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What’s on our festival packing list this year? We are keeping an eye on the weather forecast, saving a few decisions until last minute. We don’t want to lug things for miles to our camp spot if we don’t need them. A few old favourites: Head torchAlways useful to find your way around the tent in the dark String and pegsIf it rains you'll need somewhere to hang things to dry. If it doesn't rain you might want to create a sunshade, or attach a reflective blanket to keep the tent cool. Ear plugs and eye patchIncase of noisy neighbours or...

PACMAT is pleased to be featured "The Best Picnic Ideas for Kids." and "Best Festival ideas." by Club Hub, We are included in the list of tips along with Dr Zigs Bubbles, and Toast 'N' Dip Kits for picnics and Camp King Festival, Hippychilck Hipseat and Kids Festival Leggings from House of Happy Threds in the Festival top picks. Club Hub is the UK's Largest Kids Activities Directory for activities near you. From newborns to 18 years!  Search by post code, age or activity type such "activity boxes, arts and crafts, attractions, baby to preschool classes, cooking and dance! There's a free App to...

The last day of half term, having spent most of the week at home, it was a beautiful day to set off for a picnic walk. We didn't have time to travel far, so opted for the overground from our local Hackney Downs to Chingford. From here we could walk in Epping Forest. It's only, at most, a forty minute ride on the overground, and after leaving the train at Chingford, just five minutes walk from the station and we found ourselves in a vast buttercup meadow, just down Queen Elizabeth's Hunting lodge. The open field was hot, so we were pleased to walk...

Today, June 2nd, is National Fish and Chip Day. It's a day to celebrate this traditional meal of the working classes throughout the United Kingdom. Where did this meal come from? Founded in 2015 by National Edible Oil Distributors Association. But the history of fish and chips as a meal comes from the late 1800s when trawl fishing the North Sea brought in plenty of readily available fish. This made it reasonably priced. The working class at the time tended to have physically demanding jobs meaning they needed a high calorie diet. Battered fish and with chips provided this, and because...

What a wonderful weekend at the OD Arts FestivalThere was so much to see and do I couldn’t manage to fit it all in! Here are just a few of the highlights: Welcome drinks on the lawn of Coker Court followed by a reading in the church, A Grounding by Eleanor Duffin and Owen Lloyd. Along with a performance in front of Coker Court, Echoed Ecstasy by Clare Whistler. Holloways and Hide-aways-Walk with Sara TrilloA walk around East Coker listening to stories inspired by local folklore, hearing about smugglers paths and hiding places. Seaweed in the Fruit Locker at the Twineworks.LGBTQIA+ sea shanty choir...