Learn new skills at Coaching Barn

Round & About

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Wallingford

Head to The Coaching Barn at Littlestoke Manor Farm on July 20th & 21st and 27th & 28th and join the Modern Makers Collective

Learn some new skills as the Modern Makers bring you two weekends of fun and creativity at the fabulous Coaching Barn near Wallingford – the perfect space to switch off.

Spend two days of meditative stitching with Aimée Alice Payton on July 20th & 21st as you create a beautiful gathered lampshade. Aimée is an upholsterer and lampshade maker who uses exquisite textiles to create bespoke items for beautiful interiors. Her handstitched and hand-rolled lampshades are full of colour, life and stories. She will share her knowledge to help you achieve a professional finish to your lampshade.

Mark aka Lino Lord will introduce you to the art of lino printing on July 20th when you’ll design, carve and print a black under his guidance. You may choose to create three beautiful stacking rings using traditional silversmithing techniques with award-winning jeweller, Charlotte Berry or how about creating a beautiful summer wreath with Jane Body, both on Sunday 21st.

Charlotte creates exquisite fine and heirloom jewellery from her workshop based in South Oxfordshire using traditional techniques and the finest materials and specialises in helping couples create their dream one-of-a-kind ethical wedding jewellery to cherish for a lifetime.

With a background in art and photography, Jane combines her expert eye for design with her love of the natural world. Much of Jane’s foliage comes from her own abundant garden which is delicately arranged with luxurious decorative elements. With a range of bespoke wreaths on offer, Jane also runs workshops and provides kits to be made at home.

The following weekend you can learn the ancient art of block printing fabric using Lino in a day long workshop with Oxfordshire-based textile printer Albert Harvey on 27th or spend time making a beautiful basket with basketmaker Louise Arthur from Rough Around the Hedges to use for storing and displaying items within the home or for gathering fruit, eggs, mushrooms and berries in the great outdoors.

The workshops weekend closes with another Lino printing class on Sunday 28th as above and a fun day making Boho jewellery earrings and necklaces with Kate Wilkinson.

For all events refreshments are provided with additional lunch options available from The Goring Grocer.

For full details of all the workshops and to book, visit Summer School | modern makers uk (modernmakerscollective.co.uk)

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Peter Adamson’s tribute to Wallingford book

Round & About

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Wallingford

In his latest book, A Town Called Wallingford, local author Peter Adamson shares the stories that made the town

Many thanks to the many readers of Round & About who bought my previous book Landmark in Time – the World of the Wittenham Clumps. The response was so encouraging that I have now written a follow-up – A Town Called Wallingford.

Once again, I have tried to make each chapter into a story that starts in our local town but doesn’t necessarily end there – and I hope there will be a few surprises along the way.

There are stories of Alfred the Great and William the Conqueror… but also stories of internationally important, state-of-the-art enterprises in the town’s business parks. There is the story of the Wallingford blacksmith’s son who rose to be the greatest mathematician of the age… and of the small-town lawyer who became one of the most influential figures ever born in these islands. There are stories of thousand-year-old Saxon defences… but also of the ‘great coffee shop invasion’ of our town centres. Stories of the great castle that gave England the Plantagenets and the Tudors… and of an act of heroism and that averted a 20th-century disaster.

From the world of the arts, there are chapters on the four sisters who overcame Victorian prejudice to be acclaimed as Royal Academy artists… and on why Wallingford’s most famous resident and the world’s best-selling novelist is scorned by the literary critics. Plus the first in-depth investigation into an extraordinary rumour that has lingered on in the town for the last two hundred years.

A Town Called Wallingford is a tribute to small towns in general and to Wallingford in particular. And just as Landmark in Time set out to add to the pleasure of those who know and walk the Wittenham Clumps, I hope that this book will add to the interest and enjoyment of those who have grown to love Wallingford as I have over the years.

A Town Called Wallingford is available from Wallingford Bookshop and from Peter Adamson (peteradamsonwriting.com)

Peter Adamson is a winner of the Royal Society of Literature V.S.Pritchett Memorial Prize and in addition to non-fiction writing has published three novels and a collection of short stories. 

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The Dolphin, award-winning pub

Round & About

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Wallingford

The Dolphin recently picked up Greene King’s Community Pub of the Year for its excellent range of events and community initiatives, landlady Emma Cox shares her delight

To me the pub trade isn’t just about selling alcohol it’s about being an all-inclusive base where everyone can come together. For celebration, commiserations, for support through the high times and the low times.

I’ve been at The Dolphin working since I was 13 as a cleaner to start off with and my parents became managers when I was 16 so I’ve watched the trade change over the years.

I love Wallingford and we are in a position to give back some of the support we have been shown over the years. When lockdown happened I noticed there was so much more we could do. So many customer didn’t return through fear of covid that we started doing food parcels, prescription runs, phone calls for company, which lead to us getting involved in the different community centres.

The reason I do it is simple. If the shoe was on the other foot or one of my family or friends are in need I’d really hope somebody would be there to help – one of my mottos is ‘it’s nice to be nice!”

I love the kids eat free, my daughter Annie is six. She struggled socially for a long time after lockdown. I think social skills build such a great confidence in our children and that’s so important.

Winning the award is probably one of my greatest career achievements so far! But, it’s not just me. There’s a whole team of amazing people that work at The Dolly who go above and beyond everyday. And we couldn’t do what we do without each other.

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Book your place in vintage parade

Karen Neville

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Wallingford

Wallingford Vehicle Rally and Parade is back this May and tickets go on sale on Friday 3rd February

Wallingford’s hugely popular vehicle rally and parade is back on Sunday, 14th May showcasing classic, custom and unusual vehicles from bicycles to tanks.

Tickets to take part in the 300 vehicle parade around Wallingford and park on the Kinecroft go on sale at 8pm on Friday 3rd February.

Organisers say: “On the 3rd February at 8pm we will share the GiveTap link via our website, email and on social media to enable you to purchase your ticket.

“All tickets are £20 plus a booking fee, like last year all profits raised are going to local charitable causes.

“We are also offering 30 PARADE ONLY tickets for any vehicle. These go on sale in a few weeks time (date tbc); this is to avoid confusion with the main ticket sales.”

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes take part in the parade through town in convoy – quite a sight – if you’re lucky enough to be on the parade route, pull up a chair and take a front row seat and watch the impressive sight. Where else can you see a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air parked behind a 2CV or a big American classic alongside a super car?

In addition to watching them drive past, visitors on the day will also get the chance to ride in a classic or supercar courtesy of The Sporting Bears Motor Club. Ride in the car of your dreams in exchange for a donation to charity, another great reason to attend the fun event.

There are stalls and food vendors for everyone to enjoy alongside an incredible selection of classic motors. Something for everyone and what’s more, it’s all in a good cause with a variety of local causes benefitting from funds raised on the day.

Find out more and to get those precious tickets visit at www.wallingfordcarrally.org.uk

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What’s on at Wallingford Corn Exchange

Ellie Cox

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Wallingford

Films and live screenings to enjoy in November

Wallingford Corn Exchange has a varied programme of films and live screenings running through the month starting, November 1st. There’s sure to be something that appeals to you.

Cinema this month

Includes Nothing Compares (1st & 2nd), Amsterdam (4th, 6th & 7th), Doctor, Who Am I? (8th), My Neighbour, Adolf (9th & 10th), The Banshees of Inisheren (11th-13th), Love Around the World (17th), Triangle of Sadness (18th-20th), Hunt (21st-24th), Living (25th & 27th), Call Jane (28th & 29th).

There’s a live screening on Thursday, 3rd November as part of the NT Live series of Anton Chekov’s The Seagull recorded at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London. Starring Emilia Clarke, Tom Rhys Harries, Indira Varma, Daniel Monks and Sophie Wu. It tells of a young woman desperate for fame and a way out. A young man is pining after the woman of his dreams. A successful writer longs for a sense of achievement. An actress wants to fight the changing of the times. In an isolated home in the countryside, dreams lie in tatters, hopes are dashed, and hearts broken. With nowhere left to turn, the only option is to turn on each other.

A dazzling showcase marking 60 years of the Friends of the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration, comes live from Covent Garden on Wednesday, 16th November. The showcase will demonstrate the breadth and diversity of The Royal Ballet’s repertory in classical, contemporary and heritage works. It will include world premieres of short ballets by choreographers Pam Tanowitz, Joseph Toonga and Valentino Zucchetti. As well as The Royal Ballet’s first performance of ‘For Four’ by Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon and a performance of George Balanchine’s ‘Diamonds’.

The end of the month brings Arthur Smith with his Edinburgh Fringe Show – about the Edinburgh Fringe. This is Smith’s love letter to the playground of the imagination that is the Edinburgh Fringe on its 75th birthday. Telling the story of this great city and its festivals and recalling some of the triumphs, disasters, love affairs and arrests of his many Augusts in Auld Reekie. Hamlet, Colditz, Leonard Cohen, Dante, dementia, Gary Lineker and the Leith Police all feature in this moving hour of revelations, songs, poems, and gags on Saturday, 26th November.

Date for your diaries

Thursday, 8th December will bring a live screening of the magical Christmas favourite The Nutcracker. Performed by The Royal Ballet live from Covent Garden.

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The mystery of Christie

Karen Neville

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Wallingford

Wallingford honours one of its own with the return of events for the Agatha Christie Weekend from September 9th to 11th

Everyone loves a good mystery and without doubt the “Queen of Crime” is Agatha Christie, today almost 50 years after her death her books are still read by millions and adapted for TV, the cinema and stage.

The writer and playwright lived in Winterbrook for over 40 years writing many of her novels featuring sleuths the Belgian, Hercule Poirot and the quintessentially English Miss Marple, here.

The museum’s Agatha Christie exhibition At Home with the Queen of Crime offers a glimpse into her life

The Agatha Christie Weekend begins in Wallingford Museum on the Friday night at 7.30pm, with a Who Dunnit challenge, use clues to find your way around the Museum’s nooks and crannies as well as it’s fascinating exhibits, to learn more about Agatha Christie while detecting the answers to solve the murder!

The museum’s Agatha Christie exhibition At Home with the Queen of Crime offers a glimpse into her life, photos of her home and memories from local people who met her including shop assistants and her staff.

On Saturday, take a guided walk along the Agatha Christie Trail, starting at Wallingford Museum at 10am and finishing at St Mary’s Church in Cholsey, where both Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan, are buried.

In the evening don’t miss the great Murder Mystery Dinner at Cholsey Great Hall. The setting is a wedding reception, so please feel free to dress to impress. You are cordially invited to the impending wedding of Lady Mary Campbell to her betrothed, Jamie Lamont. The Father of the Bride requires you to bear witness… and keep the naughty groom in check, strictly no fighting! Everyone’s a suspect – can you solve the case..?

You’re invited to solve the crime and dine on a delicious three-course dinner provided by The Little Artichoke. Alicensed bar will be available too. Places are selling fast (£40). Find out more at cholseyvillage.com
On Sunday, enjoy a guided walk around Wallingford, taking in some of the town’s historic sites and buildings, as well as its Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders connections, starting from under the Town Hall at 11am.

For full details of events, costs and bookings please visit wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

Find out more

Find out more in a newly published 42-page fully illustrated book: At Home with Agatha Christie: the Wallingford and Cholsey Connection. The book opens the door to give a rare glimpse of Agatha’s real home at Winterbrook House, drawing on the varied memories of those who knew and met her. These reminiscences have been gathered over the years by local authors Judy Dewey and Tony Rayner who have now brought them together to tell a unique and fascinating story.

The book is available in Wallingford Museum for £8.50, where you can also see the splendid Agatha Christie exhibition and view some of her original hand-written letters, wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

It can also be purchased at www.piepowder.co.uk and some local bookshops.

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Wheelyboat Picks the Litter

Liz Nicholls

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Wallingford

WOW-one crew stand proudly over their spoils of the Littler Pick

WOW! Wallingford Accessible Boat Club heroes support the Thames river clean-up with WOW-one wheelyboat

We thought we would share some heart-warming community news to add some light to what has been a very gloomy week for most.

Members of the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club (WABC), with their wheelyboat WOW-one, helped out with the Thames Clean Up in Wallingford today.  Bankside litter pickers, co-ordinated by local councillors and actively supported by the charity Wallingford 1155, passed the rubbish bags and other debris to the wheelyboat for ferrying downstream to the main collection point at Riverside in Wallingford.

WOW-one proved to be the ideal craft for the job. Its flat decking, designed for carrying wheelchair users, coupled with its shallow draft allowed it to get very close to the bank making it easy to load the rubbish.

Just some of the debris collected by WOW-one during the Litter Pick

Councillor Steve Holder, lead coordinator of the litter pick, said:  “Another great litter pick thanks to the 80 or so local people who turned out to help. We were very pleased to have the support of WABC and WOW-one which was invaluable for the river element of the Litter Pick which coincided with the wider South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse River Thames Clean Up event. It is great they were involved in this important community initiative.”

John Jenkins MBE, WABC chairman of Trustees, added: “The litter pick was all great fun and I am very glad that our involvement proved to be so helpful. After all, our wheelyboat operation is itself a community project and we are always keen to get involved to support local Wallingford initiatives such as this.”

For further information please contact John Jenkins on [email protected] or phone 07976 297835.

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Paws for thought!

Round & About

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Wallingford

Shops, restaurants and businesses taking part are encouraged to display a Dog Paw sticker in their window, so dog parents, and their furry friends know they are welcome.

So far more than 50 businesses have taken part, including independent and national companies such as Barclays Bank and Clarks.  Wallingford, well known for its excellent Independent shops, has seen the benefits and taken on the campaign with great enthusiasm.  With over 26% of us being dog parents, businesses can see the benefit from a higher footfall when dogs are welcomed, as people walking into town with their dogs can visit shops, and dine at their favourite restaurants.

Le Clos wine bar & French restaurant was one of the first to welcome the idea.  Other restaurants such as Shellfish Cow also see the value, and display the Dog Paw sticker with pride. Most pubs have signed up and many even have dog-friendly rooms.

The vast array of shops taking part include the lady’s clothes shop First Edition; lifestyle shops such as Raspberry Tart and also The Lamb Arcade – an Aladdin’s Cave of antiques. The shops you would also expect in a market town are also behind the campaign including shoe repair shops, newsagents, florists and hardware stores.

Joe Quilter, one of the founders of the scheme and a dog parent to Bramble, a Cockapoo said: “After a visit to North Norfolk and seeing written signs in shops inviting dogs into their premises, I thought it not be a great idea to have a standard Dog Paw Sticker for my town so local people and visitors know they are welcome with their dogs.

People don’t like to ask, as they don’t like to be refused entry, so this takes the issue away.

I’m also a big supporter of local business, and thought this is a win-win for both dog parents and our fantastic shops, restaurants and businesses.”

Joe also mentioned the security aspect and went on to say “One in 20 dogs taken are outside shops, and I just don’t want anyone living or visiting our town to ever suffer this experience.”

Since starting the campaign, other towns and villages have signed up to the campaign including Goring, Streatley, Didcot and Pangbourne, and the Dog Paw Sticker is in print again to the reach further afield than the founding town.

Where's dog friendly?

To find out the shops, restaurants and businesses taking part

Click here

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Wallingford Art Club

Round & About

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Wallingford

With the dark nights here, Wallingford Art Club’s November demonstration evening is very appropriate.

Melanie Cambridge’s demonstration on 19th November (7.30pm) titled Capturing Night Scenes uses oils and will offer some invaluable hints and tips.
A future date to put in your diary is the club’s Christmas Exhibition on 30th November and 1st December which coincides with Wallingford Christmas Festival and the Santa Dash.

This is always great fun and a chance to buy original art for presents, or treat yourself, all at reasonable prices. The venue will be in the centre of town, so look out for our posters and notices in November. The exhibition will be open 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday.
IN addition to all the extra events, Tuesday morning fee paying tutored classes continue and these are proving very popular, the afternoon classes have finished for now but will start again with a new tutor in December/January, more details to follow.

The Tuesday evening club painting sessions start as usual at 7.30pm. If you would like to paint or draw then go along and join them.

Non members are very welcome to attend these evenings and the demonstrators for a cost of £3. We cover all mediums throughout the year so there is always a subject to tempt you, or perhaps to try something new.

All events apart from the exhibitions are held at Centre 70, Kinecroft, Goldsmith Lane, Wallingford.

More info

Further information can be obtained on the website Wallingford Art Club or call David on 01491 681400.

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Festival of cycling

Karen Neville

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Wallingford

Cyclist all over are gearing up for this year’s Wallingford Festival of Cycling

When three dads set up a cycling club for talented 16-19 year olds in Wallingford in 2014, little did they know the chain of events that would follow.

A year later, they went one further and the town’s very own cycling festival was launched attracting more than 3,000 people and gaining a starring role on TV in what else but Midsomer Murders when the race featured in Breaking the Chain.

But ‘stardom’ aside the real aim for the festival is to be a celebration of cycling, encouraging more people to get on their bikes more often.

The festival begins on Friday, 12th July with the dual track course testing riders on speed and handling skills as they go downhill, over jumps, rollers and bermed corners and is suitable for anyone aged 5 and over with a mountain bike or scooter.

New to the festival this year is the Dirt Factory air bag for bike stunt jumps – check out the video on the website to see this in action, but it’s sure to attract a few daredevils!

Saturday 13th includes these as well as wheels for all taster sessions and pump track competitions. Sunday 14th is the day for all the rides with distances ranging from 13 miles to 100 miles to choose from. If you’re new to cycling or want to ride as a family then try out the five mile festival fun ride and if it’s cycling of a different type or to be precise from a different era you want to try out then how about learning to ride a penny farthing?

Find out more

For more details, entry information and costs, visit the Wallingford Festival of Cycling website

 

Click here

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