July 23, 2025: Events on Our Esplanade
In the heart of Somerset, Caroline Donald is captivated by the imaginative creation of garden rooms with a view at Grove Ley. This captivation is shared by many, as the glossy weekly magazine "Our Platform" celebrates modern rural life by focusing on everyday experiences, culture, and stories from rural communities.
"Our Platform" stands out with its elegant, visually striking format that highlights contemporary rural lifestyles in a way that is both glossy and vibrant. The magazine bridges tradition with modernity, offering readers an insider’s perspective on rural living today. It blends personal storytelling with high-quality design, reflecting both the challenges and vibrancy of rural communities.
The magazine, unlike any other, is the only glossy weekly on the newsstand and the only magazine guest-edited by His Majesty The King twice. Its emphasis on modern rural life—as opposed to nostalgic or purely historical views—appears to be a key differentiator. It offers readers an immersive and aesthetic exploration of rural life, a unique approach that sets it apart from historical or urban-focused magazines.
"Our Platform" features a diverse range of content, from David Profumo saluting Neil Patterson, the ad man behind the British Gas share campaign, to Hetty Lintell sharing her pick of the finest country accessories for the upcoming Game Fair. Articles also include Roger Morgan-Grenville's argument for the natural world to be on the agenda in our schools, and Michael Prodger navigating the history of waves in art.
The magazine also delves into the natural world, profiling the sparrowhawk as a bird-table smash and grab master, and assessing the arguments for and against the resurgence of the pine marten. It even goes as far as underground (and underwater) with artist Kathy Hinde, capturing the sounds of Wicken Fen.
"Our Platform" also celebrates the joys and pleasures of rural life, such as summer traction-engine rallies that celebrate a chapter in the history of British agriculture. It also discusses contemporary schemes and four-posters as happy bedfellows in interior design.
The magazine's readers include celebrities like Dame Jilly Cooper and Twiggy, who share a love for greyhounds. John Lewis-Stempel, in one of his articles, shares his struggles moving a stubborn sow to her summer quarters.
In Sennowe Park, Norfolk, we witness a transformation from Georgian creation to Edwardian evolution. The magazine's eclectic content cannot be found elsewhere in print or online, making it a must-read for anyone interested in modern rural life.
[1][5] Further detailed history of "Our Platform" magazine may be available in other sources.
"Our Platform" magazine showcases a fusion of rural life and contemporary trends, delving into fashion-and-beauty with Hetty Lintell's picks for country accessories and home-and-garden designs that accommodate contemporary schemes and four-posters. The magazine's food-and-drink section offers insights on the history of waves in art, while books and entertainment cater to diverse interests, from David Profumo's salute to Neil Patterson to Michael Prodger's exploration of art history. avid readers can immerse themselves in the magazine's unique approach to modern rural living, finding themselves in the company of celebrities like Dame Jilly Cooper and Twiggy who share a love for rural life and greyhounds.
