It’s Halloooooween! Time for some half-term holiday fun

It’s that time of year when West Berkshire is awash with pumpkins and witches, cauldrons and bats, ghouls and ghosts, and things that go bump in the night …

From Friday 23 to Saturday 31 October, join the Halloween Haunt Hunt in Newbury town centre, brought to you by Newbury BID. Collect your special form from the allocated venue in Parkway Shopping Centre and follow a trail of cauldrons around the town collecting clues. Those who work out and find all 15 clues and crack a code will be in with a chance of winning something spookily special at the prize draw which takes place on Sunday 1 November at Newbury Artisan market.

From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November there is the Bucklebury Giant Pumpkin Hunt at Bucklebury Farm Park (www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk) where you can take a walk on the wild side through their new spooky woodland maze.

Cobbs Farm at Hungerford (www.cobbsfarmshop.co.uk) have some great Halloween activities planned:
· Pumpkin carving takes place in their marquee Monday 26–Friday 30 October, 10am–4pm. Just turn up and get carving.
· Friday 30 October sees the Cobbs Farm Halloween Extravaganza. Dress up in your scariest outfit to enter their fancy dress competition and play some traditional Halloween games, including apple bobbing and pumpkin hurling.

Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre (www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-discovery-centre) has lots of Halloween entertainment:
· Tuesday 27 October – drop in between 11am and 4pm and make your very own ghost puppet at their Recycled Arts Workshop.
· Thursday 29 October – pre-booking is needed for the Spook-tacular Science event where you can make gooey Halloween slime in a wonderful workshop for ages 3–10. Sessions run 10–11am, 11.30am–12.30pm, 1–2pm, 2.30–3.30pm.
· Friday 30 October – another drop in event between 11am and 4pm: Green Halloween. Dress up in your best spooky outfit and enter the fancy dress competition, and watch out for all sorts of fun activities including Teresa Queen Bee with her Bee Punch & Judy Show, see the magical Mr Alexander's travelling show, create bubbles with pedal-power, make spine-tingling discoveries about hedgehogs … and much more.

Go Pumpkintastic at Five A Day Market Garden at Englefield, near Theale, (www.fiveaday.org.uk) from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October. Family activity sessions run 10am–1pm where you can carve a pumpkin lantern, decorate a magic wand, and find out about spooky and magical wildlife and traditions.

Or how about a Creepy Cruise? Children can dress up in their Halloween costumes and take a trip on the Jubilee Narrowboat from The Wharf in Newbury where Halloween horrors await! Creepy Cruises sail Tuesday 27–Friday 30 October, 2–3pm. Pre-book at Newbury Visitor Information Centre (tel 01635 30267).

Many people’s favourite Halloween creature has to be a bat, so why not go on a Bat Box Building Workshop? These batty half-hour workshops happen at Beale Park, Lower Basildon (www.bealepark.co.uk) on Wednesday 28 October, 10.30am–12.30pm on a first-come-first-served basis.

Shaw House in Newbury is in on the spooky happenings too:
· Join their Scuttling Rat activity day on Wednesday 28 October, 10am–4pm. This is where children aged 4–11 can make a scuttling rat and take part in a Halloween-themed trail. No need to book, just drop in. (Tel 01635 279279 for more details.)
· It will be Halloween Party Night on Saturday 31 October, 6.30–8.30pm. This promises to be ghoulishly good fun as in the grounds of Shaw House there will be Halloween trails, apple bobbing and snapping (make sure you take a torch). In the house there will be Halloween crafts, ghostly story time, and trick or treating throughout the night. Arrive dressed for the fancy dress competition at 6.30pm. Suitable for age 4 and upwards and must be pre-booked at Shaw House or Newbury Visitor Information Centre (01635 30267).

West Berkshire Museum in Newbury (01635 519562) is housed in a very old building, the perfect venue for these family-friendly Halloween activities:
· Make a Spooky Spider at their family activity day on Thursday 29 October, 10am–3pm, or get busy with tissue and glitter making a stained-glass pumpkin or ghost on Friday 30 October, 10am–3pm. These activities are aimed at 4–11 year-olds but older and younger children are welcome.
· As darkness falls, which members of the family will be brave enough to tour the  Museum at Night by torchlight on Friday 30 October, 6–8pm? Take your own torch and explore only by its light ...

Spooky-Tacula Shows take place in the Kennet Centre in Newbury on Friday 30 October at 10.30am, 12noon and 2.30pm. These shows are presented by CBeebies very own Alex Winters with lots of fun, games, music and challenges for fiendish young shoppers. Prizes for the best spooky fancy dress costume too!

2 Wild at Path Hill Farm, Goring Heath, near Reading will have a Halloween Extravaganza for ghouls, ghosts, witches and wizards on Friday 30 October, 9.30am–3.30pm. Dare to scare by arriving in fancy dress costume. Spend a ghoulishly ghostly time in the hair-raising Hardwick Woods. Make a broomstick or a woodland monster. Create your own spider’s web. Follow the pumpkin treasure trail and munch marshmallow ghosts. Play giants, elves and wizards, quidditch relay and ghoulish Guess What. Book in advance, ages 5 and over (www.2wild.co.uk).

Eddie Catz in Newbury (www.eddiecatz.com) is hosting a hauntingly good Halloween Party on Friday 30 October, 5.30–7.30pm. Magic and entertainment, dancing at the Halloween disco and a fancy dress catwalk competition with prizes for the best costumes. Entrance by ticket only and suitable for ages 2–8.

The Skeleton Ball at the Corn Exchange in Newbury is going to be a spook-tactular extravaganza on Saturday 31 October at 1pm, 3.30pm and 6pm. There will be ghostly activities, spine-tingling story time, dancing at the bone-jangling disco, prizes for the best fancy dress and much more. (Free but must be pre-booked: www.cornexchangenew.com.)

And finally, nothing will chill the blood as much as darkness falls on Halloween itself, Saturday 31 October, as hearing wolves howling. Do this at Wolf Howl Night at 7pm at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust at Beenham, near Reading (ukwct.org.uk). You’ll find out lots of fascinating facts about wolves at this event which must be booked in advance. You won’t see the wolves but you will hear them hoooooowl …

PLEASE NOTE: Parental supervision is required at most activities. A fee is chargeable for several of them and admission fees may also apply. Some events need to be pre-booked. Contact the venues for full details.

Biddy at Luna Boutique

One of the best boutiques in town is also one of Newbury’s best kept secrets.

It’s called Luna and it has become my favourite place to shop when I’m looking for something new to wear because this little boutique is packed with the most exciting range of clothes (and handbags and jewellery) I’ve come across in a long, long time.

Now, I am the first to admit I am a big fan of M&S for lots of basic items (their jeggings have long been making an appearance in my wardrobe) but when I want something a little bit special, a little bit edgy (ooh get me) but don’t want to break the bank, Luna is the place I head for. (The husband might say I head there a little too often …)

Luna opened nearly a year ago and since then I have revamped my wardrobe with some very stylish but easy-to-wear pieces. There is lots I like about Luna:

• The way the clothes are racked by colour, so you can head for your favourites and find lots of different styles and designs in varying shades. (Though having said that, do try other colours too … I’m usually one for muted taupes and greys but surprised myself discovering how much coral suits me.)
• The chic Italian/French influence. Luna stocks a great range of different fashion houses, and many of their pieces have a little twist that makes them a little bit different, a little bit unusual – maybe a polka-dot pocket on a plain top, or striped sleeves on a plain tunic, or an asymmetric hemline.
• The sizing. Very cleverly, much of what Luna stocks is in a one-size-fits-all sizing system – and believe me it really does, thanks to the fluidity of many of their styles. I’ve been in there with a friend who is a very different body shape to me (she has the curves I was never blessed with, but my legs are a lot longer!) and the same item looks good on us both. Amazing!
• The prices. When I first went into Luna I had to look twice at the price tags – and for all the right reasons. With such unusual, original pieces, I was expecting them to be at a much higher price point. Picking up a top, for example, for around £35–£45 that you won’t see everyone else wearing is good news in my book.
• The regularly changing stock. Luna only stocks two or three of each item, and quite often these are in different colours. So I know the chances of me seeing someone else wearing my fab new jumper are slim. And once the pieces are gone, that’s it … so my advice is: if you see it and like it, buy it, because it’s unlikely to be there next week.
• The staff. Without exception they are friendly and helpful, always glad to suggest, advise and comment when you are trying on (endlessly patient, and happy for me to try on as many things as I want, however long it takes).

Autumn is here: I’ve just packed away my summer dresses until next year and can hardly wait to wear my new poncho, courtesy of Luna. If you are in need of some stylish new items now that weather is turning cooler, I really recommend you give Luna a try.

There’s only one thing left to tell you … what makes Luna secret is that it is tucked away behind Costa in Parkway. The perfect post-Luna coffee stop! 

Biddy x

Biddy on the Canal

A warm summer’s afternoon. Lunch in town then something I had been wanting to do for ages but have never quite got around to doing – taking a boat trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Boat trips take place from April through to September, floating on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 noon and 2pm, and on weekdays every Thursday at 2.30pm. You can pre-book tickets in person at the Visitor Information Centre at the Town Hall in Market Place, or call them on 01635 30267 to book by phone. You can even pop in and book up to half an hour before the boat is due to set sail, or take a chance down at the canal (at the Wharf, by the Tea Room on the Canal) and see if there is space. (The boat takes a maximum of 29 passengers, so best to book if you want to guarantee a space on a specific day). 

The boat itself is called the Jubilee, built in – you’ve guessed it, the Queen’s Jubilee year. But which one? You’ll find out when you go on the trip! The Jubilee is a lovely, traditional narrowboat. On the fine day I went on it the sides were open to the elements and the gentle movement of fresh air was most welcome. But on cooler or wet days, there are zip-up plastic windows to keep you enclosed and dry, so you can see out without getting wet.

I arrived well ahead of sailing time (you are asked to arrive 15 minutes beforehand) and the crew – all of them volunteers – were already busy getting everything ready. However, there was a very warm welcome and the plank was immediately put down so that I could climb aboard and enjoy the view from the water until we set off. There was much banter between crew and passengers, making for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 

Bang on time, and following the essential safety messages from Boat Master Trevor, we were off, with Chris at the helm. Now it was time to sit back and relax… pure indulgence at a wonderfully slower pace of life than most of us are used to these days.

Trevor gave us lots of fascinating facts about the boat, the canal and what we were seeing from our vantage point. Did you know, for example, that the bridge at Northbrook Street is the oldest on the waterway? And that’s all I’m telling you!

Trevor’s wife Jill was on hand to serve liquid refreshments of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties as the mood takes you, and also chipped in to answer questions. For anyone who has never been through a lock before, this is a great experience. Luckily the passengers don’t have to lend a hand as we had husband and wife team Julian and Sarah there to do all the hard work. 

The gentle round trip takes around an hour and a quarter, and the half-way turning point is near Northcroft Leisure Centre. Apparently it would take four hours to get as far as Kintbury … which you can do if you choose to charter the Jubilee for a private function, which I think would be great fun. 

The Jubilee also lays on special trips for children during some school holidays: Pirate trips in August (AAAR!); Halloween Trips in October (WOOOOH!); and Santa Trips in December (HO HO HO!). (See the website for more details about the boat and trips, and the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust in general: www1.katrust.org.uk).

Despite the leisurely pace of the trip, it went by all too soon (and don’t worry, there is a loo on board!) and everyone aboard had clearly had a wonderful time. And then, of course, there is the delightful Tea Room on the Canal for a cream tea once you disembark – a perfect ending.

With the joy of having a waterway running through Newbury I am not quite sure why it has taken me so long to get around to doing the Jubilee trip, so if you haven’t either… well, what are you waiting for? It’s the perfect way to while away a summer afternoon… 

Biddy x 

Biddy takes a Guided Walk

Did you know there are several different guided walks around Newbury? I joined one recently, and very much enjoyed the experience. 

You pre-book tickets at the Visitor Information Centre at the Town Hall in Market Place (01635 30267) and that is where you meet for the start of the walk. Each walk is for a maximum of 15 people, and tickets are £5 (with reductions for concessions, or free if you are under 16) and proceeds are all in a good cause as they go to the Newbury Heritage Fund.

The walks are led by local historians, members of The Newbury Society. Our group had the pleasure of being led by Phil Wood who started by giving us a potted history of the Market Place itself. We then made our way to the Wharf where we stopped again to hear about the area, the buildings and local characters.

We walked down to the canalside for more explanation and exploration, meandering slowly to the swing bridge and, eventually, back along the other side of the canal to St Nicolas church. 

We spent some time in the church – its cool interior most welcome on a hot day – before making our way outside and heading to the war memorial where the walk ended, with time for more fascinating facts and a chance to ask any final questions.

The walk is advertised as lasting approximately an hour; I got a lot more for my money as it ended up being a good hour and a half, but it all depends on how many questions get asked en route. However, rest assured it was all at a very gentle pace, with plenty of stops – definitely not a route march!

Walks take place throughout the summer on some Sundays at 2.30pm and some Fridays at 11.30am, with the next ones being on:

Friday 7 August 

Sunday 16 August - http://bit.ly/1TA1C1A

Friday 4 September - http://bit.ly/1TA23Jj

Sunday 13 September - http://bit.ly/1PbOBVF

As some of the walks take in different parts of the town, I am looking forward to going on another one soon.

Biddy x 

Parkway Summer Series

There’s lots of summertime fun to be had in Parkway Newbury this July!

Saturday 18th July: Proms at Parkway

This musical extravaganza takes place from 11am to 4pm with three amazing acts performing live on stage in the Debenhams piazza. 

• If you haven’t already heard local singer/songwriter Emma Lawrence, you’re in for a treat. With an emphasis on folk and R&B fusion, she performs both acoustic originals and fabulous covers in her own unique style. 

• Marvel at the wonderful Classical Reflection who competed in the BBC television programme The Voice this year as part of ‘team Ricky’. Identical twins Naomi and Hannah Moxon bring a whole new angle to their speciality area of classical music and light opera, which is a true delight.

• Then there is the magnificent Harmony Choir. With choirs being so popular and of the moment, this is one Newbury’s finest. This mixed-voice choir has a wide repertoire, with many songs performed in the fabulous a capella style. Come along and enjoy!

Remember there is plenty of parking at Parkway and it costs just £1 for the first hour.

Visit www.shopatparkway.com for further details.

Parkway en Provence

There’s lots of summertime fun to be had in Parkway Newbury this July!

Saturday 11 July: Parkway en Provence 

This event sees Parkway turned into a charming and compact French market for the day … or should that be un peu marché Français?

Look out for wonderful French breads, cheeses and wines from boulangerie, pâtisserie and café PAUL, and at Marks & Spencer. Pop in to Café Rouge for tasty taster treats. 

Be indulged with a hand massage and samples from L’Occtaine, the natural beauty skincare specialists, with their Mediterranean-inspired techniques and products.

Whilst you enjoy all this, there will also be entertainment from French mime artists, accordion players … and you can even have your caricature drawn. 

It’s going to be a très bon jour! 

Remember there is plenty of parking at Parkway and it costs just £1 for the first hour.

Look out for another fantastic event at Parkway on Saturday 18 July.

Visit www.shopatparkway.com for further details.

Newbury Carnival & Fete 2015

The Carnival is back! Come along to Newbury town centre on Sunday 5th July and join thousands upon thousands of people who will be lining the streets to enjoy the amazing spectacle that is the Carnival Parade.

This year there are over 60 entries so there will be plenty of floats, walkers and dancers to see. As the Carnival is set to be one of the biggest ever, the competition for best entries in a range of categories will be hotly contested! There will be lots of music to accompany the Parade, from the traditional – such as the Reading Scottish Pipe Band – to the more exotic, such as the Rampage Mas Band with its Caribbean influence.

The Parade starts at 2pm, wending its way via Bartholomew Street, Northbrook Street and the Clock Tower (with certain roads closed 1.45–4pm so that everyone can travel safely), and culminating in Parkway. 

From there, hop over to Victoria Park where the fabulous Carnival Fete takes place from 12noon to 6pm, with stalls, entertainment, small rides, giant inflatable slide and loads of other fun for all the family. 

As always, music and dance at the Carnival Fete will be a highlight. As well as further performances from the Reading Scottish Pipe Band and the Rampage Mas Band, look out for Newbury & Thatcham Rock Choir from 12 noon, and Hungerford Town Band playing in the bandstand 3–5pm. Throughout the afternoon, all sorts of other genres will be performing in the Fete Arena, such as the acclaimed Mini Band, the brilliant Sticky Fingers with their ukuleles, Interakt Community Theatre and Arts, West Berkshire Sway Dance, Steps Ahead Dance School, and not forgetting the wonderful Bruce Hogg on his guitar.

Further details on the website

There’s lots of summertime fun to be had in Parkway Newbury this July!

Saturday 4 July: Parkway Summer Street Party

Parkway is THE place to be on Saturday 4 July. This is the day Parkway hosts its fabulous and popular Summer Street Party, just one event in the Parkway Summer Series.

This is a party for everyone so bring the family and enjoy the fun! Back by popular demand are the Covent Garden Entertainers, thrilling the crowds with their circus skills. There will be face painting for the children – so look out for painted tigers, lions and pandas prowling around Parkway, and maybe some pretty butterflies too.

You can also make huge savings at Parkway on the day by downloading a Street Party Pass. Everyone loves a bargain, so print out or reserve your FREE Street Party Pass at http://goo.gl/ZwdhwG to receive an incredible 20% discount at lots of Parkway stores and cafés, including Jack Wills, Animal, H&M, Ecco, Jones the Bootmaker, Café Rouge … and many more. This is a special one-day-only offer so make the most of your 20%!

Remember there is plenty of parking at Parkway and it costs just £1 for the first hour.

Look out for two other fantastic events at Parkway on Saturday 11 and Saturday 18 July.

Visit www.shopatparkway.com for further details.

Shop Local Week 2015 – Celebrating Newbury’s Independents

Monday 29th June to Saturday 4th July is Shop Local Week and an opportunity to celebrate the independent retailers who help to make Newbury the special town it is. Everyone is encouraged to support them by making a determined effort to ‘shop local’ … and hopefully enjoy the experience so much that it becomes a habit.

Many people enjoy living in or visiting a town with independent shops, restaurants and businesses, and they are an important part of our street scene here in Newbury. Not only that, the goods and produce on offer, and the friendly service you receive, make it a pleasure to go there. 

Shop Local Week is organised by Newbury BID (Business Improvement District) as part of NewburyFest. BID MD Russell Downing says, ‘We are throwing down a challenge for you to buy everything you need in Newbury town centre. As an added incentive, many of the independent outlets will have special offers in place – look out for what these are on the NewburyFest website and print out the leaflet to take advantage of some great discounts. By logging on to the website you will also be in with a chance of winning a special prize. Go to NewburyFest to find out more.’

Just some of the independents offering great deals include Luna Boutique in Parkway, with chic and wonderfully original fashions. For men, there’s Dapper Street with urban styles from designer labels, or for something more formal try Suits Newbury. Time to try a new hairstyle? Seek out the local hair studios with brilliant discounts. If you’re feeling peckish – and whether you want breakfast, coffee and cake, or a great meal – there’s everything from The Empire Café, TIY Tea Bar, Brebis French Restaurant and many more to try. If you’re stocking up the fruit bowl, AJA Foods has a great deal all week long. Thinking of taking up a musical instrument? Hogan Music will give you the best advice as well as a great discount. If you’re a keen crafter, Rainbows in Inches Yard is a crafter’s dream – go and see what their special offer is. Need a picture framed? Nip along to Artifax on Bartholomew Street. Flowers for a friend? Near-neighbour Willow & Blooms is the place to go. And these are just a few of the many places with offers. Be sure to check them all out on the NewburyFest website.

In addition, all week long it is hoped that local buskers will bring colour to the town with their individual talents. As a grand finale, Shop Local Week draws to a close on Saturday 4 July with Independents Day (in line with American Independence Day) and the return of the Covent Garden Entertainers who will be touring the whole town and keeping the crowds entertained with their amazing skills. 

Come and join the fun and make this year’s Shop Local Week one to remember!

Here It Comes… NewburyFest 2015!

Time to get your party shoes polished – NewburyFest 2015 starts on 27th June and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Now in its third year, NewburyFest takes over the town this summer for a whole month, with fabulous, fun activities for all the family.

There’s lots happening the first weekend with:

• Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th June: Strongman Competitions. So popular, this has been extended into a two-day event and takes place in the town centre.
• Saturday 27th June: Party on the Pitch at Newbury Rugby Club. An afternoon and evening of games, sport, live music, food, ale, cider and lots more. You can even camp for the night! 
• Sunday 28th June: Newbury Rotary Club Boules Tournament. Teams need to pre-register for this charity event which takes place in Market Square, though individual entrants can join in a public competition on the day.
• Sunday 28th June: Newbury Food & Craft Fair. A full-on day of local food, craft and fun, with lots of stalls selling their wares in the town centre.
• Sunday 28th June: Ring of Fire Cycle Ride. Test yourself, cycle with the family or just go along and watch this day of fun cycling events, all starting and finishing at The Wharf in Newbury. The circular routes are 10, 30 and 60 miles long, taking in beautiful West Berkshire countryside. Proceeds go to two good causes: ÉFirefighter's CharityÉ & Camp Uganda. (More details and registration here)

The rest of the week is jam-packed with excitement too:

• Monday 29th June - Saturday 4th July: Shop Local Week. Go on, support your local independent shops by making the decision to shop with them for one whole week – and beyond. Enjoy entertainment from buskers as you shop. (If you would like to register to busk, contact Suzanne Young at Newbury BID – suzanne@newburybid.com / 01635 760505.)
• Thursday 2nd July: Newbury Racecourse Key4Life Charity Race Evening & 80s Disco. The first of two great charity evenings during NewburyFest. Enjoy seven races then roll back the years with an 80s disco with Jack FM. 
• Thursday 2nd July: Summer Cyclocross in Goldwell Park. The final Thursday evening of six in this year’s fabulous cycling challenge for cyclists of all ages on grass tracks designed for all levels.
• Saturday 4th July: Independents Day with Covent Garden Entertainers. The final day of Shop Local Week sees entertainment throughout the town from this brilliant team of entertainers.
• Sunday 5th July: Newbury Carnival. The parade starts at 2pm in Pound Street and finishes at Park Way, next to Victoria Park, where the Carnival Fete takes place 12pm–6pm. Register for your group, organisation or business to join in the parade… there’s lots of prizes! 

That’s just week one! Next up comes:

• Sunday 12th July: Wiggle MagnifiCat. Starting from Newbury Racecourse, join over 2,000 cyclists in this exciting event, with an ultimate ride of short (44 miles), standard (85 miles) or epic (128 miles) proportions, taking in the rolling Hampshire countryside and South Downs. (Register here)
• Sunday 12th July: The Three Musketeers at Shaw House. Enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine with this open-air performance of Alexandre Dumas’ most famous work, with exciting comedy and dazzling swordplay. 
• Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July: Newbury Balloon Festival. Three days of afternoon and night-time fun at Newbury Showground. As well as the balloons (weather permitting) there will be all sorts of stalls, activities and entertainments, plus live music and a funfair. All proceeds will go to charity. Look out for further details on the Visit Newbury website. 
• Sunday 19th July: Vintage Fire Engine Day. Come along to Newbury town centre to see these magnificent machines.
• Sunday 19th July: Shaw House Summer Fair. Craft stalls, garden games, music, barbecue and much more, all in the lovely setting of the grounds of historic Shaw House on the edge of Newbury.
• Wednesday 22nd July: RSC Live – The Merchant of Venice at the Corn Exchange. The melting pot of Venice and one of Shakespeare’s finest tragedies, brought to you via live broadcast from no other than the Royal Shakespeare Company. (Details at the Corn Exchange)
• Thursday 23rd July: Newbury Racecourse NSPCC Charity Race Evening & Comedy Night. The second of two great charity evenings during NewburyFest. A summer evening of racing followed by live comedy in the Crafty Filly, and all in a good cause. 

NewburyFest 2015 goes out with a bang on the final weekend with two celebrated local festivals:

• Saturday 25th July: CultureFest. Get along to Newbury Racecourse where CultureFest is back, celebrating ethnic diversity with performances, presentations, workshops and demonstrations in art, music, dance and foods from around the world. Voluntary organisations, businesses and traders who would like to be involved should contact waheeda@all2gether.org.uk. 
• Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July: Newbury Waterways Festival. With this year’s theme of ‘Flower Power’, The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust’s spectacular event has a flotilla of boats transforming the wharf all weekend. In Victoria Park on the Sunday there will be stalls, entertainment, food and fun for all – and the very popular duck race! (More details here)

Look out for further details of NewburyFest 2015:
NewburyFest
Visit Newbury 

NewburyFest is brought to you by Newbury BID (Business Improvement District) who arrange and/or support and promote the events (www.newburybid.com).

Calling All Buskers

Whatever your talent – playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing, juggling, magic tricks or something else entirely – you could be just the individual, group or troupe that Newbury BID (Business Improvement District) is looking for to provide street entertainment during Shop Local Week in Newbury.

As everyone knows, independent shops are what makes a town special, and Shop Local Week celebrates all that is great about Newbury’s independent retailers by encouraging everyone to support them by ‘shopping local’. Shop Local Week starts on Monday 29 June and finishes on a high on Saturday 4 July with Independents Day, in line with Independence Day in the USA. 

Suzanne Young of Newbury BID says, "During the whole week we would love see as many local entertainers as possible taking to the streets of Newbury and creating a lively, fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. We will have the fabulous Covent Garden Entertainers in town on Independents Day, but let’s showcase our home-grown talent too. Please register your interest now!"

If you are up for the challenge, please contact Suzanne Young at Newbury BID (email suzanne@newburybid.com or call her on 01635 760505) for more details and to ensure that you are officially registered to perform on the streets of Newbury during Shop Local Week. 

Biddy at the Newbury Spring Festival

There’s still a week to go of this year’s Newbury Spring Festival – it runs until 23 May – so if you haven’t already attended an event this year do have a look at their website to see what’s available – whatever your musical tastes you won’t be disappointed. After all, it is one of the most magical music extravaganzas in the country – and right here on our doorstep.

It’s not even all about music. I booked my ticket some weeks ago for Poetry of the Great War which was performed at the West Berkshire Museum.

A friend and I ventured forth on what seemed to be the wettest day of May and as we had a couple of hours to while away before the event, we had lunch at the charming Tea Shop on the Canal, followed by a half hour enjoying some of the displays at the West Berkshire Museum itself – my friend’s first visit and on her list for a return very soon to see more. We particularly enjoyed the photographic exhibition where we were able to vote for our favourite (and that was a difficult choice as there was lots of entries from some very talented young photographers).

On to the performance – for one day only, but the third of the day – of Poetry of the Great War. Two actors marched on in uniform and stood silently, heads bowed, as Elgar’s Sospiri played, setting the scene.

The two young men, Ewan Somers and Dominic Rye from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, took the parts of two war poets: Wilfred Owen, killed in action at the age of 25, just one week before the signing of the Armistice; and Siegfried Sassoon, who survived the war, was decorated for his bravery on the Western Front and died when he was 80.

Their readings of the works of the soldiers was admirable and moving in the extreme, with my favourite, if that is the right word, being Sassoon’s Does It Matter? (Look it up: it’s beautiful.)

Just a couple of tasters of things during the next week:

• From Page To Screen on Tuesday 19 May – at Englefield House at Theale, best-selling author Robert Harris talks about how some of his books have been transferred to film.

• Till The Clouds Roll By on Thursday 21 May – with performances at both Sydmonton Court, Ecchinswell and Audley Inglewood, Kintbury, the Swell Party Company pay tribute to Jerome Kern, with songs from such great musicals as Showboat.

• Ronnie Scott's All Stars on Friday 22 May – also at the Corn Exchange, this celebrates the music and history of one of the world's most famous jazz venues, with classic jazz from many of the jazz greats.

• Kit & McConnel on Saturday 23 May – performing at the Corn Exchange, many people will already know how hilarious this comedy duo are.

Check out www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk for lots more too!

Biddy x 

New Chapter for Waterstones bookshop in Newbury

Waterstones, the leading high street bookseller, is to relocate its bookshop on Northbrook Street in May, to stunning new premises just a couple of minutes walk away at Parkway.

Waterstones Northbrook Street will cease to trade on 8th May, with all booksellers transferring to the new bookshop at Parkway, which will open to the public on Saturday 6th June. Waterstones Parkway bookshop will trade over 2800 sq ft over one floor and will feature a beautiful new light oak bookcase and slat wall design, and a scrumptious new Waterstones Café with indoor and outdoor seating for 32.

Alongside triple certified coffee from Matthew Algie - approved by the Fairtrade Foundation, Rainforest Alliance and Organic Food Federation – the café will offer a unique and delicious range of handmade cakes and pastries sourced from local artisan bakers and specialist producers who champion natural ingredients. Locally sourced delicacies will include pastries and sandwiches sourced daily from Newbury’s Hethertons Bakery and mouthwatering cakes from Kintbury’s Cakes by Cocochoux.

Whilst brimming with many wonderful books as you would expect, the bookshop will also be home to a specially selected range of stunning stationery and gifts. And with free wi-fi and a well-stocked children’s department that the kids will love, Waterstones at Parkway will be a great place for the whole family to enjoy.

Waterstones Bookshop Manager Annie Gibb-Cohen says:

“We’re thrilled to be opening a brand new bookshop in Newbury. With its gorgeous new design, and delicious café, our bookshop will be a real pleasure to browse, to enjoy with the family and to visit with friends and catch up over a coffee. We are really looking forward to sharing our stunning shop with our customers.”

Waterstones will launch the new bookshop at Parkway with a special family fun day on Saturday 6th June.

Biddy on the Newbury Giant Easter Egg Hunt

A fine Bank Holiday Easter Monday … and I lured the husband into Newbury with the promise of breakfast before we hit the Giant Easter Egg Hunt trail.

Breakfast sitting outside in early April in England? Yes indeed – and at the Teashop by the Canal there are few finer spots. Fuelled by a full English with a side order of black pudding (for him) and a bacon and egg sarnie (for me), accompanied by tea in a proper teapot (leaf tea at that) and a good Americano we were fired up and ready to hit the town.

We collected our form from the special Easter Zone in Parkway (you can also get them from the Visitor Information Centre in the Market Place), where lots of children were enjoying activities and having their faces painted. Then off we went on the hunt for those Giant Easter Eggs. 

I must say it was good fun deciphering each of the 15 clever cryptic clues (most of which were not too difficult, thankfully) to find the eggs and, very importantly, the special letter displayed alongside each one. 

Without wanting to give too much away, the trail takes you all around the town centre, and follows a logical route so you don’t need to backtrack on yourself. 

The clues aside, the giant Easter eggs themselves are works of art and include a fabulous golden one, a stylish black and white one, a pretty rainbow one, even one that looks like a circus Big Top. However, there were a couple that I liked best of all. One was in … oooh I can’t tell you but it is big and yellow and covered in smaller eggs, cut out and coloured in by children, with my particular favourite being a drawing of an Easter bunny. The other was very cleverly and beautifully decorated in a découpage style, all pink and blue and pretty … the only clue I’m going to give you is: it’s on the bridge.

So … give me a C – C!  Give me a G – G! And that really is all the help you’re getting … if you want to find out what the other letters are that will help you crack the code you’ll have to go and hunt for them. There’s still plenty of time as the competition runs until Saturday 18 April, all through the school holidays, and is a great way to while away a morning or afternoon.

And as you could be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize – a £250 John Lewis at Home voucher, a Hotel Chocolat hamper or a giftcard from The Entertainer toyshop – it’s a bit of fun that’s too good to miss.

Happy hunting!

Biddy x 

Biddy says Bonjour to PAUL

It had only opened the day before I visited PAUL, the new bakery/pâtisserie cum Parisian café in Parkway, so it was all pretty much new to the staff as well as the customers, of which there were many.

Dressed in pristine white overalls the staff looked very bakery, very fresh, just as you’d wish – and there were plenty of them attending to everyone’s desires.

And when you step inside their premises selling gorgeous French breads, cakes, pastries and savouries there is indeed much to be desired. Because they all looked so good I took my time over the display of goodies while I tried not to drool.

Front of shop is the counter, with pretty tiles behind, traditional black and white tiled flooring, and great black and white photos on the wall. Here too there are high tables and stools for perching, while beyond is the more relaxed seating/dining area, all looking very chic.

There was a constant stream of customers, all eager to try out Newbury’s newest café, but the friendly staff seemed to manage to seat everyone. Ahead of me in the queue a young guy was already taking advantage of PAUL’s takeaway Parisian breakfast deal – coffee, tea or hot chocolate, with a croissant or pain au chocolat. At just £2.95, it’s great value. 

I sat on one of the high stools by the window – always my seat of preference! It was a great spot to people-watch while I enjoyed my coffee and croissant. I’d plumped for a croissant pistache. Crisp and flaky on the outside, soft and sinful on the inside, this is your traditional croissant with an added twist. And very yummy it was too. Just the million calories per bite, you understand! But my latte was a skinny one, so does one balance out the other? (Who am I trying to kid?)

So, what of PAUL? It certainly has a good track record as it is the biggest bakery in France; the first one opened in Lille in 1889 and the business is still family-owned, now in its fifth generation. Its popularity has seen it open in 29 countries, and in the UK the Newbury branch is only the second one to open outside of London.

Opening hours are long – Monday–Wednesday 8am–7pm, Thursday–Saturday 8am–9pm, Sunday 9am–6pm – giving everyone a chance to sample what’s on offer, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea or a post-work snack or early supper.

As well as the traditional French breakfast, also on offer will be: Oeufs á la Coque (also known as boiled eggs and soldiers); Oeufs Royale (poached eggs with smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce on delicious toasted bread); Brioche Perdue (French toast with crème anglaise – or eggy bread and gorgeous authentic custard if you want to get down to basics); and Les Criques de Gramat (potato cakes, ham, Emmental cheese and tomatoes, topped with a fried egg).

Later in the day you might try their charcuterie and cheese platters, and there is also a choice of wines – well, it wouldn’t be French without, would it?

I left with a pain de Campagne tucked under my arm for the husband and the intention of taking him with me when I next visit as I really want to try their signature French-style afternoon tea. Au revoir, PAUL, until then …

Biddy x 

Giant Easter Egg Hunt: 3–18 April 2015

The Easter school holidays are on the horizon, and what better way to keep children of all ages (from 1 to 101!) amused than with Newbury’s Giant Easter Egg Hunt 2015? If it’s anything like the one in 2014, it’s going to be cracking good fun!

This year’s Giant Easter Egg Hunt starts on Good Friday (3 April) and runs for over two weeks, ending on Saturday 18 April, and as it incorporates three weekends this gives everyone plenty of time to get involved.

So, how does it work? It’s simple. All you need to do is collect an entry form from Parkway Easter Zone on East Street or the Visitor Information Centre in Market Place (available from 3 April). This will present you with a series of 15 clues about where in Newbury town centre you will find the giant Easter eggs, planted by Newbury’s very own Easter bunny. Follow the trail around town – it is all within easy walking distance – as you work out the crafty clues. When you find each of the 15 giant eggs you will also find a special letter that will go towards cracking a secret code. Once you’ve completed the trail and cracked the code, all entry forms need to be returned to the Easter Zone in Parkway – then keep your fingers crossed!

Everyone who works out the code correctly will be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize, including a fantastic first prize of a £250 voucher from John Lewis at Home. It is expected that competition winners will be announced on 18 April, but no later than 20 April.

Which shops and businesses are involved? Well, that would be telling! But what we can do is thank Newbury BID, Newbury Building Society, Parkway Shopping Newbury, Pageant Party shop in Cheap Street and Rainbows in Inches Yard who are sponsoring the event and giving everyone this exciting opportunity.

Even if you don’t have time to complete the trail, while you are in Newbury over the Easter period you are sure to enjoy admiring the magnificent giant Easter Eggs – they really are enormous and hugely colourful. Many of them have been designed by local junior schools, giving the children a great time demonstrating their artistic talents. Others have been decorated by local craft shop Rainbows.

Many people who participated in the Giant Easter Egg Hunt 2014 voted it an out and out success, and this year it is anticipated that even more locals and visitors to the town will take part. We hope to see you there!

Biddy at Côte

Late morning, between meetings, I needed a refuel so it was a perfect opportunity to stop by and see what’s what at the newest restaurant in town: Côte Brasserie.   

Côte, just by the bridge on Northbrook Street, looks incredibly smart on the outside, the windows mysteriously dark, and inside the cool, contemporary, sophisticated decor follows through. I was welcomed with a big, warm ‘Good morning’ and was just in time to be offered either the breakfast or lunch menu. At 11.45am, my body clock was undecided, so I took both. 

I was shown to a table by the window – a fabulous people-watching spot, and as this part of the restaurant is a little below pavement level you get an interesting knee-level view of those going by. There is loads of space; the restaurant goes back a fair way with lots of tables, nicely spaced, just as I like. There were half a dozen or so other tables occupied but in no time at all it was starting to fill up with customers attracted by the lunchtime offers. (Their set menu is fabulously priced at £9.95 for two courses and £11.90 for three.)

I ordered coffee while I browsed the menus, and was also brought water in a pretty ceramic bottle, a lovely touch and much appreciated by me. But down to business … breakfast or lunch, breakfast or lunch? Oh, decisions, decisions… 

Côte’s style is based on the brasseries of Paris and I almost fell for the Crêpe Complète, which comes with bacon and gruyère, from the breakfast menu, but at the last moment put on my sensible head and plumped for chargrilled chicken and walnut salad from the lunch menu … and another coffee because I had already polished off the first one and it was sooooo good. (I made the second one a decaff though, as didn’t want to be climbing the walls, and it was just as good as the ‘caff’ variety.)

Salad? A bit of an un-Biddy like choice? Not one bit of it. Although listed under the lighter meals on the menu, even I could not quite work my way through the delicious bowlful (and I mean full!) of crunchy green beans, avocado, walnuts, croutons, fresh lettuce and hot chicken in a mustard dressing. It was a more than adequate lunch, and good value.

The staff were discreetly attentive, quick and efficient – I was all done in 45 minutes which suited me very well and by which time the place was really buzzing. And the staff all look great dressed in floor length black aprons and crisp blue shirts, very chic, very French.

In fact, with a glimpse of the canal from my vantage point at the window, I could almost have believed it was the Seine and that I was in gay Paree! 

Biddy x

Biddy in Victoria Park

Thank heavens for green open spaces, even if they are in the middle of town. Or perhaps that should be especially if they are in the middle of town. And one such area in Newbury brings a welcome relief after a busy morning shopping. After an essential coffee at Café Rouge, I stepped over the road and into Victoria Park (or Vicky Park if you want to be more casual about it). What a lovely spot to get away from it all, for a quiet stroll, some thinking time, or just a place to sit awhile, and a haven for dog walkers, joggers, and parents with pushchairs.

The avenue of trees as you enter the park from Parkway is a pretty scene at any time of year, and there are plenty of seats to rest and watch the world go by. (I am also impressed by the number of bins, so no excuses for litter or doggie-doos to spoil it for everyone else.) The flower beds are always tidy – with a changing array of flowers depending on the season, but even in the coldest months they look smart with rose bushes pruned and the promise of things to come. Thank you to the council for making them so.

The park’s namesake stands in all her glory in red sandstone at the far end of the park, with the modest inscription ‘To the great and good Queen Victoria 1819–1901’. Although originally in the Market Place, the statue has been in the park since 1966 and dear old Queen Vic has much to look out on, with the tennis courts before her and skateboard heaven off to her right. Here too is a younger children’s area with climbing equipment and things to ride on and a slide with four ways to get to the top and two routes to slide to the bottom. And, of course, my particular favourite – the swings: I am not averse to kicking up my heels and flying through the air on one when no one is watching. (Ssssh! Don’t tell!) There’s a sandpit too, great fun for little ones.

The lake is a focal point and a great attraction to the swans – and indeed seagulls: close your eyes and you can almost believe you are at the seaside. Of course it’s from May to September that the park really comes to life with entertainments such as boating on the lake, refreshments at the café, music at the bandstand and a host of events taking place – funfairs, the carnival, the Crafty Craft boat race and so forth. All lovely on a fine day. But for me, on a bright winter’s day, a solitary stroll back along the avenue of bare trees is an absolute pleasure and a lovely break before I head back to the car and home.

Biddy x