What’s On in West Berkshire 2021 | Discover events that appeal to your sense of freedom and provide opportunities to have fun or learn new skills. Make time to just escape, indulge and relax- with friends or family.
Double click on the event for full details, or use the list view.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
A rare and exciting opportunity to see an MCC team play Welford Park at the beautiful Welford Park Cricket Club in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
On Tuesday 3rd August 2021 Gates open from 10.30am with the match starting at 11.30am Welford Park Cricket Club, Park Estates, Welford Rd, Newbury RG20 8HP
Picnic Tickets £8 in advance
Tickets will be £10 on the day, if they are still available BBQ and Cash Bar
Communications Road, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6HN
Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered from the V&A
Fri 25 June – Sun 5 Sep
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Find out what kind of game player you really are when the Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered exhibition, on loan from the V&A’s Museum of Childhood, comes to The Base this summer.
This interactive exhibition includes some of the most iconic, enthralling and visually striking games from the V&A’s outstanding national collection of board games with more than 100 objects from all around the world. Alongside family favourites such as Cluedo and Trivial Pursuit, and traditional games like chess, the exhibition will look at historical board games including ‘The Game of the Goose’ and other beautifully designed games from the 18th and 19th centuries.
With hands-on activities and the chance to become part of one big interactive game, come and delight in old favourites, and discover what kind of game player you really are…
Safety measures: Please note that we have blocked out 15 minutes between visitor time slots in order to clean all games equipment and displays. There will also have hand sanitiser and wipes available throughout the exhibition.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Who was buried at Sutton Hoo?
Do you have what it takes to unravel a great historical mystery?
Since its discovery just under 100 years ago, the treasure-filled Anglo Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo has left historians asking who exactly the burial was for. Hone your historical detective skills and piece together the clues found at the burial site to solve the great puzzle of the empty grave.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
Drama In The Park: Ages 4 to 6 years old | Victoria Park
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things To Do | What’s On. Join us in Victoria Park for drama games, songs, craft and story-play in these drop and go sessions for children aged 4 to 6 years old! Parents are welcome to stay.
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
We’re excited to welcome young people and families to Victoria Park this summer for a class, course or workshop, as part of the Out of Doors Festival. You can find some important information below about what to expect from your visit.
Arrival When you arrive at the park for your class, please look out for the Corn Exchange trike and banner.An area for the class will be designated with bunting. We ask that during the class, participants remain within this designated area. We cannot be held responsible for anything that happens outside of our designated class area.
You do not need to show a physical ticket when you arrive at your class but the practitioner leading the class will be doing a registerso you will need to know the surname you booked under.
Weather Since these are outdoor classes we ask that youdress for all weathers and provide your own sun-hats, sun cream, coats, jackets, scarves and umbrellas (it is an English summer after all!).
If it israining heavily on the day of your class, we will follow our Wet Weather plan. We may cancel class and will contact you to let you know either the evening before for a morning class, or during that morning if you have an afternoon class. Please make sure your contact details are up to date when you book. In the event that we have to cancel your class due to adverse weather, we will offer you afull refund.
Toilets Unfortunately, we are not able to provide toilets for this event.
There are public toilets in Parkway shopping centre that you can use before your event starts, but please be aware that we are unable to let children and young people leave our sessions unattended.
If you are bringing your child to a drop-off class and you think your child may need the bathroom during their class, please stay close by so you can take them yourself.
First Aid Should you or your child require first aid during your class, please visit the Corn Exchange trike or speak to your practitioner. A Corn Exchange First Aider will be on hand either in the park or on call in the main Corn Exchange building.
Other things to bring: Please bring a water bottle. Our classes will be taking place on grass so please bring a picnic blanket/something waterproof to sit on.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide chairs. If you or a member of your household attending the class has mobility issues, we suggest you bring your own camping chair to sit on.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
This is a 2 – 2.5 hour wildlife walk experience in Streatley, along a route that was well populated last year with both Little and Tawny Owls. To hear the call of the different owls around us as we walk is really magical, and often we are lucky enough to see the Little Owls as they hunt the fields along a section of the walk. Steve, your guide, will share his knowledge about these beautiful birds – and Owls won’t be all you see! There’s also an array of other birds and wildlife on this route that we may be lucky enough to spot; sometimes Peregrines hunting, sometimes Sparrowhawks, plenty of Buzzards and Red Kites…. as well as the smaller British birds. Why not book on and join us?
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to do
Join them in Victoria Park for creative arts and nature play for under-6s and their families.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Bring your pre-schoolers for a fun morning of accessible and interactive tales about the Vale and Downland Museum’s diverse collection, along with craft activities to bring each story to life.
Every Wednesday morning at 10am.
£5 (excl booking fees) per child, adults and children under 1 are free. Adults must book a free ticket.
For children aged 3 – 5 years. Due to social distancing measures we are limited to family groups of a maximum of 4 people, including at least 1 adult.
Please note there will be no Toddler Tales on 28th July & 18th August due to our FAMILY DAYS
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
Linoprinting
This one-day, onsite workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those wishing to refresh.
Learn all the basics of this simple printing process and produce a series of prints in this structured but relaxed workshop. We will look at creating a design from your source material, safe lino-cutting techniques, and printing by hand using a variety of approaches. No experience needed.
Working from your own designs or those provided by the tutor we will look at how to adapt images to make them suitable for linocutting. After familiarising yourself with the tools and their mark-making possibilities you will create a plate using soft-cut lino (which is much easier on your hands) ready for printing. Using water-based printing inks you can experiment and explore the possibilities of making a whole series of different but related prints from a single plate.
This is a lovely technique that can be easily done at home with a minimum of specialist equipment…..great for making cards, wall art and even fabric printing (fabric won’t be supplied in this workshop but you can bring your own if you want to experiment).
There will be lots of step-by-step demos and individual help in this fun & lively workshop.
Join them in Victoria Park for creative arts and nature play for under-6s and their families.
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
West Berkshire Villagers | What’s On | Events | Things To Do. Join them in Victoria Park to go flying with superheroes and sailing with pirates in these drop and go drama sessions for children aged 7 to 9 years old! This event will take place at Victoria Park, Newbury
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
FULL PRICE £5 (PER SESSION)
This event will take place at Victoria Park, Newbury
We’re excited to welcome young people and families to Victoria Park this summer for a class, course or workshop, as part of the Out of Doors Festival. You can find some important information below about what to expect from your visit.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
Arrival When you arrive at the park for your class, please look out for the Corn Exchange trike and banner.An area for the class will be designated with bunting. We ask that during the class, participants remain within this designated area. We cannot be held responsible for anything that happens outside of our designated class area.
You do not need to show a physical ticket when you arrive at your class but the practitioner leading the class will be doing a registerso you will need to know the surname you booked under.
Weather Since these are outdoor classes we ask that youdress for all weathers and provide your own sun-hats, sun cream, coats, jackets, scarves and umbrellas (it is an English summer after all!).
If it israining heavily on the day of your class, we will follow our Wet Weather plan. We may cancel class and will contact you to let you know either the evening before for a morning class, or during that morning if you have an afternoon class. Please make sure your contact details are up to date when you book. In the event that we have to cancel your class due to adverse weather, we will offer you afull refund.
Toilets Unfortunately, we are not able to provide toilets for this event.
There are public toilets in Parkway shopping centre that you can use before your event starts, but please be aware that we are unable to let children and young people leave our sessions unattended.
If you are bringing your child to a drop-off class and you think your child may need the bathroom during their class, please stay close by so you can take them yourself.
First Aid Should you or your child require first aid during your class, please visit the Corn Exchange trike or speak to your practitioner. A Corn Exchange First Aider will be on hand either in the park or on call in the main Corn Exchange building.
Other things to bring: Please bring a water bottle. Our classes will be taking place on grass so please bring a picnic blanket/something waterproof to sit on.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide chairs. If you or a member of your household attending the class has mobility issues, we suggest you bring your own camping chair to sit on.
Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Rd, Abingdon OX13 5HB
All About The Bugs at Frosts Garden Centre
Does your little one love creepy crawlies? Then this is the perfect event for all lovers of bugs!
Join our Children’s events team to create your very own bug hotel for you to take home, learn about different bugs that live in your garden and how you can help them to flourish over the summer months. All followed by interactive games and a fun story to finish!
This activity lasts around 45 minutes, due to social distancing, only one adult may accompany each child.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Bring the Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf to life with your own cartoon retelling.
The heroic Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf has been shared for over a thousand years. Join us this summer as we will bring the epic saga to life for children with storytelling and cartooning. Discover the courageous and monstrous characters, create your own cartoons to retell the story, and experiment with kenning poetry to describe the vivid scenes that unfold in this thrilling Anglo Saxon tale.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
Nerikomi at Ardington School of Arts
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Workshop Details
This one-day, onsite workshop is designed for complete beginners and those with some experience Nerikomi (often referred to as Neriage) is a decorative process established in Japan, that involves stacking coloured clay and then slicing through the cross-section to reveal a pattern that can then be used as an applied decoration. Nerikomi designs provide a wonderful way to work three dimensionally with patterns and images.
We will spend a little time looking at examples of the use coloured clays from different pottery traditions, eg nerikomi, millifiori and agateware. Using clay coloured with either oxides or stains, there will be 5-6 different coloured clays to work with. We will explore methods of building designs and patterns first on paper and then with the clay. We will use moulds to shape the clay into bowls, plates etc. Pieces can also be made into jewellery.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Mixed ability Stand Up Paddleboard fun on the river. Stand Up Paddleboarding takes place on the wide stretch of the Thames between The Swan and Cleeve Lock.
Led by a qualified BSUPA resident paddleboard Instructor, Andy Irving of The SUP Life, you will have the opportunity to work on your technique with tips and hints on how to get the most from your paddleboard. This is a social, mixed ability session.
About The SUP Life
After a corporate career spanning 15 years, including marketing roles at Xbox and GoPro, Andy wanted to convert his lifetime love of the outdoors into something more meaningful – which became The SUP Life.
Andy has a wide ranging sporting history, from being a member of the fledgling Junior Team GB Snowboard squad 25 years ago to more recently competing in international Ironman events.
As a very keen open water swimmer and surfer, Andy loves being in and on the water as much as possible. Learning to Paddleboard was a natural progression for him and he’s been paddling on the Thames for a number of years.
Andy’s relaxed and friendly style of teaching will ensure you have fun no matter what!
RED paddleboards and paddles will be set up for you and ready to go from the riverside, so all you need to do is show up in your gym kit or similar with perhaps an extra layer as it can be chillier on the water. Full instruction will be given before you even get on the water, so if you’re new to the sport, don’t worry – you’re in safe hands.
Why not make an evening of it and book supper at Coppa Club or enjoy a drink at the bar. Or push the boat out & treat yourself to a night away in one of The Swan’s recently refurbished rooms, call 01491 878800 for availability.
Rare Bird Hotels’ top priority is the health and wellbeing of all our employees, customers and third parties.
To minimise the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that both Hotels are a safe place to visit, we are undertaking a number of additional safety measures, these include:
Enhanced cleaning and sanitising regimes • Provision of additional hand washing facilities and sanitising stations • Social distancing measures implemented across the business •COVID-19 illness reporting procedures for staff, customers and contractors • Enhanced provision of personnel protective equipment (PPE), where appropriate • Delivering a certified COVID-19 staff training program across the business • An ongoing review and verification of our procedures by our Environmental Health Partners Common Sense Compliance Ltd., with each Hotel undertaking a ‘COVID-19’ assessment
As a business we will continue to adhere to regional and central government advice and industry guidelines. Rare Bird Hotels COVID-19 policy has been implemented throughout the business and is in addition to existing food safety management system and health and safety management system.
Rare Bird Hotels management will ensure that adequate finances and resources are provided to enable this policy to be implemented and standards verified.
We will continue to review our COVID-19 policy and update as necessary.
Your support and cooperation at this time is very much appreciated.
Shakespeare’s hilarious and fantastical comedy is upcycled and re-wired for the environmental generation.
This event will take place at Bucklebury C of E Primary School
In a world of topsy-turvy climate, the fairies are as chaotically mischievous as ever and magic and mayhem befalls any mortal brave enough to venture into the mystical wood. With hapless environmentalists, warring fairies and confused lovers all being led astray by the mischievous Puck join Heartbreak Productions for Shakespeare’s perfectly scripted outdoor-theatre favourite, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Rd, Abingdon OX13 5HB
Dahlia Beach Opening
At Millets Farm we are very excited to be collaborating with the super talented Andie McDowell. As part of a new wave of female entrepreneurs who are finding opportunities in the wake of this global pandemic, Andie is bringing Dahlia Beach to Millets.
2020 saw a huge surge in new gardeners; picking up a trowel for the first time to give gardening a go and Andie will be on hand at her Dahlia Beach to inspire and educate both the newbies and established flower fanatics to grow a thriving cut flower border of beautiful Dahlias for themselves.
The history of the Carter family at Millets Farm is full of stories of trying something new, taking a risk, and ultimately working hard to create the dream so working with a like-minded individual to fulfil her dream feels like the perfect fit for us.
Amongst an acre of beautifully curated dahlia’s you’ll be able to choose from a whole range of gardening and wellbeing workshops from ‘Introduction to Growing Dahlias’ to ‘Kicking Imposter Syndrome’ and ‘PYO Flower Experiences,’ all hosted on the Dahlia Decker Bus.
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Fish Friday
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Know what great fish looks like? We’ll show you how to identify quality points in fish, ensure you know what to buy. This course will teach you preparation and cooking techniques of flat, round fish, ensuring maximum eating quality and flavour.
Course includes:
Arrive at 9.45am for tea, coffee and course introduction
Fillet 2 mackerel (make a pate and pickle)
Make Potted shrimp
Fillet sole/ plaice
Fish Stock
Fish Pie
How to smoke fish
Salmon gravlax
Course Gift: Woodspeen loaf to enjoy with pate or Potted shrimp, Some of the food cooked on the day and all notes and recipes.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
Screen Printing at Ardington School of Arts
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Workshop Details
This one-day, onsite workshop is designed for a range of abilities including beginners Screen printing is a wonderful way to create multiple prints on paper and textiles. On this one-day workshop you will learn about stencil screen printing, using outliner and filler and photo emulsion printing. Tutor Victoria Squires has designed home textiles for a number of years and will lead you through this fascinating and enjoyable process.
Victoria will begin the day by demonstrating the process of photo emulsion screen printing. You will be able to choose from a variety of pre-made emulsion screens to experiment with this technique. You will also learn how to apply filler and block to screens and cut your own stencils to use as print designs. After lunch the tutor will show you how to mix effects and create two- and three-colour prints. You can then choose from a variety of items to print your design onto such as shopping bags, aprons, tea towels, paper, home furnishing fabrics and greeting cards.
The Three Musketeers | Corn Exchange | Events | Things To Do | What’s On | West Berkshire Villagers
Sharpen your swords, lace up your boots, and stick a great big feather in your hat – it’s time for adventure.This event will take place at Horris Hill School, Newbury. Morgan & West present a fun for all the family retelling of Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers. A cavalcade of whimsy, wit, and (s)wordplay all deftly performed in the great outdoors.
Can the dashing Musketeers retrieve the Queen’s prize diamonds? Will the nefarious Cardinal Richelieu get away with his dastardly scheme? Is it an enormous mistake to wear such an elaborate costume at the height of British summer? Find the answers to all of these questions and more only at Morgan & West present The Three Musketeers!
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
Book with confidence: We want you to feel confident about booking in advance for the events at the Corn Exchange. It is very important that people displaying symptoms of COVID-19 do not come to the theatre so, if you are unwell with coronavirus symptoms or having to self-isolate, please phone the Box Office and we will arrange for the value of your tickets to be credited to your account or refunded, as long as you tell us in advance of the performance time.
Booking tickets: Tickets must be booked in advance and we are asking customers to select an e-ticket if possible.This means that your ticket can be scanned on arrival, reducing the need for contact with our staff when they check tickets. If you are unable to book an e-ticket, please speak to our Box Office team.
Bookings must be for no more than 6 individuals (or two households). Online bookings are limited to a maximum of 6 tickets. If you are making a booking for two households and require more than 6 tickets please contact the Box Office and they will assist with your booking.
In accordance with Government regulations, sectors including leisure, entertainment and hospitality are legally obliged to have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff. Anyone in your party aged 16 or over will be asked to scan the Test and Trace QR code or to record their contact details with us.
Social distancing: We have limited the number of people admitted to each event. Last autumn we rebuilt our auditorium seating in order to maximise capacity whilst adhering to social distancing measures. This seating layout has more space between rows, the seats have individual arm rests, and each booking is separated using dividing Perspex screens. We have put our summer season on sale using this layout in order to ensure the events can take place under all circumstances. Should the government regulations change and social distancing is no longer a requirement we will contact all customers to discuss their booking with them and to inform them of any updated procedures.
Masks: Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them in the building, unless you are exempt from wearing one, or if you are eating or drinking.
Social distancing: Please ensure you leave a safe distance between yourself and other customers, staff members or volunteers when joining queues or moving around the building.
Hand sanitiser: Please use hand sanitiser on arrival and then regularly re-apply or wash your hands during your visit.
Masks: Visitors must wear a face mask while inside the building, including while watching a film.
Tickets: Tickets must be booked in advance and we ask customers to select an e-ticket if possible. This ticket will be scanned at a contactless scanning point on entry. You do not need to show a ticket for activities in the Learning Centre or The Base as they will have a list of those who have booked.
Making payments: We will be asking customers to make contactless card payments where possible. Card machines will be wiped down after use if they have been used for chip and PIN.
Cleaning: We have increased and enhanced cleaning regimes in place. Common touch points will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
Using the lift: If you need to use the lift, please only travel in it with members of your own household or social bubble.
Using the toilet facilities: Please wash your hands before and after you use the facilities. Please keep your distance and allow others sufficient space to pass, especially when entering or leaving.
Leaving the building: Please follow instructions from our team who will guide you on which exit to use.
If you feel unwell: If you feel unwell whilst visiting, please leave the building and return to your home. If you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, please contact 119 to arrange a test.
Moorside Community Centre Urquhart Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4RE
Free Summer School Holiday Activities with Thatcham Youth
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Thatcham Youth are extremely proud to be able to offer a total of five FREE activities for young people & families. You can find full details in each of the events pages or head over to our Facebook page and check out the event pages to book on and take part!
Thatcham Youth Free Movie Morning – Peter Rabbit 2
Thatcham Youth Free Reptile Handling
Next for our summer of FREE events we are running a Reptile Handling session.The session will be run by Berkshire Reptile Encounters and there will be a range of reptiles available to handle and to ask questions about.There will be a total of three time slots available to book for this activity (10am, 11am, 12pm) which will last for 45 minutes. Please follow the ticket link to book your free space.This event is suitable for all the family, younger children will need to be supervised.
Thatcham Youth Free Craft Morning
Next for our summer of FREE events we are running a craft session. There will be a range of crafts available to complete during your 45 minute session.There are two time slots availablet o book for this activity – 10am & 11am. Please follow the ticket link to book your spaces. This event is suitable for all the family, younger children will need to be supervised.
Vision Youth Club for 7-11 Year Olds
Vision Youth Club launched in April 2010 and has grown to become a popular club for 7 to 11 year olds.
Vision Youth Club meets every Friday at the Moorside Community Centre, Urquhart Road on the Kennet Heath estate.
Qualified Youth Workers are employed to run the sessions, which offer: sport, arts & crafts, baking, X-box, snooker/pool and lots more …
Our popular tuck shop is run by our club members during each session, this helps with their maths and customer service skills!
Entrance costs just £1 per session and there’s no joining or annual membership fee.
New members are always welcome, no need to pre-arrange just turn up.
See the Events page for club dates.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Thatcham Youth Free Roller Disco
Next for our summer of FREE events we are running a Roller Skating session. This event is only for children & young people. Parents of younger children are able to accompany them on the skate floor if they need assistance. Skates are provided for those wishing to skate, or bring your own!There are multiple times slot available for this event and each lasts 45 minutes. Please follow the ticket booking slot to book on.
City Arts Newbury 10 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire RG14 6DB
New Beginnings in Watercolour
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
A weekend course for those who want to acquire the basics of painting in watercolour by practising the necessary skills required, as well as learning how to take further steps for progression and improvement. There are no rules for painting in watercolour, and during this weekend anything goes!
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
A Tase of Italy
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Italian food is the ultimate social food, and what could be better than gathering a group of friends or family around the table for homemade Italian specialties. Join us where we will teach you to prepare Italian classics from Gnocchi to homemade pasta and Italian bread.
Course includes:
Arrive at 9.45am for tea, coffee and course introduction
Gnocchi (Make, Poach and quick pan sauce)
Seasonal Risotto
Focaccia
Pasta (tagiatelle and Ravioli, finish with Woodspeen olive oil, basil, toasted pine nuts and parmesan)
Course Gift: Woodspeen Olive Oil
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
ONSITE Botanical Illustration: Summer’s Splendour
Learn how to build on your skills of observation as well as how to draw and record the structure, form and detail of your selected plant or flower, with accuracy as the most important aspect. Working in pencil and watercolour, you will plan, draw and paint a composition to demonstrate your new skills to produce a Botanical Illustration in an age old tradition with a contemporary twist
Plus the following in each picnic; -Crudities and Dip (v) -A Homemade Cake or Brownie (v) -Any Hot or Cold Soft Drink of your choice
HOW TO BOOK -Select number of vegetarian or meat picnics -Pay online -Go along to the café to collect your picnic between 12pm and 2pm on your selected date, with lead bookers surname and booking reference -On collection, choose your sandwich (meat or vegetarian depending on your booking preference) and drink -Take your picnic outside and enjoy!
Please note the House and grounds close at 4pm.
If you have any dietary requirements please telephone 01635 279279 with your booking reference (gluten, dairy, nut and egg free diets can be catered for). If you have any other requirements please contact Shaw House before making your booking.
Please note, pre-ordered picnics must be placed three days before the day of your visit.
Refund/cancellation policy. We understand that the great British weather may take a turn for the worst or your plans may need to change, if you would like to cancel your booking and request a full refund we ask that you contact us within 48 hours notice of your chosen picnic date. Please telephone 01635 279279 or email shawhouse@westberksgov.uk
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Come and join Ollie and Natasha for a tour of the vineyard here at Alder Ridge, followed by a winemaking tutorial looking specifically at the wonderful world of sparkling wine!
You will then taste your way through all of the most famous sparkling wines of the world, including English sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Moscato d’Asti, and discuss the different climates and production methods in play.
A really fun way to spend an afternoon at the vineyard and learn about the wonderful world of sparkling wine – all accompanied with cheese and charcuterie!
(120mins approx.)
Tickets are £40pp and available to buy on the Berks Fizz website:
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Curry Night
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Learn robust techniques on Indian and Thai curry making. You will cook a variety of dishes to easily replicate at home. Techniques on marinating and alternative cooking methods will be covered in this course.
How to cook fail-safe rice in the oven
• Dry rubs
• Wet marinades
• Thai curry with prawn
• Indian curry with chicken
• Aromatic salad
• Carrot bhaji
• Base sauces to take home
Course includes:
Arrive at 6pm for course introduction
Enjoy a supper made on the evening of curry and accompaniments, served with your choice of beer, wine or a soft drink
Leave at 9pm with your base sauce to make further curry at home
To take away: A base sauce made on the evening, and all notes and recipes from the evening.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
It’s time for the annual village barn dance in aid of Clic Sargent. Come support a brilliant cause in the most beautiful setting and dance the night away! Tickets available from behind the bar, enquire with one of the staff.
Professional caller the disco until late.
8
Hungerford Food Markets & Festival
Hungerford Food Markets & Festival
All day
08/08/2021
Hungerford Food Markets & Festival
The Croft Field, RG17 0HY (between St Lawrence’s Church and Hungerford Nursery).
Our popular outdoor monthly food and artisan market is back at the Croft Field Centre behind the Hungerford Nursery.
Lots of great foodie and artisan stalls to enjoy with social distancing and a one-way system! Free entry. Well behaved dogs very welcome on leads.
Visitors will find more than 20 stalls that are all from the local area, selling produce such as bread, honey, pies, cheese, eggs, meat, oil, cakes, mead and preserves. Local artisan goods include wooden chopping boards (bought by Mary Berry!), handpainted pottery kitchenware, eco friendly soaps, gifts and lots more. It is a great opportunity to meet local producers and shop sustainably.
Committee chairwoman Penny Locke said: “We had lots of positive feedback about last year’s events and once again we have a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers who do everything possible to ensure that the event is safe. As it takes place outdoors, the risk of COVID spread is low, but we work hard to ensure social distancing and that everything is regularly sterilised.
Racecourse Road Newbury, Berkshire RG14 7NZ United Kingdom
Classic Vehicle Show – 2021
Our 28th Annual Classic Vehicle Show
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
We are really pleased to confirm that we will have a show this year as covid restrictions are being lifted in time for our normal show weekend. In order to simplify the planning process there will be a number of changes on the day and there is no requirement to pre-book, however we are asking exhibitors to complete a booking form to cover the show Ts and Cs. This year there will be no dedicated car club stands. however if you do want to be parked together you can arrive in convoy and we will work to park you in a group.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Every 2nd Sunday of the month we are proud to be hosting an Artisan Market at the Brewery, full of local suppliers and small businesses. Pop down from 9am, peruse our stalls and maybe treat yourself to a burger or pizza afterwards… why not ?!
St Lawrence's Church Parsonage Lane The Croft Hungerford Berkshire RG17 0JB
St Lawrence’s Day BBQ
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
St Lawrence was the team leader of a team of seven deacons in the church in Rome. He was the church treasurer and responsible for feeding the widows and orphans.
In 258 the Roman Emperor Valerian ordered the persecution of the church. The Pope was captured and executed and the roman authorities demanded that St Lawrence hand over the treasurers of the church. St Lawrence asked for three days to gather the wealth and during that time he distributed the churches assets among the poor. On the third day St Lawrence presented himself to the authorities and presented the widows and orphans saying “These are the treasures of the church”.
For his defiance he was executed on 10 August 258 by being chained to a gridiron with hot coals beneath. The legend goes that after suffering pain for a long time he said “I am well done on this side. Turn me over!”. As a result St Lawrence is the patron saint of barbecues, chefs and comedians.
So you are all invited to two St Lawrence’s day events:-
On Sunday 8 August, at 10:00 Archdeacon Liz Jackson is coming to speak and preside and also
On Sunday 8 August at 12:00noon we will be having a BBQ. Tickets are £5.00 and are available from Mike and Alison Saunders, Iris Lloyd and David Small.
It would be lovely if you could join us for one or the other or both.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Learn all about jazz, blues and improvisation with the inspirational pianist, Tim Richards. Tim has been present on the UK and international jazz scene since the early 1980s and has toured and recorded with the likes of Otis Grand, Dana Gillespie and Earl Green.
This is a practical workshop so you’ll be in front of a piano most of the time. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore these different genres and try something new! You’ll also get to hear Tim perform himself in a free lunchtime recital, 12:45-1:15pm, as well as have the opportunity to purchase some of his popular books.
The morning workshop is ideal for all pianists grade one and grade two standard while the afternoon is idea for grade three to five piano students. Both workshops are open to both children and adult learners.
10AM – 12.30PM (GD 1-2) | 2PM – 4.30PM (GD 3-5) 12.45PM -1.45PM LUNCHTIME PERFORMANCE BY TIM £30
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
A Tase of Italy
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Italian food is the ultimate social food, and what could be better than gathering a group of friends or family around the table for homemade Italian specialties. Join us where we will teach you to prepare Italian classics from Gnocchi to homemade pasta and Italian bread.
Course includes:
Arrive at 9.45am for tea, coffee and course introduction
Gnocchi (Make, Poach and quick pan sauce)
Seasonal Risotto
Focaccia
Pasta (tagiatelle and Ravioli, finish with Woodspeen olive oil, basil, toasted pine nuts and parmesan)
Course Gift: Woodspeen Olive Oil
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
ONSITE Plein Air Sketching
This course is suitable for those who wish to develop skills and strategies in painting and drawing direct from the natural environment. The emphasis will be practical and encourage you to work out of doors and get the most from that experience. Martin will share with you useful tips he has used for his plein air work and help you gain confidence working out of doors. Developing a sketchbook and small-scale drawings. Keeping work fresh and lively. You will have time to work on a plein air painting in your preferred media. Martin will give a brief presentation on plein air painting based on his contribution to Painting and Drawing Techniques for The Contemporary Artist (Thames and Hudson); this will look at artists who work out of doors and what we may usefully learn from their practice. £95.00
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Wild By Motionhouse | West Berkshire Villagers | Things To Do | What’s On | Events
What is it to be wild?
This event will take place at Shaw House, Newbury
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
ILD, the daring dance-circus production from Motionhouse, explores our disconnect with the natural environment. In our modern lives, is the wild still shaping our behaviour? WILD creates an urban forest in the everyday of the city. Using the powerful physicality distinctive to Motionhouse, performers use dynamic choreography, acrobatic movement and hand-to-hand partnering to move through a forest of tall poles, which forms the striking set for WILD. From the top of the pole, life in the canopy looks down onto the forest floor – a dangerous world of unknown meetings.
Wild By Motionhouse | West Berkshire Villagers | Things To Do | What’s On | Events
Commissioned by Gulbenkian & ART31 and Birmingham Hippodrome (as part of the Hippodrome Associate Artist programme). Supported by Without Walls with commissioning from Freedom Festival Arts Trust, Hat Fair, and Out There International Festival of Circus & Street Arts. With additional backing from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Foyle Foundation, The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, The Saintbury Trust and supported by The City of London Corporation.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
When booking for this event, you can either choose to sit on a bench or to bring your own blanket to sit on. You can select your preferred option after clicking the time of the event, and then ‘Book Now’.
Age Guide: 7+
Duration: 2 hours (including interval)
This event will take place at Shaw House, Newbury
Tickets must be booked in advance and we ask customers to select an e-ticket if possible. If you are unable to book an e-ticket, please speak to our Box Office team.
Bookings must be for no more than 6 individuals (or two households). Online bookings are limited to a maximum of 6 tickets. If you are making a booking for two households and require more than 6 tickets please contact the Box Office and they will assist with your booking.
In accordance with Government regulations sectors including leisure, entertainment and hospitality are now legally obliged to have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus. Anyone in your party aged 16 or over will be asked to scan the Test and Trace QR code or to record their contact details with us.
We want you to feel confident about booking in advance for performances and classes. It is very important that people displaying symptoms of COVID-19 do not attend an event, if you are unwell with coronavirus symptoms or having to self-isolate, please phone the Box Office and we will arrange for your tickets to be transferred, credited to your account or refunded, as long as you tell us in advance of the event start time.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
A fun and practical summer course inspired by our production of JUST SO.
Create and perform your very own version of the stories of JUST SO, which will be presented to family and friends in The Watermill garden at the end of the week. No experience necessary, just plenty of enthusiasm!
All our holiday courses are access friendly. If we can support any specific access needs for example, providing a BSL interpreter or arranging a familiarisation visit, please call Outreach on 01635 570927or email heidi@watermill.org.uk
During the week, participants will also complete the Discover Arts award.
By booking on this course, you will have the opportunity to secure tickets for The Watermill’s matinee performance of JUST SO on Saturday 14 August (subject to availability).
Suitable for ages 8 – 11 years
Price: £165
9am – 4pm each day (flexible drop-off from 8.30am)
City Arts Newbury 10 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire RG14 6DB
Chalkfest
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
We hope that our 2021 flagship community event will return to Newbury Market place this year if the coronavirus situation and the restrictions on large number of people gatherings eases as planned. The date we’ve scheduled for it is Monday 9 August 2021 – save it on your diaries
On the square you will be allocated an area per household to create roughly a 1 metre square picture in a safe environment – social distancing measures may be in place. It is free to chalk but we ask you for a donation towards the chalk if you want to enter our 2021 competition. To pay the donation entry fee you can add it to our donations bucket on the day or follow the link below (£1 per competition participant).
We’ll ask you to photograph the chalk artwork when you’ve finished and e-mail us the pictures of the chalk artwork, letting us know the age of the participant (when filling you details on payment). The prizes will be City Arts Gift Vouchers for children (to 12 years old), teen (13 to 17 years old) and adult (18 +) categories.
Dress for messs, bring packed lunch and plenty of water
Join our Early Years and Education Coordinator for a jam-packed week of drama, music and art in this creative arts holiday club for children aged 4-8 years old.
Dress for mess, bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them in the building, unless you are exempt from wearing one. If you remove your mask to eat or drink you must put it back on straight after.
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Oil Crayons & Oil Bars
Micklems Farm | West Berkshire Villages
Have you been given some Oil crayons or Oil bars and are not quite sure how to use them? This course will get you through the process of getting to know how to handle them. Initially we will go through some mark making exercises, blending and mixing, use of turps as a solvent. Using them thickly and working with the palette knife. You will work on different kinds of paper to see how the texture of the paper affects the final outcome. Feeling confident with what has been learnt we will attempt a finished picture based on still life.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold
your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Join them in Victoria Park for this fortnightly summer book club!
If your child loves reading books, talking about books, acting out books and making book art… this is the class for them!
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Outdoor Theatre: The Jungle Book | West Berkshire Villagers
Filled with original music, audience interaction, and the chance to meet the characters after the show, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys, and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan!
Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this larger-than-life musical will have you howling with laughter; the perfect treat for the whole family!
Bring your own picnic, warm clothes, seating/rug. Please observe social distancing at all times and be prepared to be directed to an area in which to sit.
The café will be open selling snacks, drinks and ice cream to take outside. Toilets will be open in the House but we will ask you to adhere to the one-way system in place.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do. Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story, brought to vivid life on Lyngo Theatre’s incredible sloping stage.
Using smoke and mirrors and hidden trapdoors we’ll show you how this sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to take his master all the way to the top. With a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts come and see this classic furry tail, it’s the cat’s whiskers!
With the recent government advice, we want to do our utmost to ensure the health and safety of our audiences, staff, performers and wider community. For the foreseeable future, all of our events must adhere to social distancing guidelines. This page will be updated regularly to ensure customers are clear on the current processes helping to keep everyone safe. If you would like to know more about the social distancing guidelines, you can do so via the government website.
There is some important information that all customers planning on visiting Arlington Arts must remember and adhere to:
If you are feeling unwell, particularly with symptoms of COVID-19, please do NOT visit the venue.
Please bring as few possessions as possible. Our cloakroom will not be open to reduce potential contact and keeping the auditorium clutter free will also help reduce chances of transmission.
You MUST wear a face covering when inside the venue. Masks are available to purchase from the Box Office for £1.50.
Please use the hand sanitiser provided on arrival and exit, before and after using the toilets or lift and as often as you like.
If you pick up a leaflet/programme please take it with you.
Contactless payment is preferred at the bar.
If you know anyone interested in attending an event, please make them aware tickets must be purchased in advance.
If you make a reservation, we will be contacting customers to make payment prior to the show date.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Who was buried at Sutton Hoo?
Do you have what it takes to unravel a great historical mystery?
Since its discovery just under 100 years ago, the treasure-filled Anglo Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo has left historians asking who exactly the burial was for. Hone your historical detective skills and piece together the clues found at the burial site to solve the great puzzle of the empty grave.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
Move in The Park | Yoga | West Berkshire Villagers
Join them in Victoria Park for an hour of gentle yoga.
This event takes place at Victoria Park, Newbury
Open to all ages and abilities, but best suited to those at beginner and intermediate level.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
Move in the Park is supported by McCarthy and Stone.
East Garston Village Hall, Back St, East Garston, Hungerford, RG17 7EX
The Hound of the Baskervilles at East Garston- The Watermill On The Road
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
The Watermill’s critically acclaimed production of The Hound of The Baskervilles hits the road this summer for open air performances across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire! The tour begins in East Garston on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 August.
A full tour schedule and box office contact details for all the venues can be found in the What’s On Tour section of our homepage.
About the show
A mysterious murder, an ancient curse and a legendary detective…
Join us on the wild moors of Dartmoor and prepare for cryptic chaos! Three actors play all the characters in this madcap version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated Sherlock Holmes story.
Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead with the paw prints of a gigantic beast beside him and a look of horror on his face. Holmes and Watson are summoned from Baker Street to investigate the crime and discover the truth about the Hound of the Baskervilles. Join Holmes, Watson and a host of intriguing characters and watch the mystery unfold! A Watermill Theatre production.
Ticket price: £12
Recommended Age Guidance: 8+
Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes including 20 minute interval
The production ran at The Watermill for 4 weeks from 21 May – 19 June 2021 as part of the theatre’s outdoor season. This tour is supported by The Sackler Trust, Principal Supporter of The Watermill Outreach Touring.
About East Garston
This event does not take place at The Watermill Theatre.
This event takes place at East Garston Village Hall, Back St, East Garston, Hungerford, RG17 7EX
This is an outdoor event and will go ahead whatever the weather, so please come prepared for the forecast on the day.
Chairs will be provided. Ticketing is unreserved with reduced capacity to enable social distancing. We ask that you please respect other audience members to help keep everyone safe. Hand sanitiser will be available on-site.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
1TH – 13TH AUGUST 2021 | 9AM – 3PM £299 including Pioneer DJ DDj200 Controller
LEARN TO DJ WITH LEWIS NORTON (FUTURE DJS)
In this intensive 3-day course, you will learn all of the skills necessary to perform your first DJ set. The course will cover the basics of DJing including how to set up your kit, beat matching and beat juggling and basic effects.
The course fee comes with your own set of Pioneer DJ DDJ200 Controller, worth £139, to set you on your way as a DJ. Students will need their own laptop and have administrative rights to be able to install software.
You do not need any prior experience to join this course which is suitable for students aged 11+.
Summer Series of Events: Family Fun Days – Fairytale Princesses
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Visit Newbury this summer to meet your favourite fairytale characters!
That’s right, it’s about time we had some human interaction again, and what a better way to put a smile back on your child’s face this summer holiday than to introduce them to their favourite classic children’s character.
Brought to you by us here at Visit Newbury, Newbury’s open-air, FREE Summer Series of Events, will bring together local residents and visitors from further afield to enjoy three Family Fun Days taking place at three key locations across town, in Market Place, Kennet Shopping Centre and Parkway Shopping.
The second of the Family Fun Days features some of the most popular fairytale princesses from Jollypop Entertainment, providing musical shows (sing-along at your own desire!) and meet and greets. Parkway Shopping will also be dedicating their Big Summer Screen to the event, screening Disney princess films throughout the day.
In addition, local pottery painting favourite, The Ugly Duckling, and community arts organisation, City Arts, will also be providing free activities in the Market Place for both parent and child to enjoy! Furthermore, there will be an expert balloon modeller giving away free balloons alongside children’s funfair rides in the Market Place (children only- please!).
To find out where you can find your favourite princesses throughout the course of the day, please see the timetable below:
10am: Princess Meet and Greets at Parkway Shopping
10.30am: Princess Performances at Parkway Shopping
11am: Princess Meet and Greets at Parkway Shopping
11.45am: Princess Musical Parade to the Market Place
12 noon: Princess Performances at the Market Place
12.30 noon: Princess Meet and Greets at the Market Place
1pm – 2pm: Break
2pm: Princess Meet and Greets at the Market Place
2.45pm: Princess Musical Parade to Kennet Shopping
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Bring your pre-schoolers for a fun morning of accessible and interactive tales about the Vale and Downland Museum’s diverse collection, along with craft activities to bring each story to life.
Every Wednesday morning at 10am.
£5 (excl booking fees) per child, adults and children under 1 are free. Adults must book a free ticket.
For children aged 3 – 5 years. Due to social distancing measures we are limited to family groups of a maximum of 4 people, including at least 1 adult.
Please note there will be no Toddler Tales on 28th July & 18th August due to our FAMILY DAYS
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to do
Join them in Victoria Park for creative arts and nature play for under-6s and their families.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
ONSITE Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving
This one-day, onsite workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those with some experience
Workshop Details Rigid heddle looms are a good choice for new weavers as setting up is straightforward and new ones are relatively inexpensive. You will be able to weave two samples on looms set up with the warp threads at different spacing. The samples can be made up into small bags or used as mats. One sample will be woven on a loom which has been threaded with white cotton spaced at about 4 threads an inch. These threads, which are the warp, will be completely covered by the weft. The patterns will be produced by using two shuttles wound with contrasting colours in various sequences to put the weft in place. You could also experiment with techniques for weaving scenes.
The other sample will be woven on a loom with the warp closer together so it contributes to the design. You will be able to experiment with textured weaves as well as patterns which are formed with using two colours for the weft.
List specific skills and techniques that will be taught in the course:
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Portraits & Patterns
There is nothing quite like capturing the essence of a person in paint. This workshop provides step by step tuition in the fundamentals of portraiture and how to structure a face. Learn to see tonal values and to mix accurate and beautiful skin tone using a limited palette. Clear instruction on how to use paint effectively and boldly and the importance of composition and complimentary colour use. Once bitten by the portrait bug you’ll never be the same again! All reference will be provided. If you would like to bring your own reference, it must be a clear, high resolution image and of a good size.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Bring the Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf to life with your own cartoon retelling.
The heroic Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf has been shared for over a thousand years. Join us this summer as we will bring the epic saga to life for children with storytelling and cartooning. Discover the courageous and monstrous characters, create your own cartoons to retell the story, and experiment with kenning poetry to describe the vivid scenes that unfold in this thrilling Anglo Saxon tale.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
City Arts Newbury 10 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire RG14 6DB
Easy Bookbinding
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Learn some basic bookbinding techniques and take away a variety of booklets of various sizes to fill in later with artwork. Use a variety of papers to decorate the covers. During the morning we will progress from a simple booklet to a dos-a-dos soft cover and a quick single signature hard cover booklet. All materials provided.
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Floral Design | Dinner Party Flowers
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
On this one day workshop you will learn about the different styles of design within floristry. Floral designers must know how to work within the principles and elements of design as well as using the shape and colours of the flowers and their own natural design skills. You will have the opportunity to create flowers for the table for a dinner party and large and small arrangements of different design categories. This course will provide you with a wealth of knowledge on how to use which flowers within each type of design. If you like impressing your guests this one’s for you!
Included on the day:
Flowers from the garden
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.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
ONSITE Don’t Buy It, Sew It
This two-day, onsite workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills
Workshop Details If you are looking to start sewing with a machine but have little or no experience, then this workshop is perfect for you. By the end of this workshop you will understand how to determine clothing size and follow a basic commercial paper pattern, such as Vogue or Simplicity, and to make a pair of elasticated trousers with pockets. We will look at how to complete a toile (a garment made in calico-fabric used to adjust the pattern) and gain the confidence to make the trousers using a sewing machine.
You will learn through theoretical and practical instruction including key sewing and measuring techniques, garment adjustments, simple garment construction skills and how to work with easy fabrics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to discuss with the tutor any future projects that you have and take home a handout with images and instructions of how to sew the trousers. Skill/Techniques Covered
How to determine your size based on a commercial sewing-pattern
Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England. OX33 1JZ
The amphitheatre is a fantastic space for opera, theatre and music. Each year we have a number of performances throughout the summer months and this year we have a very exciting programme.
Check out the What’s On page for all the details and box office links.
The amphitheatre is also available for hire for events.
If you would like to opt-in to join our Art in Action, Waterperry Gardens arts newsletter then please use the button below.
Your name and email address will be used for no other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Following the sell-out success of the 2020 Mini-Festival, Waterperry Opera Festival will return with an ambitious ten-day open-air Covid-safe festival in August 2021. This year’s programme will include seven productions, as well as a variety of workshops, masterclasses, talks, and pop-up performances. With the advantage of Waterperry’s extensive historic grounds, the festival will continue to adapt and innovate in this changeable climate to create an engaging festival for all.
Guy Withers, Artistic Director & CEO, says – “We see our festival as a wonderful opportunity to bring music and hope to our audiences, when so little live performance is being offered. The safety and comfort of our artists and audiences is of the utmost importance to us. Festival attendees will be able to safely socially-distance in our outdoor performance spaces, guided by our trusty team of stewards. Our programme aims to develop new audiences of opera, offering something for everyone. We cannot wait to invite audiences to escape into the wild and immerse themselves in the magic of the music and nature we have on offer this summer.”
Festival Music Director Bertie Baigent will conduct four performances of Donizetti’s comic masterpiece THE ELIXIR OF LOVE. Directed by Dan Ayling and designed by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, the cast will consist of some of the most exciting emerging talent on the UK opera scene. Audiences are invited to attend performances on the lawn in front of Waterperry House, on 12th, 14th, 15th & 17th of August starting at 6pm.
Associate Artistic Director Rebecca Meltzer directs a new adaptation of Humperdinck’s beloved fairy-tale opera HANSEL AND GRETEL, in the atmospheric Waterperry woodlands. Conducted by Ashley Beauchamp, this striking production will incorporate British Sign Language, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling, and offering an immersive experience for the whole family. Performances will take place at 2pm and 5pm on the 19th, 20th & 21st of August, with an introductory music-theatre and craft workshop before each performance.
Artistic Director Guy Withers presents Prokofiev’s PETER AND THE WOLF, a symphonic tale for young children, choreographed by Julia Cave and conducted by Bertie Baigent. Performed beside the Waterperry lily pond on the 13th, 14th & 15th of August at 11am and 12pm, this charming production will capture the imagination of all ages through music, dance and spoken word. This production will also tour to the Lichfield Festival on 17th July.
To accompany this lively programme, there will be further innovative performances across the ten day festival. QUARTET FOR THE END OF TIME by Messiaen will be presented as a late-night music and light installation in Waterperry’s impressive Amphitheatre. In collaboration with Oxford Lieder, Emma Doherty will direct newly-staged performances of CLAIRIÈRES DANS LE CIEL by Lili Boulanger and ON WENLOCK EDGE by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the woodland at Waterperry. Following its success in 2020, Rebecca Meltzer’s dramatisation of Jonathan Dove’s ARIEL will return to the Mary Rose Garden. Audiences can enjoy these events as a stand-alone performance or as part of their wider festival experience.
Box office opens on 3rd May (with priority booking available from 26th April).Tickets for The Elixir of Love will range from £15–£60 (Saturday & Sunday) and £15–£50 (Thursday & Tuesday); for Hansel and Gretel, tickets are from £10–£30; for Peter and the Wolf, Ariel, Clairieres dans le ciel and On Wenlock Edge, tickets are from £8–£15; and for Quartet for The End of Timethey are from £10–£20. Concessions will be available for NHS workers, Blue Light Card holders and individuals in receipt of unemployment and disability benefits.
“This was a truly wonderful occasion, delivered by a company that consistently impresses with its youthful energy, enthusiasm and flair. Huge kudos to Waterperry Opera Festival for having the courage and resourcefulness to step away from the internet and bring us some live music to brighten up these unprecedented times. Moments to cherish indeed.”Ox in a Box (Cosi fan tutte / 2020)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
A Sunset paddle on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
We take advantage of the summer evenings with a relaxing paddle from the historic market town of Hungerford, towards the setting sun. Our route takes us through the North Wessex Downs an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
THIS’ll GET NEWBURY SWINGIN’
We’ve always wanted to do this and with the support of West Berkshire council we’re finally bringing Crazy Golf and Cocktails to the Dolphin …
For three days, Friday 13th to Sunday 15th, we’ll have 18 holes of Crazy Golf in the car park .. just turn up, book in at the Clubhouse (our garden bar) and sit back and relax until it’s your tee-off time, with a bite to eat or a bevvy to steady your nerves!
The cost of a round includes the price of a cocktail or mocktail for the adults. (It’s £10 for a round and a cocktail and £15 for a round and 2 cocktails). Under 18’s are allowed play until 6pm (for just £4) and then it’s just for the grownup kids!There’s prizes for the lowest score and the best golfing outfits … we love a bit of fancy dress! What’s not to love about this??
The Newbury Retro Festival 2021 | West Berkshire Villagers
Retro Festival is back in 2021 !
That’s right… we will be at Newbury Showground on the 13/14/15 August , making our fabulous festival accessible for Retro lovers.
Step back in time to the evocative music of yesteryear. Whether you seek to capture the lost glamour of the 30’s or the nostalgia of the 40s, you can rock n roll to 50s tunes, then get down to some rhythm and blues.
There’s family fun for everyone at this epic retro weekender. You can have a whirl on the dodgems, jump & jive at a tea dance and set your senses alight at our burlesque cabaret show.
Adore the classic & vintage cars we have on display. Browse the vintage clothing and retro treasures on offer with stalls aplenty. Hosting some of the best talent in the UK across 3 stages. With extended camping facilities to accommodate, Retro Festivals are not to be missed!
The Old School School Road Ardington Oxfordshire OX12 8PN UK
ONSITE Paint a Hare in Watercolour
This one-day, onsite pastels workshop is designed for beginners and improvers
During this workshop you will learn how to capture the bright, cheery glow that sunflowers bring. You will be shown various techniques of pastel application that will help you to interpret the different textures of this fabulous flower and create you own finished picture to take back home. Clive will work on his own piece during the session so students can observe the process of development using this versatile and accessible medium, whilst offering abundant guidance along the way.
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Best Simple Classic – Beef Wellington
Join us to create a classic dish that will soon become a firm favourite. This time it is beef wellington made from scratch, with homemade puff pastry, perfectly cooked beef fillet and rich velvet red wine sauce. Finish the morning off with your Wellington, some fries and a glass of red around the kitchen table
SADDLEBACK FARM SHOP, CALIFORNIA FARM, BRIGHTWALTON, RG20 7HR
Gin and Jazz Night
Gin and Jazz at Saddleback Farm Shop
Gin and jazz has arrived at Saddleback!
Join us for an evening celebrating local craft gin distilleries.
Our bar will have some favourites which include, Berkshire Botanicals, Ramsbury, Blowing Stone and more, all made in West Berkshire! Enjoy fantastic live music from Alex and the Miss Jones Jazz band. Additionally, you will receive a complimentary goodie bag to take home with you after the show.
Our chefs will also be able to prepare charcuterie boards, that will pair fantastically with your chosen tipple- You can order your charcuterie board for the event before you arrive by contacting us at info@saddlebackfarmshop.co.uk the price for this will be £10.
Charcuterie boards will include a mixture of salamis, olives and bread.
Racecourse Road Newbury, Berkshire RG14 7NZ United Kingdom
Olly Murs
At Newbury racecourse on 14th August 2021.Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,00- a-week pocket money. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comp. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries find what money can’t buy! From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie comes this amazing production of David Walliams’ best-selling story!
Lambourn Carnival & Festival 2021
Lambourn Carnival & Festival 2021
All day
14/08/2021
Lambourn Carnival & Festival 2021
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
A Sunset paddle on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
We take advantage of the summer evenings with a relaxing paddle from the historic market town of Hungerford, towards the setting sun. Our route takes us through the North Wessex Downs an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Family Dance in the Park | West Berkshire Villagers
This event will take place at Victoria Park, Newbury
Join them for a hour of relaxed and fun dancing to show off your moves!
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
We’ll have a police car and van, fire responder car, and fire truck visiting Cobbs!
This is a free event for our customers to enjoy but we are hoping to raise some money and put a little love back into our emergency services to say thank you for the incredible job that they do.
There will be a raffle with fabulous local prizes to win on the day!
Please note: If you would like to join us for breakfast or lunch in the cafe we highly recommend booking a table in advance. To book click here
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Silversmithing: Silver Bangles
Micklems Farm | West Berkshire Villages
Have you ever wanted to make your own silver bangles? Join Fiona from Jewellery Moves for a day of making, learning and creativity. At this workshop you will learn how to saw, solder, file, hammer, hand-stamp, texture and finish 3 silver bangles (one of which is hand-stamped and personalised).
About Jewellery Moves:
Taught by Fiona Dowling, a graduate of the Royal College of Art, Jewellery Moves workshops aim to teach traditional craftsmanship, jewellery skills and techniques in small groups with a relaxed atmosphere.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Come and join a unique photography experience day, centred around the Kennet & Avon canal in Newbury. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with experience this is a day you won’t want to miss. We will start with a short intro on how photographers achieved their results, what the best equipment for the job is and how you can use your digital camera to get great images.
After lunch, we will spend the afternoon on location around the locks, pathways, park and bridges – finishing the day having taken some photographs you can be proud of.
The epic team behind the UK’s largest BBQ festival are coming to West Berkshire Brewery, throwing an event like you’ve never seen. On 14th August, join us for a condensed version of their famous festival with an award winning BBQ vendor providing low and slow delights cooked over fire from their converted Chevy, and live cooking demonstrations with samples, from the pit master.
Fancy something sweet? Their American sweet treat vendor will keep your sugar levels topped right up. There will be live blues harp and guitar music throughout the day alongside various challenges, competitions, market stalls and entertainment… and of course, we will keep you hydrated with Dave, our mobile bar (because beer + meat = heaven, right?)
Details: 11am – 4pm Adults (18+) £35 per ticket Under 18 (12-17 years) £25 per ticket
Festival Admission includes: – 1 free pint or soft drink – Low & slow lunch from award-winning BBQ vendor – 2 Live demos from the Pit Master – Access to BBQ market stalls – Entry into on the day competitions
*Please note, wristbands for this event will be posted to you.
Staff Policies Temperature checks will be made upon arrival for all staff on a daily basis. Temperatures shall then be logged on the employee timesheet and kept on file. Staff with symptoms will not be allowed to work and advised to go home and quarantine for 14 days. WBB’s Taproom will provide lateral flow tests for staff.
WBB’s Taproom & Kitchen will provide face masks & gloves for staff use if they wish to. Hand sanitiser will be in plentiful supply in all staff areas. Staff shall have staggered start and finish times where possible. Safe working practices adhering to social distancing guidance at all times, especially in the close confines of the kitchen.
Customer Policies Hand sanitiser shall be readily available throughout the Taproom & Garden as well as in the kitchen and back of house areas. All tables and chairs shall be sanitised between uses. All push plates and door handles to be sanitised every 30 minutes. Toilets & sinks to be sanitised every 30 minutes. All staff mandated to sanitise their hands every 30 minutes as a minimum requirement.
All condiments to be available in single use disposable sachets or cups. For the meantime, all food will be served on disposable plates to reduce the number of staff in the kitchen and the cross over between Front of House and Kitchen staff.
Booking is strongly advised. All customers must be seated at a table and have table service.
Adults will be advised upon booking or being seated that children aged 12 or under must be accompanied at all times.
Clear signage to aid flow of people to and from the loos. Hand soap and sanitiser available at all basins in the loos. Regular 30-minute toilet and sink sanitation. 30-minute sanitation of all locks, push plates and door handles.
All tables and chairs to be spaced at minimum of 1.5 metres apart, 2 meters where possible.
No cash payments. Contactless payments where possible and all credit card machines to be sanitised every 30 minutes.
All bookings must provide a phone number / email address upon booking and will be kept on file in compliance with current GDPR legislation
We are running a booking slot system. Customer’s must vacate their table after 2 hours for us to sanitise and prepare for the next customer.
Summertime Live return to Windsor Racecourse with another headline show by Classic Ibiza!
Join us for Berkshire’s biggest party of the summer with:DJs, Live Performers, Amazing Street Food, Huge variety of Bars, Glitter make up stalls, The Box that Rocks Karaoke, Funfair rides & LOADS MORE!
HEADLINED BY CLASSIC IBIZA
The Urban Soul orchestra return for another amazing performance of dance anthems brought to life under the stars!
TICKETS WILL SELL OUT IN ADVANCE-BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT…
City Arts Newbury 10 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire RG14 6DB
Introduction to Papercutting
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Come and join this wonderfully unique, sell-out workshop with Adriana from Pie Lady Papercuts. You don’t need to have ever even used a craft knife!
You’ll learn lots of papercutting techniques, including precision and angle-cutting, get advice, tips and tricks of the trade – all in a friendly environment, while we share a cuppa and biscuits!
You will be given a kit which you can take home, with everything you need, including:
Craft knife
Spare blades
Cutting mat
Coloured paper
A specially designed exercise sheet
Three templates of your choice to cut on the day and take home
You can take all of this home with you, as well as your own amazing piece of art.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Kennet and Avon Canal.
Meet by the Teashop by the Canal for a gentle paddle out of the town into the rolling countryside. Upon our return you can sample the many delights that Newbury has to offer including open park spaces, a bustling market and a great selection of open air bars and cafes.
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Meat Prep Cookery Course
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
At The Woodspeen we believe that a good understanding of traditional butchery skills give the cook an advantage for getting the most out of each cut. Just as important as the skill to prep is the skill to cook and we will run through time and temperature to cook your meat perfect every time. From keeping your stews and casseroles tasty with the meat being moist and tender, we’ll be breaking down chicken, explaining the cuts as we go along and the best cooking methods to use.
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Silver Stacking Rings 2
Have you ever wanted to make your own silver rings? Join Fiona from Jewellery Moves for a day of making, learning and creativity. At this workshop you will learn how to saw, solder, file, hammer, hand-stamp and finish your own sterling silver rings (one of which is hand-stamped and personalised). You will also learn how to make your own bezel setting and set a cabochon stone within one of your rings. You will leave at the end of the day with three beautiful rings which fit you perfectly.
About Jewellery Moves:
Taught by Fiona Dowling, a graduate of the Royal College of Art, Jewellery Moves workshops aim to teach traditional craftsmanship, jewellery skills and techniques in small groups with a relaxed atmosphere.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
Summer Series of Events: Chapter 3 – Return of the Disco Shed
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Newbury is set to be brought back to life as never before this summer, with its open-air, free Summer Series of Events.
The series, brought to you by us here at Visit Newbury, will bring together local residents and visitors from further afield to enjoy this cultural programme of live music and performance.
The third event of the series resumes on Sunday 15th August after a fortnight’s rest and will be well worth the wait.
Following their award-winning appearance on Channel 4’s Shed of the Year series, Disco Shed, will be dominating the Market Place with their giant music shed (garden gnomes included!). Count Skylarkin and Peepshow Paddy bring their garden shed complete with decks, lights, The World-Famous Disco Shed Inferno Smoke Machine (TM), visuals, DJs, DIY and an ever-expanding army of Shedonists to Newbury.
The shed often secures top spots at the likes of Glastonbury, Latitude Festival and Bestival, and has regular DJ residencies in top London nightclubs and beyond. This hard-to-catch DJ crew is a real treat for Newbury, as we’re lucky enough to have the world-famous Disco Shed perform live in our very own Market Place from 12 noon right through to 5pm.
So, put on your wellies, pull on your garden gloves, and head to Newbury!
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Mr Stink at Shaw House | West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
One perfectly normal afternoon in an average English town two restless souls unite on a park bench – one of them the lonely 12 year old Chloe Crumb and the other an incredibly smelly homeless man.
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
Oh, and let’s not forget his loyal dog, the Duchess. Chloe’s curiosity and kindness pave the way for this extraordinary and rewarding friendship that takes them to the heady heights of live television and Downing Street via a garden shed.
Join Heartbreak Productions for David Walliams’ best-seller Mr Stink on the outdoor stage. Pack a picnic, grab a chair and dress for the weather. Packed with fun, humour and a heart-warming message, this touching tale provides the perfect family entertainment.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
Age Guide: 7+
Duration: 2 hours (including interval)
This event will take place at Shaw House, Newbury
Tickets must be booked in advance and we ask customers to select an e-ticket if possible. If you are unable to book an e-ticket, please speak to our Box Office team.
Bookings must be for no more than 6 individuals (or two households). Online bookings are limited to a maximum of 6 tickets. If you are making a booking for two households and require more than 6 tickets please contact the Box Office and they will assist with your booking.
In accordance with Government regulations sectors including leisure, entertainment and hospitality are now legally obliged to have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus. Anyone in your party aged 16 or over will be asked to scan the Test and Trace QR code or to record their contact details with us.
We want you to feel confident about booking in advance for performances and classes. It is very important that people displaying symptoms of COVID-19 do not attend an event, if you are unwell with coronavirus symptoms or having to self-isolate, please phone the Box Office and we will arrange for your tickets to be transferred, credited to your account or refunded, as long as you tell us in advance of the event start time.
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Teapots
The teapot is the iconic pottery object. The aim of this workshop is to make and decorate 2 fully functional teapots.
The day will start, learning a little about their history, looking at images and examining real life teapots, to give you some ideas for the day’s workshop.
You will learn how to coil clay into a mould for one teapot and for the second, how to roll out slabs of clay and cutting the shape from a template. You will learn how to make handles, spouts and how to fit a lid. We will finish the day by decorating the teapots using underglazes.
The tutor will fire and glaze the Teapots with a transparent glaze and return them to Micklems Farm for collection roughly 4 weeks after the workshop.
Please bring with you: An apron, pencil & paper. Please treat your hands to a good quality handcream , as clay is very drying on the hands.
The cost of clay and firings are not included in your course fee. The approximate cost of these will be £25, payable to the tutor during the course.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
£60
KARLOS EDWARDS: GUEST ARTIST DRUM WORKSHOP (OLLY MURS, SPICE GIRLS, WILL YOUNG, JASON DERULO, GARY BARLOW)
Ever wondered what it would be like to play drums/percussion for a huge global star? Karlos Edwards has played with Olly Murs, Take That and even the Spice Girls on their last tour and Hogan Music can’t wait to welcome him this summer!
On this one day course you’ll be exploring and perfecting different techniques, experimenting with auxiliary percussion, playing along to some top tracks and have the opportunity to quiz Karlos on his career to date. You’ll need to be 10-18 years old and at least grade one standard on drum kit to take part.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Who was buried at Sutton Hoo?
Do you have what it takes to unravel a great historical mystery?
Since its discovery just under 100 years ago, the treasure-filled Anglo Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo has left historians asking who exactly the burial was for. Hone your historical detective skills and piece together the clues found at the burial site to solve the great puzzle of the empty grave.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Introduction to Painting in Oils
Micklems Farm | West Berkshire Villages
This workshop is ideal for beginners, or for those who have previously used other media. You will learn the basics of painting in oils with Shelagh, who is a practising artist and a qualified art teacher. You will look at essential oil painting techniques and materials and the aim of the day is that you will leave with the confidence and knowledge to continue enjoying this versatile medium at home.
All materials are provided, but we recommend wearing old clothes or an apron to protect your clothing. By the end of the day you will have produced a tonal study and an oil painting of a still life in colour.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold
your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
£50
Join Hogan’s resident saxophone teacher, Damian Cook, for a day of all things saxophone. Damian has performed with the likes of Paloma Faith and The Four Tops and has played in the West End on shows such as Chicago and Avenue Q. He’s also familiar with a big band or two having worked with The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK.
On this one day course you’ll take part in workshops exploring different techniques, play as an ensemble as well as have the opportunity to perform to the group and get some pointers. This day is aimed at all ages and for saxophonists working at grade 3 level or above.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to do
Join them in Victoria Park for creative arts and nature play for under-6s and their families.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
£50
GETTING AWAY FROM THE DOTS – LEARN TO IMPROVISE WITH DAMIAN COOK
There is no such thing as a wrong note! A day to get away from the music stand and start learning how to improvise. On this one day course, led by Damian Cook, you’ll learn some basic theory using your instruments and have the opportunity to improvise along to popular charts. Yes, this might be out of your comfort zone, but you’ll be all the better for it by the end of the day with resources to take away so you can apply this to future performances.
This course is open to all instrumentalists and all ages who are at least grade three standard on their instrument.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Bring the Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf to life with your own cartoon retelling.
The heroic Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf has been shared for over a thousand years. Join us this summer as we will bring the epic saga to life for children with storytelling and cartooning. Discover the courageous and monstrous characters, create your own cartoons to retell the story, and experiment with kenning poetry to describe the vivid scenes that unfold in this thrilling Anglo Saxon tale.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Curry Night
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Learn robust techniques on Indian and Thai curry making. You will cook a variety of dishes to easily replicate at home. Techniques on marinating and alternative cooking methods will be covered in this course.
How to cook fail-safe rice in the oven
• Dry rubs
• Wet marinades
• Thai curry with prawn
• Indian curry with chicken
• Aromatic salad
• Carrot bhaji
• Base sauces to take home
Course includes:
Arrive at 6pm for course introduction
Enjoy a supper made on the evening of curry and accompaniments, served with your choice of beer, wine or a soft drink
Leave at 9pm with your base sauce to make further curry at home
To take away: A base sauce made on the evening, and all notes and recipes from the evening.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
The Rowbarge Station Road Woolhampton Berkshire.RG7 5SH
Blue Lemon Paddleboarding
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Kennet & Avon Canal.
Parking at The Rowbarge, Woolhampton RG7 5SG. A sunset paddle along the Kennet and Avon Canal, departing and returning to The Rowbarge Country Inn. An ideal setting to start and finish our paddle with a nice refreshing drink in the beautiful garden.
Blenheim Palace Food Festival | West Berkshire Villagers
This gastronomic festival will showcase the very best of produce from local and national stallholders offering high quality, tempting food choices from indulgent sweet treats to the most delicious organic fruit and veg, glorious bakes to the tastiest street food.
The Festival Kitchen and Marquee has a full programme of Demonstrations, Q&A’s, Workshops and Book Signings. The exciting line-up in 2021 includes BBC Masterchef Champions Kenny Tutt and Thomas Frake. Great British Bake-Off contestant Karen Wright and Eva Humphries, Wholefood Warrior alongside many other Celebrity Chefs, industry Food & Drink Experts and Chefs from some of the very best local restaurants.
Hogan Music have partnered with VoxFresh to bring you an exciting one day course where you can find your voice and sing with others who love to sing! Fresh, inclusive and contemporary and no mention of the word ‘choir’!
Suitable for students aged 10+, in this day long workshop, you’ll learn a selection of contemporary songs by artists such as Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and James Arthur. Singing in a group can develop musical ear, rhythm, pitch and harmony skills as well as having a huge impact on confidence and performance!
City Arts Newbury 10 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire RG14 6DB
Beach Life – Summer Printing for Children
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Printing for all ages workshop with Charlotte Adcok.
This workshop is for children of all ages. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. A fun introduction to printing suitable for all ages. You will be learning safe carve and printing techniques . A fun and creative introduction to printmaking, suitable for all ages. You will be learning safe carve and printmaking techniques with foam and hand mixing colours. We are going to have a creative adventure and explore a beach theme (just without the sand!). We will be making lots of beautiful and unique beach themed prints, perfect for the summer holidays..
Note: Dress for mess and bring a bag or box for your child’s creations.
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Pastry, Dessert and Petit Four | West Berkshire Villagers
Traditional cakes and desserts are at the heart of good home cooking. Here at The Woodspeen Cookery School we will show you how to produce restaurant standard desserts just as easy as the classics, while our tips on creative presentation will give you that finishing edge, our hands-on day will give you the opportunity to learn many techniques whilst making several desserts
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Fauvist Inspired Clay Collage Landscape
Micklems Farm | West Berkshire Villages
This workshop gives you the opportunity to create your own textured clay collage landscape on canvas board. I will teach and guide you through the process of working with paper clay. We will also use embossing techniques and mark making to create wonderful landscape textures in the clay. The piece will be loosely overpainted in acrylics in a fauvist style, a radical use of unnatural colours that separate colour from its usual representational and realistic role. Thereby using colour to create a dynamic atmosphere in a painting. You will leave the workshop with a finished clay collage landscape scene that will be ready for framing or if necessary completed at home.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold
your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday | Newbury Corn Exchange
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do. The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show. Join Sarah and Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure.
Book with confidence: We want you to feel confident about booking in advance for the events at the Corn Exchange. It is very important that people displaying symptoms of COVID-19 do not come to the theatre so, if you are unwell with coronavirus symptoms or having to self-isolate, please phone the Box Office and we will arrange for the value of your tickets to be credited to your account or refunded, as long as you tell us in advance of the performance time.
Booking tickets: Tickets must be booked in advance and we are asking customers to select an e-ticket if possible.This means that your ticket can be scanned on arrival, reducing the need for contact with our staff when they check tickets. If you are unable to book an e-ticket, please speak to our Box Office team.
Bookings must be for no more than 6 individuals (or two households). Online bookings are limited to a maximum of 6 tickets. If you are making a booking for two households and require more than 6 tickets please contact the Box Office and they will assist with your booking.
In accordance with Government regulations, sectors including leisure, entertainment and hospitality are legally obliged to have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff. Anyone in your party aged 16 or over will be asked to scan the Test and Trace QR code or to record their contact details with us.
Social distancing: We have limited the number of people admitted to each event. Last autumn we rebuilt our auditorium seating in order to maximise capacity whilst adhering to social distancing measures. This seating layout has more space between rows, the seats have individual arm rests, and each booking is separated using dividing Perspex screens. We have put our summer season on sale using this layout in order to ensure the events can take place under all circumstances. Should the government regulations change and social distancing is no longer a requirement we will contact all customers to discuss their booking with them and to inform them of any updated procedures.
Masks: Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them in the building, unless you are exempt from wearing one, or if you are eating or drinking.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Social distancing: Please ensure you leave a safe distance between yourself and other customers, staff members or volunteers when joining queues or moving around the building.
Hand sanitiser: Please use hand sanitiser on arrival and then regularly re-apply or wash your hands during your visit.
DURING YOUR VISIT
Masks: Visitors must wear a face mask while inside the building, including while watching a film.
Tickets: Tickets must be booked in advance and we ask customers to select an e-ticket if possible. This ticket will be scanned at a contactless scanning point on entry. You do not need to show a ticket for activities in the Learning Centre or The Base as they will have a list of those who have booked.
Making payments: We will be asking customers to make contactless card payments where possible. Card machines will be wiped down after use if they have been used for chip and PIN.
Cleaning: We have increased and enhanced cleaning regimes in place. Common touch points will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
Using the lift: If you need to use the lift, please only travel in it with members of your own household or social bubble.
Using the toilet facilities: Please wash your hands before and after you use the facilities. Please keep your distance and allow others sufficient space to pass, especially when entering or leaving.
Leaving the building: Please follow instructions from our team who will guide you on which exit to use.
If you feel unwell: If you feel unwell whilst visiting, please leave the building and return to your home. If you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, please contact 119 to arrange a test.
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Sea & Sky in Acrylics and Mixed Media
In this workshop we will be looking at ways of tackling the various elements that make up a coastal painting: water, waves and reflections along with the landscape elements of cliffs, rocks and the transitions between land and sea. We will take our inspiration from Kurt Jackson and create atmospheric layered images incorporating textures and aggregates. There will be lots of demos & step-by-step instruction in this fun and informal workshop.
Afternoon Art By The Canal | West Berkshire Villagers
West Berkshire Villagers | Things to Do\ Events | What’s On
Explore outdoor art with Richard Francis Bellin and learn to how to observe and paint in nature.
This event will take place at Victoria Park, Newbury – Meet by the Bandstand
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
Family Sculpture Workshop | West Berkshire Villagers
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Summer holiday Family Sculpture Workshop with artist Jemima Brown.
This event will take place at Victoria Park, Newbury.
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
In this fun, hands-on workshop we will use thermos flasks, scraps of fabric and other bits and pieces to create sculptures and pictures celebrating the women of the Greenham Common peace camp.
Booking essential as numbers will be limited.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Come and join Ollie and Natasha for a tour of the vineyard here at Alder Ridge, followed by a winemaking tutorial looking specifically at the wonderful world of sparkling wine!
You will then taste your way through all of the most famous sparkling wines of the world, including English sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Moscato d’Asti, and discuss the different climates and production methods in play.
A really fun way to spend an afternoon at the vineyard and learn about the wonderful world of sparkling wine – all accompanied with cheese and charcuterie!
(120mins approx.)
Tickets are £40pp and available to buy on the Berks Fizz website:
The 2021 Abingdon Summer Fireworks will be a celebration of light at the end of the storm we have all endured together, we will be making it a festival our visitors will not forget. It’s time to start making incredible memories together again!
Bring a picnic with your family and friends and enjoy incredible showcase Firework displays by guest display companies:
And of course the enormous, breath-taking closing show by the hosts and double British Firework Champions Illusion Fireworks Ltd filling the sky with magic!
Confirmed so far for 2021: Airborne Pyrotechnics – The Sydney Charles Display Team The Parachute Display Team supporting the RBL – Daytime and Night time pyro jumps from helicopters! Sky High Ballooning – The balloons will be back (wind dependent)
The FUNFAIR will be back! The VIP AREA will be back! CAMPING will be back!
PLUS we have a few more surprises up our sleeves too!
Abingdon Airfield, Abingdon, OX13 6JQ
5:00pm Gates Open 6:00pm Entertainment Starts 6:30pm Skydivers Day Jump 7:00pm Daylight Fireworks Display 7:30pm Hot Air Balloons 8.30pm Skydivers Pyro Jump 9:00pm Sydney Charles Display Team 9:30pm Cotswold Fireworks Ltd 9:50pm Flashpoint Fireworks Ltd 10:10pm 1st Galaxy Fireworks 10:30pm Illusion Fireworks Closing Show
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Curry Night
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Learn robust techniques on Indian and Thai curry making. You will cook a variety of dishes to easily replicate at home. Techniques on marinating and alternative cooking methods will be covered in this course.
How to cook fail-safe rice in the oven
• Dry rubs
• Wet marinades
• Thai curry with prawn
• Indian curry with chicken
• Aromatic salad
• Carrot bhaji
• Base sauces to take home
Course includes:
Arrive at 6pm for course introduction
Enjoy a supper made on the evening of curry and accompaniments, served with your choice of beer, wine or a soft drink
Leave at 9pm with your base sauce to make further curry at home
To take away: A base sauce made on the evening, and all notes and recipes from the evening.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
West Berkshire Villagers | What’s On | Things to Do | Events. Aynsley Lister is one of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists – many consider him to be among the best in the world. His unique brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing fueled with the kind of heart and soul that’s missing from so much modern music. Whether passionately writing and recording his own material or mesmerising audiences at his live shows, one thing is abundantly clear: music is hard-wired to his DNA and flows from his fingertips like sonic bolts of lightning. With over 100,000 albums sold, lashings of critical acclaim and years of high profile touring, Lister’s resumé speaks for itself and firmly secures his position as a leading light in the resurgence of British blues-infused music.
In hindsight, it’s clear Aynsley was born to be a musician. As a child he was hypnotised by his dad’s old guitar and at the age of eight was finally gifted his very own.The moment he held that first six-string the outcome was inevitable; he was going to be a guitarist. Blessed with the coolest dad in town, regularly spinning Hendrix, Cream, Fleetwood Mac and a whole host of bewitching blues for his spellbound son, Aynsley taught himself to play with relentless dedication and a precociously attuned ear, spending hours copying his favourite records note for note. Peter Green, Albert King, Clapton and Kossoff weren’t just his heroes; they became his teachers.
With the recent government advice, we want to do our utmost to ensure the health and safety of our audiences, staff, performers and wider community. For the foreseeable future, all of our events must adhere to social distancing guidelines. This page will be updated regularly to ensure customers are clear on the current processes helping to keep everyone safe. If you would like to know more about the social distancing guidelines, you can do so via the government website.
There is some important information that all customers planning on visiting Arlington Arts must remember and adhere to:
If you are feeling unwell, particularly with symptoms of COVID-19, please do NOT visit the venue.
Please bring as few possessions as possible. Our cloakroom will not be open to reduce potential contact and keeping the auditorium clutter free will also help reduce chances of transmission.
You MUST wear a face covering when inside the venue. Masks are available to purchase from the Box Office for £1.50.
Please use the hand sanitiser provided on arrival and exit, before and after using the toilets or lift and as often as you like.
If you pick up a leaflet/programme please take it with you.
Contactless payment is preferred at the bar.
If you know anyone interested in attending an event, please make them aware tickets must be purchased in advance.
If you make a reservation, we will be contacting customers to make payment prior to the show date.
City Arts Newbury 10 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire RG14 6DB
Recycle Reuse Repaint
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
A craft workshop for all ages with Charlotte Adcok.
This workshop is for children of all ages. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. A fun craft workshop exploring recycling and reusing tins and turning them into plant pots, suitable for all ages. You will recycle 2 tins and turn them into beautiful and useful plant pots.
We are going to learn how to paint and upcycle tins to give them a new life as a new beautiful yet functional object!
Note: Dress for mess and bring a bag or box for your child’s creations.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things To Do | What’s On. Fancy taking part in our pottery throw down?! Resident artist at The Base Cáit Gould will help you throw a pot on the potters’ wheel. Fancy taking part in our pottery throw down?! Resident artist at The Base Cáit Gould will help you throw a pot on the potters’ wheel. Using air dry clay you will be able to take home your thrown pot at the end of a 30 minute session!
This event will take place at Victoria Park, Newbury
We’re excited to welcome young people and families to Victoria Park this summer for a class, course or workshop, as part of the Out of Doors Festival. You can find some important information below about what to expect from your visit.
Toilets Unfortunately, we are not able to provide toilets for this event.
There are public toilets in Parkway shopping centre that you can use before your event starts, but please be aware that we are unable to let children and young people leave our sessions unattended.
If you are bringing your child to a drop-off class and you think your child may need the bathroom during their class, please stay close by so you can take them yourself.
First Aid Should you or your child require first aid during your class, please visit the Corn Exchange trike or speak to your practitioner. A Corn Exchange First Aider will be on hand either in the park or on call in the main Corn Exchange building.
Other things to bring: Please bring a water bottle. Our classes will be taking place on grass so please bring a picnic blanket/something waterproof to sit on.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide chairs. If you or a member of your household attending the class has mobility issues, we suggest you bring your own camping chair to sit on.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
We hope you enjoy our Out of Doors Festival!
Pastry, Dessert and Petit Four | West Berkshire Villagers
Pastry, Dessert and Petit Four | West Berkshire Villagers
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Pastry, Dessert and Petit Four
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Traditional cakes and desserts are at the heart of good home cooking. Here at The Woodspeen Cookery School we will show you how to produce restaurant standard desserts just as easy as the classics, while our tips on creative presentation will give you that finishing edge, our hands-on day will give you the opportunity to learn many techniques whilst making several desserts.
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Advanced Frenchic Furniture Painting
This workshop is designed for those that have attended the beginners workshop or who are experienced in using chalk paint. You will use Frenchic chalk & mineral paint and will learn dry brushing, distressing, wet distressing, crackle effect, stencilling & blending. You will need to bring one small piece of furniture to this workshop.
Frenchic Furniture Paint has no hidden nasties. It has also gone through rigorous testing to be certified for use on children’s toys (EN 71:3). You will need to supply a small piece of furniture you wish to upcycle, such as a small table or bedside unit. Paint, waxes and brushes are provided, but we strongly recommend you wear clothes suitable for painting or overalls to protect your clothing.
Plus the following in each picnic; -Crudities and Dip (v) -A Homemade Cake or Brownie (v) -Any Hot or Cold Soft Drink of your choice
HOW TO BOOK -Select number of vegetarian or meat picnics -Pay online -Go along to the café to collect your picnic between 12pm and 2pm on your selected date, with lead bookers surname and booking reference -On collection, choose your sandwich (meat or vegetarian depending on your booking preference) and drink -Take your picnic outside and enjoy!
Please note the House and grounds close at 4pm.
If you have any dietary requirements please telephone 01635 279279 with your booking reference (gluten, dairy, nut and egg free diets can be catered for). If you have any other requirements please contact Shaw House before making your booking.
Please note, pre-ordered picnics must be placed three days before the day of your visit.
Refund/cancellation policy. We understand that the great British weather may take a turn for the worst or your plans may need to change, if you would like to cancel your booking and request a full refund we ask that you contact us within 48 hours notice of your chosen picnic date. Please telephone 01635 279279 or email shawhouse@westberksgov.uk
Join Emma Mayo for a social Ballroom and Latin American Tea Dance in the Market Place. Waltz and Cha-cha away your Sunday afternoon and perhaps learn something new too!
This event will take place in the Market Place, Newbury
Priority booking opens to Members on Thursday 6 May. Tickets are available for general sale on Tuesday 11 May at 10am.
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Join them in Victoria Park for this fortnightly summer book club!
If your child loves reading books, talking about books, acting out books and making book art… this is the class for them!
Please remember to bring your face covering with you as visitors over the age of 11 are required to wear them on arrival. We will be limiting the number of people admitted to each event to ensure appropriate social distancing between each group and once you have been seated face coverings may be removed.
24
Summer Series of Events: Family Fun Days – Superhero Showtime
Summer Series of Events: Family Fun Days – Superhero Showtime
Summer Series of Events: Family Fun Days – Superhero Showtime
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Visit Newbury this summer to meet your favourite fairytale characters!
That’s right, it’s about time we had some human interaction again, and what a better way to put a smile back on your child’s face this summer holiday than to introduce them to their favourite classic children’s character.
Brought to you by us here at Visit Newbury, Newbury’s open-air, FREE Summer Series of Events, will bring together local residents and visitors from further afield to enjoy three Family Fun Days taking place at three key locations across town, in Market Place, Kennet Shopping Centre and Parkway Shopping.
The final Family Fun Day finishes with some of the most heroic and well-known superheroes, sure to brighten up the day of any budding hero!
See superhero shields used to fight-off villains as these superheroes take the day off to visit you right here in Newbury. Jollypop Entertainment will be providing musical shows (sing-along at your own desire!) and meet and greets across town.
In addition, family favourite, The Ugly Duckling, and creative arts venue, the Corn Exchange, will be providing free activities in the Market Place, where children will also be able to take advantage of a balloon modeller giving away free balloons and some classic children’s funfair rides.
The Ugly Duckling
Local pottery painting coffee shop, The Ugly Duckling, will be providing free activities throughout the day for both parent and child to enjoy.
Family Craft at the Corn Exchange
Join us for some summer holiday crafty fun. Paint, stick, draw or sculpt, you never know what the task may entail! Drop in from 10.30 – 12.00, or 13:00 – 16:00 to try something new.
To find out where you can find your favourite superheroes throughout the course of the day, please see the timetable below:
10am: Superhero Meet and Greets at Kennet Shopping
10.30am: Superhero Training Show at Kennet Shopping
11am: Superhero Meet and Greets at Kennet Shopping
11.45am: Superhero Parade to Parkway Shopping
12 noon: Superhero Training Show at Parkway Shopping
12.30 noon: Superhero Meet and Greets at Parkway Shopping
1pm – 2pm: Break
2pm: Superhero Meet and Greets at Parkway Shopping
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Who was buried at Sutton Hoo?
Do you have what it takes to unravel a great historical mystery?
Since its discovery just under 100 years ago, the treasure-filled Anglo Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo has left historians asking who exactly the burial was for. Hone your historical detective skills and piece together the clues found at the burial site to solve the great puzzle of the empty grave.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Scarrotts are back at Mill Lane Rec for the first time since lockdown for the much loved Lambourn Festival week, a great value family fun fair with something for all ages! 🤩🤩🤩
Proudly bringing all the fun of the fair to Lambourn for generations!
Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Rd, Abingdon OX13 5HB
Summer Screens Open Air Cinema
As Summer Screens celebrates 10 years of cinema under the stars, we arrive at the stunning Millets Farm Centre in August. Our 2021 season will be our finest yet and guests can expect a stunning venue, beautiful sunsets, fantastic drinks, delicious food, friends, family, loved ones and of course, a stellar line up of the finest films, back on the big screen for some starlit movie action!
Dates & Times: Wednesday 25th Aug – Dirty Dancing (12A certificate) – Gates Open at 7pm Thursday 26th Aug – Jurassic Park (PG certificate) – Gates Open at 7pm Friday 27th Aug – The Greatest Showman (PG certificate) – Gates Open at 7pm Saturday 28th Aug – In The Heights (12A certificate) – Gates Open at 7pm
Food & Drink: The Summer Screens bar is at all of our events serving up an array of alcoholic, soft and hot drinks, along with a great menu of delicious cinema food.
This year the bar is fully stocked with a selection of ales and lager from the award-winning Siren Craft Brew, cocktails courtesy of Funkin, and the ever-popular Alessandro Gallici Prosecco via Laithwaites. Our coffee will be freshly brewed and comes from those master roasters at Anonymous Coffee.
Peckish? Don’t worry we’ve got it covered in 2021 as the cinema welcomes onboard the kings gourmet popcorn Popcorn Shed. Our loaded nachos menu will also be available at all our events, with a host of delicious hot, cold and vegetarian toppings to choose from. You can expect the usual selection of sweet treats and chocolate too!
Ticket & Seating Options: The choice is yours at Summer Screens with allocated picnic pitches where you can roll out a blanket and open the hamper. Alternatively, pick one of our superb deckchair and gazebo packages, situated it a prime spot and complete with everything you need for a night of cinema under the stars!
General Entry Adults £15 | Under 16 £10.50 | Family Ticket £45
Seating All our seating and gazebo packages are situated in a prime position and come complete with a complementary drink, popcorn and chocolate.
Single Deckchairs £10 | Double Deckchairs (for 2) £25 | Gazebos £20 per person
Location: Located on the lower lawn by the Animal Walkway
Other useful information: Entry requirements… Please remember that the film certification applies at open air cinema events and identification will be required for youthful guests at 15 and 18 certificate films. Please also remember that we kindly ask you not to attend with infants and babies under 4 years old.
About Summer Screens… Summer Screens has been leading the way in open air cinema since 2011, pioneering outdoor film in the UK. Screenings are held throughout the country, with our experienced team turning a variety of venues into fantastic cinematic events.
From the lawn of a country house, to the ruins of a medieval cathedral, a city centre rooftop, to a boat floating down the Thames, Summer Screens has done them all, offering truly unique experience with a great laid-back vibe.
As the cinema celebrates 10 years of events, we return with our finest season yet. Expect stunning locations, beautiful sunsets, fantastic food and drink, along with your favourite films of the past decade back on the big screen!
Covid-19… Summer Screens has in place a host of measures to keep you as safe as possible when attending the cinema. All our events will continue to follow the government guidelines and our venues will operate at a reduced capacity.
Whilst there is the expectation that restrictions will be eased across the summer, we will continue to implement one ways systems, hand sanitising points, regular cleaning of communal area and social distancing, offering you the space and peace of mind to enjoy a night of cinema under the stars.
If an event is cancelled due to Government restrictions, you will receive an automatic refund.
Contact Information… Summer Screens provides customer support via email and guests can contact us by emailing hello@summerscreens.co.uk. We aim to reply within 48 hours.
Answers to most queries can be quickly answered by the customer visiting the Summer Screens website FAQ page.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
£125
BAND ACADEMY WITH LIVE PERFORMANCE
Learn to be in a band in just three days with the experts at Hogan Music! If you play the guitar, bass, keys, drums or sing – this is the course for you! This course is perfect for students in secondary school who have been playing or singing for two years or more. You’ll be learning new songs, mixing with like-minded students, working on stagecraft and building confidence so you can own the stage!
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Bring your pre-schoolers for a fun morning of accessible and interactive tales about the Vale and Downland Museum’s diverse collection, along with craft activities to bring each story to life.
Every Wednesday morning at 10am.
£5 (excl booking fees) per child, adults and children under 1 are free. Adults must book a free ticket.
For children aged 3 – 5 years. Due to social distancing measures we are limited to family groups of a maximum of 4 people, including at least 1 adult.
Please note there will be no Toddler Tales on 28th July & 18th August due to our FAMILY DAYS
Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Rd, Abingdon OX13 5HB
Folksy Theatre – ‘Little Red & The Big Bad Wolf’
We welcome Folksy for a performance of ‘Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf’
Little Red sets off through the forest to visit Grandma but the journey won’t be easy, not with all these distractions! The three pigs are building their new homes, Goldilocks is having problems with some bears and to top it all off, the Big Bad Wolf is out on the hunt for his dinner! Can Little Red help her friends and still outsmart the hungry Wolf?
Filled with live music, colourful characters and puppetry, this wonderful family musical has something for everyone!
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
For the Love of Coils
Micklems Farm | West Berkshire Villages
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.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Join us in the riverside garden at The Swan and try your hand at a range of circus skills!
Take flight on an aerial sling & imagine yourself as a trapeze artist! Master the art of the hula hoop. Challenge your acrobatics with a partner in Acro Yoga.
In this two hour circus skills workshop, you will have chance to try all of these activities, under the guidance of our qualified instructor team.
Suitable for all ages from 5yrs and over. The family ticket admits 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children.
A fun way to spend a school holiday afternoon and enjoy learning new skills together!
Coppa Club takeaway menu will be available for you to order from after you have worked up an appetite! Bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy a full afternoon by the river!
About Yasmin
Yasmin is an energetic and friendly teacher. She comes from a circus family and acrobatics & hanging around upside down is in her blood! Regular afternoons spent ‘playing Yoga’ with her many nieces and nephews sparked her interest in children’s yoga, which was promptly followed by teaching classes within local schools. Yasmin is a qualified to teach a vast variety of yogas, her certification for children’s yoga is with Rainbow Kids Yoga UK. She will be joined by Instructors Rachel & Roxy who will share their circus skills!
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
A Sunset paddle on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
We take advantage of the summer evenings with a relaxing paddle from the historic market town of Hungerford, towards the setting sun. Our route takes us through the North Wessex Downs an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Bring the Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf to life with your own cartoon retelling.
The heroic Anglo Saxon tale of Beowulf has been shared for over a thousand years. Join us this summer as we will bring the epic saga to life for children with storytelling and cartooning. Discover the courageous and monstrous characters, create your own cartoons to retell the story, and experiment with kenning poetry to describe the vivid scenes that unfold in this thrilling Anglo Saxon tale.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Garden Planters and Lanterns
Micklems Farm | West Berkshire Villages
With Spring approaching, now is the time to start thinking about the garden. During this workshop you will be able to make a lantern for use in the garden together with a pair of eye-catching planters. Debbie will start the day by showing some examples of garden lanterns and planters and will demonstrate the slab rolling, drawing and using a template and joining techniques. Once you have decided which shape to make, you’ll be off and raring to go. Debbie will also show you how to add texture for decoration. During the afternoon, you will be able to choose which colour glaze you would like for your work.
The pots will be left with Debbie 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.
Following government announcements, we will be reopening on Monday 17th May. We have contacted all students who had booked onto rescheduled workshops, if you have booked and haven’t received the email then please check your junk. If you are booked to attend a workshop then you will be offered the opportunity to hold
your place until it’s rescheduled or a refund. If you hold your place and cannot attend the new date then you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to book onto another workshop. If you have booked using a gift card, you will be offered the opportunity to hold your place until the new date is announced or a credit note.
Over the first lockdown, we spent time implementing various measures to make our studio as safe as possible for our students and tutors.
With just under 1000 sq ft of floor space, a new large demo area with a wall mounted monitor allows students to be socially distanced during tutor demonstrations
and our ten work stations are now set further apart with more open flow areas in the centre of the studio.
We have a central hands-free hand sanitising station which students and tutors use upon entry and throughout the day.
We use our very own fogging system using anti-viral disinfectant (tested against Coronavirus) after every workshop.
We are providing disposable cutlery at the tea and coffee station and paper hand towels for hand washing. We ask students to bring their own mugs and face masks.
As far as the weather allows, the large patio doors onto the garden will be kept open and we will have tables and chairs for eating lunch outside.
Students and tutors will be able to use our open plan kitchen/dining space and large conservatory to enjoy their lunch socially distanced and as the weather gets warmer we’ll have marquees erected in the grounds for students to use.
We hope that these measures will reassure you that we have done as much as we can to ensure your safety when attending workshops.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
Croft Hall Hungerford The Croft Hungerford RG17 0HY
Jack Lukeman
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Jack Lukeman is an Irish singer-songwriter, performer, raconteur and a whole lot more besides. A platinum-selling, critically acclaimed artist in his homeland, in recent years Lukeman has devoted more of his time to winning a growing fanbase in the UK and abroad. In this regard, he has toured the UK as Special Guest on tours by artists as varied as Imelda May, Jools Holland, The Proclaimers and Neil Sedaka. Along with the rest of the world Jack’s touring had all been moved several times then shelved. Finally, he returns to live shows in the UK, he hasn’t been idle in lockdowns, having performed 26+ livestreams, all different shows having learnt songs by some of his favoured artists, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and many more. A live lockdown album came from those sessions and he came close to doubling his Facebook followers. Lukeman is a compelling, dazzling stage performer. Incorporating the theatrical and romantic sensibilities of the likes of Jacques Brel, but with genuine melodic appeal and a knack for creating his own ‘magic realist’ world that is peopled by all manner of unusual, picturesque characters – Lukeman is a rare, unusual brand of performer.
The best music artists know that the world of the recording studio and onstage are two entirely different mediums – Lukeman’s recordings are colourful, absorbing collections, but it’s in the live environment, where his stage craft and desire to inspire really take flight. Despite the many achievements he has notched up in his lengthy career, Lukeman still has the hunger and drive to take his music to new audiences. Pre Pandemic, during 2019 he took to the road in the UK with his own headlining shows, and more special guest appearances with Caro Emerald, The Proclaimersand Jools Holland – offering yet more proof of the outstanding versatility and unique talent of Jack Lukeman. From clubs to concert halls, theatres to festivals, Lukeman has the performing power and compelling presence to win over the most demanding of crowds.
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Open Air Cinema: Top Gun | West Berkshire Villagers
As Summer Screens celebrates 10 years of cinema under the stars, they arrive at Shaw House in August. Their 2021 season will be the finest yet and guests can expect beautiful sunsets, fantastic drinks, delicious food, friends, family, loved ones and of course, a stellar line up of the finest films, back on the big screen for some starlit movie action!
Top Gun | 26 August 2021
Adults £15 | Under 16 £10.50 | Family Ticket £45 | Doors 6.30pm | Starts 8.15pm
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Open Air Cinema: Les Miserables
Description
Join us for an evening of socially distanced cinema under the stars at Shaw House.
Les Miserables
In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Join us at The Chequers Hotel in Newbury for an all night LIVE DJ set of Ibiza classics. Enjoy those perfect holiday vibes this summer with good music and a great party.
This event has now ended, please visit our events page for similar events
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Red Sky in 2021. We’re a family, and we can’t go two years without all being together. That’s why we’ve opted to move Red Sky in 2021.Our new dates will be over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 27-29th August 2021.
We’re working closely with the relevant authorities and Public Health England to make sure we have the right measures in place to make the festival safe for everyone. We will do everything it takes and will update you on specific actions as August draws nearer.
Tickets are still available to buy for Red Sky Feestival from 27th – 29th August 2021. Ticket sales have soared over the last week, so we expect tickets to sell quickly.
All exisiting tickets remain valid, and have automatically been rolled over to August.
If you can’t make our new August date please contact us at august@redskyfestival.co.uk by 1st April 2021 and we’ll be happy to help or roll your ticket over to May 2022.
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Woodspeen Classics
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | Things to Do | What’s On
Love our restaurant? Our team share the most popular starter, main course and dessert from this season, and teach you to confidently re-create some of our most popular restaurant dishes at home. We’ll share some of our kitchen secrets including ‘partition preparation’ where most of the cooking is done before your guests arrive leaving you to spend more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.
• Morning involves demonstrations and practical sessions making some of the components that make up some of the restaurant dishes • You will be fully capable of creating a Woodspeen classic starter, main course and dessert • Discuss what makes up great taste in a dish • Where possible we’ll be using produce from our own vegetable plots to start to create some of the classics • Enjoy your starter with your fellow cooks around The Chef’s Table for lunch, and your show-stopper dessert with some tea before you leave. The tutor will masterclass the main-course for you to re-create at home, and the main course you have made will be packed up for you to serve at home.
Course includes:
Arrival at 9.45am for tea and coffee and course introduction
Enjoy lunch around our Chef’s Table
We will keep you refreshed with tea, coffee and mineral water throughout the day, and your show-stopper dessert can be enjoyed with tea in the afternoon
Finish course at 3pm with the main course made on the day to take home
To take away: Main course made on the day and all notes and recipes.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Open Air Cinema: In The Heights | West Berkshire Villagers
As Summer Screens celebrates 10 years of cinema under the stars, they arrive at Shaw House in August. Their 2021 season will be the finest yet and guests can expect beautiful sunsets, fantastic drinks, delicious food, friends, family, loved ones and of course, a stellar line up of the finest films, back on the big screen for some starlit movie action!
In The Heights | 27 August 2021
Adults £15 | Under 16 £10.50 | Family Ticket £45 | Doors 6.30pm | Starts 8.15pm
Restaurant & Cookery School Lambourn Road, Woodspeen Newbury, RG20 8BN
Woodspeen Classics
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Love our restaurant? Our team share the most popular starter, main course and dessert from this season, and teach you to confidently re-create some of our most popular restaurant dishes at home. We’ll share some of our kitchen secrets including ‘partition preparation’ where most of the cooking is done before your guests arrive leaving you to spend more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.
• Morning involves demonstrations and practical sessions making some of the components that make up some of the restaurant dishes • You will be fully capable of creating a Woodspeen classic starter, main course and dessert • Discuss what makes up great taste in a dish • Where possible we’ll be using produce from our own vegetable plots to start to create some of the classics • Enjoy your starter with your fellow cooks around The Chef’s Table for lunch, and your show-stopper dessert with some tea before you leave. The tutor will masterclass the main-course for you to re-create at home, and the main course you have made will be packed up for you to serve at home.
Course includes:
Arrival at 9.45am for tea and coffee and course introduction
Enjoy lunch around our Chef’s Table
We will keep you refreshed with tea, coffee and mineral water throughout the day, and your show-stopper dessert can be enjoyed with tea in the afternoon
Finish course at 3pm with the main course made on the day to take home
To take away: Main course made on the day and all notes and recipes.
Spaces for this course are subject to minimum number of participants.
The Crown & Garter Great Common Road Inkpen Common Hungerford Berkshire RG17 9QR
Event Alert! We have a ‘Meet the Brewery BBQ’ with West Berkshire Brewery!
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Come along to The Crown and Garter on the 28th August and enjoy tasting a selection of your favourite local brewers beers. Not only that, you will also get a free beer at the bar from our WBB selection, BBQ food prepared by our chef (vegetarian option included) AND a goodie bag to take away with you!
Book your tickets now via the honesty website to reserve your place and avoid disappoint, this fantastic opportunity will not be available for long!
The Total Who Show – Talkin’ ’bout your generation!
Catch the Total Who Show by Johnny Warman’s Magic Bus – featuring musicians who have performed with Roger Daltrey and Simon Townsend from the band itself.
Get ready for two hours of hits and classics by The Who, songs from Tommy, Live at Leeds and Quadrophenia including all their greatest hits Won’t Get Fooled Again,
My Generation, Pinball Wizard, Who Are You, Substitute, Can’t Explain, The Seeker, I Can See For Miles and so many more.
And all performed by top musicians who have worked with The Who, Ringo Starr, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters and Humble Pie.
“Well worth checking these guys out. Not to be missed.” The Who
“Magnificent entertainment and great rapport with the audience throughout and they received a standing ovation at the end” The Herald
“Best 60’s Tribute Band ever with so much passion, energy and commitment” TimeOut
29
Lambourn Carnival
Lambourn Carnival
All day
29/08/2021
Lambourn Carnival
The Festival Committee has been giving a lot of though about whether our lovely Lambourn village will be able to hold a Carnival again this August. We know how much everyone is looking forward to a time when we can celebrate together. So……. this is the current situation:
We are of course going to take note of all the government advice and controls in place at the time, but, provided it is safe and practical to go ahead, the Carnival will be a yes! We do of course need to see the Government’s decision on 21st June before making any final decisions. Therefore please wait for further news before doing too much planning on the practical side! If the rules on face masks and social distancing are still in place we will not be able to run the Carnival. But, if everything goes to plan the Carnival will take place on August Bank Holiday Sunday – 29th August.
Here are a few familiar outdoor Festival Activities that you’ll still see this year:
Picnic on the Porch – Sunday 22nd or 29th August, depending on the Carnival
Scarecrow competition
Car Treasure Hunt
Photo Quiz
Scarrotts fun fair will proudly support carnival week as always at the rec!
There are also some new events planned that include; the sunflower growing competition, a chalk drawing competition, a movie challenge and a version of the old Fun Run. The Sunflower competition is already up and running, but watch this space for more info about the new planned events!
So, hope this is good news for everyone. The committee meet monthly and the next meeting is at the end of June, just after the Government announcement. If we have any updates in the meantime we’ll let you know.Happy planning! To keep up to date with everything Festival & Carnival join us on the Lambourn Carnival & Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/648777488559791
Northbrook Street and Bartholomew Street, Newbury RG14 1 DJ
Newbury Artisan Market
An exciting, destination market in Newbury Town Centre returns for 2021.
Newbury Artisan Market takes over the streets of Newbury on the last Sunday of the month. Think quality produce, original art, designer crafts & sizzling street food, all mixed in with family activities, music and more…
Our Food Court will get your taste buds tingling.
Our Designer-Makers promise to fill your bags and homes with gifts and all manner of unique designs and vintage treasures.
Our food producers will fill your cupboards with ciders and sauces, breads and pastries, meats and sweet treats.
To apply to trade, please email contact the LSD Promotions Head Office on 01384 877336 or email customerservice@lsdpromotions.com
We are excited to be back in action for 2021 for our 11th event at Englefield House
We are tracking the evolving COVID guidance from England Athletics, which currently suggests we should be able to run a normal event with no legal requirements for social distancing.
We will update our plans as guidance or the situation changes.
Blue Lemon Paddleboarding
Blue Lemon Paddleboarding
10:00 -12:00
29/08/2021
Blue Lemon Paddleboarding
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Kennet and Avon Canal.
Meet by the Teashop by the Canal for a gentle paddle out of the town into the rolling countryside. Upon our return you can sample the many delights that Newbury has to offer including open park spaces, a bustling market and a great selection of open air bars and cafes.
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Antiques and Brocante Market
Description
A unique French style Brocante market offering antiques, vintage, retro, decorative arts and bric-a-brac plus vinyl records on the Great Lawn at Shaw House. A great day out for all the family with free entry to Shaw House.
Light refreshments and picnic facilities will be available outside, the café will be open offering a take-out service.
Sunday 29 August | 10am – 4pm | No need to book | Free entry | Socially distanced outdoor event
ACVR Events run regular, a niche events in market towns in Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey. For stall holder enquiries please visit measures their website here.
Stockcross House
Stockcross House
12:00 -17:00
29/08/2021
Stockcross House Open Day
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Romantic 2 acre garden set around a former rectory (not open) designed to create vistas of the impressive church tower of St. John’s. Deep herbaceous borders with emphasis on naturalistic planting and colour combinations. Large orangery, wisteria and clematis clad pergola. Naturalistic pond on lower level and small stumpery. Folly and reflecting pond, croquet lawn and long rose clad wall.
Partial wheelchair access with some gravelled areas.
Features and Attractions
Plants from garden for sale.
Events: organizer: Susan & Edward Vandyk 07836 727212
Summer Series of Events: Chapter 4 – The Grand Finale: Big Band Day
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Newbury is set to be brought back to life as never before this summer, with its open-air, free Summer Series of Events.
The series, brought to you by us here at Visit Newbury, will bring together local residents and visitors from further afield to enjoy this cultural programme of live music and performance.
For the ultimate event in the series on Sunday 29th August, we’ve pulled out all the stops to bring to you a spectacular Grand Finale: The ‘Big Band Day’. Beginning at 12 noon, the series will consist of a platformed stage and will extend into the evening as 24 performers from nine different artists and bands take to the stage over the course of the day, tying up the end of the Summer Series at around 8pm.
Olivia McBeth
What Olivia lacks in years is certainly made up for in talent! The youngster has solidly put her stamp on the social media world with her pop song and ballad covers, as well as jazz and original music. She boasts a following of over 50k and at only 14, Olivia has already featured on BBC Berkshire’s up and coming artists. She is certainly one to watch!
Saxello
Saxello are a newly formed group playing a contemporary range of music from Jazz and funk, to pop covers past and present. Offering music to suit every taste, the saxophonist has travelled the world playing professionally for over 30 decades. His musical companion is a professional cellist, who studied at the reputable Royal College of Music, and has a diverse repertoire of musical talents. Despite being a duo, you can expect plenty more than the two instruments. Be prepared to watch in awe and enjoy the show- this is a performance and a half!
MisSpent Ukes
We have never seen so many ukueles in one place, and wow- we have been missing out! MisSpent Ukes formed five years ago after meeting at their local ukulele club. The band are often fully booked for weddings and events, as well as ukulele jams across the continent.
Slaughtered on Set
What started out as a friendly music session between friends for Slaughtered on Set has led to recording an album with 1k+ downloads across the globe. A local group, Slaughtered on Set are delighted to be performing in their home county, particularly after a recent booking at Newbury’s Corn Exchange was cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances. Their music is available to stream on a multitude of channels from Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer, to name a few.
RIP Love
After going into the studio to record back in 2017, RIP Love was invited to perform at a huge festival in Madeira. Fica na Cidade is an island-wide music celebration that fills the entire town of Funchal with music fans, who get to experience two whole weeks of live music, all day long. RIP supported the headlining act, a major Portuguese artist, on the main stage which was broadcast on live TV and across the internet.
The band play primarily classical guitar-led songs, alongside catchy tunes with bass undertones. The group love to experiment with different melodies, orchestrations and sounds and write their own songs, too!
Zoe Badman & The Band
Zoe Badman & The Band have played all around the UK hosting open mics and gigs in many bars and venues, plus festivals including Henley festival. The band provided headline music for events such as Live at Manchester Central, which accommodates an audience of over 10k, as well as Old Billingsgate in London. The band regularly perform at the Corn Exchange and local events, so please give them a warm welcome as they return to the stage for our Grand Finale: Big Band event!
XCS Soca and Reggae Band
XCS Soca and Reggae Band is made up of 4 to 5 musicians who are based in High Wycombe and Reading. The band has been gigging since 2004 and have played at many gigs in the UK, including festivals and carnivals around the country such as FrogFest in High Wycombe, Glastonbudget, Penn Meadow Summer Festival, as well as sporting events such as the London Marathon. The band specialises in Caribbean music and has been a backing group and a supporting group act for soca and reggae artists from the Caribbean.
Mike Hawthorne
Mike is an open mic night regular and says he feels most at peace when he’s with his guitar on the stage. Mike started playing in bands from the age of around 14 and has been a key member in several different bands over the years. 30 years on, Mike focuses on his solo work and can’t wait to share his music with you all in Newbury town centre!
Nina Jade
Nina Jade infuses elements of Hip Hop, Rap, R&B and Soul, with some songs making you wonder what might have happened if Amy Winehouse and Loyle Carner had collaborated. Nina has been mesmerising stages since the age of just 7 and even performed at the opening of the Oxford Fireworks at just 11-years old to an audience of 29,000 people. Nina’s gone on to achieve sell-out shows at O2 Academy supporting Craig Charles and performing at numerous festivals including Common People.
Plus the following in each picnic; -Crudities and Dip (v) -A Homemade Cake or Brownie (v) -Any Hot or Cold Soft Drink of your choice
HOW TO BOOK -Select number of vegetarian or meat picnics -Pay online -Go along to the café to collect your picnic between 12pm and 2pm on your selected date, with lead bookers surname and booking reference -On collection, choose your sandwich (meat or vegetarian depending on your booking preference) and drink -Take your picnic outside and enjoy!
Please note the House and grounds close at 4pm.
If you have any dietary requirements please telephone 01635 279279 with your booking reference (gluten, dairy, nut and egg free diets can be catered for). If you have any other requirements please contact Shaw House before making your booking.
Please note, pre-ordered picnics must be placed three days before the day of your visit.
Refund/cancellation policy. We understand that the great British weather may take a turn for the worst or your plans may need to change, if you would like to cancel your booking and request a full refund we ask that you contact us within 48 hours notice of your chosen picnic date. Please telephone 01635 279279 or email shawhouse@westberksgov.uk
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Enjoy the melodic sounds of the Pangbourne Band in the beautiful setting of Newbury’s Victoria Park between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday 1st August. The perfect end to day browsing the shops or enjoying lunch with friends at one of the town centre’s many cafes, pubs or restaurants.
Micklems Farm, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill, Berkshire RG10 9YD
Delicate Porcelain Vessels
Porcelain is beguiling- it’s translucency and strength have appealed in equal measure to ceramic collectors over the centuries. It was first made during the Chinese Tang dynasty and developed and improved through the following centuries. It is used in both liquid and solid form and it’s the solid variety we will be using in this workshop. It is not an easy substance to work with so we will be using a version of porcelain with paper fibres added to it to improve the work-ability, and the pieces we will be making will be small. Debbie will give some historical background to porcelain, with contemporary examples. She will demonstrate slab rolling and joining techniques and how to draw and use templates. She will also show you how to use texture and oxides to decorate and colour your work. Debbie will provide guidance and support through out the day on individual basis. 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 £40-45, payable to the tutor during the workshop.
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Who was buried at Sutton Hoo?
Do you have what it takes to unravel a great historical mystery?
Since its discovery just under 100 years ago, the treasure-filled Anglo Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo has left historians asking who exactly the burial was for. Hone your historical detective skills and piece together the clues found at the burial site to solve the great puzzle of the empty grave.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
West Berkshire Villagers | Events | What’s On | Things to Do
Become an Anglo Saxon Warrior
Transform yourself into an Anglo Saxon warrior at our summer arts and crafts sessions. Led by our Learning Officer, you will construct an Anglo Saxon helmet, emboss a replica silver brooch and weave a friendship bracelet using a traditional Viking weaving technique, whilst also learning about the history and significance of these objects.
Child £5 (excluding booking fees) Adults Free (must book a free adult ticket)
Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,00- a-week pocket money. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comp. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries find what money can’t buy! From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie comes this amazing production of David Walliams’ best-selling story!
