Out & About Winter 2019

GERALDINE GARDNER

EDITOR

I t’s that time of year when the winter coat comes out of the cupboard and scarves and gloves are at the ready. As there is a bit of a nip in the air, we’ve selected some winter coats, as well as some sparkly party dresses, on our fashion pages (p8) to inspire you. Like all seasons, winter has its own particular charm, with the crisp, frosty sunny mornings and the excuse for warming comfort food. It is a time of feasting and one of the go-to favourites – certainly in our household – is a cheeseboard to graze on as we catch up on all the silly family TV programmes that fill the schedule and play the board games that get their annual outing. Cheese Etc. is an award-winning cheese shop and deli in Pangbourne where you can choose from the old favourites as well as a wide range of local artisan cheeses. Charlotte Booth visited the shop and some of the local cheese producers who supply them (p32) and discovered several new varieties to tempt you. And if you’re wondering what to drink with your cheese choices, Romain Bourger makes some recommendations, including a beer (p54). We’ve also got some sumptuous recipes from Mrs B’s and Lonely Lentil, a warming beetroot borchst and a filling vegan pie (p50). If you do over-indulge and need to walk off those extra calories, I would recommend a visit to the Hawk Conservancy near Andover (p68). It’s a great family

day out and watching these magnificent birds flying over your head, like an Olympic-trained synchronised team of athletes, is a wondrous sight. If you just want to stretch your legs, then the Living Landscapes walk is well worth a try (p95) leading you around the public pathways of Thatcham and Newbury and taking in a bit of history along the way. If the weather prevents you from getting outside, how about making some decorations for the Christmas tree? Gillian Hicks of Dragon’s Hoard shows you how to make some sparkling stars (p86). Or if you’re looking for other entertainment, then we have the usual round up of what’s on in the area and Trish Lee talks to Adam Brown and Clare Plested, who used to perform as a double act in the Corn Exchange pantomime, about getting back together again to write this year’s offering Sleeping Beauty (p58). It is also the season of giving and we’ve come up with some ideas in our six-page gift guide, including some eco-friendly choices (p26); there are some alternative suggestions for children, away from the screens and computer games, on our education page (p23), a couple of book recommendations (p85) and Thomas Forrester says you needn’t spend a fortune when choosing a piece of jewellery for someone special – there are bargains to be had at auction (p65). We’ll be back in the spring, but in the meantime enjoy the winter season and a happy new year to you all.

Editor’s picks

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Cover picture

Gifts are for giving

Bird sanctuary

33 CHEESE PLATE

24 GIFT GUIDE

54 FLYING HIGH

Who doesn’t love a tasty bit of cheese - whether at the end of a festive feast or just as a snacktime treat. And there are plenty of local choices

Some ideas to inspire, as well as a look at some of the more eco-friendly gifts on offer

The Hawk Conservancy near Andover puts on a dazzling display of avian aerobatics

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O&A WINTER 2019