Beverston Press
publish Oliver Preston's funny skiing cards, shooting books, and
funny birthday cards. His drawings regularly appear in a wide range
of publications from The Field to The Polo Magazine and have been
published In Country Life, Punch, The Spectator and national
newspapers.
His work is
beautifully drawn, and make very funny gifts. With a keen eye for
social observation, Oliver Preston's books are predominantly based on
country themes and modern day life.
Illustrated by
Oliver Preston
When the leaves
begin to go that lovely shade of russet
and linen turns to
tweed, you know those long afternoons of strawberries and buzzing
bees are coming to a close. Thoughts turn to log fires, lamb’s wool
jumpers and finding out that your wellington boots now have more
holes in them than your colander. Let Uncle Bernard and Aunt Agatha
steer you through the social minefield that is the winter ‘season’.
Failing this, have a read and a good laugh.
The Shoot
The spectacle of a
line of guns eagerly awaiting their first drive of the season is one
that lifts the spirit and starts the heart racing just that little
bit faster. The shoot day brings great sport, superb food and drink,
but is beset with potential conundrums.
Should I take the
dog? (Aunt Agatha) If your hound is well disposed to the canine
rabble, and able to maintain silence in the din, then positively yes,
you should. Pinching the last rasher off the shoot breakfast table or
licking the butter however is somewhat ill-thought of.
Who don’t I tip?
(Uncle Bernard) When getting ready for the day this is often
forgotten and yet it is so very important; nothing says thank you
quite as much as ‘silent money’, so slip your notes in an
envelope and take the time to remember it. It is generally considered
poor form to tip the hostess, the gardener is, again, not necessarily
someone to include unless you are feeling very modern, and tipping
your host may leave everyone confused. However, almost
everyone else
deserves to be tipped – Loaders, Keepers, Gun Cleaners (?!), Cook
and the House Keeper. How much? This is discretionary, but it is
recommended to follow the form from the other guns, it’s generally
ill-thought of to ask the host ‘how much old fruit?’!
The Grouse Moor
Form?
(UB) Shooting Grouse
is quite something and bravo to you for getting on the moor.
Remember, barrels in the air at all times and above you when turning;
guests losing body parts to over-enthusiastic marksmanship is
generally thought poor form. Focus, focus, focus – it can be a long
time from start of the drive to when the birds come out and early in
the season, they are likely to be gunning straight for you, later-on
the squadrons tend to be more wily and evasive, so keep your wits
about you. Celebratory ‘whoops’ at hitting a bird are also
slightly frowned upon, unless you are wearing a ten gallon hat.
Cigars are best lit at the end of the day.
Does my butt look
good in this?
What to wear. Grouse
days can be balmy affairs; lighter clothing is often required, and
field coats can be thrown off in gay abandon. An important question
to ask when choosing your colour scheme for the day is “will the
birds notice me?”, under other circumstances one may hope for a
resounding “why yes!”, but not on a Grouse Moor. Cream background
tattersalls and bright jumpers are a sure fire way of bringing
attention to yourself. Look to the moors for inspiration; a Cordings
Grouse Shirt is perfect, its subtle hues
and easy movement
give you the best chance of success, team with a Shooting Waistcoat
and Breeks in Firley Check, for a smart, practical ensemble.
The pheasant and
partridge field?
(AA) Considered by
some to be a dinner party with shotguns, the partridge and pheasant
season heralds a switch from dipping, driving and diving fowl to
screaming long-tailed squawkers. Coupled with the old chirruping
hedge hopper, the lowland game season begins proper with the first
splash of ‘bullshot’ on the kitchen tiles. Form is not quite as
rigid as on the predominately northern or Hebridean estates but it is
nonetheless, important to observe the unspoken rules. ‘Duvet-ing’
your host with a bird in front of him at mediocre distance is
regarded mildly irritating, pinching a plum sporting bird above your
host’s peg is akin to flirting outrageously with the hostess. Best
to avoid that. Counting the birds you hit loudly and declaring you
are ‘winning’ generally gains few admirers, eye-wiping your
neighbour has mixed blessings. Weather conditions will dictate how
you dress for the day, but you cannot go wrong with a pair of
Cordings house check plus twos and smart shooting stockings.
When to drink, what
to drink?
(AA) Now we are
talking dear; generally best to do this after the shoot. Lunch time
tipples are of course acceptable but avoid too much vin rouge, how
about a glass of the indomitable Pol Roger Brut Reserve? To go
left-field, maybe a splendid glass of Josmeyer Alsace Pinot Blanc
‘Mise du Printemps’?
When the whistle on
the last drive blows, the bag has been declared glorious in its
limited and beautiful way, you can begin to make your declarations of
thanks and dash to draw the bath. Should a pre-prandial be on offer,
possibly a glass of Pol Roger Brut Vintage (terrifically fresh with
beautiful acidity and delightful fruit) this will help keep your
conversations sparkling. Throughout dinner you will be offered (we
are sure) a cornucopia of liquid refreshment, pick wisely and be
consistent.
Port is an excellent
way to finish as is Hine Cognac Antique XO (cherry brandy again,
often well swerved), to keep the senses perky. When your host yawns
and declares your nickname ‘Bingo’ (last one out) it’s time to
drink up and head for bed.
Off the peg, on the
peg: what to wear?
Standing on a peg,
buffeted by rain, in temperatures that would make penguins think
twice about going outside for a stroll, is an exhilarating
experience; but only if you are correctly attired. Stout boots,
shooting stockings and breeks (or trews, now making a first-rate come
back in the field) take care of your lower portions, whilst layering
with lambswool, fleece and a Field Coat will take care of the rest.
Always wear a tie, as a mark of respect for your quarry, but also
because there are so many splendid examples to be had at Cordings,
emblazoned with Pheasants, Grouse and even the odd Snipe.
“When going out in
the field never forget the practical issues of comfort, warmth and
ease of movement”
Eric Clapton
(musician &
fieldsports enthusiast)
Guide to the Country
Pub
Should I engage with
the local at the bar?
(UB) Often the best
path here is to gauge your quarry; be polite and don’t insult the
décor or food unless you are the owner or never intend to go back.
Are cocktails
permissible in a coaching inn?
(AA) Whilst this may
be akin to asking for Lager at an Ale brewery, cocktails are a fine
thing, and we recommend the Horse’s Neck (‘H’ by Hine and
Ginger Ale) or Whisky & ice (Single- Malt and Ice remarkably
enough – a fine Kilchoman Machir Bay, could be just the ticket)…but
a cautionary tale, anything involving blue liquor or crème de menthe
is often best avoided for safety’s sake. Generally stick to the
‘taps’, or if you are feeling adventurous, why not try a glass of
‘roulette’ house wine?
To wellie or not to
wellie?
(UB) A much pondered
musing, if it’s sodden and you
are worried about
your loafers, go wellie in the pub but be prepared in some gentrified
establishments to take them off if asked. A hole-y sock in the
country is acceptable,
no-socks (or ‘going
sock-less’ in the south) courts suspicion and your personal hygiene
may be called into question. Your choice of wellie is significant,
but we shan’t go into that here.
Amuse bouche? What
about a little something from the chef? (UB) Chance your arm, the
chef may take the challenge. However pork scratchings or assorted
nuts may be the most enticing offering. Perhaps time for an aperitif?
21 YO Glenfarclas Single Malt Whisky, full bodied rich and with
rounded flavours , goes perfectly with pork scratchings.
How to cut a
sartorial swath in the snug: what to wear?
Remember: in the
country, colour in the trouser department is to be applauded and
considered sensible; one can never be too loud. Jeans that make ones
underwear visible, leather trousers (unless you are in possession of
a motor cycle) and jogging bottoms with logos emblazoned on your
posterior, will certainly get the attention of the local population,
but not in a good way.
“One has to always
question where to park the glass on the bar top, near to the wearer
of the fur and suede dangling sleeves or the rat-catcher trousers,
it’s always a delicate balance of the shove and shuffle to get to
the bar let alone the order. Make your order firm and precise with
the barkeep, never let your guarddown and judge the offer of a
pickled egg wisely”
Victoria
Knowles-Lacks
(Owner and founder,
The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club and West Country resident)
The Meet
What to do if you
don’t like horses?
(AA) Generally
thought of as not the place to be if you are either in fear of, or
underwhelmed by, the horse. However grin and bear it, focus on the
port, sherry and general back slapping. Look for the person milling
around with a champagne bottle and ask if they happen to know ‘what
their wine tastes like?’
Hunt buttons?
(UB) If new to ‘the
Meet’, it’s generally considered bad form to wear hunt buttons
even if through patrimony, often best to go plain and get the advice
of each hunt’s MFH (Master of the Fox Hounds). Turning up in a
hunting pink and blowing your own horn (so to speak) may end in an
ignominious dressing down from the seniors members.
Good conversation?
(AA) ‘What a fine
looking beast, jumped much?’ (only about a horse) – ‘looking
fairly hard out there, do you think you’ll go on past 1st horses?’
/ ‘Hounds sound in good voice’ ad nauseum.
Stirrup cup of
choice?
(AA) Stay clear of
home brew, focus on your drive home or walk to lunch and go for an
elegant tipple, maybe a sip of vintage Cognac? Domaines Hine Bonneuil
2005 for instance….smooth and discerning. You’ll feel warm and
possibly ‘smug’ at the decision.
‘Standing to’ at
The Meet
(AA) Tweed coats,
sensible wellies and a jolly smile will often be the uniform of
choice for those waiting to cheer
the gallop and hear
the cry of the hounds. Have a large pocket in the coat for a hip
flask and don’t forget the woolly hat (bobble optional).
“The meet is a
wonderfully diverse gathering of folk from all walks of life. There
is a real buzz of anticipation and excitement of the day ahead. Dress
appropriately and put a sandwich in your pocket for later in the day.
Meets are very family friendly so do take children, and even better
if you can get out on horse!”
Harry Meade
(International Three
Day Event Rider, part of Team GBR, ChampagnePol Roger and Cordings of
Piccadilly Brand Ambassador)
The Point to Point
Carriages?
(UB) You’ll need a
capable vehicle should things turn inclement. The Point to Point
circuit is not a place to impress the King’s Road set; turning up
in your two-seater complete with stilettos might be over-gunning it.
So we suggest the long wheel base Land Rover because nothing says
failure like the obligatory ‘tractor tow’. Extra house points can
be given for negotiating a RWD German car through the bog, in suede
loafers.
Weather check?
(UB) Interweb
information abounds – do not be caught short, brace yourself and by
jove, if it looks hopeless hit the local hostelry, order the best
steak and kidney pudding and a large glass of red (a hearty cabernet
like a Staglin Family Vineyard 2008 from the Napa valley, California
would suit the occasion). Consider yourself well out of it as the
stalwarts try to look cheery in the biblical deluge.
Correct picnic form?
(AA) No one
obviously opens their boot without a proper bottle of fizz – Pol
Roger Brut Reserve slung in a (probably useless or over-full) cool
bag, is a real boon to keep the spirits high! The food at these
events has in the past dampened the spirits: a greying Scotch egg,
the forlorn chicken sandwich, the obligatory ‘explode in the
container before you get there’ soup and home-made sausage roll
used to be the order of the day, …..but thankfully Waitrose has
changed all of these slightly trying stalwarts; roasted vegetable
antipasti options? Sundried tomatoes? Samosas? It’s a veritable
cornucopia of finger food. We suggest soup (optional sherry to be
added to the consommé) and cheese straws….it could be a long day
after all!
Pint to pint? What
to drink?
(AA) Beer is a
particular favourite amongst hardened pointers, as is wine, Maison
Joseph Drouhin Savigny les Beaune for a refreshing pinot noir and
maybe a delightful bottle of Crown Estates Tokaji 5 puttonyas 2000.
The Tokaji pairs exquisitely with a rich paté or even foie gras,
should one want to push the boat out. And for the obligatory nip from
bottle or hip flask, Glenfarclas Single Malt Whisky 15YO wins every
time. Don’t forget the corkscrew and proper glasses.
A short course on
what to wear?
This being Britain,
the answer to this could be as divergent as a linen shirt, chinos and
loafers, or Schoffel interactive coat, waterproof trousers and
wellington boots.
“What I love most
about point-to-pointing is that however professional the jockeys and
trainers have become, it’s still a proper old-fashioned country
sport run by hunting people with a great friendly atmosphere
where the weather –
rain, howling gales, spring sunshine
– is all part of
it. For this reason, I especially love the west-country meetings,
which are timeless. I belong to the Plantation Farm Picnic Syndicate
and, as you might have guessed it’s (nearly) all about the picnic –
and the fizz when we win!”
Kate Green
(News Editor,
Country Life)
Cheltenham
Is this a covert
operation?
(AA) Yes it is!
There is nowhere a covert coat feels more at home than jostling
amongst the crowds, the dun colour was after all originally designed
to cope with horse hair and the occasional splattering of mud and
still stay immaculate. Team with a tweed suit and trilby and you have
the ultimate Cheltenham kit. Shiny office suits are
ill-advisedly
becoming prevalent and are more to be pitied than censured. For the
ladies, a smart tweed ensemble, topped with a splendid fur hat will
cut a dash. Lurid pink prom style dresses, worn with ‘dead parrot’
style fascinators are best avoided as they have a habit of
frightening the jockeys who are, through years of careful breeding, a
highly strung sort.
Should I bring the
hound?
(UB) Yes just make
sure it is correctly attired, little dogs in handbags are a little,
Chelsea, not Cheltenham.
Correct footwear?
(AA) You want dry
feet? Wellingtons and sturdy boots are the way forward, plus you can
drink out of them later if you lose your glass.
Who am I likely to
see?
(AA) The ladies and
gentlemen of the jump racing community, a smattering of West Country
royalty, corporate guests, persons from across the water and lots and
lots of splendid red trousers.
Carriage of choice?
(UB) Train, taxi or
chauffeur – to drive would make this a very dull day indeed.
Champagne or cider?
Either really but
try not to drink out
of your trilby. We
do think a nice glass of Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2006 tastes terrific
at 9am, on auspicious occasions such as this.
“Cheltenham is the
highlight of the National Hunt season and brings absolutely
everything to the table. The horses are the elite from England,
Ireland and France and the world’s best jockeys, along with the
most sporting crowd that any event can put together. To many this is
an annual pilgrimage and, to all of us, the pinnacle four days of
every year”
Nicky Henderson
(3 times Champion NH
trainer and trainer of 47 winners at the Cheltenham Festival)
Twickenham
Which car park
should I head to?
(UB) Well, if you’re
not in the west car park let’s just say it is a bad old day.
Where should I be
aiming to sit?
(AA) Mid-tier east
or west stand, somewhere close to facilities, and gone are the days
of bringing your own tipple, it’s a pint of the black stuff or
maybe a tepid GnT for you my dears! You are there for stirring rugby
anyway…best not to blur the lines during the match.
Form on chat with
fans?
(UB) You’ll want
to discuss England’s latest midfield worries, the demise of the
scrum and a return to off-field discipline. Avoid someone wearing a
football shirt for fear of being proffered advice on your choice of
sport. You’ll know who to look for; beginning a salvo with ‘my
dear old thing…’ should see you through.
Black velvet?
(AA)If you insist
dear, although best to stick to Pol Roger Brut Reserve.
Tweed, Wax or padded
jacket?
All three are
eminently suitable, accessorise with a generous glass of red wine and
gingham table cloth. Wellies are wholly acceptable whereas loafers
will do you no credit here, stout walking boots or sturdy brogues
with thick socks are just the ticket.
“Don’t be afraid
to go very casual - you’ll be surrounded by men in badly fitting
jeans and jumpers decorated with dog hairs. It’s all about comfort.
Do a bit of reading beforehand so you have half a clue who the key
players are and what’s going on. Buy the headphones so you can hear
what the ref is saying - that way you’ll be the only person who
knows why a penalty is being given. Arrive early and leave late. The
car parks are where the party is at.”
Clare Balding
(Broadcaster and
avid Rugby fan)
The Christmas house
party
Which host should
you pass the booze to?
(AA) If you want to
see it drunk on the day/evening, the hostess, if you want to hear
about it drunk that night, privately, your host…
How to eat the
cocktail sausage elegantly?
(UB) Attack the
entrée with real verve, grab it and positively shove it in….avoid
conversation while macerating and take a moment to savour.
When to leave?
(AA) When the
hostess is bellowing ‘whose taxi is outside….’ or ‘right
then, who’s for washing up…?’. Watching for signs is quite
easy, the minute the decent wines are down to the sediment, or the
port has been spilled, it’s time to head for the highway.
Lunchtime drinks –
the plan?
(UB) Avoid the Gin
and Tonic in favour of a Drouhin-Vaudon Chablis, and Robert Sinskey
Vineyard’s Pinot Noir from Los Carneros for a red is a real winner!
Cote du Nuit is more of a supper sip. Manzanilla is a positively
inspired choice to accompany salted almonds and olives.
How to avoid the
slightly-odd Uncle Bernard?
(AA) Make pains to
suggest you know very little about cricket or the latest on Syria,
declare an interest in popular music and the latest streaming service
from Apple.
Declare yourself
devoid of a decanter at home and that you have never heard of Wilbur
Smith. Above all stay away from the drinks trolley – wait for it to
come to you. This should save you hours of your life.
The Christmas jumper
However ironic your
intentions
are, do not succumb
to knitted garments with the following motifs: Snowmen, Father
Christmas, Elves or Baubles, and if anyone approaches you wearing a
garment emblazoned with any of the above (we can include ties in
this), move very quickly towards the drinks trolley (see note above
ref Uncle Bernard). Lambswool V necks found downstairs in Cordings of
Piccadilly (and now Harrogate) in festive colours, and smart Fair
Isles, are the order of the day, giving the message ‘I am a fun
chap or lady, who has not lost their sense of style/ marbles’.
“Christmas jumpers
are in my experience exclusively worn by ordinarily sane adults who
stupidly believe that Christmas is an excuse to look like, behave
like and sound like a 6 year old with OCD. Knitwear is a tricky
enough issue without burdening it with aesthetic IEDs like appliquéd
snowmen. Revolt against the revolting and plump for some lambswool”
Laurence
Llewelwyn-Bowen
(Designer and
broadcaster)
Since 1839 Cordings
have clothed explorers, rock stars and royalty in understated British
clothing, all from our iconic store in Piccadilly. With timeless
cuts, traditional cloths and painstaking attention to detail creating
an enduring elegance that is never out of style.
19 Piccadilly,
London W1J 0LA
Westminster Arcade,
Harrogate HG1 2RN
www.cordings.co.uk
Champagne Pol Roger
has been producing exceptional champagne for over 165 years. To this
day the house remains small, family-owned, fiercely independent and
unrivalled in its reputation for quality. Pol Roger Portfolio was
founded in 1990 by the Pol Roger family, to establish its own
subsidiary in Great Britain, the premier export market for Pol Roger
Champagne. Since 1990 Pol Roger Portfolio has grown to include a
select number of first class wines and spirits from family owned
houses; Crown Estates, Glenfarclas, Hine, Joseph Drouhin,
Drouhin-Vaudon, Josmeyer, Kilchoman, Robert Sinskey, Staglin Family,
Abreu and Dalla Valle.
Champagne Pol Roger
www.polroger.co.uk
COPYRIGHT POL ROGER
© 2015,
Illustrated by
Oliver Preston and
Designed by Emma
McCall
Oliver grew up in
London and the Cotswolds and from an early age developed a love of
cartoons and caricature through the books of H M Bateman, Thelwell,
Tintin and Charles Addams. As a child and at school Oliver drew
extensively. He is completely self taught. After Eton College, where
he won the Gunther Graphics Prize for Art, Oliver attended Exeter
University, and then spent ten years working in the City of London,
latterly as a director of bond sales at Lehman Brothers.
However he saw the
light in 1995 and left the City to become a full-time cartoonist and
illustrator. His early cartoons were published in Punch Magazine, The
Beano, The Dandy and The Spectator, and since 1995, Oliver has been
the regular cartoonist for The Field Magazine.
His funny cartoons
have also appeared in Cotswold Life, The Polo Magazine and Country
Life amongst others, and he has contributed to The Times, The
Guardian, The Daily Mail and The Independent newspapers.
With a keen eye for
social observation, his cartoons are beautifully drawn with a very
individual style. The situations are very close to people’s
everyday lives, and there is often a splattering of languid lovelies,
dilettantes and doting dogs. Oliver has developed a wide following,
especially for his shooting and skiing cartoons, and drawings that
depict the quirkiness of British town and country life.
He has held one man
shows at The Fine Art Society in Bond Street (1999), The Addison Ross
Gallery, London (1990), The Mall Galleries, London, (2014) and
regularly at the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland.
He has also produced
fifteen funny books of his cartoons, which can also be purchased as
limited edition prints, and as funny birthday cards. His latest
books, "The Imperfect Shot" and "Lively Limericks"
are on sale now for Christmas 2015.
Oliver returned to
Gloucestershire in 1998 and over the next fifteen years, he has
developed a loyal customer base, working for a diversity of clients,
on caricature commissions, christmas cards, cartoon invitations, and
much more.
Today, Oliver
Preston’s funny cards are published by Beverston Press which ships
to trade and retail customers around the globe. You can see more
here:
