genuine friendship, with costs at about £170 per adult.
Find Faringdon Twinning on Faceboook or visit faringdontwinning.org.uk to keep updated.
Tom Kingston invites you to join Wantage Choral Society — a warm, welcoming choir offering joyful music-making, community spirit and concerts year-round.
Singing is so enjoyable, and as Dr Michael Mosely told us, it is also good for mental and physical health.
I have always sung in choirs, and as a boy treble, performed Britten’s War Requiem in Coventry Cathedral and elsewhere, and particularly enjoyed singing at the Albert Hall performance and in the subsequent recording of Mahler’s 8th Symphony with the LSO, conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
As a student, I sang in the College Chapel choir, and later – having moved into a village in Hertfordshire – I joined the local Choral Society and sang happily with them for many years.
We moved from there to Wantage in 2020, between Covid lockdowns, so we had to wait a while before we could meet people at all.
The first relief was the opening of the Tennis Club, but I was glad later when it was also possible to gather inside, and I could join the Wantage Choral Society, a friendly group of about 60 men and women. This was a great way of getting to know more local people, as well as having fun singing.
We have recruited a talented Director of Music, Hannah Zaki, and accompanist, Gabriele Damiani, to lead us, and we sing an interesting variety of music, with three concerts a year.
The summer concert is usually lighter music, with nibbles and a drink in Letcombe Regis Village Hall, while the other two concerts are a variety of works, classical and modern, with instrumental accompaniment and are performed in Wantage Parish Church.
As an example, last November we sang Finzi In Terra Pax, Pergolesi Magnificat, and Saint-Saëns Christmas Oratorio, with orchestra, harp and organ. These are three interesting pieces that were new to most of the choir.
“Singing is so enjoyable — and Wantage Choral Society makes it even more fun.”
In March, we will be singing some better-known works – Haydn Te Deum, Mozart Vespers K339, and Vivaldi Gloria.
If you like choral singing and would like to part of the fun, please come and join us as we are looking for new members.
There are no auditions, so you can turn up on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, at Wantage CE Primary School (near Manor Park), or email us following the links on wantagechoralsociety.co.uk to tell us you are coming or for more information. We would love to see you.
Alternatively, do come and listen to us at our concert on Saturday 21st March 2026 at Wantage Parish Church.
Millie Bridger’s life changed beyond recognition six years ago, here she shares her moving and inspirational story.
Six years ago I was living my dream, training as a professional dancer in London; then, my health changed and took everything.
I was later diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, PoTS, gastroparesis, intestinal dysfunction and many more complex conditions that have brought more than 15 surgeries, two battles with sepsis, and many long hospital stays — including seven Christmases and New Years spent in hospital.
I live with multiple feeding tubes and am connected to a medical pump for 22 hours a day. A quiet reminder of how fragile and precious life can be.
Rather than giving up, I decided to use what I’d been through to help others. I founded milliebridger.com which began as a small personal blog and has grown into a space where people living with chronic illness or disability can feel less alone, understood, and supported.
Through help guides, support groups, advocacy work and an online support community called ‘Finding Happiness, Together’, my goal is to help others rediscover confidence and purpose and to remind them that life can still hold meaning and connection, even when it looks completely different to what they imagined.
I’ve learned that when your world stops, the world around you keeps turning. You don’t get a choice but to keep going. When I lost my health and the identity I’d built as a dancer, I had to rebuild myself from the ground up.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped fighting to be the person I was and started embracing the person I’ve become. I’m still Millie, but now I live slower, smile wider, and find beauty in places I never used to look.
Illness gave me a perspective I never would have found otherwise. I’ve learned that joy can exist alongside pain, that meaning can survive loss, and that strength is often quiet. I’ve found light in hospital rooms, hope through community, and purpose in helping others find a way through their own darkness.
I also volunteer with Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, collaborate with charities and brands on accessibility and inclusion projects, and visit local schools and hospices with my therapy dog, Ralph.
Earlier this year, I joined Champions Speakers Agency to continue raising awareness through public speaking, sharing messages of hope and resilience.
Greenham Commons has gone from military base to wildlife sanctuary. Join them as they mark a special anniversary with unique performances on September 13th & 14th
Celebrate 25 Years at the Greenham Common Arts Festival
Take a journey across Greenham Common at the Greenham Common arts festival. Here, aerial circus, dance, street theatre, and music bring the site’s rich history to life. This festival marks 25 years since the common returned to public ownership. It celebrates its transformation from a military base to a wildlife sanctuary and a peace protest site. Visitors can explore the unique stories that make Greenham Common so special.
Outdoor Performances at the Greenham Common Arts Festival
During the two-day Greenham Common arts festival, enjoy captivating performances throughout the site. Highlights include Nandita Shankardass’ Roots to Rise and the Gossamer Thread Circus with Becoming FERAL. You can also see works commissioned by 101 Outdoor Arts. Furthermore, meet characters like Adderlaide, the spirit of the common, and Heath and Heather Robinson in The Common Room. Plus, experience the magical storytelling walk Common and folk songs inspired by the resilience of peace camp protesters.
These performances offer a unique blend of history, art, and community spirit, inviting everyone to engage with Greenham Common’s past and present.
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Arts & Crafts Celebration at Greenham Common
The festival also features the Festival of Arts & Crafts at The Base from September 13th to 27th. It begins with a two-day arts and crafts fair showcasing over 50 local stalls. Visitors can join creative workshops and explore an exhibition of local artists’ work. This is perfect for anyone wanting to bring home original art from the Greenham Common arts festival. The atmosphere is vibrant, lively, and perfect for families and art lovers alike.
Start your festival adventure at Venture West in Greenham Business Park. Enjoy a vibrant celebration of community, history, and creativity at the Greenham Common arts festival — a must-visit event this September.
Imagine That Productions are bringing the community together for inspiring entertainment as Amanda O’Brien shares with news of their next production The Sound of Music
From Singing Lessons to Full-Scale Productions
When Philip and Amanda O’Brien founded Imagine That Productions Haslemere, they dreamed of staging full musical productions with a cast of local singers. What began as Haslemere Singing Studio in 2011 has grown into a community-led theatre company known for delivering high-quality shows.
Just ten years later, that dream came true with the launch of Imagine That Productions Haslemere as a Community Interest Company (CIC). Today, the group promotes excellent singing and stages ambitious, professional-quality shows supported by the local community.
A Special Bond with Haslemere Hall
Haslemere Hall has played a key role in the success of Imagine That Productions Haslemere. Philip, an operatic tenor, and Amanda, a classical mezzo-soprano, had both performed at the venue before meeting each other.
Now married with two children, they often share the stage as a family—joined by many friends and fellow performers from the area.
A Decade of Memorable Performances
The company’s first production, The Mikado, was a fitting choice—it was first performed in Haslemere over 100 years ago. Since then, Imagine That Productions Haslemere has presented a vibrant mix of operettas and musicals.
Shows like Die Fledermaus, Iolanthe, Oklahoma!, and Kiss Me Kate all require strong vocal technique. More recently, the group has embraced family-friendly hits such as Oliver!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (yes, the car barely fit through the Hall’s fire doors!), and The Wizard of Oz.
Philip proudly adds that performers include children, adults—and even dogs. Last year, his own Jack Russell played Toto.
Haslemere Comes Alive with The Sound of Music
This summer, the hills of Haslemere will truly come alive with The Sound of Music. The show features a revolving stage, expert lighting by Kevin Wright, sound by MCPG, and choreography by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Reece Millard.
Philip says, “The Sound of Music is an exciting project. It’s a great chance for local amateur singers to work alongside professionals. We aim to deliver a production of the highest quality—created by and for the Haslemere community.”
As well as putting on full-scale theatrical productions, Imagine That can also be booked for private events – performing music from across classical music, operetta and music theatre. The Sound of Music is at Haslemere Hall on Friday 22nd & Saturday, 23rd August (2.30pm & 7.30pm). Tickets at £14-£18 and can be purchased here or 01428 642161
It’s party time at the Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham with three days to celebrate another successful hop harvest
Hop Harvest Party weekend, September 12th-14th, will be bigger and better than ever with three days of fun, music, food and of course, beer and more.
Kicking off the Hop Harvest Party Weekend on Friday is the sensational Hogs Back Roots live music session with headliners The Shires, the country music, singer-songwriter duo. They are supported by Bryony Dunn and The Forest – expect “alt folk with hard edges, or indie rock with a soft centre” and local singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Emma Stevens with her catchy pop melodies, fused with folk and a touch of country.
Saturday brings the Hop Harvest Festival with music from Chilli Fighters, Noel Fitzpatrick Band, The Tarantinos, The Cinelli Brothers, Katy Hurt, Stop Thinking and Festival MC stand up comedian Patrick Monahan.
The three-day party winds down with a more relaxed family-friendly day with music from Ed Sheeran Experience, John Wilson Band and Hannah Dorman. The Kids Zone will be bigger and better than ever, with loads of fun for all the family.
The Hogs Back Bar will be serving a full range of Hogs Back and One Planet beers, including the legendary Tongham TEA, Hogstar Lager and Alcohol Free Little Swine Pale Ale, plus wine, gin and soft drinks. Look out for the pulled pork, BBQ, pizzas and much more. Vegan and gluten free options available.
For tickets for any of these great days visit here.
Pedal power will be at the forefront of this year’s Farnham Charity Bike Ride next month
Get Ready for the Farnham Charity Bike Ride 2025!
Chained to your bike or ‘all the gear but no idea’? No matter your cycling experience, the Farnham Charity Bike Ride has a route for you.
Pump up your tyres and oil your chain for Sunday, 21st September, when cyclists of all levels will ride through the stunning Surrey and Hampshire countryside.
Now in its 16th year, the Farnham Charity Bike Ride offers something for everyone. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow riders and, most importantly, ride to support great local causes!
Routes for Every Rider
Choose from four looped routes: a family-friendly 16 miles or a scenic 25-mile route across rolling hills. For more experienced cyclists, take on the classic 50-mile ride or challenge yourself with the tough 75-mile route that includes Butser Hill—the highest point in the South Downs.
Supporting Local Causes
The ride benefits several charities, including The Hedgehogs, St Andrew’s School PTA, and the Royal Surrey Charity Cancer Centre. The Hedgehogs, founded in 1959, is Farnham’s local charity dedicated to helping people in need. In the last decade alone, they have raised over £300,000.
A Community Effort
The Farnham Charity Bike Ride began in 2009 when parents at St Andrew’s School needed funds for a new roof. Since then, the event has grown significantly. Many teachers and parents volunteer during the ride to help with registration, marshalling, and refreshments. Furthermore, riders can fundraise for charities close to their hearts, making the event even more meaningful.
Fuel Up and Celebrate
Along the route, refreshment stops will offer the famous flapjacks and other tasty treats to keep you energized. Additionally, cheerful marshals will support you throughout the ride.
Everyone will start and finish in Farnham, where you can claim your medal and join the post-ride celebrations.
This year, get involved with the Farnham Charity Bike Ride and pedal for a purpose!
To get involved and find out more please visit here.
RHS Healer’s Hollow explores the use of plants as medicine in a feature garden at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
Discover RHS Healer’s Hollow: Celebrating Plant Folklore and Healing
Inspired by centuries of plant stories and traditional herbal medicine, RHS Healer’s Hollow invites visitors to reconnect with nature. This garden shows how plants have helped people’s health and wellbeing for many years. Moreover, it highlights the natural healing power of plants and old wisdom.
Meet the Creators of RHS Healer’s Hollow
Award-winning designers Emily Grayshaw and Jude Yeo from Inspired Earth Design in Godalming created this garden. After winning two gold medals and a Best in Show award at earlier RHS events, the RHS asked them to design this special garden. Their work focuses on the strong bond between people and plants, showing how nature can heal us.
Healing Stories Told Through Garden Design
The garden centres on Gaia, a wise healer who lives off the grid in a handmade shepherd’s hut. Through Gaia’s story, visitors learn about both old and new ways of using plants for health. For example, the garden is a calm space filled with plants known for their healing and traditional uses. It encourages everyone to explore natural remedies that have helped people for centuries.
A Closer Look at the Garden’s Features
Emily and Jude worked with local artists to create many garden features. These include botanical artwork, natural materials, and the handmade shepherd’s hut. Each element serves a purpose and tells part of the garden’s story. Additionally, the designers consulted a historical herbologist and a medicinal horticulture lecturer. Their expertise helped ensure the garden’s authenticity and educational value.
Bringing Healing to the Community
After the festival ends, parts of RHS Healer’s Hollow will move to Farncombe Community Garden near Godalming. This space, supported by local doctors, promotes social prescribing. It encourages patients and community members to engage with nature for better physical and mental health. In fact, their goal is to foster “growing community wellbeing” through gardens and green spaces.
Enjoy the Arts & Crafts 2025 exhibition in Bampton until 25th July, with affordable art to browse, too!
Art For All: Discover Creativity at West Ox Arts’ Art & Craft 2025
West Ox Arts (WOA) lives by the motto Art For All. This year, the West Ox Arts exhibition called Art & Craft 2025 invites you to explore a wide variety of creative work by members and friends. The exhibition showcases an exciting mix of mediums including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glasswork, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, and wirework. Together, these pieces create a vibrant celebration of artistic expression.
In addition to the main gallery, the exhibition space features a gallery shop. Here, you can purchase smaller items, such as jewellery, textiles, and art cards. These are handmade or printed from the artists’ original works.
WOA encourages visitors to meet the artists in person. This is a great chance to learn about their inspirations and connect with the creative minds behind the art. Whether you want to discover a new favourite artist or find the perfect piece for your home, this exhibition offers something for everyone. Most importantly, it invites you to enjoy the joy of artistic discovery.
Artists participating include Alison Fagg, Maggie White, Anne Lowe, Melanie Phillips, Sharon Rich, Liming Chen, Mora Abell, Chris Tebble, Kashmira Patel, Rupert Booth, Jenny Baxter, Melissa Orrom Swan, Liz Bryant, Pauline Carter, Felix Wilkinson, Jilly Wilkinson, Lynne Fisher, Neil George, Katerina Wild, Katheryn Dyche, Dinah Trowbridge, Judith Parker (Holder), Lindsay Viner, Judith Towle Jones, Ruth Gerring, Chris Dyche, Kevin Scully, Linda Benton, Esther Hepworth, and Philippa Norris.
The WOA gallery in Bampton is open 11.30am-4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is free and lift access is available. Click here for more information. WOA is a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting the arts in west Oxfordshire. Interested in becoming a member, exhibiting your work, or volunteering with WOA? Email the team on gallery@westoxarts.com.
