Out and About Spring 2021

GERALDINE GARDNER

Editor

A s I write this we are just in the first phase of the government easing of lockdown restrictions after one of the most extraordinary years many of us have ever experienced. I had a quick look back at the spring 2020 edition of Out & About , which came out at the beginning of March, and there is no mention of Covid or a pandemic. The big game changer has, of course, been the vaccines which are still being administered, but which have given us all some security. I have been volunteering at the vaccination centre at Newbury Racecourse and it’s so heartening to see such positivity from patients, medical professionals and fellow volunteers, all striving towards one aim ‘to get this thing done’. We have all learned to appreciate the great oudoors and as the weather, hopefully, improves and we can take advantage of the longer daylight hours, we can enjoy longer walks and tending to the garden. The Thames Path is a tremendous project which aims to create a walkway from the source of the Thames, in the Cotswolds, to where it flows into the North Sea. Wendy Tobitt is a volunteer with the trail and she has provided a comprehensive overview of the 184-mile public path, especially the areas closer to home (p22). Staying outdoors, river keeper Nick Barton (p66) and Berkshire Farm Girl Eleanor Gilbert (p62) track the seasons through their work on the land. And a big welcome to David Cole, a lifelong

allotmenteer from Newbury who will be providing readers with hints and tips on how to grow fruit and veg at home. David has his own methods, learnt over the years, and whether you’re thinking about starting to grow your own or you’ve been trying, but without success, his advice just might give you the kick-start you need (p56). As restrictions on travel begin to ease, people are already booking up flights across the world in anticipation of getting away to sunnier climes. But if you’re not ready to face airports and wearing masks on flights yet, or if the thought of going abroad doesn’t appeal, we’ve found some great days out and short stays much closer to home in the Test Valley (p73). If you want a taste of the Mediterranean without going too far, have a look at what’s on offer on our doorstep. Our special feature on local suppliers is sure to tickle your tastebuds (p28). Staying with food, Simon Rhodes has a tasty cod recipe (p35) and Romilla Arber from Honesty shares her recipe for asparagus and pancetta risotto (p36). Award-winning Winding Wood Vineyard, just outside Newbury, is looking forward to a bumper year (p32) and The Vineyard sommelier Romain Bourger offers advice on pairing wines with foods to complement their flavours (p38). In addition, there are the regular lifestyle, leisure and wellbeing pages plus a round up of what’s on as things start to open up. Wishing you all a happy and hopeful spring 2021.

Editor’s picks

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Cover picture

Archaeological finds

Spring gardening

22 FOLLOW THE TRAIL Wendy Tobitt takes you on a journey along the Thames Path

42 ANCIENT SETTLEMENTS Iron and Bronze Age artefacts, plus signs that the Romans settled at Greenham

56 GET GROWING

Newbury allotmenteer David Cole provides some guidance on what you should be doing in your garden over spring

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O&A SPRING 2021