Out & About Summer 2019

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