Arts & minds

Karen Neville

Berkshire

Art-lovers! Check out Wokingham Arts Trail, 10.30am-5pm over the weekend of 21st & 22nd September, with free entry & work by 29 artists to enjoy

Nine local venues will take part in this highlight. This, the 13th annual trail, will feature ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists and more.

Watercolour, acryllic and oil paintings, jewellery, handmade books, ceramics, glassware and textiles will be on display in studios and including groups at WADE Centre in Reading Road, and the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street. Regular participants and 10 new faces will be involved, offering the opportunity for visitors to meet the artists, view and buy unique outstanding and varied works.

Peter Izod says: “I’ve been a participant in Wokingham Arts Trail since 2010 under the inspiring chairmanship of Christine Morgan, until I took over from her in 2020. I have been fortunate to have my own venue in the town centre and the Arts Trail has attracted over 200 people each year, many regular visitors.

“It’s a great opportunity to show your art, ceramics and jewellery, meet visitors and discuss the displays. We all learn something from it every year and the broad involvement of the public – many of whom get round to every venue – show Wokingham’s thriving interest in art. This year, with 29 participants, I think we have one of the most varied and high quality trails to enjoy.”

Artist Christine Morgan (Brandywine Art) adds: “I have made a few changes in my studio since the last Arts Trail so I can use the space for mixed media work and clay. I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors as I work. I love to encourage all ages to experiment and enjoy making art in whatever form. Opening my studios gives me the opportunity to share simple ways to allow them to ‘have a go’.”

The 2024 brochure is out now in local shops and you can visit wokinghamartstrail.co.uk


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Skill and artistry at September Ceramics

Karen Neville

Berkshire

Katherine Kingdon invites us to marvel at the creativity and talent on show at September Ceramics 2024 in Newbury, September 13th to 22nd

A handmade object has something special about it. The maker’s experience is made visible, in the design, in the construction, in the quality of the surface. There’s something else too, something less concrete, more personal.

It’s something about where it was made and who it was made by. It wasn’t mass-produced in a factory far, far away. It was made somewhere closer to home, perhaps in a garden shed, perhaps with the sound of pigeons cooing in the background and certainly by someone who was thoroughly engaged in the act of making, using their skill to navigate its joys and frustrations.

Clay is a material with many joys and frustrations. It’s amazingly adaptable. You can squidge it, you can pour it, you can carve it and until you apply heat to it, you can recycle it ad infinitum. With few tools and little experience, it’s easy to create a simple form, with practice, practice, practice and as many or as few tools as you wish, you can make magic happen. But as even the most experienced ceramicists know, it also has a mind of its own. It loves to wrap and crack, even melt. Those who stick with it get used to this. They learn from it and develop a resilience which pushes them to explore furhter.

Join us at September Ceramics 2024 at City Arts Newbury, Hampton Road RG14 6DB, to see work by a group of local makers who’ve spent many years honing their craft. During the first weekend you can meet these makers and enjoy a rolling programme of demonstrations.

This year’s makers are Lizzy McCracken, thrown and tin glazed earthenware; Anne Dalton, thrown-ware with sea creatures and glazed and unglazed surfaces; Pots of Hope Susie who is also offering have-a-go sessions on the potter’s wheel (sign up for these on CITY ARTS NEWBURY); Ali Keeling, hand-built vessels explore the relationship between surface and form; Helen Long, working with coloured porcelain to celebrate the power of the sea; Rebecca Maynard’s distinctive animals and busts; Leah Blake’s wonderfully constructed animal sculptures and Katherine Kingdon’s playful piece, guaranteed to make you look twice.

There’s also a ceramics raffle, the ‘Up and Coming Makers’ competition delicious tea and cake at The Art Hub Café and voting for your favourite work.

This year’s sponsors are Scarva Pottery Supplies, Bluematchbox Potters Supplies, Ugly Duckling Pottery Painting and City Arts Newbury. For more details, visit CITY ARTS NEWBURY.


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Big Berkshire show

Karen Neville

Berkshire

Newbury Show is widely regarded as one of the best county shows in the country hosted over two years, September 21st and 22nd, at Newbury Showground

Newbury Show remains true to its roots – a celebration of all aspects of farming and rural life in the area, showcasing agricultural technology, animals, artisan products, local produce and more!

The Newbury Show offers a great day out combining displays, competition, shopping, an unrivalled food hall experience, craft marquee, rural crafts, have-a-go activities plus all the traditional attractions of a county show.

The Grand Parade of Livestock will enter the Main Arena on Saturday and Sunday. Winning cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas and alpacas will all be parading for your enjoyment. Come see them all, you may see some breeds you’ve never heard of before!

In the Sports Zone you will be able to see what it is like to do circuit training, have an introduction to stress management exercises and even find out about kettle ball.

It won’t be long until Christmas and there are many original ideas for presents, as well as a few treats for yourself you won’t see on the high street.

There will be a wealth of food stalls crafts in craft tent, spectacular displays of plants in the horticulture tent and trade stands galore.

Over at the Bandstand you can relax with your cup of coffee or lunch and listen to a wide variety of the counties musical talent.

Sponsored by Ramsbury Brewery, it’s going to be another fabulous countryside celebration for the entire family.

Book tickets at Newbury Show (ticketsrv.co.uk)


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Westgate Oxford: New Epic Bar

Ellie Cox

Berkshire

Flight Club – the lively fairground inspired bar and Social Darts experience is coming to Oxford and is set to open doors on 22nd November, just in time for the festive season!

Promising to deliver a one-of-a-kind social experience to Oxford, Flight Club is designed to bring groups of friends together for an unforgettable time. Situated on the roof terrace level of the Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford locals can look forward to a stunning bar with a lively atmosphere, craft cocktails, and delicious sharing dishes. Expect unexpected, ridiculous joy every time.

Flight Club Oxford will offer semi-private oches (Social Darts playing areas) around a spectacular bar, along with plenty of seating options and two beautiful terraces. Its blend of delicious food and drink, stylish interiors, vibrant DJ sets, and energetic vibe makes this new addition to Oxford’s bar scene the perfect destination for creating memorable moments with friends.

Darts revolutionised

Flight Club’s highly popular Social Darts experience has completely transformed the traditional game, bringing darts into the 21st century with fun, fast-paced multiplayer games that anyone can enjoy.

First-time visitors to Flight Club should leave any preconceived notions about darts behind. This modernised version of the game has undergone a high-tech upgrade. Cameras track and automatically score each dart, eliminating the need for manual arithmetic. Live action replays are displayed on-screen during the session, and afterward, shareable stories of the best memories are sent directly to players’ phones.

Perfect for groups of friends, Flight Club redefines the traditional two-player game. Social darts, Flight Club’s enhanced version, allows up to 12 people to gather around an oche. For larger groups, corporate events, or Christmas parties, multiple oches can be linked to host up to 250 players in epic tournaments led by an expert Gamesmaster.

There are six immersive and fast-paced games to choose from. One game, ‘Demolition’, start players with 180 points, with the goal of reaching zero by taking turns throwing darts. Unlike traditional darts, no double is required to win, making it easier for newcomers. In the game ‘Killer’, players must hit their assigned number three times to become a “killer”. Once they achieve killer status, they aim to hit other players’ numbers to knock them out, with the last person standing declared the winner.

Small plates, sharing pizzas and spectacular cocktails

The food menu at Flight Club Oxford will include crowd-pleasing dishes ideal for sharing and eating mid-throw. Sourdough pizza paddles, juicy burgers and loaded fries are just some of the treats on offer.

If you’re a cocktail aficionado, you’ll be in good hands, with plenty of options to choose from, including signature cocktails, classics with a twist, cocktail slushies – perfect for balmy summer evenings – and sharing trophy cocktails served in a show-stopping trophy cup – the best way to toast the Social Darts champions.

Bottomless brunch with a twist

Not forgetting everyone’s favourite weekend pastime, Flight Club Oxford will also offer a bottomless brunch you won’t want to miss. Plenty of booze, great food, and an all-round epic time. Tickets for the two-hour brunch session cost from £30pp and include 60 minutes of gameplay at the oche, a bottle of prosecco per person and all the pizza you can eat. Party vibes are guaranteed as the resident DJ blasts the tunes throughout the day.

The setting: all the fun of the fairground

Flight Club Oxford will be decked out in Flight Club’s signature style, combining the fun of the fairground with Victorian nods and all the best bits of a traditional British pub. Think fairground-style signage and lighting that blinks in time to the music, panelling, bold prints, and subtle nods to Oxford’s history throughout.

There are treasures and trinkets in every corner to surprise and delight, including clocks and barometers of varying sizes on the walls, fun adaptations to Victorian portraits, reclaimed antique furniture pieces and a fairground carousel horse.


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Wondrous West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival

Liz Nicholls

Berkshire

Dick Morbey tells us about the enchanting West Wycombe Music Festival, 19th to 21st September, founded by international star (& Wycombe born & raised) musician Lawrence Power

West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival was established 13 years ago by Lawrence Power who is now recognised as a performer of the very highest calibre on the world stage.

Each September Lawrence returns to the area to direct and perform in this three-day music festival which offers audiences five attractively programmed concerts. He brings with him an array of top-flight musicians who join him to perform in this exclusive series of concerts.

The festival has firmly established its place as one of the key musical events in our locality. It was hailed by the Guardian newspaper as “One of the top ten classical music events of 2021”.

After last year’s success in Hambleden, where we received a very warm welcome from the community and our audiences, we are delighted to be returning to the village this year. The festival will take place from Thursday 19th to Saturday, 21st September.

Five concerts will be given, with an Enchanted theme, all in the beautiful 12th century Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hambledon, RG9 6RX, in the heart of one the most attractive villages in the Chiltern hills in Buckinghamshire. In addition to three evening concerts, there will also be a lunchtime concert on the Friday and a late morning concert on the Saturday. You can find full details of the five concerts and performances & book at westwycombemusic.org.uk and also follow the Facebook page. For further details, ticket sales and enquiries please email the festival organisers on [email protected] or you can call 01494 528659 or 07948 897148.

The West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival is an entirely non-profit concert series which aims to bring the very best of live music performance to the area, given by top calibre musicians. In current times this is increasingly costly, but thanks to the support of audiences and Friends of the Festival we are able to cover most, but not all of our costs.

We invite music-lovers to consider becoming a Friend. The Friends of the Festival are a thriving, friendly group who have offered great support for the festival for over a decade. Friends’ subscriptions and subsequent generous donations have been instrumental in supplementing the income we receive from our generously-priced concert tickets and enabling the continuance of the concert series.

For further info, ticket sales and enquiries please email the organisers by emailing [email protected] or call 01494 528659 or 07948 897148.


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Six By Nico Istanbul-inspired menu

Ellie Cox

Berkshire

From 23rd September to 13th October diners can enjoy the latest menu at Six by Nico Oxford, that will transport them to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul

Six by Nico, renowned for its innovative dining experience and ever-changing tasting menus, has announced its next destination menu, promising a true feast for food enthusiasts across the country. This time, Six by Nico invites diners seeking adventure to journey through the spice-laden streets of Istanbul and savour the rich, aromatic dishes inspired by the Turkish city’s iconic bazaars.

The Istanbul experience will be available from 23rd September to 13th October, offering diners a culinary journey where ancient traditions meet bold, modern flavours. This menu is designed to amaze, celebrating the richness of Turkish cuisine and embracing the culture at every turn. Diners will be transported to bustling bazaars and the vibrant streets of this captivating Turkish destination.

The menu includes the following:

Course One – Memories of Mikla
Cucumber & Barbecue Lettuce Gaspacho, Lemon Verbena & Lor Cheese

Course Two – Chef Ahmet’s Pida
Grilled Chicken Shish Pida, Sesame Flat Bread, Rose Harissa & Sumac

Course Three – Kibe
Toasted Bulgar & Aged Beef, Smoked Black Garlic Ketchup & Cep Mushroom

Course Four – Fishing on Galata Köprüsü
Seabass, White Bean, Fennel Jam, Preserved Lemon, Smoked Almond Foam

Course Five – Adana Lamb Kebap
Cumin Belly Pressé, Ancient Grains Pilaf & Sweet Roasted Tomato

For an additional £7, food enthusiasts can add on Golden Peyniri, Crispy Filo, Lor Cheese, Acili Same Chutney to their fifth course.

Course Six – Spiced Date Cake
Candy Walnut, Caramelised Pear & Sour Yogurt Sorbet

For £50, guests will be able to enjoy a taste of Istanbul, with a matching wine pairing from £38.

This tasting menu is a culinary journey through the heart of Istanbul, drawing deep inspiration from Turkey’s rich and diverse food traditions. It masterfully combines authentic Turkish flavours with modern techniques, paying homage to classic dishes while introducing contemporary twists. From the refreshing notes of gazpacho to the hearty essence of lamb kebap, each course reflects the vibrant and varied culinary heritage of Istanbul. This menu captures the essence of Turkish cuisine – bold, aromatic, and deeply rooted in regional traditions – while presenting it in a way that is both innovative and sophisticated.

Andrew Temple, Chief Creative Officer, commented on the new menu: “We’re excited to transport diners to the vibrant streets of Istanbul and bring authentic yet bold flavours from Southeastern Europe to cities around the UK and Ireland.”

Six by Nico caters to all dietary requirements, offering a full vegetarian menu for each new menu concept. Plus, customers can swap courses from the meat menu to the veggie alternative, if they wish.

For bookings of the Istanbul menu, visit the website Istanbul – Oxford – Six By Nico


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Join Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester

Karen Neville

Berkshire

Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester is sharing tales from the auction room and more in a fundraiser for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library Campaign

Who doesn’t love a bargain and who doesn’t love TV show Bargain Hunt?

Well-known auctioneer and BBC Bargain Hunter Thomas Forrester is hosting a terrific fundraising auction for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library campaign on Wednesday, 11th September.

The antique expert will talk about his work as an auctioneer and his time on TV with Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, highlighting heart-warming tales of his foray into antiques and how he landed a sport on the beloved British show.

As well as his time on Bargain Hunt, Forrester’s long list of accolades also includes also includes being Director of Special Auction Services in Newbury. Guests can expect Forrester to lend his valuable insight into the antiques market, sharing a look into what is currently selling and what is struggling. He will also delve into personal stories from his time working in antiques, including fascinating and one-of-a-kind items he has sold, as well as things he couldn’t shift!

Guests can also get actively involved in the evening, with the chance to bring along a small antique or collectable. Audience members who have brought items will be drawn at random to go on stage and tell the audience what their item is and why they bought it, before Forrester provides a live valuation.

All proceeds will be going towards the reopening of the historic Old Library in Newbury which will be a permanent home for the Corn Exchange’s creative participation work. This much-loved building will provide opportunities for all to take part in creative activities, benefitting more and more local people with the positive impact that engagement in the arts has.

£2.6 million is needed to fulfil the Corn Exchange’s plans to open the Old Library in early 2025; £1 million of which has been funded by Greenham Trust, for the acquisition of the building, repairs, and conservation. The public phase of the fundraising campaign will repurpose the interior space, and complete plans.

Jessica Jhundoo-Evans, Director of Corn Exchange Newbury & 101 Outdoor Arts, said: “We’re really excited about the Old Library becoming the permanent home for our creative participation work. This area of our work provides a lifeline to many local people, with over 27,000 engagements in 2022/23. The Old Library will help us to benefit many more local people with the positive impact that participation with the arts has, increasing engagements to over 40,000 a year.”

For tickets to this or any of the other fundraising events visit Events at the Corn Exchange Newbury

For campaign updates and to donate, please visit Old Library Fundraising Campaign


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Sole mates on Pangbourne High Street!

Karen Neville

Berkshire

Pangbourne High Street is becoming even more of a must-visit destination for locals & visitors. We’re celebrating this boom, including two new boutiques for style-lovers…

Already home to beloved establishments such as Cheese Etc, Kiki & Bow Interiors, The Rhubarb Tree, Nino’s Deli and Artichoke Café, the high street is now welcoming two exciting new boutiques to enhance its charm and appeal.

In April, Amy Grace, who has a background in footwear buying and design at renowned high street brands, launched Grace. This chic boutique offers a distinctive shopping experience, featuring her own footwear brands, Grace, and Feather & Sole. Additionally, the store showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of accessories sourced from Europe and the UK, making it a go-to spot for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique and stylish pieces.

“I’ve lived here for seven years, originally as it was on the commuter line into London and I wanted the village vibe with easy access to the city,” Amy tells us. “I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot. We get quite a few people coming here to picnic by the river in the summer and it seems to be a meeting point for surrounding villages due to the cafes, shops and strolls by the river.”

“I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot”

Adding to the vibrant mix, bespoke jeweller Nicola Bannister opened her atelier in July. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship, Nicola offers one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery that caters to those with a discerning eye for quality and elegance. Her atelier has already been attracting jewellery-lovers and provides a personalised shopping experience that’s both memorable and luxurious alongside a repairs and remodelling service. Nicola also offers workshops such as wedding-ring making for couples making their vows.

While Pangbourne has always been great for the foodie spots and Kiki & Bow interiors is a great asset, having more shops open has given people more reason to visit. Pangbourne High Street is nor just a shopping destination but a thriving hub of unique retail and culinary experiences, perfect for an afternoon mooch.


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Prevent car theft

Karen Neville

Berkshire

Is your vehicle attracting thieves? Don’t let car thieves get an easy ride.

Keyless car theft or ‘relay theft’ is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car

• Fit a steering wheel lock as a physical deterrent. Some models can link to pedals and gear sticks.
• Consider blocking in your keyless car with another non-keyless entry car if you have one.
• When at home keep your car key (and spares) well away from the car.
• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
• Re-programme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.

You can also find the information on Thames Valley Police website at Prevent theft from a vehicle | Crime Prevention.

If you have seen anything suspicious, have CCTV or Dashcam footage of suspects, or any information regarding car crime in your neighbourhood, please report this by using the Thames Valley Police online reporting portal at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ or by calling the non-emergency number 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

If you wish to remain anonymous or don’t want to speak to the police you can pass any relevant information via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 free of charge.


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Rebecca Netley’s ‘The Whistling’ Premieres!

Round & About

Berkshire

Fans of eerie mysteries and supernatural thrills, prepare yourselves for a spine-chilling experience. Rebecca Netley’s award-winning novel The Whistling is set to make its world premiere at The Mill at Sonning theatre

It offers audiences a chance to step into the unsettling world of a remote island where nothing is as it seems. The adaptation by Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff will begin on September 27th, running for seven weeks, and promises a ghoulish spectacle that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Netley’s novel, which has garnered acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling, transports readers to a haunting island steeped in mystery. The eerie setting is rife with suspense, and the unsettling presence of creepy dolls only adds to the tension. At the heart of the story are mysterious disappearances that unsettle both the characters and readers alike. The adaptation is expected to bring all of these chilling elements to life on stage, immersing the audience in a world where every shadow hides a secret and every whisper carries a warning.

For those unfamiliar with ‘The Whistling’, the novel follows the story of a young woman who is sent to a remote Scottish island to care for a troubled child. However, the island holds dark secrets, and the more she uncovers, the more she finds herself tangled in a web of fear and isolation. Ghostly apparitions, strange occurrences, and a sense of impending doom create a claustrophobic atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned. Translating this to the stage will undoubtedly heighten the tension, as the close confines of The Mill at Sonning’s intimate theatre space will bring the haunting atmosphere even closer to the audience.

Raghad Chaar, Stephanie Farrell, Rebecca Forsyth, Heather Jackson, Nadia Kramer, Jonny McGarrity, Susie Riddell, Sophie Bidgood, Ivy Evans, Saffron Haynes

Theatre-goers can expect an immersive experience as the play taps into psychological horror and supernatural elements that have made the novel a hit. The play will feature haunting visuals, eerie soundscapes, and captivating performances that are sure to send shivers down the spine. With the creative team working closely with Netley, the adaptation remains true to the original narrative while taking full advantage of the theatrical medium to amplify the suspense and horror.

With such a unique and chilling story, ‘The Whistling’ is set to become a must-see production this autumn. Whether you’re a fan of the novel of just someone seeking a good scare, this world premiere promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this chilling journey – prepare for the ghoulish premiere at The Mill at Sonning, starting on September 27th.

Book now at Mill at Sonning


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