Strictly entre nous

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Cloud 3It’s back and everybody’s talking about it – including June, Tina and Sue – the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing has us all glued to the TV every weekend…

There’s still a long way to go but which celeb gets your vote so far? What do you reckon – after scoring the first ‘perfect 10’ of the series last Saturday, will Jay from The Wanted be bringing the trophy home to Newark?

Find out what this week’s guests Dean Skiba and Christina Philips think about the programme when they join the Girls Around Town on the show this Saturday.

They’ll be sharing their views on who’s hot and who’s not, as well as talking about their own backgrounds as dancers and choreographers and their classes aimed at getting us all tapping and twirling on the dance floor…

Tune in or listen online from 10am till 1pm to get the lowdown from Dean, Christina and the girls. Then make sure you’re watching BBC1 after 6pm to see if you agree with their verdicts!

P.P..Pick up a pumpkin

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pumpkinsWith Halloween on the horizon and half term coming up too, why not have a little fun picking your own pumpkin this year?

Maxeys Farm Shop in Kirklington is the place to go – their annual P.P..Pick Up A Pumpkin event takes place this month, with opportunities to make your choice on Saturday 17, Sunday 18, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October and throughout half term.

Entry is free, just pay for whichever size pumpkin you pick – there are even wheelbarrows available to help with collecting your choices from the field in which they’re grown.

And with Halloween-related items on sale in the shop, refreshments on the weekend dates and lucky dip prizes for perfect pumpkin pickers, it all adds up to a recipe for a great family-friendly day out.

You’ll find the farm shop on Hockerton Road in Kirklington – opening hours are 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Cakes, bakes and books

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scone with the windCould there possibly be anything more enticing than an afternoon dedicated to cake?

June, Tina and Sue certainly don’t think so which is why they’re planning a trip to Lowdham on Sunday 18 October!

From 2pm till 5pm, two special events in the Village Hall combine to make up An Afternoon of Cake – and it goes without saying that there’ll be tea and homemade cakes on sale throughout…

The entertainment begins with Cook ‘n’ Book between 2pm and 3pm. Join the ever-popular duo Jackie Skinner and Julia Pirie for literary-inspired demonstrations and readings from the delightfully entertaining recipe book Scone With The Wind.

The book is packed with recipes for fun, edible versions of favourite classics such as To Kill A Battenberg, Middlemarshmallows and Captain Corelli’s Madeleines, complete with witty introductions and amusing illustrations. Breakfast at Tiffins anyone?!

frances quinnThen, if like the Girls Around Town you’re a fan of The Great British Bake Off, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet 2013 winner Frances Quinn.

She wowed the judges with her imaginative showstoppers and extraordinary baking skills to take the trophy.

Published just a few weeks ago, her first book, Quintessential Baking, is a treasure trove of inspirational ideas to bring a spark of creativity and a teaspoon of wonder into your kitchen.

Frances will be in the Village Hall from 4pm to 5pm, sharing stories from her baking life as part of this special afternoon.

Tickets are on sale now, priced £5 (£4 for concessions, £3 for Festival Friends) for Cook ‘n’ Book or £6 (£5 for concessions, £4 for Festival Friends) for the chance to meet Frances Quinn.

For more details and bookings for both events, call 0115 966 3219.