22 23 24
All day
24/02/2021-27/02/2021
Berkshire Chamber Music Festival
22nd -27th February 2021 Welcome to the homepage of the Berkshire Chamber Music Festival, a series of world class chamber music concerts and educational workshops, associated with Bradfield College, located in the heart of Berkshire.
The Berkshire Chamber Music Festival is a series of world class chamber music concerts and educational workshops which happen each Autumn.
At the core of this festival is a desire to share a love of classical music and to engage people of all backgrounds. Through our playing we hope to break down barriers and inspire, bringing an energy that enables people to open their minds and to spark passion among music lovers and those who haven’t yet discovered the power of classical music.
The 2020 festival which celebrates Beethoven’s 250th anniversary will take place (in 2021…!) between the 22nd and the 27th of February. Concerts will take place in Bradfield, Woodhay, Sulhamstead and Winkfield and workshops will reach children at local primary schools in the surrounding areas. We will organise social distancing within our audience to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both audience members and performers. The audience will be limited according to venue size and it will be obligatory to wear a mask. There will be no interval and the entry and exit will be staggered. The concerts will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. With a line-up of international musicians, we hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of music.
Sat 29 May 2021, 7:30PM
Outreach
The concept of the festival grew out of a desire for the musicians that teach at Bradfield College to showcase the performing aspect of their portfolio to their students. With world class soloists, orchestral players, band members, chamber musicians and competition winners among our midst, this festival also provides an ideal opportunity to further enhance the reputation of what is an excellent music department, whilst increasing engagement with the local community.
The most exciting part of the festival, and why it is unique, is the willingness to take classical music to a new audience. There is a tangible belief amongst the performers that music is for everyone. This is an opportunity to reach out to youngsters, to engage with them, to open their minds and to transform their lives. In 2019 we reached over 1200 children and we hope to do the same this year with a combination of online and live workshops.
Our ambitious outreach programme takes us to the following schools during the week:
Brightwalton
Cold Ash
Compton
Purley
Spurcroft
St Pauls (Reading)
Stockcross
Sulhampstead
Thatcham Park
Theale Green
Trevelyan
From the incredible response we have already received this will be a wonderful week, opening up a whole new world for a generation where creativity needs to be cherished for so many reasons.
Please do get in touch if you would like further information about future school visits and events.
Get in touch
Tickets Buying online
Tickets are available here .
If are watching our livestream and you would like to make a donation please use our GoFundMe page here .
Livestream can be found on our YouTube Channel here .
Ticket Prices
Adult tickets £20
Children (under 16) free (maximum 2 children per adult)
*Please contact us on the following number – 07753120341- if you would like to bring a school party.
Sponsorship If you are interested in supporting the 2020 Berkshire Chamber Music Festival by becoming either a friend or sponsor, please contact us here or call 07753120341. Your support is invaluable in sustaining the festival and its musicians especially in this difficult time for the arts. If you would like to make a one off donation please do so here .
Sign up to our mailing list here.
25
All day
25/02/2021
Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, Berks RG14 5BD. United Kingdom
An Evening with Kevin & Joanne Clifton This is the rescheduled date of the performances that were due to take place on 18 November 2020.
The talented siblings will sing songs from their CD, tell stories of their dancing lives and perform some of your favourite Ballroom and Latin dances with their professional dance partners.
Due to scheduling, this will be the only chance to catch the successful brother and sister duo on tour together.
Join Kevin and Joanne for a lovely evening of song, dance and dancing memories!
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors are required to wear them in the building, unless you are exempt from wearing one, or if you are eating or drinking. This includes when you are watching a performance. If you remove it to eat or drink you must put it back on when you have finished.
10:00 -16:00
25/02/2021
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
For the Love of Coils £75
10:00 – 4:00
Coiling is Debbie’s favourite making technique; and although coiling is sometimes seen as a technique for only absolute beginners – one of Debbie’s aims for this workshop is to convince you this is not the case and that the humble coil pot can, indeed, be a thing of beauty. Focusing our attention on making just one pot (OK maybe 2), we will be making something big.
The day will start with a brief look at some examples of coil pots – both historical and contemporary, images and real examples. Then you can decide on the shape you would like to make and after a demonstration on how to coil, you’ll be off and raring to go. Throughout the day, Debbie will be showing you how to adapt the overall shape, ways of decorating your pots using coils and maybe adding some texture to the surface as well. During the afternoon, you will be able to choose which colour glaze you would like for your work.
The pots will be left with the tutor for firing and glazing and will be available for collection from Micklem’s Farm approx 4-5 weeks following the course. The cost of the clay, glazes and firings is not included in the course fee; the approximate cost for these will be £30, payable to the tutor during the workshop.
What to bring:
Included on the day:
All other materials not specified for students to bring
Expert tuition
1 to 1 guidance
Detailed demonstrations
A selection of tea, freshly brewed coffee, biscuits and delicious cakes
And of course you take your wonderful creations from the day. If you share any photographs of your day here and/or your finished work, we’d love to see them so please tag us @micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops or use the hashtag #micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops.
Terms – Fee is payable on booking. If, having booked, you cancel your booking, we are unable to offer a refund. However, you may nominate someone else to attend the workshop or class in your place by notifying us using the contact page on the Micklems Farm website. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop up to 48 hours prior to the workshop date. We will only cancel due to insufficient places sold and you will be refunded the full amount paid.
Level: Beginner and up
Number of students: 10
10:00 -14:00
25/02/2021
The Barn North Sydmonton House, North Sydmonton, Newbury, Hampshire RG20 4UL
The Korean Kitchen We are very excited to rerun our popular Korean cookery course. Korean food is hearty, boldly flavoured and nutritious. It looks beautiful and is easy to make, perfect for a tasty supper.
Chris Cardwell will introduce you to authentic Korean cookery suitable for the home cook. You will learn to make:
Bibimbap – a one-bowl wonder of steamed rice, sautéed vegetables and meat. The champion of Korean comfort food. B eautiful, healthy, tasty, filling and nourishing. Kimchi – a vegetable pickle and staple addition of a Korean meal – important in creating an authentic flavour profile. Korean fried chicken – covered in a spicy, sweet glaze, you will want to use on everything! All of these dishes have had a lot of media coverage but have been Korean staples for years.
All levels of ability welcome. Max class size 8 people.
10:00 -16:00
25/02/2021
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
18:00 -21:00
25/02/2021
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Steak Night Ever tried to cook the perfect steak and chips? We’ll show you how to pick the best cuts, sharing tips on how to retain tenderness and flavour. Then it’s over to The Chef’s Table, where you can savour the results with your fellow ‘Steak Masters’ and enjoy a refreshing well-earned beverage.
• The session starts with an explanation of various cuts of meat, how to cook them to get the best results, and what to ask for when buying meat • Understand how to cook your steak the way you like it, and how to cook it for others preferences too • To accompany your steak you will make tomato chutney and ‘triple cooked chips’ • Our tutor will show you how to make classic steak sauces, béarnaise and peppercorn
Course includes:
Arrive at 6pm for course introduction Enjoy a supper made on the evening of steak, triple cooked chips and tomato chutney, served with béarnaise or peppercorn sauce and your choice of beer, wine or a soft drink Evening finishes at 9pm
To take away: All notes and recipes from the evening.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
£95.00
6 Places Available
18:30 -20:00
25/02/2021
The Cooking Academy Silverwood, London Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1JR
Virtual Mediterranean Cookery Class £39
If you’re looking for a dish that transports you from the bohemian bistros tucked away in the back streets of Paris to the traditional trattorias of the sun drenched Amalfi coast, then we have the perfect recipe for you. Let your tastebuds do the travelling as we guide you through the perfect fusion of two of the world’s greatest cuisines- chicken alla Milanese accompanied by pommes parmentier and salsa verde.
During this 90 minute virtual class we will teach you how to pan fry your chicken to golden crumbed perfection, create a zingy, flavour packed salsa verde and how to achieve the crispiest parmentier potatoes finished with rosemary, lemon and sea salt.
We may not be able to travel right now but you can still transport yourself to sunnier climes from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Chicken Milanese
Salsa Verde
Parmentier Potatoes
90 minute session
£39
Suitable for vegetarians & Vegans
19:45 -20:05
25/02/2021
Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, Berks RG14 5BD. United Kingdom
Sing-a Long-a – Grease ollowing the update to government COVID-19 regulations, The Base will be closed until 3 December. We will be moving as much activity as possible online and will be in touch with those who have booked tickets as soon as possible. You can read our full statement here .
26
10:00 -16:00
26/02/2021
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Japanese Ceramics £75.00
10:00 – 4:00
Join Debbie for this workshop to make 2-3 ceramic boxes inspired by Japanese potters. Debbie will show you 2 ways to make a box with a lid, both using slabs of clay; the first method is to wrap a soft slab of clay around a former and the second method is to cut sections using templates and join the sections together. We will also include texture as part of the decoration of the pieces.
The day will start with a brief look at some examples of boxes – both historical and contemporary, images and real examples. Then you can decide on the shape you would like to make and after a demonstration on how to roll out a slab and join slabs together, you’ll be off and raring to go. Debbie will also show you how to use a template, how to add texture and how to make sure the lid fits! During the afternoon, you will be able to choose which colour glaze you would like for your work.
The pots will be left with the tutor for firing and glazing and will be available for collection from Micklem’s Farm approx 4-5 weeks following the course. The cost of the clay, glazes and firings is not included in the course fee; the approximate cost for these will be £30, payable to the tutor during the workshop.
What to bring:
Included on the day:
All other materials not specified for the students to bring
Expert tuition
1 to 1 guidance
Detailed demonstrations
A selection of tea, freshly brewed coffee, biscuits and delicious cakes
And of course you take your wonderful creations from the day. If you share any photographs of your day here and/or your finished work, we’d love to see them so please tag us @micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops or use the hashtag #micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops.
Terms – Fee is payable on booking. If, having booked, you cancel your booking, we are unable to offer a refund. However, you may nominate someone else to attend the workshop or class in your place by notifying us using the contact page on the Micklems Farm website. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop up to 48 hours prior to the workshop date. We will only cancel due to insufficient places sold and you will be refunded the full amount paid.
Level: Beginner and up
Number of students: 10
10:00 -13:00
26/02/2021
Communications Road, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6HN
Calatonian Tension Tray Priority booking opens to Members on Tuesday 8 December. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 15 December at 10am.
This is a brilliant half-day introduction to basket making with willow.
We will be making a circular flat tray known as a Catalonian tension tray. It is very straight-forward and fun to do – ideal for beginners.
Making these trays at this time of year allows us to incorporate freshly harvested stems in their bright Spring colours. Led by Judith Needham.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors are required to wear them in the building, unless you are exempt from wearing one, or if you are eating or drinking. This includes when you are watching a film or performance. If you remove it to eat or drink you must put it back on when you have finished.
10:00 -15:00
26/02/2021
The Barn North Sydmonton House, North Sydmonton, Newbury, Hampshire RG20 4UL
Introduction to Weaving Ensconce yourself in our beautiful barn to learn the basics of weaving in our Introduction to Weaving Workshop. Using a frame loom and weaving tools you will set up your first warp, learn basic tapestry weaving, classic hand-weaving techniques and experiment with a variety of yarns and materials to create your own wall hanging.
This workshop is run at a relaxed pace, perfect for beginners, and gives you all the skills and confidence to practice this meditative craft at home. If the weaving bug bites, you will have the opportunity to purchase the uniquely designed OWS frame loom and its corresponding set of weaving tools at the end of the course.
Lunch and refreshments are included with this course, all provided by Honesty Kitchens. These will include a bowl of one of our delicious seasonal soups paired with our hand crafted bread and, of course, one of our scrummy cakes.
10:00 -16:00
26/02/2021
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
10:00 -16:00
26/02/2021
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
18:00 -21:00
26/02/2021
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Steak Night Ever tried to cook the perfect steak and chips? We’ll show you how to pick the best cuts, sharing tips on how to retain tenderness and flavour. Then it’s over to The Chef’s Table, where you can savour the results with your fellow ‘Steak Masters’ and enjoy a refreshing well-earned beverage.
• The session starts with an explanation of various cuts of meat, how to cook them to get the best results, and what to ask for when buying meat • Understand how to cook your steak the way you like it, and how to cook it for others preferences too • To accompany your steak you will make tomato chutney and ‘triple cooked chips’ • Our tutor will show you how to make classic steak sauces, béarnaise and peppercorn
Course includes:
Arrive at 6pm for course introduction Enjoy a supper made on the evening of steak, triple cooked chips and tomato chutney, served with béarnaise or peppercorn sauce and your choice of beer, wine or a soft drink Evening finishes at 9pm
To take away: All notes and recipes from the evening.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
£95.00
6 Places Available
18:45 -22:05
26/02/2021
Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, Berks RG14 5BD. United Kingdom
Abba Forever Priority booking opens to Members on Tuesday 8 December. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 15 December at 10am.
Enjoy a night of ABBA favourites with non-stop choreography, stunning visuals and top class musicianship.
This seven-piece plus two outstanding vocalists will treat you to all your favourite hits in this captivating show.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors are required to wear them in the building, unless you are exempt from wearing one, or if you are eating or drinking. This includes when you are watching a film or performance. If you remove it to eat or drink you must put it back on when you have finished.
19:45 -23:15
26/02/2021-12/05/2021
Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, Berks RG14 5BD. United Kingdom
Mercury- The Ultimate Queen Tribute This is the rescheduled date for the performance which was due to take place on 25 April 2020.
A tribute to the legend that is Freddie Mercury and Queen.
This dynamic theatre production fully emulates the true charismatic appeal of rock’s most flamboyant front man, faithfully and accurately recreating the distinctive Queen experience.
The extraordinary vocal range and outstanding delivery of Joseph Lee Jackson as Freddie Mercury and the intricate guitar work of Glenn Scrimshaw as Brian May are backed by superbly crafted harmonies, a driving rhythm section and state-of-the-art production.
Including performances of the most popular Queen hits, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We are the Champions, We Will Rock You and many more, this show will captivate any audience, from die-hard Queen fans through to new generations of music lovers, in a way that Freddie and Queen themselves would be proud of.
*Calls cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge
27
10:00 -16:00
27/02/2021
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Van Gogh’s Starry Night in Oil Pastels £75.00
Tutor: Caroline Crawford
Students will look carefully at Van Gogh’s famous painting, Starry Night. They’ll look at the marks and shapes Gogh used in this stylised piece, with lots of useful tips and hints on how to work in oil pastels. They’ll create a piece based on this famous painting, using oil pastels and blending tools, to mix layers and create a post impressionist piece. Working on black pastel paper.
Included on the day:
– All materials
– Expert tuition
– 1 to 1 guidance
– Detailed demonstrations
– A selection of tea, freshly brewed coffee, biscuits and delicious cakes
And of course you take your wonderful creations from the day. If you share any photographs of your day here and/or your finished work, we’d love to see them so please tag us @micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops or use the hashtag #micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops.
Terms – Fee is payable on booking. If, having booked, you cancel your booking, we are unable to offer a refund. However, you may nominate someone else to attend the workshop or class in your place by notifying us using the contact page on the Micklems Farm website. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop up to 48 hours prior to the workshop date. We will only cancel due to insufficient places sold and you will be refunded the full amount paid.
Level: Intermediate
Number of students: 10
10:00 -16:00
27/02/2021
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
£90.00
14:00 -17:00
27/02/2021
The Book Respository, The Nuneham Estate, Nuneham Courtney, Oxfordshire OX44 9PQ
Foraging & Wildcrafting with Justine Gens @ Nuneham Courtney ( Make Your Own Beauty Products) £80.00
A huge welcome back to Justine our resident forager and trained herbalist.
As with as many classes as possible we are only holding socially distanced ones in the fresh air so everyone can feel completely comfortable and relaxed at a very safe distance – we have a lot of space in the grounds!
For this class we are taking it further and embracing foraging on a next level, wildcrafting. After foraging and gathering our medicinal plants you will learn how to make healing oils and tinctures.
In this class we are concentrating on making your own beauty products. Once you have learnt how to make your own you will never go back (I haven’t!!) You will learn how to make the following:
Botanical beauty balms Face oils Face tonics Learn what other medicinal plants and flowers can be harvested at different times of the year for different skin types We want to help you understand the impact of plants on your physical and mental health in a totally nature and positive way. The feeling of well being after a class is almost guaranteed! Fresh air, nature produce and inspirational teacher is a heady mix!
Participants must be aged 18 or if under 18 accompanied by an adult and dogs are not permitted on the course, sorry! Book fast these classes will be extremely popular!
18:00 -21:00
27/02/2021
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Steak Night Ever tried to cook the perfect steak and chips? We’ll show you how to pick the best cuts, sharing tips on how to retain tenderness and flavour. Then it’s over to The Chef’s Table, where you can savour the results with your fellow ‘Steak Masters’ and enjoy a refreshing well-earned beverage.
• The session starts with an explanation of various cuts of meat, how to cook them to get the best results, and what to ask for when buying meat • Understand how to cook your steak the way you like it, and how to cook it for others preferences too • To accompany your steak you will make tomato chutney and ‘triple cooked chips’ • Our tutor will show you how to make classic steak sauces, béarnaise and peppercorn
Course includes:
Arrive at 6pm for course introduction Enjoy a supper made on the evening of steak, triple cooked chips and tomato chutney, served with béarnaise or peppercorn sauce and your choice of beer, wine or a soft drink Evening finishes at 9pm
To take away: All notes and recipes from the evening.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
£95.00
6 Places Available
18:00 -21:00
27/02/2021
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Steak Night Ever tried to cook the perfect steak and chips? We’ll show you how to pick the best cuts, sharing tips on how to retain tenderness and flavour. Then it’s over to The Chef’s Table, where you can savour the results with your fellow ‘Steak Masters’ and enjoy a refreshing well-earned beverage.
• The session starts with an explanation of various cuts of meat, how to cook them to get the best results, and what to ask for when buying meat • Understand how to cook your steak the way you like it, and how to cook it for others preferences too • To accompany your steak you will make tomato chutney and ‘triple cooked chips’ • Our tutor will show you how to make classic steak sauces, béarnaise and peppercorn
Course includes:
Arrive at 6pm for course introduction Enjoy a supper made on the evening of steak, triple cooked chips and tomato chutney, served with béarnaise or peppercorn sauce and your choice of beer, wine or a soft drink Evening finishes at 9pm
To take away: All notes and recipes from the evening.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
£95.00
6 Places Available
19:45 -22:15
27/02/2021
Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, Berks RG14 5BD. United Kingdom
One Night in Dublin Priority booking opens to Members on Tuesday 8 December. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 15 December at 10am.
A celebration of the music and song of Ireland.
For nearly 15 years Middi and his legendary ‘Wild Murphys’ have been playing Irish music to the masses. Come and join in the craic as this award-winning seven piece Irish band covers songs by The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Saw Doctors, Daniel O’Donnell, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, Van Morrison and many more, in their own unique and upbeat style.
The Wild Murphys celebrate Irish classics including: Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, The Irish Rover, Brown Eyed Girl and Molly Malone , to name just a few.
So come along and spend One Night in Dublin with us.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors are required to wear them in the building, unless you are exempt from wearing one, or if you are eating or drinking. This includes when you are watching a film or performance. If you remove it to eat or drink you must put it back on when you have finished.
28
10:00 -12:30
28/02/2021
The Book Respository, The Nuneham Estate, Nuneham Courtney, Oxfordshire OX44 9PQ
A Beginner’s Guide to Foraging with Justine Gens @ Nuneham Courtney £60.00
A huge welcome to Justine our resident forager and trained herbalist who is going to be guiding you through this beginners guide to foraging in the grounds of the cookery school in Nuneham Courtney. Justine will also help you understand the impact of plants on your physical and mental health.
As with as many classes as possible we are only holding socially distanced ones in the fresh air so everyone can feel completely comfortable and relaxed at a very safe distance – we have a lot of space in the grounds!
Justine will be teaching the basics of foraging and how to sustainably harvest seasonal edibles for their nutritional and medicinal values. You will also learn how to craft from these freshly harvested plants and in different classes also cooking, fermenting and concocting naturals remedies. All classes will be suitable for all different levels – just come with the desire to learn!!!
You will leave having an understanding of some of the most commonly found plants that you can forage and also ones that you need to avoid!!!
Start your journey to a lifetime of free food and the health benefits associated with it.
Participants must be aged 18 or if under 18 accompanied by an adult and dogs are not permitted on the course, sorry! Book fast we think these classes will be extremely popular!
10:00 -15:00
28/02/2021
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Vegetarian-cooking Our vegetarian course looks at some everyday ingredients you most likely already purchase and love, and we transform them into dishes of total joy. Using classic international ideas you will be guided on unleavened bread making from the Irish, two starters from Asia, a main course from India and a French dessert. All marvellous family style dishes in their own right, these dishes are also effortlessly combined into a fantastic dinner party menu. Each core fundamental covered will assist in such a wide array of cooking techniques. You’ll probably use tips from this course each and every day.
Course includes:
Soda bread, poached egg, hollandaise sauce
Green mango, coconut and beansprout salad
Miso mushroom broth with tofu and vegetables
Aubergine, chickpea and paneer curry with baked rice
Apple tart tatin with vanilla custard
10:00 -17:00
28/02/2021
Communications Road, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6HN
Glass Fusing : Garden Sculpture Spring 2021 Enjoy creating your own unique glass wreath or festive decorations and gifts in this seasonal workshop.
This is an opportunity to experiment with glass fusing techniques.
There are many possibilities and whether you are new to glass or have experience of fusing there will be lots to inspire you, with beautiful results.
This workshop will take place in person at The Base.
Materials Included. Please bring the following if possible;
• A sketchbook/notebook ( with ideas if possible) and pen
• A dust mask, if you have one
• An apron
• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Suitable Images and designs or old Christmas cards for ideas
Receive a £10 discount when booked with Glass Fusing: 2 Projects Workshop workshop.
All places must be booked in advance. Booking closes 24 hours before the course start time. Please note that we reserve the right to cancel any course or workshop if the minimum numbers are not met. If we are not able to run a workshop you will be informed three working days ahead of the course or workshop start date.
Full price £105 (£10 discount when booked with Introduction to glass workshop)
10:00 -16:00
28/02/2021-01/03/2021
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK