Arts for all in Alton

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Alton is gearing up for the first Alton Arts Festival, July 5th to 14th, a celebration of the arts, community and creativity

Excitement is building for the first Alton Arts Festival – a 10-day, multi-arts, multi-venue festival the likes of which Alton has never seen before!

There are still some hot tickets to get your hands on across the ambitious programme.

World-famous names like Cara Dillion, Simon Armitage, Laura Bates and Richard Herring, and the best local talent Alton has to offer; with world-premières and festival exclusives, compelling conversation and incredible intimate settings; hands-on workshops, kids’ comedy, free concerts, parties in the park and of course, a sprinkling of Jane Austen – all celebrating and showcasing the heritage, talent and creative spirit of this corner of East Hampshire.

Annie Lancaster, Alton Arts Festival Co-creator and Chair, said: “When we first considered putting on arts festival, I really had no idea if we could pull it off. We set ourselves some pretty high goals and wanted to be ambitious for the town. I needn’t have worried – the brilliant team of dedicated, inspiring volunteers who make up the committee have put together an exciting, diverse and honestly world-class line up.

“There are some highlights in the mix. I’m particularly looking forward to the family-friendly, interactive show with Testament, a world-record holding beatboxer, MC and poet, Holybourne Theatre on 10th July, and Austen & Friends, featuring the world première of some of Jane Austen’s lesser-known poems set to music. And the literary programme is just fantastic. I can’t wait to see Bridget Collins, a #1 bestselling author whose new book, The Silence Factory, has just been released to critical acclaim, taking part in our speculative fiction games night: “Worldbuilding… Live!”

“It has always been my hope that the festival will have benefits beyond the 10 days it runs – to audiences, to creatives, to local businesses, and to the whole community. That’s why we’ve worked so hard to put together a programme that really does have something for everyone, including our schools programme which offers arts experiences and workshops to almost 3,000 local children, free of charge. Now the festival is just around the corner, we can’t wait for all these plans to come to life!”

Among the highlights are a free community choral festival at St Lawrence Church on 7th, Arts in the Park which opens the weekend with a celebration of local community groups on 6th, culminating in Party in the Park winding up the festival with one big party with live music, dancing, local food and drink on 14th.

Full information and individual event booking information can be found at Alton Arts Festival

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Summer daze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join the moo-vement on the OxTrail

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OxTrail is an exciting sculpture trail taking place across Oxfordshire this summer and as Beth Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Sobell House Hospice Charity tells us you’ll see some fabulous artwork, explore the county and help support an incredible cause

Summer has arrived, and with it 138 life-sized and mini ox sculptures are moo-ving themselves into position across Oxfordshire.

In case you haven’t already ‘herd’, this moo-vellous exhibition is called OxTrail and is taking place between 6th July and 29th August all to raise much-needed funds for Sobell House Hospice Charity. Each sculpture has been designed and decorated by artists, local schools, community groups, and local media – making the herd truly unique – and many have been sponsored by local companies and organisations.

Amongst the large oxen grazing in Oxford’s beautiful buildings and streets you will find ‘Dreams of the Spires’, situated outside Saïd Business School, designed by RAWZ. An established poet and musician from Greater Leys, RAWZ represents a less acknowledged side of Oxford with his intricate design reinterpreting Oxford’s iconic skyline, symbolising unique stories, influences and people of the city.

Within the Westgate, you’ll find four beautiful and unique oxen, including ‘Prehistoric Ox’ designed by Alison Berman. In Alison’s own words: “Sorting through photos of cave paintings I could clearly imagine what a shock there would be if an ox from the Ice Age suddenly appeared in a market in Oxford.” This ox has been decorated with an assortment of mammals including running bulls, a bear, an ibex and a mammoth.

In the University Parks further ox-citement awaits you, with oxen such as Antler Wildling’s Oxslips and Cowslips, a beautiful representation of these now rare species of Oxfordshire flora. And further afield at the Churchill Hospital, home of Sobell House Hospice, you’ll come across another nature inspired design, Oxford Blue by Catherine Rye. Catherine has used plants from her own garden to make stencils with a cyanotypic effect.

More large oxen can be found across the city at churches including the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Michael at the North Gate, St Margaret’s and St Giles’; at college and university locations including Green Templeton College, Blavatnik School of Government and Oxford Brookes University Headington Campus, and at other iconic locations such as Oxford Castle, Broad Street, Oxford City Football Club, and at Oxford University Hospital sites.

Across the county, from Carterton to Henley via Witney, Wantage, Abingdon, Didcot and Wallingford, and from Banbury to Thame via Bicester, Kidlington and Wheatley, you will find over 100 mini oxen at libraries, hotels, shops and farm centres. Most of these have been painted by schools and youth groups in the local towns and villages. Amongst these are ‘Ed’, located at the Sobell House Bicester Warehouse and painted by St Edburg’s Primary School, ‘Oxytocin’ by Ladygrove Park Primary School at the Cornerstone in Didcot, ‘Ferdinand’ by Summer Fields School at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, ‘Sunny’ by Sunrise Nursery at Millets Farm, ‘Space Ox’ by the Oxford Spires Academy at Templars Square, and ‘Joy’ by West Hendred Home Ed Group at the Wantage Library. There’s also other mini bovines on display on the trail including two stunning designs from artist and innovator Annie Sloan, creations from our own artistic community at the hospice and an eye-catching design courtesy of MINI.

You can ox-plore the trail and collect the sculptures using the official OxTrail 2024 app or through the beautifully-decorated OxTrail map, which is available at all Sobell House shops and some of the mini herd locations. What’s more, there is a range of ox-clusive merch and fun activities for children to get involved in available at the Westgate Hub Shop.

Once the trail is over, there will be one last chance to bid goodbye to the moo-gnificent herd at the Farewell Weekend, which takes place on 7th-8th September at the Westgate. Gather your friends and family together to help give the oxen the send-off they deserve! The life-sized sculptures (and some of the mini oxen) will then be sold to their forever homes at a hoof-biting Grand Auction on 13th September at Saïd Business School in Oxford and online.

All the proceeds raised through OxTrail will help to fund Sobell House Hospice, who provide expert care to people facing life-limiting illness and support to their loved ones. The hospice relies on the support of its community to raise over £3million each year.

Join the moo-vement to explore Oxfordshire’s iconic attractions, uncover some hidden gems, and have lots of fun along the way.

Visit Home – OxTrail 2024 and follow OxTrail 2024 (@oxtrail2024)

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Thames Fusion girls’ cricket team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Come follow the band with Barnum

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Enjoy a spectacular show this summer when Barnum takes to the stage at The Watermill

Roll up! Roll up! The Watermill Theatre is inviting you to take your seat and be amazed by the acts, entertainment and stories of showman P T Barnum.

Enter the dazzling world where imagination and ambition know no bounds as the creator of spectacle comes to town with a sensational show featuring a whole host of characters.

Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. The irresistible pull of an ever-bigger humbug comes at a cost, and the people paying are usually those on whom Barnum tramples on the way to the top.

Come follow the band with the glorious multi-award winning Cy Coleman’s music, Michael Stewart’s lyrics and Mark Bramble’ book in this new production directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, choreographed by Oti Mabuse who returns to the Watermill after her work on Kiss Me Kate in 2019, and featuring an ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers.

Jonathan said: “I’m thrilled to be directing Barnum at the beautiful Watermill Theatre this summer and with this wonderful cast and creative team. Barnum is a magical show, full of thrills , music, dance and yes, circus performers. With a fresh new take on this classic story, we’re approaching the show through a modern lens and perspective, celebrating the rich diversity and heritage of the show’s characters. We can’t wait to transform the theatre and the grounds of the Watermill and immerse the audience in the world of P T Barnum!”

Following the sell-out smash hit The Lord of the Rings, this summer, come and be immersed in the magical world of the circus at The Watermill Theatre from July 2nd to September 8th.

Watermill Theatre’s joint CEOs Claire Murray and Paul Hart said: “We’re so excited to welcome this talented company of actors, musicians and acrobats and an extraordinary creative team to The Watermill for this new production of Barnum. We’ve been working closely with National Centre for Circus Arts to realise all the thrills and spectacle of the circus and it’s brilliant to have Oti Mabuse back with us to create breath-taking movement and dance. This summer is going to be something special for all the family!”

Fancy testing out your skills and seeing if you have what it takes to join the circus? Join an afternoon of fun, food and frivolity in the Watermill gardens on Sunday, 25th August, before watching the show. Tickets from £50 (£45 for under 16s) including a ticket to see Barnum.

Book at BARNUM (watermill.org.uk)

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Play at Marlborough Cricket Club

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Hugh Norris is a youth coach and committee team member at Marlborough Cricket Club where they’re looking for junior members and hoping to start a girls’ team

Marlborough Cricket Club is located on the edge of Savernake Forest, in the beautiful market town of Marlborough – hence our club nickname of ‘The Trees’. From our ground you can enjoy stunning views of the Wessex Downs.

We are dedicated to promoting cricket and providing a welcoming, and inclusive environment for all. Whether you have experience, or are completely new to the game, Marlborough Cricket Club is the perfect place to have fun, hone your skills, make lifelong friendships, and enjoy everything the game offers on and off the pitch.

Growing our junior section

Several of our current first team players started their cricket in our Junior section.

We are passionate about providing cricket opportunities for youngsters in the town and are actively seeking new Junior members.

We offer both soft ball and hard ball cricket and all coaches are ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) qualified, DBS checked, and first aid trained.

Our focus on girls’ cricket – free taster sessions

The women’s game has thrived in recent years, both on and off the pitch and are keen to play our part in helping grow the girls’ game.

We’d love to hear from you if you would like to play, as we look to establish Marlborough CC’s first girls’ cricket team.

We are offering free taster sessions throughout the summer and have plans to add a girls’ team training night too, subject to levels of interest. No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided, so do get in touch!

Our junior groups

‘All Stars’ (ages 5-8) and ‘Dynamos’ (8-11) takes place on Fridays at 6pm over 8 weeks.

Junior training for under 11’s, 13’s and 15’s takes place on Mondays from 6-7.30pm.

Off the pitch

We offer many opportunities to enjoy the social side of cricket too. We have our own pavilion, bar and barbecue and organise socials at the club and beyond through the summer and winter months.

We offer many opportunities to enjoy the social side of cricket too. We have our own pavilion, bar and barbecue and organise socials at the club and beyond through the summer and winter months.

We look forward to welcoming you. Just reach out to us using the contact details below.

Email: [email protected]
Location: Savernake Forest Ground Marlborough SN8 3HN
Find us at – What3words: banana.grinning.thread

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Uncover Oxford with a tour guide

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After deciding 30 years behind a desk was enough, Joanna Hamilton trained to become an accredited member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. What will you discover on a tour of the famous city?

Do you know your own backyard? Oxford residents are bracing themselves for the summer arrival of visitors who flock to the city to find out more about the dreaming spires and their surrounds, but how much do you know?

Many of these visitors take a tour to learn about the city, it’s famous university, the great (and not so great) who have studied and worked here – and, of course, our literature and film locations from C.S. Lewis to Harry Potter!

But it’s often more local visitors, old and young, who discover the most and enjoy seeing familiar sites with fresh eyes. Members of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides are all trained and accredited and offer a more personal experience for curious local as well as overseas guests. We also have exclusive visiting arrangements to some of our famous colleges.

No two tours are ever the same. All guides cater for people’s individual interests – be that history, architecture, famous books (from the Oxford English Dictionary, Alice in Wonderland and our own Inspector Morse, film locations (you can see me in the opening sequence of Mama Mia 2 which was filmed in New College’s stunning hall with Bjorn from Abba!) to the story of the City and the University from Saxon times, through the beginnings of the University (lots of violence as well as study and religion) through to the current day, the turbulence of the 16th and 17th Century when Charles I set up court here and what is going on in Oxford now…

And the stories can be told while wandering our lovely medieval streets. Even in the busy summer, you can organise a tour for early morning or later afternoon to avoid the crowds. Or wrap up warm and take a tour during the quieter winter months.

People often book tours as gifts for family and friends (I did a funeral party once and also a wedding group) or local businesses looking to treat their staff or VIP customers.

You’re sure to find out so much more about places that we all know – but do not always know much about.

Every day I learn something new, not just about Oxford, but about the history of our country and the rest of the world. I also get to meet such interesting people and have an excuse to immerse myself in the work of notable characters and scientific innovations connected with our beautiful City.

You can find a Guide (you may know some of us!) at www.oxfordguildoftourguides.co.uk 

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West Berkshire D-Day commemorations

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West Berkshire is honouring the vital contribution made by the area to the ‘turning point of WWII’

A convoy of approximately 80 classic military vehicles will take to the roads on Saturday, 29th June in ‘a salute to the fallen’.

Organised by Hungerford Town Council, the convoy is part of a two-day event to commemorate, inform and celebrate the vital contribution the area made in the build-up to, and launch of, the largest invasion in history and the subsequent turning point in WWII.

The convoy will depart Basingstoke at 10am on 29th June and will drive through the town to Kingsclere, and onto the Greenham Common where the convoy will pause for a small stop.

After departing Greenham Common, the convoy will drive through the centre of Newbury and into the A4 towards Hungerford.

The convoy will drive though the High Street which will be decorated with union flags and onto the show site at Triangle Field.

The weekend of commemoration will feature a full programme of activities and events including parades, a display, history talks and the unveiling of a D-Day commemorative stone on Hungerford Common.

The convoy team are also organising additional attractions which will be announced before 29th June, including a unique one-off special commemoration which is not to be missed.

Join this unique event to mark the 80th anniversary and raise funds for the Royal British Legion Riders Branch Poppy Appeal and local charities. It coincides with Armed Forces Day on 29th June.

Information and image source: Commemorative Convoys

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Capture nature for BBOWT photo competition

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Activities & Events

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has opened its annual nature photography competition for 2024 with new categories and prizes

Nature lovers of all ages are being invited to submit their best shots of animals, plants, people and scenery at BBOWT nature reserves and in the community.

This year the vote is also being thrown open to the public, with a new ‘People’s Choice Award’. There’s also an extra category for mobile phone photography.

This year’s top prizes include a high-spec birdbox camera, an exclusive wildlife photography masterclass with GG Wildlife Experiences and all winners will have the chance to see their photos featured in the Trust’s 2025 wildlife calendar. There are also bundles of nature books for younger entrants to win for their schools.

Rachel Levis, BBOWT’s Head of Events, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our photography competition again this year. It’s always such a treat to see so many amazing photos of wonderful wildlife taken on our patch. This year we have introduced a People’s Choice Award, which is a great way of getting our supporters involved with the very tricky judging decisions.

“The mobile phone has opened up nature photography to almost everyone, so we’re please to include a new category for that this year. Anyone from a six-year-old with a phone to a professional photographer with all the kit can enter – so why not send us your best shot?”

Categories:
• Children (ages 6-11) – in any of the categories.
• Teens (ages 12-17) – in any of the categories.
• Birds
• Mammals
• Butterflies & other insects
• Our nature reserves
• Urban nature
• Taking action for nature
• Mobile phone photography

Examples of last year’s winners/ runners up:

Photographs for most categories must be taken on BBOWT reserves, and all must be taken in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire or Oxfordshire. The closing dates for entries is Monday, 26th August. Entries received by Sunday, 28th July, will also be considered for the People’s Choice Award.

Steve Gozdz of competition sponsor GG Wildlife Experiences added: “Wildlife photography can require patience but can be very rewarding – spending time in nature and capturing ‘that moment’ with a bird, mammal or insect can turn a glimpse in time into a real memory that can be savoured and shared with others. You never know when those ‘moments’ will occur, take your camera wherever you go and be aware of the beauty in nature around you.”

For full entry details, visit: Photography Competition 2024 | Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk)

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Summer daze

Round & About

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Activities & Events

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

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

Discover family fun at a National Trust place near you this summer. Enjoy games, sports and free family theatre at Hindhead Commons and Frensham Little Pond and garden games and musical fun at Leith Hill Place, take a picnic and enjoy the day. Explore the pirate-themed activities at Hatchlands Park or book your tickets for evening outdoor theatre on the lawn.

Box Hill is also the place to get involved in games, sports and free family theatre. Check the National Trust website for full details and to book if required.

Enjoy a Summer of Play at Polesden Lacey from July 13th to September 8th and on July 19th there’s a display of vintage Rolls Royce cars and children’s pop-up theatre to entertain you.

Back by popular demand, the Pavilion Play will host active games for the whole family at Winkworth Arboretum from July 20th to September 4th and Winkworth Wild Crafts are returning every Wednesday during the summer holidays too.

There’s a jam-packed programme of summer holiday workshops for 5-to 18-year-olds at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from July 24th to August 9th. Budding performers can get involved in musical theatre, circus and dance workshops, or a bumper three-day drama camp. There are also workshops in directing and lighting design, and a robotics workshop for creative minds! You can find out more: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/by-genre/workshop

From tasting the King’s feast, to Tudor music, falconry and jousting displays you’ll have a day out to remember as you travel back to 1533 when Henry & Gertrude Courtenay invited King Henry VIII for a visit to West Horsley Place. There’s the chance to meet Henry VIII from July 29th to August 1st and quiz him on anything you like in a unique experience. Booking essential for the ‘meet & greet’. Find out more and book at Meet Henry VIII | West Horsley Place

Boutique music festival Weyfest is made more special than any other festivals by the setting. This is not a music festival in a muddy field, this is a music festival at the Rural Life Museum in Farnham. What other festival can boast historic buildings, an arboretum, four stages of live music over four days, August 15th-18th, and you can ride round the festival on the railway! Full details and tickets at weyfest.co.uk

Get into the woods and go wild with amazing outdoor experiences for children aged eight to 11 at Painshill Park on selected dates from July 23rd to August 22nd. Full details and booking at Painshill also has a wealth of outdoor theatre for you to enjoy through the summer with Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan on the programme. Find out more and book at Events at Painshill.

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

Ahoy! Mermaids & Pirates are coming to The Square, Camberley, from July 24th to August 31st. There’ll be children’s shows, pirate and mermaid themed crafts and land lubbers can follow a treasure trail with prizes. Shiver me timbers it’s all free! A play pirate ship will amuse the children in between visiting big brand stores and unique independents. Visit thesqcamberley.co.uk for more information. 

The British Motor Show returns August 15th to 18th, offering a weekend of family fun and amazing experiences in Farnborough. Keep the whole family entertained with an amazing mix of driving experiences, supercars, live arena shows, fairground rides, celebrities and of course, cars. It’s more than just a motor show, it’s family fun redefined! More details and booking at thebritishmotorshow.live/ 

With new areas and luxurious experiences, BSpa at Brooklands Hotel has everything you need to unwind, relax and refresh your mind and body. Prepare to be truly pampered with a variety of state-of-the-art facilities to restore health and wellbeing and treatments offering the perfect balance between innovative and classical therapies. You will leave with your mind and body feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and energised. More at brooklandshotelsurrey.com/bspa/ 

Three Peaks Barfield is known for its action-packed activity parties and are launching the ultimate combat laser tag experience. Get adrenaline-pumping action like never before! The brand-new laser tag parties offer combat laser tag with top-of-the-line equipment for an unforgettable experience. Gear up, strategise, and unleash your inner warrior in the most immersive laser tag arena around. Are you ready to dominate the battlefield? Visit barfieldpst.org/birthday-parties for more information. 

Join The Phoenix, Bordon, for a spectacular weekend of music, dancing, craft workshops and fun in the summer sun on July 6th & 7th. Whether you’re looking for free eco-friendly activities for the kids, a relaxing evening of al fresco classical music or a Sunday session fuelled by a gang of rowdy sailors, The Phoenix Arts Festival has it all, phoenixarts.co.uk 

Grab your picnic gear and enjoy the glorious grounds of South Hill Park this summer for relaxed, outdoor theatre fun. There is something for all ages this summer with The Gondoliers on Friday, 26th July. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, Friday, 2nd August and The Railway Children on Friday, 16th August. More details & to book visit southhillpark.org.uk/whats-on/shows-events/ 

Become a heritage trail explorer at The Vyne for the day. Everywhere you look there’s archaeological evidence to be found. See what you can find using a free spotter sheet available at reception, July 13th to 28th.  

Illyria perform the much-loved family story The Adventures of Dr Doolittle on July 12th when Dr Dolittle learns how to talk to animals. He embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals. Booking essential, visit ticketsource.co.uk/illyria 

The Festival of Archaeology returns this year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of The Council of British Archaeology and this year’s theme is community. Go along to Hinton Ampner for finds handling, excavation activities, tours, geophysics demos and much more, July 13th to 28th. 

Mottisfont has a charming exhibition and activity trail running from July 20th to September 29th of John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories. Discover over 60 original illustrations including favourite stories and characters such as Mr Gumpy, Avocado Baby, and Oi! Get Off Our Train! There are comfy reading zones for kids to snuggle into with a book, colourful blown-up scenes for family photos, and dressing up inspiration. Look out for the life-size ‘magic’ bed that transports young imaginations to far away worlds, inspired by Burningham’s classic story The Magic Bed. An energetic activity trail weaves through Mottisfont’s gardens, introducing families to more characters, with games and challenges to complete. £3 per trail. 

Roll up, roll up and have fun at Hinton Ampner’s summer of circus from July 20th to September 1st. Have a go at circus yoga and show off your flexibility, wander down Circus Street and guess who lives behind each door and test your skills on the South Lawn where you will find juggling, balancing and hooping challenges to test your big top talents! 

For an energetic day out, all ages can enjoy bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens at The Vyne throughout the summer holidays, July 24th to September 1st. 

Pack up your picnic rug or camping chair and find your spot to enjoy outdoor cinema at The Vyne. Choose from Pretty Woman, August 1st; join the Grease sing-a-long on 2nd; The Greatest Showman sing-a-along on 3rd and Top Gun on 4th. Booking essential for these, details at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events 

Get your tickets for The South Downs Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park for awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows, animal petting zoo, children’s rides and fun zone, country life stalls, beer tent and catering with live music and much much more… on  August 10th – 11th. More details and tickets at southdownsshow.com/ 

Enjoy a day out with Thomas & Friends on The Watercress Line in Alresford, August 21st to 25th. Take a ride behind Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters, and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement! New this year are two Rusty & Dusty outdoor entertainment shows with Sir Topham Hatt, Percy, Diesel and Toad. Terence the Tractor will be visiting too. Book at watercressline.co.uk/special-days/day-out-with-thomas/ 

This summer at The Shed expect loads of free kids’ activities, a free family friendly music festival, a beer festival with live music and a whole host of delicious treats to keep everyone happy. With free parking for two hours during the day (and after 6pm) as well as a lovely park for picnics and a play area for the kids, The Shed always has something on offer for those ‘what shall we do days?’ More at theshedwb.com  

The mini children’s festival of curiosity, Fiesta, is back between 13th July and 2nd September at Winchester Science Centre and this time Olympic and Paralympic fever has hit. Outside, join the fun family Bug Olympics activity that will see families and groups of friends take on the bugs of the South Downs and beyond by competing in some Olympic and Paralympic inspired events. There will also be a chance for children to create their own opening and closing ceremony inspired by the stunning natural environment of the South Downs. Back inside, families will be able to delve into the curious world of our bodies in The Science of Us zone and during a brand new live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise. 

Start the summer holidays off at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens. The Selborne attraction will be celebrating Gilbert White’s 304th birthday with free admission for one day only on the 20th July between 10.30am and 5pm. The museum becomes a festival that evening with UK Fleetwood Mac, a polished band of experienced and accomplished musicians who come together to create the perfect homage to everyone’s favourite 70s rock band. With a remarkable sound, authentic look, and set-list jam packed with hits from Dreams to The Chain you’ll be singing Don’t Stop before you know it! Join family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready for the party of a lifetime at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens. Tickets and further details at gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk 

Enjoy your summer however you spend it! 

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