Newbury Spring Festival – Booking Now!

West Berkshire’s extravaganza of a musical festival happens in May but tickets are on sale from 1 March, and with so many brilliant performances planned you are advised to book early.

The first thing to be aware of is that this is no elitist music festival. With a variety of genres to choose from – and a wide variety of price-points – the Newbury Spring Festival is for anyone and everyone who enjoys music, and all are welcome.

In 2016 the Festival takes place from 7–21 May, at a variety of locations in Newbury and outlying villages. Every day for the whole fortnight there is at least one event at the Corn Exchange, and this is where you can collect a brochure for the full low-down on what’s on, where and when (there are daytime and evening performances), or look on line at www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk.

Whilst everything has a musical element, there are delights other than full-blown concerts to enjoy – some events come with a special twist.

For example, Rainer Hersch and his orchestra (above) is known for having audiences in stitches with his comic genius. Joe Stilgoe is another hot favourite, and this master of music and wit will be at The Vineyard where you can dine in style at the same time.

For jazz lovers there is not only the wonderful Clare Teal but also the National Youth Jazz Orchestra; and for guitar enthusiasts the legendary John Etheridge’s Sweet Chorus.

Quartets are a theme this year ­– including 4 Girls 4 Harps, Ferio Saxophone Quartet and The Escher Quartet – one of the USA’s leading ensembles who will perform at Englefield House, the same venue hosting none other than The Duke of Devonshire with his talk about his ancestral home, Chatsworth. Or how about hearing mega-star Elaine Paige in conversation at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s home?

For something a little edgy and different, Breaking the Rules is a part concert/part play about extraordinary 16th-century composer Carlo Gesualdo. Or how about ballet? The Royal Ballet is being screened live from the Royal Opera House with their premiere of Frankenstein.

Opera fans are catered for with a gala performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto at Combe Manor. On a lighter note the extravagent Little Baroque Company bring Bach’s Coffee Cantata to town (with coffee and cake an added temptation).

Children are well catered for too – again the Little Baroque Company lay on something special with their Tales Through Music. Sound Beginnings with Sleeping Beauty at Sheepdrove Eco Farm at Lambourn is especially aimed at babies and small children – truly the way to introduce little ones to the delights of the classics. And the delightful Hand to Mouth Theatre returns to the Corn Exchange with a charming and sweet puppet show.

With anniversaries this year of Shakespeare’s death and the Battle of the Somme, Newbury Spring Festival marks these with Stile Antico’s Touches of Sweet Harmony, celebrating The Bard, and international British baritone Christopher Maltman with The Solider – from Severn to Somme; a perfect opportunity to hear his magnificent voice in a local venue.

For lovers of everything classical there is a huge choice – from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to the remarkable young pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, from the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra to the Vienna Piano Trio, and from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to award-winning choir Tenebrae performing Russian Treasures.

On the subject of choirs, everyone who loves to sing is invited to the ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ workshop, to rehearse and later perform with the Newbury Spring Festival Choir – guaranteed to be a fun day.

But that’s not all, so do pick up a brochure or look on-line to find out what else is in store.

www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk

Box office 0845 5218 218

Biddy at Metro Bank

I had the need to open a new savings account and the husband (my personal and magnificent internet researcher) discovered that the best rate for what I needed just happened to be at Newbury’s newest bank … Metro Bank.

Now anyone who, like me, knew and loved Waterstones bookshop on the site now inhabited by Metro Bank in Northbrook Street will be hard pushed to recognise the place. I must admit I always thought that, when it was Waterstones, it was a bit dark in there, and am very happy that the bookshop has relocated to Parkway, so do step inside Metro Bank if only for a look … and the warm welcome.

First up was an immediate greeting from a member of staff; a big, welcoming smile from a young lady who was genuinely friendly and asked how she could help me today. Once this was established, and on finding out that this was my first visit to the bank, she took me on a quick tour of the banking hall … after checking I had a few extra minutes to spare. Oh yes, and she had already made me a cup of coffee.

As I’ve said, you wouldn’t recognise the building of old, for now it is light, bright, spacious and very 21st-century. Without exception the staff who were not already engaged with other customers were eager to look up from what they were doing and say ‘Hello’. This really did feel like a special place, where the people working there are clearly happy in their work.

Just some of the things that I thought made Metro Bank special, before even getting down to business, are dog biscuits on the counter – Metro Bank pride themselves on being dog friendly, and whilst I don’t think my country-loving four-legged friend would want to go into town, it’s a great thing to know for those who do.

Then there are the vaults – a rarity in banks these days, and always good to know about should I ever inherit some family heirlooms. (Though quite where from goodness only knows.)

The child-friendly aspect is special too, and something Metro Bank prides themselves on, with, amongst other things, plenty of space for buggies. (A quick look on Google later told me that they have several times been awarded the Mumsnet Family Friendly Award.)

The Magic Money Machines are great for anyone who has a load of coins that need counting, whether you are child or adult, and even if you are not a Metro Bank customer you are welcome to use them – and free of charge.

And then down to business, which was dealt with very pleasantly, very efficiently – in fact completely pain free. Transaction finalised, I was asked if I could wait a moment as a Manager always likes to take a few minutes to meet new customers. Over came a young man, one of the Assistant Mangers, who had a brief chat and asked me how I would rate my visit. What else could I say but ten out of ten?

Nuff said.


Biddy x

 

Biddy at The Real Macaron Company

Macaron or macaroon? The coconutty cakes of my childhood were definitely macaroons with a double ‘O’. But the gorgeous, pretty, colourful, flavoursome delights at The Real Macaron Company in Newbury are surely only a distant, and far more sophisticated, Parisian cousin.

Having passed The Real Macaron Company on the way into town many times, I had been meaning to stop off and treat myself to a box of macarons for ages. Anyway, with a special tea-time planned for some of my nearest and dearest, I decided now was my opportunity.

The Real Macaron Company is on the corner of Newtown Road, close to its junction with Andover Road on the St John’s roundabout. There is on-street parking but I as I needed to be in town anyway, I decided to walk from there – and it only took me 15 minutes from Parkway.

They open at 10am (Wednesday to Saturday) and I arrived a few minutes beforehand, so on an unseasonably warm day sat and watched the world go by on the outdoor table and chairs until the lovely owner arrived to open up.

What I had not appreciated was that this macaron shop is also a lovely little café too, serving hot and cold drinks (very good coffee, and you know how I love my coffee), along with the essential macarons, home-made brownies and cupcakes, as well as fresh croissants and pan au raisins. Heaven!

Despite all the other temptations, including the smell of baking coming from the oven, I was determined not to be swayed and plumped for a macaron – a pistachio one, such a beautiful green, how could I resist? And very delicious it was too.

The café is tiny – but cosy, fresh and contemporary. I was surprised how many people arrived while I was there. A young woman who was also trying it for the first time, followed by a couple of regulars, and then a family of four. It was fairly bursting at the seams by now, and there was a lovely, friendly atmosphere. There are macaroon cookery books to browse through while you enjoy your treat, and on display are some fabulous ideas for wedding or party cakes – brilliant fun and a perfect way to ‘theme’ to whatever your colour scheme is as you can get macarons made to order in more or less any colour or flavour you fancy.

The owner, Gaye, was more than happy to describe all the macarons available that day, so before I left I bought a box of delights (lemon, chocolate, vanilla, coconut … and another couple of pistachio which were sooo good) to take with me. She also let me know about the macaron workshops that she runs regularly. I am planning on adding one to my birthday wish list …

Biddy x

Biddy Spies Snowdrops at Welford Park

It would be a hard heart indeed that was not moved by the sight of snowdrops. And is there anywhere better to see them in all their springtime glory than at Welford Park, just outside of Newbury?

Many people will have heard of Welford Park because of its link as a venue to one of my favourite TV programmes, The Great British Bake Off. Privately owned Welford Park is only open to the public for a few short weeks each year while the snowdrops are in bloom, but how lucky we are that the owners open the gates to their grounds and share them with the rest of the world.

Last year a friend and I visited on what proved to be a very wet day indeed, but it didn’t dampen our spirits, nor those of the other visitors. (Unless there has been a particularly dry spell, I would recommend taking wellies or something similar to change into.)

There is a decent, hard-standing carpark (and a nice man to guide you to ensure everyone parks tidily). Then it is a short walk along a bark track to the booth where you pay your entrance fee and collect a map to guide you round. Dogs on leads are welcome too.

Naturally we started with coffee in the tea room – once the laundry. A lovely team made us very welcome and served us filter coffee and very good homemade cake. More substantial snacks and light lunches (baked spuds, soup, sandwiches and hot daily specials) are served too.

There is only a small handful of tables in the Old Laundry Tearoom, but a much larger offering in the marquee on the lawn where dogs are also welcome.

You can stroll at leisure around the grounds admiring the snowdrops, spending as much time as you wish, and there are occasional seats if you want to shelter or just sit and gaze at the snowy drifts. The first glimpse through the trees in the Snowdrop Woods where the snowdrops look like, well, snow, is absolutely breathtaking. And when you get closer, I defy you not to stand and stare and drink in the view!

Welford Park has an annual plant fair during snowdrop season– which last year happened to coincide with my visit, and I’ve been very pleased with my baby irises. In 2016 the plant fair is on Thursday 25 February, and stallholders make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support, so a brilliant opportunity to get great plants and advice from the experts – and all in a good cause.

There is a small giftshop, which amongst other things sells Welford sausages from their own farm. (The husband was very pleased when I took some home and we both thoroughly recommend them.)

This year Welford Park is open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday 3 February to 6 March, 11am to 4pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Do go. It’s wonderful.

More details at http://www.welfordpark.co.uk/

Photo: The Snowdrop Woods, Welford Park, Berkshire

Biddy at Highclere Castle

Although I have been to various events at Highclere Castle over the years, I had never got around to doing the tour, and when old friends from Hertfordshire said they were coming I took the opportunity to meet up with them there last summer.

As you probably know, Highclere Castle is privately owned by the Earl of Carnarvon and only open to the public for a few days each year. Pre-bookable tickets sell out almost as soon as they become available, so you need to keep a look out on the website http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/ and get in there as soon as you can (the next round of tickets for summer visits 2016 become available in February, so pop it on the calendar now if you want to go).

However, you can turn up on the day and it is highly likely that you will get in on a day ticket, but if you are tied to a certain day or travelling any distance a pre-booked ticket is much the best option. Tickets are timed for entrance to the castle, with a morning or afternoon option. This is a great idea, as numbers are limited so that it is never too crowded.

The castle itself opens at 10.30am, and I arrived on site around 10.15am … enjoying the leisurely drive through the grounds and, as I approached the castle, being directed to a parking spot. There were already a good number of cars parked, and people waiting for the castle doors to swing open. I had half an hour to kill before my friends arrived, so made my way round the back of the castle to the tearoom (oh what a surprise I hear you cry!) and enjoyed a coffee sitting outside, looking over the glorious landscape. 

I am sure Highclere Castle was a popular visitor destination even before it became the star of Downton Abbey … but certainly the TV programme made it an even bigger attraction. There were visitors from many different nations enjoying seeing Downton ‘in the flesh’ so to speak. The series of Downton shown in late 2015, however, was the last – going out on a high, always a good thing in my opinion, though of course many people are sad to see it go. How wonderful that Highclere Castle has been able to benefit from the experience, and I am sure will continue to enthral visitors who love the programme for years to come. But it is a great experience, whether you are a Downton fan or not.

There are various levels of tickets, which may differ year on year, but for £20 I had entrance to the castle, the Egyptian Exhibition and the grounds. As you can spend all day here, it is well worth it. There are several small tea room areas for light snacks and lunches, but when I left in the early afternoon some people were thoroughly enjoying picnicking in the grassy carpark, so that is yet another option.

You stroll from room to room around the castle at leisure, following a natural route, and are able to linger in each room as long as you wish. There are helpful and friendly guides in each room to answer any questions, and all were happy to offer up their knowledge.

I had been longing to see the Egyptian exhibition, and was mighty impressed with the area it covers and the vast collection. I would say you need an absolute minimum of an hour to see it, and even then would not be able to examine every artefact. There has clearly been a lot of time and effort making this a fabulous part of the Highclere experience and hats off to those who have made it so. I particularly loved the sensation of peering into the gloom to get a feel for what the 5th Earl and Howard would have seen he made his great discovery.

Leave time to stroll the grounds … you really do need to spend the day here to get maximum benefit. However, the drive as you leave the estate takes you on a different route, so you actually get to see a lot of the grounds. Although so close to the A34, the peace is almost deafening. It really is another world, and must be a wonderful place to grow up and live … quite magical in fact.

Biddy x

Christmas is coming ...

Hurry along to Newbury on the weekend of 12 and 13 December to meet Father Christmas (by Christmas magic he will be in more than one location!) and join in the beautiful Lantern Procession on Sunday.

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December you can meet Father Christmas on his special Santa Boat Trip. The iceboat Jubilee departs from The Wharf in Newbury at 12noon and 2pm on both days and sails along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Greenham Land. During the trip there will be a Christmas story, festive songs and a present for the children (plus a mince pie and mulled wine or a hot drink for the grown ups). Tickets are £8 and available from Newbury Visitor Information Centre. Other dates are also available; call 01635 30267 or email tourism@westberks.gov.uk.

If you prefer to see Father Christmas on dry land, he will be at the Kennet Centre on both Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December too! His sleigh is being prepared for Christmas Eve so on this occasion he will be arriving by none other than a marvellous Batmobile at 10am on the Saturday with some special super hero friends before parading around the Kennet Centre and settling in to meet lots and lots of children. Do pop in and see him over the weekend!

As darkness falls on Sunday 13 December, Newbury will be aglow with the annual Festival of Light Lantern Procession, a fantastic family event organise by the Corn Exchange. Take along your own lantern or just go along and join the procession or simply enjoy the spectacle as it passes by. Meeting time is 4pm and the procession starts at 4.30pm in Northbrook Street, wending its way to the Market Place where the huge Christmas tree stands in all its glory.

And if you still haven’t met Father Christmas, there will be a chance to see him in his grotto opposite Debenhams in Parkway from 17 to 23 December (Monday to Saturday 10am–5pm and Sundays 11am–4pm).

And make sure you’re in Newbury on Thursday 17 December as both during the day and evening the town will be awash with entertainment, late-night shopping opportunities and choirs.

Activities start at midday with children’s rides throughout the town, street entertainers and festive market stalls … and even three wise men on camels!

Road closure is extended to 9pm for a safe, traffic-free environment, and there is free parking 5–9pm at Parkway, Kennet Centre and Northbrook multi-storey car parks.

As it starts to get dark, local choirs will be out and about singing in different parts of town, before everyone gathers in the Market Place for the grand finale: the fantastic Choir of 1,000 Voices – a truly special annual Christmas event in Newbury. You don’t need to be in a choir to join them, just turn up and you will be given a free song sheet so that you can join in the singalong (and hold on to that song sheet for a chance to win a £100 John Lewis voucher).

It’s always a very Merry Newbury Christmas!

Biddy: Like a Kid in a Toy Shop at Camp Hopson

I love a good toy shop and was delighted when Camp Hopson opened a toy department earlier this year. It was my first port of call when my grandson, DD, turned 3 a few weeks ago and now with Christmas fast approaching I made another pilgrimage.

Situated on the first floor of Newbury’s famous department store, what I really like about Camp Hopson toy department is that it is not too big. I find those ‘toy supermarkets’ overwhelming – just too much stuff and too much choice in my opinion – so having it all in a contained area at Camps suits me very well.

Another thing I especially like is that there is a fantastic range at very sensible prices. Yes, you can get a rocking toy lion for several hundred pounds if you feel the need, but there are lots of toys and games for well under £10 too.

And yet another thing I like (I know, I do go on!) is that many of the items are ones that will give children something to do – so they are often educational but in a fun way. There is a good range of Lego, for example, and activity books and craft kits – the sorts of things that will keep children entertained for hours, and certainly well beyond Christmas Day.

Rest assured there are, of course, plenty of hard-to-resist cuddly toys, cars, dolls, trains and so forth, too … something to delight every child on Christmas morning.

It is no surprise to me that the family-run Morleys group (who took over ownership of Camp Hopson a year ago) were named Toy Retailer of the Year 2015, claiming the crown above such toy legends as Hamleys and Harrods.

If you have little ones to buy for, I’d recommend putting Camp Hopson at the top of your Christmas shopping list.

And what have I got for DD? Well, that’s between me and Father Christmas …

Happy shopping … and Happy Christmas!

Biddy x