Stylish Summer Picnics

Solar bamboo Tiki garden torches, £12.99 for two; string of 20 Carnival outdoor battery festoon lights, £16.99; both Lights4fun. Photograph: Oliver Perrott.

Everything tastes better when it’s eaten al fresco. So when the forecast looks good, why not pack up some food and drink and head off for a day in the great outdoors?

Bright colours and cheerful designs will add to the enjoyable atmosphere. Talking Tables Tropical Fiesta plates, £4 for a pack of 12; and napkins, £3.50 for a pack of 20; both Ocado.

Picnic plates should be lightweight and unbreakable – these are made from pressed bamboo and would add a fun, festival vibe to any outdoor dining. Katie Alice Festival

Folk picnicware, from a selection, Creative Tops.

John O’Gaunt Golf Club

Trial Membership Scheme - £ 265 for 3 months

Experience the John O’Gaunt golf courses, practice facilities, coaching opportunities, clubhouse and social events with our Trial Membership Scheme. Visit out website or Facebook page for more information. (Terms and Conditions apply)

15 Website: www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk Facebook: Johnogauntgolfclub John O’Gaunt Golf Club, Sutton Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2LY Tel: Main Club - 01767 260360 Pro Shop - 01767 260094 Email: gordon@johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

Fill your basket with supplies and head for the great outdoors. Hand-woven pom-pom basket, £30, Postcards Home.

The best picnic rugs are easy to carry and have a waterproof backing. Pure new wool Polo picnic rug in rainbow grey stripe, £69.95, Black by Design.

Get comfy with a folding chair. Mandala deck chair by Kirsten Star, £120, Art Wow.

Hang pop-up paper lanterns for a fun, party atmosphere. These brightly-coloured ones cost £4.99 for a pack of five, Ginger Ray.

Use a portable barbecue for delicious food on the go. Suitcasestyle barbecue, £79.95, Annabel James.

Keep bottles chilled with handy wine cooler, £1, Poundland. STOCKISTS Annabel James: 0345 548 0210; annabeljames.co.uk Art Wow: 07736 777 117; ArtWow.co Black by Design: 01889 502 716; black-by-design.co.uk Creative Tops: 01536 207 668 for stockists; creative-tops.com Ginger Ray: 0845 680 2975; gingerray.co.uk Lights 4 Fun: 01423 816 040; lights4fun.co.uk Ocado: 0345 656 1234; ocado.com Postcards Home: 020 7281 3990; postcardshome.co.uk Poundland: 0800 731 5622; poundland.co.uk

Practically Perfect Picnics

• Research your perfect picnic spot carefully – whether it’s on the beach, in a woodland glade, near a playpark or just at the end of your garden. How far is it from the car park? Are there toilets? Can you bring your dog? Make sure you pack everything you need for the day, from plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks to a lightweight waterproof (just in case) plus a few blankets and a torch for when the sun starts to go down.

• Decorate your picnic area with battery-powered fairy lights, lanterns and some bunting. Get comfy with camping chairs or deck chairs, using your picnic basket as a handy side table. Music adds atmosphere (though don’t disturb people nearby), so bring a portable radio or Bluetooth speakers and a phone. Do you need shade? On a hot day you’ll appreciate a tepee, canopy or mini popup tent.

• Bring along games that all the family can play. Rounders and croquet are great, or organise a treasure hunt, play hide and seek, or set up an old-school egg-and-spoon or sack race.

• The best picnic food? Anything yummy and not too melty or messy, especially if you can eat it with your fingers. Sandwiches, mini pies, kebabs, crisps, chopped vegetables with dips, plus fruit and something sweet, for example. Use coolers and ice packs to keep everything (especially drinks) cold.

What is going on at the Eco Hub?

Well, it's a lot of everything, really! The Hub is a modern, light filled building, run on sustainable energy. You can book our flexible space for parties or business meetings, hold a wedding or birthday celebration, attend various classes and exercise sessions, visit our library or just come in and enjoy our weekly café.

• Free wi-fi and parking • Commercial kitchen • Range of rooms for hire • Disability friendly and pets welcome • Support staff on site available to help • Village location and country views • Easy transport links to Cambridge, Bedford and London

Contact: manager@gamlingayecohub.org.uk | 01767 651226 Visit our website: www.gamlingayecohub.org.uk/whats-on

THE ECO HUB, STOCKS LANE, GAMLI NGAY, BEDFORDSHIRE, SG19 3JR

Unique Boutique

No. 11

• A 200 year old cottage near Cambridge • Quiet, central village location • Shop, pub, church all 5 minutes walk • Ideal for holidays, work accommodation, visiting family and friends, university visits • Quiet location • Come for a Wellness Weekend • Consult with Rachel; qualified sleep consultant • Infra-red sauna, proven health benefits • Sauna is available to book for hour sessions on certain days. Please enquire. • Environmentally friendly, low VOCs • High quality bedding

Tel: 07885 515085 Web: numberelevengreatgransden.co.uk Email: info@numberelevengreatgransden.co.uk

Home-baked bread, treats and milk on arrival • Toiletries by ColeLewis, Moulton Brown Inglenook fireplace • Fibre optic broadband • Powerful digital shower • Fully equipped kitchen Off road parking • Suntrap garden

Countrywear

www.lodgeway-countrywear.co.uk 01462 816122

OPEN: MON-FRI 9:30am-5pm SAT 9:30am-4pm Chicksands, Shefford, Beds SG17 5QB Sally Villager ad 3-3-2020:Layout 1 3/3/20 10:29 Page 1