www.roundandabout.co.uk

hungerford / marlborough / pewsey FEBRUARY 2023

read all about it

Discover books and authors at literature festivals, enjoy escapism and treat yourself to some ‘me time’

care supplement

Help to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones look ahead to brighter days

Marlborough Gardening Association casts rays of sunshine on what to enjoy in 2023

COMpetitions

Three nights in luxury Devon shepherd’s hut £250 of handmade designer jewellery

Q&A

with Author

KATE MOSSE

2 | FEBRUARY 2023

W HAT ' S I N SI D E

Contents FEBRUARY 2023 | Vol. 13 | No. 2

5 Community spotlight

17 Care choices

7 Take the challenge

26 Book your seat

12 New season highlights

28 The art of the author

14 Cooking on a budget

30 Classified

Local news and charity events

Help youths in Wiltshire

Marlborough gardens

Cost-conscious couscous

Enjoying your later life

12

Literature festivals in 2023

Q&A with Kate Mosse

28

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ON FEBRUARY

Your Community events and activities

Love is in the air... Valentine’s Day is looming, as you might have noticed thanks to the shop windows festooned in hearts. But, of course, love takes many forms, even more powerful than romance. As you can see on these very pages (plus our online & abuzz on our social media feed) there is so much care of all kinds in the community. There are many ways to connect & show you care close to home. eeling energetic?! If so, I invite you to step up to join the virtual 2,100 squats challenge in honour of our Armed Forces community. Your fundraising could help provide emergency accommodation for a veteran in need, food vouchers for a family facing hardship, or training for dementia nurses. To sign up & pledge your support, please visit britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved ˜˜˜ Pewsey Vale Arts Society talks take place at Pewsey's Bouverie Hall Pewsey, at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. On 7th February Alexandra Epps will explore An Artist’s Best Friend – The Dog in Art. On 7th March Annelie Talentwill explore Girls Behaving Badly, discussing Jane Austen’s wicked women. The society also offers fascinating occasional study days and visits. New members welcome. Please email [email protected] for info. ˜˜˜ Are you interested in learning basic first aid, including the use of a defibrillator? Are you a small business owner who needs the full-day accredited certificate? On Thursday, 9th February, join a course at St Mary's Church, Marlborough. Visit worsleytraining.co.uk

˜˜˜ My unusual local hero of the month, seen here in an illustration by Alex Crump, is Martin Aris, a workingclass farmer, river keeper and mischiefmaker! He's the star of a new book (for adults) written by Victoria Walsh... She tells me: "People love books about the countryside... but why do they all tend to be about posh people or the life cycle of the lapwing? Martin is a proper country bloke who tells it like it is... Unbelievable!" Victoria's funny illustrated biography features Martin's thoughts on nature and life, including poaching and punch-ups. And forget the Queen’s English: this is written in Martin’s Cots-Wilts accent, embellished with expletives, with Alex's gorgeous art. The book launch is on 20th March at Pewsey Heritage Centre. More details here next month, meanwhile visit victoriawalshwrites.com ˜˜˜ Would you like to make your own threelegged stool, or a Japanese-style chopping board? Or maybe enjoy a hedgerow foraging

d...Continued on page 6.

Tell us about your group’s activities and meetings by 2nd February Email [email protected] or visit www.Roundandabout.co.uk

JOIN US...

All information correct at time of going to press – in these uncertain times please do check with event organisers.

R&A | 5

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basket workshop..? These crafty delights are on offer at The Old Farm Workshop on Brimslade Farm, SN8 4NG. There are lots more woodland and rural craft courses organised by Explore The Great Outdoors, too; please visit explorethegreatoutdoors.co.uk ˜˜˜ Do you ever idly overhear strangers chatting and end up daydreaming about them some time later? That's exactly what happened when Jerry Crowther in a supermarket. His resulting book, Just Deserts, is out now, published by the Book Guild, following the rapidly escalating actions of two local busybodies who believe that if ‘’what goes around comes around”, it’s not happening fast enough! Jerry, who lives in Hungerford, says: “The idea came from my reaction to the behaviour of individuals at a supermarket one afternoon. I started to wonder about the kind of characters who might actually implement the thoughts we all have in daily life, and realised it would be much more interesting if they believed their actions were morally justified.” Buy a copy now, ISBN: 9781915352347, £8.99. ˜˜˜ Jill Sudbury is a holistic therapist with more than 40 years' experience, having trained in ophthalmic, general and psychiatric nursing. She was the main

driver in setting up both The Natural Health Centre and The Wellbeing Clinic in Marlborough. Jill also runs The Marlborough School of Reiki from Fyfield Therapy Rooms and The Wellbeing Clinic. Visit jillsudbury.com & marlboroughschoolofreiki.co.uk for more info. ˜˜˜ Attention live music lovers! On Saturday, 18th February Indie-Americana band The Dunwells at Hungerford's Croft Hall, RG17 0HY, thanks to the Arts For Hungerford team. The Leeds-based Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having toured extensively and supported artists including Mumford and Sons and Elbow. Other highlights include Anna Renae on 4th March and violinist Kamila Bydlowska with Olga Paliy on piano on 22nd April. Plus, you can settle in for a great film, such as Decision To Leave on 17th February or The Banshees of Inisherin on 3rd March. Please visit artsforhungerford.com ˜˜˜ The Parade Cinema will offer you a warm welcome and lots of cultural highlights to enjoy in this dark month! There's a screening of The Royal Opera's The Barber Of Seville on Wednesday, 15th February, or how about Turandot on 22nd March? The cafe opens at 9.30am every day for coffee, cake & smoothies (mine's

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C HA R I T Y

Resilience unlocked

Help vulnerable Wiltshire youths by taking part in the Youth Adventure Trust Resilience Challenge over half term his February half term, children’s charity, the Youth Adventure Trust, will be encouraging children from across Wiltshire to take on the Virtual Resilience Challenge. It’s time to get our children outdoors to promote positive mental wellbeing, build resilience and develop confidence, whilst supporting vulnerable young people who are facing challenges of their own.

Trust. Each participant will be aiming to raise funds to match the kilometres they’ll cover. These funds will enable the children the charity supports to get outside and start to re-build their resilience and confidence to face the challenges in their lives.

Families can run, ride, ramble, ski, scoot or swim their way to resilience by taking on 25km, 65km or 100km (at their own pace, spread over the week or done all in one go) to raise much-needed funds for the Youth Adventure

Physical activity and being outdoors are golden tickets to physical health and well-being. Getting outdoors helps people to become more confident and develop a higher sense of self worth and self esteem, which in turn helps them to make more positive choices. The earlier people are introduced to outdoor activities, the more likely they are to choose an active lifestyle and that can only be a good thing for our communities and future generations. Join the virtual Resilience Challenge for your February half term week (11th - 19th or 18th - 26th) visit www.youthadventuretrust.org. uk/resilience-challenge

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& biscuits at no extra charge. To find out more, visit u3asites.org.uk/pewseyvale/home, pick up a leaflet from Pewsey Library or call 07434 710161.

a Coco Loco!) plus in the evenings for cocktails, of course! For more info visit theparadecinema.com

˜˜˜ Marlborough Floral Club welcome new joiners and visitors for demonstrations, occasional speakers, an annual outing, lunches and monthly competitions. Meetings are held every first Thursday, 2pm at Mildenhall New Village Hall, SN8 2NH. To find out more visit flowerssouthwest.com/marlborough

Hello to friendly Pewsey Vale Railway Society who meet at Woodborough Club SN9 5PL on the second Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is on Tuesday, 14th February, at 2.45pm when Peter Taylor and Michael Porter will talk about Swiss Railways. Search for pewseyvalerailwaysociety on Facebook. ˜˜˜

Hats off to the friendly Marlborough College Concert Series team, who offer five concerts a year. On Sunday, 5th March, you can book in to enjoy a performance of Dvorak’s New World symphony by the orchestra of the Southbank Sinfonia. To book or find out more, please visit marlboroughconcertseries.org ˜˜˜

˜˜˜ Pewsey Vale u3a is here to provide those who are no longer working with some cheer and stimulation. This friendly organisation has more than 400 members and 40 activity groups, from physical activities – indoor and outdoor – to groups talking, listening, creating. £15 a year entitles to you join in activities (some of which may involve small costs) and gives you half a dozen social meetings a year with guest speaker, tea/coffee

Could you help amazing local charity The Youth Adventure Trust with their half term fundraiser? The charity team have been inspired by the resilience of the vulnerable 11-15 year olds they help. See our article & email [email protected]

˜˜˜

˜˜˜ Historical Research Using British Newspapers will be the topic explored by Denise Bates in a Zoom talk organised by Berkshire Family History Society's local branch on Wednesday, 8th February. Join Denise as she covers the steps involved in locating newspaper information about an ancestor. Join at 7.15pm for the talk 7.30-8.30pm. Entry is free to members, non-members welcome for a £5 donation. Please visit berksfhs.org

Sending lots of love for February & take care, LN

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R&A | 11

COMMUN ITY

Garden

glories We might still be in the depths of winter but the Marlborough Gardening Association programme has plenty of interest this year

he Marlborough Gardening Association programme for this year is full of interest for keen gardeners in and around the town. A packed programme of 10 evening meetings at Marlborough Town Hall feature topics ranging from planting containers to growing climbers and gardening on downland. One highlight is sure to be the talk on developments at Iford Manor from a new generation of owners – William and Marianne Cartwright. This will be followed up by a visit to Iford and a nearby nursery as one of our outings. Two other visits will be to Forde Abbey and Stourhead. The weekend away to Norfolk will feature a private visit to Elton Hall, as well as others to Bressingham, East Ruston Old Vicarage and a lavender farm. Elton Hall was Historic Houses Garden of the year in 2021 and the orangery, flower and topiary gardens look stunning while the house includes one of the finest libraries in the country and a major art collection. 12 | FEBRUARY 2023

An “old vicarage” might conjure up a small garden in a sleepy rural village. In fact, East Ruston garden covers 36 acres set out in wonderfully designed garden rooms with woodland and wildflower areas too. Bressingham has been featured many times in glossy garden magazines. Bookings have already opened for the weekend away but places are still available. Anyone interested in a garden visit break in Norfolk’s June sunshine should join now and express an interest. New members are always welcome and membership is only £10 a year. Each year the association arranges a series of talks, a lunch, a popular plant sale and visits to gardens and nurseries. Marlborough Gardening Association is one of the town’s most active voluntary organisations with more than 150 members. This friendly group of gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts meet monthly at the town hall.  For more details visit marlbga.org.uk

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Ingredients: • Glug of olive or vegetable oil • One large butternut squash, topped, tailed, cut into quarters and seeds removed • ½ cup (100g) couscous • ½ cup (120ml) boiling water • 100g feta cheese • Juice of one lemon • Two heaped tbsp pesto • Eight cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Olive oil, for roasting Prep: 10 minutes

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Ä Roast butternut squash with a couscous crust oasting butternut squash in this way brings out its natural sweetness and delicious earthy flavours. Bulked up with fluffy couscous this is substantial enough as a main meal, but would also work as a side dish or a dinner party starter

Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/gas mark 4. Add a glug of oil to a lipped baking sheet.Place in the oven to warm. 2 Once the oil is hot, add the butternut to the tray, turning to coat in the oil as you do. Bake for 40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is golden and just tender. 3 Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and pour over half a cup (120ml) of boiling water. Cover and set aside for five minutes, then fluff the couscous up with a fork. 4 Crumble the feta into the bowl, then add the 14 | FEBRUARY 2023

lemon juice, pesto, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. If you’re cooking to eat now... Spoon the couscous mix over the roasted squash and return to the oven for another 30 minutes. Divide the wedges between plates and serve. Zhuzh it up with a good drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you’re making ahead to freeze... Set the squash and couscous aside until cooled to room temperature, then transfer the squash wedges to a large freezer bag and the couscous to a smaller bag. Seal the couscous bag and then place inside the bag with the squash before sealing. Label and freeze flat for up to three months. Then... Remove from the freezer and defrost in the fridge, ideally overnight. Once defrosted lay the squash on a foil-lined baking sheet and spoon over the couscous. Transfer to an oven preheated to 180˚C/350˚F/gas mark 4 and bake for 30 minutes, until piping hot all the way through. Serve as above.

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Man’s best friend

“Pets just make us feel happier” – the simple reason why many elderly people benefit from the companionship of an animal e are a nation of pet lovers and for many this doesn’t change just because you have to enter a care home – man’s best friend can become even more important at this time of life. Ill health, loneliness, depression and anxietyrelated issues can all make later life harder but pets can help ease the elderly through and studies have shown that interacting with a dog, cat, rabbit, ducklings and even fish can kindle memories about past experiences and provide an opportunity to talk.

One charity which knows a thing or two about the benefits our furry and feathered friends can bring is Oxfordshirebased Pets As Therapy who say a PAT pet can improve a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing, adding that there’s often an increased connection with carers and family too, and those living with dementia can feel energised and elated, “It comes down to a very simple truth: pets just make us feel happier”. The charity was founded in 1983 by dog owner and volunteer Lesley Scott-Ordish and as it enters its 40th year, its vision remains unchanged to ensure everyone has access to the companionship of a pet regardless of their circumstances. In addition to its work in care homes, Pets As Therapy also extends the services to schools, hospitals and prisons. More than 4,000 volunteers go out and about with their animal friends extending the paw or claw of friendship to day care centres, residential homes and hospices as well as the other facilities. Pets As Therapy volunteers are pet owners who give up their time to help, if you would like to help find out more and apply

d

R&A | 17

CARE

stroking their fur to watching their antics can have a very calming and reassuring benefit. Animal visits to care homes can bring back fond memories for residents, with many remembering previous pets or happy times with friends and family when they come face to face with visiting animals.

d Continued...

at petsastherapy.org/information/forvolunteers One such home company which has benefited from the love and attention of a PAT dog is Brendoncare which has homes in and around Alton and Winchester in Hampshire and at Froxfield near Marlborough. Staff and residents there have seen first hand the positive effects of the joy and companionship that animals can bring. Rebecca Spicer, Volunteer and Activity Manager at Brendoncare, said: “Wellbeing is so much more than the word games and outings. Bringing animals to show our residents adds an element of home: a visiting PAT dog, social farm experience or even a pet animal for the home adds to this. “Animals bring love and comfort to our residents, and for them the nurturing feeling of caring or parenting something is familiar. In practice all residents have a natural instinct to stroke a dog, hold a chick or pet a horse. It’s those integrated moments that are engrained in our memories that give us that warm fuzzy ‘good’ feeling in our tummy.” Animals offer unconditional love and companionship. Sometimes, they provide a level of companionship that people can’t and many find interacting with pets such as simply 18 | FEBRUARY 2023

Brendoncare Alton recall a recent visit by a range of farm animals which for one resident was a special afternoon as he reminisced about the pig farm he used to run and remembered precious memories for him and his family – whilst stroking a pig! Animals give residents a break in routine and something they can look forward to. But that’s not all – research suggests that animals and their calming nature and affection can offer health benefits such as lowering people’s blood pressure and heart rate, increasing levels of oxytocin (the stress-reducing hormone) and decreasing the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Brendoncare say that while they love seeing their residents’ excitement when they get to hold a duckling or stroke a donkey, their lovely smiles aren’t the only benefit of petting these animals. Stroking an animal’s fur/feathers, hearing their unique sounds, holding them in their lap, feeding them and grooming them are all interactions which provide great sensory stimulation for residents and are particularly beneficial for people with dementia. Brendoncare Park Road in Winchester helped welcome some baby ducklings into the world and alongside the familiar caring and nurturing aspects that bring back familiar feelings, cuddling and petting the ducks also provided sensory stimulation. Find out more at brendoncare.org.uk In addition to the work of charities such as Pets As Therapy in care homes, many residential homes welcome residents to bring their much-loved pets with them with they move in recognising the benefits to older people – improving mental wellbeing, decreased dementia rates, a sense of purpose and fun.

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Try ear microsuction as a way to help hearing loss

ny readers who have experienced painful or blocked ears will know how troublesome it can be. The loss of hearing resulting from a blocked or damaged ear can leave us disorientated, imbalanced or even socially isolated. Ear wax (cerumen) is a normal product of the ear canal. It is produced by glands in the skin and traps dust, dead skin cells and whatever else ends up in the ear. A build up of wax can be due to small ear canals, skin conditions such as eczema, or overuse of earbuds which push wax deeper into the ear. GP Practice Nurses used to provide ear syringing (flushing the blockages with warm water) but increasingly this isn’t provided. Ear microsuction is the procedure to remove wax from the ear safely. In hospital Ear, Nose and Throat clinics it is how we clear ears for

examination, treatments and as part of surgery. Using a microscope and a miniature suction device, wax and blockages can be removed safely and precisely within a few minutes. Patients who particularly benefit are hearing aid users, in whom a build up of wax can cause feedback and discomfort. If performed by trained and experienced professionals, this is an excellent way of keeping ear canals clear. If you have blocked, painful or itching ears, this treatment could be a simple fix and avoid the wait for a GP appointment. Mr David Walker MBChB FRCS (ORL-HNS) MSc Consultant ENT Surgeon, EarLab

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CARE

Planning for the future

Get your financial affairs in order with a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney any of us have made New Year’s resolutions and yours may include putting your affairs in order. This means thinking of the future by putting Lasting Powers of Attorney and Wills in place and also considering Inheritance Tax planning. Lasting Powers of Attorney are documents which allow you to appoint attorneys to help you with your property and financial and health and welfare affairs. You may choose your spouse, partner, children or trusted friend. If you have an Enduring Power of Attorney, it may still be possible to use it although it only covers Property & Financial matters. Lasting Powers of Attorney can be registered now and

used whether or not mental capacity is an issue for property and financial matters. You can make your own decisions about your health and welfare while mental capacity is not an issue. Wills should be reviewed every 5-10 years or in the case of a life changing event, whichever is sooner. There are differing Will structures which can be tailored to suit your wishes concerning the distribution of your estate. Probate matters will include advice regarding the preparation of an Inheritance Tax account if required. A Grant of Probate is usually required to release or transfer assets from an estate. Ensure matters will be simpler for your families by putting the correct documents in place.

R&A | 21

CARE

A day in the life… Nurse turned care home manager Susie Green shares her memories of life as a care home manager in A Most Precious Gift it terribly and felt guilty for ending my career so I thought it would help to write my tale.

wanted to give people a little peep at what happens through the front door of a care home” says Susie Green of her new book A Most Precious Gift. Susie invites us to walk through the doors of a care home with her as our guide, as the care home manager, home to the elderly, vulnerable adults and for many their final home. Share some of the tales she tells of horror and heartbreak but also many that will make you laugh and smile alongside many you will find unbelievable. Pigeons, relatives, a ‘lady of the night’ turned carer, incontinence pads and emotional farewells all form part of daily life in a care home. Susie started her nurse training in 1978, qualifying in the early 1980s. She has worked on general wards, as a GP nurse and a school nurse. She spent the last six years of her career as a care home manager, turning struggling homes around. “I knew I had stories and tales that happened in my time as a care home manager that just had to be written down,” she explains. “Nursing is a career that is so hard to walk away from, I missed 22 | FEBRUARY 2023

“My inspiration came from the care home staff, service users, families, owners and multidisciplinary teams and social services I worked with. Some characters I will never forget. “I wanted people to understand the life and responsibilities in the role of a registered care home manager. I wanted to give people a little peep at what happens through the front door of a care home.” A Most Precious Gift is a token of thanks to all staff who work in care homes and for those who showed their commitment and empathy working through the Covid pandemic. She adds: “This little book will touch hearts and give an understanding of what it means to work in care homes, the people we meet and those we care for, and those we work with.” Susie lives in a 17th century cottage in Oxfordshire with her husband, two whippets Albert and Annabelle and a very large British Shorthair cat called Eric and as she says in the author’s note for her book: “You will smile, be touched, be horrified and perhaps shed some tears.”  A Most Precious Gift is published by The Book Guild, ISBN 9781915352361, and is available now for £7.99.

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CARE

THAMES VALLEY BIcester

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CARE

d Service Providers 1.

The Homecare People, RG40 1XP, 0118 997 7499

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Henley Manor – Hallmark Care Homes, RG9 4HD, 01491 418000

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R&A | 25

B OOKS & AUTHORS

Chapter

& verse

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading” writes Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice and if you couldn’t agree more then you’ll want to take your seat at one of this year’s literary festivals book can transport you to a new world, take you on adventures you’d never imagined and introduce you to characters you only wish you could meet – or not. J K Rowling, who has sold more than 500 million books worldwide with her stories of a certain young wizard, said “I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book” and she wasn’t just referring to Harry Potter and friends. That ‘magic’ shows no sign of letting up in an age where we are constantly surrounded by screens of one type and another with figures showing that in 2021, more than 212 million print books were sold. We delved into the realms of fantasy and sci fi doing battle in far away galaxies and lands, joined some formidable detectives to solve crimes – many of us no doubt unravelling more J K Rowling mysteries through her Strike series – and fell in love thousands of times with the escapism of a romance. 26 | FEBRUARY 2023

The best-selling novel of 2021 was TV host Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club – hands up if you want to join crime-fighting pensioners Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim at Coopers Chase? Crime certainly pays for many - Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time through her detective tales of super sleuths, the dapper Belgian Hercule Poirot and the unassuming village busy body Miss Marple. She is outsold only by William Shakespeare (there are four billion copies of his works in circulation) and The Bible. As we turn the page into 2023 why not indulge in works by some of our finest novelists, historians and biographers at a literary festival. It’s just as well the Oxford Literary Festival runs for nine days from March 25th to April 2nd, there is such a wealth of talent on show you’d be hard pressed to make the most of it any other way! This year’s is the 26th and while there are far too many to name check, just to give you a taster, Al ‘the pub landlord’ Murray explores his second love, history, looking at military leadership during the Second World War. Crime writers Val McDermuid and Anthony Horowitz are at the Sheldonian and debating some of the biggest issues will be those including the UK’s Covid vaccine taskforce chair Kate Bingham. The festival also includes a host of events for children, again featuring best-selling writers and well known names. For tickets and full programme visit oxfordliteraryfestival.org

B O O K S & A U T HO R S

Dogs, a stately home, the Cuban missile crisis, crime and historical fiction were all on the agenda for Wantage Literary Festival in 2022 and they’ve already started on bookings for this year’s event in October. Planned and organised by a team of volunteers, the festival also features a charitable outreach programme bringing the wonder of words to the community with some free and reduced price events. The schools outreach programme will also return this year. Your suggestions are welcome for speakers, wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk Venues throughout Chipping Norton are preparing themselves for the 2023 ChipLitFest from April 27th to 30th. Previous years have yielded comments such as “an exceptionally welcoming festival”, “a lovely community feel – happy, smiling faces everywhere” and “so much variety, something for everyone”. In addition to talks, there are events for children and schools as well as workshops – truly offering something for everyone! Line up and ticket details at chiplitfest.com Marlborough Literature Festival celebrates the best of writing and books with events for all ages and tastes and this year comes to town from September 28th to October 1st. More than 40 author talks and events were held last year at venues around town. Children enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson among others alongside free pop-up storytelling events while adults listened to a range of fiction and non-fiction topics from award-winning authors and debut writers. Details to follow for 2023, marlboroughlitfest.org If books and reading are your ‘thing’ then you won’t want to miss these festivals slightly further afield but regarded as some of the best in the field… May brings The Bath Festival from 12th to 21st celebrating music and books in the beautiful city. Bath is also home to Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival too which returns this year from September 29th to October 8th. Among those taking part last year were celebrity authors Dermot O’Leary, Rosie Jones and Richard Ayoade and previous Waterstones Children’s Laureates Michael

Rosen and Cressida Cowell who all helped bring books and stories to life with a vibrant and varied programme for the whole family. Visit bathfestivals.org.uk/the-bath-festival The world’s first literature festival took place in Cheltenham so true devotees should definitely put October 6th to 15th in their diaries. Cheltenham Literature Festival leads the way in celebrating the written and spoken word, presenting the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats and high-profile speakers. The 10-day programme is a mixture of ticketed events, free family activities and events and fringe events staged throughout the regency town. More at www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature Former US president Bill Clinton called Hay Festival the “Woodstock of the mind” and it has come a long way since it began in 1988 in a pub garden. It now attracts in excess of 100,000 bibliophiles over its 11 days, this year from May 25th to June 4th, featuring writers, poets, philosophers, historians, scientists, comedians and musicians in a large tented village on the outskirts of town with 10 venues, pop-up cafes, shops and restaurants. Some early bird events have already been revealed, with more to come, hayfestival.com R&A | 27

S TAR Q&A

Queen

party

Best-selling author Kate Mosse OBE shares her thoughts ahead of her Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries tour at a theatre near you

Hello Kate! How are you? “Very well, thank you! I’ve just become a grandmother, so loving everything about that.” Q. Can you tell us a little about any of your favourite trailblazing women? “There are so many from every corner of the world, but I love the extraordinary footballer, Lily Parr, who scored more than 1,000 goals in her professional career in the early 1900s, and also the legendary 18th century pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Reid, who were fierce and uncompromising - my next novel, The Ghost Ship, is partly inspired by their story.” Q. What was your favourite book as a child? “So many, but certainly The katemosse. Golden Hamster, a beautiful story about being true to who you are. My beloved, co.uk/events and much missed Dad, used to read it to me at bedtime, and I still have that 1960s edition. I also loved The Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.” Q. And now – who’s your favourite author? “I try to avoid ever answering this question – too many of my friends are writers – but, going back in time, Emily Bronte, Adrienne Rich, Rider 28 | FEBRUARY 2023

Haggard and Agatha Christie would be top of the list.”

Q. Do you enjoy touring? “I’m excited and nervous – what if nobody comes or my voice gives out – and it’s quite a challenge starting a new career as a performer at the age of 61! On the other hand, you have to keep having new challenges and pushing yourself. The tour is about starting a conversation, having a great night out in the theatre, and putting some incredible women back in to the history books.” Q. Can you tell us a bit about your first impressions of Carcasonne and how you fell in love with it, changing the course of your life? “We first bought a tiny house in the shadow of the medieval city walls of Carcassonne back in 1989 and, from the moment I first saw the extraordinary ‘crown of stone’ sitting on the hill above the river Aude, 52 towers and turrets, two rings of defensive walls, everything stepped in history, I fell in love. I didn’t intend to write about Carcassonne but, little by little as I read history about Languedoc and learnt about the people who had lived there in the 13th century, the ‘whispering in the landscape’ started… Those became my novel, Labyrinth, and since then, almost all of my fiction has been a kind of love letter to this beautiful corner of France.””

Q. What is your first memory of music? “My fabulous Ma had an LP of Nancy Sinatra’s Swinging Safari. I adored dancing along with her.” Q. Who would be your dream dinner party guests? “The composer Ethel Smyth; the extraordinary 13th century Mongolian wrester princess, Khutulan; Pauli Murray, one of the ‘freedom riders’ along with Rosa Parks; Josephine Cochrane who, in 1893, invented the dishwasher (yes, really!); perhaps Beatrix Potter and of course, my own great-grandmother, Lily Watson...” Q. What advice would you have for any aspiring writers? “Do it! A little writing every day, just so you start to get your muscles used to the process, that’s how a novel or biography takes shape. Don’t worry about how good it is, or quite where it’s going, just get some words down. Soon you’ll have a sentence, then a paragraph then, before you know it, a chapter.”

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