By Kate Hodges
06th July 2022
EVENT, DO READING FESTIVAL
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge’s theme is Gadgeteers – Wild World Heroes – and this year we’ll discover how science is all around us! Run by The Reading Agency and Public Libraries the event is a summer holiday essential – sign up at your local library, read six books of your choice and collect your rewards. It’s a great way to motivate your kids (and you!) to borrow books, and means you’re prepared for rainy and lazy days. Don’t forget that libraries aren’t all about traditional storybooks; you’ll find non-fiction guides and reference books, audio books, graphic novels and much more. While we’re on the subject of libraries, here’s our pick of the UK’s most beautiful public and university halls of books – why not take time out to visit one this summer?
DO PARED BACK
Tuesday is National Simplicity Day, founded in honour of writer, and advocate for pared-down living, Henry David Thoreau. Why not take time out from the rat race for a little family self-care? Simplicity blogger Leo Babauta shared his 52 tips for happiness and productivity with us as well as how to be open to playfulness and creating a slower flow of family life. The day might act as a spur to doing something chilled-out together; treat yourselves to an afternoon of forest bathing or start realising a dream of living in a simple, tiny house.
EVENT TAKES ALLSORTS
Pontefract Liquorice Festival celebrates the town’s historic link with the sweet stuff. Streets will come alive with acrobats, stilt-walkers, there’s a funfair and craft workshops; help make a quilt to celebrate the area’s heritage. Plus, of course, there will be plenty of liquorice-themed food on offer, and perhaps even some free sweets.
Liquorice is over fifty times sweeter than sugar, and is renowned for its throat-soothing and anti-oxidant properties. Find out more about its botanic and ayurvedic properties, and find out how it can help you cut sugar cravings here.
EVENT PIPE UP
Rothbury Traditional Music Festival is a small, friendly, community-run festival set in the heart of Northumberland, in the beautiful Coquet Valley. Over the last four decades it has established a unique atmosphere, drawing musicians, dancers and singers from throughout the country and beyond to spend a weekend sharing music and experiencing Northumbrian traditions. Head to this beautiful setting for competitions, music workshops, ceilidhs and performances from the Damien Mullane trio, Eryn Rae and Scott Turnbull and Cameron Nixon, plus – of course – lots of marching and piping! Lots of free events, some ticketed. Full programme here
EVENT AND DO PURPLE HAZE
Lavender season is in full swing. The purple fields of flowers smell heavenly and look like a painter’s dream. They’re also home to the most friendly bees – why not head to one for Don’t Step on a Bee Day this Saturday. Many farms sell tickets for a picturesque wander or picnic; find some of the best in Britain here or near London here. Lavender’s sweet smell infuses home-made beauty products with a comforting scent; try making bath bombs and face toners or a relaxing eye mask or include it in your plant-based first aid kit perfect for green witches and wildling kids.
EVENT AND RECIPE THE POD SQUAD
It’s the Great British Pea Week, a celebration of the smallest, greenest, sweetest vegetables. Sitting in a garden, picking peas and popping them straight into your mouth is one of the greatest childhood pleasures. Why not grow your own? Find out how here. Or try a new, pea-based recipe – try these podfuls of fresh ideas. Want to try something super-weird? Try making lime mint green pea ice cream. It shouldn’t work, but it’s refreshing and delicious.
WHAT WE’RE READING ‘Like a map of buried treasure’ study reveals location of ancient trees: There could be millions more ancient trees in England than previously thought, according to a map, which reveals their likely location Read more here
WHAT WE’RE EATING Aloo Green Bean Sabzi Anshu Ahuja founded Dabbadrop with Renee Williams from their homes in East London. Here they share a tasty green bean and potato sabzi; a traditional Indian vegetable dish perfect for an easy and frugal midweek dinner. Get the recipe here
