Join Launchpad’s Carols by Candlelight

Karen Neville

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Berkshire

Karen Neville

, ,

Enjoy a fantastically festive evening and help raise funds for Reading’s most vulnerable

This year’s Carols by Candlelight takes place on Tuesday 3rd December at Reading town Hall with Launchpad patron and BBC presenter, Matt Allwright and long-term supporter Andy Briggs as the hosts for the evening.

Join Launchpad for a magical night of music and carols with the Take Note Community choir and the Reading Phoenix Choir. As well as seasonal songs there will be readings and inspiring stories about how, with your help, Launchpad is changing lives in Reading.

Every ticket sale will help Launchpad continue to provide homes for Reading’s most vulnerable this winter. Launchpad’s supported housing offers warm, clean, and safe accommodation for over 100 people in need – which are a lifeline to the many individuals, couples, and families at risk of homelessness, or who have already lost their homes.

Fiona Keyte, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said: “Every year, people tell us that Carols by Candlelight marks the start of their Christmas celebrations. Our event is a beautiful reminder of the spirit of community and the joy of giving during the festive season. We’d love to see you there!”

Carols by Candlelight starts at 6pm. Tickets start at £12 per person and under 3’s can attend for free. For more information and to buy your ticket, visit Carols by Candlelight 2024 – Launchpad

For anyone unable to attend, you can still support Launchpad’s work with a donation so they can help ensure local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home, for their Christmas and beyond. Simply visit Donate – Preventing Homelessness In Reading

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Find treasures at The Juniper Barn

Karen Neville

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Berkshire

Karen Neville

, , , ,

Find fabulous extraordinary antique French, Italian and Swedish furniture, décor & lighting at The Juniper Barn

Friends for over 20 years, Narelle Lester Paine from Henley and Jenny Leslau from Wallingford have always loved to collect beautiful and unusual items from antique markets and their travels all over the world.   

In 2021 after reflecting on their careers, they decided to pool their experience and join forces at The Juniper Barn.  

As their lovely pieces flew off the shelves and needing storage for the expanding collection, a kind friend offered them the use of a stable at her yard near Watlington. As the business grew so did the need for space to display and photograph their beautiful finds and they decided to look for more permanent premises.   

The Juniper Barn has found a home and established a showroom in Cane End on a beautiful country estate. 

Narelle and Jenny’s mission is to provide an exceptional experience for their clients. The Juniper Barn specialises in curating collections for the home and garden and has built a strong network of specialist contacts within industrial, antique and artisan communities, allowing access to rare and unusual pieces. 

Dedicated to sustainability, they strongly encourage the continuing movement away from excessive consumption of easily accessible factory produced furniture and unnecessary waste, towards sourcing high quality, sustainable pieces with timeless elegance, warmth, character and individuality.  

The Juniper Barn supplies private clients and interior designers with beautiful decorative pieces and antique furniture for the home and garden from the UK, France, Italy and Sweden, immaculately restored industrial mid-century British lighting, all alongside some superb one-off artisan pieces of antique English furniture.  

Their collection includes vibrant glazed 19th century pottery from the South of France, beautiful French cast iron urns and other decorative treasures sourced from French chateaux, alongside candlesticks and sconces from Italy, faded white Swedish furniture and skilfully made pieces of Victorian and Georgian furniture that have been restored and beautifully decorated by a talented artist. Each piece is unique, a stunning blend of traditional and modern craftsmanship combined to create a fully functional and striking work of art. 

They love the challenge of sourcing in the UK and throughout Europe. One of their favourite finds was an exquisite large antique French stone statue of the Madonna for a client who was looking for a very special piece for her garden. 

The Juniper Barn delivers throughout the UK and ships worldwide, working with excellent, reasonably priced and trusted couriers. 

Narelle and Jenny can be found at the showroom most days. They are also planning open days in the near future. Please contact them to register your interest. Visit thejuniperbarn.co.uk and follow on Instagram @thejuniperbarn 

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Yattendon Winter Market 23rd&24th November 

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , , ,

Yattendon Winter Market, a celebration of slow craftsmanship, is back on 23rd & 24th November at the village hall, RG18 0UE 

Yattendon is the perfect village for a festive market, being home to the beloved local Christmas tree farm!  

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a special treat for yourself, The Modern Makers Collective invite you to find a diverse and vibrant selection of handmade treasures to choose from, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking, basket weaving, and much more. 

Modern Makers Collective are a group of skilled makers, designers, artists and craftspeople committed to promoting high quality craftsmanship, sustainability and community engagement through the Winter Market and programme of workshops in the local area.  

This year the team are excited to showcase the incredible talents of 24 artists, designers and craftspeople. Among them will be several new faces, bringing a wave of fresh creativity alongside more seasoned Collective members.  

The highlight aims to foster a deeper connection and understanding between makers and visitors, highlighting the time, effort, and skill that go into handmade artworks. The makers pour everything into creating exceptional pieces with care, attention to detail, a respect for materials, and traditional techniques, often fused with modern design. Visitors can meet the makers, learn about their processes and buy one-of-a-kind items that embody the essence of slow craft. 

The picturesque estate village of Yattendon, renowned for being largely owned by Lord and Lady Iliffe, is the perfect setting for the Winter Market, with its award-winning pubs and beautiful scenery, providing visitors with a lovely opportunity to enjoy a day of mindful shopping and delicious food. 

“We’re thrilled to host an event that not only showcases the incredible talent of our Collective, but also encourages mindful shopping,” says co-founder Aimée Alice Payton. “The popularity of our Winter Market reflects a growing appreciation for unique, quality products that tell a story, and reflect a commitment to thoughtful, sustainable purchases over mass-produced items.” 

Visit Home | modern makers uk

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Panto star Biggins turns Woking on! 

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , , ,

Christopher Biggins, star of New Victoria Theatre’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, will switch on Woking’s Christmas lights in Jubilee Square on Thursday, 21st November

Woking town centre is set to sparkle as the festive season officially “Biggins” with the much-loved Christmas tree lights switch-on on 21st November.  

Special guest Christopher Biggins, star of New Victoria Theatre’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, has the honour of lighting up the borough’s biggest Christmas tree.  Promising an evening filled with cheer and holiday magic, the festivities begin at 4.45pm, with the grand switch-on at 6pm.  

Visitors can look forward to carol singing, live music, dance performances, and a traditional Christmas market offering seasonal gifts and festive refreshments. 

This year’s Christmas tree has been generously donated by Woking Asian Business Forum, a gesture that unites communities and brings joy to all. 

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Our Christmas lights switch-on brings together people of all ages to celebrate the joy of the season. I would like to thank Woking Asian Business Forum for their generous contribution. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Jubilee Square to mark the start of this festive time.” 

Shahid Azeem, Chair of Woking Asian Business Forum, added: “Christmas is about community, family, celebration and togetherness. We’re proud to support the local community by donating this year’s Christmas tree. It’s a pleasure to contribute to a celebration that brings our communities together and spreads festive cheer.” 

Sam Miller, Communications Manager at the New Victoria Theatre, added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the one-and-only Christopher Biggins, the star of our dazzling pantomime Sleeping Beauty, will have the honour of lighting up Woking’s Christmas tree this year. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season, bringing the magic of Christmas and panto together in one unforgettable moment!” 

Visitors can enjoy the Christmas market, which will remain in town throughout the festive period, exploring a wide range of seasonal gifts, warming treats, and delicious refreshments.  

Sleeping Beauty, starring Christopher Biggins, Faye Tozer, Richard Cadell, and Sooty, plays at New Victoria Theatre Woking, from Fri 6 Dec 2024 to Sun 5 Jan 2025. 

Tickets are available here: Sleeping Beauty Tickets | New Victoria Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets 

Watch this space for our pantomimes special in December! 

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Magical Santa Dash for Thames Hospice

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , ,

You’re all invited to embark on a magical journey through the enchanted Swinley Forest in Bracknell on Sunday, 8th December, in aid of a wonderful cause

Attention Dashers! A sleigh of Santas and their herd of reindeer are taking time out of their busy festive schedule to help a very special charity.

You can choose between a 2k, 5k or 10k route, suitable for the dashers, prancers or steppers, there’s something for everyone.

Invite your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours to take part and help raise funds to ensure Thames Hospice can provide compassionate care to those who need it now and in the future.

You’re just asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £50. By raising just £50 you could fund two Healthcare Assistants visiting a patient at home making sure they have everything they need to be comfortable in a familar environment, surrounded by their loved ones.

Thanks go to sponsors Bridges

Visit Santa Dash 2024 | Thames Hospice

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Woodland wonders at Windsor Illuminated

Karen Neville

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Berkshire

Karen Neville

, ,

Image: Mike Will

Follow the all-new trail design at this year’s Windsor Illuminated for the perfect evening out with family and friends, making festive memories

Discover a forest trail full of music and light where woodland creatures come to life and a whole host of festive moments will get you in the seasonal spirit at this year’s Windsor Illuminated.

Windsor Great Park illuminated returns for the fourth year with another magical trail, bringing the woodland to life with dazzling lights, breath-taking projections and flood-lit fountain shows.

Image: Eric Aydin Barberini

Image: Giles Smith

With a generous sparkle of new installations and a sprinkling of favourites returning, this year’s illuminations promise to be more magical than ever.

Follow a path through woodland awash with colour as sparkles of fireflies, luminous beacons and dancing fairies blaze the way, the lake alive with flood-lit fountains and glimmering reflections.

At a cosy rest spot, enjoy mouth-watering good food, mulled wine and hot chocolate or toast marshmallows at one of the fire pits. Top your evening off with a traditional fairground ride, fun for kids of all ages in the Festive Village. Slide down the epic Helter Skelter, take a turn on the Super Carousel or younger guests will enjoy a spin on the Mini Carousel and how about going up and around on the Big Wheel. Enjoy each ride for one token per person, per ride. Book in advance to save.

Everyone is welcome, the trail is dog friendly and every effort has been made to make the trail as inclusive as possible. As the trail is presented in the natural landscape some of the terrain through natural woodland is not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or buggies. This terrain will be particularly challenging in wet weather. The Trail is 2.2km long and will take approximately 1½ – 2 hours to walk, accounting for stops and refreshments along the way. If you would like to shorten your walk, please speak to event staff in a Hi Vis jacket an they will advise the alternative route/s. Please note that if you take a shorter path, you will miss some of the light displays.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated runs from Friday, 15th November until Saturday, 4th January.

Book at windsorilluminated.com/tickets 

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Newbury’s LoLA (Lots of Lovely Art)

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , , ,

Inside a jolly yellow building on Newbury High Street, Alara & Selina are on a mission to spread the joy of creativity with LoLA including some Christmas workshops coming up

Alara and Selina (mums and sisters-in-law) feel passionate about the arts and art education.

They are on a mission to spread the word about process-based, artist-inspired experiences which help children to develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, self-confidence and to have fun!

Unfortunately two-thirds of primary schools in England receive less art education now than they did a decade ago. Over the past five years Alara and Selina have built up LoLA (Lots of Lovely Art) into a successful company that creates magical educational art boxes, sketchbooks and art-activity booklets to support children of all ages to be creative at home. LoLA boxes and sketchbooks are sold in retail spaces such as Harrods, Molly Meg, Conscious Craft, the Science Museum and online.

Wanting to create a space for hands-on art children’s classes, they have now developed the LoLA Creative Space and Café in Newbury. As well as a warm welcoming café, the space offers a wide variety of classes for everyone. All ages are welcome, from Little Ones (ages two to four) to after-school classes, home-education options, workshops for young adults and weekend sessions for the whole family.

Upcoming Christmas workshops include a This is Me Art Journal session (scrapbooking & expressing emotions), 10.30am-12pm on Saturday, 23rd November and a Make Your Own Advent Calendar, 1.30-2pm on 23rd & 10.30a-12pm on Sunday 24th. 10.30am–12pm on Saturday, 30th November you can make a recycled reindeer head decoration inspired by Picasso and 1.30-3pm, tree decorations inspired by folk art. 10.30am-12pm on Sunday, 1st December, there’s Christmas gift-making. The same time on Saturday, 7th December, you can make an arty wreath inspired by Andy Warhol and, 1.30-3pm, Christmas cards, gift tags and wrapping paper. On Sunday, 8th December, 10:30am-12pm you can make painted giant stockings. On Saturday, 14th December, 10.30am- 12pm make angel tree toppers and 1.30-3pm make mini Christmas trees inspired by Ai Weiwei. And, 10.30-12pm on Sunday, 15th December you can make snowflakes, stars and garlands. 

While teaching workshops are not being held, head along to the café for a coffee while your child gets freely creative! Open Studios are offered nearly every day at the studio where projects and materials are offered on the art table. One ticket includes a hot drink and one space for a child to create at the workshop table.

Pop in to LoLA in Newbury, near the clock tower, RG14 1DT, to say hi or, for more info please email [email protected]

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Step Into Christmas at Wycombe Swan!

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , , ,

This Christmas feelgood show brings all the magic of the season to life with all your favourite songs, so book your tickets for 28th November now!

Step Into Christmas is a festive, feel-good show that brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite Christmas songs including All I Want for Christmas Is You, Last Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Stay Another Day, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Do They Know it’s Christmas, A Winter’s Tale, Merry Xmas Everybody, and many, many more!

The show is produced by entertainers, one of the UK’s leading entertainment producers. Entertainers is run by father and son team, Michael and James Taylor who were recently listed in The Stage Top 100, a list of the most influential people in the theatre industry. They have over 30 other productions in their portfolio including The Magic of Motown, Cirque: The Greatest Show, The Rocket Man, Fastlove, and The Makings of a Murderer all of which are touring the UK throughout the year.

For more information visit entertainers.

Tickets can be purchased from Wycombe Swan Theatre

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The Crown at Bray’s game night

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , ,

On Thursday 21st November, The Crown at Bray is hosting a fabulous, five-course dinner to celebrate game season which is well and truly underway in Berkshire and its surrounding area.

The highlight, curated by head chef Scott Smith, champions locally sourced game, including venison from Chiltern Venison [ Read more ] and pheasant which has been shot by The Crown’s very own tournant James.

Scott’s perfect, five-course tasting menu

The evening will start with a buttermilk-fried rabbit leg served with a moreish tarragon and bacon mayonnaise, followed by tender pigeon breast served with warm and nutty freekah; liver parfait and tart preserved plums.

Next, indulge in beautiful venison carpaccio served with mouth-watering pickled vegetables and beetroot; followed by deliciously rich pheasant breast; hearty choux farcie (stuffed cabbage); jus gras and bacon.

The evening will wrap up with a delectable custard tart served with velvety butter poached raisins.

£60 per person and you can book between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Each course can be perfectly paired with a thoughtfully curated wine flight for an additional £40 per person and tickets are expected to sell quickly so book now before it’s too late.

The Crown at Bray, SL6 2AH. Call 01628 621936 or visit The Crown at Bray

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Accessible Boating Thames’ fab new ‘wheelyboat’

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , ,

Thanks to a dedicated team, the Bisham charity Accessible Boating Thames has launched a new ‘wheelyboat’ to help more people enjoy the river, regardless of ability or mobility

Old Father Thames has carved out much history in this part of the world, as well as the landscape.

But people who have some form of disability haven’t always found it easy to enjoy messing about on the river, which is why Accessible Boating Thames began its mission.

The charity based at Bisham Abbey has for many years provided water-based experiences for those who are not usually able to do so. By using specially adapted boats, trained and qualified volunteers and a hoist, the severity of disability has never been a barrier to participation.

After identifying a real need, the charity began working with national charity The Wheelyboat Trust and together embarked on a major fundraising initiative to secure the £68,000 required to fund a new ‘Wheelyboat’. As a result of these tremendous efforts, a Coulam V20 Wheelyboat was launched at the Bisham Abbey Sailing & Navigation School earlier this autumn.

Charity chairman Gavin Tisshaw said: “This is a momentous occasion for ABT – securing our own Wheelyboat will make such a difference and ensure we can continue to help those who need our services. We’re immensely grateful to all those who’ve helped us raise the funds. Our volunteers do a fantastic job and we offer opportunities from family picnics to full sailing opportunities, Bellboat sessions & Duke of Edinburgh trips.”

Visit Accessible Boating Thames

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