Join Newbury’s Festival of Light

Karen Neville

Posted on

Berkshire

Karen Neville

, ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Twelve wild days of Christmas

Karen Neville

Posted on

Berkshire

Fox © Jon Hawkins

Karen Neville

, , , ,

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

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

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

Illustration © Corinne Welch

You could:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Taste nostalgia at Six by Nico

Karen Neville

Posted on

Berkshire

Karen Neville

, , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snack – ‘Space Raiders’

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

Course 1 – ‘Blockbuster’

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

Course 2 – ‘Super Mario’

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

Course 3 – ‘Let’s Go Camping!’

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

Course 4 – ‘Fish Fingers’

Barbecue Coley, Miso Carrot, Lobster Emulsion

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

Course 5 – ‘Guess Who’

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

Course 6 –  ‘SNOWBALL FIIIIGHT’

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

Book at Nostalgia – Oxford – Six By Nico

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Pantomime japes, jeers & jokes

Karen Neville

Posted on

Berkshire

Karen Neville

, ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Win Binoclarity book & unique artwork

Karen Neville

Posted on

Berkshire

Karen Neville

, , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

The closing date for the competition is December 31st.

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

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Gary Barlow to shine at Blenheim 

Liz Nicholls

Posted on

Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , , , , , ,

The multi-million-selling British singer songwriter Gary Barlow is the latest act announced for next summer’s Nocturne Live concert series in June 

The Take That star will headline the series on Friday, 20th June, alongside a selection of soon-to-be-announced special guests. 

As a member and lead songwriter of Take That, one of the biggest British boy bands of all time, Gary Barlow has sold over 45 million records, over eight million concert tickets and won eight BRIT awards. Gary has also enjoyed a hugely successful solo career with three number one singles, six top-ten singles and three number one albums. He is one of the most successful British songwriters in history having written a total of 14 number one singles as well as being a six-time recipient of an Ivor Novello Award.

Gary joins the line-up for next summer’s Nocturne Live series alongside Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft, Lightning Seeds and The Zutons, who perform on Thursday June 19th 2025. More acts for the series will be announced in due course.

Nocturne Live transforms Blenheim Palace’s Great Court into a spectacular 10,000-capacity open-air concert venue and since its inception in 2015 has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular stately home concert experiences. Over the years the series has presented shows from a host of huge international stars including the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers, Lauryn Hill, Noel Gallagher, Gregory Porter, Van Morrison, Tears for Fears, Gladys Knight, Elvis Costello, Simple Minds and Ennio Morricone amongst many others. 

Nocturne Live 2025 runs from Wednesday 18th to Sunday June 22nd. Tickets for Gary Barlow start at £54 and go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29th. Pre-sale is available to those signed up to the Nocturne Live mailing list and begins at 9am on Tuesday, 26th November.

Tickets, along with a limited number of VIP packages – which provide an exclusive opportunity to dine in the State Rooms of Blenheim Palace – are available from  nocturnelive.com. 

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Shows with Christmas sparkle! 

Liz Nicholls

Posted on

Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

, , , ,

Here’s our choice of family-friendly pantomimes, shows & great days out for Bucks readers 

Locals don’t get more vocal than La Voix. So it’s cheering to know that the red-headed Bucks beauty, who first found fame on Britain’s Got Talent, is back to star in the Wycombe Swan pantomime.  

“Darlings… Brace yourselves!” says La Voix, who will dazzle alongside Vernon Kay (see our Q&A) in Aladdin, 13th December to 5th January. “I can’t wait to get back on that stage, with stunning costumes, side-splitting comedy, powerhouse vocals… and I’m sure the other cast members will add something to the show too.” Book your tickets at wycombeswan.co.uk 

Volunteers have worked hard to craft beautiful scenery, costumes, and props for The Storyteller at Aylesbury’s Queens Park Arts Centre, 13th to 29th December. Expect a mixture of sing-along songs, riotous slapstick & dazzling dances, with affordable tickets and relaxed & BSL shows. queensparkarts.com 

Meanwhile, the wonderful Berko Panto will grant your Christmas wishes, with Cinderella 19th to 31st December. Join Cinders in this rags to riches tale of bravery, courage and determination, starring RuPaul’s Drag Race star Veronica Green as The Wicked Baroness and ventriloquist Chris “Krisgar” Garside as Buttons. Berkhamsted’s first ever professional pantomime at the Centenary Theatre will be a real cracker! Please visit berkopanto.co.uk 

There’s nothing as heart-warming as seeing excited little faces all lit up. And The Realms of Mystica lantern festival walk at the Dinosaur & Farm Park in Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT, has been earning glowing reviews! There are magical photo points across the trail and dog-friendly nights; visit miltonkeynes.landoflights.co.uk. You can also enjoy a festive family adventure with rides, a Santa’s grotto & gifts up to 23rd December at Gulliver’s Land, MK15 0DT. Visit gulliverslandresort.co.uk 

Don coats or brollies for The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, 6th December to 5th January. This family favourite will have you hooked, thanks to an epic water fight and stars Bradley Riches, Andy Collins & Mark Moraghan. aylesburywatersidetheatre.co.uk 

The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham is always a treasurebox of family fun. You’d better be quick to book tickets for Aladdin 7th to 13th December. Visit elgiva.com for more goodies. 

Henley’s Kenton Theatre will welcome you for Snow White 14th to 30th December with dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines, a hilarious script & more; thekenton.org.uk  

And Father Christmas will star at the Jack & The Beanstalk Panto Express at Bucks Railway Museum in Quainton; bucksrailcentre.org 

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Join Launchpad’s Carols by Candlelight

Karen Neville

Posted on

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

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Find treasures at The Juniper Barn

Karen Neville

Posted on

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 

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Yattendon Winter Market 23rd&24th November 

Liz Nicholls

Posted on

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

Latest posts

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter: