Out & About Summer 2019
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Summer 2019
West Berkshire, Nor th Hampshire & East Wiltshire
A Newbury News Ltd publication
The next stage Actor Nick Lumley is the new Constable of the Town & Manor of Hungerford Whitchurch Silk Mill A visit to the restored Georgian mill
Family-friendly festivals The pick of the go-to outdoor events this summer
Fashion Food Features Gardening Travel Competitions
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GERALDINE GARDNER
EDITOR
E very year the range of summer festivals on offer seems to get bigger and better. Families pack up their camping gear and hightail to venues across the country, where they can listen to their favourite bands, watch the latest stand-up comic sensation, join in arts and crafts workshops, meditate and let the children run wild and free. It’s an idyllic image, not always borne out because of the vagaries of the British weather, but at Out&About we are ever the optimists and so we have highlighted a selection of festivals for you to choose from – all within a two-hour radius – whether you just want a day-trip or to make a weekend of it (p26). We’ve also followed the festival theme on our fashion pages (p8), and offer some makeup (p13) and beauty tips (p15). To finish off the look, Fiona Crooks Smith of Rainbows, Newbury, shows you how to pimp your shoes and give them a touch of sparkle (p86). In this edition we welcome our new wine correspondent, head sommelier at The Vineyard, Stockcross, Romain Bourger. Romain has picked up on the festival vibe too and is excited about the range and quality of wines increasingly available in cans and boxes – he might surprise you (p54). We’ve also visited two independent caf é s in Newbury,
which offer outdoor seating if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a bit of homemade, locally-served food while soaking up the sun’s rays (p50). Samantha Whittaker visited The Red House, Marsh Benham, and discovered a delightful garden, as well as reasonably- priced pub fayre (p44). If you’re looking for a more genteel day out, then Whitchchurch Silk Mill may be the answer. Angela Knight took a tour of the beautiful working Georgian mill (p35). We love a bit of history and you can’t beat this country for ancient traditions and practices. Nicholas Lumley has just been appointed Constable of the Town and Manor of Hungerford and The Liberty of Standen Fee, a post that dates back to the 15th-century. The prolific actor talks to Trish Lee about his latest casting (p58) and how it differs from his usual roles. And if you’re looking for something to read while you relax in the sun, apart from your 100-page Out&About , I’ve suggested a couple of books to squeeze into your suitcase (p85). Whatever you’re doing this summer, I hope you enjoy some ‘me time’... and fingers crossed for some sunny days.
Editor’s picks
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Cover picture
A thread of history
Wood you believe it
26 FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVALS
35 WHITCHURCH SILK MILL
68 HARTWOOD OAK
The creators of beautiful wooden structures for the home are celebrating 25 years in business
You could spend the whole summer enjoying an abundance of family-friendly events
The whole family can enjoy a day out at this working mill, which weaves beautiful silks
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O&A SUMMER 2019
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CONTENTS
7 Comment: Jonathan Hopson looks forward to his daughter’s wedding 8 Fashion: get festival-hip 13 Makeup: glitter and glam FEATURES 26 Festival frenzy: a round-up of family-friendly festivals 35 The mill on the Test: Discover the delights of Whitchurch Silk Mill 58 Carry on Constable: Actor Nicholas Lumley on his latest role in Hungerford WELLBEING 15 Health & Beauty: campsite pampering 17 Fitness: summer challenges 20 Mental health: a problem shared and how to relax 23 Education: calming exam nerves FOOD & DRINK 44 Restaurant review: The Red House, Marsh Benham 47 Pop inn: The Newbury, Bartholomew Street 50 Café culture: healthy eating, a cup of tea and homemade cake 53 Fish news: sensational salmon 54 Top tipples: summer recommendations
Summer 2019
A Newbury News Ltd publication
LIFESTYLE 65 Antiques: grab a pocket watch bargain 68 Hartwood Oak: celebrating 25 years 72 Interiors: eco-friendly furniture and summer tips 76 Gardening: light up your garden 80 Travel: book some summer sun 83 Motors: Bentley Mulsanne LEISURE 85 Book review: Look out for The Friendly Ones 86 How to: pimp your festival shoes 89 What’s on: a round-up of local summer events 95 Outdoors: the importance of ponds 97 Star gazing: summer night sky COMPETITION 41 Win: A VIP day for two at the races
TO ADVERTISE IN OUT&ABOUT Abigail Reddin 01635 886612 abigail.reddin@newburynews.co.uk
General competition rules: The winner(s) will be the first entry(ies) drawn with the correct answer. In the event that a winner must be notified quickly and is unavailable on the daytime number provided, another winner may have to be chosen. Newbury News Limited employees, and employees
directly involved in the competition, and their families, are not eligible to enter. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Responsibility not accepted for entries lost or torn in the post. Postal entries must be on the original form. There are no cash alternatives to the prize.
@outnaboutberks
Read our digital edition at
GROUP EDITOR ANDY MURRILL (01635) 886625 ANDY.MURRILL@NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK OUT&ABOUT EDITOR GERALDINE GARDNER (01635) 886684 GERALDINE.GARDNER@NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK ADVERTISING ABIGAIL REDDIN (01635) 886612 ABIGAIL.REDDIN@ NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK PRODUCTION DESIGN CARRIE FAITHFULL, HELEN LAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY PHIL CANNINGS PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY 13TH JUNE, OUT&ABOUT IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, PUBLISHED BY NEWBURY NEWS LTD, NEWSPAPER HOUSE, FARADAY ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 2AD
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O&A SUMMER 2019
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LOCAL VIEW
JONATHAN HOPSON is taking on the new role of father-in-law when his daughter Sophie gets married in August. The preparations are all-consuming
O ne of the defining moments for a father is being asked by a prospective son-in-law how you feel about them marrying your daughter. I was thrilled to experience such a moment on a family skiing holiday in France during the first week in January this year, when my daughter Sophie’s boyfriend George and I found ourselves alone in a cable car. Having subsequently separately received a strongly affirmative response from both his parents-in- law-to-be, George duly proposed to Sophie (he had planned ahead and brought an engagement ring out on holiday with him) and it was a very special moment for us all to hear Sophie say “Yes!”. The wedding is booked for August and it’s interesting to note there’s some history on short engagements in the Hopson family – my parents were engaged in September and married the following June, whereas Lucy and I reversed those months – we were engaged in June and married three months later in September. Sophie and George are planning a civil ceremony in Winchester, followed by a wedding party a few days later at their home outside Newbury. The marquee, chairs and tables, florist, caterer and photographer are all booked, the guest list has been finalised and the invitations ordered – there are a number of other things that have been organised, some of which are a surprise. After much searching in shops near and far, and numerous trawls on the internet, the bride’s wedding dress has been sourced and is in the process of being altered. Nearly as important, it looks as if we
are now close to a successful final selection for the mother of the bride’s dress... The key task outstanding – which will no doubt take longer to complete over the weeks ahead than we think – is to help ensure the garden is looking its best and to fine tune the father of the bride’s speech. Without stealing the best man’s thunder on the day, I think I have managed to glean some fascinating snippets about the groom, which will hopefully generate some laughter on the day. I’ll also incorporate a quote from Lyndon B Johnson: “Only two things are necessary to keep one’s wife happy. One is to let her think she’s having her own way, the other, to let her have it.” The time between now and the wedding will no doubt race by – let’s hope the English weather behaves and the sun shines.
George and Sophie
Jonathan’s parents’ wedding reported in the Newbury Weekly News
Jonathan’s mother, Sue Hopson recently lent her 1950s wedding dress to West Berkshire Museum for an exhibition entitled Somehting Old, Something New. The stunning gown was worn by Mrs Hopson at her 1957 marriage to David Hopson, former owner of Camp Hopson
Mr and Mrs J Hopson, September 1990
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O&A SUMMER 2019
FASHION
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Glamping, camping or just day-tripping, look cool and sassy at this summer’s events
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1. HAIR BAND ACCESSORIZE £9 DUNGAREES SUPERDRY £59.99 SANDALS MONSOON £35 2. HAT ACCESSORIZE £25 T-SHIRT NEW LOOK £9.99 SHORTS SUPERDRY £39.99 WELLIES TU CLOTHING £18 3. JACKET PRIMARK £20 DUNGAREES FATFACE £49.50 BAG ACCESSORIZE £42
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O&A SUMMER 2019
FASHION
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1. JACKET WHITE STUFF £39.95 TOP MONSOON £39 SHORTS MISS SELFRIDGE £25 BRACELET ACCESSORIZE £15 2. DRESS MISS SELFRIDGE £35 EARRINGS MATALAN £4 SHOES RIVER ISLAND £45 3. SUNGLASSES TKMAXX £19.99
DRESS WALLIS £45 SHOES GEORGE £9
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O&A SUMMER 2019
FASHION
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FIFI & MOOSE
1. SUNGLASSES RIVER ISLAND £16 TOP RIVER ISLAND £30 SHORTS MONSOON £35 BUM BAG RIVER ISLAND £18 2. TOP F&F £8 SHORTS TKMAXX £12.99 SHOES FAITH £45 3. JACKET TKMAXX £19.99 SHORTS MISS SELFRIDGE £50 SHOES PRIMARK £8 FAN ACCESSORIZE £5
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FASHION
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1. JUMPSUIT TU CLOTHING £22 SHOES TKMAXX £12.99 UMBRELLA TU CLOTHING £15 HEADBAND ACCESSORIZE £8 2. HAT ACCESSORIZE £25 DRESS SUPERDRY £44.99 BAG ACCESSORIZE £35 3. TOP LAURA ASHLEY £45 SKIRT M&S £69 NECKLACE WHITE STUFF £25
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O&A SUMMER 2019
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29 th June The Intrepid Explorers Edmund & Hilary 30 th June Mind the Gap – Mirror Mirror
12 th July St Michael’s Summer Fun Day Plus the Sea Sphere Mermaid with dancing seaweed from the deep. 13 th July BATS Next Gen bring you Madness songs from “OUR HOUSE” 25 th -28 th July The Malls Annual Punch & Judy Shows
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MAKEUP
You’ve put the tent up, you’ve planned your day, you’ve got the beers chilling and now you want to look the part. No festival is complete without a bit of glitter, rainbow hair, and boho glam
Face Lace Loops A Daisy Stickers Face Lace – £19.95
IGK Foamo Holographic Hair Foam IGK – £19 Fancy going rainbow-style just for the festival? This holographic foam that gives any hair colour a multi-coloured shimmer. Love festival makeup but can’t be bothered with the faff? Face Lace’s stick-on designs do the hard work for you - just peel off and place. We’re feeling the Loops A Daisy designs for instant Guccification.
Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara Eyeko – £19
Rain or shine – when you’re dancing and swaying along to your favourite music, you don’t want to be worrying about mascara rivers flowing down your cheeks.
BeautyBlender Blotterazzi BeautyBlender – £17
Two washable and reusable blotting sponges to ensure your complexion is always flawless, even you’ve been in the mosh pit. The innovative compact helps to keep your Blotterazzi clean and away from makeup and also features vents for continued freshness. Each Blotterazzi lasts for up to 60 days when cleansed regularly and is sure to become a festival essential. Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Stila – £23 Like a glitter liquid lipstick for your eyes, just sweep this on and leave to set – pile on more layers for even more sparkle On-the-go sparkles Model’s Own Glitter Mix – £9.99 This glitter is already pre-mixed with an adhesive, so you just swipe and go. An extensive range of biodegradable glitter blends and accessories. All glitters are available in recyclable tins or biodegradable grip seal bags – 1g-100g of each colour on their website. Raising awareness of environmental issues through eco glitter while giving back to the world. Ten per cent of net profits go to environmental charities and bodies. www.ecostardust.com EcoStardust Biodegradable Eco Glitter EcoStardust Mermaid Biodegradable Trio-Glitter, Balm, Brush set pictured – £22
FabLab Festival Face Tattoos kit Argos – £10.99
Let the kids get creative with these 15 vibrant designs especially formulated to be easy to apply and remove – with baby oil provided – plus extra glitter tattoos for added sparkle.
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O&A SUMMER 2019
Advertisement Feature
Be your best self
Caroline Dallas - Stylist
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Out&About wellbeing
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Festival high-jinx can take its toll on your skin – tent living is not the easiest place to stick to your beauty regime. But there are plenty of handy soothing balms and remedies available from the high street and online, to help you stay fresh and looking good as you head for the next act
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Treatment Aussie – £4.99 After sitting in a field with your hair getting covered in mud, glitter and dry shampoo, a hair mask makes it all seem right again... Leave Aussie’s balm-mint infused deep treatment on for three minutes to reveal shiny, super soft hair that looks like you’ve just come out of the nearest beauty salon. Available from all high street supermarkets and drug stores Herbivore After Sun Herbivore – £18 You’ve been dancing and singing in the sun all day and the red legs and sunglasses sunburn marks need a bit of tlc. Treat them with a spritz of aloe vera-infused after sun. Glamglow Galacticleanse Hydrating Jelly Balm Cleanser Glamglow – £29 Face wipes are a festival must-have for removing make-up, but for extra skincare and a bit of festival sass, try sparkly black cleanser full of festival-ready glitter.
OUAI Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets OUAI – £20 These handy anti-frizz hair sheets with keep your locks under control so you can go wild as you cheer your favourite band
Jo Loves Pomelo Perfume Paintbrush Gel Jo Loves – £40
Just because you’re at Latitude, doesn’t mean you can’t smell amazing. Avoid broken glass bottles of perfume with this snazzy brush on scented gel that’s easy to slip into your bag or back pocket.
Cowshed Cow Pat Natural Antibacterial Hand Gel Cowshed – £7 Using peppermint and orange essential oils, the alcohol-free formula is the freshest you’ll feel all festival.
Aesop Deodorant Aesop – £23
An alcohol and aluminium-free deodorant that smells great and the small packaging means no bulky aerosols - roll on or spray available.
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Out&About wellbeing
FITNESS
The summer months are a good time to challenge yourself says VICKI BROWN
I often talk about lifestyle. lives, including nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep, stress and overall wellbeing. Therefore, there are various elements to take into consideration when trying to create a healthy lifestyle. Do you struggle to make changes to your lifestyle? Do you find yourself avoiding change and challenge? I challenge you to challenge yourself. If you find yourself going through the same pattern repeatedly why not try something different? Ways to create a challenge Be more organised: tackle the areas that you struggle with most. It will take time, but will pay off in the long-term. Food challenge : do you need to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet? Also are you eating enough fibre – did you know most people eat as little as half the amount they should for good health. Setting yourself and your family a rainbow or number target for weekly consumption is an idea. Get yourself a chart – maybe pop it on to the fridge – and see how many different fruit and vegetable portions you eat each week. Hydration: Get yourself a water bottle. If you know that you need to drink more water each day, a great way to increase this is to get yourself a big refillable water bottle, then you can track how much water you have drunk, how much you have left to drink. It will also mean you always have a bottle with you – once you remember to take it. Charity: Some people find entering a charity event a great motivator. Fundraising and the commitment to help others can stop you dropping out. Try something new or old: Did you used to play netball at school, run When I say this, I am referring to several aspects of our day to day
cross-country or go to swimming club? Once you left school you stopped? There is no reason not to start again. If there is an activity that you liked in the past, it’s a great way to get moving again. If you find something fun, you are far more likely to keep doing it. On the flip side, is there something that you have never done before but like the idea of? Give it a go, book yourself a lesson or find somewhere you can do the activity. Go out of your comfort zone – you are capable of more than you think. This principle works well for food too, see how many new things you can try in the next month. The magic answer: We live in a society selling quick fixes and miracle cures. The truth is there isn’t one. It is all simple stuff once you have the basic knowledge. But it is hard. It can feel like hard work to make all the changes and stick with them for the long term. Creating a new lifestyle and feeling better takes time and persistence. It can be small and slow, but the long- term results can be staggering. My biggest challenge to you is to be consistent. It’s not an all-or-nothing approach. You are not trying to make the perfect decisions all the time, but make good decisions every day. If you manage to tackle this challenge, I am sure that you will be in a very different place with your overall health and wellbeing. Give it a go. LiveFitNow will be running challenges to help you highlight and tackle your own personal lifestyle needs. Put yourself on the email subscription list or follow on social media to find out more about these challenges.
Vicki Brown runs: LiveFitNow, Wash Common, Newbury. Telephone: 07879 447829. www.LiveFitNow.co.uk
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MENTAL HEALTH
Recovery in mind ANGELA RYAN, founder of Newbury-based Recovery in Mind, a centre that provides help and courses for those suffering from mental illness and which is supported by NHS healthcare professionals, shares her own mental health challenges
F or the first two years of my mental illness I was drowning in a sense of shame and ‘self-stigma’. It didn’t matter what anyone said whether they were a friend, family member or mental health professional, it was what I felt very deeply and strongly. Not once did any of these
feedback. Not one said ‘Yeah you are a bit pathetic and weak having a mental illness’. By gathering the evidence myself, I could start to shrug off that cloak of stigma and shame. Once I had tested the waters I started to speak to a large groups of NHS staff about my experiences. I was shocked to see their reaction as I told them about my journey and
supporters say, ‘Well it is your fault’ or ‘You are being weak and pathetic’, but that’s what I imagined them saying and so I was convinced that these would be their comments and ones that I too shared about myself. In fact, the stigma came from me. I lacked any self-compassion and was thoroughly unpleasant to myself. I was suffering enough with the depression and psychosis but my own ‘self-stigma’ made it worse. Instead of being my own best supporter, I became my own worst enemy. The stigma came from me. I would say things to myself that I knew would never ever come from my well- meaning supporters. So I call it my ‘self-stigma’. Shame is also a debilitating and overwhelming emotion that too comes with nothing but negativity. I blamed myself and felt ashamed for my illness. These are thoughts and feelings that are very common to people who have mental health difficulties. Its back to that broken-leg analogy. Sitting in A&E with a plaster cast wrapped around my painful leg, I would never say to myself, ‘Well it is your fault’ or ‘You are being weak and pathetic’, but with mental health problems we add to our pain by shrouding ourselves with that coat of shame and stigma. So how did I learn to change my thinking and allow myself to shrug off that coat? Well, firstly it’s not easy and, secondly, parts of my own approach are a bit different. I started out by speaking with family and friends about how I felt and what I thought they might be thinking. And of course, I had nothing but supportive, kind and understanding
subsequent slow recovery. At one of my first ‘ public
engagements’ I watched a group of staff cry, moved by my struggles and description of living with
psychosis. This really surprised me and again their feedback was kind and compassionate, and they all said it gave them a new understanding of how they might be more supportive of people living with mental health difficulties. So I found the strength and, by sharing my own unique experiences, I began to grow in confidence again. What I have is my own ‘lived-experience’ of mental health challenges. It has been like a gift that I now use for the benefit of others. As lead trainer of Recovery in Mind, the organisation I started in 2016 to help support people living in West Berkshire improve their mental health, I use my own ‘lived-experience’ to cut through the bindweed of the shame and stigma and to help empower others to use theirs. Many of our students attending the courses report back saying that they consequently feel able to talk openly about their difficulties with family, friends and even employers if appropriate. If you are on the receiving end of such a conversation, just by the simple act of listening you are helping another small step on that person’s recovery journey. You don’t need to give wise advice or ‘the answers’ – put your listening ears on, pay attention and tune in.
Recoveryinmind.ord.uk • Follow AngelaRinm2016 on twitter
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Out&About wellbeing
Advertisement Feature
Living Saucha Breathing life into Newbury
I t’s too early for shoppers, yet at 8.15am on a blustery Saturday morning, Newbury Market Square slowly springs into life. A man in tracksuit bottoms, a woman in bright leggings and another man carrying a yoga mat and drinking water all appear walking purposefully to their early-morning yoga class at Living Saucha Studio. The entrance is under a grand archway and once inside there’s a faint smell of incense, a murmur of chatter and a beautifully-decorated reception area. Further along the hall, Abi King is about to start her 8.30am vinyasa flow class. Some of the class are chatting quietly, others are lying peacefully on their mats. Abi turns on a soothing track of Indian music and the class begins its lesson, focusing on slowing down the breath and stretching, before picking up the pace to an energetic flow. Yoga is a booming business now and is no longer thought of as a ‘boring stretchy exercise‘, with classes springing up in gyms and church halls all over. However, not every town in Britain has its own boutique studio like Newbury. Regular practice is said to change the shape of the body, bring calmness to the mind and boost immunity and bone strength. Back at the studio, the 10.15am members have arrived and the atmosphere becomes lively again. “I practise yoga every day,” says Hannah, a regular user of Living Saucha. “I find peace in my mind and connection to my body, I can’t imagine what I’d do without Abi or the studio.” “I’m hooked,” smiles Amy. “It’s the combination of strength work and the meditative flow that helps you switch off. I feel so refreshed and energised.” The studio has a varied timetable. Students are encouraged to try different classes and teachers to find which style suits them. Kylie, Kate and Abi teach vinyasa flow at different levels. While Rachel, Katt and newly-recruited Josh offer hatha (a slower-paced yoga class). There’s a gentle class for older students, led by Isobel, and regular workshops at weekends including acro partner yoga with Yasmin. At a time when the high street is under threat, it is vital to have a community business such as Living Saucha attracting people into town and improving their fitness and wellbeing.
Not only offering yoga, the studio also has therapy rooms offering osteopathy, massage and reflexology and a café, Colline’s Kitchen. Colline has designed nourishing, tasty superfood bowls, lunches and homemade cakes. There’s a lovely peaceful atmosphere as customers sit in the courtyard sipping tea. Living Saucha is breathing life into Newbury in so many ways. Come and experience the yoga, the food and the community spirit and you, too, may find yourself hooked.
YOGA STUDIO The Old Town Hall, Newbury
MORNING, DAYTIME & EVENING CLASSES ALL LEVELS 7 DAYS AWEEK www.livingsaucha.com For information, or to make a booking: Email: abi@livingsaucha.com Phone: 07917176491 Living Saucha The Old Town Hall Market Place, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5AA
The Old Town Hall Market Place Newbury |www.livingsaucha.com | 07917 176491 |Email: abi@livingsaucha.com
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Out&About wellbeing
EDUCATION
De-stress during exam season Former teacher AMANDA BAILEY offers advice on boosting your child’s confidence and calming techniques
E xam season can be stressful, with pupils and students either cramming in a bit more revision or avoiding it at all costs. Albert Einstein is often quoted as saying: ‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid’ . What Einstein is saying is success is more likely to happen if you play to your strengths. The 100-per-cent exam rewards those students who can cram information and regurgitate it under exam conditions, leaving many believing they are ‘stupid’. Parents have no control over those who make decisions about the education system, but Parent’s responsiveness to their child begins in babyhood, playing an essential part in supporting and encouraging them to think positively about themselves, develop good self-esteem and confidence. Talk is important – by verbalising we help children develop great attitudes and a healthy disposition so they can be the best they can be. Notice the good stuff your children do and promote good behaviours and a sense of self worth to make them more resilient to factors they can help their children to know themselves and connect to their inner qualities, abilities, aptitudes and goodness.
outside their control – like exams and results.
Calm the heart rate, clear
the mind and lessen any emotional or psychological stress. The breath is always there as a tool to calm
Instil in your child the power of self-awareness and the ability to respond to different situations. Self-help author and motivational speaker Dr Wayne Dyer believed positive affirmations are healthy nutrition to the human mind, just as
the nervous system, allowing us to pass from fight-or-flight mode to rest-and- digest mode instantly. Try and practice this
exercise a week before the test, so that the brain and body get used to working
healthy food is to the body. Affirmations help build self- esteem, self-confidence and courage. He suggested the best time to manifest
together. • Sit in a comfortable position, keeping the spine straight. Relax the face and keep your eyes closed • Gently massage the hollow area in the front throat (trachea) with the index finger for 30 seconds (this is the area that must open at the peak of the inhalation) • Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. Place one hand on the belly, feel it inflating as the air fills the belly. • Pull the inhalation upwards, breathing all the way into the collarbone, the hollow area of the throat will open. • Practice with a friend finding and comparing the spot that opens when you inhale deeply, take time to practice alone too, as you will be alone during the exam. • Then exhale freely from the nose, like a balloon deflating, without force or pressure. Repeat five times. This exercise brings air and energy to the trachea, helping with communication, comprehension and expression of verbal and written speech. Use it while waiting to enter the exam room, before the start or during the exam to help calm the mind – or when you are about to open your results.
things you would like into your life is when you are asleep, when the subconscious mind is at it’s busiest,
‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid’ Albert Einstein
because the subconscious mind is not connected to our emotions and feelings and is open to suggestion. Take time in that drowsy state between wakefulness and sleep to share lots of good wishes and appreciation with your child, seal thoughts into the subconscious mind with positive affirmations: ‘I am clever’ ‘I am loved’ ‘I am unique’ ‘I am lucky’ ‘I am resourceful’ ‘I am determined’. I will leave the last words of this article to Dr Dyer: ‘There is one grand lie – that we are limited. The only limits we have are the limits we believe.’
If you’d like to find out more, visit www.relaxwithamanda.co.uk or send an email to: info@relaxwithamanda.co.uk or call/text on 07909502667
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Wallingford
Explore the 11th century Castle Gardens andmeadows. Just a short walk from the town and the River Thames in South Oxfordshire.
A great day out!
www.wallingford.co.uk
Victoria Park The Jewel in Newbury’s Crown Annual tennis court membership for a whole family for just £44 per year! Floodlighting available from just £1.50 with ‘pay & play’ from £3.20.
Lawn Tennis Association standard tennis courts open from 7am to 9:30pm throughout the year with an easy on-line booking system www.newbury.gov.uk/tennis Coaching sessions available for adults and children. Come and give it a try at our Victoria Park Family Day on Sunday 23rd June 2019 from 12 noon which will include: • Free Tennis Coaching Sessions • Splash Park opening for 2018 • Falconry Display • Punch & Judy Shows • Face Painting • Entertainment on the Bandstand and lots more!
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It’s time to P a r t y , F i e s t a ! JULY Music, magic and sleeping under the stars, whether you’re into glamping or basic camping, there are festivals galore to keep the whole family entertained. These events are within a two-hour radius, so whether you just want a day out or a weekend away, take your pick
pop-up theatre or explore the Magical Forest created for festival-goers aged 12 and under, with face-painting, arts and crafts, games, and storytelling. Children 12 and under free with a paying adult www.blovemusic.com (17 miles – 30minutes) Henley Festival 11-14 Theatre, entertainment, food and family fun plus Boy Sleeper, The Brand New Heavies and The Orb (30th Anniversary Greatest Hits Set) head up the bill for the three-day event. In addition to the music, there will be Aim to Fly UK circus performances and workshops, Etsy – Reading Team’s indie market, Thames Rivercruise boat trips and much more. All profit from the festival goes to help Readipop charity’s music projects in the local area. www.readipop.co.uk/readipopfestival (24 miles – 38 minutes) George and Jessie J among the headline acts www.henley-festival.co.uk (38 miles – 55 minutes) Readipop, Caversham 12-14
Cornbury, Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire 5-7 This luxe family-friendly affair features kids activities that include Ukulele for Kids, circus skills shows, kids yoga and a toddler disco. Young art lovers will find a host of workshops from screen printing to needle felting. Acts include the Beach Boys, Keane and The Specials www.cornburyfestival.com (46 miles – 57 minutes) B LOVE , Basingstoke 6-7 Basingstoke’s biggest weekend of live music, packed with a variety of exciting performance, art and fantastic family fun, in the War Memorial Park. This year’s B LOVE includes an incredible line-up of local music and art talent, as well as international headliners on a number of stages. Headliners announced to date include Toploader and a Faithless DJ set by Sister Bliss. There’s plenty of opportunities to get involved in wonderful family activities and events including thrilling outdoor performances, beat-boxing workshops, and
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Out&About feature
AUGUST
Wickham Festival, Fareham 1-4 A four-day music & arts festival held in a stunningly beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham. With live music on four stages plus a host of other entertainment, Wickham is rated by many as one of the safest, most relaxed and family-friendly festivals in the UK. Line-up includes The Proclaimers, Level 42 and Gilbert O’Sullivan. www.wickhamfestival.co.uk (41.4miles 1h2m) Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park 1-4 A sophisticated culture festival that includes wild swimming in a lake. Posh dining, cocktails and plenty of smart glamping options. Line-up includes Tom Odell, Groove Armada and Robyn, alongside Sadlers Wells, The Royal Academy of Arts and Rambert. A good festival for celeb spotting. www.wildernessfestival.com (43 miles 54 minutes) Valley Fest, Chew Valley Lake, Bristol 2-4 The fest website says you will get generous helpings of nonsense, lashings of lazy lakeside lushness, a cup of spirit and sparkle, marinated with melodies, fresh beats and some choice meat and a sprinkling of sumptuous vocals. Prepare yourselves for hedge-to-hedge Somerset style and sizzle. Luke Hasell set up the event in 2014, in honour of his parents who both died within a short time of each other. The only choice for the coolest kids in town. Kidztown is the place to check out, with The Sandcastle Stage hosting child-friendly acts all weekend. Junior Jungle , FUNDMC and Big Fish Little Fish will help to prove that the family that raves together, stays together, with musical styles including ragga-jungle to hip-hop to club classics. All this and more, at one of the most hotly-anticipated events on the festival calendar for 2019. www.boomtownfair.co.uk (29miles – 37 minutes) www.valleyfest.co.uk (73 miles 1h38m) Boomtown, Winchester 7-11
Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle 25-28 The very best of child-friendly festivals and a wonderland for little ones with bouncy castles, go-carts, fairgrounds, face painting, sandpits and glitter. There’s even a Breastival Mother and Baby Chill Out spot for the newest mums. The Upper Kids’ Garden on the lawn behind the castle is home to the world’s biggest bouncy castle and much- loved characters such as the Gruffalo and PJ Masks will be paying a visit. There are also family shows and entertainment, including from Mr Tumble, Mister Maker & Big Fish Little Fish. Oldies can enjoy Nile Rogers + Chic, Jess Glynne and The Human League to name but a few. www.campbestival.net (87 miles – 1h48m) WOMAD, Charlton Park, Malmesbury 25-28 Acts include Ziggy Marley, Nadine Shah and Salif Keita. A celebration of world music, multiculturalism, zero crime, and mutual respect www.womad.co.uk (42miles 55minutes) Starry Skies, NP15 1HS, Gwehelog, Usk July 31-August 4 Let your kids run free at Starry Skies – if they run off and play in the woods they might find an audio looping wheelie bin or a thrilling zip wire. Den building can produce a giant pirate ship, and why just roll down a grassy slope when you can spend joyful hours on a massive soapy hillside slide? A huge lungful of fresh air for the whole family. www.starry-skies.net (92miles 1h41m)
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Green Man, Brecon Beacons 12-18 Green Man is a beautiful festival nestled at the foot of the Black Mountains. You can buy an additional Settler’s Pass ticket, which allows you to stay for seven days, park near your tent and come and go as you please. This gives you the chance to explore the beauty of Wales and do an extra shop for food supplies at Crickhowell. Apart from the carefully curated music programme (Four Tet, Father John Misty and Idles headlining), there is loads for children to do and see, including the Little Folk area, science field, aerial displays and chilling out in the giant Green Man sculpture. www.greenman.net (111miles 1h56m) Stockfest , Stockcross 14-18 A local community festival with classic cars, jazz, opera, brass, children’s entertainment and family quizzes www.stockfest.co.uk (3.5miles 10m) Rewind South 16-18 Expect a weekend of iconic performance from musical legends, themed venues, pop-up performers and an unrivalled festival atmosphere. Musical performers include Michael Bolton and the Four Tops. Comedy from Tom Allen and Joel Dommett www.south.rewindfestival.com (20miles 40m) Shambala, secret location in Northamptonshire, 22-25 Anti-corporate, pro-creativity event, with bushcraft sessions and floating yoga lessons as important as the bands. Leads the way in sustainability initiatives in energy, recycling and eradicating plastic use. Went completely meat-free in 2016, and even had a stall selling insect street food. A vast array of workshops in subjects include sustainability, community and permaculture. And for families there are wood-fired baby baths, a family camp fire, family hot tubs, mini-golf, an overnight bush camp and onsite creche. www.shambalafestival.org Big Feastival, Kingham, Oxfordshire 23-25 Held on founder and Blur star Alex James’ farm, the Big Feastival features a host of big names in family-friendly
entertainment. This year’s line-up is yet to be announced, but previous years have featured everyone including Justin Fletcher and Andy & the Odd Socks of CBeebies fame to
Peppa Pig, the Gruffalo and Paddington. www.thebigfeastival.com (51 miles 1h8m) Reading Festival 23-25
Maybe not for the whole family but a rite of passage for many teens. Headline acts include Foo Fighters and Bastille. www.readingfestival.com (20miles 40m) Curious Arts Festival, Pippingford Park, East Sussex 23-26 An arts and music festival with a range of child-led activities to entertain the little ones. From children’s poetry and film workshops to classic cartoons and bedtime stories, you can take it in turns to find entertainment and cultural stimulation in this beautiful setting. www.curiousartsfestival.com (88 miles 1h51m)
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Out&About feature
CarFest, Laverstoke CarFest South Festival Dates: 23 – 25
Bunkfest, Wallingford, 30-September 1 A community event showcasing broad-appeal musical talent from around the world, as well as street entertainment, family fun, craft fair and, of course, the
Headliners at this year’s split-location CarFest event in aid of BBC Children in Need include Jools Holland, The Jacksons and The Human League. There’s plenty on offer for kids, including the Vintage Village, where they can step back in time and visit the vintage market, tea rooms and sweet shops, and discover cars from the 30s through to the 70s. There’s also the Farm-Olympics, kids theatre and the Car-Nival. www.carfest.org/welcome/welcome-to-carfest-south (14miles 23minutes) Victorious, Portsmouth , 23-25 Victorious is a family-friendly festival for music lovers, a stone’s throw from the sea. It’s a day festival located on the picturesque Southsea Seafront and takes place over August Bank Holiday Weekend. There are plenty of places to stay locally, including Victorious Festival’s Offsite Campsite. Performers include New Order, Rudimental and Clean Bandit www.victoriousfestival.co.uk (57miles 1h18m)
Cholsey and Wallingford Railway. www.bunkfest.co.uk (22miles 36m)
Pictures: Boomtown, Winchester; Wickham Festival
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