What's On today (Saturday)
Aldworth ploughing match showcases agricultural heritage
THE AGRICULTURAL heritage of the local area will be showcased at an Aldworth ploughing match today (Saturday) - with masses of alternative things to do, in Newbury and beyond.
Around 75 local champions will battle it out at the annual ploughing match, at Dumworth Farm, Aldworth, between 9am to 1pm
Also today, the Thatcham Festival Leisure Fair takes place between 10am and 3pm, in the Broadway, where local organisations will promote their services.
Sports fans can choose between a hockey match at Henwick, where Newbury Ladies take on Banbury, or head for the 3pm kick-off of a football match at Waterside Park, Thatcham V Wokingham.
Elsewhere, Newbury District Ornithological Club are planning a full day out with a visit by car to Titchfield Haven at Hill Head on the Solent. Leaving Newbury at 9am and meeting at the reserve centre at 10am. All welcome, but please telephone (01635) 47113 in advance.
Alternatively join a fungi walk, Crookham Common, from 10am until 12.30pm. Suitable for all ages. Tickets £3, or a Thatcham Festival Bird Walk, Nature Discovery Centre, Lower Way, Thatcham, from 2pm until 4pm. Free event, suitable for all ages.
West Berkshire Ramblers offer an autumnal leg stretcher, meet Elstree School, Upper Woolhampton (grid ref SU575675) at 10am, for a 6-mile walk to Midgham Green, Kiff Green and Chapel Row returning via Gunnells Farmhouse, Beenham and Malthouse Farm.
Over in Hungerford, Spirals Craft Market, Hungerford Town Hall, from 10am until 4pm, provides chance for a relaxing browse.
For a spot of culture, First World War poetry readings will be held at the Sandham Memorial Chapel, Harts Lane, Burghclere, at various times throughout the day from 11am until 5pm. Normal entry charges apply.
A half hour of children's entertainment is offered, free of charge this afternoon at Newbury Library in the canal wharf, with children's stories for under fives, from 2.30pm until 3pm.
This evening's entertainment includes Spiral Sax in concert, at 7.30pm, in St Mary’s Church, Aldworth. Part of the 700 year celebrations. Tickets £10, including refreshments. More information and tickets from (01635) 578233, (01491) 671714 or stmarysaldworth@gmail.com
Newbury Chamber Choir perform a concert by two masters of the Italian Baroque at St John’s Church, Newbury, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (under 19s free) from www.newburychamberchoir.co.uk or at Newbury Visitor Information Centre, Market Place.
Family-friendly gig (seven years +) with Calico Jack at ACE Space, Newbury, from 8pm. Dressing up is encouraged. Tickets £10 adults, £5 under 18s and are available in advance from Hogan Music or the Visitor Information Centre, Newbury.
PHOTOGRAPH GARETH MARTIN
