What’s on in February & half term in West Berkshire
At this time of year, when the cold is snapping at our heels, we all need something to look forward to – even more so now that the half term school holidays are just around the corner, when the kids will also be snapping at our heels!
We need things that will entertain and stimulate us, things that will inject creativity and positivity into our everyday, and things that will get us out and about.
So here are a few ideas for what’s on locally in West Berkshire in February and during half term. Hang on in there, spring is almost here…
WHAT'S ON IN FEBRUARY
1. Latin in Line Dance Classes with Mayo Dance Studios
Latin dancing will certainly ignite that spark and get you in the mood for Valentine’s! Mayo Dance Studios are beginning a new course of Latin American dance classes this month, so why not sign up and get moving?! You’ll learn the foundations of the Cha-Cha, Samba, Jive, and lots more, through simple and fun routines, all danced solo! These classes are for all levels of dancer and take place every Thursday at Newbury Rugby Club at 6.30-7.30pm. Either sign up for the 5-week course starting on 22nd February for £45 or pay as you go at £12 per class.
Contact Emma to book, or for more information, on 07834370152, and check out the website at www.mayodancestudios.com
Get on the dance floor and get those hips shaking!
2. Valentine's Shopping with Jenny Hopps Pottery
Jenny Hopps Pottery is doing a February restock, just in time for Valentine’s. You’ll find some wonderful pieces which make perfect gifts, such as gorgeous jewellery trays and decorative bowls, so take a look at the website for some shopping inspiration at www.jhoppspottery.com There’s also focus on a bit of self-gifting for Valentine’s, as, after all, we need to look after our own wellbeing too! Think self-care vibes, and no guilt necessary – we’re feeling the love!
3. Workshops at Treetops
There’s loads going on this February at Treetops, so where to start?
- Firstly, they’ve just launched theOnline Snowdrop Watercolour Workshop in aid of Hospice UK and in support of the National Garden Schemes Snowdrop Festival 2024. Download the workshop for £15 (£10 from each class goes to Hospice UK). This workshop is suitable for all levels of artist, including beginners, and being online, it allows you to work at your own pace. Perfect for these wintery days.
- On Thursday 8th February is the Simply Seashells workshop, 10am – 12:30pm at Treetops. The shell, sea glass and sea pottery classes are run by Emily Storey. Using lovely, beachcombed treasure, mainly found in Cornwall, you will create a boxed artwork to hang on your wall at home along with a greetings card or two. This class will have a Valentines/Heart theme, also making it the perfect gift for a loved one. Tickets are £40.
- On both Friday 9th February and Wednesday 21st February at 7:30pm – 8:45pm is the wonderful and very popular Sound Healing You’ll enjoy a relaxing sound bath (also known as sound healing or sound journey) with the pure and ethereal sound waves created by quartz crystal bowls and koshi bells. Sound waves along with their frequency and vibration really help with wellbeing, relaxation, and sleep, so book now and start February off as you mean to go on. Tickets are £13.
- The Spring Cookery Class is back! Taking place on Friday 23rd February at 7pm – 10pm, you’ll learn some new recipes and get a boost of fresh inspiration in the kitchen at Treetops. You’ll spend the evening in a small group enjoying all the food cooked, as Emily demonstrates some seasonal dishes and drinks. The class will incorporate ideas for main meals, puddings, baking and cocktails. It also caters for those with food intolerances, as well as providing handy tips for cooking for large or small groups of family and friends with some creative finishing touches. A bargain at £50.
- The Frosty Morning Watercolour workshop is on Monday 26th February at 10am – 3:30pm. This is a fabulous all-day workshop where you’ll learn how to paint a frosty morning watercolour composition using warm sunrise colours and cool crisp green grass tones. The art classes at Treetops are taught by tutor Claire Warner and are run in small groups of no more than ten students so that everyone receives plenty of attention. All materials are provided as well as a 2-course lunch, a glass of wine and refreshments throughout the day. Claire teaches in a step-by-step style, demonstrating each stage of the picture so that you will have a finished painting to take home. This is a great day out on your own or with a friend. Book now for £85.
- On Thursday 29th February is the Collage Class at 9:30am – 1:30pm with Laura Cranstoun. This class is great fun, as well as being mindful and therapeutic. We all have memories of cutting and sticking from childhood, and in this class, Laura helps you to explore the best papers to use, how to create patterns and abstract as well as using different glues. You will take home a lovely, finished artwork. £65.
4. Snowdrops at Welford Park
Get the whole family out for some fresh air and exercise this half term and book a visit to see the magnificent snowdrops at Welford Park, home of The Great British Bake-off tent. One of the most stunning displays of snowdrops in the country, this breath-taking white blanket will leave you in awe. Combine a walk around the grounds with a trip to the tea tent afterwards, where you can warm up with a cup of tea and some cake. Don’t miss the chance to visit this spectacle which runs from Wednesday 31st January to Sunday 3rd March 11am-4pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Book online at www.welfordpark.co.uk Tickets are £12 for adults, £5 for children.
5. Opera at Shaw House
Kennet Opera is presenting ‘The Tales of Hoffmann’ by Jacques Offenbach this February. This wonderful and alternative opera based on the writings of ETA Hoffmann, the romantic German poet, is being performed over the first weekend of February in the beautiful setting of Shaw House. The two-hour performance is being held on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd February at 7-9pm and Sunday 4th February at 2.30pm. Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for children. Book online at www.booking.westberks.gov.uk
6. Snug and Grub Catch a Bug Children's Theatre at Shaw House
This fun and interactive play by Garlic Theatre is a great way to start off the half term holidays for the little ones. With two showings on Monday 12th February at 11-11.45am and 1-1.45pm, this wonderful adventure about Snug and Grub is sure to delight. Ideal entertainment for children aged 3-8 years, tickets are £10 for adults and £7 for children. Book now at www.booking.westberks.gov.uk
7. Valentine's Champagne and Canapés Reception at Highclere Castle
If you’re looking for a truly decadent and memorable Valentine’s Day celebration, then this is one you won’t forget. You’ll enjoy an exclusive evening of champagne and canapés in the beautiful setting of the renowned Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey. You’ll be given a tour of the castle State Rooms where the famous drama series was filmed. You’ll also have access to the Egyptian Exhibition where you’ll learn about the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter. This fabulous event takes place on Wednesday 14th February at 6-8.30pm. Dress code is lounge suits and cocktail dresses. Tickets are £175, but worth every penny. Tickets also include a complimentary copy of the coffee table book ‘Seasons at Highclere’, signed by Lady Carnarvon herself. Book now at www.highclerecastleshop.co.uk and for one night, you can reimagine yourself as Lady Mary. Bottoms up.
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