Shere garden glory at open day

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

Enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon in a picturesque village admiring the  beauty of the gardens open to the public

Shere’s gardeners have been busy preparing for Sunday, 29th June, when they will be inviting you to view a selection of magical private gardens to help raise money for local causes and Cherry Trees respite care.   

If you haven’t already been, Shere is one of the most picturesque villages in Surrey, nestling at the foot of the North Downs between Guildford and Dorking, and well worth a visit. 

Whether you are a keen gardener or simply curious to see behind the lichen covered walls and manicured hedges, Shere Open Gardens has something for everyone. This event provides a glimpse of quintessential England and allows you to enjoy an afternoon wandering around gorgeous gardens in full bloom. There is enormous variety, from small, sheltered courtyards with enchanting flowering pots and containers, classic cottage gardens festooned with roses, hydrangeas and lupins, to lush waterside gardens with verdant shade loving planting. 

Refreshments are offered by the cricket club’s flamboyant Pimm’s stall beside the river Tillingbourne, and in the village hall Shere School parents will be serving delicious home-made cakes and tea with the opportunity to take the weight off your feet! Outside, the plant stall, run by Cherry Trees respite care, delivers the chance to take home a souvenir plant or two or possibly more.  

Strolling between each garden through the pretty streets of Shere will allow you to view the charming historic village buildings many of which are listed. St James’s Church with its Lutyens lychgate dates to the 12th century.  Shere Museum has a fine collection of artefacts highlighting Shere’s connection with the film industry, the bouncing bomb, as well as, it goes without saying, gardening implements from times gone by. 

Shere Open Gardens first started raising funds for local causes and charities in 1978, since when it has always proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a glorious summer’s afternoon. 

Location: Shere, off A25 halfway between Guildford and Dorking 

Date: Sunday, 29th June 

Time: 2pm-6pm 

Free Parking: Well signposted 

Entry: Adults £10 on the day, over 65s £8, children under 16 free. Discounted tickets can be purchased online in advance – Adults £9. 

More information and advance tickets:  shereopengardens.co.uk 

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Godalming sings gospel

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

Christine Sargrove tells us how the inspiring voices of Godalming Community Gospel Choir can help you reconnect with yourself and your community

Life in the 21st century can be frenetic and stressful. We are human beings not doings, so thankfully there is opportunity to draw breath and relax!   

Studies suggest that singing can enhance your mood, immune system and lung function; reduce blood pressure and feelings of chronic pain. So, the benefits of singing are vast. Godalming Community Gospel Choir (GCGC) has been enhancing the lives of many for 14 years.  

2025 brings fresh challenges under the new leadership of Russell Blackman – the  inspirational and charismatic creative director bringing a Caribbean vibe and super energy with him as soon as he walks through the door. 

Vaughan Larmond our accompanist has commuted from London supporting our choir for over five years.  He is the most accomplished gospel musician, trained in six instruments, band leader of multiple choirs including the acclaimed Kingdom Choir.   We know how blessed we are to have such a high calibre pair of musicians in our midst with Vaughan and Russell.   

Community is not just in the name of the choir but a tangible element of it.  Fun and friendship in an inclusive community. Having achieved charity status in 2024, we aim to increase our presence in the community and subject to available funds, sing for the benefit of others with no fee.  We do factor in our two main ticketed events at Christmas and Easter, which are joyful celebrations – even reserved Surrey audiences have been known to move off their seats & partake! Gospel is not static – you can’t but move! 

GCGC is a non-audition choir, open to people of all faiths and those of none. The choir is run by a board of trustees from the choir membership.  We learn by call and response, learning multiple songs each rehearsal. The traditional cake and cuppa mid session are enjoyed by all. Recordings are taken to reinforce learning throughout the week .   ”Singing the music we’re learning through the week and regular WhatsApp chat are joys that carry me through the days until Monday comes around again!!” says choir member, Catherine.  

Our current June performances are Choir Blast, Godalming and Shere Arts Week at St James’s Church, Shere.  

So If you’re tired of singing in the shower, then in the words of Madonna, “Like a Prayer” joining a Gospel Choir will really take you there!   

We meet at Godalming Minster, Church Street GU7 1ER from 7.30-9.30 pm on Monday evenings term-time please contact us for a free taster session on gcgcinformation@gmail.com  View us on gcgc.org.uk 

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Go on safari in Horsell

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

David Bromley tells us how Horsell is once again looking forward to welcoming visitors to its annual garden safari on June 14th & 15th

Celebrate the British love of gardens and gardening, meet up with friends and enjoy tea and cake too at this year’s Horsell Garden Safari. 

Opening this year are some new gardens, some that have been missed as they haven’t opened for a few years and some old favourites. The gardens offer a lovely mix of the new and familiar, the small and the large in a variety of styles.  

If you haven’t been to the allotments, visit them on Sunday, 15th June and enjoy the amazing range of flowers, fruit and vegetables – you might well be inspired to grow your own if you haven’t done so before. Visit the new gardens to support their efforts and have them open again in future.  

Brochures, costing only £10 for entry to all gardens on both days will be on sale from the usual local Horsell High Street shops and businesses, namely Seymours, Premier Store Horsell, Lisa Jones and the Horsell Framing Company. They are also available from participating gardens on the day. 

There are over 25 different gardens to view, 16 open on Saturday and 16 on Sunday so get your walking shoes on or pump up the bicycle tyres in readiness and join Horsell for a wonderful outdoor weekend!  

All proceeds to local charities and thanks, as always, go to those super folks who open their gardens, sponsors Seymours, Hamlyns and Victoria Clinic, the shops who sell the brochures and the visitors who make the efforts so worthwhile. The safari has raised around £80,000 for local charities over the years. 

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Blenheim Food Festival – Star Q&A with Melissa Hemsley  

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Former private chef turned food columnist, bestselling cookbook author, real food activist and sustainability champion Melissa Hemsley chats to us ahead of Blenheim Palace Food Festival, 24th to 26th May 

Melissa Hemsley

Q. Hello Melissa! What’s your first food memory? “Sitting in my nappy with bare legs on a scratchy carpet in the living room of our army accommodation (Dad was in the Army) with my mum peeling prawns that she’d simply boiled. She was dipping them in vinegar and then using her fingers, grabbing a bit of hot white rice and then hand-feeding me these perfect bite-sized mouthfuls of prawn and rice. I also remember vividly going to a little farm with some little friends and eating fish paste sandwiches and then banana sandwiches for pudding!” 

Q. What’s the one first step you think families can take to “unprocessing” their diet? “One of my tips that I find helpful (and other people tell me they in turn found useful) is, when you’re at the shops or doing an online shop, challenge yourself to take one ultra-processed food out of the shopping basket and instead add one more real food or whole food. For example, a bag of frozen green beans, a tin of lentils, a jar of dried herbs or spices… so by the end of the year, you’ve bought 52 less ultra-processed food and have 52 more whole foods to eat! Find loads more tips and hacks in my Sunday Times bestselling cookbook Real Healthy.”  

Q. Congratulations on becoming a mum! What are the most surprising & rewarding lessons so far? 

“Thank you! Our little girl Summer turns two just after the food festival. She loved eating everything at first. Now at mealtimes she really wants to run around so mealtimes are definitely a little bit more challenging! One thing she loves is we have fridge magnets of lots and lots of types of fruit and veg and she can name them all which she loves doing. So I think that really helps her get new things when we put food down on the table. I’m in awe of all parents and caregivers and I think I was aware how tricky it was going to be to work and parent at the same time but the reality is, it’s even harder than I expected! I really struggle – I know similar for lots of families –  to find the time to work as much as I’d like to and I think now she’s almost two, I have realised that I have to sadly say ‘no thank you’ to a lot more things than I’d like, so I’m not running ragged and to protect my mental health and physical health. I struggle with that but, as we all know, there are never enough hours in the day.” 

Q. How do you take good care of your mental health? “I love walking and I can’t drive so both factors get me walking a lot! Summer and I like to walk as much as possible to activities in the playground and friends houses and i walk as much as i can to work appointments but I also try and have a 45-minute walk by myself every day which is my ideal type of meditation. My mantra is ‘if in doubt, walk it out’ and I really feel the difference if I haven’t had a chance to have a big walk a day. Eating well really supports my mental health especially when I’m busy. I count on meal prepping and batch cooking brackets which I’m sure we’ll talk about at my demo at the festival! I really count on the freezer and I think cooking yourself an extra batch of something you love that’s a comfort food and having it in the freezer is such a lovely gift to yourself for those times when you know you’re gonna be really busy or if as often happens you get run-down and then you need something nourishing and uplifting and home-cooked.”  

Q. Who was your foodie hero growing up? “I loved watching Ready Steady Cook after school and my mum is definitely a food hero for me. She has always had this knack – born out of resourcefulness –  for being able to create a delicious meal out of very little and quickly too. I think being able to flexibly come up with a meal is key which I think is the most important part of learning to cook, rather than strictly following a recipe. And I think Ready Steady Cook on the BBC was so good at that it made cooking fun and unintimidating. I would love to see more shows like that where it’s less competitive and more celebratory, showing quick thrifty cooking tips that busy people need.” 

Q. We’re all doing our best to make ends meet. What is your top tip for stretching the budget? “Even though I love writing cookbooks I don’t know if the world needs more and more cookbooks! I think we need more and more recipe templates and throw together ideas and meals plans and emergency pull together bases (which I love sharing) and what I like to do each week is to make three things – a soup, a frittata, and a fruit bowl cake. The soup is brilliant because you can take it in a flask if you’re on the move – it’s a fab way of using up every day odds and ends; half an onion, the last stick of celery, any less-than-fresh herbs and herb stems any salad items that are a little bit wilty like half a bag of rocket and then for satisfaction (as soups need to be satisfying) I cook all that down and then blitz it up with a tin of cooked white beans which makes it all creamy and hearty and we all know beans are really good for us. Sometimes I blitz in some frozen peas for sweetness too and then have it with croutons or sprinkle some feta cheese then for a frittata… A frittata is an amazing way of using up both cooked veg and raw veg, using up Sunday leftover roasted veg or I use a 50% mix of whisked eggs and 50% equal volume of uncooked veg like grated carrots, grated courgettes and some grated cheese. Then you can either put the batter into muffin trays for breakfast muffins or often snack frittata on the go or make one big tray and slice up wedges and have that for a quick dinner or Saturday lunch. Frittatas are also great cold the next day – they make an amazing sandwich filling too. And finally a fruit bowl bake is as good for a Sunday afternoon treat as it is for Monday morning breakfast. Lots of us end up having bananas or apples rolling around in the bottom of school bags or gym bags simply getting lost at the bottom of the fruit bowl. So the Fruit Bowl Bake was born out of me always having a bruised bananas or less-than-crunchy apples that no one wanted to eat so I mix them all together with porridge oats and a couple of eggs, some lovely cinnamon and a little bit of sweetness from maple syrup or honey and then you bake it up. So good!” 

Q. Is there any surprising food stuff you don’t eat? “I seem to have developed an allergy to crab which I’m devastated by because one of my favourite things is a crab sandwich sitting on a beach! I’m about to start the second year of my naturopathic nutrition degree and it’s fascinating and inspiring me even more to keep sharing real food recipes especially with the dominance of ultra processed foods in our diets these days! And it has truly hammered home to me (in the best way possible) how much importance there is in taking care of ourselves with food, stress levels and sleep quality!” 

Q. And anything you’re borderline obsessed with/ guilty pleasure? “I don’t think there’s anything I’m particularly obsessed by but in terms of a snack, rather than buy snacks on the go or the very much ‘health halo’ packaged expensive snacks, I always have some dark chocolate and a little old jar, normally an old mustard jar, and fill it with mixed nuts like Brazil nuts, walnuts and some dark chocolate squares. And they’re my dream snack and I have to replenish my jar often as whenever I get my jar out, I end up sharing them with everyone!”  

Q. What’s your favourite foodstuff to grow? “In my old garden in East London with very much my mom’s help, we were growing quite a few things well. Sadly, since parenthood, I’ve taken my eye off the ball but my herbs are still surviving. We just had a street party and I had 15 minutes to make my contribution so relied on foods from the cupboard plus my herbs. I made a massive bowl of chickpeas with crumble feta, olives, roasted red peppers and then tossed it all together with lots of olive oil and lemon juice and then big handfuls of chives and basil and parsley from my herb pots, which made the salad tasty and fresh and brought it to life.”  

Q. What’s your best meal ever? “My best meal at the moment anyway is my one-pan lazy lasagne with a huge avocado, basil, butter lettuce salad and then smashed dates with drizzled dark chocolate and pistachios and hazelnuts and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt.”  

Q. What’s your essential bit of kitchen kit? “A box grater. I love being able to easily add grated carrots and courgettes into frittatas or bolognese or chillis or stews and grated cabbage and beetroot into salads or slaws or to grate sweet potatoes or squash into a spiced fritter to serve with a garlic dipping sauce. Easiest way to up the veg content each day and delicious too.”  

Q. What are your favourite restaurants? “I love restaurants that welcome kids and dogs and so so appreciate that! I love Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond and Petersham Nurseries.“ 

Q. What’s your favourite summer produce to cook with & enjoy? “All the lettuces and salads, tomatoes fennel – love a raw fennel salad. Summer berries and stone fruits. Love being able to picnic with the above and some good cheese and olives and soak up outside time as much as possible.”

Blenheim Palace Entrance

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Readi for pop and more

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The three-day all-ages charity festival by the bank of the Thames in Caversham returns from July 12th to 14th raising funds for the local community

This year’s Readipop not only offers Ash, Echobelly, Republica, Fabio & Grooverider among many more but it is also set to be the most sustainable yet.

Joining the headliners are a diverse array of new and established artists including energetic festival mainstays Dub Pistols, Welsh tongue-in-cheek rappers Goldie Lookin’ Chain (playing a legends set), Manchester indie-dance pioneers A Certain Ratio, BBC 6Music favourites from Holland, Pip Blom and 1980s Reading punk band International Resque playing their final show together.

Readipop will be showcasing their valuable work across the weekend, including AAA takeovers, presenting an array of local talent who learn musical skills at the charity’s weekly AAA youth club alongside live sets from artists signed to their Riser Music label and their community bands. In addition, Readipop XOX Project Live will be performing a set of classic tracks to demonstrate the vintage drum machines and synthesisers that will make up part of Readipop’s upcoming XOX Project museum.

Festival Producer Molly Banbury says: “We’ve seen our highest ever ticket sales to date for this point and are so grateful to everyone that has already shown their support for this year’s event. Not only will it be our biggest Readipop Festival so far but also our most sustainable!”

She adds the small team “are determined to see our charity festival flourish with community and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. This year we created a sustainability ‘pathway’ plan. This pathway maps out our ambitions creating achievable steps for us to reach our green goals over several years, helping us to make continuous environmentally conscious improvements.”

Molly believes the location is one of the biggest positives for Readipop with its proximity to Reading station, a mere 10 minute walk, and less with nearby bus routes. She adds: “We want to continue to improve upon this by encouraging travel by bike this year and offering secure bike storage inside the grounds.”

BBC Introducing in Oxfordshire and Berkshire have selected three up-and-coming acts which they will host in the Purple Turtle tent on Friday 12th.

Readipop’s family area will be open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons featuring craft, music and dance workshops, story telling, immersive performances and other fun activities featuring local arts and music organisations including Jelly, Dance Reading, Tankata Percussion, MiniMixers DJs and more.

Reading’s Indie Market also comes to the site on Saturday and Sunday bringing all stalls full of locally produced festival-friendly arts, crafts and clothes stalls. Purple Turtle bars serve local craft beer and real ale all weekend alongside a selection of lagers, ciders, spirits and wine.

Tickets and more at READIPOP FESTIVAL

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Summer daze

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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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One Planet Living Festival: 15th June

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One Planet Abingdon (OPA) is hosting an event in June to celebrate Abingdon’s culture and community by bringing everyone together.

The environment group is collaborating with other community organisations and charities to stage the One Planet Living Festival on Saturday, June 15th, from 10am to 5pm in the Market Place. The festival will feature a range of eco traders, information on sustainable living, and activities and performances for all ages.

OPA co-founder Michelle Charlesworth expressed her excitement: “It has been my vision since the conception of One Planet that we would come together as a community. This collaboration is the realization of that vision, showcasing our rich culture and community. We can enjoy one another’s tradition, music, and stories, truly connecting as we continue our journey to a one planet living town.”

OPA is partnering with Evoking Belonging, the Abingdon Events Partnership, and Abingdon Town Council to bring this festival to the town. Local businesses such as Taiwil Fashions, Planted Plates, and Tribe Zero will host stalls promoting the ten principles aimed at creating a better world. Abingdon’s Morris Dancers and local artists will perform, representing the diverse cultures of Abingdon.

Dianne Regisford of Evoking Belonging highlighted the importance of social cohesion: “As more African-Caribbean and other ethnic origin families come to live in Abingdon, the social, cultural, and racial dynamics of the town change. To ensure a vibrant, socially cohesive, and economically buoyant town, it’s imperative to create strategies and opportunities for all to thrive. This is a social justice vision of belonging for all.”

OPA, launched in 2021 in response to Abingdon Town Council’s climate and ecological emergency declaration, runs the Climate Emergency Centre (CEC) under the County Hall Museum. The CEC provides refreshments for visitors while exploring the implications of transitioning to zero carbon living, a target set by the national government. The volunteer-led organisation welcomes anyone concerned about the environment to get involved.

The One Planet Living principles are: Health and happiness, Equity and local economy, Culture and community, Land and nature, Sustainable water, Local and sustainable food, Travel and transport, Materials and products, Zero waste, and Zero carbon energy.

For more information or to help with OPA activities, including the festival, visit http://www.oneplanetabingdon.org/ or visit the CEC, open from 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Evoking Belonging addresses the increasingly diverse population of Abingdon. Its founder, Dianne Regisford, was recently elected to Oxford Town Council representing the Green Party.

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Spring into Easter

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Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!

There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.

This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.

Make your way along the trail at Avebury while taking part in 10 fun, creative, and playful activities inspired by our native wildlife for the whole family. The trail takes place between March 23rd and April 14th, so go along and explore the beautiful gardens of Avebury.

Basildon Park is going to the movies, March 23rd-April 14th, as children and families become director of their own Easter movie in the parkland. Basildon Park is often seen on screen as a location in films and the 10 action stations of the Easter trail will help families create their own movie. There’ll be plenty of walking, fun games and photo opportunities to be had along the way. There are also two pre-bookable Easter wreath-making workshops on March 19th and 21st.

Follow the trail through Highclere Castle’s gardens and woodland, finding clues en route to win a chocolate Easter egg at the end on Saturday, 6th April. Show off your creations in the Easter bonnet parade, meet some of the farm animals and take to the bouncy slide in a day of family fun for all ages. Please pre-book adult tickets and confirm how many children are coming with you so Highclere can ensure every child receives an Easter egg once they have completed the trail. Donations to the chosen charity on the day (suggested donation £5) are invited when collecting a map for the Easter Trail on arrival.

Explore Shaw House and follow the clues to find all the bunnies hidden around the historic rooms on Saturday, 13th April, 11am-1pm. Themed crafts will also be available in the Activity Room. Suitable for ages 4 – 8 years old, but younger and older visitors are welcome. Suggested donation £1.

Buscot Park house and gardens reopen for the summer season on Good Friday, 29th March, and will be open 2-6pm daily over the Easter bank holiday weekend. New for 2024 is a free sculpture trail around the gardens, featuring stunning glass sculptures by Gloucestershire artists Sally Fawkes and Richard Jackson. More here.

Hop into spring with a joyful Easter egg trail scavenger hunt at Town Gardens in Swindon on Saturday, 30th March. Children will crack the code, claim delicious treats, and create lasting memories. The trail starts at the bandstand by 10am.

Celebrate new life at Roves Farm near Swindon this spring with the birth of lambs and baby goats. Boer goat nannies will be kidding from 12th March and the kids will be included in the bottle feeding sessions once old enough from around early April, perfect timing for the Easter holidays! The second lambing takes place at the farm from April 6th to 23rd. Spend some time on the viewing walkway looking out over the barn as the day’s action unfolds. You may be lucky enough to see a lamb or two being born. And of course, there will be all the usual fun on the farm with daily activities, indoor and outdoor play, tractor rides, Rugrats & Rascals sessions, meet & feed the animals & lots more.

Crofton Beam Engines will be letting off steam on March 31st and April 1st when you can enjoy a look behind the scenes over the Easter weekend.

Easter fun awaits at Bowood House & Gardens from March 29th to April 14th where the Bowood Easter Bunny has hidden 10 large eggs through the Arboretum. Find the eggs, unscramble the letters and guess the word to win a prize. On Easter weekend, March 29th to April 1st, four golden eggs will be hidden within the grounds, along with one rainbow egg each day, (Friday –  Monday inclusive). Those that find a golden egg will win a chocolate Easter Egg and the rainbow egg winner will win a Season Ticket. Book here.

Meet rare breed ponies, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ducks, geese, goats, and more at Cholderton Charlie’s Rare Breeds Farm near Salisbury. Offering a range of events and activities during the Easter holidays, this is a fantastic place to take the children during Easter. Adults will also want to stop by the Farm Shop to browse gifts and locally produced food and drink and gifts before heading home. Visit choldertonrarebreedsfarm.com

Instead of Easter bunnies how about Easter horses? Huntersfield Equestrian Centre near Faringdon hosts regular pony camps, days and rallies during holidays and mid-term breaks. Open to children between the ages of four and 16 years, no prior experience is needed, just a positive and eager attitude to learn more about horses and their care. And of course there’s loads of fun to the activities too. Find out more and book at huntersfieldec.com

Image: National Trust/Paul Harris

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Spring into Easter

Round & About

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activities

Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!

There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.

This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family at The Vyne, Basingstoke between March 23rd and April 14th. Limbering up this Easter, families can get active in The Vyne’s gardens as they complete this athletics-themed trail. At 10 outdoor activity stations, enjoy fun challenges such as long jump, egg and spoon race and bean bag shot put before heading to the trail finish to collect your prize.

Go wild for the Easter Trail at Hinton Ampner as you don your bunny ears and take on the challenges the Easter bunny has left behind. A chocolate prize awaits for the best hopping, bouncing bunnies, March 29th-April 14th.

Discover the myths and legends of the Punch Bowl and look out for the Exmoor ponies at Hindhead Commons with activities and challenges for all the family on the Easter Trail, March 29th-April 14.

Thousands of daffodils (more than 40 varieties) are spread across the Pleasure Garden at Petworth and pack nearly 100 plant containers. A colourful free map and trail booklet will take families on a spring adventure that weaves through the gardens. Stop off at six wildlife-willow sculptures on the way – from slugs and frogs to bees and butterflies – for fun games and activities including daffodil hoopla target and butterfly noughts and crosses. March 29th-April 14th. Also shop at an artisan makers market. Full details and all event dates for Petworth Spring Festival, for more information visit the website.

Join the search in the grounds of Whitchurch Silk Mill on Wednesday, 10th April and see how many eggs you can find! Collect a bag on arrival or bring your own basket and hunt high and low around the Mill grounds to find the chocolate eggs left behind by the Easter bunny. Each child will be given a bag and sheet to collect 15 chocolates from different locations around the Mill grounds. £4.50 per child, charges apply to all children wishing to participate in the hunt. No booking is required for accompanying adults. Details here.

Bun & Ted are embarking on another Eggscellent Adventure at Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, in their spring challenge and they need you to help them save Easter. March 29th to April 14th.

A weekend celebrating the onset of spring is bringing together the very best of Surrey’s food, drink, art and crafts at the Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford. Visitors to the Spring Fair can experience a wide range of fun and exciting activities that celebrate spring and showcase the richness of the culture, heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Traditional country crafts, live music, art demonstrations, local food vendors, and outdoor woodland activities can all be enjoyed on April 6th & 7th.

The Eggs-travaganza Easter hunt is back at Winchester Science Centre, March 16th to April 15th, but don’t expect to be on the hunt for brightly coloured eggs! In European folklore the Easter bunny was traditionally an Easter hare. Join the hunt around the Centre to find the rabbits and hares that are visiting. Explore the differences between our furry friends and solve the puzzles along the way in order to grab yourself a delicious chocolate treat. Spring also heralds a new season of exciting science fun at Boom & Bloom!

Follow the trail through Highclere Castle’s gardens and woodland, finding clues en route to win a chocolate Easter Egg at the end on Saturday, 6th April. Show off your creations in the Easter bonnet parade, meet some of the farm animals and take to the bouncy slide in a day of family fun for all ages. Please pre-book adult tickets and confirm how many children are coming with you so Highclere can ensure every child receives an Easter egg once they have completed the trail. Donations to the chosen charity on the day (suggested donation £5) are invited when collecting a map for the Easter Trail on arrival.

Visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens this Easter, join family and friends for a walk through the beautiful spring gardens and try the ‘record-breaking birds egg hunt’ – there are some brilliant birds in the world and on this year’s egg hunt you will find out all about them – and finish the day with a lovely lunch or afternoon treat in White’s cafe. More here.

Image: National Trust/Paul Harris

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Make a splash

Karen Neville

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activities

Water, water everywhere or at any rate over 71 per cent of the world’s surface and there’s plenty to enjoy where we are too in pools, lidos, lakes, water and splash parks

At this time of year with temperatures on the up and the need to cool off, nothing can beat the urge to enjoy a dip in a pool or a splash in the sea.

Find pools / lidos / splash parks near you:
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Oxfordshire
Surrey
West Berkshire & Wiltshire

Berkshire

The obvious first port of call is your local pool or lido. The historic Thames Lido is anything but just a pool for a swim and to cool off, tuck into Mediterranean tapas and mains in a glass-walled space at the historic renovated pool in the heart of Reading. The outdoor pool is heated year round and if you like it hot why not try the saunas or hot tub? Spoil yourself with a massage, or make a day of it with a delicious lunch or try the twilight package with a swim, use of hot tub / sauna, a massage and glass of Prosecco – heaven!

If it’s rowdy, crazy water fun you’re after then Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell is a must. One of the largest interactive water worlds in England, it has a huge range of different ways to enjoy the water with thrilling waterslides, an erupting volcano, a pirate ship and a variety of other features, there’s something for everyone in the pool area. If you’re after something a little more chilled, the adults-only Coral Spa area is the ideal place to relax and get away from it all.

Caversham Lakes is a natural open space showcasing the great outdoors and nature in what is a real social sanctuary with a safe playground set on a freshwater lake in the heart of the Thames Valley. There’s something for everyone – open water swimming, stand up paddle boarding, make a splash with aqua park fun, the family beach is a great place to relax in the sun or follow a nature trail.

Bucks

Wycombe Rye Lido boasts a 33m heated pool, with grass and terraced sunbathing areas, a summer’s day at Wycombe Rye Lido is a day dream come true. It has all year round heating, and also sports underwater lights for those who want to swim when the sun goes down.

Longridge Activity Centre in Marlow is another option for a fun day out on the water with kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating, rafting and bell boating all available in addition to a wide range of land-based activities to throw yourself into too. Book on to an activity day or check out the weekend courses. Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking can also be tried at Engage Watersports in Taplow who “learn by having fun”.

Providing a first-class outdoor swimming facility that makes a positive contribution both to the community and to the health and wellbeing of the residents of Woburn and the surrounding areas is the mission of Woburn Lido and they are achieving this with their 23 metres long and nine metres wide pool. The variable depth of the pool also makes it perfect for both families and lane swimmers.

Water safety tips

It is never a good idea to swim alone in open water, even if you are highly experienced. Beginners should always swim with another more experienced swimmer or at a venue with safety crew or lifeguards.

Choose your venue carefully. NOWCA affiliated venues require all swimmers to wear a NOWCA wristband. The sophisticated safety system allows the crew to keep track of who is in the water.

Open water spaces can harbour harmful microbes. Make sure the venue meets requirements (Directive 2006/7/EC and Bathing Water Regulations 2013).

Go at your own pace. Swim in the stroke you are most comfortable with – except backstroke, you need to see where you are going! Start with a short swim course. If you do find yourself in trouble, stay calm and raise your hand so the safety crew can assist you.

Remember to have fun! There is a strong supportive community and it’s a great social activity. Learn from other swimmers and their experiences. Visit (nowca.org) for more.

Oxfordshire

Growing up I spent many an hour in the summer at the Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool in Abingdon. Newly renovated and heated (which it definitely wasn’t in my time), it offers lane swimming and ‘swim for all’ sessions. Parents can sit back and watch kids playing under the spray fountain in the splash pad in the park. Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool is a fully accessibly facility, with ramp access and toilet facilities.

Really make a splash at Oxford Wet ‘n’ Wild at Queenford Lake, the park offers activities for all ages – run wild on the inflatable obstacle course and slides or hire paddleboards and kayaks. Whether you are a competitive swimmer, a triathlete or just enjoy wild swimming, the lake at Berinsfield is a very popular spot with four well-marked loops to navigate of distances from 350m to 1,000m – it’s the ideal spot for triathletes who like a cycle after their swim. Rinse off after in the outdoor lakeside shower and spend some time at the Wandering Kitchen café, the ‘burger & swim’ is a top choice!

Leisurely swim or fun splash time with the kids? Whichever you’re after Riverside Park and Pools in Wallingford next to the Thames and is the ideal spot. The heated outdoor pool offers a variety of sessions, including Swim for Fitness, Swim for All, Outdoor Aqua Aerobics and Swim Doctor. The Jubilee Splash Pad has been refurbished to create a more modern and fun splash pad for youngsters to enjoy.

Surrey

Guildford Lido is one of the country’s few remaining original 1930s pools and one of the most popular, attracting more than 60,000 visitors on average each season and it’s not hard to see why. Set in four and a half acres of landscaped gardens, the heated Olympic size pool is the ideal spot to chill out, have fun (there’s a mini golf course too), take a picnic and swim, of course. If you like to make a splash there are three exciting slides to whizz down including a mini slide for water babies.

The large paddling pool in Stoke Park, Guildford is shallow enough for tots of all ages to enjoy a refreshing dip. A beach design on the yellow part and the flow of the pool comes up gently to make youngsters feel at ease. A play park, mini golf and 52 acres of glorious gardens make it a great spot to spend a few hours all round.

Aldershot Lido is the largest open air pool in Hampshire and is the perfect spot to spend a hot summer’s day. Three fun waterslides (suitable for 8 years+), a toddler paddling pool and large sandpit, 1m mixed diving board, picnic area in a scenic landscaped garden, basketball area and refreshments all make this a very popular place to cool off.

West Berkshire & Wiltshire

The 150-year-old Newbury Lido has undergone a renovation and while the pool itself has been reduced in length to 50m, it now boasts a new splash toddler pad and racer slides. The revamp means the pool is shallower to allow easier maintenance. New changing facilities have also been added to improve the overall experience to make summer more enjoyable for all. Pre-booking has been introduced this year too.

How about this to add some real glamour and style to your wild swimming experience? Wasing Estate at Aldermaston invites you to enjoy the beautiful tranquillity of the woodland lake as you enjoy a dip before warming up again in the wood-fired sauna and enjoying the stunning views across the lake. You need to be a member here to enjoy this level of luxury, you’ll be more than rewarded for splashing out!

A 25 metre, deck level, pool catering for a wide range of local swimmers and clubs can be found at The Link Centre, Swindon; Marlborough Leisure Centre; Kennet Leisure Centre in Thatcham and Hungerford leisure Centre; all have 25m pools – perfect for swimming some lengths.

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