Free magical entertainment in Fleet

Karen Neville

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Santa’s Post Office and Snow Windows herald the start of the festive season

The Fleet Business Improvement District has launched their family activities this Christmas. They are completely free and offer an amazing experience and are a great reason to visit the town.

The Fleet BID has commissioned Snow Windows to decorate 24 windows in the town. Each window has been personally designed by artist Tom and features elements particular to that business. Each window is a unique piece of art and both children and adults will enjoy being able to visit the windows and spot the details that make each artwork so special.

Santa’s Post Office also makes a welcome return to Fleet launching in Hart Shopping Centre at the Fleet Christmas Festival on November 23rd. Families can visit the enchanting Post Office to meet the Christmas elves and write their letter to Santa. Children can post their letters in the special Post Box and watch its magical journey to Lapland. Even better this is completely free.

One delighted parent, who visited in previous years said: “We went in today with my two kids and they loved it! Both my husband and I were so impressed and felt incredibly lucky to have something so special in Fleet. A real testament to a wonderful community. A massive thank you to Fleet BID for putting something so special together that local families can enjoy!”

Volunteers from Fleet Guide are manning the Post Office, helping them to raise awareness of the great work they do in our local community.

Tracey Shrimpton, Fleet BID Manager said: “We are very excited to bring these free actives to Fleet this Christmas. Santa’s Post Office is a magical experience and Snow Windows have worked with companies such as Harvey Nichols and celebrities including Jamie Oliver, Kirstie Allsopp and Chris Moyles so we’re extremely lucky to have been able to bring them to Fleet.

“We recognise that families may find the pressure to spend money stressful this Christmas and we’re delighted that we can offer something very special for families to enjoy that they can do completely free of charge.

“We are lucky to have such a fabulous range of committed small business owners who open their doors every day to offer customers unique services and products, with local staff to provide help and advice. The High Street is facing many challenges right now and our mission is to support businesses in Fleet with a number of activities to improve the trading environment and this is a great opportunity for people to show their support for local businesses which are the lifeblood of our community.”

In addition to Fleet BID’s activities a committed team of volunteers are organising the annual Fleet Christmas Festival taking place on Wednesday 23rd November from 2pm to 9pm with over 130 market stalls, family entertainment, choirs and Christmas songs, Vegan Village, community stalls, Hart of Craft market in the Shopping centre, Santa’s Grotto in The Harlington, Autism Friendly Fleet Chill Zone in the shopping centre and the Christmas Lights switch on at 6.30pm. The Festival Committee have also organised a Christmas Trail which runs until December 9th with prizes to be won.

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Christmas with The National Trust

Karen Neville

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Set a date to come together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up at a visit to a National Trust site in Surrey

Across Surrey, there’s a real variety of Christmas experiences for festive family days this year. There’s spectacle and sparkle for those ‘wow’ moments and selfies. Opulent decorated houses to get glamour-lovers in the mood for the party season. And nostalgic family trails in the great outdoors to rekindle the magic of Christmas.

Michael Leigh, National Trust General Manger for the Surrey Landscapes said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more decorations and events than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust care for.”

Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Surrey. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey

The spectacular one

Polesden Lacey

12 days of Christmas – December 3rd to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)

Celebrate Christmas in style at Polesden Lacey. Explore this sumptuously decorated house and wintry grounds, sparkling with Christmas splendour and a few spectacles on the way. Breathtaking displays in the decorated house count down the Twelve Days of Christmas, from swans-a-swimming to a golden partridge in a secret, snowy courtyard. Follow children’s trails to find magic across the house and grounds or take a stroll across the gardens. With live music on selected Fridays and Saturdays and festive food and drink in the café, all the sights, sounds and flavours of Christmas are here.

Image: National Trust / Ed Tuddenham
The fun one

Winkworth Arboretum

Walking with the Snowman™ – November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)

The Snowman™ is coming to Winkworth Arboretum this Christmas. Relive the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Find 12 decorated sculptures of The Snowman™ along a wintry woodland trail for all the family. Carousel rides, games and hot chocolate add to the festive fun. Your little ones will be ready for dreams full of Christmas wonder by the end of a fun-filled day. Walking with The Snowman at Winkworth Arboretum is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK). Online booking advised.

Image: National Trust / John Miller
The cosy one

Christmas at Hatchlands Park

December 1st to 30th (exc 24th & 25th)

Hatchlands Park has always been a favourite for families at Christmas. Soak up the atmosphere of a traditional country Christmas. See the house dressed for the season and enjoy festive piano music. Outside, enjoy the magic of Christmas in the cobbled courtyard and hand-crafted willow reindeer standing majestically on the lawn. Take a crisp stroll through the parkland – children will love spotting the musically themed animals hiding along the way. Then treat yourself to a warming Christmas treat in the café.

Image: National Trust / Hannah Elliott
The nostalgic one

Claremont Landscape Garden

November 26th to January 2nd

Claremont is the perfect picturesque landscape to get you into the festive spirit. Meet up with family and friends in this historical royal garden. Children can scamper along a traditional Christmas trail, full of nostalgia. Look out for Christmas trees, crackers, cards and elves along the way. Work up an appetite for the tearoom, stocked full of treats and festooned with garlands. With a fun filled family trail, winter warmers from the café and stunning views on walks, Claremont is an enchanting place to visit this Christmas.

Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey

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Christmas with The National Trust

Karen Neville

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Set a date to come together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up at a visit to a National Trust site in Sussex

Across Sussex, there’s a real variety of Christmas experiences for festive family days this year. There’s spectacle and sparkle for those ‘wow’ moments and selfies. Opulent decorated houses to get glamour-lovers in the mood for the party season. And nostalgic family trails in the great outdoors, themed on popular children’s books, to rekindle the magic of Christmas.

Zara Luxford, National Trust General Manager for Nymans and Standen said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more decorations, trails and events than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust cares for.”

Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Sussex

The sumptuous one

A Joyful Family Christmas at Standen

November 19th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)

Discover a beautifully decorated family home ready for a joyful Christmas, filled with sparkling lights and sumptuous trees, music and make believe. Outside, the Courtyard Christmas tree is lit with hundreds of twinkling lights, decorated by Same Sky community artists with local schoolchildren and inspired by William Morris. Don’t miss the twilight openings, carols round the tree and fun trail for all the family. Book ahead for Woodland Santa’s workshop at the top of the garden.

The magical one
Nymans

Beatrix Potter’s Christmas Tale at Nymans

November 26th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)

Beatrix Potter’s festive tale The Tailor of Gloucester comes to the garden at Nymans, with installations around the garden. Step inside the gallery and discover an exhibition for all the family with some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations and Christmas cards. The house is richly decorated with sumptuous Christmas trees, sparkling lights and story scenes. There’s even a cosy storybook corner, puzzles and dressing up for the little ones. Enjoy festive treats in the café after a winter’s day out.

Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The tree-mendous one

Petworth’s Tree-mendous Christmas

November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)

Magnificently decorated trees fill the mansion at Petworth this Christmas. Highlights include the Marble Hall, transformed into an enchanted winter forest scene with sparkling lights and woodland creatures – look out for deer crafted from winter greenery, and tiny mice. In the chapel you can add a Christmas wish to a tree. Weekend choirs, late evening openings, and a Christmas market offer more moments to enjoy the sparkle at Petworth.

Image: National Trust / John Miller
The breath of fresh air

Sheffield Park and Garden

November 26th to January 1st (exc 24th and 25th)

Sheffield Park and Garden is a breath of fresh air at Christmas time. Take a break from the hectic high street and spend an atmospheric afternoon recharging yourself in this stunning landscape garden. Find inspiration and learn new skills as you follow the Making Trail around the garden featuring traditional Christmassy crafts passed from generation to generation. From needlework to crochet, discover handmade crafts that don’t cost the earth to make at home. Plus look out for the festive photo stops brimming with twinkling lights and cosy Christmas joy – the perfect place for a family photoshoot filled with yuletide cheer.

Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The cosy one

Christmas at Bateman’s

November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)

Make memories as you explore the 17th century house with welcoming log fire, illuminated Christmas trees and peacock-inspired decorations. Be dazzled by real trees decorated with twinkly lights and natural foliage, delight in an exhibition of Claire Fletcher’s original watercolour illustrations and get into the festive spirit with live music from local community groups. Music on selected dates, please check website for details.

The handmade one

Christmas at Uppark

November 19th to January 1st (exc 24th & 25th)

Celebrate Christmas at Uppark and see the mansion adorned with natural and handmade decorations. The entrance hall is richly dressed and festively scented with winter greenery, pinecones, citrus fruit and cinnamon. Above and below stairs, each room has its own crafted theme, from music to games, made by local community groups to create a unique and joyful Christmas experience.

Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey
The castle factor

Christmas at Bodiam Castle

December 3rd to January 2nd

Discover Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle ruins. Jump on and dress up in regal winter costumes for the ultimate festive selfie. Look around the Castle Courtyard for Father Christmas, Mother Christmas or the elves just waiting to say hello and enjoy the magic of Christmas with tales of dragons, knights, and castles in storytelling for families from a cosy tower room. Christmas characters on selected dates. Please check the website for more details.

The literary one

Christmas at Lamb House

November 28th to December 18th (closed on selected dates, check website)

Be transported to New England in 1900 where Henry James, the American author, plays host to his family from New England who have transformed Lamb House for the festive season. Soak up the sights and scents of a traditional home-made Christmas in this stunning Georgian house.

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Keep burglars in the dark

Karen Neville

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Thames Valley Police has some invaluable advice as the winter nights close in

Take steps to help avoid becoming a victim of burglary this winter with these tips from Thames Valley Police.

Make your home look occupied by using timer switches on lights and radios, which can also help conserve energy and save money.

Illuminate your front door with energy saving dusk to dawn lightbulbs that come on automatically.

Consider installing a video doorbell, house alarm or CCTV system.

Close and double lock all doors and windows when going out.

Always double lock doors and windows at night and when you go to bed.

Keep valuables and keys out of sight and away from doors, windows and letterboxes.

When not in use, store electronic car key fobs in a signal blocking pouch to help prevent them being scanned by thieves to open and steal your car.

If you have a key safe, ensure it’s not visible to people passing by, but anyone tampering with it can be seen.

Ensure laptops and electronic equipment are not on view.

Ensure your sheds and garages are locked and secure.

We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season, but please:

Don’t leave any presents on view or advertise them on social media.

Don’t leave packaging next to your bin.

Don’t advertise you’re away from home on social media. Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property.

Ensure you security mark and register your new presents and gifts online at www.immobilise.com

You can find further crime prevention advice at www.thamesvalley.police.uk

Please contact us if you have information relating to burglary in your neighbourhood. Report online, call us on 101 and always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.

Register for Thames Valley Alert at: www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk to receive free crime updates and information from Thames Valley Police.

Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, visit www.ourwatch.org.uk

Follow us on social media for regular crime updates and find out what your local policing teams are up to: Facebook: TVP Bracknell & Wokingham and Twitter: @TVP_Wokingham

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Join Launchpad for carols and kindness

Karen Neville

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Reading homelessness prevention charity is holding a fantastically festive evening of Carols by Candlelight

Candle by Candlelight is set to be a fantastically festive evening on Wednesday, 14th December in aid of Reading charity Launchpad.

Featuring the joyful Reading Community Gospel Choir and held at the magnificent Concert Hall in Reading Town Hall from 6pm, the much-loved event will be hosted by Launchpad patrons, Matt Allwright and Danyl Jonhson, and will also include performances by Bulmershe School Choir, readings by special guests, a raffle, and inspiring stories about Launchpad’s work with people in housing crisis – all against the backdrop of magical candlelight.

Every ticket sale for this unmissable evening will help Launchpad provide homes for Reading’s most vulnerable this winter. Launchpad’s supported housing offers warm, clean and safe accommodation for up to 104 people in need – which will be a lifeline to the many individuals, couples and families due to be made homeless by the rise in the cost of living over the coming months.

Vicki Lewis, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said, “We’re often told the Carols by Candlelight is a real highlight of the festive season, so we are incredibly excited to be able to bring the event back indoors after we were forced to cancel it two years running during COVID. This year is going to be a truly special event at a brand-new venue for Launchpad! The Concert Hall at Reading Town Hall will look simply beautiful bathed in twinkly lights and will be the perfect setting for some stunning sing-along performances by Reading Community Gospel Choir and Bulmershe School Choir.

“On the night, we’ll also hear about our client’s experience of homelessness at Christmas and how Launchpad provided them with supported housing to help turn their life around. This year we are fundraising to support the many local people who will be left without a place to call home this winter and by coming along to Carols by Candlelight, Launchpad can continue providing warm, clean and safe accommodation for Reading’s most vulnerable people.”

Tickets are £10 per person and under 3’s can attend for free. There is unreserved seating but accessible seating can be requested at the point of booking.

For more information and to buy your ticket, visit launchpadreading.org.uk/carols

If people are unable to attend, Launchpad are kindly asking for a donation this Christmas so they can continue ensuring local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home.

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Three Hogs for Three Lions

Karen Neville

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Hogs Back Brewery backs England’s World Cup bid with free beer (if they reach the final)

Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery is offering drinkers a free pint of Three Hogs, its beer specially brewed for football-watching, if England reach the World Cup final in December.

The brewer is ready for a bonanza beer giveaway, after it made the same pledge last year and honoured it when England reached the Euros final. Three Hogs was first brewed for the Euros in 2016 and will be available on draught and in 500ml bottles.

A 4% ABV golden ale, Three Hogs in brewed with a selection of English malts and hops including Fuggles grown in the Hogs Back hop garden next to the brewery, as well as Cascade and Centennial. The pump clip and bottle label describe the ale as “a beer of two halves: refreshingly hoppy up front, followed by a balancing bitterness and a hint of sweetness to finish.”

Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson said: “Many Hog Back drinkers look forward to the return of Three Hogs with each international tournament. This World Cup is going to feel very different to the euros, taking place at a different time of year, and in a different time zone. But the nation’s hopes will still be pinned on England lifting the trophy, especially after they reached the finals last year.

“Millions of people will be watching the home nations’ matches with friends, family and fellow football lovers. A pint of easy-drinking beer like Three Hogs is an enjoyable part of the occasion. Let’s hope that we might finally be raising a glass to a victorious English side on 18th December.”

Hogs Back will be screening a number of matches in its Brewery Tap, depending on timings, including the England v Wales fixture on 29th November. Guests will be able to enjoy the football accompanied by a range of Hogs Back beers and food including their popular stone-baked pizzas. Bookings for places or tables are open at https://hogsback.co.uk/products/tap-room-booking-access

Thompson added: “During the Euros, the excitement in the Brewery Tap built to fever pitch, and we were sold out ahead of the final. It’s a great space for watching sport and we’re looking forward to welcoming football fans to enjoy the tournament with us again.”

If England reach the final, customers will be able to claim a free pint of Three Hogs – or another Hogs Back beer, depending on availability – by visiting the Brewery Tap between 11am and 2pm on 18th December.

Three Hogs, Hogs Back’s beer for the World Cup, is available on draught and in 500ml bottles

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Arts Council status for The Phoenix

Karen Neville

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The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre in Bordon has been awarded National Portfolio status receiving funding for the next three years

The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre has gained prestigious Arts Council status with the award of National Portfolio status.

Arts Council England announced earlier in November The Phoenix would be a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and receive funding that is awarded less than 1,000 arts organisations across the country.

Funding for the next three years will provide the Bordon centre with a massive boost at a time when many organisations in the arts sector are struggling to survive.

The Phoenix has been chosen for this prestigious status due to its dedication and skill at bringing the arts into the local community and working with young people and disadvantaged groups.

Rob Allerston, Director of The Phoenix said: “With this decision Arts Council England has recognised the hard work of many and our drive to deliver community-focused arts in Whitehill& Bordon. Personally, I’m excited by the opportunities this will unlock and the creative voice it’ll offer to so many.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: “Arts Council England is delighted to be welcoming The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre into the 2023-26 National Portfolio. This welcoming venue is an important part of Hampshire’s cultural life, and we are pleased to be investing in it. The Phoenix has a strong track record of facilitating creative opportunities for local artists. As well as their programme of live events. This funding helps us to achieve the ambition of our ten-year strategy, Let’s Create, particularly around supporting people to develop their creative skills and potential.”

The announcement means it will receive revenue funding of £81,233 a year for three years. Bringing financial security to deliver the diverse mix of entertainment and community arts projects.

Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council which supported the application, said: “We’re huge supporters of The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre and the incredible work they do, to bring art to the people of Whitehill & Bordon and the surrounding area.

“This is the first time East Hampshire has had a venue with NPO status and it will put the town, and the wider district, on the cultural map.

“I am thrilled we’ve been able to help Rob and his team put together a successful application against such fierce competition from arts venues of all sizes right across the country.”

Cllr Andy Tree, County Cllr and Leader of Whitehill Town Council, said: “This is a well-deserved reward for the hard work of all those involved in running The Phoenix and a great boost for the town of Whitehill & Bordon. This funding will enable an expansion of the issue-based work that is central to so much of their valuable contribution to the local community and further justifies the financial support that the town council has given through its Major Grand aid award. I’m very proud that Whitehill & Bordon will have the only organisation in East Hampshire with NPO status.”

With this year’s NPO designations, Arts Council England has focused on making certain as many people as possible – no matter where they come from or what their circumstances – can get hold of the very best of art and culture on their high streets and in the community spaces of their villages, towns and cities.

The latest round of funding will benefit art organisations, museums, and libraries in every corner of the country, with clear focus on ensuring that investment is concentrated in those places that, historically, have been undeserved.

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Celebrate autumn with the National Trust

Karen Neville

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As autumn swoops in, it’s not just Keats who was in love with this atmospheric season, the National Trust is too, find out more about what you can enjoy

Ask anyone what sets autumn apart from the other seasons and they’ll almost without fail say the colours – the kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, oranges, russets and bronzes – that fills the landscape are a sight to behold and none more so than at Winkworth Arboretum.

The Godalming countryside plays host to some of the best hues on offer, seek put the views on the edge of the Magnolia Wood, the top of the Azalea Steps, the lakeside Boathouse and the eastern meadow.

Colour of a different kind comes courtesy of an after dark trail, Ignite at Polesden Lacey from October 20th to November 6th. Walk through the gardens at night guided by the flickering flames and glowing tunnels of trees with illuminations along the way.

We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing

Natural light can be enjoyed with the warm glow emitted on autumn afternoons caught on the cusp of the fading summer light and the prospect of crisp autumn days to come, forget a filter on your phone camera, who needs that when you can bathe in the stunning natural light. Try The top of the amphitheatre at Claremont Landscape Garden with a view of the landscaped lake behind you and autumnal yellow trees.  Deep in the parkland at Hatchlands, among golden grasses, clambering on a fallen oak trunk presents the picture perfect mansion in the distance. The viewpoint memorial on the top of the Box Hill, boasts all of Surrey laid out behind you as a backdrop or for something different how about the public art installations by Hew Locke and Mark Wallinger at Runnymede.

We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing – do you favour the high kick to watch the leaves fall to the ground or a flat-footed swipe to hear the rustle or perhaps you like to go full on ‘snow angel’ and really immerse yourself in autumn?

Polesden Lacey Credit: John Millar

Autumn means harvest time and there are apple days to enjoy at Leith Hill, Dorking on October 1st and enjoy those rich pickings in a National Trust café with a slice of delicious spiced apple cake.

The swirling mists are the perfect accompaniment for Halloween at the end of the month so why not visit some of National Trust’s spookiest spots in Surrey and discover The Sailor’s Stone at the Devil’s Punch Bowl which marks the spot where a sailor was murdered in 1786 or Claremont Landscape Garden where landscape designer William Kent is said to linger.

Find out more

See the National Trust’s website www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Celebrate autumn with the National Trust

Karen Neville

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As autumn swoops in, it’s not just Keats who was in love with this atmospheric season, the National Trust is too, find out more about what you can enjoy

Ask anyone what sets autumn apart from the other seasons and they’ll almost without fail say the colours – the kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, oranges, russets and bronzes – that fills the landscape are a sight to behold and none more so than at Basildon Park, Stowe and Hughenden.

Take the orange or green walk through beech woodland to see the colours at Basildon Park near Reading, the Grecian Valley at Stowe serves up a splash of colour while Hughenden manor is awash with seasonal shades across the Chiltern valleys.

We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing

The balcony at Basildon Park, dahlia garden at Greys Court near Henley and under the arch at the ruin of the cascade at Stowe all provide the perfect frame to your autumn snaps bathed in the glory of the natural light of the season.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away so you’ll be more than ok if you visit Hughenden where very day is apple day – not only can you learn about the 40 varieties of old English apple they have there but you can also help with the hay making or find out more on a fungi trail.

Credit: Hugh Mothersole

We can all channel our inner child with a bit of leaf swishing – do you favour the high kick to watch the leaves fall to the ground or a flat-footed swipe to hear the rustle or perhaps you like to go full on ‘snow angel’ and really immerse yourself in autumn? All the above places are ideal to indulge in this.

Another sure sign of autumn are conkers, their shiny brown casings are jut begging to have string attached ready for battle but before you do that, take a moment to admire their form and gather up as many as you can from the surrounding woodland at Basildon, Stowe and Hughenden among others, An old wives tale portrays them as useful in warding off spiders which may come in handy for Halloween at the end of the month.

On October 31st, thoughts will turn to spooky tales and you can summon up the atmosphere at Chastleton, near Moreton in the Marsh, which is exactly as it was 400 years ago – take a behind the scenes tour on October 25th or follow the Halloween trail at Stowe in the half term which explores the lost village of Stowe complete with chants and spells along the way and visit the Gothic Temple if you dare on 29th and 30th.

Find out more

See the National Trust’s website www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Vegan-friendly trail maps In Newbury

Karen Neville

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Visit Newbury has launched an updated version of Its Vegan -friendly trail map ahead of World Vegan Month In November

An updated Newbury Vegan-Friendly Trail Map with a new design has been launched to support the many local independents and national brands across the town centre.

The handy pocket map has launched online in advance of World Vegan Month, which starts on November 1st aims to help raise the profile of Newbury as a vegan-friendly destination, while promoting the national and independently owned shops, salons, cafés, and eateries to a vast and growing audience of vegans, v-curious, or simply eco-conscious shoppers.

This is the final map in the Newbury Town Trail map series to launch in 2022. Physical copies of the map are due to be distributed in matching display boxes to all 39 independent businesses and some of the national brands featured, as well as the 20 independent businesses included on the recent Dog-Friendly Trail Map, and 48 brands featured on the Independent Retail Map. The maps will also be available to pick-up from Newbury Library, West Berkshire Museum, and Old Town Hall, as well as from market stall holders at the next seasonal Vegan Market, taking place on Sunday, 20th November in the Market Place.

Additionally, maps will be available to collect outside of the town centre from the gift shop at Shaw House.

"We anticipate that the trail maps will encourage visitors to shop in-store on the vegan market day and beyond"

The Vegan-Friendly Trail Map includes a brief description of each venue and is set to become a useful resource for visitors and local residents who attend Newbury’s popular quarterly Vegan Market, signposting them to other animal-friendly and plant-based venues in the town centre. You can view the Vegan-Friendly Trail Map online here.

The businesses featured on the map will be open to customers on market day, and we anticipate that the trail maps will encourage visitors to shop in-store on the vegan market day and beyond. The trail, spanning from London Road through to Newbury’s Southern Quarter (consisting of Inches Yard, Bartholomew Street and The Arcade), should also help visitors to discover other businesses along the route, as the trail takes shoppers down some of Newbury’s quieter streets, many of which are hidden gems.

Find out more

The themed maps produced at Newbury BID are the third in a series of town centre maps for Newbury under the umbrella term ‘Newbury Town Trail Maps’. Downloadable copies of the physical maps and interactive versions of the Town Trails can be found online here.

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