Murder mystery event in Goring

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Use your “little grey cells” to help solve a double murder at Goring Village Hall.

Hold the front page! A doctor and a councillor have been murdered in a sleepy Oxfordshire village by the River Thames.

But before you start frantically searching for details online, head to Goring Village Hall where all will be revealed later this month… if you can solve the crime.

This is the second murder mystery evening being hosted there after last year’s sold-out event. The mystery is set in the village of South Goresden where not a lot happens there and that’s the way the villagers like it. The most serious crime there previously was the re-arranging of Annie Short’s gnomes into compromising positions.
In a plot to rival Midsomer Murders, this year’s challenge for sleuths is to find out who murdered the respected Dr Alistair in front of fellow councillors at a parish council meeting and new councillor Mr Langley-Watts who has been beheaded by a wire stretched across the bridleway.
What dark secrets are the villagers hiding? Can you beat PC Mark Dixon to solve the crime first? The evening of fun, food, murder and mayhem includes a two-course meal – all for £20 per person. The bar opens at 7pm, with curtain up at 7.30pm and dinner in the interval.

Teams of five to eight are invited to use their ‘little grey cells’ to solve the mystery – smaller parties can be combined on the night. All funds raised will go towards the stage renovation projection to revamp the stage area.

  Buy your tickets from Inspirations or you can reserve by emailing [email protected] or calling 01491 871055.

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Concert: Violin virtuoso

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Former Young Musician of the Year Jennifer Pike will be playing the piece that won her the title when she appears at Marlborough College.

At the age of just 12, Jennifer Pike became the youngest ever winner of the Young Musician of the Year in 2002.

Three years later she performed at the Proms and has gone on to build an international career which has included many more accolades, not least being the only classical artist to win the South Bank Show/Times Breakthrough Award.

Jennifer is passionate about helping other young people enhance their lives through music and is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.

You can enjoy her music on Sunday, 20th January when she takes to the stage in the Memorial Hall at the college, as part of the World Class Musicians in Marlborough series when she will perform Vaughan William’s The Lark Ascending alongside pieces by Bach and Wieniawski.

Following the redevelopment of the Memorial Hall (which Marlborough College provides as sponsors of the concert series) the town now has a state-of-the-art concert hall.

The £6.5million project retains the charm of the original design while adding contemporary touches to create a state-of-the-art facility. The acoustics received accolades after a BBC National Orchestra of Wales concert recently and with improved front of house facilities, a concert at Marlborough College will be a true treat for the senses.

  Tickets available at marlboroughconcertseries.org. Enquiries: 01672 892566 or [email protected]

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Literature lovers: events in Wokingham

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Janet Ferguson explains why you should join Wokingham Literary Society and some of the highlights to tempt you this month.

Looking for something new to do during those long dark winter evenings?

Wokingham Literary Society will begin the New Year on Thursday, 17th January, with a talk by Martin Hughes entitled Comedy Thrillers.

The speaker will explain that it is far more common to hear the phrase “comedy thriller” referring to films than books. For comedy, do we need pictures as well as words? Is it because of the ability of pictures to combine attractive people and amusing lifestyles amid sad and scary events while words alone remain too close to the event’s sad and serious nature? Martin will look mainly at three books which amuse us even amid their thriller plots; Dashiell Hammett’s The Thin Man, Christopher Brookmyre’s The Sacred Art of Stealing, and P.G.Wodehouse’s Summer Lightning.

The society’s second speaker on Thursday, 31st January is Jill Swale who will look at The Language of Persuasion – the techniques from famous speeches, literature and the press. Jill plans to explain why Tony Blair’s “Education, education, education”, Neil Armstrong’s “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address (“of the people, by the people, for the people”), are so effective and well-remembered. She’ll look at how writers use loaded language and rhetorical questions to sway the reader, appealing to particular emotions.

New members and visitors welcome. £2 on the door.

  Details at www.wokinghamliterarysociety.org.uk

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Relationships: Going it alone

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A woman who found new strength after her marriage breakdown a year ago is urging others facing post-split up pain to make a New Year’s Resolution for change.

Administrator Jane Holgate was so impressed with Divorce Recovery Workshop’s Berkshire course she now helps run courses.

You can book now for the next one, on February 8th & 9th and 15th & 16th, in Earley, Reading. Charity DRW helps men and women recover emotionally after separation or divorce.

Jane, of Hurst, who works in Twyford, said: “The prospect of facing the new year on my own was daunting. But DRW made me realise I was in control of my future which might not be the same as before, but was still a future. New Year is a time to seize change. If you’re hesitating, I’d say: take the plunge and contact us. I found I wasn’t the only one feeling as I was. I’ve kept in touch with some of those on my course: they’re a fantastic support. We have a coffee or text. It’s like having a support network, a safe space.”

Jane, who is in her fifties with two grown-up children, adds: “To come to DRW you can be the one who left or the one left behind. No one judges. It doesn’t matter when the break-up was or if you were married or not.”
The course leaders, including DRW founder trustee John Kemp of Wokingham, are divorced or separated. John says: “Many people don’t know where to turn to for help with emotional recovery from the trauma of separation or divorce. People often say they grow in confidence with the help of a workshop rather than just going through it alone.”

  Call 07887 800521 or 0118 979 2770, email [email protected] or visit www.drw.org.uk

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Marlow Archaeology Society

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Marlow Archaeology Society unearths the secrets of Reading Abbey.

A manuscript, music and a human hand are just some of the subjects to be discussed by Marlow Archaeology Society as they look at the founding of Reading Abbey.

Founded in 1121 by King Henry I to be his burial church, it was built and designed for both monks and pilgrims.

Speakers John and Lindsay Mullaney will use their research to show how Reading Abbey was founded and how Henry set about acquiring a collection of saintly relics that would attract pilgrims to it and increase the economy of the abbey and the town.

Newly discovered evidence by Dr Brian Kemp, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries relating to the interior design of the abbey, gives a better understanding of where Henry was buried. Examples of music from the time which Dr Kemp’s research revealed were used on early anniversaries of Henry’s death in 1135, will also be used.

And a rare surviving manuscript reveals one of the ‘miracle stories’ about the town’s most famous relic, the ‘Hand of St James’ which possessed powerful healing properties, performing many miracles in the 12th century. Today the hand can be seen at the Roman Catholic Church in Marlow.

Reading Abbey has recently undergone a three-year conservation project, costing some £3.15million under the watchful eye of the restoration team, Friends of Reading Abbey.

Join the archaeology society at Liston Hall on Thursday, 24th January at 8pm to hear all these secrets and more. Members £3, visitors £4.50, pay at the door.

For more details go to www.marlowarchaeology.org

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Hal Cruttenden: Middle ground

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One of Britain’s top comedians, Hal Cruttenden brings his stand-up show to Maidenhead’s Norden Farm this month.

Keen to involve his family in the planning as well as being one of the subjects within the act, he asked his teenage daughters what he should call the tour. Hence “Chubster”, which also gives a clue as to other subjects – his battle with weight! Now Hal’s back on the 5:2 diet and onstage in a hilarious show that not only touches on his usual moans about being a middle-aged, middle class father of fat-shaming teenagers but also introduces us to new problems like his struggles with IQ tests, political zealots and the trauma of supporting the England rugby team.

So, who were the people who inspired Hal in his career that has often seen him nominated for awards? It seems those middle-class doubts needed satisfying as he says his inspirations were people like Eddie Izzard: “He convinced me that you could do stand-up successfully and be middle-class. I thought it was so impressive and it taught me that it was more the joke than the person telling it. I just so love Bill Connolly’s charisma, I just want to sit down and listen to him. Comedians like Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges, I think for me it is more a case of jealousy rather than inspiration.”

Having given his family the chance to name the show, do they also get a chance to see their dad in action? “Oh yes, they always see the shows. As to what they think of them, my children are now asking for a raise in their pocket money and calling it research costs!” Hal says. Speaking of research, how easy does he find the writing? Not, it would appear! “I am anything but disciplined, I am rubbish – if I did not have a deadline to work to I doubt I would get anything done. I have the upmost respect for Lee Mack, I have absolutely no idea how he writes all the comedy scripts and stand-up shows that he does.”

Having toured the world, it seems the bright lights of New York still beckon for Hal, he says: “I would really love to perform in New York, I really fancy doing Carnegie Hall or the Radio City Music Hall.” Your chance to see him at Norden Farm Arts Centre is on Friday, 11th and Saturday, 12th January.

  For more information go to norden.farm

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Blackbeard’s Treasure at Escape Hunt

Cherry Butler

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Cherry Butler ends up all at sea in Reading’s newest escape room, Blackbeard’s Treasure at Escape Hunt.

It seems Reading residents can’t get enough of being locked in a room and trying to puzzle our way out against the clock, with numerous escape games popping up in town over the past few years. The fifth and latest, Escape Hunt, opened on 7th December.

Having assembled a crack team of sleuths – from escape room virgins to Crystal Maze Live veterans – we arrived at King’s Walk bright and early on a grey Saturday, ready to attempt to steal Blackbeard’s Treasure.

Themed on a pirate ship, the wood-clad room had been put together with great attention to detail, and was so involving that we quickly forgot that we were in a shopping centre. My “shipmates” and I had an hour to search for clues and solve the puzzles that would set us free. Sadly, our time ran out; in our defence there were a couple of technical teething issues! We left thoroughly flummoxed, but having had fun.

As well as pirates, players can channel Norse gods or outlaws in The Last Vikings and Escape From The Wild West rooms. Doctor Who fans will soon be able to immerse themselves in the first escape game officially based on the BBC series, coming to Reading in March.

A game costs £20-25 per person (£30-33 for Doctor Who) depending on the number of players (up to six in a team). They sell gift boxes, too, an alternative to giving more stuff.

Escape Hunt also has rooms in Oxford, Bristol and other cities around the UK and the world.

 You can find out more, check terms and conditions and book at escapehunt.com

Image courtesy of Escape Hunt

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Allelujah all! Christmas concert in Bracknell

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Music-lovers can enjoy the dulcet tones of Thames Voyces at their annual visit to St Joseph’s Church in the centre of Bracknell at 7.30pm on Saturday, 15th December

Thames Voyces will sing a selection of seasonal choral music and audiences can also enjoy readings, and carols (some with audience participation) from 7.30pm. Some seasonal refreshments will also be served in the interval if your singing comes up to scratch! The choir will be under the baton of musical director, Nick Austin, and accompanied by Ben Giddens.

The choir will present Christmas music from across the centuries, from cradle songs such as the Coventry Carol and Away in a Manger, to more celebratory music such as Deck the Halls and perhaps the fastest one-horse open sleigh in Berkshire! What better way to start your Christmas with one of Berkshire’s top chamber choirs?

Thames Voyces rehearse in the splendid surroundings of the Recital Room in South Hill Park on Tuesday evenings. They continually strive to give high quality concerts in the Bracknell area, regularly performing concerts in Binfield and Crowthorne, as well as what is becoming their annual carol concert at St Joseph’s.

The choir are grateful for St Joseph’s for kindly hosting the concert and, following the concert, there will be a retiring collection to assist the work that St Joseph’s undertakes, in association with other Bracknell churches, to assist the homeless and those in need this festive season.

For further information on this concert and others in Crowthorne and Binfield next year, please visit www.thamesvoyces.org.uk  

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Fountain of folk: music in Marlborough

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St Agnes Fountain are about to embark on their 18th sell-out Christmas tour and tell us why you should catch them in Marlborough on Friday, 14th December.

“Marlborough is and always has been a firm favourite with the band,” Chris While of the band tells us.

“We haven’t missed it in the 18 years we’ve been touring and although we’ve played at lots of venues in and around the town, the audiences are always lovely. Andrew Bumphrey, the promoter is a dear friend of the band and such a brilliant supporter of live music so the warm welcome is felt both on and off the stage.”

Since the group’s first recording of the eponymous St Agnes Fountain album in 2001, founder member David Hughes, Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie and BBC Folk Awards Best Duo 2009, Chris While and Julie Matthews, have brought musical invention and laughter to the season.

They have now released 12 treasured albums; eight studio albums and two live CDs as well as a couple of Best Of albums, but it is, without question their magical live performances that have endeared them to an ever-growing audience – tickets were actually being sold for this year’s tour as the curtains fell last year.

This December, the band will bring you more of their sparkling musicianship, humour and heartfelt renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes both original and familiar. Chris Leslie is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in Oxfordshire, primarily known for the past 19 years for his work with Fairport Convention. He has toured and recorded with, among others, Steve Ashley, the Albion Band, Jez Lowe, Ian Anderson, Chris While and Julie Matthews, Whippersnapper, Alan Stivell and Feast of Fiddles.

David Hughes is an acoustic guitarist, songwriter, author and playwright. His six albums include Active in the Parish which, in 1997 was named by Q magazine as one of their albums of the year. Chris While (vocals, guitar, bodhran, darbuka and percussion) and Julie Matthews (vocals, piano, guitar, acordion and gazouki) have been nominated ten times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk music awards in the “best song, best duo, best live act” categories and winning best duo in 2009.

Next year St Agnes Fountain will celebrate 25 years together. Last year saw them perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards alongside Boo Hewerdine, John McCusker and Kris Drever and many others. They are performing songs from the Ballads Of Child Migration across the UK.

To book your tickets for the December show call 01672 512465 or visit www.stagnesfountain.com

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Shining example: Twyford Christmas Tree Festival

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Between Thursday, 6th and Sunday, 9th December everyone’s invited to the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church in Twyford.

This is the fifth biannual event of its kind with trees provided and decorated by local organisations, voluntary groups and businesses.

The festival opens on Thursday, 6th December, and runs daily until Sunday, 9th with St Mary’s doors open 10am-4.30pm. On Friday, 7th the church will stay open until 9pm to accommodate visitors to the always popular Twyford Street Fayre. Admission is free at all times. Refreshments are available throughout the festival with a special Christmas tea and entertainment on Sunday 9th until 4pm.

On Friday evening the entertainment includes Reading Accordion Group, Twyford Handbell Ringers and the Work in Progress barbershop quartet.

At 2pm on Saturday, 8th December, Berkshire Recorder Consort will entertain, followed by the Avenue Acapella Group until 4pm. One of the festival highlights will be a Taste of Christmas concert on Saturday 8th at 7.30pm. On Sunday 9th, by popular request, Bonnie The Bubble Lady will return followed by Twyford Glee Club at 2pm. The climax on Sunday is a carol service at 4.30pm.

Concert tickets £10 for adults, £5 children from the Floor Store in the High Street on 0118 934 3328.

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