Whats on & where to go in March 2012 for Henley & Watlington

March! And my little daffs are out. And my toms are up! And the peppers! And the clocks go on! Spring can’t be far away! And it’s the month for the two Welsh saints, Dai on the 1st and Paddy on the 17th. Fly half and winger respectively! So things can’t be all bad.

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Wallingford Welsh obviously missed the date and are holding their ‘Noson Lawen’ nine days late at 7.30 on March 10th at the Regal Centre. Welsh entertainment and sing song with supper included in the ticket, bara brith but no bara law, laver bread. Still only £10. Bi-lingual and you’re fully welcome to a lovely warm evening. Doors open 7pm and tickets can be obtained from Jan Roberts on 01491 835 145.

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Sixty years ago Elwyn Jones, a Welshman, Churchman and gifted amateur musician, suggested to a few friends in Tilehurst the idea of a local annual festival to foster interest in the arts. It was decided to sponsor an ‘Eisteddfod’ along the lines of the Welsh festivals, but with rather more emphasis on relaxed mutual enjoyment and rather less formality. This year’s Festival takes place at various dates and locations around Tilehurst including The Barn in Purley. so see www.tilehursteisteddfod.org.uk. Adults and children are welcome to enter Arts and Crafts, Original Verse and Short Story competitions, which will be judged by professional adjudicators. Entries by 21st April and the Exhibition takes place on 19th May. 

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An A cappella Spring Fest Choral Harmony Workshop is being run for the second year at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot on Sunday 11th. It’s being organised by local choirs Oxford Harmony and Harmony InSpires. Full details are available from Barrie Bridgeman on 01235 764 898.

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In a drive to improve literacy standards in our primary schools the County Council plan a run a campaign in 2012 to make ‘Every Oxfordshire Child a Reader’. Also, Oxford is bidding to become World Book Capital in 2014. So now is the time to be involved with a reading charity such as ARCh. They have primary schools waiting for volunteers so if you’d like to help, contact Jane Rendle, on 01869 320 380

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Henley Choral Society’s GRAMMY nominated young Musical Director, Will Dawes, brings together the leading chamber orchestra in the South of England, the Southern Sinfonia and three outstanding soloists for their performance of Haydn’s ‘The Creation’ at 7.30pm on Saturday 17th at the Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading. The soloists are Sophie Bevan, recipient of the 2010 Critic’s Circle award for Exceptional Young Talent; Tenor Ben Hulett, hailed by the national press as one of the most promising tenors of today, and bass Giles Underwood who has earned first-rate reviews for his performances with major British orchestras and opera companies. Tickets £15 on 01491 572795, Gorvett & Stone, Duke Street, Henley or on www.henleychoralsociety.uk.org

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The annual rowing races between Oxford and Cambridge women and lightweight crews take place this year on the afternoon of Sunday, 25th March on the Henley reach of the Thames. Probably for the last time as they’re off to follow the men in London. You’re all are welcome on the river bank to enjoy ‘the other boat races’, which are sure to be fiercely contested between the two old rival universities. Parking, food and drink are all available at Temple Island Meadows. Racing starts at 1.15 pm and there’s also family entertainment with Reading Spring Gardens Band, and the ‘Balloon Fairies’ who provide an assortment of games and activities for children. More details can be found at www.henleyboatraces.com.

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Helen & Douglas House is looking for people to be ‘Simply Supper’ hosts to celebrate its 30th anniversary year. Simply Supper is a great excuse to get together with friends or family for dinner on any evening in March and ask your guests for a donation to raise money for this local charity. To sign up and receive a Simply Supper Host pack containing a free Helen & Douglas House tea towel, invitations, place cards, a quiz, contact the Fundraising Team on 01865 799 150, This year the star prize is a day at Daylesford Organic Cookery School!

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Remember I told you about Henley Good Neighbours some months ago? It’s a new local community service, offering help and support to isolated, older people living in the town. Well it now has over 30 volunteers and has received a similar number of enquiries from elderly people in the town. People are being matched with a suitable volunteer and many are now receiving a regular visit and support from a good neighbour. If you are an older resident in Henley and would like to find out more about Henley Good Neighbours or if you would like to volunteer please call or email the founder, Liz Smith on 01491 572 923 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Henley Good Neighbours is being supported by Oxfordshire County Council, Henley Town Council, Thames Valley Police, Henley Volunteer Bureau and Churches Together. 

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Another charity 60's night dance, in aid of Cancer Research, is on at The Nettlebed Club on Saturday 24th March from 8.30. The award winning singer Tony O'Dee will be performing a wide range of popular sounds of the 60's and 70's. Admission £6. Tickets from Ann on 0118 9481 350, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Whilst many of you were at home on Christmas Eve getting ready for Santa and road testing his sherry, players young and old took to the rugby pitch at Wallingford Rugby Club to raise funds for the club’s nominated charity Sue Ryder – Nettlebed Hospice. The event raised £600 for this deserving local charity but it doesn’t say what the doctor’s bill was for some of the poor old codgers. However, I’m assured that they were suitably anaesthetised! Vicky Smith, Community Fundraiser at Nettlebed Hospice said “We are delighted that Wallingford Rugby club have managed to raise such a fantastic amount. It is enough to cover the costs of one of our highly trained nurses for a week so will really make a difference to patients and their families.”

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A new one on me! Motorvation! It’s pre-driving training for 15 to 17 year olds organised by the Berkshire Motorwise Project with the support of the Thames Valley Police. If you’re hoping to apply for a provisional driving licence when you’re old enough, there’s a free course taking place at Woodley Airfield Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday April 11th. You can get advice on buying a used car, first aid and the cause and effect of traffic accidents. In addition you can get find out the legal requirements and have a short driving lesson. To book, contact Road Safety Office Julie Pillau on 0118 974 6387.

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Robert Searle and Martin Alexander, two members of the RNVR Yacht Club, will be making the hazardous crossing from Gerard’s Cross to Henley Golf Club on the 12th. They’ll be giving a talk to the Henley Offshore Club on sailing in the Caribbean. Robert and Martin have enjoyed five yacht holidays in the island groups of the British Virgin Islands, St Vincent/Mustique/Grenadines, St Maarten/St Barts/Anguilla and the Abacos, and will highlight aspects, good and not so good, of chartering, navigation and key anchorages. I had my first proper rum punch in St Maarten’s! Awesome! Four kinds of rum, grenadine and something else and something else. And a smidgeon of orange and lemon! I think! If you like, you can have a little practice first, the bar’s open at 7.30.

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Ridgeway U3A is meeting on Tuesday, 20th March at 2:30 in the Sports Pavilion, Watlington Recreation Ground. Members will hear the story of King Henry's favourite ship, the Mary Rose; its birth, sinking and recovery. Retired and semi-retired visitors welcome £2.50. For more details on how to join, contact Jacky Wagstaff, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01491 613 175.

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To celebrate International women’s day, Oxfam book and music shop has teamed up with Bloc Brazilian coffee shop in St, Mary’s street, Wallingford and the market place, Henley. Bloc will be selling all hot drinks on Thursday 8th March for only £2 and will donate half to Oxfam. There will also be a craft workshop in Wallingford to make a Star book from old Christmas cards. The cost of £10 per person going to Oxfam. Places are limited and will be on a first come first served basis please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a place.

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The Kempster Suite extension to the Christ Church Centre in Henley will be officially opened at 11am on the 10th. And to celebrate the occasion, an art and photography exhibition with demonstrations is being held to between the 10th and 17th of March. Free admission. Furthermore, on the 17th there’s a Sound Force Big Band Celebration Concert at 7.30.

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“Could we have a wee mention please? Many thanks Kate Evans.” Of course, you can! It’s the Kargate Scottish/Welsh Conspiracy! Kate and Gar fiddling the books! To help you escape from the long summer evenings filled with news and visions of Olympian sporting endeavours, grab some diverting reading at the next North Moreton Book Sale which will be held between 10 and 4 on Saturday 24th March. Prices are unchanged; paperbacks 3 for £1, hardbacks £1 each, children's books 20p and a small selection of individually priced books. If you have any books you wish to donate, contact Gar on 01235 813 858 to arrange collection.

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A moving letter from Olivia Mann. I am currently doing a sponsored swim on Saturday 3rd March to raise money for The Elizabeth Foundation. My son was diagnosed profoundly deaf a year ago and was fortunate to be given Cochlear Implants. Ten years ago his world would have been silent as even hearing aids were no benefit. Now he has stepped into the world of hearing. It takes the brain some time to comprehend the different levels of sound and pitch so it will be some time till he speaks. The Elizabeth Foundation is a pre-school that help have been tremendous in all their support. We need more places like this for these children and for the support they provide the parents. Please support this very worthwhile charity. http://www.justgiving.com/Olivia-Mann.

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Henley Archaeological Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7. 45 in the old King’s Arms Barn off the King’s Road car park. On March 6th. John Poulter will be giving a talk on ‘The planning of Roman roads’. £3 admission for non members.

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Reading’s Witt Studio presents its spring showcase concert at 7.30pm on Friday 23rd at Wesley Methodist Church, Queens Road, Reading. The 100-strong Chorus will sing a selection of songs from Bernstein's 'West Side Story', the recent hit song 'Run' by Snow Patrol, Handel's ‘Zadok The Priest’, and the gospel classic ’Oh Happy Day', plus music by Purcell and Abba. The line-up is completed by guest stars from major British Opera houses along with local music-theatre divas and the Witt Studio Singers who will be performing music by Cole Porter, Johann Strauss, Barry Manilow, Ivor Novello, Offenbach and Gilbert and Sullivan. Tickets £10 on 07531 386 616, at www.wittstudiochorus.com or on the door if available.

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Aldworth invites you to visit its weekly community-run Saturday Market on 10th March for its ‘Fairtrade’ promotion. There’ll be free Traidcraft cuppas and biscuits and a wide variety of Fairtrade groceries plus fresh produce, homemade cakes, artisan breads, plants and flowers, cards and books etc. The market is open from 10 to noon and always offers a warm welcome. 

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For music lovers, St Mary’s Church in Aldworth has a concert at 7.30 on Saturday 14th April. One of London’s most exiting and energetic ensembles, ‘The Spiral Saxophone Quartet’ will play a variety of popular, jazz and contemporary music to raise funds for the conservation of The Aldworth Giants. If you see one of them having a little toe tap, just ignore it! Tickets are just £10 to include wine and nibbles. Box Office: 01491 874 399 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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A sociable group of ladies have it sewn up when it comes to raising funds for their village hall. They have raised more than £500 since November by making and selling cushions, many to order, with family pet motifs particularly popular. Now they’re casting around for new outlets, so if you have an event where they can set up their stall, a school fair for example, get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Dr Vivienne Larminie will talk about 'The Oxfordshire Elite of the 17th Century' at the next meeting of the Wallingford Historical Society at the Town Hall. Dr Larminie has taught for various institutions, including several Oxford colleges and the Open University, and has also undertaken extensive research on the 17th century. Formerly 17th Century Research Editor of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, her latest role is as a research fellow for the 'History of Parliament' project. Visitors welcome! £3 admission! 7.45 for 8 on Friday 9th!

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Reading and District Beekeepers Association will be holding its annual 

‘Beekeeping Day’ at Trench Green Hall Mapledurham on Saturday 17th March between 10.30 and 4pm. Ron Hoskins, the nationally known rearer of ‘hygienic’ queen bees will be talking about setting up and selecting an apiary, including swarm control and good husbandry and Caroline Cavill expounds on honey and beeswax cosmetic products. There’ll also be honey tasting and various displays. 

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Forty years! And it don’t seem a day too long! At 3pm Sunday the 11th Henley and District Theatre Organ Trust will be celebrating their 40 years together at Henley Town with international theatre organist Robert Wolfe. He was one of the youngest ever organists to join The Blackpool Tower Team and subsequently he was invited to inaugurate the Wurlitzer Show at the Thursford Collection in Norfolk. The lasting impression this leading interpreter of the theatre organ has led to his return once more. The concert will be attended by the Mayor Of Henley and is in aid of The Sue Ryder Home at Nettlebed.

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Simon Johnson, an R&A sales exec of old, is running the London Marathon. If you want to help him reach his target of £2000 sponsorship get onto uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SimonJohnson18

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Not to be missed at Wallingford Corn Exchange between the 21st and 24th is the Sinodun Players’ production of Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land. It’s a funny and entertaining story of two ageing poets who meet on Hampstead Heath and return home for an alcohol-fuelled night of witty exchanges. Tickets £8 online at www.cornexchange.org.uk, or by phone on 01491 825 000,

At Cafe Scientifique on the 12th, Richard Caldwell examines ‘Doping in the Olympics’. Entry is free! 

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Cafe Scientifique Henley presents ‘Fitness’ at Henley Hockey Club, Jubilee Park, Reading Road. Dr Ian Gallen, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at Bucks Healthcare NHS Trust will discuss the increasing need to understand metabolism and how it relates to diabetes and the fitness of Olympians. Wednesday 28th March at 7:30pm. Admission free but please register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

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The next concert by Bracknell Choral Society is on Saturday 24th March at 7.30pm in Reading Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. They will sing Brahms' Requiem, with soprano soloist Claire Seaton and baritone Johnny Herford. Accompanying the Singers will be the Senesino Players, who will also play Brahms' Academic Festival Overture. Tickets are available from 01344 772 962 at £15.

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Saturday 10th March - Binfield Toddler Group's Nearly New Sale at Binfield CE Primary School, Benetfeld Road. 2:30 - 4pm. A huge range of toys, children's clothes, maternity wear and equipment. Admission £1. Cash purchases only. There! Gottit? 

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A brand new initiative to create thousands of crime-fighting Buddies is being introduced into every secondary school in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes by Crimestoppers. ‘Buddies’ is an innovative initiative that introduces young people to the charity’s Fearless.org website, enabling them to take a stand against crime - safely and anonymously. The Buddies Scheme is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers in Thames Valley and will work closely with schools’ police officers, communities and many other partners and offers all local secondary schools, and adults working with young people, the opportunity to register and receive a new, free, resource to educate and empower young people about fighting crime and encourage good citizenship. See www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Henley Philatelic Society’s auction is at 8pm on the 14th at Bix Village Hall. Viewing from 6.15. Open to non-members. Catalogue may be viewed on www.henleyphilatelic.co.uk.

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Now that’s interesting! A new report on speed cameras in Thames Valley investigates the effect that they have had on the number of collisions that resulted in death or injury. The report includes all 212 fixed camera sites and 105 mobile camera sites that have been operating for 2 or more years at the start of 2009. The report concludes that (1) Speed cameras have not made any impact in preventing road traffic collisions. (2) There was no reduction in the number of collisions at fixed camera or mobile camera sites after they started operating. (3) The cameras are still not demonstrated to have resulted in any reduction in collision rates. In fact, collision rates increased at mobile speed camera sites in the Thames Valley. (4) There was found to be no relationship between vehicle speeds and the number of collisions. Reductions in speeds at camera sites did not result in any reduction in the number of collisions. Ah! They miss an important point out. How else could they get their hands in your pockets?

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The Hardwick Lecture Series continues on the 24th when Rik Pakenham, a forester with over thirty years experience of managing woodlands in the Chilterns, disputes the assertion “Not since the Middle Ages has the Western forest been used intelligently” In his talk he will argue that the quoted title may have once been true, but going into the 21st century forest management is far more sustainable. He will attempt to illustrate how this is achieved in the daily management of Hardwick and other local estates. To book a place call the Hardwick Estate Office on 

0118 9842 955 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Tickets £10 to include a hearty bowl of woodland soup.

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A welly job to start Readifolk this month on the 4th. The chosen Theme is ‘Water, Water, Everywhere’. Any song with a watery theme will be fine. On the 11th National Treasure Anthony John Clarke will give you the reason why he is one, and on the 18th Wendy Arrowsmith, a lovely singer and a deft guitar player, handles original and traditional songs with subtlety and insight. Then it’s down to earth on the 25th with a DIY job on ‘Singers’ Night! Reading International Solidarity Centre, 35-39 London Street.

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There! I told you so! Last month I said I usually left the country in February and to beware snow on the 9th of February. Spot on! To the day! As I’m writing this I’m watching big flakes float past my garret window. At least Savage believed me, he shot off to Africa to frighten the elephants and lions and things. They haven’t ate him yet. I’m still getting e-mails.

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