NELLIE KNOWS
Voting
Well where to begin? What an extraordinary week that was.
I was pleased to go along with my eldest for her first vote but I didn’t take the dog this time, he’s a bit camera shy at polling stations. Thankfully the next bout of voting I’m doing can be done in the comfort of my own home and that’s the Muddy Stilettos Awards.
So I’ve studied the finalists and will be voting for those small and independent businesses that offer good old fashioned customer service and go the extra mile for their customers. What are you waiting for? There’s a load of businesses waiting for your vote across the borough and Berkshire, as well as businesses in other counties. I’ve cast my votes, let’s all help to bring some awards home for Wokingham and show everyone that despite the delays in the town centre redevelopment the town is open and has a lot to offer!
You can vote at berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/ awards/
Shop local for Father;s Day
This weekend it’s Father’s Day and in amongst the home made cards and gifts there’s a world of shops out there that have some wonderful ideas. Rococo in Bush Walk have some great watches and cufflinks to suit all tastes and budgets, Robin’s Nest in Wargrave have an amazing collection of gifts and Tutt’s Clump have brilliant ciders. What’s more they’re just some of the finalists in the Muddy Stilettos Awards!
Hurst Show is coming
There’s so much to do locally at the moment. Next weekend it’s the Hurst Show & Country Fayre (www. hurstshow.uk) which has changed so much since I used to trot along and compete. Having grown up in Hurst it’s nice to see a weekend tradition continuing and a community coming together.
Another event that’s on my list is the Salvo Fair (www.salvo-fair.com) at Fawley. Oh my days if you’re interested in architectural salvage, reclamation and all things vintage then this is the place for you. Traders travel far and wide to attend this popular event and I assure you there’s something for everyone. Salvo
Fair is set in a deer park on the estate of Sir William McAlpine at Fawley Hill, Henley, where steam engines will be offering rides on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June. You’ll also see Sir William’s own pitch at selling architectural salvage some rescued from important old London buildings. It’s worth going along to see his fabulous cream and maroon showman’s caravan, made for Anna Carter of Carter’s Steam Fairs in 1927.
Whilst on the subject of Henley another date for the diary is the Traditional Boat Festival or Trad as it’s affectionately known (www.tradboatfestival.com).
This happens on the banks of the Thames over the weekend of July 14-16. There’s so much to see and do, fabulous food, interesting displays plus this year there’s a brilliant selection of stands in the Market Place. If you’re interested in taking a stand drop me an email to hello@nelliepompoms.co.uk.
End is in sight
It’s all go in our house as the end of the dreaded GCSEs are in sight. We’ve also had the Year 7 June exams which are now over. With one GCSE today, Friday and Monday I can safely say I’m done with exams.
At the end of the month, it’s Prom when countless teenagers from across the borough will be getting their hair, make up and nails done before donning their frocks and suits and heading off for an evening with friends. They’ve worked so hard and this is their evening before the long hot summer and the long awaited results. I keep saying enjoy it, you’re only young once but don’t forget I was young once.