Made in the Shire

What’s on in October in West Berkshire

A glorious month with its kaleidoscope of colour and beauty, October is the first month of the year that really feels autumnal. Bringing with it shorter days and cooler nights, leaves crunching underfoot, the first log fire of the season and the ritual of digging out those warmer clothes, October is truly all about autumn. For children, there is, of course, the added excitement of half term looming (not quite as exciting for parents!), with the theatrics and fabulousness of Halloween bringing the month to a flourishing finish.

There is plenty going on in West Berkshire to keep you occupied this month, so grab that cosy knit and get out there and enjoy what October has to offer.

1. Restorative Meditation with Gillian Ward

Gillian Ward practices mindful medicine and her business goes by the same name. Gillian provides drug-free treatments for the relief of stress, pain, anxiety, low energy, and sleep issues. She also offers mindfulness and meditation courses to help manage existing conditions or aid their recovery.

She is currently offering some retreat-style classes in the run up to Christmas (did we just say Christmas?!) and on Sunday 1st October she is running an online restorative meditation session focusing on sleep support at 8-8.40pm. Tickets are £15, book online at www.mindful-medicine.co.uk

(Looking ahead to November, she is also running a similar session focusing on pain on 12th November.)

De-stress with meditation with Mindful Medicine

2. Wine club at Goat on the Roof

The monthly wine club at Goat on the Roof in Newbury town centre has been proving hugely popular so far. Why not try it out for yourself and book a ticket for October’s event on the 5th? Wine club takes place on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm and tickets cost £30, which seems like a very good deal indeed, as you’ll get to try out some great new vintages each month.

At October’s wine club, you’ll play the fun game of ‘Famous or Fake’, where you’ll be quizzed on whether you can tell your Champagne from your sparkling. Nibbles are included too. Book online at www.goatontheroof.co.uk and look out for other exciting events involving wine coming soon! Bottoms up!

Try some new vintages at the monthly wine club at Goat on the Roof

3. Cookery class at Treetops

Join a culinary adventure at Treetops this autumn by taking part in a cookery class at the little haven of tranquillity in Newbury, where you can take some much needed ‘me time’ to try a new skill or improve on an existing one. This cookery session on Tuesday 10th October has an autumnal theme and will focus on seasonal flavours which are bound to make your mouth water. 

The three-hour class will cover recipes for family meals as well as entertaining ideas; the session will include a meat main course, a fish main course, a vegetarian dish, a pudding and a baked good, as well as ideas for a cocktail and a soft drink. You’ll also receive a recipe booklet of everything you have cooked to take home with you. Quite a bargain at £50 a person, we’re sure you’ll agree. Choose a morning class at 10am or an evening class at 7pm. Book online at www.treetops-newbury.co.uk and get cooking!

Learn some autumnal recipes at the autumn cookery class at Treetops

4. Buggyfit with Fitter Mother

If you’re a new mum looking to get fit again post-birth, then Fitter Mother has the perfect thing for you. Their October Buggyfit class pass is now on sale and better value than ever – and more flexible! You can use the pass for both weekly sessions for the whole month, without paying any extra. Take part in the Wednesday sessions in Victoria Park at 10am or the Thursday sessions at 11am at the Discovery Centre in Thatcham. Buggyfit is the ideal way to ease yourself back into exercise – as well as being outdoors in the fresh air, the 45-minute classes are very sociable and you get to bring your baby and buggy with you, so you can keep a close eye on the little one while you exercise. Get your £28 October pass online now at www.fittermother.com and come and join in the fun.

5. Half-term getaways with Little People, Big Adventures

If you’re thinking of an October half-term getaway, look to family travel specialists, Little People, Big Adventures, for inspiration. Bespoke holidays for families with a passion for travel, Little People, Big Adventures, know their stuff and will plan the perfect trip for your family. If you’re looking to create a unique holiday experience and bring home memories of a lifetime, these are the people to call. Check out their website for some travel inspiration at www.littlepeoplebigadventures.com – but be warned, you’ll definitely come down with the travel bug!

Book a bespoke half-term holiday with Little People, Big Adventures

6. Oktoberfest at Renegade Brewery

October wouldn’t be October without Oktoberfest, and it’s back again for another year. This German beer festival is as popular here as it is in Germany. Join the party at the Renegade Brewery on Saturday 30thSeptember (ok, it’s a day early!), 2-11pm and celebrate with craft beer, food, delicious doughnuts, and live music, as well as some axe throwing! Get your lederhosen out and book online now at www.renegadebrewery.co.uk There are still a few tickets available, but hurry, you haven’t got long! A shuttle bus to and from Newbury Station is also being laid on to ensure revellers get home safely. Tickets are £25 for adults (and include a branded festival cup and your first pint), £5 for children aged between 5-17 (and include a soft drink); under 5s are free. Over 18s only after 7pm.

Celebrate October at Oktoberfest at Renegade Brewery

7. Halloween at Shaw House

It’s Halloween party night at Shaw House on 31st October, from 6-8.30pm. Join the party for an evening of spooky fun, with Halloween trails, apple bobbing, indoor crafts, storytime, and trick or treating throughout the evening. Turn up in fancy dress and bring a torch for added drama. Tickets are £6 per child, one accompanying adult is free, additional adults are £1 each. Book online at www.booking.westberks.gov.uk

Join the spooky fun at Shaw House's Halloween party

8. And finally... a Heads up for November...

Nourish by V is hosting two special events in November. The first is a yin yoga and crystal bowl sound healing workshop on Sunday 12th November at 6-7.45pm at Westridge Studio in Highclere. This session is 1 hour 45 minutes of total relaxation and pure bliss! Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga allowing you to slow down and reconnect. The yoga is followed by crystal bowl sound healing which focuses on the chakras, the body’s energy centres, and leaves you feeling calm and grounded. A perfect way to finish the weekend. Tickets are £25.

The second is a ‘Restore your Soul’ yoga day retreat on Saturday 18th November at 10am-4pm, also at Westridge Studio. The day will include gentle morning yoga, yin yoga, crystal bowl sound healing and a plant-based lunch. Tickets are £85. Hurry as there are limited spaces available.  

Book both online atwww.nourishbyv.co.uk

Don't miss out on these fabulous events in November with Nourish by V

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