Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak

Round & About

 A bold, funny and heartfelt celebration of communities and the ordinary people who shape history at Farnham Maltings on March 6th 

How would you deal with divorce? Award-winning theatre maker Victoria Melody joined a historical re-enactment society which then grew into something much bigger! 

It took her on an unexpected journey into the legacy of the 17th century Diggers. Once landless radicals who occupied common ground in the face of poverty and hunger, the Diggers’ spirit lives on today – still here and fighting in the modern activists and community organisers Victoria encountered along the way.  

Through storytelling, comedy and her trademark immersive style, Victoria draws a line between past and present, shining a spotlight on the grassroots fight for food justice, green spaces and local resilience. Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak is about what happens when communities are let down by those in power and step up to fill the gaps themselves.  

Relaying the stories of the modern-day Diggers who are still answering the call to arms 375 years later, Victoria steps from re-enactment into reality, where history isn’t just remembered but made. It’s a story rooted in Whitehawk, Brighton, but it resonates far beyond. So many towns and cities across the UK have their own pockets where working-class communities are facing the fallout of political decisions, yet still finding ways to organise, resist and thrive.  

Victoria says: “This show has been made with pure love and built with the community at every stage, from the knitted vegetables to the sounds collected in the show. People from Whitehawk have given their stories, feedback and challenged me all the way through. Through this production, I wanted to show the great work people here are doing to keep each other afloat. These are ordinary heroes doing extraordinary things. It’s a disgrace that food poverty and battles for land and space are everyday realities in this country – but they are. And without the people stepping up in places like Whitehawk, we would all be in a much worse state.” 

Recognised for her unique, immersive approach to theatre-making, Victoria brings real communities to the stage with humour and heart. Her critically acclaimed shows blend documentary, comedy and social commentary, making complex issues accessible, funny and defiantly hopeful.  

Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak is built on collaboration with young people having contributed to the sound design, while local knitting groups have helped craft elements of the set and props. Members of the community also attended read throughs and work in progress showings, contributing to the writing development with feedback throughout. 

Visit farnhammaltings.com/events/trouble-struggle-bubble-and-squeak to book. 

Winkworth Arboretum last stop for sculpture

Round & About

View unique sculpture Last Night For Ever until March 17th

Sculpture Last Night For Ever has arrived at Winkworth on the final stop of its tour of three National Trust properties which also included Leith Hill Place and Nymans.   

Originally exhibited at The Garden Museum, London in 2009, the sculpture by Andrea Gregson makes connections between garden histories past and present, merging the visual trickery of the grotto first created in Renaissance Italy, with found objects and visual motifs from this location over time.  

Whilst the outside of the sculpture remains the same, bespoke new interiors have been made for each venue, to highlight the garden and building histories, geology and surrounding landscape. Looking into the interior of the meandering sculpture, is a diorama of natural and manufactured forms. As visitors walk around the sculpture, they can adjust the roof panels to illuminate the interior and peer through different viewpoints. 

At Winkworth Arboretum, the work responds to its location in the Boathouse next to the lake, Rowe’s Flashe, with a focus on water as a life-giving force for all species in the arboretum. In between the two ends of the sculpture, visitors can see a stone arch framing the entrance of regenerative shell grotto, and a fertile cave with fungi.  

With the ongoing advancement of urbanisation, Last Night For Ever, reminds us of the importance of nature and our fragile ecologies.  

The exhibition has been funded by University for the Creative Arts Research Funding and the National Trust. 

Petersfield Musical Festival celebrates 125 years

Round & About

PMF is celebrating its rich history as it marks 125 years of sharing the joy of music, March 13th to 21st, as Sarah Hard tells us

This year marks PMF’s 125th anniversary. To celebrate this important milestone, it has planned a rich and varied programme of musical events at the Festival Hall and St Peter’s Church from 13th-21st March. 

Kicking off the Festival, PMF is welcoming a young and dynamic wind band based near Winchester – the St Cat’s Ensemble. Their performances cross genres from jazz to film (including Lord of the Rings). Keelan Carew, a popular BBC broadcaster and musical outreach pioneer, will be the piano soloist in George Gershwin’s timeless Rhapsody in Blue.  

Another highlight of the Festival will be the Gemini Consort in collaboration with SouthDowns Camerata (a local string orchestra) for a programme of music inspired by locally based composers including Lucy Flint, Dorry Macaulay and Clive Osgood, along with works by other British composers who had historic connections with the area such as Gerald Finzi, Gustav Holst and Edward Elgar. The Gemini Consort / SouthDowns Camerata will explore themes of sorrow and joy, from young love, nature and grief. Both groups have a mission to champion new and under-performed works. Songs in the programme set poetry by poets such as Wordsworth and Christina Rossetti, along with lesser-known literary artists. It promises to be a fascinating concert. 

The popular and fun Baroque collective Red Priest are also making their debut. This dynamic and versatile group will present a lively programme of Baroque masters including Vivaldi, Bach and Handel – but in their own modern and up-beat interpretations. Also new to the Festival, Brass Breakout Jazz Orchestra join Froxfield Choir for an evening of Duke Ellington along with tap dancing and soloist Gloria Miller.  

For lovers of orchestral music, Petersfield Orchestra are making their regular appearance featuring Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F (soloist Karen Kingsley) and the rapturous Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances. Also included is Bernstein’s much-loved Candide Overture.  

Festival conductor Paul Spicer will raise his baton for the 2026 choral concert, the Verdi Requiem, a powerful and deservedly famous work reflecting on man’s place in the universe.  

This year’s Festival will also showcase young students from local schools at its Youth Concerts. For younger audience members, the theme of this year’s Family Concert is Sky High, when the Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra will explore ways of flying through music including films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

There will be free pre-concert talks ahead of two of the concerts, as well as a celebratory talk by Philip Young, former PMF Chair, about the history of the Festival since 1906.  

Our thanks to our sponsors Leydene Glass & Glazing, Littlejohn Bathrooms and The Lodge Dental Surgery for their ongoing support.  

For further details and to book tickets, please visit petersfieldmusicalfestival.org.uk 

February films at Jordans Picture House

Round & About

Classic cinema returns with acclaimed films Don’t Look Now and Big Night 

Jordans Picture House continues its much-loved 2026 programme with two atmospheric screenings this February, inviting film fans to enjoy classic cinema in a welcoming, community setting. 

Doors open at 6.45pm, with the programme starting at 7.30pm, offering audiences time to settle in and soak up the relaxed charm that makes Jordans Picture House such a local favourite. 

On Friday, 13th February, the cinema screens Don’t Look Now (1973, certificate X), Nicholas Roeg’s haunting psychological thriller starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland. Set against the shadowy beauty of Venice, the film follows a grieving couple who encounter two elderly sisters — one of whom claims to have psychic insight into their tragedy. Winner of a BAFTA and holding an impressive 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, this unsettling classic remains as powerful and enigmatic as ever. 

Later in the month, on Friday 27 February, audiences can enjoy the warm, food-loving drama Big Night (1996, certificate 15), directed by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott. Starring Tucci alongside Tony Shalhoub, Minnie Driver and Marc Anthony, the film tells the story of two Italian brothers struggling to keep their New Jersey restaurant alive. With a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it’s a joyful, heartfelt celebration of food, family and passion. 

Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased online or reserved via the local box offices. Whether you’re drawn to atmospheric suspense or soulful storytelling, Jordans Picture House offers a perfect excuse for a memorable night at the movies. 

Tickets £8pp; buy yours at jordanspicturehouse.co.uk, by calling 01494 873205 or 01494 678050 or on the door (subject to availability). Also get in touch if you’d like to join the volunteers. 

Win! A decadent Crazy Bear stay

Round & About

We’ve teamed up to offer one lucky winner and their guest a decadent stay at The Crazy Bear in Stadhampton, Oxfordshire 

Indulge in a little countryside decadence with a chance to win a stay at the iconic Crazy Bear in Stadhampton.  

Known for its bold interiors, award-winning dining and sumptuous bedrooms, this Oxfordshire retreat is perfect for a romantic break or special celebration.  

Expect exceptional food, stand-out style and a memorable escape from the everyday. We’ve teamed up with the Crazy Bear team to offer a stay for two in a decadent room (Ts & Cs apply).  

Visit crazybear.co.uk/hotels/stadhampton to book your luxury treat. 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 27th February.

Your Name

Your Address

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Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.

Win! A deluxe GreenPan cookware trio

Round & About

We’ve teamed up with GreenPan to offer a set of three stainless steel cooking pans worth £199  

GreenPan, one of the first brands to introduce PFAS-free ceramic non-stick cookware, has launched the new Padova Reserve three-ply stainless steel range designed to give home cooks even more choice in the kitchen, whether it’s the effortless ease of non-stick or the precision and durability of three-ply stainless steel. 

Different meals demand different cookware. Stainless steel is ideal for golden searing, deep caramelisation, or restaurant-quality results on meats and sauces. 

Made from 55% recycled three-ply professional grade stainless steel, the base heats up quickly with even heat distribution to ensure excellent results on all stovetops, including induction. The pans and tight-fitting tempered glass lids are oven-safe up to 220°C.  

Complemented by elegant, hard-wearing PVD gold-coated flat, riveted stainless steel handles with a matte finish and sturdy, comfortable grip. The set includes 18cm saucepan, 20cm casserole and 24cm casserole, all with lids. 

Visit greenpan.co.uk to shop! 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 27th February.

Your Name

Your Address

Your Email*

Telephone

How did you find us?

Would you like to opt in and receive marketing communications from our competition supplier? If yes, how?

Sign up to our newsletter


Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.

School open day questions

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Off to a school open day? Pretend you’re back in the classroom and ask as many questions as you can

Every day’s a school day, you never know what you’ll learn from one to the next and the same is true of school open days. 

No matter how much online research you’ve done, or how much you’ve chatted to other parents, there is no substitute for visiting a school and asking face-to-face questions with staff and current pupils and having a good nose around to see what’s on offer. 

The best opinion of a school will come from current pupils, many of whom are often drafted in to give the guided tours on open days, your ideal opportunity to quiz them and get their, hopefully, honest opinions. Never be afraid to ask the most basic questions: do they like the school, what’s their favourite thing about it, is it strict, how much homework do they have? 

Ultimately you want your child to learn so ask about the teaching, do pupils feel connected, how are they helped if struggling, which are the most popular subjects, is there streaming or are pupils of mixed ability in the same class, what is the school’s provision for children with special education needs? 

The focus now is not just on the academic so find out about the sports, arts and extracurricular activities available. Are the particularly gifted encouraged to go further and equally for those not so inclined are they encouraged to participate and have fun as much as possible without the pressure of having to be the next Jonny Wilkinson. What are the music rooms like and is there the chance to get involved behind the scenes as well as opportunities to shine under the lights? What about non-sporting or arts-related extras, are there clubs to attend? 

Children spend a lot of their time at school, how does St Anywhere’s deal with ‘the whole child’, pastoral care and discipline? What support can pupils expect if they are struggling with lessons or unrelated educational issues? Are there pupil mentors to assist younger ones? How does the school deal with incidences of theft, bullying, depression and inclusivity? 

If your child will be boarding it’s likely any of these will be of an even greater concern – meet houseparents and school matrons and find out how this comes together to ensure your child’s wellbeing and happiness. How can you keep in touch? What is the mobile phone policy? 

Get as many opinions as possible and always visit more than one even if you have a good idea of your and your child’s preference, ultimately their happiness comes first. 

Veganuary (and beyond) just got tastier  

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Would you like to choose plant-based this year? We’re celebrating Squeaky Bean which serves flavour, value and bold new launches for 2026 

Let’s be honest: Veganuary has a reputation. For some, it’s a joyful reset. For others (usually clutching a bacon sandwich), it’s 31 days of suspicion and side-eye.  

But if you think plant-based eating is all limp lettuce and joyless chewing, Squeaky Bean would very much like a word. Squeaky Bean is making it easier (and more delicious) than ever to go plant-based this year. 

The award-winning vegan brand is on a mission to win over everyone – vegans, flexitarians and committed carnivores alike – with flavour-packed new launches, comfort food classics and genuinely good supermarket deals. No hair shirts. No lectures. Just really tasty food. 

With wallet-friendly supermarket offers, exciting new product launches and an ever-expanding range of crowd-pleasing vegan favourites, the award-winning brand is proving that eating plant-based doesn’t mean compromising on flavour, texture or satisfaction. 

January can be a costly month, but Squeaky Bean is helping shoppers make smarter choices with limited-time Veganuary offers across major supermarkets: 

  • Sainsbury’s: three for two on Squeaky Bean products (until 24th January) 
  • Tesco: 20% off all Squeaky Bean SKUs (until 19th January) 
  • Waitrose: Save 20% across the range (21st January to 11th February) 
  • Ocado: 3 for £8 on selected products (until 27th January) 
  • Asda: Rollback prices across Squeaky Bean SKUs (until 27th January) 

Even better, more of Squeaky Bean’s core range is rolling out to Morrisons, Tesco, Ocado and Waitrose, making plant-based swaps easier to find than ever. 

What’s new (and worth shouting about)? 

First up: Salmon Style Flakes, which manage the near-impossible – the taste and texture of smoked salmon, without the fish. Infused with a sweet chilli marinade, they’re smoky, savoury and surprisingly indulgent. Perfect for bagels, salads or impressing sceptical housemates. 
Available in Sainsbury’s and Ocado, RRP £3.25. 

Then there are the new fermented vegetable pies, proving once and for all that vegan comfort food is not an oxymoron. Choose the Braised Veggie Pie in rich ale gravy, or the Spanish Chorizo Style Pie, bursting with smoky, savoury flavour and topped with golden puff pastry. I tried this on my carnivore boyfriend (who doesn’t consider it dinner if there’s no meat!) and he said it was delicious, didn’t notice the difference! 
Available in Tesco, RRP £3.75. 

The classics (still stealing hearts) 

Squeaky Bean’s best-sellers continue to convert the curious: Tuna Style Flakes (high in protein and Omega-3, launching into Waitrose this January), ruby-red Pastrami Style ‘Beef’ Slices, and protein-packed Tofu Slices with Spinach & Basil or Red Pepper & Tomato. 

Add in Chargrilled Chicken Style Mini Fillets, Crispy Bacon Style Strips and Cooking Chorizo Style Sausages, and suddenly Veganuary feels a lot less like a challenge – and much more like a treat. 

Go on. Even the bacon lovers can give it a try. 

Astrology & Tarot for February

Round & About

What’s in store for you this month? Melanie Harding, founder of Soul Healing Guidance, offers her new monthly guides for all signs…

Aries (March 21–April 19)

February opens with a sense of release. A powerful lunation early in the month helps clear creative or emotional blocks, reminding you where joy and self-expression have been muted. At the same time, friendships and community play a stronger role, though some connections may be operating quietly or behind the scenes. Mid-month marks a turning point as Saturn enters your sign, beginning a two-year chapter of greater responsibility and self-definition. This isn’t about restriction so much as maturity, deciding what, and who, truly deserves your energy. New people may enter your life around the Aquarius eclipse, offering fresh perspectives. As the month closes, rest becomes essential; stepping back will help you avoid unnecessary friction and preserve your strength.

Tarot: Six of Swords
A card of transition and gentle movement away from turbulence. The Six of Swords suggests a gradual shift in mindset or circumstances, where clarity arrives through distance rather than confrontation.

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

February places your ambitions firmly in the spotlight. You may feel more visible at work or clearer about where you’re heading professionally, especially as an important opportunity takes shape midmonth. Around this time, a door may open that encourages you to take yourself, and your capabilities, more seriously. Uranus stirring in your sign continues to encourage subtle reinvention, whether that’s how you present yourself or how you assert independence. Friendships also become a source of inspiration and support later in the month. Socialising feels restorative rather than draining, helping you reconnect with long-term hopes rather than short-term pressures.

Tarot: Page of Pentacles
This card speaks to new intentions around work, learning, or material stability. The Page of Pentacles encourages curiosity, patience, and a willingness to begin again from solid ground.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

The Moon highlights intuition, uncertainty, and what lies beneath the surface. Not everything needs There’s a widening of perspective this month, with travel, study, or new ideas calling you beyond familiar routines. You may feel drawn to learn something meaningful or to explore a different way of seeing the world, especially around the Aquarius eclipse. At the same time, your professional path asks for focus. Saturn’s shift highlights the importance of building lasting networks and choosing your alliances carefully over the next couple of years. Leadership opportunities may arise later in the month, but success depends on clear communication, particularly as Mercury slows. Thoughtful pacing will serve you better than rushing ahead.

Tarot: The Moon
The Moon highlights intuition, uncertainty, and what lies beneath the surface. Not everything needs
immediate clarity- allowing feelings and impressions to unfold will reveal more than logic alone.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

February brings financial and emotional realities into clearer focus. Early in the month, you may need to reassess shared resources or commitments, especially where security is concerned. Letting go of outdated arrangements can feel unsettling, but it ultimately restores balance. Mid-month brings a significant shift as Saturn begins a long-term journey through the area of your career . This marks the start of a more authoritative phase, where your experience and dedication are recognised, even if the responsibility feels heavier at first. A change around the Aquarius eclipse could ease financial pressure, but caution and foresight remain your allies as the month unfolds.

Tarot: Three of Cups
A card of connection and shared joy. The Three of Cups points to emotional support, community,
and moments of lightness that come from being understood and welcomed.

Leo (July 23–August 22)

This is a month of personal recalibration. A Full Moon in your sign encourages you to shed old identities or expectations that no longer reflect who you’ve become. It’s a chance to stand more comfortably in your authenticity, without apology. Relationships are also under review, particularly as Saturn reshapes your long-term vision. New partnerships, personal or professional, may enter around the mid-month eclipse, carrying a sense of significance. Shared finances or agreements become clearer later in the month, though patience is required before committing to anything binding.

Tarot: Seven of Pentacles
A reminder of harmony, choice, and meaningful connection. Perhaps a partnership or decision requires This card reflects assessment and patience. The Seven of Pentacles invites you to pause and consider what’s worth continuing to invest in – and what may no longer justify your energy.

Virgo (August 23–September 22)

February asks you to slow the pace just enough to regain perspective. Early on, rest and reflection are essential, helping you recharge before practical demands increase. Partnerships, romantic or professional, feel more open and communicative as the month progresses, offering opportunities for deeper understanding. Saturn’s move mid-month supports long-term financial restructuring. This is an excellent period to stabilise resources and create systems that offer security rather than stress. Around the Aquarius eclipse, a shift in work or daily routine could open the door to a new role or responsibility, one that feels quietly aligned rather than disruptive.

Tarot: Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups brings emotional sincerity and gentle movement towards what feels meaningful. This card encourages you to follow inspiration without needing to justify it rationally.

Libra (September 23–October 22)

Matters of the heart take on greater depth this month. Early February highlights joy, creativity, and emotional openness, making it easier to connect with others in meaningful ways. If you’re single, the energy supports meeting someone who feels significant rather than fleeting. Saturn’s arrival in your relationship sector mid-month marks the beginning of a more serious chapter. Commitments deepen, or are tested, depending on their foundations. The Aquarius eclipse may bring a sudden romantic development or creative breakthrough. Later in the month, work responsibilities increase, asking you to balance leadership with diplomacy.

Tarot: Five of Swords
A card that asks you to consider the true cost of conflict. The Five of Swords highlights situations where “winning” may come at the expense of harmony, discernment matters now.

Scorpio (October 23–November 21)

Home and career form a delicate balancing act this month. An early professional moment may ask you to step into visibility, even as domestic responsibilities demand your attention. You may find yourself reassessing what “success” really looks like. Saturn’s move into your work sector midmonth signals a longer-term need for structure and healthy boundaries. Around the Aquarius eclipse, changes within the home or family dynamic may arrive unexpectedly, but they ultimately support greater stability. As the Sun shifts later in the month, pleasure and romance re-emerge, reminding you that life isn’t all duty.

Tarot: Ace of Wands
Fresh energy and creative spark arrive with the Ace of Wands. This card signals renewed
enthusiasm, motivation, and the urge to act on something that feels alive and purposeful.

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)

February is lively and mobile, encouraging movement, conversation, and short journeys. Curiosity leads the way, and learning through experience feels particularly rewarding. Around the Aquarius eclipse, a change of scenery or important conversation could shift your thinking. Saturn’s entry into your creative and romantic sector mid-month brings seriousness to matters of the heart. Over time, this supports deeper commitment and more meaningful self-expression. Later in the month, attention turns homeward, where rest and reconnection help ground your naturally adventurous spirit.

Tarot: Nine of Cups
Often called the wish card, the Nine of Cups reflects satisfaction and emotional contentment. It invites gratitude for what is already present, rather than striving for more

Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

Financial clarity is a theme as February begins, offering a chance to streamline budgets or rethink
income strategies. This practical focus supports longer-term goals rather than short-term gain. Midmonth brings a significant shift as Saturn settles into your home and family sector. Responsibilities
may increase, but so does the opportunity to build something solid and lasting. Around the Aquarius
eclipse, a new income stream or resource may appear, worth exploring carefully. Towards the end of
the month, creative thinking and communication help you articulate dreams that now feel
achievable with steady effort.

Tarot: Four of Swords
A card highlighting dedication, mastery, and skill development. Perhaps focus and effort now will bring Rest, reflection, and mental recovery are emphasised here. The Four of Swords suggests that
stepping back, even briefly, restores clarity and strength

Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

With the Sun in your sign for much of February, this is a month of personal visibility and renewal.
You’re invited to take up space, honour your individuality, and let go of attachments that have
quietly limited you. The Aquarius eclipse mid-month marks a powerful reset, one that can shift
how you see yourself or how others respond to you. Saturn’s move encourages focused learning and
thoughtful communication over the next couple of years. As the month closes, attention turns to
finances; mindful choices now lay the groundwork for greater stability later

Tarot: Eight of Wands
A sign of new opportunities, prosperity, and beginnings. Perhaps a practical idea or fresh path could bring Momentum builds with this card. The Eight of Wands points to swift movement, communication, and developments that unfold quickly once they begin.

Pisces (February 19–March 20)

February begins softly, encouraging rest, reflection, and gentle withdrawal from unnecessary
obligations. Clearing mental and emotional clutter early on creates space for renewal. As Mercury
and Venus move into your sign, self-expression flows more easily, helping you speak and present
yourself with authenticity. Saturn’s entry into your financial area mid-month asks for realism and
discipline, but also offers long-term rewards for careful planning. The Aquarius eclipse supports
deep restoration, while the Sun’s arrival in your sign signals the start of a new personal cycle.

Tarot: Two of Swords
Emotional fulfilment and harmony are highlighted. The Ten of Cups speaks to belonging, emotional
safety, and moments where things simply feel right


Embrace nature in later life

Round & About

 Joanna Allen-Dann runs Mini Nature Artists and has a passion for art and wellbeing, recognising its importance in later life

Nature and creativity have an extraordinary ability to reach people of all ages – but in later life, they become even more powerful.  

Whether it’s the familiar scent of pine, the texture of clay under the fingertips, or the soft colours of pressed flowers, nature-based art opens a doorway to memories, wellbeing and a sense of calm. My work in care homes and community settings has shown me that creativity is not just an activity – it is a lifeline to connection, confidence and meaning. 

I see this power unfold every week in the sessions I run. Some residents arrive enthusiastic and keen to begin, while others sit back at first, watching quietly and unsure whether to join in. With gentle encouragement, something lovely begins to happen. Hands that were hesitant, start to explore. Fine motor skills and coordination are gently challenged through simple, low-pressure activities like clay work or arranging natural objects. The sense of achievement when someone completes a piece – often proudly sharing it with visiting family – is incredibly moving. 

One of the most magical aspects of nature-based art is how open and inclusive it is. Sessions are designed so all abilities can take part, and when family members visit, they can easily join in too. Working side by side with familiar materials creates a shared experience that feels natural and unforced. I’ve watched quiet rooms come alive when the smell of pine sparked a conversation with a resident who had previously said very little. She began talking about climbing mountains in her younger years, and soon others joined in – sharing memories of walks they loved, gardens they tended, places they visited, or art they once enjoyed creating. 

Residents encourage one another, admire each other’s work, share gentle humour and even tease affectionately. Personalities emerge and confidence grows. Some begin following their own creative instincts – making sculptures inspired by something meaningful to them rather than copying the group. Often, people become so immersed in the sensory experience – the smells of natural inks made from fruits, vegetables and botanicals, the feel of clay and foraged materials – they’re reluctant to leave when the session ends. 

Nature and art work so well together because nature is inherently calming, while art offers a safe outlet for expression. Combined, they support emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety, stimulate the senses and open the door to conversation and connection – often the most important ingredient in later life. 

A simple activity to try at home with family or carers is clay impressions. Take a gentle walk together, collecting small natural items like leaves, shells or bark. Press them into air-dry clay, make a small hole, and once dry, hang them at different heights to create a mobile — a beautiful, shared reminder of time spent together.