WEEKLY COLUMN of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts MBE. 

1. Prestigious award for New Wave 

New Wave Brasserie in Lechlade has been awarded an AA Food Guide Rosette for culinary excellence.

“Receiving a Rosette is in recognition of our hard work, creativity and talent in the kitchen,” said owner Tim Boyd. “It’s a mark of excellence that sets us apart in the culinary world. It’s a huge achievement.”

Tim continued: “We are also very pleased to learn that our customers have nominated us for the Good Food Guide, which is a prestigious accolade for any restaurant.

“Chef Nico Arnold is able to create amazing dishes mixing the traditional English seaside with a European vibe, Asian fusion from his travels in Southeast Asia and adding his own twist for an incredible culinary experience.”

Tim and wife, Maisie, along with Bob Parkinson (award-winning chef and former restaurant owner) thought a Brasserie would be a good place to showcase the fresh fish and shellfish that is brought daily to the Cotswolds.

Fish and seafood lovers can now buy fresh produce from the weekly New Wave Fish & Seafood Market, which is open every Friday from 8.30am in the passageway alongside the New Wave Brasserie, Burford Street, Lechlade.

The award-winning, New Wave Brasserie first opened in October 2022 and offers lunch from Wednesday to Saturday (12 noon-3pm) and dinner from 6pm-9pm. Tickets are available for the special ‘Super Sundays’ on July 14 (Paella) and August 25 (Fish Barbecue).

There are daily seasonal specials including Prosecco and Prawns on Fridays and Platter Days on Saturdays and the brasserie can also host private parties. For information or bookings, call 01367 252677, email info@newwavebrasserie.com or visit www.newwavebrasserie.com. For the Market website, which offers Click & Collect, visit www.newwaveseafoodonlineshop.co.uk.

2. Everything to know about RIAT 2024 

 The themes for RIAT 2024 taking place over the weekend of July 19, 20 and 21 are 50 years of the F-16; pushing the boundaries in air and space; the 75th anniversary of NATO and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The three-day event will have around 150,000 visitors, 8,000 hospitality guests, hundreds of aircraft representing around 25 nations and 18 hours of flying displays. Enjoy music and dancing at the Bandstand, grab a chance to chat with the pilots and buy air force memorabilia from around the world.

Firm favourites will be back like the Techno Zone for children curious about air, space and technology; and the Red Arrows celebrating their Diamond Season with a nine-ship team and a newly worked routine in recognition of their 60th anniversary.

3. Jumble sale around Fairford 

There’ll be a Jumble Sale around Fairford on Saturday July 13 from 10am-3pm. Stalls cost £2.50 and a printed map to show stall locations costs 50p or download for free.

All proceeds go to Fairford Scouts. For details or to get a map, call 07926 914829.

4. Wine tasting event in Fairford 

The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities’ wine tasting event is on Saturday July 13 at 7pm in Fairford Community Centre.

The theme is Spanish and there’ll be a range of red, white and sparkling wines expertly hosted by a professional sommelier. £25 per person. Bookings: admin@friendsoffairford.org.uk.

5. Next Saturday night worship 

The next Saturday Night Worship with a worship band playing Christian songs and people enjoying singing together is on Saturday July 13. For more information, email saturdaynightworship@gmail.com.

6. Next Messy Church 

The next Messy Church will be on Sunday July 14 in St Mary’s Church. There will be crafts and outdoor activities on the theme which will reflect the Olympics, followed by a Celebration and a cooked meal in Fairford Community Centre finishing at about 6pm.

Messy Church is aimed at families, but everyone is welcome to come and join in. For more information, contact Sarah: 01285 712074, stmaryslmt@gmail.co.

7. Pop-up sale on Wednesday

The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities Summer Sale Pop Up is on Wednesday July 17 from 10am-12 noon in the Barker Room of Fairford Community Centre. To find out more, visit www.friendsoffairford.org.uk.

8. Big Lechlade Litter pick 

Little Learners are organising the Big Lechlade Litter Pick taking place on Saturday July 13 at 2pm and meeting at Lechlade Memorial Hall playground. Cost is £5 per person and includes litter-picking kit and entry into a prize draw to win Dinner for Two at The New Inn, Lechlade. Afterwards, at 4pm, there will be a High Tea with tea, cakes, scones and prosecco. All profits go towards keeping the local pre-school doors open.]

9. Summer market 

The Crafty Boaters Summer Market will be held on Sunday July 14 between 10am-4pm at Lechlade Memorial Hall, Lechlade GL7 3AY. Refreshments available with proceeds going to Lechlade Community Library. Free entry and free parking on site.

10. Short service for pupils moving to primary school 

Four year old children who have attended Little Lights pre-school group and will be moving up to primary school in September, will be presented with a Bible Story Book in a short family service on Sunday July 14 at 10am in St Lawrence’s Church, Lechlade.

Please let Kathy Newton know if your child is able to be there by contacting 07508 563905, kathryn8newton@gmail.com.

11. Pre-school group which meets on Wednesdays 

Little Lights is St Lawrence Church’s pre-school group that usually meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month during term time and starts at 9.30am with a short informal service with a candle, instruments, sticker cards and a story. For some children, this is their first time in Church. New babies are welcome even when they are asleep!

Children play, make things on the art table and enjoy snacks/drinks whilst parents/grandparents /carers chat and have a cuppa. To finish, children sing rhymes and take part in ring games.

The next regular meeting is on Wednesday July 17, which is the end of term walk and picnic at Buscot Village Playground at 10.30am. Please bring a packed lunch. There is no charge and no need to book.