Chiltern Made gifts at The Elgiva

Liz Nicholls

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days out

Liz Nicholls

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The fourth Chiltern Made artisan gift fair in Chesham on Saturday, 30th November is a great chance to shop for goodies crafted with love by Bucks creatives

One of the highlights of the year returns to The Elgiva for its fourth outing, running 10.30am to 4pm.

This vibrant fair brings together 35 hand-picked artisan makers and artists, showcasing some of the finest craftsmanship the Chilterns has to offer. Explore unique, high-quality gifts, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, handmade produce, glass art, hand weaving, blacksmithing – and much more. It’s the perfect chance to support local creatives and discover one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations for your loved ones (or yourself…) and celebrate local talent!

Chiltern Made organisers Liz Turner and Laura Collins, who are makers themselves, say: “As always, it was a challenge to choose from so many amazing applications, but we’re confident that visitors will love this year’s fair. Along with some fantastic new makers, we’re also welcoming back a few returning favourites. It’s going to be a wonderful event!”

These include Widmer End-based Create Your Happy, Marie Jones who specialises in felt and embroidery work and stocks DIY needle felting kits and Chesham jewellery maker Made to Scale. You can also enjoy contemporary, affordable fused glass pieces from JHS Glass designed and made by Jenny Hoole and wood-lathed pieces and bird boxes, bat roosts and more crafted by Chris at Holmsdale Wood.

Run by Anna, Wildflower Botanicals is an independent Chesham-based business offering natural products for wellbeing and Heidi H Studio makes and designs contemporary jewellery and wall art.

Entry is £2.50pp, and there’s a café on site and car park outside. For info visit Home – Elgiva Theatre Chesham

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Half-term horrors

Karen Neville

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days out

Karen Neville

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There are plenty of Halloween activities and ideas to entertain your little monsters this holiday

From glorious autumn colour to Halloween fun, there’s lots for everyone to enjoy at a National Trust place near you this autumn. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours at Winkworth Arboretum. soak up the far-reaching views at Leith Hill and Hindhead Commons and bring the little ones for spooky fun at Hatchlands Park and Claremont Landscape Garden.

There’s spine tingling spooky fun to be had at Hatchlands Park with a pumpkin hunt in the garden for younger ones and spooky fun in the house. You can also follow a Halloween themed trail at Hindhead Common.

Join a spooktacular fun run at Dapdune Wharf on Saturday 26th and test your fitness as darkness falls in a 2k run around the haunted wharf and island. Dressing up encouraged. £5 per runner. Booking essential. Visit River Wey & Godalming Navigations │ Surrey | National Trust. You can also explore the stars and space at the wharf, make a mini rocket and create your own constellation.

Help Sarah the Spider find her boots the mischievous mice have hidden at Winkworth Arboretum, Oct 19th-Nov 3rd. Based on the Sarah the Spider children’s books by Hilary Robinson. Find eight activity stations themed around friendship and a very friendly spider who loves to dance.

Conjure up some spooks and spells and get those cauldrons bubbling at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Tuesday 29th at a Halloween themed workshop for 5-7 year olds. Book at Spooks and Spells 5-7yrs | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (yvonne-arnaud.co.uk)

Celebrate pumpkin week at Secretts Farm, Milford, October 19th & 20th and 25th to 30th. Dress to impress in the Halloween costume competition and try the pumpkin-themed menu.

Discover beautiful, handcrafted designs from over 75 talented makers at the festival of crafts, now in its 28th year. Well-established in the craft calendar and part of Farnham’s October Craft Month, the event, October 12th & 13th, champions great design, craftsmanship and skill. With hand-picked exhibitors, browse stalls showcasing a variety of media from textiles and print to homewares and jewellery. Expert-led talks, drop-in craft activities and bookable workshops. More at festival of crafts | Farnham Maltings

October is a wonderful time to visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens; perfect for autumnal walks, fascinating exhibitions and the café is open to all, with a great array of hot drinks and gorgeous cakes. Plus this October Gilbert White’s House has a packed half term schedule with a pumpkin trail around the garden, owl themed twilight tales for the little ones, craft and story telling. To see everything that is on offer visit Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World

Take your ghouls and goblins to The Otter Nursery, Murray Road, Ottershaw from October 21st to November 1st and join the thrilling word hunt. It’s free and everyone gets to take home a prize. There’ll also be pumpkins available!

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Summer daze

Round & About

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days out

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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Sizzling summer ideas

Karen Neville

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days out

Summer holidays and longer warmer days are just begging to be filled with fun and with so many attractions and events to enjoy, you’re spoilt for choice

Bracing yourself for cries of “I’m bored, what can I do?” Don’t fret, there are so many activities and events on offer to entertain the little ones and not so little ones this summer, they’ll soon be wanting time to just do nothing!

Find activities near you:
Surrey
Buckinghamshire
Oxfordshire
West Berkshire & Wiltshire
Berkshire
Hants

Surrey

Hatchlands Park is bringing everything but the sea to Surrey this summer. Children will love dressing up and captaining the straw bale boat in the Walled Garden complete with ship’s wheel and bell! There’ll also be games and sports on the lawn and early years play by the new donkeys’ stables. Inside the house, discover extracts from the letters between Admiral Boscawen and his wife, Frances and explore the fascinating stories of some of the sailors who sailed with the Admiral. Plus outdoor theatre in the evening! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/hatchlands-park

Journey back through British motorsport and take a trip in a vintage-style car up the infamous Test Hill or along the Members’ Banking of the old race track at Brooklands Museum near Weybridge.

There are animals to view and pet at Godstone Farm, hop on-board the popular tractor ride, explore the indoor and outdoor play areas or simply enjoy the cute farm animals. Want more animals? Merrist Wood near Guildford has recently been granted a zoo license, so this summer you can get up close to an amazing array of animals.

Here’s a different but charming way to spend a day during the hols. Meet The Llamas at Merry Harriers where every Saturday you can dine and meet the furry creatures. The trekker will take you to the field where you can feed them, stroke and learn a little about the lovely herd of 12 llamas. Book at [email protected]

Bucks

For a more relaxed day out explore the woods at National Trust property Hughenden during the school holidays with geocaching. Compete against each other in garden games or croquet on the lawn. Dress up in costumes for the performance stage area and get creating in crafting workshops. Booking not necessary for the Summer of Play which runs from July 22nd to September 4th.

Buckinghamshire’s much-loved family arts and literature festival, WhizzFizzFest, is back for 2023 and this year it’s going on tour over three weekends in July sharing the creative activities and memorable experiences all on the theme of friendship. Sunday 2nd, WhizzFizzFest
@Aylesbury on Sea with Aylesbury Town Council lands in Vale Park bringing a vibrant celebration of children’s creativity alongside plenty of beach-based fun at Aylesbury on Sea. Saturday 8th WhizzFizzFest @Desborough Carnival with High Wycombe BIDCo for a celebration of music and culture, free creative workshops, circus performances, street entertainment and more. WhizzFizzFest at Hats Off Chesham with Chesham Connect celebrates Chesham’s High Street, with added creative fun for all the family. Music, magic shows, crafting, climbing walls, giant bubbles and more on Saturday 15th – just don’t forget your hat!

Zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings are the challenges in store at Go Ape Wendover Woods. High up in the Chilterns, the leafy hideout is a hidden gem in the county and includes an ‘extreme’ site where you can take on the thrills and spills of the Chilterns Crossing and the Monkey Shuffle among other feats. Tree Top Adventure gives younger adventurers a chance to battle through obstacles and fly down zipwires with over 30 different crossings and two 80m zipwires for your little monkeys to try out.

Oxfordshire

Experience the thrill of being a medieval falconer and get up close and personal with magnificent birds of prey. Witness these graceful creatures soaring through the air, diving for their prey, and showing off their incredible hunting skills in Oxford Castle & Prison’s Castleyard on July 22nd. Join Knight School this summer there too. Don your armour, sharpen your sword and prepare to set out on a quest. Join in the Castleyard for medieval weapons training, jousting and archery – all under the supervision of the Castle’s knights. Once you’ve been trained, you will be knighted and presented with your own sword to take home. Select dates between July 24th and August 14th.

Abingdon’s Abbey Meadows is the scene for The Puppet Theatre Barge, one of the UK’s most unique venues, a 50-seat puppet theatre inside a converted Thames barge. The theatre will visit Abbey Meadows this summer with their new show The Selfish Giant, a puppetry production for all the family from July 22nd to August 13th.

Cogges Manor Farm‘s legendary Beer and Cider Festival is back with a bang on August 5th. Join them for a celebration in the Barns, for the 10th annual festival. Try over 40 different craft beers and 15 ciders, with live music to get the crowd dancing if the beer doesn’t help to loosen your inhibitions. The historic farm is also the location to enjoy summer theatre in the barn with Wind in the Willows on July 9th while Illyria bring Pride and Prejudice to the lawn on July 11th and Robin Hood on August 23rd.

Keep younger members of the family amused with Oxford Playhouse shows during the holidays including Zog, July 18th to 23rd, with his adventures through dragon school; go on an interactive adventure around the brain with Mind the Monsters at BT Studio, July 19th to 30th for 5-11 year olds. Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is the ultimate curiosity adventure with monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore. Shake your wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party from August 15th to 26th for 2-7 years.

West Berks & Wiltshire

Wildfest 2023 on July 15th is BBOWT’s summer celebration at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham. Guided walks, talks, music and family activities will fill the day, with local food and drink to enjoy. The newly-refurbished visitor centre offers a fun day out while the lakeside location is a haven for wildlife, woodland and trails to explore. bbowt.org.uk

The beautiful surroundings of Shaw House are the setting for a Summer Fair on July 16th where you can browse over 45 craft stalls from local makers with hot food and drinks from local caterers. Live music, craft activities with Ugly Duckling Pottery, performances from Mr Muddle the Magician and children’s rides will add to the fun and don’t forget your four-legged friend to enter into the dog show.

A monster truck display and rides, a motorcross display team, skydiving and aerobatic flying displays, hot air balloons, arena displays, live music and fireworks are all part of the attraction at Newbury Summer Fest on July 22nd, new for 2023. This big family day out is the way to start your summer holiday.

Top Gun: Maverick screams across the open air big screen at Cobbs Farm, Hungerford on July 22nd and there’s Shakespeare in the Garden the same night at The Hinds Head, Aldermaston when four actors will play numerous parts in Open Bar’s production of Twelfth Night.

Berkshire

All summer long you’re invited to come and play at Basildon Park. From July 1st to August 31st, take part in a variety of outdoor play activities. Test your skills on the wild play trail, where you can balance on logs, create your own ball run, and explore the great outdoors. Or try your hand at some lawn games, perfect for a family friendly competition. For the more active family members, there are a range of outdoor games to keep you moving. Don’t forget to take a picnic and enjoy a break in the beautiful grounds. Go along and join an adventure-filled summer at Basildon Park.

Building Royal Connections: Three women of Greys Court is a new exhibition running at the charming Henley property from July 20th until the end of October. Learn about the exceptional lives of three women, and how their influence contributed to the shifting landscape of Greys Court. Enter the worlds of Lettice Pennyston (c.1485-1558), Katherine Carey (1523-69) and Lettice Knollys (1543-1634).

Silent Summer Screenings are your go-to outdoor cinema for an unforgettable movie experience this summer. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out, a family-friendly activity, or just fun with friends there are a variety of movies to choose from including at Henley’s Mill Meadows where you can enjoy Notting Hill on July 13th and Cool Runnings on July 14th.

Hants

Here’s a great way to get the summer off to a spectacular start. The Vyne Music Festival runs at the popular National Trust site from July 7th to 9th with three nights of music featuring Feel Good Friday when The FB Pocket Orchestra come complete with all of their electronic gadgets and the Still Moving DJ’s with their upbeat vibes, live percussion, ships’ lanterns, original vinyl records, gramophones, tankards and…dinosaurs! Absolutely Elton John takes to the stage on Saturday with a Gin & Jazz Party rounding off the weekend when you can grab your pearls and party like it’s 1929! Booking essential, https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events

The Vyne is also the setting for some fabulous outdoor cinema in July. Watch Elvis, 28th; Dirty Dancing, 29th; Top Gun, 30th and Mamma Mia, 31st. On August 5th join the star-crossed young lovers Romeo and Juliet as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to take your seat under the night sky. Bring your picnics, blankets, camping chairs and torches to the north lawn for an evening of lively entertainment. Book at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events/d865e0b2-8794-48f2-a1b1-38f149970531?origin=search

This summer, join young Mary Lennox on a journey of discovery as she is sent to her uncle’s house in the countryside, where mysteries and secrets lurk around every corner in The Secret Garden… As she makes new friends and encounters magical creatures, Mary has one burning question: where is the location of her uncle’s secret garden, and where has he hidden the key? This enchanting story, loved by children and adults alike, is presented in the historic surroundings of Winchester Cathedral’s Lower Deanery Garden. Relive this tale of secrecy and curiosity in what will be one of the highlights of the summer on July 29th. Book at winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/the-secret-garden-by-chapterhouse-theatre-company/

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Autumn leaves and fiendish fun

Ellie Cox

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days out

It may feel as if the children have only just gone back to school but already it’s time for half term. So, if you’re in need of some ideas to amuse them and save your own sanity, read on…

This time of year may be the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, but it’s also the time for ghostly goings-on when things go bump in the night and you can’t help bumping into a pumpkin or two!

There’s a whole week full of pumpkins at Secretts at Hurst Farm, Milford from October 22nd to 29th. Pop along and pick your own to take home. They’re priced by the diameter so bear that in mind when tempted to go for the biggest. Pick up an activity sheet and join in a scavenger hunt. If the fleshy orange squash is to your taste, then tuck into the pumpkin menu of soup, curry or a slice of spicy pumpkin cake.

In the lead up to Halloween, RHS Wisley invites you to delve into the world of deadly plants and bugs. With fun family activities from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th. Follow the trail around the garden to explore how everything from cacti to centipedes defend themselves and their habitats. Meet all kinds of bugs and get stuck in with craft and planting workshops. Design a deadly bug or start growing your own carnivorous plant at a workshop and find out more about the wicked plants and wildlife who make Wisley their home.

Magic and mischief abound on The Watercress Line this Halloween with spooky fun galore to keep the kids entertained. Travel on the Wizard Express steam train, walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the railway footbridge and explore the Harry Potter style coaches in the siding at Alresford. Get up close to hairy, scary creatures, take part in a broom making demo and much more. As well as unlimited train travel between stations. And why not dress up as a spooky character for the chance to win a prize?

There’s a week of spooky make and take craft activities at the Rural Life Centre, Farnham from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th. With the popular pumpkin carving on Saturday and Sunday. Pre-booking essential for this.

If you’ve ever accused your children of being air heads let them revel in this at Brooklands Museum this October half term, at their Air Heads extravaganza where you’ll find all manner of activities to keep them entertained. Join in the Build a Paper Aircraft Family Workshop and watch it fly. Pedal planes will run from the paddock for under 5s. Become a detective and solve clues, decode messages and search for hidden objects to claim a prize.

Fairy Doors will be in the Painshill landscape from Saturday 22nd until November 13th. Discover the secret series of doors hidden around the woodlands and lake. As you wander the route you will see the best spots for autumn colour. Enjoy some stunning trees, collect autumn leaves and celebrate the season. Keep your eyes open for the fairies!

A new after dark trail awaits visitors to Polesden Lacey from October 20th to November 6th with IGNITE. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the gardens at night guided by flickering flames and glowing tunnels of trees, with magical illuminated installations along the way. Nestled in the Surrey Hills, the Edwardian gardens of the estate are the perfect setting for this exceptional after-dark experience.

An autumn stroll through the ancient woodlands and parkland at Hatchlands Park is a joy at this time year. The beech woodland creates a delightful haze of gold and yellow and the native wild service tree, with its vibrant red leaves glows against the sky. There are various way-marked routes to follow and if you need a little help to get around, book an all-terrain Tramper personal mobility vehicle.

There’s a weird, wacky, and wicked Halloween trail to follow at Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming. From Saturday 22nd to Monday 31st where you can uncover the spookier side of trees on a haunted trail around the arboretum. Did you know fungi is closer to an animal than a plant? There’s a tree that smells like candyfloss? Or that some trees can grow fingers? Discover all this and more…

Take part in an autumn colour hunt throughout the month at The Vyne. Search for reds, golden yellows and rusty browns hidden in the grounds using the autumn colour hunt key. Intrigue and curious conundrums are part of the Halloween riddle trail from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th when little ones can also hunt for witches, wizards, cats and toads exploring the gardens with the aid of trail sheets. A chocolate treat awaits at the end.

Spot the pumpkins hidden across the Pleasure Garden and have fun strolling through crunchy leaves at Petworth from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th. Search out seasonal colours and different leaf shapes at Petworth that are marked on the colour catcher chart. Collect what you find, then help create deer shaped wild art installations by attaching your leafy collections to the animal models.

Gin lovers listen up! Did you know there’s an award-winning distillery in the beautiful village of Ripley? Distillers Of Surrey are a family run business on the picturesque Papercourt Lake, Polesden Lane. If you’re yet to discover this hidden treasure, check out their opening times at www.distillersofsurrey.com or book one of their popular distillery tours where you’ll be welcomed with a G&T and enjoy an interesting tour. Younger ones aren’t forgotten with spooky Halloween craft to enjoy on Saturday 29th.

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Autumn leaves and fiendish fun

Ellie Cox

Posted on

days out

It may feel as if the children have only just gone back to school, but already it’s time for half term. So, if you’re in need of some ideas to amuse them and save your own sanity, read on…

This time of year may be the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, but it’s also the time for ghostly goings-on when things go bump in the night and you can’t help bumping into a pumpkin or two!

Come and explore the first-ever pumpkin patch at The Earth Trust Centre at Wittenham Clumps from October 22nd to 30th. Pick your own direct from the field on the farm and try not to get lost in the maize maze. Get your boots muddy and your hands grubby, as you and your little ones have fun with one of our favourite autumn harvest vegetables. Morning and afternoon sessions. Booking essential.

A spooky, fun-filled, after dark trail awaits all the family this half term at Blenheim Palace, 21st to 30th, complete with new installations for 2022. Join with family and friends to wander from dusk into darkness between one ghostly space and another… if you dare! Watch out for flickering flames in a fiendish fire garden, daring fire artists and grinning pumpkins. Wind your way through the illuminated haunted woods filled with creepy neon cobwebs, ghastly ghouls, wicked witches, larger-than life spiders and beastly bats. Then discover the Secret Garden filled with more hidden surprises. Could it be a trick of the light or do things really go “bump in the night”?

Join fascinating, free, family-friendly events at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford this half-term. The Festival of Social Science is a celebration of creative, challenging, and inspiring work that social science researchers do to help us understand and influence the world around us. Hands-on activities are led by real-life social scientists. Discover the future of going to the doctors, explore what better cities could look like, uncover hidden histories in the museum’s collections – and much more! Find out how the researchers are helping to make the world a better place. Just drop in on 29th and 30th.

Hear spooky stories from 1,000 years of gruesome history come to life during a Spooky Tour at Oxford Castle on October 15th and 21st to 31st. Are you brave enough to visit one of the most haunted places in the UK? Explore the vaulted well chamber, visit the punishment cells and go underground into the dark and spooky crypt. Watch out for ghostly visitors revealing themselves! Underground in the crypt, a cauldron is brewing; with the help of the castle’s resident warlock you can concoct some magical potions with three exciting activities in this hour-long workshop on selected dates.

Take part in the Waterperry Halloween Hunt throughout October half term, 15th to 30th. Follow the trail through the historic gardens to claim your prize at the end.

Follow the clues around the mysterious world of Tumblestone Hollow and the Gardens at Stonor to win a chocolate prize (or an alternative treat) on the Moon Witch’s Halloween Adventure. Folk of Tumblestone Hollow will be reading stories from The Moon Witch and The Thief and giving away spooky temporary transfers. There will be pumpkins galore and ghoulish surprises in this magical spot.

Corn Exchange Newbury and 101 Outdoor Arts and The Base Greenham are excited to be presenting a range of fabulous shows, events and workshops to keep families and little ones entertained this October half term! From shows like Fireman Sam, Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science and a stage adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s The Dark on stage, and spooky screenings of Halloween classics in the cinema, to crafty workshops and fun art courses across the Learning Centre, 101 and The Base, including pumpkin carving and Halloween themed t-shirt printing – it’s going to be a fang-tastic half term! Find out more at www.cornexchangenew.com

Enjoy a free guided tour at the Living Rainforest this half term and explore the theme of ‘poisonous and venomous’ in keeping with it being Halloween. The centre is home to more than 850 species of plants and animals and visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest environment.

Children can enjoy some autumn crafts in the barn at the historic site of Avebury, as well as a half-term family trail from 22nd to 30th.

LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat presents Monster Party, where the LEGO® Monsters are taking over this October. Join them at the Brick or Treat Monster Party to celebrate their fantastic new 4D Movie The Great Monster Chase!. There’ll be amazing new experiences, live shows, fantastic LEGO decorations and lots of Monster mischief.  The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort will be transformed into a pumpkin-filled wonderland for what promises to be the most frightfully fun event of the year.

Big friendly spooktacular family fun is promised at HalloWellyWeen at Wellington Country Park from Saturday 22nd until Sunday 30th. Enjoy daily shows and story telling at The Witches Show Tent, comedy duo Big Foot and PeteZa in The Not So Spooky Show Tent, get face to face with creepy crawlies in The Lost Jungle and carve a pumpkin in The Pumpkin Patch. The pop-up play village, Halloween themed miniature train and new for 2022 Junk Jodie with recycled Halloween crafts will all add to the entertainment.

Explore the lost village of Stowe as part of the Halloween trail at the National Trust property during October half term, expect some chants and spells along the way together with rare opportunities to explore the spookiest of Stowe’s monuments, the Gothic Temple on 29th and 30th.

Follow the paths of the Wicked Witch Trail around Lamport Garden on a spooky exploration from Saturday 22nd to Monday 31st. Help find the ingredients for a secret Stowe potion, learn some chants and spells, and enjoy the magical colours that can be found there.

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Celebrate autumn with the National Trust

Karen Neville

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days out

As autumn swoops in, it’s not just Keats who was in love with this atmospheric season, the National Trust is too, find out more about what you can enjoy

Ask anyone what sets autumn apart from the other seasons and they’ll almost without fail say the colours – the kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, oranges, russets and bronzes – that fills the landscape are a sight to behold and none more so than at Basildon Park, Stowe and Hughenden.

Take the orange or green walk through beech woodland to see the colours at Basildon Park near Reading, the Grecian Valley at Stowe serves up a splash of colour while Hughenden manor is awash with seasonal shades across the Chiltern valleys.

We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing

The balcony at Basildon Park, dahlia garden at Greys Court near Henley and under the arch at the ruin of the cascade at Stowe all provide the perfect frame to your autumn snaps bathed in the glory of the natural light of the season.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away so you’ll be more than ok if you visit Hughenden where very day is apple day – not only can you learn about the 40 varieties of old English apple they have there but you can also help with the hay making or find out more on a fungi trail.

Credit: Hugh Mothersole

We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing – do you favour the high kick to watch the leaves fall to the ground or a flat-footed swipe to hear the rustle or perhaps you like to go full on ‘snow angel’ and really immerse yourself in autumn? All the above places are ideal to indulge in this.

Another sure sign of autumn are conkers, their shiny brown casings are jut begging to have string attached ready for battle but before you do that, take a moment to admire their form and gather up as many as you can from the surrounding woodland at Basildon, Stowe and Hughenden among others, An old wives tale portrays them as useful in warding off spiders which may come in handy for Halloween at the end of the month.

On October 31st, thoughts will turn to spooky tales and you can summon up the atmosphere at Chastleton, near Moreton in the Marsh, which is exactly as it was 400 years ago – take a behind the scenes tour on October 25th or follow the Halloween trail at Stowe in the half term which explores the lost village of Stowe complete with chants and spells along the way and visit the Gothic Temple if you dare on 29th and 30th.

Find out more

See the National Trust’s website www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Core values

Liz Nicholls

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days out

Alison Bloomfield offers a slice of apple knowledge ahead of Brightwell cum Sotwell’s Apple Day on Saturday, 15th October.

When someone mentions apples you might think of apple crumble or the healthy bit of your lunch or cider from Somerset. You might have seen glorious pink blossom in spring or trees along roadsides full of fruit in autumn.

All of these represent just a fraction of the world of apples.

Oxfordshire might not be a famous fruit growing county like Kent or Herefordshire, but traditional apples are being rediscovered in the south of the county. The combination of geology, spring lines and soil type in this part of Oxfordshire are perfect for growing apples. From the late 1800s until the mid-1970s, orchards extended in a line from Harwell in the west to Ewelme in the east, growing all kinds of “top fruit” – apples, pears, plums, and cherries. Many of these original old trees ended up in gardens or abandoned in orchards no longer being farmed. These trees can be over 100 years old and keep on producing blossom and fruit even if they are no longer needed or loved.

But there is now a resurgence of interest in local food and heritage farming.

Community orchards

Many communities are planting orchards in their schools, allotments, village greens or new housing developments. To be classed as an orchard all you need is a minimum of five fruit trees. In London there is an orchard on a canal barge and an orchard was planted at the Olympic Park! Brightwell cum Sotwell villagers planted their community orchard in 2014 and since then more villages have planted their own, such as Blewbury, Appleford, and Long Wittenham and two have been planted this year right in the heart of Wallingford.

It can be great fun researching and choosing which varieties to plant in a community orchard and this provides an opportunity to ensure that heritage varieties continue to be grown throughout the country. The message of healthy eating, local food miles, and preserving heritage farming is a strong driver for locals and enthusiasts to plant valuable fruit for the future.

Apple Day

Apple Day is now an established countrywide autumn harvest event celebrated in villages, towns and even in large cities. It could be in both newly planted, or abandoned orchards (sometimes rediscovered by accident). It is a fun way to celebrate everything and anything to do with the apple harvest. Often there is traditional pressing to make juice, cider tasting, apple cake competitions, and a formal display of the different varieties grown nearby. The best bits are usually all the apple harvest games – pin the maggot on the apple, toffee apples, apple printing, apple bobbing, decorating chocolate coated apples, and, of course, the longest peel. A particular challenge can be the apple and spoon races!

What’s in a name?

Apples do not grow true from pips. If you plant a Bramley seed (pip) it will not produce a Bramley apple. The fruit produced from that seed will be a completely new variety.

Some of the wonderful names might be the name of the grower, some local dignitary or the town, or some characteristic of the apple. Pitmaston Pineapple, King of the Pippins, Chivers Delight, Peasgood Nunsuch, and Beauty of Bath conjure up pure whimsy. Would James Grieve, Revd. W Wilks, Charles Ross, Lord Derby, Lord Lambourne, William Crump, and Arthur Turner be on the local cricket team? Might Ingrid Marie or Annie Elizabeth be the name of a wife or sweetheart?
So, if you are thinking of planting an apple or a pear tree in your garden find a supplier of heritage varieties and have fun choosing one that suits your garden space or taste. The apple trees seen growing along roadsides might be a happy coincidence of motorists throwing their cores out of the window. Why not try growing your own tree with your next apple?

All welcome!

You will all be welcome at Brightwell cum Sotwell Recreation Ground, OX10 0RT (turn down the side of the Red Lion pub) for free Apple Day fun, 11am-4pm. There is going to be a great apple harvest this year as there are masses of apples around in gardens, old orchards and the community orchard too.

The most spectacular feature will be Paul Chilton’s stunning display of up to 100 varieties of apple that are grown in the village. Laid out the length of the pavilion you will see apple varieties dating back to the 1700s all the way through to those we know in the shops today. Egremont Russet, Spartan, Blenheim Orange, Annie Elizabeth, Edward VII, Peasgood Nunsuch, and Norfolk Beefing, to name just a few as well as the more well known Katy, Cox and Bramley.

There will be the fabulous apple and juice tasting as well as chutneys and cakes competitions; a bit like a food court focussed on apples! We will be picking masses of apples to press but why not bring some of your own and add them into the mix. Bring along some bottles or cartons and take away some really lovely juice – for free. A great way for kids to get their five a day!

We will have tours of the community orchard and there will be plenty of children’s activities! All apple-themed of course – pin the maggot on the apple, bobbing apples, apple face painting, apple printing, decorating chocolate apples are always great favourites.

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Trail blazers!

Liz Nicholls

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days out

You can admire Surrey Sculpture Society’s talents at Savill Garden thanks to the Art in the Garden exhibition from 21st September until 1st November.

Marrying the vibrant colours of autumn with an equal variety of sculpture, this exhibition has become an annual event at The Savill Garden, one of Britain’s finest ornamental gardens.

Its 35 acres of gardens are perfectly sited within the boundaries of Windsor Great Park at Englefield.

This year, Art in the Garden Exhibition features 45 artists exhibiting more than 60 sculptures, all set off perfectly by the garden’s stunning seasonal highlights.

Visitors can expect the traditional and the experimental, from moving and thought-provoking to dainty and bold pieces, on a journey of discovery and enjoyment.

Surrey Sculpture Society chairman says: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the team at The Savill Garden to stage what has become an annual highlight in our calendar. It would be hard to improve on the gardens themselves, however, yet again the team have devised a new and intriguing trail allowing the sculptures and landscape to complement each other beautifully. We are thrilled to be able to showcase our artists’ work to the public in such a prestigious and welcoming venue.”

The society’s trail designer Dawn Conn adds: “I’ve been privileged to design this curated event that prides itself on showcasing and selling unique sculptural pieces in this beautiful outdoor setting. I’m excited to present the huge diversity of materials and mediums used in the sculptures: from stone to bronze, jesmonite to glass, mosaic to metals, rubber to resin, along with an increased focus on sustainability using more reclaimed timber, upcycled metal and recycled bronze.

Visitors can expect the traditional and the experimental, from moving and thought-provoking to dainty and bold pieces, on a journey of discovery and enjoyment.

Find out more

The Savill Garden is at Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UU. Admission to the sculpture exhibition is included in entrance to The Savill Garden. For further info visit

windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/the-savill-garden

and follow @WindsorGreatPark on Facebook, @WindsorGtPark on Twitter and @windsorgreatpark on Instagram.

Also visit surreysculpture.org.uk, follow @SurreySculptureSociety on Facebook and @surreysculpturesociety on Instagram.

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Makers & shakers!

Liz Nicholls

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days out

Local businesswomen Libby Witney & Chloe Blair tell us more about the RenARTgades Modern Makers Fair – the next one is Saturday 3rd September!

Libby & Chloe wanted to bring more attention to the amazing local makers and encourage people to shop small whenever they can.

They knew each other from going to markets with their individual businesses. Chloe, whose business is Peaches and Tea, is a polymer clay artist who makes jewellery, accessories, DIY kits and teaches workshops at various local locations. Bright and colourful earrings, focusing on bold shapes and designs are Chloe’s speciality.

I never have a plan of what I want to make, I just start making and follow the journey

She says: “I just make whatever makes me happy, what colours I’m drawn to at the time and go with the flow! I want to make things that make people happy – both the person wearing them and the people who notice them! I want to make art for your ears, I never have a plan of what I want to make, I just start making and follow the journey.” Everything is handmade in her Newbury studio and even her small children have shown an interest in clay, the colours, and the need for quality cookie cutters…

Libby is the owner of Magpie and the Mob, an online colourful shop of awesome things for your home and life, all 100% made and designed by independent UK makers. She also runs workshops with The Ugly Duckling Pottery Cafe where you can learn how to paint different styles of lettering on your pottery. The idea for Magpie and the Mob began during the 2021 lockdown, while Libby was teaching art remotely to her secondary school students. “I made it my mission to try and support all these makers who bring me such joy online, by buying from them and spreading the word in a time where physical markets weren’t allowed. When my husband said to me that I didn’t have the space or money to keep doing this, I turned it into a business! And it became Magpie and the Mob!”

RenARTgades attracted more than 700 visitors to their last event, with stall-holders saying it’s just what Newbury needs.

If we don't support local businesses, they disappear

We ask Libby (LW) & Chloe (CB) to share their love for local…

Q. What do you love about this area?
CB: “The people! There are so many people who appreciate the tiny businesses we showcase and understand the importance of shopping small to keep these brilliant businesses running.”

LW: “We’ve both lived here all our lives, we went to school here and grew up here. I love being this close to the canal and lovely places to walk, as well as some amazing local business where you will find me spending a lot of my time!”

Q. Why should we all support local?
LW: “People are always saying we need more independents but if we don’t support local businesses, they disappear. It’s so difficult for small businesses at the moment with the increasing prices, let alone having to compete with large companies, there are far too many billionaires in the world that don’t need our money!”

CB: “We have more bills and taxes to pay than Elon Musk! Your money to him is a drop in the insanely deep pond, to small businesses it’s dinner for tonight and fuel there and back to get the weekly shop – they need it and vastly appreciate it more than the bigger brands!”

Some countries around the world have even started prescribing creative activities to help people with their mental health

Q. Do you think we all need more colour and creativity in our lives?
Both: “YES! Every single person has the ability to be creative, you just need to find your outlet. There are so many benefits to getting creative, some countries around the world have even started prescribing creative activities to help people with their mental health. The world can be so grey and miserable.”

Find out more

The next RenARTgades fairs at The Globe Garden, Newbury, RG14 5HB, are on Saturday, 3rd September, 29th October (a Halloween special), 19th November (Christmas lights switch-on) and Friday, 16th December (evening Christmas fair + live music).

Visit peachesandtea.co.uk and magpieandthemob.co.uk and follow @peaches_and_tea_ @renARtgades and @magpie andthemob on Instagram.

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