Get set glow!

Karen Neville

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Newbury

Karen Neville

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As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead

Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. There’s still a few days left to discover the breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy at Welford Park near Newbury. Explore the night-time wonder of Welford Park through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the stars until November 10th. Book at Spectacle of Light | Welford Park

Stourhead has been enhanced by the curated trail featuring the stunning Christmas Cathedral, in which more than a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape. New features this year include a Sea of Light stretching into the distance, larger-than-life snowflakes suspended in trees and Light a Wish, which fills the air with giant, floating dandelion seeds. You’ll be surrounded by a sea of light and feathers floating in the night sky from November 29th to January 1st. Book at Christmas 2024 | Stourhead | Wiltshire | National Trust

Create magical memories at Longleat as you journey through time at the Festival of Light with a Roman chariot, mammoth, dinosaurs and an Egyptian pyramid as well as a dragon boat from the Shang dynasty. The highlight will feature Longleat House transformed as part of an immersive video display. Travel through time from when dinosaurs roamed to the present day with an appearance by Elizabeth I. The display November 9th until January 5th features more than 1,000 lanterns. Tickets at Longleat

Be part of the Corn Exchange’s Festival of Light on Sunday, 15th December and help transform Newbury town centre into a twinkling wonderland. The procession will travel along Northbrook Street before arriving in the Market Place with live music and a festive atmosphere. In the run up to the event, join a lantern making workshop, November 30th – December 8th and create a traditional pyramid lantern out of willow and paper ready to carry in the procession. More details & booking at Lantern Making Workshop | Corn Exchange | Corn Exchange Newbury

The illuminated outdoor Christmas Trail in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. Wander the picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer to discover a place where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and Christmassy sounds fill the air with festive fun. Inspired by the natural world and festive themes, the illuminations have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the festive season. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles, shimmering tunnels of light and vibrant woodland lakeside displays. November 15th to January 1st. Booking essential Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market

The family-friendly illuminated light trail at Cotswold Farm Park is a wondrous night-time experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations. The lights will guide you on an enchanting stroll through the park after hours along the picturesque trail. Enjoy thousands of lights Nov 22nd-24th, Nov 29th-Dec 1st, 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 18th-23rd and 28th-31st. Book at A Magical Enchanted Light Trail On The Farm | The Cotswolds

The elves are busy at Bucklebury Farm creating the most magical experience for you to enjoy this Christmas time. Book your grotto slot with Santa, select dates from 7th December. Book at Buy Father Christmas at the Farm Tickets online – Bucklebury Farm

Christmas comes to Marlborough on November 29th with the festive market and lights switch on. The following day brings the chance to shop for gifts at the Christmas fair at St Peter’s selling a range of products, from hampers and gifts to candles and infusers, local gins and natural skincare, handmade textiles, glass crafts and art. 

Newbury gets into the Christmas spirit with the lights switch on (6pm) and a day of festivities on November 16th before finishing off with the official Lights Switch On Afterparty at Newbury Racecourse. The artisan Christmas market starts the day with unique and handmade gifts on offer. From Inch’s Yard to the Market Place and the Waterside Centre, the town will be filled with the sound of music and live performances throughout the day.  

The Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza is a highlight of the area’s festive calendar on December 13th. The town becomes a Victorian-era wonderland, complete with fairy tale Christmas lights, steam engines, entertainers, charity stalls, food stalls, The Rock Choir, and Elsa, Anna and Olaf. The festivities kick off at 5pm with a Christmas street fair of stalls, Santa’s grotto, Christmas horse carriage rides, steam engines, festive food and drinks, big wheel and fairground rides. There’s also an indoor Christmas market in the Town Hall offering crafts, honey, cakes, cheese, chocolates and liqueurs, jewellery, glassware, knitted accessories, smoked trout, books, pies, pastries, cosmetics and organic oils. 

One of the most popular Christmas markets  and not just in Wiltshire is Bath Christmas Market which returns from Thursday, 28th November until Sunday, 15th December.  Meander through the cobbled streets of the heritage city centre of Bath, soaking in the festive atmosphere whilst browsing some of the best independent makers for the South West and beyond. Bath Christmas Market is a free, open-air event that is sure to get 
you in the festive mood. 

This Christmas, discover a wonderland of light and festive cheer at the historic Town Gardens, Swindon as you embark on the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail. Wander through a magical backdrop of illuminated trees, discover a 
trail of remarkable light art sculptures, low level soundscapes, interactive illuminations and a specially commissioned light show. Follow the trail from November 29th to December 24th. Book at Events for 29/11/2024 

Hop aboard The Rose of Hungerford for an hour-long trip where everyone meets Santa and the children all receive a present. For more & to book visit The Rose of Hungerford – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Take a trip on the Jubilee at Newbury which will be cruising to Greenham Land to find Santa. Enjoy a Christmas story, singing and time with Santa on the one-hour trip with a gift. More at Jubilee – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Both trips available on selected December dates. 

At the home of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre at Coleshill, explore this makers market to discover artisan gifts hand made by local crafts people and craft course providers. Browse locally handmade crafts, gifts, and much more. Bring the kids along to enjoy some festive children’s activities too on Sunday, 24th November.  

Steam into Christmas at Didcot Railway Centre and help Santa find his missing reindeer, November 30th and selected dates in December. The reindeer have escaped and are lost, he needs them to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. You’ll receive a special passport and stocking as you enter as well as a small gift at each reindeer station. On December 17th book for a very special one-man show, A Christmas Carol features Gerald Dickens, Charles’ great great grandson. Book at Didcot Railway Centre

The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis near Wantage is offering a fixed price Festive Dining Menu from November 29th until Christmas Eve from £35pp. Private dining rooms available for larger groups. Wreath-making courses available 29th & 30th November. Stuck for a present idea? Buy a Greyhound Gift Voucher for a range of dining or stay experiences. All details at Home – The Greyhound Inn or call 01235 771969 to discuss your requirements. 

Looking to create a hamper as a gift or for the perfect party fare? Gastro Nicks in Collingbourne Ducis is an Aladdin’s Cave of charcuterie, antipasti, cheese, chutneys, pasta, pesto, sauces and oils not to mention the wines, Champagne and sparkling wines to accompany it all. And no Christmas celebration would be complete without a slice of delicious Panettone. Add a touch of the Med to your festivities, shop at gastronicks.co.uk 

And finally, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without that great British tradition, the panto… oh no it wouldn’t! Corn Exchange Newbury is staging Dick Whittington, the tale of the lad who went to London in search of his fortune from November 29th to January 5th, Book at Dick Whittington Pantomime 2024 | Corn Exchange Newbury

More next month in our panto special! 

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Top 10 hotels in Oxfordshire

Ellie Cox

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Newbury

Ellie Cox

Taking a tour through Round & About county, here the Good Hotel Guide invites you to explore 10 of the top hotels in Oxfordshire.

Offering warm and welcoming places to rest, relax, wine and dine as we head into the autumn months, from pubs with rooms to Michelin Star dining destinations, romantic trips to getaways with friends, here’s to hotel stays from picturesque villages to the city centre.

The Feathered Nest, Chipping Norton

The Feathered Nest Country Inn – Cotswolds Pub, Restaurant & Rooms (thefeatherednestinn.co.uk)

Sitting proudly overlooking the Evenlode Valley, The Feathered Nest is an enchanting restaurant-with-rooms in a former 18th-century malthouse. The gastropub-with-rooms is well known for its food courtesy of newly promoted head chef Rene Pinedo, who takes inspiration from his Caribbean roots with a special focus on seafood and open grill cooking. Interiors offer a cosy atmosphere is keeping with the best of pub experiences, with a crackling fire to enjoy when the weather is cold. Guests staying overnight are treated to welcoming details including home-baked biscuits, an espresso machine and Bramley toiletries and individual style.

The Double Red Duke, Bampton

Double Red Duke | Cotswolds | Country Creatures 

The Double Red Duke is owned by Georgie and Sam Pearman – a 17th-century Cotswold stone inn turned pub-with-rooms. The Duke combines heritage architecture with country-chic style, including carefully designed rooms that feature luxurious fabrics, hand-blocked wallpaper and wooden furniture. Food is not your average pub grub – they grill meat and fish over charcoal, cherry and apple wood to add that little extra flourish.

Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton

Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons | Raymond Blanc, Oxford (belmond.com)

The 15th-century manor house where Raymond Blanc has held two Michelin stars since 1984, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is the epitome of good taste. Now with a green star for sustainability as well, it’s surrounded by magnificent gardens where many of the ingredients for their cooking are grown. The hotel is an enchanting honey-stone building framed by lavender-fringed pathways. The grounds are delightful and inside the rooms are opulent details that range from four-poster beds to silk wallpapers and a decanter of Madeira. The menu is an ever-changing feast of gastronomic delights – with dishes such as roast pigeon, celeriac and prune ketchup or Jerusalem artichoke, leek and truffle.

The Old Parsonage Hotel, Oxford

Old Parsonage Hotel | Luxury 5-Star Hotel in Oxford

In a 17th-century stone manor house, the Old Parsonage is an intimate hotel that sits behind historic gates and welcomes you with open arms. Inside guests find sophisticated and immaculate interiors, with some rooms featuring a Juliet balcony or private terrace. There’s always a hand-written welcome note and a beautifully presented collection of stories by the shortlisted entrants to the annual Mogford Prize, as well as details such as a marble-clad bathroom with under-floor heating and Noble Isle toiletries. At meals, settle into the cosy restaurant and dine on sophisticated dishes such as crispy potato terrine or lamb rump with wild garlic sauce.

The Lamb Inn, Burford

https://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-lamb-inn

The Lamb Inn is located in the historic market town of Burford on the River Windrush, and has been welcoming guests since the 1750s. Once a collection of 16th-century cottages, it retains plenty of nods to the property’s history with mullioned windows and a log fireplace sitting alongside beautiful interiors that envelop you as you walk in. Luxury touches such as artisan coffee and Molton Brown toiletries are ready and waiting in your room. Meanwhile, food and drink range from a sumptuous dinner menu to light bites throughout the day, sharing platters and a delectable afternoon tea.

Artist Residence Oxfordshire, South Leigh

https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/oxfordshire

An idyllic retreat at the gateway to the picture-perfect Cotswolds, the Artist Residence Oxfordshire is part of the boutique Artist Residence collection of destinations serving up immaculate and individual style. Fun and welcoming, at first it appears as a classic pub, but on entering you discover a world of original inglenook fireplaces and flagstone floors flanked by House of Hackney wallpapers and contemporary art. Food and drink consist of pub grub and a ready supply of local ales, all served under an unassuming thatched roof.

The Wild Rabbit, Chipping Norton

The Wild Rabbit: Award-Winning Restaurant, Pub Rooms & Cottages

An award-winning pub-with-rooms, The Wild Rabbit is an enchanting destination that’s been tastefully styled. Warm and welcoming but with an undeniable elegance, food is at the heart of the experience, serving up seasonal fare on an ever-changing menu depending on which produce is fresh from Daylesford’s organic market garden. The bar and terrace are popular places to relax with a drink, while guests staying overnight can enjoy creature comforts in the stylish rooms above the inn. The colour palette draws on the natural world outside, featuring soothing hues such as a bay-coloured bridle leather and rust-coloured hemp and linen.

The Old Bank Hotel, Oxford

Old Bank Hotel | Luxury Five Star Hotel in Oxford

Close to the Bodleian Library, this five-star boutique hotel is beloved for its high standards and lively restaurant. A three-story stone building in a converted bank, it cuts an impressive figure on the Oxford landscape, delivering unrivalled views of the city’s world-famous landmarks, while inside are high ceilings and an art collection including works by Stanley Spencer. The sense of traditional grandeur is juxtaposed by inherently modern hospitality and aesthetic updates. Amongst its many noteworthy features is the Quod restaurant, a lively ground-floor hub serving up European classics, afternoon teas, and sundowners on the Italian garden terrace.

The Harcourt Arms, Witney

The Harcourt Arms – The Ultimate Village Pub Experience

A charming 17th-century inn, close to Oxford and on the cusp of the Cotswolds, The Harcourt Arms serves award-winning food and is wonderfully stylish. The social hub of the villages, visitors instantly feel a sense of conviviality, whether popping by for dinner, to visit the deli or to enjoy a drink. Contemporary updates are offset by retained historic features and for all its elegance it’s also warm and welcoming. Some elements are particularly grand, like the four-poster bed and a stand-alone copper bath in The Blenheim Suite. The restaurant meanwhile serves pub classics alongside its more elaborate offerings, and it’s surrounded by a half an acre of gardens, so you can sit outside with your drink when the sun shines or simply enjoy the view.

The George Inn, Banbury

The George Inn | Barford St Michael | Near Oxford (thegeorgebarford.co.uk)

In a honey-coloured stone, well off the beaten track, The George Inn is a renovated 17th-century thatched inn turned gastropub-with-rooms. A hub of the community, with eclectic style, it combines beams, inglenook fireplaces and flagstone floors with Buddy Holly prints, fifties film posters and an image of George V in ermine. There are three chic bedrooms above the pub and six in converted stables, complete with underfloor heating, a coffee machine, handmade truffles and botanical toiletries. Dining at the inn is a sensory feast, with details ranging from delicious home-made brownies to breakfasts of fresh pastries, butcher’s sausages, sourdough toast, local jams, porridge with Transylvanian acacia honey.

Explore more hotels in the Cotswolds

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Bear Grylls praises Woodley 1st Scouts

Liz Nicholls

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Newbury

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Chief Scout Bear Grylls OBE has written to praise the 1st Woodley Scout Group who, in the last 18 months, have opened a second Scout troop and a second Beaver colony. Here’s his letter to us…

I can’t believe it’s already been 18 months since 1st Woodley Scout Group opened in their second Scout troop. What an amazing team they are, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything they’ve achieved.

In that time, they’ve welcomed over 20 young people. They’ve equipped them with skills for life – helping them play their part in the local community. They’ve learnt the power of believing in themselves and others and how together they can do so much more.

They’ve camped together, cooked together, learn digital skills; discovered more about their area and helped bring the community closer together too. They’ve met new and different people outside their school and local area helping them gain new perspectives. Scouts has given them the courage to learn more, do more and be more.

I’m so proud of everything 1st Woodley has achieved – not least the incredible kindness and generosity of our adult volunteers who make it possible. These are ordinary people from local communities who make an extraordinary difference. They have also opened a new Beaver colony.

To be a volunteer in Scouts you don’t need incredible outdoor skills or know how to use a map and compass. We can teach you all that. What’s really needed is a smile, patience and willingness to share a little time to help others. I promise you’ll get back ten times what you put in – including new skills, new friends and renewed sense of the difference we can make when we work together.

The team at 1st Woodley have already done so much in just 18 months. But just think what they can do in another year! They’re unstoppable and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way. Be part of this amazing success story and volunteer today.

Congratulations and very well done to all our Scouts and volunteers (past, present and future!)

Bear Grylls OBE
Chief Scout

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Crowd-pleasing Henley Royal regatta pic!

Round & About

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Newbury

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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Biodiversity Fun

Round & About

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Newbury

This May half term, The Lexicon has teamed up with garden and nature specialists Little Muddy Boots, to demystify the meaning of biodiversity for children, in a fun and engaging way.

From Friday, May 24 to Sunday, June 2, 2024, visitors to Bracknell town centre can embark on the Little Things Count trail, where they will discover fascinating facts about bugs, bees, blooms, birds, and butterflies.

In addition to the educational experience, participants have the opportunity to win two fabulous hampers from The Lexicon. On Tuesday, May 28, Berkshire Birds of Prey will grace The Lexicon with their majestic presence, offering visitors an unforgettable close encounter with these magnificent birds. Furthermore, CBBC’s Blue Peter Gardener, Skinny Jean Gardener, will lead a day filled with wildflower seed sowing, education, music, and fun on both Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Little Muddy Boots will host a series of engaging workshops from May 28 to June 1, 2024, providing children with the chance to discover how small actions can make a significant impact on local wildlife. These workshops offer various activities, including exploring, planting, and crafting items such as bug hotels, wildflower seed bombs, and bird snacks to take home.

Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon, expresses hope that this fun and educational initiative will help children comprehend the crucial roles played by different forms of life in maintaining environmental health. Additionally, a dedicated web page featuring short educational videos and downloadable activity sheets has been created to further children’s learning about bugs, bees, blooms, birds, and butterflies.

For more information about Little Things Count and details on how to book for the different workshops please visit https://www.thelexiconbracknell.com/

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Under Milk Wood Returns

Round & About

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Newbury

Progress Theatre revives the Dylan Thomas masterpiece with a diverse cast

Reading’s Progress Theatre is bringing Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, originally conceived as a radio drama and ‘play for voices’ to the local stage, a full 70 years after the BBC first commissioned the work, one of its writer’s most enduring and popular.

The play, featuring myriad personalities, invites the audience to hear the innermost thoughts and dreams of the inhabitants of the small, fictional Welsh fishing town of Llareggub (try spelling it backwards!), as it follows the life of the village during one spring day and night in an emotive and often slyly comic account.

Thomas himself described his play’s lyrical language as ‘prose with blood pressure’, and the poetic voice that runs through Under Milk Wood is surely one of the most remarkable things about this work. Make that voices – there are scores of locals, and so, unsurprisingly, Progress’s actors are doubling up to meet the character count.

During the performance, we meet the likes of the blind, seafaring Captain Cat, the two Mrs Dai Breads, the Rev Eli Jenkins, poet and preacher, Mog Edwards the draper, the murderous Mr Pugh and many others. Then, of course, there is the treat of the lyrical narration that runs like a thread throughout.

From the outset, the vision for the Progress production was to make it as inclusive and as diverse possible from the audition stage (back in January) onwards. And doing so has long been a dream for director Ali Carroll and producer Liz Carroll.

The show’s cast of more than 20 actors includes those on the autistic spectrum, one with hearing loss, a wheelchair user and three adult clients of Reading Mencap, where many rehearsals have been held. What’s more, ages among the performers range from 11 to eighty something. So it’s a genuine piece of community theatre. Some are stalwarts of the Berkshire drama scene; others are taking to the stage for the first time.

Inclusion began with making the audition process as accessible as possible, and this philosophy has extended throughout the rehearsal stage so that as many different people as possible feel encouraged to take part, with additional support made available throughout the production.

  • Under Milk Wood runs at Progress Theatre from April 26 until May 4. There will be reduced capacity/relaxed performances on Saturday 27th April and Tuesday 30th April shows. Curtain up is 7.45pm, 4pm Saturdays. Book tickets here.

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Zone out!

Karen Neville

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Newbury

You’ve done all the preparation and your garden is good to be ‘glammed up’ all ready for you to sit back and relax and enjoy the summer

Courtyard, green oasis, large and luscious, small and secluded – whatever type of garden you have you’ll want to make it work for you and its place in your life.

A popular option is to create zones or spaces designed to suit a particular purpose and this can be achieved with thought out planning even in smaller gardens where two or three areas works well, perhaps create a larger focal zone with one or two smaller ones, it will largely depend on how you use your garden space.

Most of us want a relaxation area, somewhere to lie back perhaps on a lounger or even in a swing seat or hammock if there’s room and you’re likely to want an entertaining / dining area too. Perhaps you work from home and a garden room offers you somewhere to escape to or is it an ideal place for the kids to chill out?

Let’s sit back and relax and consider the choices – patio and / or decking are a good place to start, make space for both if you can and you’re creating zones without realising it. Seating is  a must, chairs and a table, anything from a cute stylish bistro set for a smaller space to a full on comfy garden sofa taking the indoors out and wooden table and chairs fit for a banquet. How about an egg chair or a padded bench if you need extra or occasional seating, you may find that once you’ve created your zones, the seating falls into place naturally. Need more relaxation and the ultimate chill zone? Soothe away the day in a hot tub.

Summer is the time to entertain al fresco and enjoy the fruits of your hard work with friends and family. Once you’ve decided on your seating go a step further and explore your dining options, do you like nothing better than the sizzle of a burger on the BBQ, like to mix up your toppings on a pizza oven or will only a full-on outdoor kitchen feed your need?

Garden rooms have increasingly become an extension of your home and not just for those who work from home. Always wanted to run your own business but not sure where you’d do it, they make the ideal space for a beauty salon or dog grooming parlour. They’re a great way to gain an extra room without the cost of moving or an extension. Channel your inner peace and indulge in some me time with a yoga studio, pop the kids in for a playroom or creative types will enjoy setting up their easel or instruments there.

One thing that’s pretty much a necessity in this country is some sort of shade or cover. Awnings and sails add a decorative touch and are available in a variety of styles and colours. If you’re after a more permanent fixture then pergolas and gazebos will add a stylish touch either to house your furniture or as a shelter.

If you’ve been coveting a beautiful hand-crafted bespoke oak building in your garden or adjoining your home, you’re not the only one! The Artisan Oak team work with clients to help you design your dream bespoke space. The company believe oak to be one of the most beautiful materials to use, with raw textures and uncompromisable strength. They also offer a landscaping service and incorporate materials such as glass, stone, brick and other wood, working along side sub-contractors for a hassle-free project. Visit artisan-oak.com

Looking for finishing touches to complete your masterpiece? A fire pit will help ward off any chills while lighting will allow you to enjoy your haven late into the night.

Using traditional techniques dating back 4,000 years and hand thrown on the wheel in Crete, these quality pots are fired at 1,150 degrees centigrade, guaranteeing quality and durability, ensuring they are frost proof to endure our winters. Order online at cretepots.com or visit the Crete Pots showroom displaying over 150 pots in the heart of Hampshire.

Metal Gates Ltd are manufacturers, fabricators and installers of quality metal gates, railings, garage doors, balustrades and staircases. The family business has over 30 years’ experience in the metalwork industry, they can guarantee quality craftsmanship and a professional service from planning to installation. Contact them on  01628 621974 for a free no obligation quote. More at metalgatesltd.com

Want to live more sustainably? The Festival of Sustainable Homes, May 17th and 18th at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon SN5 8UB, offers advice on improving the energy efficiency of new build and existing homes. Exhibits, seminars, live demos and expert advice will all be on offer at the Good Energy sponsored event. Find out more at nsbrc.co.uk/whats-on/our-events/the-festival-of-sustainable-homes

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The door to dreams

Karen Neville

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Newbury

Stepping into a bookshop is like catching up with an old friend, the familiarity and love come flooding back and yet you just know there will be something new to discover. Karen Neville invites you to step inside these independent havens of literature…

As a child I loved pushing open the big wooden door on the bookshop in the town where I grew up to be greeted by an Aladdin’s cave of words wrapped in colourful covers.

There was a whole world waiting to be discovered that ate up much of my pocket and birthday money. The delight I felt when collecting the special copy of Ballet Shoes I’d ordered and handing the assistant the piece of paper with the details felt like I was joining a very special club – the bookshop club.

Sadly that shop is no longer but fortunately for all of us bibliophiles according to the Booksellers Association at the end of 2022 there were 1,072 independent bookshops sharing the love I treasured.

The dream of running a bookshop is a popularly held one and for Alex Forbes it came true in 2020 with the name Fourbears coming from a nickname. They host a wide range of events, book clubs and writing clubs and are happy to chat all day long about books. So be warned, there’s no such thing as just popping into Fourbears in Caversham. Their book subscription service is the perfect gift for the book lover in your life or just a regular treat for yourself. Look out for Fourbears Fest, May 17th to 19th, the first Reading and Caversham Book Festival featuring a range of events for adults and children in multiple venues.

RISC World Shop in the fairtrade shop in London Street, Reading, focuses on sustainable living, human rights, climate change and green living and their selection is carefully curated and ever-evolving and features many of the local interest titles published by Reading star Two Rivers Press. They typically sell books on politics, economics, sustainability, gender, human rights, world fiction, children’s books, gardening, cooking, places, black issues, women, feminism, lbtgq+, local interest development, school books as well as publishing their own titles for schools.

Even the most hard to please reader will find something among the more than 20,000 books adorning the shelves of The Bell Bookshop, Henley. Find hidden gems among the paperbacks, hardbacks and classics, biographies, travel guides, cookery, history, children’s and many many more. This destination bookshop has been feeding the appetite of book lovers around Henley and beyond since 1966 with the shop itself dating back to the 18th century – I’ll bet it has some stories to tell.

You’ll probably recognise Roald Dahl’s Matilda outside The Book House, Thame which has a fascinating story behind it, as does Fat Puffin, a gift from Puffin Books to mark the opening in 1972 as one of the first specialist children’s books in the country – he could write a book about his ‘adventures’ since he’s been standing sentry. Through the shop discover the bookshop’s very own ‘secret garden’, take a seat and dip into your new book. Books range from first books for babies to young adult reads while adults aren’t forgotten with more than enough to sate their appetites too.

Here’s a bookshop with a difference, Newbury Bookshelf is a mobile shop which pops up at Newbury Market on Thursdays and Saturdays and Thatcham market on Fridays. Creator Emily had always wanted to have her own bookshop having worked in one while at uni and has turned her dream into a reality thanks to her innovative approach. Pick her brain for recommendations and you won’t be disappointed, just look out for the blue canopy.

Hungerford Bookshop has attracted such literary luminaries as Robert Harris, Alexander McCall Smith, Sebastian Faulks and Gill Hornby to their events and this month will be enjoying crime and wine with Adele Parks (3rd) and fizz and fiction with Georgina Moore and Becky Hunter on the 24th. All their books are hand-picked with care, and they love to recommend their favourite titles. Come and have a browse including in the basement where you’ll find an impressive array of secondhand and antiquarian books. Join the book subscription service and benefit from their expertise choosing books based on the recipient’s reading tastes or preferred genres.

Founded more than 75 years ago, White Horse Bookshop still operates from its original site in Marlborough where it opened its doors in 1949. Alongside the thousands of titles that line the shelves they also have an extensive art department stocking all manner of materials, run one day art workshops, hold exhibitions and talks in the White Horse Gallery at the rear of the premises.

As author Evie Woods writes in her novel The Lost Bookshop: “The thing about books… is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.”

Show your support for independent bookshops in Independent Bookshop Week, June 15th to 22nd, part of the Books Are My Bag campaign, an annual celebration of independent bookshops nationwide, and the role they play in their communities.

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The Runnymede is having a makeover…

Round & About

Posted on

Newbury

The Runnymede on Thames Hotel and Spa remains open, book your Summer stay at Runnymede and enjoy the outdoor pool and boats from the 5th May

Eagle-eyed locals & spa-lovers might have noticed that The Runnymede is being refurbished. With Warner Hotels now offering breaks from later on this year, we wanted to share a sneak peek of what’s to come in the autumn…

All 205 rooms will have a stylish new look with characterful artwork that reflects the history and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Fans of The Runnymede, which overlooks the Thames, will be pleased that the signature duck association will remain! There will also be 25 newly built rooms and those overlooking the river will have the added luxury of balconies.

There will be a choice of two restaurants – Market Kitchen and Brasserie32. Market Kitchen will replace Leftbank and will feature a deli bar, fresh fish counter and a roast of the day, carved to order. At the other side of the property, Brasserie32 will be located in the former Lock Bar & Kitchen with a menu filled with British classics. The property will also feature The Coffee Nest, an informal setting for sweet treats, tea and coffee, alongside further bars and lounges.

Those who would otherwise visit London for the theatre won’t be disappointed, as the hotel will host a diverse programme of entertainment in the new Live Lounge. From comedians to tribute acts and party bands, every stay promises an impressive line-up of unique shows.

The Runnymede remains the go-to place for R&A, with treatments to help put a spring in your step, including the highly recommended Salt & Polish Scrub: a thorough body exfoliation followed by an application of nourishing body oil to leave the skin smooth and free of dry skin.

Alongside plenty of entertainment, there will be ample time for R&R at the spa with pools, a sauna, steam room, state-of-art gym, studio room for yoga and other fitness classes, a relaxation lounge, and an extended wellness programme. This is in addition to a range of soothing treatments designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul. From May to September (weather permitting), guests will also have use of the outdoor pool with sun loungers.

There will also be activities to choose from including tennis, archery, laser pistol shooting, tasting experiences and cooking demos. During the summer months, there will also be boat hire available from the property’s private jetty. So much to look forward to!

Not forgetting the Runnymede’s complimentary shuttle service to and from Windsor!

Breaks are available to book online for autumn onwards. In the mean time the hotel will continue to operate as an independent property for stays, dining and spa treatments and days, though the team do advise that the hotel might not be looking its best while construction work is going on.

For spring and summer bookings book directly with The Runnymede; The Runnymede on Thames | Windsor Spa Hotel | Egham Hotel (runnymedehotel.com)

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The magic of Pratchett

Round & About

Posted on

Newbury

Marc Burrows is bringing his celebration of Terry Pratchett to Norden Farm

Author, comedian and Terry Pratchett fan, Marc Burrows invites audiences to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the landmark comic fantasy Discworld series with his beautiful tribute.

In 2020, Marc penned the first ever biography of Sir Terry. The book received critical acclaim, won a Locus Award and was embraced by fans. This new, live multimedia show, based on the book, was then created with the full endorsement and support of Narrativia, the company founded to protect and promote the late author’s work in association with his estate.

The Magic of Terry Pratchett is a comic lecture in which Burrows explores Pratchett’s influences, his rise to fame, impact, and unique life, becoming one of the most beloved storytellers of all time. From the national treasure’s days as a school librarian, his time as a trainee journalist to his untimely death in 2015 and in keeping with Pratchett’s own style, the show is a gently comic celebration and exploration of his work. It will also seriously examine his death, and the activism he was involved with toward the end of his life surrounding dementia treatment and the right-to-die; an important part of his story and legacy.

In addition to using the framework of the The Magic of Terry Pratchett book, the show incorporates additional elements of Rob Wilkins’ official biography, Terry Pratchett: A Life in Footnotes, (A Sunday Times Bestseller) as well as licensed media.

Sir Terry Pratchett OBE is one of the world’s most widely read authors. Conventions dedicated to his work are held globally every year. His works have been translated into 40 different languages, sold 100 million copies and have been performed on stage on seven continents. John Lloyd was right when he said “of all of the dead authors in the world, Terry Pratchett is the most alive”. Pratchett’s short story The Abominable Snow Baby was adapted by Channel 4 as a Christmas Day animation in 2021. Sky released a feature film adaptation of his Carnegie Award winning book The Amazing Maurice in cinemas in 2022, and Good Omens, a TV series based on the book Pratchett wrote with Neil Gaiman, will have a second Amazon Prime season in the autumn.

Marc Burrows often writes on culture and social issues for The Guardian, New Statesman, Big Issue and Independent and his Edinburgh Fringe shows include The Ten Best Songs of All Time and Mind Your Head. Marc’s second book, The London Boys: David Bowie, Marc Bolan and the 60s Teenage Dream was published to considerable acclaim in 2022 and is in the early stages of adaptation into a feature-length documentary. Outside of writing and comedy, Marc plays in the cult punk band The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, regularly performing at the Download, Glastonbury, Bestival and Latitude festivals and touring the UK and US.

The Magic of Terry Pratchett is at Norden Farm on 28th March.
Tickets are available here.

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