Visit under land with String Nix

Karen Neville

farnham

Carol Wiltshire tells us what led her to launch her own range of eco-friendly thongs and what she loves about life in Farnham, including shopping! 

Life is so fast… But entrepreneur Carol is a campaigner for the #slowfashion movement. Earlier this year she launched String Nix, a luxury ladies’ underwear brand with sustainable heart.  

“We’re all about organic and sustainable fabrics and slow fashion,” she tells us, “because looking good and feeling good about what you wear should go hand in hand.” 

Carol lived in Long Sutton before moving to Farnham three years ago. Farnham was always our go-to for socialising and shopping living here, so when the right house came along, we jumped at the chance to settle in this charming market town” she says. 

While we don’t have any pets, Farnham Park is my personal paradise! This nature reserve and medieval deer park is a magical place where I can unwind with a walk—and who knows, maybe I’ll spot a deer or two!” 

Carol is a big fan of shopping locally. “Farnham has a couple of lovely little clothing boutiques that always manage to surprise me with hidden gems,” she says. “And this year, we’ve been blessed with The White Company and Jo Malone and there’s also Space NK – what’s not to love about pampering yourself while supporting local businesses? 

“Lion & Lamb Yard is my absolute favourite – it’s a cosy pedestrianised street filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and a fabulous little wine bar called The Wine Yard. And for a more indulgent experience, the Four Seasons Hotel is my go-to for a celebratory glass of fizz, especially around the festive season. 

“I love everything about Farnham but if I were to pin down my favourite aspect it would be the view from my back garden… rolling green fields, a flock of black sheep and the occasional deer wandering past, It’s like living in a postcard!” 

If you’re looking for pressies (or to treat yourself), String Nix promises the most comfortable thong you will ever wear… without causing harm to the world. “We believe beauty should never come at the cost of our planet, which is why we meticulously select the finest fabrics. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, uusing GOTS [Global Organic Textile Standard] certified organic cotton and GRS [Global Recycled Standard] certified recycled materials so you can be assured your purchase is making a positive impact on the world. 

“Choosing String Nix isn’t just about buying undies; it’s about making a statement. it’s about saying yes to fashion that not only looks good but also does good. With our beautifully crafted pieces, you can embrace your curves with confidence, knowing you’re supporting a brand that cares about you, the planet and the future.” 


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UCA winter market on 11th November

Liz Nicholls

farnham

An upcoming highlight at University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham invites you to shop for locally made gifts

Celebrate the handmade when you visit the Students’ Union winter market at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS.

Unearth affordable art and shop for colourful prints, handcrafted ceramics, and decorative jewellery, designed by UCA students, staff, and local craftspeople – the perfect place to pick up a Christmas gift. Entry is free.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a creative university defined by adaptability and innovation. We’re excited by change and difference, and the possibilities they open up.

Specialising in creative Arts, Business and Technology, we help students find opportunities that speak to them, and make the future their own.


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Crafts & Creativity in Farnham

Karen Neville

farnham

Farnham’s October Craft Month is an opportunity for everyone to engage with a vast selection of excellent craft events and experiences

Farnham is known for its many talented craft makers and artists and is the first region in England to be honoured with the title of World Craft Town.

Throughout the month, Farnham is hosting over 80 activities to enjoy with exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses and pop-up events, open studios and much more to get involved in.

October is the highlight of the year where you can come and meet the vibrant community of makers and skilled artisans and immerse yourself in all the activities taking place in the local area. Learn how craft plays a special role in the community and experience for yourself the positive effect craft can have on boosting your mental wellbeing.

Farnham Craft Month launches at the Old Diary at Pierrepont Farm in Frensham with an arts and crafts open day on October 5th at noon. This hub of artisan businesses will open their doors to the community and are joined by musicians, visiting artists and a variety of food and drink stalls. If you haven’t visited before, this is a great opportunity to learn more and see the crafts people in action.

Over the final weekend of October craft month, 26th and 27th, makers and craftspeople of Farnham open their studios, galleries or other venues to the public to showcase their work in the Craft Trail. Come and talk to the talented group of local artisans and craftspeople, explore their work-in-progress, listen to them share their creative processes and inspirations. Entry to each venue is free. All the artists will have original work for sale and often have cards and prints available.

And finally, the month-long celebration will end with Farnham’s first Lantern Festival. We have welcomed all parts of our community, young and old, to express their creativity by getting involved in making a lantern.

This will culminate in an event on the last day of October Craft Month, where our community will walk with lighted lanterns to St Andrew’s Church, where the lanterns will be displayed as a large-scale communal craft endeavour. We are delighted to welcome Frensham Heights School as this year’s sponsor of October Craft Month, and encourage you to book onto one of the craft activities in their magnificent arts facility.

Find out more about what’s on, details of the artists and makers taking part and to see a map of the locations, visit Farnham Craft Town


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Liphook author’s novel idea

Round & About

farnham

Born a few years after the end of the Second World War in Farnham, Ed (Peter) Johnson has seen and lived through the changes, which he, in part, gives as one of the reasons he started writing

In the 1950s you were expected to be able to turn your hand to anything, which, says Ed Johnson, has contributed to his writing.

His working career has been in electronics and technology; mending a computer in 1970 was a very different experience from working with them today, he quips.

“I had the first idea when in my 30s, but I have always taken on challenges, like starting an IT business in 1981, building it up during my 40s and selling it in 1997,” he begins.

“Next was building a car, not from a kit, which I completed in my early 50s and restoring a bungalow from the ground up in my 60s. Now in my early 70s I am using the ideas that have been developing over the last 40 years and putting them into a much less strenuous use of time, I love the challenge and becoming an author is my current one.”

Now living in Liphook he has penned his first novel in which we are invited to delve into the shadowy world of crime with the revealing exploration of the criminal underworld. Beyond the notorious crime lords and the violent realm of drug trafficking, lies a complex network of theft, fraud, and borderline legal activities. Who are the masterminds behind these operations? How do they seamlessly orchestrate crimes while remaining undetected?

In everyday life, we find plumbers, electricians, and plasterers through a simple internet search or recommendations. But in the criminal fraternity, things operate differently. Fences, who trade in stolen goods, rely on a clandestine network: one group supplies the contraband, another discreetly purchases it, no questions asked.

Imagine if this underworld also had its own ‘sub-contractors’ – skilled individuals specialising in specific illegal activities, and facilitators who connect various players in this covert market. This book takes you deep into this hidden society, shedding light on how organized crime functions with the same efficiency and connectivity as legitimate businesses.

If you’ve ever been curious about the intricacies of the criminal world and its unseen yet organized culture, this is your guide to understanding how these hidden networks operate, thrive, and evade detection. But remember it is only fiction – or is it?

Why Am I Here? Jane’s Story by Ed Johnson is published by Austin Macaulay Publishers ISBN  9781035810000 is available from Amazon and all good bookshops.

Maestro Matthew Taylor of Farnham Sinfonia

Round & About

farnham

Diana Martin tells us more about Matthew Taylor, the man behind Farnham Sinfonia

There really couldn’t be a better time to write an article on local composer and conductor Matthew Taylor, for the Oscar nominated Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro is due to show at Farnham Maltings in February…Matthew was one of Bernstein’s protégées! 

Bernstein, who is known for composing one of the most successful musicals ever, West Side Story, had an inspired conducting style which led to his big break conducting the New York Philharmonic in 1943. He was one of the first American-born conductors to lead world-class orchestras and achieve success globally. Maestro tells the audience of Bernstein’s complex life, his musical fame and his marriage.

During his twenties Matthew was selected by Bernstein as one of three conductors to attend the Schleswig Holstein Musik Festival – when young musicians from all over the world are given the opportunity to study and perform great works from the orchestral literature with famous conductors.   During the summer Matthew continued to conduct concerts with Bernstein in Northern Germany. Matthew was a friend of Bernstein’s until his death in 1990.  He recalls with amusement Bernstein’s ability to put young musicians at ease by reciting limericks, some of which were quite risqué.

Matthew felt a passion for music at a very young age when his father would play Beethoven to keep him amused rather than playing nursery rhymes.  This led to his lifelong enthusiasm with music as he became both a conductor and composer.  He says, ‘Beethoven has always been central to all my thought processes as a composer.  I still find more life force in his work than in any living composer.’

Over the years, Matthew has appeared as Guest Conductor with many renowned orchestras both at home and abroad and which included many first performance pieces by Robert Simpson, Vagn Holmboe, David Matthews and James Francis Brown.  Matthew has also held significant roles such as Artistic Directorships, Composer in Residence and Lecturer in Composition at the Royal Academy of Music.  He currently works at the Yehudi Menuhin School, supporting the development of his students.

Matthew’s recent work includes his 6th Symphony which was commissioned by the family of Malcom Arnold for the composer’s centenary celebrations. Matthew has long been an advocate for Malcolm Arnold’s music. This work will be broadcast later this year with Matthew conducting the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Having moved to Farnham in 2010, a town that he considered home to many artistic people, Matthew decided to form an orchestra and the Farnham Sinfonia was born. Over time, his vision became a reality, and the orchestra nurtures the next generation of musical talent by inviting young aspiring musicians to perform solo with a professional orchestra. This is a unique proposition for the students and graduates alike and underlines Matthew’s enthusiasm to promote young talent.

Sinfonia’s Outreach programme includes Matthew and Lead Violinist Elizabeth Cooney visiting local schools and colleges to fill the gaps in musical education. Matthew is keen to impart his musical abilities with the rising stars of the future as well as nurturing the orchestra to its full potential.

The next concert is on Saturday, 23 March at 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Farnham.

Mahler – (theme from Death in Venice)

Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 2 and Two Romances

Schumann – Fairytale (for Viola)

Hindemith – Trauermusik

Piazzolla – Spring

For further information on Farnham Sinfonia (CIO), please go to their website

 The most English Scotsman?

Round & About

farnham

Robbie James shares his love of his ‘homeland’ in his new TV show and invites you to join the journey up north

I’ve lived all but two years of my life in the south of England. I grew up near Winchester. Winchester! It doesn’t get much more English than middle class, oat milk flat white, Schoffel wearing Winchester. I’ve since moved to Farnham. Farnham! Middle class, oat milk flat white, Schoffel wearing Farnham.

Ok so maybe I’ve had a fairly English life so far, but at heart, I feel very, very Scottish. I know, you’re rolling your eyes as you await me to tell you about my great aunt’s, cousin’s, labrador’s, dressing table’s Scottish heritage, but let me explain.

My grandparents on my mum’s side came down to Aldershot from Glasgow when my grandad (Papi as we call him) was in the parachute regiment. Ever since, my family has been settled down south, but they’ve never lost their love and impassionment for Scotland, and that’s rubbed off on me. 

Watching Scotland play in the Six Nations from their south coast home has formed the nucleus of all major family events. Hearing stories of Jack & Betty’s less than glamorous upbringings in the Glaswegian tenements has humbled us through the years, and near enough everything I have in my life is thanks to their relentless hard graft. But anyway, we’ve always been brought up to be aware of our Scottish roots, and to feel them.

So when Travelxp asked me if I’d like to host a TV show taking you around Scotland for 10 days, I immediately said yes. We filmed it at the back end of the summer and it was the most fun. It felt like a form of homecoming, which even I struggle to comprehend given I’ve only ever lived in Scotland to study at Heriot Watt University for two years, but I feel at my most content in Scotland. 

Every country has a mixed bag of people; but the self-deprecating, warm, charming and often downright mischievous sense of humour from Scottish people is something I can really get on board with. The landscape is also just beautiful to the point where I feel drained from the emotion it somehow brings out in me. So romantic, curiously personable, and yes really cold, but that’s fine.

I think the show covers all bases when it comes to exploring the country. We of course take you through some of the most emotive landscape the UK (and in my opinion, the world) has to offer, but we also head into cities, touch on Scotland’s often traumatic history, and you bet we learn the bagpipes (which by the way is one of the hardest things to do, lots of blowing, to the extent I nearly passed out).

I think it’s important not to force any kind of #content down anyone’s throat. No one trusts a sales rep, so we wanted to give you some ideas of things to do if you’re visiting Scotland, but they’re only ideas. You’re grown up and can plan your own trip, you don’t need me to tell you how brilliant every single cafe or walk in Scotland is, because it’s not. That’s not the case anywhere, except maybe Farnham…or Winchester. Uh oh.

Watch Robbie James in 10 Days Scotland, which airs from 25th November exclusively on Travelxp.

Can you help local hygiene bank?

Karen Neville

farnham

Helena Vernon, Project Coordinator for Farnham and Aldershot Hygiene Bank needs your help to find a new storage location to continue helping people in need

At The Hygiene Bank, we believe it is not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege for anyone in our society, yet many are living in poverty and cannot afford to stay clean. That is why our network of projects exists – to give people access to the basics they need.

We are a grassroots, people-powered charity and social movement, grounded in community. Our passion stems from the injustice that people may be unable to fully participate in society due to hygiene poverty. This is why we work to inspire social change. 

What is hygiene poverty?

Many people locked in poverty or those who find themselves in times of crisis often experience restricted options. This leaves them caught between being able to heat their home, pay their rent, buy food or keep clean. Hygiene poverty can be shaming, humiliating and excluding and can result in social isolation.

It can lead to a lack of confidence and can negatively affect good health and mental well-being which can impact early childhood development, learning, employability and social interaction.

How we work:

Products are donated, collected, sorted and distributed to our network of community partners – a mix of organisations, charities and schools – who support those of us pulled into poverty.

Supporting The Hygiene Bank is a simple way to help not just one organisation, but multiple grassroots initiatives across the UK tackling a wide range of issues from poverty to domestic abuse and disability.

Our current problem:

We have, for some time, been using part of the garage of the Rev Crawley’s on the Upper Hale Road, Farnham as a store for our hygiene items. This arrangement has worked out very well and we’ve been very grateful for its use. However due to the Rev Crawley moving on, we have now been given notice to leave in January 2024. Without storage we will be unable to function and we are very worried for our future and for those hundreds of local families and individuals currently receiving our help. 

I visited a local storage facility recently and was quoted £34 per week for renting a 40ft unit and we just don’t have the funds to pay for this. We need a new location. Ideally, it needs to be local to the Farnham area, dry, ground floor, with vehicle access, and have electricity, but I will happily discuss any suggestions.

Please get in touch at [email protected]

Just gaga for radio!

Round & About

farnham

Robbie James from Farnham is obsessed with cheese, wine, Scotland and golden retrievers, is a music, sport and comedy fanatic and will be writing a regular column for Round & About on pretty much anything that takes his fancy from the view of a young, self employed presenter

My first column. The first of anything is always scary isn’t it? The first word you type. The first slice you cut off Colin the Caterpillar. The first step you take into the sea after you’ve been told ‘it’s fine once you’re in’.

As you’ll know if you read my intro to R&A last month (if you didn’t, why didn’t you?) cricket is one of my true loves. The other is radio.

I love radio a silly amount. I loved it way before I knew I loved it & I think that’s the beauty of it. It fills any gap in your life that you’d like it to, without you asking it or even consciously knowing there’s a gap to fill. Radio gives me the same physical feelings as when someone holds a door open or gives you their unused parking ticket. ‘Ah, that’s nice isn’t it, the world isn’t all terrible’. You hear people sharing parts of their life, letting their guard down a bit, providing silly stories or dedicating a song to their pal. ‘Just nice things’ tend to happen on the radio.

I’ve barely done any task this summer without having some form of sports radio on. Test Match Special, Wimbledon, they’re just there as a constant. You hear the hum of a crowd on their day out. You hear a collective expressing their emotions in a world where we are horrendous at expressing any emotions when other people are around. But then it leaves the rest to your imagination. TV doesn’t do that.

Radio is also so live and raw that it allows us to remember that nothing really matters. Radio 1 can be live to six million people at any one time, and a phone line can disconnect mid call. They can play the same song twice. Unless you’re a *insert rude word*, when you hear or see something go wrong in front of lots of people, we generally just laugh or empathise don’t we? No one was nasty of Twitter when I meant to say I couldn’t ‘get my clock up’ whilst hosting Pompey Live last year and accidentally said something else. What can I say… radio allows you to open up.

Mistakes remind us that these people inside the radio are not unreachable. They make mistakes, and that makes them relatable no matter how many TikTok followers they have. And then we warm to them through that empathy. We feel like we may just know them, and we feel a bit less lonely when we get into the car and pop the radio on after a terrible day in the office.

I’m too thick to be a doctor or a therapist, and not to say these occupations quite compete on levels of necessity, but I really do see being on the radio as a chance to improve people’s days a bit. I miss having a regular radio show more anything – but I’m really confident still has a future on both a local and national level. Oh and AI can do one.

Robbie is a Presenter/Broadcaster/DJ/Idiot, now living in Farnham. I do the radio, the TV, and anything else people pay me to do that my moral compass says yes to.

Planet-friendly Recycle 4 Cash campaign

Liz Nicholls

farnham

Scott Andrews from Farnham invites you to sign up now to make money from your recyclables; £25 per household, £150 per club, school, charity or organisation and £1,500 for businesses commercial or retail

Scott has launched a crowdfunder campaign aimed at helping us all recycle more. Recycle 4 Cash rewards everyone taking part by giving points for everyday items thrown in the recycle bi, exchanging your recycling for points redeemable in the shop or online or converted into cash. Scott’s initial target is £25,000 with an ultimate goal of £100,000. There are about three weeks left so please support this now!

“With your help we can get this off the ground,” says Scott. “It’s an all-or-nothing bid so we hope you get behind us and recognise the benefits this will bring to everyone involved.”

“We are currently seeking funds to buy new machinery for our plastic recycling side of the business, the machines will be used to process the waste plastic into different products that will be re sold from the waste we collect, there’s four machines we are looking to purchase at a total of £30,000.

“We have secured £5,000 from four business customers who signed up for having their recycle bin emptied every two weeks so they can see a bargain. Ideally we want support from people and businesses in Farnham Surrey and the surrounding towns and villages as these will be the initial winners in this, however we realise others might love the idea and want to support us so we will give everyone who funds us something back – it could be something made by our workers or local craft makers at the very least 25% off the shop products. I hope this does get funded and the community get behind us so we in turn can help hundreds more raise funds for their great cause!”

Three Hogs for Three Lions

Karen Neville

farnham

Hogs Back Brewery backs England’s World Cup bid with free beer (if they reach the final)

Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery is offering drinkers a free pint of Three Hogs, its beer specially brewed for football-watching, if England reach the World Cup final in December.

The brewer is ready for a bonanza beer giveaway, after it made the same pledge last year and honoured it when England reached the Euros final. Three Hogs was first brewed for the Euros in 2016 and will be available on draught and in 500ml bottles.

A 4% ABV golden ale, Three Hogs in brewed with a selection of English malts and hops including Fuggles grown in the Hogs Back hop garden next to the brewery, as well as Cascade and Centennial. The pump clip and bottle label describe the ale as “a beer of two halves: refreshingly hoppy up front, followed by a balancing bitterness and a hint of sweetness to finish.”

Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson said: “Many Hog Back drinkers look forward to the return of Three Hogs with each international tournament. This World Cup is going to feel very different to the euros, taking place at a different time of year, and in a different time zone. But the nation’s hopes will still be pinned on England lifting the trophy, especially after they reached the finals last year.

“Millions of people will be watching the home nations’ matches with friends, family and fellow football lovers. A pint of easy-drinking beer like Three Hogs is an enjoyable part of the occasion. Let’s hope that we might finally be raising a glass to a victorious English side on 18th December.”

Hogs Back will be screening a number of matches in its Brewery Tap, depending on timings, including the England v Wales fixture on 29th November. Guests will be able to enjoy the football accompanied by a range of Hogs Back beers and food including their popular stone-baked pizzas. Bookings for places or tables are open at https://hogsback.co.uk/products/tap-room-booking-access

Thompson added: “During the Euros, the excitement in the Brewery Tap built to fever pitch, and we were sold out ahead of the final. It’s a great space for watching sport and we’re looking forward to welcoming football fans to enjoy the tournament with us again.”

If England reach the final, customers will be able to claim a free pint of Three Hogs – or another Hogs Back beer, depending on availability – by visiting the Brewery Tap between 11am and 2pm on 18th December.

Three Hogs, Hogs Back’s beer for the World Cup, is available on draught and in 500ml bottles