What's on this week
Newburytoday.co.uk's news and events from West Berkshire and beyond
Thursday, August 25:
Free athletics session in Thatcham, Crookham Common Athletic Track, Thornford Road, 1pm to 4pm. Aviva Startrack is a great way for kids between eight and 15 years to have their first taste of athletics in a fun environment. It's totally free, book online at www.uka.org.uk/academy. More information Emma Carter (01635) 33894
and tomorrow (Friday) Mr Benn, Corn Exchange, Newbury, times vary. Mr Benn springs to life on stage in this magical, musical show for everyone aged 4+. (01635) 522733 www.cornexchangenew.com
West Berkshire Ramblers, park at the car park at the bottom of West Down at Chilbolton, grid ref SU 382389 for an undulating walk to Danebury Hill Fort, 10am. The 11 miles walk takes us through the valleys of the Anton and the Test and along the chalk tracks of the Downs. Bring a picnic but we could find a pub for a drink. Please contact the leader to organise a car share.
Leader: Fiona W Tel: (01635) 40720
Trendy Tudors, Theale Library, 2pm to 4pm. Discover the creative and crazy world of Tudor fashion. Make your own Tudor headdress or hat and find out what Tudor children wore. Free activities for children aged 5 to 10 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (0118) 930 3207
to 28 Summer Youth Project presents Anything Goes, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, times vary and prices vary. Ticket office (01793) 524481 or www.wyverntheatre.org.uk
Friday, August 26:
Let's Go Batty, Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, 8pm. Dave Endicott from the Oxford bat group is bringing his rescue bat Belinda, a real character and star of every event she attends. Dave is a mine if bat related information and will help with identification, and answer all your bat
questions. £4.50 per person. Booking essential. (01635) 874381
Elmer the Elephant, Arlington Arts, Snelsmore Common, 11.30am. Blunderbus Theatre company presents a fun-filled version of Elmer, bringing to life the jungle characters with catchy songs and beautiful hand-crafted puppets. £7, Family ticket £25.Tel: (01635) 244246
www.arlingtonarts.co.uk
Family Fun Day, Eddie Catz, Newbury. We'll have our giant bouncy castle, musical games in our disco room, football games, facepainting and more with prizes and balloons too. Children will get a stamp allowing them unlimited to access all the activities and a meal. The recommended age is three to 11 years, but younger siblings are welcome and can pay regular admission on the day. Babies under eight months are free. Tickets are £7.50 each and include admission to play for one child + one adult – access to all the activities, including face painting – any child's meal on our menu and a 200ml juice carton (excludes healthy sandwich box). Additional adults pay £1 at the door. www.eddiecatz.com
Fun On The Broadway, Thatcham, 10am to 3pm. A day of free entertainment for all the family on The Broadway Green, meet Cyril the Squirrel and complete the treasure hunt around Thatcham town centre to win a prize. Thatcham's weekly market will also be in place as normal. www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Saturday, August 27:
to 29, Foodies Festival, South Parks, Oxford. Celebrating the finest food, drink and culinary talent. Day tickets: £10 (concession £8) three -day tickets: £18 (concession £15) Purchased from Seetickets on 0871 230 5573 or online at www.foodiesfestival.com
to 29, Mason's Funfair at Victoria Park from 2pm – 8.30pm.
Woolton Hill Village Market, fresh local produce, fruit and vegetables, meats, crafts, gardenware, coffee and cake, activities for children, Church Hall 10am to 1pm. www.wooltonhillvillagemarket.co.uk
Mortimer West End & District annual produce and craft show, Mortimer West End Village Hall, 2.30pm. Five a Day Market Garden, The Street, Englefield, 10am to 1pm or 2pm to 5pm.
Active, fun outdoor session for all the family. Do the Vegetable Olympic Family Challenge and win a seasonal prize. £5 per adult, £4 per child – children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential pam@fiveaday.org.uk, www.fiveaday.org.uk, 07939676050
Tree Climbing at The Vyne, Basingstoke, 11am to 4pm. Come and experience the thrill of conquering one of our trees. Feel the sense of achievement and see The Vyne from a whole new perspective. This fun and exhilarating outdoor activity is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. More Information: events, (01256) 883858, events.thevyne@nationaltrust.org.uk
Chapel Row Charity Fayre, The Green, Chapel Row, 1pm. A great day out for all the family. Hog roast, beer tent, tea tent, farm animals, sheep, duck and ferret racing. Huge craft tent with many varied stalls. Funfair rides, white elephant, book stall, tombola, children's tombola, face painting, juggling, rocket making and much more. All proceeds go to local charities. Free admission and parking. www.chapelrowfayre.co.uk
Newbury Crafters, Speen Parish Hall, 2pm to 5pm. Linda Moss will show how to make Dorset Buttons. Taking part? You will need to bring scissors, needle and thread, or of course you may just come and do your own craft or just come for a natter. Cost is £2.50. For more information contact (01635) 43846
to 29, Highclere Castle Bank Holiday Fair and Horse Trials, entry and shopping from 9am. A great day out for all the family with something for everyone to enjoy. A wide selection of trade stands to browse around, arena displays to sit down and enjoy, including the falconry and gundog displays plus the fun dog show open to dogs of all shapes and sizes. There is also then the children's corner with something for all ages from the tea cups and bouncy castle to the extreme trampolines and inflatable water balls. Combined with the opportunity to walk around the beautiful parkland of the Highclere Estate and watch more than 250 riders tackling the large and imposing cross country course. Entry price £10 (under-12s free), free car parking with
entry price. Castle entry and Egyptian Exhibition by separate ticket. Discounted entry to castle available with event entry ticket. Castle will only be open on Monday, August 29. www.highclereequestrian.com
Sunday, August 28:
and tomorrow (Monday), Classic Car Show, Blenheim Palace, Oxford. A gathering of classic and vintage cars for all car enthusiasts. www.blenheimpalace.com Tel: 0800 849 6500
and tomorrow (Monday), Cholsey & Wallingford Railway steam trains. Steam engine 7386 Birkenhead built in 1948 will be hauling 1950s coaches. Wine and locally produced ale will be available in the Brake Coach Bar. No booking needed just come along. We now offer Footplate Experience days with steam or diesel engines, see our website for more details. Wallingford Station has a gift shop and café. Trains depart from Wallingford starting at 11.05am and hourly
until 4.05pm, trains depart Cholsey starting at 11.35am and then hourly until 4.35 pm. Find out more at www.cholsey-wallingfordrailway.com or contact us on cwrail@yahoo.co.uk or (01491) 835 067
Downland villages traditional Sunday market, 10am until 1pm, in car park and garden of Compton Swan, High Street, Compton, telephone (01635) 579400. Entry free. More than 25 stalls and attractions for adults and children - freshly prepared foods and delicatessen,
hot food and coffee stall, selection of fresh sausages, lots of different preserves and jams, patisserie and dairy, allergy foods, plants and herbs, cut flowers, Jamie's home cookware, fairtrade items, handmade country furniture and fittings, handmade household soft furnishings,
candles and gifts, knitted and crochet items, cards and gift wrappings, along with children's face painting, children's jewellery and other attractions. The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust will also be present with their charity stall and will be answering any questions
on the vital service that they provide.
West Berkshire Ramblers, meet at Inkpen Recreation Ground, grid ref SU 371641, 10.30am for a level walk to Totterdown House. Bring a drink. Leader: Jean B Tel: (01635) 35902 West Berkshire Ramblers, either meet, at 8.30am, at the Wharf car park, Newbury, grid ref SU 473672, for car share (approx 60 miles round trip) to Nettlebed, or meet near the Kiln at 9.30am, grid ref SU 702868. A 12-mile walk to Bix, Satwell, Checkendon, Stoke Row and
Highmore. Pub stop for food or picnic. Leader: Joan C Tel: (01235) 835618
Monday, August 29:
The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Open Day, 11am to 5pm. Tickets available on gate or to pre-book (0118) 9713330 or on website.
Fairytale Storytime, Theale Library, 10.30am. Make a fairytale character mask. (0118) 930 3207
The Kitchen Live, The Riverside, The Bear Hotel, Hungerford, 8.30pm to midnight. Back by popular demand this fantastic covers band will again be getting people up and dancing. Over 18s only, tickets £5 on the door. www.thekitchenlive.com
South Stoke Open Gardens and St Andrew's Church Flower Festival, 1pm till 6pm. WI tea and cakes in village hall. Free parking on the recreation ground. Tickets £5 (children free) at the church and recreation ground. Proceeds to St Andrew's Church and Air Ambulance
Tuesday, August 30:
West Berkshire Ramblers, from the B4000, turn north east at Wickham cross roads and park along the road near the school, grid ref SU 396718, The route is to Sole Common, with the longer walk going to Hoe Benham and Elcot. The shorter walk will be at a leisurely pace. 4.1 or 6.2 miles. Leader: Roy Ba Tel: (01635) 40720
Late Summer Bird Spot, Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, from 11am. Lynsey MacFarlane is our resident Discovering Wildlife project officer. She will help you identify the birds that are around the Nature Discover Centre during August. Free drop in event. Tel: (01635) 874381
Wednesday, August 31:
West Berkshire Ramblers, park considerately around the village of Burghclere and meet outside Sandham Memorial Chapel, grid ref SU 463607, 10am. A walk on seasonally permitted paths through the Highclere Castle Estate. Please be aware that dogs are not permitted on
some of the permitted footpaths on the Highclere estate. About 6.5 miles. Leader: Julia W. Tel: (01488) 657133
Afternoon Teas, St Mary's Church, Aldworth, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. See The Aldworth Giants and soak up the history of this church and village on the edge of the Ridgeway. Details: (01635) 578177
Creative Coats, Shaw House, 11am to 3.30pm. Make a coat for your favourite teddy. Don't forget to bring your furry pal with you to make sure it's the perfect fit. No need to book, just drop
in. Activities are suitable for four years plus with some adult assistance. Adult carers need to accompany children under 15 years. Free activity but admission charges apply. Tel: (01635) 279279 www.shawhouse.org.uk
Animal Magic Day, Newbury Market Place. Ask Falkland Vets about your pets, meet the donkeys, watch the ducks make a splash, stroke rabbits and guinea pigs, colouring competition, animal face painting, milk Buttercup the cow, Hedgehog Rescuers. For more information, contact Newbury Events on 0845 003 9953
Fairy and Wizard School, Winchester Discovery Centre, 10.30am to 1pm.For budding fairies and wizards – a summer holiday treat, involving singing, dancing, games, storytelling, arts and
crafts, and fairy cake decoration. Meet a real fairy and see her magic, meet her friends and prepare to use your imagination. For four to seven-year-olds. Parents must attend. Cost: £20 per child.
