Limited edition Christmas macaron gift boxes

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Treat your loved ones to the gift of festive macarons from Giselle Richardson – the most delicious way to celebrate Christmas this year.

The hunt for the perfect last-minute Christmas gift just got a whole lot sweeter. Giselle Richardson, the acclaimed macaron brand, has unveiled the irresistible flavours for this year’s Limited Edition Christmas Macaron Gift Boxes.

These festive treats, made with the finest British seasonal ingredients, offer a truly unique edible gift that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Presented in exclusive, limited-edition packaging designed by the talented illustrator Anna German, the macarons come in a vibrant Twelve Days of Christmas theme, adding an extra festive flair to your gift. From nostalgic Christmas classics to exciting seasonal gifts, each macaron is a testament to Giselle Richardson’s dedication to creating mouth-watering flavours that everyone will love.

“Our Christmas macarons are all about celebrating the season’s best flavours,” says Giselle Richardson, the pastry chef behind the brand. “I’ve worked hard to bring together the best of British produce and festive favourites in these macarons. From the rich indulgence of chocolate caramel sea salt to the refreshing zing of apple bergamot, every bite is a little taste of Christmas joy.”

This Year’s Christmas Macaron Flavours Include:

• Chocolate
• Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt
• Apple Bergamot
• Gingerbread Orange
• Brandy-Caramel Poached Clementine (contains alcohol)
• Snowball (contains alcohol)
• Caramelised Pecan Cranberry
• White Chocolate Pomegranate Peppermint

Pre-order now to ensure your macarons arrive in time for Christmas. Orders will be dispatched on Saturday 21st December via Royal Mail Track 24, with delivery available UK-wide. Alternatively, you can collect your gift box directly from Giselle Richardson’s London kitchen or visit one of their markets across the capital.

The festive packaging features a two-sided design, with playful illustrations inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas, such as 3 French Hens and 7 Swans-a-Swimming. Choose your preferred design, or even opt for last year’s whimsical 9 Ladies Dancing or 10 Lords-a-Leaping designs.

For those gifting directly, you can also personalise your order with a note to add that extra special touch.

To order your Christmas Macaron Gift Box, visit CHRISTMAS MACARON GIFT BOX | PRE-ORDER NOW FOR XMAS DELIVERY – Giselle Richardson and pre-order today.

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Join Newbury’s Festival of Light

Karen Neville

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The illuminated parade takes to the streets of the town on Sunday, 15th December from 4pm in Market Place

The Corn Exchange Newbury is set to light up the streets of the town on Sunday 15th December, as their annual Festival of Light returns for another year to unite local people in an incredible illuminated procession.

From the terrific lantern making workshops, to opportunities to lead this phenomenal parade as part of their community Samba band, everyone is welcome to come together to celebrate the festive season.

The Festival of Light has seen over 30,000 people engage in the festival over the past 12 years, with 9,600 people having participated in the parade during that time. The parade will travel along Northbrook Street before arriving in the Market Place where locals can expect catchy live music.

The Corn Exchange have been running lantern making workshops at 101 Outdoor Arts and in local schools so pupils can ignite their creativity for the festive celebration.

Workshops have also been held for the community Samba band inviting as many people as possible to take part. Led by Reading based Music Charity Readipop featuring experienced drummers from Beatroots Bateria, they have guided participants through the process of learning the samba instruments, rehearsing the patterns and routines and forming a marching drumming troupe to perform at the magical winter parade.

Based on a former US nuclear airbase outside Newbury, 101 Outdoor Arts has grown to be a unique powerhouse for creativity, supporting the creation of hundreds of performances and installations destined to be showcased at festivals, major arts events and cultural programmes both across the UK and internationally. Whilst the Corn Exchange Newbury have been presenting outdoor events in Newbury for over 12 years, this year marks ten year since they opened the 101 National Centre for Arts in Public Space. With the support of Arts Council England and Greenham Trust, they host hundreds of artists every year in the centre’s unique facility, which includes residential accommodation and scenic fabrication facilities, and where the lanterns and festival programme will be created ready for the procession on the 15th December.

101 Outdoor Arts produces a year-round, free programme of national and international outdoor arts performances with the Corn Exchange Newbury, engaging thousands of audiences annually, and striving to involve thousands of local participants, volunteers and community groups across Newbury to widen the scope for creative engagement in the arts.

Corn Exchange Newbury’s Director, Jessica Jhundoo-Evans comments, The Festival of Light is always a highlight of the year for us; bringing together local people and volunteers to create beautiful lanterns and bringing our community together in an illuminated procession. It is a joy to see families and friends gather to enjoy this magical event and to know that people love it enough to keep it fixed in their calendars.

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Twelve wild days of Christmas

Karen Neville

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Fox © Jon Hawkins

Karen Neville

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12 Days Wild is the festive challenge by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife (BBOWT), from 25th December to 5th January.

Are you up for the challenge of doing one wild thing every day or night…?

Sign up at 12 Days Wild (2024) | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust and you’ll receive daily inspirational emails packed with fun ideas to help you embrace winter walks in nature or the magic of night-time star gazing – to lift your mood and much more!

Illustration © Corinne Welch

You could:

• Track animals by looking for footprints in the mud or snow
• Go star gazing on a clear night
• Go winter wildlife watching on a walk at a nature reserve
• Or even volunteer at a nature reserve – nature will appreciate it
• Make a New Year’s resolution to help nature. What will you do in 2025?

BBC TV presenter and Wildlife Trust Vice President Iolo Williams, says: “From dawn to dusk, winter wildlife is busy all around us. Otters are always up early and if you see a trail of bubbles in the water, you’ll know they’ve spotted you first. Night-hunting barn owls venture out on cold winter days to find extra food and will woosh past you in the winter sun. Then, at dusk, starlings gather in the sky forming ever-shifting shapes and patterns known as murmurations. There are so many wildlife adventures to be had during 12 Days Wild – I hope you enjoy them.”

Liz Shearer, Community Engagement Director at BBOWT says: “To mark 12 Day Wild this year I’ll be pledging to connect with nature for at least 10 minutes every day. Whether it be a walk amongst the winter trees, watching birds in a tree across a cold and frosty park, or noticing the clouds on a bright day, I often find that stepping outside and taking a moment to connect with wildlife is a powerful way to recharge my batteries. 12 Days Wild is a great opportunity to create some space for yourself, which at this time of year can feel like a real gift.

“Committing to something manageable will make it even more enjoyable. Observe how weather changes the landscapes and check in with yourself – how do you feel within them? Noticing our own relationship with the natural world is the first step to taking action to safeguard it. So, I encourage you to stop for a moment, listen, and see what wild means to you.”

Spending time in nature – night or day – is proven to help people feel happier and healthier. A Wildlife Trusts’ survey found that participants of the 30 Days Wild summer challenge felt 56% more connected to nature after taking part, and that it boosted the health of participants by an average of 30%.*

There’s more information on the challenge at: 12 Days Wild | The Wildlife Trusts

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Twisty short stories for World Vision

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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North Ascot writer’s book raises funds for children in Ukraine

Can you spot the twist before the twist gets you? That’s the challenge being laid down by Peter Frost and all for a good cause.

Peter who lives in Blackmoor Wood has sponsored an African child for more than 20 years through the charity World Vision.

When the Ukraine war broke out he was contacted by World Vision asking for donations for Ukraine children, which he did but he also had the idea of publishing a book of stories to help contribute further.

Peter says: “The book of stories, Uncle Chris’s Collection of Crafty Short Stories, came about because I was an Innovation Manager at a company where my role was to come up with neat ideas. I’ve used this thinking to think of clever story twists and have created stories around them.

“The stories are all cosy mysteries and are all very different to each other. The aim is for the reader to have a quick read story (10 minutes) where the story has a twist at the end and the reader has to ‘spot the twist before the twist gets you!”

“My thinking was that instead of donating money, people might donate more if they had something for it, so by buying a book we might get more donations.”

He has told World Vision about the book and that it is mentioned in the back of it, and the aim to raise £500 (more if the book does well!) and they are now looking forward to the further support.

The book has just been published and is on Amazon (as paperback, and soon to be Ebook) and is also available from Waterstones.

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Support Treloar’s Winter Appeal

Karen Neville

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Treloar’s Winter Appeal launches on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Can you contribute to their fundraising?

This year’s Treloar’s Winter Appeal will focus on raising funds to replace 54 hoists across the school.

Hoists are a life-changing piece of equipment that allow individuals to maintain their independence and dignity, by safely manoeuvring them within their classrooms, learning areas and residential houses.

The Maxi Sky 600 hoists used across Treloar’s are coming to the end of their working lives and will become obsolete by December 2025. The school currently has 154 of these hoists – all of which are in constant daily use. Each new hoist costs £910.

The school is urgently fundraising to replace the remaining 54 hoists. Over the years, the complexity of Treloar’s students’ needs has increased, and today all students are wheelchair-users. The majority have a sensory impairment and over half use assisted speech technology to communicate. For nearly all students, getting out of their wheelchair is impossible without assistance. Having hoists enables students to get out of their wheelchairs in their classrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, swimming pool and leisure areas.

Clare Bradford, Joint Head of Physiotherapy at Treloar’s said: “Given our students’ complexities, hoists are an absolute necessity for safely manoeuvring our students within their classrooms and learning areas and in the residential houses. The hoists also enable students to access a variety of equipment and environments. This includes being able to get onto their trikes or access the trampoline, swimming pool and soft play. Hoists are found in all common rooms, physiotherapy rooms and in students’ bedrooms and bathrooms. Having hoists available in each room plays a huge role in unlocking the potential in our students and enabling them a greater level of independence, choice and comfort. If you are able, please help us provide hoists for all our students by donating to our winter Appeal.”

Treloar’s Student, Leon, said: “It’s nice to be out of my wheelchair. I had never been hoisted before I got to Treloar’s so it’s nice to not be sitting down all day now. I like getting out of my chair – it’s not good to be in it all day so it’s good to do other stuff.”

Another student added: “Having a hoist in class is marvellous, I can now do walking and standing with my friends and not miss out on anything else.”

Can you help?

This winter, help us lift lives at Treloar’s – JustGiving

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Taste nostalgia at Six by Nico

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Running for six weeks, December 16th to January 26th, this latest cast of courses brings a delicious return to the past

Get ready to taste your way down memory lane. Six By Nico, Oxford, is serving up deja food with its latest six-course tasting menu, Nostalgia.

Perfectly timed for the festive season, this menu captures the nostalgic magic of Christmas and New Year. Diners will have the chance to relive the joy of their childhood through flavours that feel like home, while younger guests can ride the wave of a golden era and experience delicious retro moments for the first time. 

It’s a menu that brings the taste of yesteryear to life, with each dish crafted to capture those classic flavours and playful twists from the past – think the comforting bite of a fish finger sarnie, the warm, smoky flavours of a campfire feast and the unmistakable nostalgia of a VHS-era movie snack.

Known for reinventing its menu every six weeks, Six by Nico transports diners to new worlds with each visit. With Nostalgia, its inviting guests to enjoy a taste of the past, where familiar favourites get a fresh, modern twist. Each plate offers a delicious reminder of childhood memories, reimagined with inventive flair, one playful bite at a time.

Chef Nico Simeone, the creative mind behind Six by Nico, reflects on the inspiration for the menu: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories. Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.

“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”

Priced at £50 per person, bookings are now open for a taste of Nostalgia at Six by Nico, Oxford. Guests can also enjoy their meal with either optional wine or cocktail pairings. Each course is crafted to bring back fond memories of childhood favourites, reimagined with a modern twist, while letting the festivities linger just a little longer.

Here’s a throwback to the childhood favourites diners can look forward to:

Snack – ‘Space Raiders’

Crushed Baby Potato, Pickled Onion, Garlic Emulsion & Fermented Melon Hot Sauce

Course 1 – ‘Blockbuster’

Aged Comté, Hazelnut & Serrano Ham in a “Taco”

Course 2 – ‘Super Mario’

Roasted Maitake, Smoked Celeriac, Cep Gnocchi, Lovage, Truffle & Sherry Cappuccino

Course 3 – ‘Let’s Go Camping!’

Smoked Pork Sausage, Aged Belly, Red Pepper Romesco, Nasturtium & Almond

Course 4 – ‘Fish Fingers’

Barbecue Coley, Miso Carrot, Lobster Emulsion

Served with a Crispy Fish Finger, Shellfish Bisque & Salted Kumquat

Course 5 – ‘Guess Who’

A classic game inspires our dish, but can you Guess Who?

Course 6 –  ‘SNOWBALL FIIIIGHT’

Coconut Parfait, Lime Gel, 55% chocolate & Yoghurt “Snow”

Book at Nostalgia – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Pantomime japes, jeers & jokes

Karen Neville

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Love them or loathe them, pantomimes are most people’s first introduction to the theatre, the tales of good triumphing over evil are as old as time but that doesn’t stop their enduring allure. So book your tickets and take your seat…

Boo, hiss or sealed with a kiss, if it’s December then it must be panto month so start practising your jeering and cheering and tuck into those sweets as you enjoy the tale of Sleeping Beauty at Oxford Playhouse. Evil fairy curses baby, baby grows into a beautiful teenage princess, princess pricks her finger on a spindle and… time travels across 1,000 years. Oh no, she doesn’t? Oh yes, she does in this spellbinding new production. This Aurora must summon all of her fairy-given gifts – true friendship, intelligence, bravery and a good night’s sleep (along with a teddy bear and a mysterious 1985 Smash Hits Yearbook) to put things right and regain her rightful place in the kingdom of Oxland. Find out if she succeeds until Jan 5th. Tickets at Sleeping Beauty | Oxford Playhouse

If you fancy a trip to the theatre but without the booing and hissing and calls of ‘he’s behind you’ then how about the powerful emotive First World War tale War Horse, Dec 10th-Jan 4th at New Theatre, Oxford. The National Theatre production takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of France. Filled with stirring music and songs, at its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. Tickets from War Horse Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets In the new year look out for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jan 7th-11th and get ready to sing along with all the familiar tunes, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets

This Christmas The North Wall will be transformed into an atmospheric winter wonderland full of magic, mystery, and misadventure. Join Hansel, Grettel, and a host of bewitching characters and feathered friends as they serve up a musical menu of catchy songs, mystical spells, and just a touch of winter magic. Journey deep into the heart of the woodland, where the Witches of Winter rise from the frozen earth to prepare for the awakening of their leader, a mysterious witch known as the Priestess of Winter. Only the birds can save them from the most powerful witch in the land. Join Hansel & Grettel from Dec 1st to Jan 4th. Book tickets at Hansel & Grettel – Creation Theatre

It’s never too early to introduce your little ones to the magic of theatre. Head to Burton Taylor Studio at Oxford Playhouse where the sleigh is loaded, the elves are ready but Father Christmas can’t find his keys or his glasses or his boots… and now he’s making a flask of tea! Hurry Up, Father Christmas! It’s Christmas Eve and it’s time to go! This interactive show is perfect for children aged 3 to 6 years. It’s off to the North Pole for stories, songs, activities, and adventures and to help get the sleigh on its way. Dec 4th-29th. Book at Hurry Up Father Christmas! | Oxford Playhouse

Chipping Norton Theatre’s Christmas panto reaches for the clouds with the most gigantic panto of them all Jack and the Beanstalk. Join Jack on his giant adventures to the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord with a talking cow and a band of musical horned helmets in search of true love and world peace! This festive treat runs until Jan 12th. Tickets from Pantomime | Jack & the Beanstalk | Chipping Norton Theatre

Join Buttercross Theatre Productions for a delightful adventure with Puss in Boots! This hilarious and heartwarming production promises an unforgettable experience for the entire family. Step into the whimsical world of Much-Rabitting-on-the-Dale, where a clever cat with magical boots sets out to transform the fortunes of his master, the kind-hearted but humble Jack. Packed with lively songs, enchanting characters, and plenty of panto fun, this show has everything you love about traditional pantomime. Dec 19th-24th & 28th-31st. Book at Buttercross Theatre Productions event tickets from TicketSource.

Younger ones will love A Winter’s Tale at The Beacon, Wantage on December 22nd. The snow is falling. Ratty wants everything to be really rat-tastic! But will her friends make it through the snow to the winter woodland revels? Can you help them on their journey? There’ll be excitement, adventure, play-acting, games, music, a splattering of silliness and lots of snow! The show includes a stay and play session, and is created for ages 2+ and their grown-ups. Visit A Winter’s Tail – The Beacon Wantage to book. 

Put your glass slippers on for a night out at Cornerstone Didcot, where you’ll find Cinderella, the girl who dreams of a life more exciting, far away from her wicked stepsisters. Thanks to her faithful friend Buttons, the Fairy Godmother and her wand and the dashing Prince Charming anything is possible. Expect plenty of laughs, professional performers, stunning sets and lavish costumes in this dazzling spectacle from Dec 18th-31st. Book at Cinderella | Cornerstone

Of course pantos aren’t just for Christmas, many local theatre groups are spreading the joy and fun into the new year. Follow the adventures of Dick Whittington with Sinodun Players in the classic tale of young Dick and his loyal cat as they set off in search of fame and fortune in London, where the streets are said to be paved with gold. Take your seat at the Corn Exchange Wallingford from Jan 17th – Feb 1st. Ticket info at » Dick Whittington

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Pantomime japes, jeers & jokes

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Love them or loathe them, pantomimes are most people’s first introduction to the theatre, the tales of good triumphing over evil are as old as time but that doesn’t stop their enduring allure. So book your tickets and take your seat…

Boo, hiss or sealed with a kiss, if it’s December then it must be panto month so start practising your jeering and cheering and tuck into those sweets as you enjoy the classic rags to riches tale of Cinderella at Hexagon Reading, Dec 7th-Jan 5th. Starring CBeebies favourite (and Reading stalwart) Justin Fletcher as Buttons, expect tons of slapstick, audience interaction and sing-along musical numbers. Get your tickets and your glad rags on and don’t be late for the ball! Tickets at Cinderella Christmas Panto | What’s On Reading

Boom Boom! Join Britain’s favourite fox Basil Brush at Theatre Royal Windsor where you can look forward to traditional panto capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a sprinkling of magic as you join Dick Whittington to see if the streets of London really are paved with gold. Join Dick on his journey until January 12th. Book at Dick Whittington 2024 – Theatre Royal Windsor

Are you ready for a legendary adventure? Then look no further than South Hill Park’s popular pantomime, Robin Hood and the Magic Arrow. Join Robin Hood and his Merry Crew as they attempt to save the people of Bracknellingham from the wicked Sheriff’s sky-high taxes. Whether you’re a seasoned panto-goer or a newcomer to the festive fun, South Hill Park’s panto is sure to hit the target this Christmas. It’s Robin Hood like you’ve never seen before until Jan 5th. Visit Robin Hood & The Magic Arrow – South Hill Park Arts Centre for tickets. 

Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the fairest panto of them all? It’s Snow White at the Kenton Theatre from Dec 14th-30th. This fun-filled festive extravaganza is bursting at the seams with all the ingredients audiences have come to expect from a much-loved pantomime: dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, and maybe even the odd water gun or two! Book at Snow White – Kenton Theatre

Take your seat for the seasonal The Snow Queen at Reading Rep until Dec 31st. Kai and Gerda are living happily in Odense, Denmark in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale but in snowy wastelands, the Snow Queen awaits. When Kai disappears, Gerda sets out into the icy landscape to find her friend on an adventure where she comes face to face with her greatest fears. Book tickets at The Snow Queen – Reading Rep Theatre

When Buttons has a bad dream one night, he doesn’t begin to imagine that this could mark the start of the end! With Pantoland crumbling into a downward spiral of never-ending baddy badness, will the goodies be able to save the day? Bursting with well-known characters borrowed from all your favourite pantomimes, a delightful medley of music to entertain all ages, comedy capers, creepy caves, a big red button, thigh slaps galore and of course the odd custard pie or two, Buttons’ Dream is a real pantomime for our time with something for everyone. Join Twyford Drama on Jan 17th-19th for the world premiere of a magical new tale written and directed by Twyford Drama’s very own Panto Princess Emma Cianchi. Call the box office on 0118 328 2825 or visit Twyford Drama event tickets from TicketSource.

Try those glass slippers on in the company of Cinderella, Buttons, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother, not forgetting the ugly sisters in the much-loved panto favourite Cinderella. The magical, musical and hilarious tale for the whole family is brought to you by Wokingham Pantomime Group, a group of local residents who come together to bring panto to you. Book your tickets for The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School on Dec 29th and 30th at Wokingham Pantomime event tickets from TicketSource.

Could you fall in love with a Beast? That’s what Beauty must do in the Riverside Players production of Beauty and the Beast at the Memorial Hall, Old Windsor, Dec 6th-8th & 12th-14th. This traditional version of the show (not the Disney musical version) will entertain young and old. Call the box office on 07803 705437 or visit Riverside Players to book tickets. 

Christmas isn’t just for pantos and over at The Mill at Sonning you can enjoy the classic White Christmas. Irving Berlin‘s much-loved Broadway musical is based on the beloved film. This heartwarming show, follows two World War II veterans as they team up with a sister act to save a local inn and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with so many memorable songs including Blue Skies; Sisters; How Deep is The Ocean – and of course White Christmas. Immerse yourself in White Christmas until Jan 25th. Book at Mill at Sonning

Pantos aren’t just for Christmas with Shinfield Players inviting you to Sleeping Beauty from Jan 17th-26th at Shinfield Players Theatre RG2 9DF. Will Rose find her true love and be awoken from her slumbers in this traditional family version of the tale. Book tickets at Sleeping Beauty at Shinfield Players Theatre event tickets from TicketSource

Boo, hiss or sealed with a kiss, if it’s December then it must be panto month so start practising your jeering and cheering and tuck into those sweets as you enjoy the tale of 
Dick and his trusty cat on their quest for fame and fortune from Newburyshire to London. It soon becomes clear that perhaps everything is not as it seems. There’s festive fun for the whole family in this panto packed with magic and chart topping songs. Follow Dick Whittington on his adventures until Jan 5th. Call the box office on 01635 522733 or book via Dick Whittington Pantomime 2024 | Corn Exchange Newbury

This Christmas, the most famous puppet the world has ever known is coming to the Watermill Theatre in this brand-new musical adaptation of Pinocchio. Pinocchio’s parents dream of a bright future for their wooden son, he, however, dreams of adventure and sets off on a path of fun and freedom ready to discover the world. Along the way, Pinocchio is confronted with big decisions and a menagerie of colourful characters, leading to calamitous consequences as he starts a fire, turns into a donkey, and even ends up inside a whale! With courage, heart, and a sprinkling of magic, Pinocchio celebrates what it means to grow up; the mistakes we make, the lessons we learn and the power of unconditional love. Join the mischievous puppet until Jan 5th. Tickets from Pinocchio by Pinocchio

Pantos aren’t just for Christmas with Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society bringing Robinson Crusoe to the stage, Feb 20th-22nd at Kennet School, Thatcham. Long John Silver and his fearsome pirate crew are hunting for their lost treasure but to find it they’ll first need to recover their missing treasure map! But those dastardly sea-dogs didn’t count on Jim Hawkins and his mum getting to the map first! With the help of the cake loving Squire Trelawney and his adventurous daughter Jenny, Jim and his mum are heading off across the sea to find their fortune on a ship crewed by what looks suspiciously like Pirates and the ladies of the Smuggler’s Cove Women’s Institute! Who will get to the treasure first? How many cakes can the Squire eat? How did the Women’s Institute get involved? The answers to all this & more will be revealed! Book your tickets at CURRENT PRODUCTION | KATS Website

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Pantomime japes, jeers & jokes

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Love them or loathe them, pantomimes are most people’s first introduction to the theatre, the tales of good triumphing over evil are as old as time but that doesn’t stop their enduring allure. So book your tickets and take your seat…

The clock is ticking so pop on your glad rags and grab your tickets to the ball at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon for the timeless tale of Cinderella, the young girl desperate for a life of glamour and excitement and to escape her wicked stepsisters. A pair of shoes really can change your life as you’ll find out from Dec 7th-Jan 5th. Book at Book Cinderella tickets | Wyvern Theatre Swindon

Join Father Christmas and his Chief Elves in the North Pole as they get ready for Christmas Eve at Swindon Arts Centre. Father Christmas has decided to give Mrs Claus a well-earned rest so has enlisted his elves – and you – to help him complete an ever-growing to-do list! He needs your help to check the ‘naughty and nice’ list, look after his reindeer, and so much more… all before the clock strikes! Guaranteed to be jam-packed with more jokes than a Christmas cracker, this is an adventure the whole family can enjoy with magic, songs, and festive cheer throughout! Enjoy The Father Christmas Show, A Festive Panto Adventure from Dec 18th-24th. Book at Book The Father Christmas Show tickets | Swindon Arts Centre

Mirror, mirror on the wall… What’s the greatest pantomime of them all? Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Bath Theatre Royal of course… Poor Snow White is doomed to live unhappily ever after with her horrid stepmother, the Wicked Queen. In true rags-to-riches style, will Snow White, with the help of her madcap friends and a handsome Prince, vanquish the Queen’s evil plans? With a beautiful princess, a jealous Wicked Queen, seven bumbling dwarfs, a delicious Dame, a hilarious jester and not forgetting a poisoned apple and a magic mirror, it’s not to be missed! Bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter, this is a magical treat for all. Bath’s must-see Christmas show runs from Dec 12th until Jan 12th. Tickets at Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs — Theatre Royal Bath

You’ll be egg-cited by the panto at the Theatre Royal Winchester this year. Have a gander at Mother Goose, Nov 30th-Jan 5th. Poor Mother Goose’s fortunes change when she meets the magical Priscilla, the goose that lays golden eggs! But when Priscilla is stolen away, Mother Goose and her son Jack embark on an adventure (or wild goose chase!) to rescue her, with a little help from their friends and you, of course! Visit Mother Goose | Theatre Royal Winchester to book. 

Head to Salisbury Playhouse this festive season for a magical family pantomime extravaganza. With dazzling dances, laugh-out-loud hilarity and sparkling songs from a live band, Sleeping Beauty promises pure festive joy for the entire family. Embark on an unforgettable adventure as Princess Stella falls under the wicked curse of evil Fairy Badflix, doomed to sleep for a hundred years. Can her loyal friends and family break the spell? Will the forces of good triumph over evil? And is there a charming prince in Salisburyshire ready to save the day? Don’t snooze and miss out! Get your tickets for the panto which runs until Jan 12th at Sleeping Beauty | Pantomime 2024/25 | Wiltshire Creative

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Win Binoclarity book & unique artwork

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Earlier this year we featured Thomas Newport’s book Binoclarity charting his journey along the River Thames, the characters and stories bringing it to life and now Thomas is offering the chance to win a copy and limited edition artwork

Author Thomas Newport writes:  You may well recall the double page feature called ‘Riveting Riverside Life‘ about Binoclarity book that ran in August’s issue of R&A Magazine.

The feature recounted how this fascinating Thames-Valley focused true-life book covers everything worth knowing about the River Thames, from the many world-changing innovations, eccentrics, large plane crashes, little-known histories, caped crusaders, dimwitted robbers, highwaymen, local business barons, eccentrics, marauding escaped exotic animals, through to a shocking recent rural serial murder epidemic and much much more! Binoclarity is available on Amazon as ebook or paperback.

To enter for a chance of winning a free signed copy or a Limited Edition signed artwork by the author, then please answer this question – which of the following Thames Valley places (clue-there is only one) do not feature extensively in the book? Thames Head, Cricklade, Lechlade, Swindon, Snowdonia, Oxford, Abingdon, Sonning, Marlow, Wargrave, Henley-on-Thames, Cookham, Maidenhead, Bray, Windsor, Wraysbury, Staines-upon-Thames, London.

The top prizes are two signed and numbered ‘Chip Butty Bread’ artworks by the author Thomas Newport. These breads made from genuine solid travertine stone, feature two wooden chips per piece and are the first limited edition works of art associated with this book! The Chippy Butty Breads offered here are from a strictly limited edition of only 10 pieces in total. Each bread is mounted on an attractive solid wooden base. There are two runners up prizes of signed copies of Binoclarity book. All prizes will be sent by post to the winners.

The closing date for the competition is December 31st.

Please email your answer to the author at [email protected]

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