What's on this week
Thursday, February 23:
and 24, The Gruffalo, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. wyverntheatre.org.uk (01793) 524481
Newbury District Ornithological Club, An Evening with Owls – photographer Dave Garner will talk about Long-eared and Barn Owls, species he has studied for many years. All welcome – meeting starts at 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church hall, Greenham. Details (01488) 668482
and 24, 26 National Garden Scheme, Little Court, Crawley, nr Winchester, 2pm to 5pm. Three-acre traditional English country garden. Carpets of naturalised spring bulbs. Grass labyrinth and a tree house for all ages, with wonderful views. Admission £4. Plants for sale, teas. www.ngs.org.uk
Stay Sharp! Yoga, Northcroft Leisure Centre, 11.30am to 12.30pm. The class is calming with seated exercise suitable for all abilities. There is an optional social lunch after. For people with memory problems and their carers. Kim Westall (01635) 500869
West Berkshire Ramblers, Park considerately along the road at Three Legs House, grid ref SU430574, 9.30am. A walk with some hills, to Faccombe and Ashmansworth. Lunch at the Jack Russell PH or bring a picnic 11 miles. Leader: Fiona W. (01635) 40720
Friday, February 24:
Paul Carrack, The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.30pm. (01256) 844244 www.anvilarts.org.uk
Hannah James and Sam Sweeney, The Forge, Basingstoke, 7.45pm. (01256) 844244 www.anvilarts.org.uk
The Magic of Motown, Corn Exchange, 8pm. (01635) 522733 www.cornexchangenew.com
and 25, Aldermaston Players present Oh Coward!, Aldermaston Village Hall, 7pm to 10.30pm. Dinner/theatre format. The funds raised will be used to improve equipment but more importantly fund projects within the village. Tickets £22.50 (0118) 9815815 or email tickets@aldermastonplayers.co.uk
Rear Window, Thatcham Film Club, Frank Hutchings Community Centre, Bradley Moore Square, 7.30pm, (doors open 7pm). Tickets £4.50. The original Alfred Hitchcock thriller, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly
Saturday, February 25:
Classic Clapton, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Featuring front man Mike Hall. wyverntheatre.org.uk (01793) 524481
and 26, Snowdrop weekend, Waterperry Gardens. Riverside walk, old orchard and new snowdrop valley area will be carpeted with more than 30 different varieties, free guided tours at 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm each day of the special Snowdrop Weekends. (Garden entrance fee applies but tours are free). Gardens open 10am to 5pm daily. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Thatcham Photographic Club, Thatcham Football Club, 7.30pm. A little bit of this, that and the other! Presented by professional photographer Alan Fretton.
Motown and Philadelphia on Tour, The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.30pm. (01256) 844244 www.anvilarts.org.uk
and 26, Reading and District Bantam Society’s Open Poultry Championship Show, Northcroft Leisure Centre, Newbury, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 2.30pm. Admission charge. www.readingbantams.org.uk.
Patrick Monahan: Hug Me I Feel Good, The Forge, Basingstoke, 8pm. (01256) 844244 www.anvilarts.org.uk
The Black Dogz, Led Zeppelin tribute band, ACE Space, St Michael’s Road, Newbury, (doors 7.30pm). With support from local legend Des Simmons and the Poachers. Tickets £8 and £7 concessions available now at Jacqui’s Shop and Hogan Music or reserve tickets at mail@acespacenewbury.com 07905 590 214 and collect on the night. www.acespacenewbury.com/
to March 9, An exhibition of paintings and sketches by local artist Nick Schlee, Along the Ridgeway, Modern Artists Gallery, High Street, Whitchurch-on-Thames. (0118) 984 5893 www.modernartistsgallery.com
Pizza & Praise. Relax after shopping. 5pm, Methodist Church Hall, Northbrook Street. Free
Woolton Hill Village Market, fresh local produce, fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, crafts, coffee & cake, free children's activity. Church Hall, 10am – 1pm. www.wooltonhillvillagemarket.co.uk
Sunday, February 26:
Concordia Vespera, Westridge Open Centre, Star Lane, Highclere, 3pm. Playing works by Brahms and Fauré. Members and students £7. Associates £9. (01635) 253322
The Wiyos, The Forge, Basingstoke, 7.45pm. (01256) 844244 www.anvilarts.org.uk
Scratch Choir – Opera Choruses, Watermill Theatre, 10am to 6.30pm. Open to all over 14. Performance 7pm in the Barn. (01635) 46044 www.watermill.org.uk
to March 10, Fairtrade Fortnight, Thatcham. Variety of activities including a quiz night at the White Hart; Fairtrade storytime in Thatcham library and Fairtrade fun at the Nature Discovery Centre. www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk
West Berkshire Ramblers, meet in the public car park near Hungerford Station (not the station car park), grid ref SU339685, 9.30am. Walk to Standen Manor, Bagshot and Templeton. Bring food and drink for the day. 11 miles. Leader: Lesley W (01635) 45689
Pewsey Vale Running Club's Terminator race, at 10.30 starting from Pewsey School. Still places available and entries on the day
The Parkinson’s association tombola stall at the Welford Park open day between 11am and 4pm
Monday, February 27:
and 28, Science Museum, Live on Tour!, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. wyverntheatre.org.uk (01793) 524481
Empowerment Group, Calcot, Reading, 1pm to 4pm. Come and have your say. Influence social care, our activities etc. Lunch is provided (£4 per head for lunch). For people with memory problems and their carers. Kim Westall (01635) 500869
Newbury Singing for the Brain, St Mary's Church Hall, Shaw, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Come and join this fun interactive group – music and singing using instruments and hand movements. For people with memory problems and their carers. Kim Westall (01635) 500869
Tuesday, February 28:
to March 3 The Crowstarver, based on the book by Dick King-Smith, Oxford Playhouse. Presented by Theatre Alibi (01865) 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Thatcham and District Philatelic Society, Memorial Hall, Bath Road, Thatcham, 7pm. Visit to North Berkshire PS. Further information Graeme Stewart (01635) 866942 www.tdps.org.uk
to April 5, The Living Landscape, Corn Exchange. Exhibition of photographs by local photographer Rob Appleby focusing on West Berkshire's countryside. The Living Landscape project is managed by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) in association with West Berkshire Council.
Newbury District Field Club, St John’s Church Room, 7.30pm. The First Battle of Newbury, talk by Dave Stubbs. www.ndfc.org.uk
and 29, Pop-up event, The Bunk Inn, Curridge. Claire Hutchings, MasterChef the Professionals 2011 finalist presents an exclusive 10 course set menu. Each night is restricted to 20 diners, booking essential. (01635) 200400
West Berkshire Ramblers, meet outside The Swan PH, Compton, grid ref SU521799, 10am. Please park considerately in side roads unless you are planning to use the pub at the end of the walk. Downland walk to Ridgeway and Lowbury Hill. 6 miles. Leader: Joan C (01235) 835618
Wednesday, February 29:
Kennet and Avon Canal Trust – Stone building, The Wharf, Newbury. The Canal du Midi – talk by Ron and Myra Glover of IWA Salisbury Group. The Canal du Midi dates from 1681 and forms part of the link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean bypassing the sea route round the Iberian Peninsular. It is probably Europe’s most popular cruising waterway. Graham Smith (01635) 580356.
Zumba Gold, Newbury Baptist Church, Cheap Street, 2pm to 3pm. Age UK Berkshire has launched a programme of Zumba Gold sessions for the 50+ community with easy to follow moves and zesty Latin American music. First session free, £3.50 thereafter. Booking essential as places are limited. Marveta Hinds (0118) 9023596 or 07795565322 or marvetah@ageukberkshire.org.uk
Rhyme Time, Hungerford Library , 11am to 11.30am. Parents and carers are welcome to bring pre-school children of any age down for a weekly session of stories, songs and to socialise. And it is all free. Suited for pre-school children. (01488) 682660
