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