Unmissable events
Exhibition Until May 7 ‘Victorian Treasures’ (right), Walker Art Gallery, William Brown Street, Liverpool. More than 60 outstanding paintings and watercolours by leading 19th-century artists including Leighton, Almatadema and Poynter plus pioneering Pre-raphaelites Millais, Rossetti and Holman Hunt. Admission free, including group tours on request (0151–478 4199; www.liverpool museums.org.uk/walker)
Trail run February 11 National Trust Night Run, Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire. Walkers, first-time runners, experienced off-roaders and families can choose from the Explorer route (nearly two miles) or the Adventurer route (about four miles) on traffic-free paths and trails. All money raised goes back to Clumber Park. Entry from £6.95, arrive from 4.35pm—head torches are essential (01909 544917; www. nationaltrust.org.uk)
Conference February 5 FORWARD Symposium, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey. Programme of talks giving expert guidance on managing, treating and preventing injury in agility, working and performance dogs. 9am–6pm, tickets from £115 (sarahc@fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk; www. fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk)
Racing February 11 Betfair Super Saturday, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire. Key fixture in the run-up to Cheltenham, featuring the Betfair Hurdle, the Betfair Denman Chase and live music. Gates open 11am, first race 1.15pm. Tickets from £20 (http://newburyracecourse.co.uk; 01635 40015) Writing on newspaper Crossword enthusiasts will find that the ink will not run if the paper is warmed before the fire for a few minutes before writing. From ‘500 Household Hints by 500 Housewives’, published by in 1926. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of any
advice given Last chance Until February 19 ‘Alternative Letchworth: Past and Present’, Broadway Gallery, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. Exploration of the town’s bohemian and progressive past and its legacy, using photographs, costumes and texts, plus specially commissioned works by four artists with local ties (www.broadway-letchworth.com; 01462 476110)
Book now March 7 Kitchen Garden Planning for Spring, Petersham Nurseries, Richmond, Surrey. Learn how to plan your plot, prepare the soil and sow successfully with Amanda Brame. Includes a tour of Petersham’s own kitchen garden and a two-course lunch. 11am–4.30pm, £95 (http://petershamnurseries.com; 020–8940 5230)
March 11 Venison in a Day, The School of Artisan Food, Welbeck, Nottinghamshire. Learn how to choose venison, skin, joint and butcher a carcass and prepare dishes using red and fallow deer from the Welbeck estate. You will take home venison loin, burgers and bresaolo in cure. 9.30am–5pm, £190 (www.schoolofartisanfood.org; 01909 532171)