seasonal - Alans Almanac

A lively evening scene at Marlborough Mop Fair, with brightly lit funfair rides against a cloudy twilight sky. In the foreground, the illuminated sign for the "Crazy Cage" ride glows with multicoloured lights, while the ride itself spins dramatically. Other fairground rides, colourful lights, and crowds of people enjoying the event fill the background along the High Street, with traditional brick buildings lining the scene.

All the fun of the Mop Fairs!

Posted on 20/09/202521/09/2025 by Alan

October brings the Mop and Statute Fairs
Once the hiring markets of rural England, now vibrant autumn gatherings of rides, stalls and tradition. From Abingdon to Marlborough, we’ve gathered 2025’s dates and stories so you can enjoy these living links to the harvest past.

Wild garlic – Seasonal foraging and food

Posted on 14/03/202121/11/2021 by Holly Ridout

Last spring, like most of us during the lockdown, I did a lot of exploring in my local area. While wandering through the woodlands and coppices I had discovered on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, I came across loads of wild garlic (Allium ursinum) growing on the forest floors. That was when I first decided to pick…