What's on this week
Newburytoday.co.uk's news and events from West Berkshire and beyond
Thursday, February 10:
Welford Park snowdrops. Now in the third week of opening at Welford Park, 11am to 4pm. Trail takes in the seven-acre snowdrop wood, the exceptionally clear-running River Lambourn, landscaped garden with golden aconites, refreshments and light meals. Entry £5, proceeds to Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, Thames Valley Lupus Group, West Berkshire Autistic Society and Dingley Family Centre. Until Sunday, March 6 (not Mondays or Tuesdays).
Who is the Master? An evening of two plays from two local amateur companies at The Watermill theatre, 7.30pm. The Box Theatre Company presents The Island of Slaves by Pierre Marivaux, and Newbury Dramatic Society presents ‘The Dog It Was That Died' by Tom Stoppard. Until Saturday. (01635) 46044 or www.watermill.org.uk
Charter Market. Market Place, Newbury. Fruit and veg, herbs, spices and exotic fresh produce, olives, fresh bread and cakes, cheese, flowers, plants and books. Butchers' stalls, jams and chutneys, army surplus goods and pet supplies. Also Saturday.
Newbury Society. ‘The importance of Newtown Road Cemetery to Newbury Today' talk by Elizabeth Capewell. United Reformed Church Hall, Cromwell Place, 7.45pm. Graham Smith, (01635) 580356.
The Brain Tumour Support and Social Group. Informal social gathering at Newbury Racecourse. 07882 698032 or email lu.ash76@hotmail.co.uk
Newbury and District Organists' Association. Recital by Christine Wells, from St Mary the Virgin, Hambleden. St Nicolas' Church, Newbury, 1.10pm. Retiring collection. www.newbury-organists.newbury.net
'Dr Faustus'. A Watermill outreach production, 11am and 2.30pm.
Penguin Café and Portico Quartet. The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.45pm. (01256) 844244 or www.anvilarts.org.uk
Film: ‘Barney's Version' (12A). Bittersweet comedy of impulsive choices and fateful lapses, based on Mordecai Richler's novel. Corn Exchange Newbury, 1pm, 5.30pm and 8.20pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Friday, February 11:
Barbara Dickson. The Corn Exchange, Newbury, 7.45pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
West Berks Ramblers evening meeting. Mencap Centre, Enborne Gate, Enborne Road, Newbury RG14 6AT, 8pm. Admission £1.50 including refreshments. ‘Operation Dominic' Secret Science on a Pacific Island talk by David Hunt. www.wberksramblers.org.uk
Southern Sinfonia presents conductor Sir Roger Norrington. Corn Exchange Newbury, 1pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
UK Wolf Conservation Trust howl night. Why do wolves howl? Go to Butler's Farm, Beenham, on a howl night, and find out. The evening offers a talk on wolves, their different vocalisations and reasons for them. Then outdoors put theory into practice by letting out a howl and seeing how the wolves respond. £10 a person. To book, telephone (0118) 971 3330 or visit www.ukwct.org.uk
St Valentine's day themed poetry lunch. For people with memory problems and carers – bring along your favourite love poem to read. The Berkshire Arms, Midgham, 12.30pm. West Berkshire Alzheimer's Society, (01635) 500870.
Dr Faustus. A Watermill outreach production, 11am. www.watermill.org.uk Who is the Master? An evening of two plays at The Watermill, 7.30pm (see Thursday).
Newbury District Field Club. Annual meeting and ‘Newbury Myths and Legends' presidential address by Phil Wood, NewburyTown Hall, 2.30 pm.
Paul Carrack. Sheffield-born singer-songwriter. The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.45pm.
Sarah Gillespie. The Forge at The Anvil, Basingstoke, 8pm.
Film: ‘Black Swan' (15). Natalie Portman as New York ballerina, five Oscar nominations. Corn Exchange Newbury, 2.30pm, 6pm and 8.30pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Saturday, February 12:
Totesport Super Saturday. Newbury Racecourse, first race 1.30pm. (01635) 40015 or www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk
Newbury District Ornithological Club. Morning walk on Inkpen Common and around West Woodhay farmland. Meet at Hell Corner Farm, Kintbury (grid ref SU 385 645) at 9am. All welcome. Details, (01488) 668482.
Pang, Kennet and Lambourn Valleys Countryside Projects (FWAG). Heathland Management at Bucklebury Common, 10am. Details, (0118) 930 5336 or www.pangandkennetvalleys.org.uk or email pang.kennet@fwag.org.uk
Pang, Kennet and Lambourn Valleys Countryside Projects (FWAG). River Lambourn geology day at Riverside Community Centre, Rosemoor Gardens, Newbury and on River Lambourn, 10am for four hours. Talk and walk, opportunity to learn about the geology of the river Lambourn in Newbury with Lesley Dunlop from the Berkshire Geoconservation group. Free event, lunch included. Booking essential, telephone (0118) 930 5335 or email vicky.pudner@fwag.org.uk
Charter Market. Market Place, Newbury (see Thursday).
Opera in the Market Place. Valentine season event, opera singer Richard Stark and violinist Andrew Hubbard entertain with romantic songs outside the Town Hall, Newbury, 10am to 2pm. Ice a Valentine's biscuit, get your own Valentine balloon, modelled for you. Free.
Newbury Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Market. The Congregational Hall, Cromwell Place, Northbrook Street, Newbury, 9.30am to 3.45pm. More than 20 stalls selling jewellery, furniture, art, ceramics, militaria, stamps, postcards, silver, objets d'art, vinyl records, curios etc. Hot and cold food, refreshments. 50p.
Hamstead Marshall and Enborne Community Market. Local produce and crafts. Hamstead Marshall Village Hall, 10am to 1pm. (01488) 658932 or (01488) 658168.
Watercolour workshops. Led by Katherine Attwell at Burghfield Common Methodist Church Hall, Reading Road, Burghfield Common RG7 3QA, 10am to noon. Details, (0118) 983 1254 or 07948 961101, visit www.katherineattwell.com or email katherine@katherineattwell.com
Newbury Model Railway Club annual exhibition. Park House School, Andover Road, 10am to 5pm. Family-friendly event with an entertaining mix of model railway layouts, other railway related attractions and model railway traders. www.newburymrc.co.uk or enquiries@newburymrc.co.uk
Chieveley and District Gardening Club. Annual dinner for members and guests. ‘The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew' talk by Pamela Holt. Chieveley Village Hall, 7pm for 7.15pm.
Valentine's dinner. Organised by Roman Catholic Church, Hungerford, at town hall. Tickets (01488) 682239.
'Who is the Master?' Evening of two plays at The Watermill, 6.30pm (see Thursday).
Snail Trail presents ‘A Little Bird Told Me'. Corn Exchange Newbury, 11am. Suitable for age three and upwards. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Mark Steel. Stand-up comic with a mission to save civilisation. The Corn Exchange, Newbury, 7.45pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Mendelssohn, Weber and Beethoven concert featuring Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 (Antony Pay, clarinet). The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.45pm. (01256) 844244 or www.anvilarts.org.uk
Film: ‘Black Swan' (15). Corn Exchange Newbury, 1pm and 8.30pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Film documentary: ‘Genius Within – The Inner Life of Glenn Gould' (U). Life of enigmatic world-renowned pianist. Corn Exchange Newbury, 3.30pm and 6pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Sunday, February 13:
A romantic stroll with wolves. A day at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust in the company of one of the world's most family-oriented species at a time of year when they are especially loyal and attentive to their mates. Walks at 10.30am and 1.30pm. £75 for two people including special gift. (0118) 9713 330 or visit www.ukwct.org.uk
West Berkshire Ramblers. Meet at Stockcross Recreation Ground (grid ref SU 433 688, turn right after last property on right) at 10am, for a four-mile easy-paced walk. Bring a drink. Leader Jean B, (01635) 35902. www.wberksramblers.org.uk
West Berkshire Ramblers. Meet at Frilsham Village Hall (grid ref SU 548 733) at 10.30am, for a 13 mile walk in the woodlands either side of the upper Pang valley, including Stanford Dingley and Westrop Green. Bring food and drink for the day. Leader Richard N, 07720 898929. www.wberksramblers.org.uk
Winter bird walk. Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, 2pm. A 90-minute stroll with local bird expert Graeme Stewart to learn about the birds that frequent the lake during winter, those that visit, those that stay all year round and some unusual visitors during the winter months. No need to book. £2 per person.
Digital photography workshop. Full day event for adults and older children at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre. Learn how to photograph a range of wildlife and nature in a workshop designed for those new to photography. Sessions teach basic camera techniques and how to get the best out of your camera, putting it into action with tutor Dave Chaplin who will also be giving advice on your photographs and how to improve them. £30 per person including refreshments. Booking essential, telephone the Nature Discovery Centre on (01635) 874381.
Andover Outdoor Group. Join friendly group at Upper Chute village (grid ref SU 296 538) at 10am, for 10 mile circular walk in lovely countryside including Blackmore Down, Collingbourne Wood and Ludgershall Castle. Bring packed lunch. Andrea, (01635) 40082 or www. andoveroutdoorgroup.hampshire.org.uk
Lanterns for loved ones. A short act of remembrance for Valentine's Day, a romantic day for many but a sad day for those who have lost a loved one. Open to anyone (including children) who have lost a partner, relative or friend, whether at Duchess of Kent House Hospice or not. Lanterns are dedicated, lit and carried up to Englefield Church where they are placed in a line outside. Inside, a short memorial service includes the names of those remembered and time to reflect, followed by a piper procession back through the lit lanterns, then warm drinks and light refreshments. For those not able to attend, a lantern can be purchased (suggested contribution £5) to be lit and dedicated on their behalf. Details, Sue Day at sue.day@dokhc.org.uk or telephone (0118) 939 4889.
Antiques and Collectors Fair. Victoria Hall, on A30 at Hartley Wintney, 10am to 4pm. £1. Details, (0118) 931 1779.
Jimmy Carr: Laughter Therapy. The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.30pm. (01256) 844244 or www.anvilarts.org.uk
Damien O'Kane. Acoustic instrumentalist and singer from Northern Ireland. The Forge at The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.45pm. (01256) 844244 or www.anvilarts.org.uk
Film documentary: ‘Genius Within – The Inner Life of Glenn Gould' (U). Corn Exchange, Newbury, 1pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Film: ‘Black Swan' (15). Corn Exchange, Newbury, 3.30pm and 6pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Highclere Film Club film: ‘Home' (15). Arresting aerial footage from 50 countries gives new insights into the environment debate. Doors open 6pm for 6.30pm screening, www.highclerefilmclub.co.uk
Monday, February 14:
Newbury National Trust. ‘The Genius of René Lalique' illustrated talk by David Callaghan on the renowned art nouveau jewellery and glass designer. New Greenham Arts, New Greenham Park, 7.30pm. Visitors £2.50. Details, (01635) 551034.
Embroiderers' Guild monthly meeting. St Francis de Sale church hall, Wash Common, 7.30pm. Details, email mair_edwards@hotmail.com
West Berkshire Alzheimer's Society lunch. Empowerment group meet for sociable lunch and to guide the work of West Berkshire Alzheimer's Society. Highview Day Centre, Calcot, 1pm to 4pm. New members welcome. (01635) 500870.
Silver screen film: ‘Black Swan' (15). Corn Exchange Newbury, 2.30pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Tuesday, February 15:
Pang, Kennet and Lambourn Valleys Countryside Projects (FWAG). Coppicing at Snelsmore Common, 10am. Details, (0118) 930 5336 or visit www.pangandkennetvalleys.org.uk or email pang.kennet@fwag.org.uk
Thatcham Royal British Legion public meeting. Thatcham Football Club, 7.30pm. Legion membership is open to all, everyone welcome. Details, (01635) 866653 or 867621.
West Berks Ramblers. Meet in the Wharf car park at Great Bedwyn (grid ref SU 280 644) at 10am, for a six mile walk to Kennet High Point, the canal's summit and water supply pound, via Wilton Water and Bedwyn Brail. Leader Joan L. C., (01672) 861359 or 07709 582477 or visitwww.wberksramblers.org.uk
Vintage Fair. Victoria Hall, on A30 at Hartley Wintney, 8.30am to 2pm. Free. Details, (0118) 950 1779.
'Private Peaceful'. First World War infantryman reflects on his life on the night before being executed by firing squad. The Corn Exchange, Newbury, 7.45pm with post-show discussion. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Newbury Astronomical Society Astronomy for Beginners. Short entry- level talks suitable for all ages, with observing through society telescopes if clear sky. St Mary's Church Hall, New Road, Greenham, 7pm. Details, Steve Harris (01635) 860047.
The Creole Choir of Cuba. The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.45pm. (01256) 844244 or www.anvilarts.org. uk
Film: ‘Black Swan' (15). Corn Exchange Newbury, 2.30pm and 6pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Film documentary: ‘Genius Within – The Inner Life of Glenn Gould' (U). Corn Exchange, Newbury, 8.30pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Wednesday, February 16:
Thatcham Community Market. Church Lane, Thatcham, 10am to 11.30am. Homemade cakes, jams, chutneys, fresh eggs, greeting cards, crocheted blankets, dolls clothes, jewellery and bric-a-brac. (01635) 872713.
Benefits advice surgery. Thatcham Baptist Church, Wheelers Green Way, drop in between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Confidential service hosted by the church with Local Pension Service and Families Information Service resourced by Sovereign Housing, and a welfare surgery for both serving and ex-service personnel and their dependants run by Thatcham Royal British Legion. Details, (01635) 866157, 866208 or 868149.
Free valuation day for collectables and antiques. Special Auction Services (SAS), New Greenham Park. Details, (01635) 580595 or www.specialauctionservices.com
'Private Peaceful'. The Corn Exchange, Newbury, 7.45pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
Philharmonia Orchestra. The Anvil, Basingstoke, 7.45pm. (01256) 844244 or www.anvilarts.org.uk
Film: ‘Black Swan' (15). Corn Exchange Newbury, bawl showing at 11am, regular screenings 6pm and 8.30pm. (01635) 522733 or www.cornexchangenew.com
