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Launch event: 24th November 2023, 6pm–8pm; all welcome; free entry. Exhibition: 25th November, 10.30am–7pm and 26th November, 10.30am–4pm; free entry; Worton Hall, Worton Park near Cassington OX29 4SU

Go to www.foreverfields.co.uk. Contact us on foreverfieldsproject@gmail.com

The Forever Fields Project Team is very excited to announce the Open Art Exhibition. Showcasing people’s creative response to our countryside, we are celebrating the beauty, productivity and bio-diversity of the fields and settlements that will be lost for 42 years under solar panels if Botley West Solar Power Station is built. We are delighted that many people are interested in taking part and can’t wait to see what they make.

We know that our communities are full of ideas, and we want to show them off! This exhibition is an opportunity for you to share your creative skills. Taking the fields of the Botley West patch as your inspiration, what work will you, or have you, created that conveys the sights, sounds, feelings, knowledge you have about this landscape?

Forever Fields plans to create an Archive of all the work exhibited, which will stand as a record for future generations of the nature of the landscape and how people responded and celebrated it today. Our countryside is valuable to us in myriad ways and we want this to be known and not forgotten.

The exhibition is free to enter, open to anyone, adult, child or young person. Your work does not need to have been specifically created for this exhibition, but it must fulfil the theme of ‘Forever Fields’. Your work will be included in a stunning and eclectic exhibition at beautiful Worton Hall which is located centrally, facing on to the area affected by Botley West. Worton Park is an estate committed to true sustainability, balancing renewable energy, recycling and organic food and flower production as well as protecting wildlife. The cafe at Worton Kitchen Garden will be open throughout the exhibition. Worton Park has kindly donated the hosting of the exhibition within Worton Hall. It’s the perfect location! So whether you are taking part by contributing your creative work, or by visiting the exhibition, we look forward to seeing you there.

My contributions to the Forever Fields Exhibition

Six wheel-thrown sgraffito pots: ‘May the sun shine forever, providing 360 degrees of natural energy that sustains life on the fields and our land.’

Cow parsley plaque: ‘The soon to be torn, scarred fields bereft of wild flowers and life.’

Comfrey leaf: Comfrey leaves photosynthesise using the sun’s energy to grow as big as this in one summer. Consider the life they sustain naturally.

25th–26th November, 10am–4pm; Cogges Manor Farm, Church Lane, Witney OX28 3LA; Free car park OX28 3FR; Adults £3, children £1 (free to season ticket holders)

Cogges Christmas Market is a real family affair – a weekend of festive cheer. A carefully curated collection of local traders offer a selection of artisan arts and crafts, unique gifts, homewares, accessories and delicious treats. With plenty of mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas trees, too! 

I will be bringing a selection of Christmas ceramics  and unique pottery gifts for the home and garden, and personal gifts for that special person. 

3rd–4th December 2023, 10am–4.30pm; Mill Street Arts, 66 Mill Street, Eynsham; Free entry

An opportunity to celebrate our local artists and makers, and to find the perfect sustainable handmade present for your family and friends – or for you!

Or simply come and browse, gather ideas, meet and chat, and soak up the Christmassy atmosphere with delicious sweet treats and hot drinks.