Freddy, steady go in Seer Green!

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Star pianist Freddy Kempf will star in Seer Green on Sunday, 14th July, as the final highlight in Jordans Music Club’s 81st summer festival

Jordans Music Club’s members are delighted that Freddy Kempf is returning to play for them again after his triumphant concert in 2018.

Chairman Marian Pell says: “Freddy is one of today’s most successful pianists, performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. Exceptionally gifted with an unusually broad repertoire, Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer unafraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and musical artist.

“The concert opens with one of the great achievements for piano in Beethoven’s middle period, the C major Sonata dedicated to Count Waldstein, a sonata which reflects both the grandeur and the brilliance of the Eroica Symphony, composed the previous year.

“We are then treated to Moments Musicaux, first by Schubert and then by Rachmaniov. Schubert’s Moments are quite short, reflecting different moods from the melancholic to the whimsical. Rachmaninov’s versions show the influence of Chopin but are more monumental and virtuosic as Rachmaninov draws on models from high Romanticism and remoulds them. The mood moves from the intensely mournful through storms and calm to the majestic grand finale – a fitting close to our 2024 season.”

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Do you dig Greys Court?

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As part of this month’s Festival of Archaeology, archaeologists from the National Trust and South Oxfordshire Archaeology Group will investigate some of Greys Court’s fascinating buried archaeology. Katy Dunn tells us more…

The known history of Greys Court, between Henley and Rotherfield Greys, stretches back over 900 years, with the earliest known record being the Domesday Book of 1086. The de Grey family constructed the original manor house on the site, and early historic fabric survives, notably the Great Tower and adjacent wall fragments, dating from the 12th-14th centuries.

The archaeologists will examine the evidence of a series of “parch-marks” which are revealed on Greys Court’s oval lawn in particularly dry weather. These hint at a courtyard wall with a possible gatehouse structure. There were also other buildings on the site, now demolished. The team will also be guided by a geophysics survey across the lawn.

National Trust archaeologist Adrian Cox said: “We are hoping to add to our knowledge of the fascinating early history of Greys Court. We have a range of information already, including aerial photographs and the evidence of an 19th-century engraving depicting the site and showing its courtyard walls. We want to better understand the medieval and post-medieval layouts of the manor, so that we can give visitors a more accurate picture of how it looked in the past. We are aiming to give visitors close access to this archaeological research as it unfolds on site.”

The National Trust is proud to support the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) Festival of Archaeology, the UK’s biggest annual celebration of archaeology.

Shannon Hogan, National Archaeologist with the National Trust said “We’re delighted to be working with Council for British Archaeology on the Festival Archaeology at the places we care for. Archaeological experiences and activities offer opportunities for more people to find ways to connect with and learn about their local history and heritage. The Festival of Archaeology helps us deliver more for communities by uniting children and adults alike in a range of heritage activities and events.”

Archaeologists will be working at Greys Court from 15th to 21st July, and will be very happy to speak with visitors and explain the work and there may be opportunities to get involved.

To find more National Trust Festival of Archaeology events, visit Festival of Archaeology 2024 | National Trust

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Toast to The White Oak, Cookham!

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Cookham’s newest pub, The White Oak, has summer fun in store, including bottomless brunch and live music. We raise a toast to the pub along with manager Luke Weston

Our local pubs are often the beating heart of our community. So it’s fantastic that The White Oak has reopened its doors after being saved thanks to the Brucan Pubs Group.

What’s more, in this fertile, foodie-populated part of the county, the fabulous British-inspired menu is attracting hungry punters. And the first reactions from diners has been hugely positive.

“I’ve had so many conversations over the last few weeks with locals,” says the White Oak’s general manager Luke Weston. “They’ve told me how much they love The White Oak and how sad they were when it closed. Our opening weeks have been great and the feedback fantastic. Having worked out of the area, it’s so good to be back with friends popping in.”

Luke lives in nearby Maidenhead with his wife and son and the former Sir William Borlase pupil loves the area. This month, as you can see, we’re celebrating local produce and suppliers, and Luke has a lot of love for Gordon Supermarket in Gordon Road… “Here you’ll find lots of interesting Asian ingredients to play with,” he says. “Italian Continental is also great. My favourite, though, is probably the Meat Hook of Marlow; it’s worth popping in just for a chat with Andy.”

Brucan Pubs currently operates four other pubs in the collection: The Greene Oak in Windsor, The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, The Greyhound in Finchampstead and The Star in Witley. The Brucan team hope The White Oak will follow in the same footsteps. The team pride themselves on rescuing closed pubs and breathing new life – and traditional hospitality – back into the heart of the community.

The White Oak menu focuses on British seasonal produce, with a regular changing menu, extensive selection of beers, quality wines and cocktails. The are daily, hyper-seasonal specials. Brucan’s MD James Lyon-Shaw is passionate about sourcing the finest ingredients from the British larder and showcasing them in traditional dishes.

Serious meat-lovers can expect 45-day aged native and rare-breed steaks on offer as well as produce from Vicars Game in season. Fish is wild, sustainable, and British, sourced from day boats on the south coast. There’s a handsome bar menu too, Sunday roasts are a big fixture and live music starts on Saturdays, mid-July.

“We’re so lucky to have such beautiful countryside without being out in the sticks,” says Luke of this bit of Bucks. “And loads of amazing pubs! As well as the White Oak, I pop into the Crown in Burchett’s Green for their amazing value fixed-price lunch. And The Dew Drop Inn, which I ran for six years and is now in the capable hands of my mate, Simon Bonwick, who is an amazing chef. I am also reasonably well known in my local, The Pinkney’s Arms.

“If I had a magic wand I’d wish for lower VAT on pub and restaurant food so more people can enjoy the amazing pub culture in our country.”

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Big Butterfly Count is flying high

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You can help protect the future of local species under threat thanks to Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, 14th July to 6th August

Butterfly spotting can be one of summer’s most wonderful experience. As the sun appears, and flowers bloom, more and more sightings of our fluttery favourites can be seen.

You may be able to identify some common butterflies quickly. The Brimstone, for example, is a yellow-green butterfly that’s one of the first species to be spotted in spring. The Comma is another favourite for many, and has distinctively scalloped wing edges and its underwings resemble dead leaves as a form of camouflage.

A number of stunning day-flying moths bring the same buzz. The Six-spot Burnet has striking red spots on each forewing. Butterfly Conservation has a handy online identification tool. You may also like to familiarise yourself with different species’ habitats. Red Admirals enjoy almost any habitat from hedgerows to the top of mountains. Others, such as the Speckled Wood inhabit woodland.

Holtspur Bottom Butterfly Reserve, HP9 1DH, covers an area of about 4.5 hectares (11 acres), and is managed thanks to the hard work of local Butterfly Conservation volunteers.

And, Yoesden HP14 4AR, is home to an impressive array of butterflies, considered by many one of the jewels of the Chilterns AONB, with some 28 species recorded, including three scarce blue species: Adonis, chalkhill and small blue butterflies, all of which rely on the flower-rich grassland that makes up half the reserve, owned & managed by Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust. Park at Bledlow Ridge; more info at Yoesden | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk)

The Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen science survey of its kind. By recording your sightings, you’ll provide valuable data on the populations and distributions of common species. Last year revealed species such as the Common Blue and Holly Blue had a good summer, with an increase in sightings of 154% and 120% from 2021 respectively.

It takes just 15 minutes and whether you’re in a park, garden or looking out of your window, taking part helps us understand UK butterflies’ plight. Some 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s and two thirds of common moth species have declined in the last 40 years.

Visit Big Butterfly Count (butterfly-conservation.org) to take part & Big Butterfly Count (butterfly-conservation.org) to find out more.

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Vintage vehicles at Woodcote Rally

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Heritage transport at its very best is on display at Woodcote Rally, July 13th & 14th, and as Andy Crockett tells us the event has much more to offer too

The Woodcote Rally is a festival of steam, vintage and veteran transport with entertainment for all the family.

We have a wide range of exhibits including large and miniature steam engines, stationary engines, cars, motor bikes, tractors, military, models and commercial vehicles. During both days, the exhibits will display in the main arena and there will be separate tractor working area.

We have a large craft marquee with a range of hand-crafted goods and an enticing food area. Outside the marquee is the country area where you can watch demonstrations of traditional country skills including wood turning, stick making, hedge laying and willow weaving. We also have a wonderful birds of prey display and a children’s petting farm.

There’s a range of trade stands including jewellery, metal artwork, garden furniture, tools, clothing and accessories, die cast models and food products including gluten free.

In the children’s entertainment area there’s a face painter, entertainer and circus skills workshop. The funfair is a great attraction for all ages.

During both days live bands will play on the main stage and continue long into the evening. By the stage you’ll find CAMRA’s famous Festival of Ale and, new for this year, an additional marquee selling a range of alternative drinks to real ale such as lagers, craft beers, spirits and wines. In this area you’ll find a range food stalls to satisfy all tastes. Look out for the Round & About logo on your beer cups.

All of these attractions combine to make the Rally South Oxfordshire’s premier event of its kind. Since 1964, the Rally Committee has donated a total of £532,000 to local charities and other deserving organisations.

This year’s event will be held over the weekend of 13th and 14th July. The Rally is located about 10 miles north-west of Reading on the A4074 Reading to Oxford Road. We are in a new field off Church Lane, Ipsden, OX10 6BZ. The What 3 Words location is “less.hoped.pens”. The car parks and entrances will be well sign posted from all directions.

Public transport is available to the site on the X40 Thames Travel bus service between Oxford and Reading which runs about every 30 minutes. There are bus stops (both ways) just by Church Lane with a short walk to the Rally site from there. (Check the bus website for times).

Please visit us at The Next Woodcote Rally for further details.

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Amalfi Experience at Six by Nico

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Image by: Andrew Oglivy

Six by Nico in Oxford is a culinary gem that brings a refreshing and innovative dining experience to Oxford’s vibrant food scene. Ellie Cox went along to try out their new six-course tasting menu, embracing La Dolce Vita.

Located in the heart of Oxford, this restaurant offers a unique concept of themed six-course tasting menus that change every six weeks, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure for your taste buds.

From 1st July – 11th August, the tasting menu inspired by the Amalfi Coast promises to take guests on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of its menu namesake through contemporary spins on the traditional flavours of Southern Italy.

The whole dining experience delivered just that. Despite a gloomy evening in Oxfordshire, as soon as you step into Six by Nico you’re taken on a unique journey to explore a taste of Southern Italy. From sipping on Aperol Spritz, to drinking wines that perfectly match each course; it’s an experience to remember.

The restaurant itself offers a sleek, contemporary design of the interior which, combined with warm lighting and comfortable seating, creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The open kitchen adds a touch of excitement as diners can watch the chefs meticulously prepare each course.

However, the star of the show at Six by Nico is undoubtedly the food. The flavours are bold and inventive, with a beautiful presentation that is most definitelt Instagram-worthy. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite.

The six-course tasting menu is priced at £50, with an option to add matching wines to each course at £38 (highly recommend adding this).

The menu offers the following:

Course one – Parmesan Polenta
Espuma, Truffle, Mushroom Ragout

Course two – Heirloom Tomato
Green Olive Tapenade, Salted Lemon, Lovage Emulsion & Whipped Ricotta

Course three – Spaghetti Nero
Toasted Sourdough, Chilli, Confit Garlic & Scamorza Foam

Course four – Black Pollock
Bagna Cauda, Zucchini, Braised Fennel, Basil Dressing

Course five – Trio Of Pork
Belly Of Pork, Pancetta Ham Jam, Nduja Cannelloni, Smoked Onion, Pickled Summer Squash

Add-On (highly recommend that you try these!)
Crispy King Prawn, Peperoncino Verde Emulsion & Lemon Gel – £9

Course six – Delizia Al Limone
Lemon Mousseline, Polenta Cake, Caramelised White Chocolate, Yoghurt Sorbet

The ever-changing menus mean that there is always something new to look forward to, making it a great spot for special occasions and regular visits. The combination of exceptional food, outstanding service, and a stylish setting makes Six by Nico a must-visit.

Whether you’re local to Oxford or just visiting, make sure to be first in the queue (spaces get nabbed really quickly thanks to the buzz!) to book a table at Six by Nico for a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable.

Amalfi Coast six-course tasting menu available from July 1st – 11th August, visit Amalfi Coast – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Readi for pop and more

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The three-day all-ages charity festival by the bank of the Thames in Caversham returns from July 12th to 14th raising funds for the local community

This year’s Readipop not only offers Ash, Echobelly, Republica, Fabio & Grooverider among many more but it is also set to be the most sustainable yet.

Joining the headliners are a diverse array of new and established artists including energetic festival mainstays Dub Pistols, Welsh tongue-in-cheek rappers Goldie Lookin’ Chain (playing a legends set), Manchester indie-dance pioneers A Certain Ratio, BBC 6Music favourites from Holland, Pip Blom and 1980s Reading punk band International Resque playing their final show together.

Readipop will be showcasing their valuable work across the weekend, including AAA takeovers, presenting an array of local talent who learn musical skills at the charity’s weekly AAA youth club alongside live sets from artists signed to their Riser Music label and their community bands. In addition, Readipop XOX Project Live will be performing a set of classic tracks to demonstrate the vintage drum machines and synthesisers that will make up part of Readipop’s upcoming XOX Project museum.

Festival Producer Molly Banbury says: “We’ve seen our highest ever ticket sales to date for this point and are so grateful to everyone that has already shown their support for this year’s event. Not only will it be our biggest Readipop Festival so far but also our most sustainable!”

She adds the small team “are determined to see our charity festival flourish with community and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. This year we created a sustainability ‘pathway’ plan. This pathway maps out our ambitions creating achievable steps for us to reach our green goals over several years, helping us to make continuous environmentally conscious improvements.”

Molly believes the location is one of the biggest positives for Readipop with its proximity to Reading station, a mere 10 minute walk, and less with nearby bus routes. She adds: “We want to continue to improve upon this by encouraging travel by bike this year and offering secure bike storage inside the grounds.”

BBC Introducing in Oxfordshire and Berkshire have selected three up-and-coming acts which they will host in the Purple Turtle tent on Friday 12th.

Readipop’s family area will be open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons featuring craft, music and dance workshops, story telling, immersive performances and other fun activities featuring local arts and music organisations including Jelly, Dance Reading, Tankata Percussion, MiniMixers DJs and more.

Reading’s Indie Market also comes to the site on Saturday and Sunday bringing all stalls full of locally produced festival-friendly arts, crafts and clothes stalls. Purple Turtle bars serve local craft beer and real ale all weekend alongside a selection of lagers, ciders, spirits and wine.

Tickets and more at READIPOP FESTIVAL

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Crowd-pleasing Henley Royal regatta pic!

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We love this collage by digital artist Henry Reichhold. What do you think?

This year’s Henley Regatta (2nd-7th July) galleries will feature an extraordinary collage by digital artist Henry Reichhold.

As people make their way into Henley Regatta’s Stewards enclosure they will come across a huge collage created from more than 1,500 images, and on closer inspection they will quite likely find that they are probably in it.

Covering six days of the 2023 Regatta and taking over 7,000 images, photo digital artist Henry Reichhold has put together an artwork packed with all stories that make up this iconic UK sporting event. Discover the classic ‘coxswain toss’, the trolley packed with champagne bottles, the festive pleasure boats and the rowers who race cheered on by the crowds lining the riverbank. Catch the prize giving, the packed grandstands and the leisurely strolling around the bandstand and take in the roar of a WW2 Lancaster bomber flying or the majestic Red Kite as it soars around the St Mary’s church tower. The artwork is available at the Regatta’s official shops.

Henry Reichhold was educated at Dartington College of Art and Warwick University. His interest in photography developed at a very young age and he remains as captivated with the process now as he was then. His work has always been at the cutting edge of technology from his early mobile stills and film making, 3D printed/Lidar scanning work to his current work using time-based collage photography and point cloud imaging he relentlessly pursues his fascination with pushing back the boundaries of the photographic world.

Henry worked for over 12 years at Saint Martins College of Art and his recent and ongoing work with St Paul’s Girls School’s explores the role of photography in virtual environments. His work has been seen by a global audience with a series exhibitions at Heathrow Airport, London Bridge Railway Station and other major venues including the Royal Albert Hall.

To find out more about him visit https://www.reichholdarts.com/

For more about his installation at Heathrow on until the 18th July check out the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B-QzkT4XVg

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Summer daze

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Holidays are on the horizon so let’s get out and have a good time whatever the weather. There’s fun for all ages to enjoy!

July heralds the start of the school summer hols, weeks of long lazy days lie ahead but there’s plenty to do from trails to follow, games to play, open air entertainment, delve into history, make a splash or go for full on adventure!

It may be the school holidays but how about going to Knight School at Oxford Castle? Learn archery, sword skills and jousting in the Castleyard from July 27th to August 30th. Experience the thrill of being a medieval falconer with birds of prey on August 31st and for more leisurely entertainment, take your seat for open air Shakespeare with Twelfth Night from July 1st to 27th and Hamlet, July 29th to August 10th. To book & for more visit Events – Oxford Castle & Prison (oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk).

Enjoy theatrical family fun this summer at the Oxford Playhouse with Zog and the Flying Doctors based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, July 17th to 21st. Meet The Tiger Who Came to Tea on August 14th to 18th and Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company bring Pinocchio on August 31st. Book these shows and more at Oxford Playhouse.

Foodies alert – South Parks is the place to be for Oxford Foodies Festival 2024 for a celebration of top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music with Blue, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza on the menu August 24th to 26th. Tickets at Oxford – Foodies Festival

There’s orienteering family fun during the summer holidays from July 24th to September 1st at Waterperry Gardens. Enjoy exploring the ornamental gardens, using directions and clues to follow the sculpture trail. Details at Summer Garden Trail – Waterperry Gardens

Blenheim Palace Adventure Play is a hidden world of adventure, where mini explorers of all ages can create exciting stories as they clamber, climb, paddle, slide, splash and zip through the exciting zones. Imaginations can run wild as children explore the network of tunnels, bridges, cargo nets and hidden chambers. Book at Blenheim Palace Adventure Play

The annual Millets Maize Maze event will be back from July 20th to September 3rd with games to play within three maize mazes, three woodlands and a fort maze as well as go-karts, family games and lots more to explore! Step into the tepee, July 29th-31st, where children can lovingly create a teddy bear before enjoying a picnic and story with their new cuddly buddy. Folksy Theatre present open air Shakespeare on August 7th with As You Like It and for younger audiences meet Angelina Sprockett whose overcoat has pockets galore, August 7th & 8th in this Quentin Blake classic.

There are brick adventures to enjoy at Didcot Railway Centre as they celebrate the world’s most popular building brick on July 13th and 14th. Enjoy displays and interactive activities including tower building and speed builds. Take the anagram trail and find all the characters to receive a reward. That mischievous marmalade sandwich eating bear Paddington is dropping in on August 26th. Don’t miss the chance to meet him, book at Paddington™ at Didcot

Explore a revelatory new exhibition, Mountains and plains and adventure: William & May Morris and Iceland, at Kelmscot Manor throughout the summer. Visitors to Kelmscot Manor can experience the spirit of Iceland when they encounter the topiary Fafnir yew hedge, originally cut by William Morris. Morris was one of the Victorian era’s great polymaths – writer, designer, conservationist and social thinker, antiquary and scholar of Icelandic.

Grab your friends and enjoy a day at The Game Fair at Blenheim Palace! Enjoy a fun family day out packed with entertainment for everyone. From gundog displays, shooting lines, fishing demonstrations and so much more, this festival of the countryside will not disappoint. If you’re after some new kit, the latest country fashion or your tastebuds are craving some wild food, you’re in luck at The Game Fair. We’ve teamed up with The Game Fair to offer you a pair of tickets to the event on Sunday, 28th July. Enter at roundandabout.co.uk by Sunday, 21st July. Can’t wait to see if you’ve won? Book your tickets now and save – The Game Fair 2024

The Nut Tree Inn in Murcott is a mid-15th century thatched building and while it may look like the quintessential English pub, it is so much more. The gastropub has been the proud and rightful owner of a Michelin Star since 2009 and has three AA rosettes to its name too. Elegant dishes full of flavour and high quality ingredients are offered in their seven course tasting menu, pub classics and in the new Sunday lunch menu. Sample menu online at The Nut Tree Inn Michelin Pub, Murcott, Oxfordshire.

The Blenheim Palace Boathouse is the paddlesports base for LifeFree Adventures where you can explore the Great Lake by rowing boat, kayak or paddleboard. Ideal for all the family and Harry Potter fans alike, glide across the lake with stunning vistas of The Palace, The Grande Bridge and the Harry Potter Tree, on traditional rowing boats or high quality paddle craft. Book at LiveFree Adventures – Blenheim Palace, Watersports for an unforgettable paddling experience.

Abingdon’s Oppidum: trade and crafts in an Iron Age Settlement is the subject of the exhibition at Abingdon Museum from July 6th to September 29th. ‘Oppidum’ a Latin word for ‘town’ was used for those which seem to have been involved in manufacturing goods and in trade, and may also have been centres of power. This exhibition looks at Iron Age life in the Abingdon oppidum, the crafts its people practised, the trade connections and the relationship with the landscape and other settlements in the area.

Discover the Cotswolds from the charm of a holiday cottage from Cotswolds Hideaways. Whether you’re looking for a cosy holiday cottage for two, a dog friendly house, luxury barefoot retreats or a family friendly holiday cottage in the heart of a historic village, you can find just what you’re after to suit all group sizes and budgets. Explore and book at Cotswolds Hideaways: Over 130 Idyllic Holiday Cottages in The Cotswolds

Discover a summer jam-packed with fun at Basildon Park and Greys Court, Henley, from 25th July to 3rd September. Greys Court is also offering the opportunity to have a go at painting, whether you’re a seasoned artist or complete beginner, bring out your artistic side. Various dates in July and September. Booking essential, visit National Trust and search for the property. Basildon Park is exploring the connection between the estate and the Second World War when it was requestioned and used by the 101st Airborne Division of the American Army for D-Day training. This display running until August 31st in the 1950s kitchen, explores these links.

Marvellous, the family-friendly tribute festival, takes place over the weekend of July 19th-21st at Dinton Pastures Country Park, providing a variety of entertainment for all ages with no less than 14 world class tribute acts featured on the main stage! A range of food and drink stalls ensure you won’t go hungry or thirsty and there’s camping and glamping available too so you can really let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Marvellous (marvellousfestivals.com)

There’s summer fun galore at Wellington Country Park from July 29th to September 1st with so much to do you’re really spoilt for choice including Animal Farm Week, August 5th to 9th, Tic Tac Skate School, 12th to 16th, Craft Week, 19th to 23rd, testing your footie skills with Reading FC Community Trust, 17th & 18th, Inflatable Weekend, 24th to 26th and much more. Full details & booking at Summer Fun | Wellington Country Park

Adventure Play is a unique, hand-crafted adventure playground at Windsor Great Park. Hidden within the woodland next to The Savill Garden, you’ll discover a fascinating world of walkways, slides, sculptures and treehouses. Climb along the trees or explore the amazing giant acorns, as you get close to nature, challenging the body and stimulating the senses. Tickets must be booked in advance at Adventure Play – Windsor Great Park

Discover the mysterious world of Tumblestone Hollow at Stonor Park this summer holiday and explore the woodland. The beautiful, magical place to play together with high level walkways, climbing nets, look-out decks and bridges across multiple levels, connected by a gnarled central tower. Inside, a double spiral of steps takes adventures from ground level to a look-out deck. Book at Adventure Play in Oxfordshire at Tumblestone Hollow | Stonor Park

For all round family entertainment and attractions galore, Swallowfield Show on the August bank holiday weekend, 25th & 26th, takes some beating. Main arena acts include the double wheel of death, Paws for Thought dog display team, falconry displays, classic cars and motorbikes while in the activity zone you’ll find go karts, circus skills workshop, sled dogs, crazy golf and a fun fair. There are dozens of classes to enter in both the dog and horse shows and don’t forget the horticulture, craft and food stalls. Details at The Swallowfield Show

Grab your picnic gear and head to the glorious grounds of South Hill Park this summer for relaxed, outdoor theatre fun. There is something for all ages this summer. Light-hearted operetta The Gondoliers is on Friday, 26th July, 7pm. There’s a charming new adaptation of much-loved The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter on Friday, 2nd August, 2.30pm and family favourite The Railway Children stages on Friday, 16th August at 4.30pm. Book at South Hill Park.

‘A truly royal way to travel! For an exceptional day out, head into Windsor town centre and jump on the French Brothers Riverboat. Take in the picturesque River Thames, before enjoying an evening at Royal Windsor Racecourse. Book via Royal Windsor Racecourse (windsor-racecourse.co.uk) for admission, return riverboat, and two drinks, all from £49.50.

Discover Wokingham Cricket Club in Sindlesham this summer, perfect for families. A thriving junior and senior section means there is coaching and matches for all ages, great cricket to watch throughout the week with a full bar and snacks. We are also available for hire for your special event. Visit Wokingham CC (play-cricket.com)

GolfPlex in Binfield is a great fun for the whole family. Tackle the three zones of Bear Mountain Adventure Golf – Polar, Jungle and Desert. Try Toptracer Range – smart enough for the serious golfer, fun enough for the whole family. Or unleash the Beckham in you on the FootGolf course. You don’t need any prior golf experience and we’ll even lend you all the equipment you need. Plus, new-in – Sports Simulator. Over 60 sports, 1,500 game challenges and 3,500 sporting venues. It’s immersive, fully interactive and very addictive! More & booking at The Family Golf Entertainment Centre in Bracknell – GolfPlex

Enjoy a night at the cinema in the open air in the historic surroundings of Reading Abbey Ruins, with the high fliers in Top Gun – Maverick on 31st August and boy wizard and chums in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on 1st September. Visit What’s On Reading (whatsonreading.com) to book.

Take your picnic rug and fold up chairs to the Coppa Club at The Great House, Sonning for Wonka on July 11th and to The Swan at Streatley on July 5th for Pretty Woman. Booking at Coppa Club.

Newbury Summerfest is the BIG family day out on July 20th at Newbury Showground bringing together the best attractions, arena demonstrations, airshows, musical tributes and entertainment for an unforgettable family day out. Multiple zones and arenas offer families an array of activities to enjoy throughout the day and into the evening. Book at Big Family Day Out | Newbury Summerfest | Hermitage

Enjoy a leisurely trip along the Kennet & Avon canal this summer. The Newbury branch’s trip boat Jubilee runs trips from The Wharf throughout the boating season. Until September 7th they will be running a summer season of weekly evening trips (on either Thursday or Friday) which will incorporate “bubbly cruises”, gin tasting cruises (with award-winning Gee Gee Gins) and beer tasting cruises (with the Inn at Home). The Hungerford branch covers a particularly beautiful stretch of the canal, between Kintbury and Great Bedwyn where The Rose of Hungerford, a traditional widebeam boat, based at Hungerford Wharf, offers regular public trips and private charters along the canal. To book a trip visit Book A Trip – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (katrust.org.uk)

Shaw House in Newbury has a variety of summer fun to treat yourself to with a summer fair on July 21st, a family activity day on 31st before open air theatre comes to the grounds in August. Join Immersion Theatre for A Midsummer Night’s Dream on 4th and Peter Pan on 12th. Full details and to book at West Berkshire Heritage, West Berkshire Museum & Shaw House

Animal Olympics is a Summer Trail at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham. Join them at the centre to find out more about super speedy animals and high flying birds by taking part in the self-led trail. Complete the course, figure out the clues and make your own Animal Olympics inspired medal or trophy. Details at Nature Discovery Centre | Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk)

Step back in time at Retrofestival to the evocative music of yesteryear at Newbury Showground 9th-11th August. Capture the lost glamour of the 30s, with its art deco designs and elegant fashion, or the nostalgia of the 40s, with its wartime spirit and timeless melodies, and rock n roll to 50s tunes and dance the night away, then get down to some soulful rhythm and blues that will move your body and lift your spirit. Tickets at Home – Retrofestival

Journey through the ages to when steam ruled all and explore a hidden gem in Wiltshire’s history at Crofton Beam Engine’s steam weekends, July 27th & 28th and August 25th & 26th. Learn about the history of the station and its restoration. Speak with volunteers in and around the Engine House. Discover the engineering challenges and the people who overcame them to build the canal and make sure it had a plentiful supply of water.

From trails and guided tours to craft activities, Avebury has lots of ways for you to enjoy precious time together as a family. Take a stone circle tour on Wednesdays and Sundays, take your seat for fairytale theatre in Dovecote with playful performances of The Ugly Duckling, The Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears on August 2nd, 9th & 16th. If you’re looking to let off some steam then try the obstacle course using the logs, planks and balance beams in the Old Farmyard and challenge others to have a go.

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Thames Fusion girls’ cricket team

Round & About

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Berkshire

In a bid to enhance girls’ participation in cricket, three clubs in the Thames Valley have joined forces to establish a new girls’ cricket team, Thames Fusion. Ally Holloway shares the news

The collaboration with Wargrave, Sonning and Reading Cricket Clubs aims to provide girls of all ages with meaningful opportunities to engage in competitive hardball cricket, and so far the results have brought a wave of energy to girls’ cricket at all three clubs.

While each club will maintain its individual girls’ cricket teams, this joint effort has led to the formation of a new team called Thames Fusion, with an emphasis on playing hardball cricket.

Wargrave CC was a driving force behind the initiative. Chairman Andy Meader said: “Whilst we have offered girls cricket for many years, there have not always been sufficient numbers to play as many fixtures as we’d ideally like. We were aware that other clubs have been similarly challenged so we were delighted that Sonning CC and Reading CC saw the benefit in pooling resources. The launch of Thames Fusion is an exciting development, and the combination of players, coaches, and facilities from all three clubs promises an outstanding summer of cricket for the girls (and anyone interested in joining us)!”

Nalin Rupasinha of Reading CC added: “Thames Fusion is now able to offer girls at Reading CC the right level of competition and development. This collaborative effort is paving the way for a sustainable and thriving future for girls’ cricket in the region. Long may it continue!”

Throughout June and July, girls aged U11 to U15 will have the opportunity to participate in over 25 cricket games and festivals. This significant increase from previous seasons ensures girls gain valuable experience to further enhance their cricket skills and will have the chance to play just as much cricket as boys their age.

Tim Murphy, Chair of Sonning Cricket Club’s Junior section, said: “The club is delighted to be part of this partnership. The girls have thoroughly enjoyed playing at U11, U13, and U15 levels, with many expressing happiness in playing all-girls cricket due to our combined strength in depth. The positive feedback from the girls underscores the success of this initiative.”

Two Berkshire-based companies have generously offered their support by providing playing kit for the new team. Ally Holloway, the women and girls’ representative at Wargrave CC thanked Goodall-Smith Wealth Management and Wise Owls Childcare. “This sponsorship has enabled the purchase of branded kit for the girls without any additional cost to them. It was a key priority for us when setting this team up, that Thames Fusion was bonus without requiring players to make any further financial commitment beyond their club membership.”

For further information about Thames Fusion, please email [email protected]

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