Programme events for 2012 will be added when dates are confirmed

Fri 29 June

Poetry and Jazz in Concert With Dannie Abse CBE, Alan Brownjohn, Jeremy Robson and Sasha Mitchell With music by the Trevor Tomkins Trio with Tim Wells (bass) and Nick Weldon (piano) As a very young poet, Jeremy Robson organised the first Poetry & Jazz Concert in London in 1961. It was the hugely successful prelude to hundreds of such concerts around the country involving many distinguished poets including Ted Hughes, Dannie Abse, Laurie Lee, Alan Brownjohn, Stevie Smith, Vernon Scannell, Adrian Mitchell, Peter Porter and Jeremy himself - and even, on occasion, Spike Milligan reading his comic verse. Interspersing the poems - sometimes actually accompanying them - the music was generally specially written by the late Michael Garrick, one of the most influential figures in British jazz. This evening’s concert follows the special 50th Anniversary Concert arranged by Jeremy Robson last year, and features readings from their own work by the same cast of distinguished poets, together with actress and singer Sasha Mitchell who reads and sings her late father Adrian’s poems. More details here. Tickets £10 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 www.hadcaf.co.uk/poetryandjazz_2012.php Sponsored by: Peter Stirland Ltd, Great Grooms Antiques and Casanova venue map here 1994

Sat 30 June

The Red Stripe Band “Unmissable” Stephen Fry “Charismatic delivery and perfect comedy timing - the show is super slick” Julian Lloyd Webber A hugely entertaining show that includes foot-stomping boogie woogie, swing, jive, ska and rock’n’roll. Described as ‘Jools Holland on speed’, the 7-piece band has shared stages around the world with Madonna, Sting, Van Morrison, Eddi Reader, John Martyn and Chris Barber, to name but a few. Best Band Marlborough Jazz Festival 2010 Tickets £10 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

John O'Gaunt School, Priory Road  8:00pm Sponsored by: The Clockmaker and Nye & Co venue map here 1995

Sun 1 July

Allotment by Jules Horne Edinburgh Festival Fringe First Winner 2011 Two sisters play out their rivalries through the seasons on their allotment. When the unexpected rocks their uneasy balance, it’s time to do something radical… Join Dora and Maddy for a cup of tea and a homemade scone as they dig, plant and perform this dark comedy on top of a shed. Los Angeles/ Edinburgh CSPA Sustainable Production Award 2011. “Charming, thoughtful and digs deep” The Scotsman. Three performances 3pm, 5pm & 7pm The production will go on whatever the weather, so come prepared! Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

Marsh Lane Allotments  More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Kennet Roofing venue map here 1992

Sun 1 July

Fun Run & Harey 8 Race Hungerford Hares Running Club Family Fun Run for all ages, starting at 10am on the Triangle Field. Harey 8 Race A multi-terrain race set in the beautiful countryside around Hungerford, starting at 10.30am from Hungerford Rugby Club. For details of how to enter, please visit the Hungerford Hares website or contact Claire Digweed at mc.digweed@btinternet.com

Starts from Hungerford Rugby Club  10:00am Claire Digweed mc.digweed@btinternet.com www.hungerfordhares.co.uk venue map here 2050

Sun 1 July

Kennet Accordion Orchestra Musical director: Nigel Pasby With a repertoire that encompasses a wide range of music from film scores to marches, the Orchestra promises an exciting evening. Free – tickets from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford (retiring collection)

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Mr & Mrs J Newton and Fare Wise Travel venue map here 1993

Mon 2 July

Make a Hand-tied Bouquet with Sarah Styles Sarah shows you how to make a very personal gift every time. Flowers and materials provided, so you have a beautiful bouquet to take home. Limited tickets £23 from Newbury Building Society.

Wedding Flower Gallery, 2 Bridge Street  7:00pm venue map here 2053

Tue 3 July

The Real Downton Abbey organised by Hungerford WI Lady Carnarvon offers a behind-the-scenes view of Highclere Castle. Tickets £2.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford. Refreshments and raffle.

Corn Exchange  10:30am venue map here 2097

Tue 3 July

The Artist Valley Film Society Michel Hazanavicius’ Oscar-winning homage to the silent movie era – dazzling and uplifting. Tickets £5 (non members) from Newbury Building Society. Orders taken at the door up to 7.20pm for post-film meal.

East Garston Village Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 72305 brian_e_davis@hotmail.com www.valleyfilmsociety.org venue map here 2055

Tue 3 July

Piano Recital Mami Shikimori: Acclaimed for her expressive power and poetic insight combined with effortless technical ability, Mami Shikimori is an award-winning young Japanese pianist who has given numerous recitals in the UK and around the world, from Carnegie Hall in New York to the Goethe Institute in Bangkok and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She regularly plays with violinist Masayuki Kino, soloist/leader of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. The programme includes Chopin’s Sonata No. 3 in B minor, op 58. ‘A major, multi-faceted experience’ The Oxford Times Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Pat Pamflett and Alan Pollitt venue map here 1996

Wed 4 July

Coffee Morning in aid of Newbury Cancer Care Trust With a display of artwork by Alice Cryer

Town Hall, Magistrates Room  10:00am - 12:00 venue map here 2057

Wed 4 July

Patrick Gale: A Perfectly Good Man Bestselling author Patrick Gale, whose novels include Rough Music and the award-winning Notes from an Exhibition, talks and signs copies of his latest book, A Perfectly Good Man. Free tickets (in advance only) from the Library (01488 682660) or The Hungerford Bookshop (01488 683480)

Hungerford Library  7:00pm More info: 01488 682660 venue map here 2060

Thu 5 July

The Artist Croft Films Directed by Michel Hazanvicius Tickets £4 from Newbury Building Society

The Croft Hall  8:00pm www.hungerford.uk.net/whatson_filmclub.php venue map here 2062

Fri 6 July

The Diaries of Adam and Eve Performed by Rebecca Vaughan and Elton Townend Jones Adapted from Mark Twain by Elton Townend Jones. Directed by Guy Masterson.. Relationships: whose idea was that? One of you wants to get things done, the other wants to chill out in the garden. One of you wants a minute's peace, the other wants to talk (and talk and talk). One of you likes things the way they are, the other wants a project. One of you knows that eating that apple is wrong, the other is going to eat it, come what may... In this witty adaptation of Mark Twain's affectionate satire, the world's first couple confront their many differences to find a successful way of living and loving together. Whether they're creating language, inventing fire, taming nature, or discovering love and death, what they discover will be both familiar and funny to anyone who has ever experienced a close relationship. ***** Sheer pleasure... graced throughout with sparky and very funny dialogue...’ Informed Edinburgh **** “Great fun... a show that will charm all of the family’ British Theatre Guide **** ‘A highly recommended show’ Edinburgh Fringe Review Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Dickins Hopgood Chidley LLP, Solicitors venue map here 1998

Sat 7 July

Confessions of a Mad Axe Man Tim Walters A light-hearted journey through one man’s six string obsession. Local guitar teacher Tim Walters plays a diverse mixture of guitar music ranging from jazz, through to blues and screaming rock, while considering a number of important guitar-related issues such as ‘How do you pronounce Yngwie?’ and ‘What is a mode?’ and ‘How many guitarists does it take to change a light-bulb?’ Free – tickets from Newbury Building Society (retiring collection)

The Croft Hall  7:30pm Sponsored by: ADW Events venue map here 2064

Sun 8 July

Rock Academy with Jamie Humphries One of the UK's finest guitar players and author of several books on guitar playing, Jamie Humphries has taught at both the Academy of Contemporary Music (Guildford) and the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. As a session guitarist he has recorded and performed all over the world with major artists (most recently with Brian May). Jamie shares his encyclopaedic knowledge of guitar styles and techniques in a workshop that mixes lesson and performance. Further information: Tim Walters 07824 512009. Tickets £15 from Newbury Building Society

The Croft Hall  11:00am - 1:00pm Tim Walters More info: 07824 512009 Sponsored by: The Gentleman’s Shop venue map here 2065

Sun 8 July

Afternoon Tea Concert with the Tea Set In aid of the Friends of St Lawrence’s Church Tickets £5 from Newbury Building Society

The Croft Hall  3:30pm Sponsored by: Mr & Mrs M Hutchings venue map here 2067

Tue 10 July

Home and Away Natalie Hyde, soprano Accompanied on the piano by Susan Holmes Songs and Piano Solos from Britain and Europe. Local young musicians who are well on their way to a thriving professional career after graduating from Birmingham Conservatoire and Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Natalie and Susan collaborate in a delightful programme of songs and piano solos, taking you on a journey from England through France, Germany and Italy, before returning home again. Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Mrs Daphne Priestley venue map here 2000

Wed 11 July

Kausikan Rajeshkumar Piano recital Programme includes Beethoven Sonata op. 31 no. 3, Chopin Ballade no. 4, and works by Schumann, Debussy and Villa-Lobos. Kausikan has performed at many prestigious venues in London and around the UK, on Radio 4 and BBCTV, and for HRH Prince Charles. He was twice a Piano Finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year (2008 and 2009), and won the International Franz Liszt Competition for Young Pianists in Weimar in 2009. He graduated with a First in Music from Cambridge University and is currently continuing his studies at the Royal College of Music. Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society.

The Croft Hall  7:30pm Sponsored by: Mrs Daphne Priestley and The GJ Ward Charitable Trust venue map here 2072

Thu 12 July

Bedroom Farce presented by The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company A play by Alan Ayckbourn. Three bedrooms and four couples doing almost anything rather than sleeping, with tremendous potential for conflict, confusion and comedy…. Tickets £7 (concessions £6) from Crown Needlework, 115 High Street (tel. 01488 684011). Three performances: 12th, 13th and 14th July.

Herongate Leisure  7:30pm More info: 01488 684011 venue map here 2115

Thu 12 July

Cave of Forgotten Dreams Dir. Werner Herzog (2010) A unique glimpse into the astonishing Chauvet Cave in Southern France, where in 1994 hundreds of paintings of animals were discovered, including some rarely or never found in other ice age paintings. Drawn around 32,000 years ago, they are almost twice as old as any previous evidence of the human imagination expressing itself. There is no public access to the cave, but in 2010 acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog was allowed to take in a 4-man crew. Working within severe restrictions, they produced this stunning record. “One of the greatest cultural discoveries in the history of the Western world” Telegraph “Absolutely awesome” Sunday Times Tickets £4 from Newbury Building Society

The Croft Hall  8:00pm venue map here 2073

Fri 13 July

Cream Tea with musical entertainment In aid of Church Funds. Tickets £5 from Jennifer Bartter, tel. 684471

Methodist Church  3:00pm More info: 01488 684471 venue map here 2077

Fri 13 July

Bedroom Farce presented by The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company A play by Alan Ayckbourn. Three bedrooms and four couples doing almost anything rather than sleeping, with tremendous potential for conflict, confusion and comedy…. Tickets £7 (concessions £6) from Crown Needlework, 115 High Street (tel. 01488 684011). Three performances: 12th, 13th and 14th July.

Herongate Leisure  7:30pm More info: 01488 684011 venue map here 2116

Fri 13 July

Sherlock Holmes: The Death and Life A new drama by David Stuart Davies. Performed by Roger Llewellyn Directed by Gareth Armstrong with original music by Simon Slater. In this wryly humorous tale of murder, mystery and the occult, the world's greatest detective refuses to leave the stage as Conan Doyle, tiring of his ‘intolerably arrogant Sherlock Holmes’, invents the arch villain Moriarty to dispose of him. But Doyle's strategy, combined with his passion for raising the spirits of the dead, has more dramatic consequences than he bargains for! Roger Llewellyn has had a long career in classical theatre, TV, the West End, and with the Royal Shakespeare Company, before touring worldwide with the hugely acclaimed solo drama Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act. 'Roger Llewellyn precisely embodies Sherlock, Conan Doyle would have approved' Time Out 'This is Holmes as you've always imagined him - but with a cutting sense of humour' Sunday Express Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Herongate Leisure venue map here 2002

Fri 13 July

Kennet Opera Members of Kennet Opera sing a sequence from the operatic world. Refreshments available. Tickets £10 from Newbury Building Society.

St Lawrence’s Church   7:30pm venue map here 2079

Sat 14 July

Bastille Day Wine Quiz ....Event cancelled Hungerford Twinning Association ---

2085

Sat 14 July

Art, Craft & Photography Exhibition An opportunity for all local artists, amateur and professional, to show their work. Contact Kath Nurse on 01488 657525 or email kath.nurse@virgin.net for details.

Corn Exchange & Magistrates Room  10:00am - 6:00pm More info: 01488 657525 kath.nurse@virgin.net venue map here 2003

Sat 14 July

Coffee Morning Bring and buy, cakes, stalls, etc.

United Reformed Church Hall  10:00am - 12:00 venue map here 2081

Sat 14 July

Carnival Hungerford Chamber of Commerce Parade due to start at 5.30pm Details and entry forms from Roger Ballard, tel. 077865 40690 or via the website link. Note that prizes will be: First prize £300 for best in Carnival, with further prizes of £150 for best in class.

Hungerford High Street  5:30pm Roger Ballard More info: 077865 40690 ballardroger@aol.com www.hungerfordchamberofcommerce.co.uk/hungerfordcarnival.html venue map here 2083

Sat 14 July

Bedroom Farce presented by The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company A play by Alan Ayckbourn. Three bedrooms and four couples doing almost anything rather than sleeping, with tremendous potential for conflict, confusion and comedy…. Tickets £7 (concessions £6) from Crown Needlework, 115 High Street (tel. 01488 684011). Three performances: 12th, 13th and 14th July.

Herongate Leisure  7:30pm More info: 01488 684011 venue map here 2117

Sun 15 July

Art, Craft & Photography Exhibition An opportunity for all local artists, amateur and professional, to show their work. Contact Kath Nurse on 01488 657525 or email kath.nurse@virgin.net for details.

Corn Exchange & Magistrates Room  10:00am - 4:00pm More info: 01488 657525 kath.nurse@virgin.net venue map here 2004

Sun 15 July

Clarinet Concert Luca Luciano Accompanied on piano by Bruno d’Ambra Luca Luciano is considered one of the most versatile musicians of his generation. Internationally recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary clarinet music, he began his career at the age of 12 in one of the most prestigious concert halls of his native Naples, and has since performed in some of the most established venues in the UK and Europe. His compositions have been premiered at Bristol Cathedral and St Martins in the Fields, and his repertoire encompasses Weber, Brahms, Copland, Stravinsky and jazz music as well as Broadway melodies by composers such as Gershwin and Kurt Weill. Pianist Bruno D'Ambra is also a producer, arranger and session keyboardist on projects ranging from electronic music to pop. He has collaborated with Luca on a number of performances including the Fishguard International Music Festival, Victoria & Albert Museum, Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, and the Foundling Museum in London. ‘Such a virtuoso musical performance and such joyful uplifting music I just couldn’t resist it’ BBC 6 Music Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Roger King Antiques venue map here 2006

Mon 16 July

Make a Hand-tied Bouquet with Sarah Styles Sarah shows you how to make a very personal gift every time. Flowers and materials provided, so you have a beautiful bouquet to take home. Limited tickets £23 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

Wedding Flower Gallery, 2 Bridge St  7:00pm Sponsored by: Styles Silver venue map here 2098

Tue 17 July

The Nabobs of Berkshire Illustrated talk by Clive Williams OBE Berkshire in the 18th century was known as the English Hindoostan as numerous employees of the East India Company - known as Nabobs (an Anglicization of Nawabs) - settled in the county. Men like the notorious Gen Smith at Chilton; Diamond Pitt at Swallowfield; Major Marsac – the illegitimate son of George II – at Caversham; Sykes of Basildon, whose grandson was the model for Bill Sykes in Oliver Twist; Vansittart of Bray, who was involved in the Hell Fire Club.... In total there are 31 Berkshire houses with Nabob associations. Clive Williams, the author of Nabobs in Berkshire, describes how they lived in the East, how they made their money, and how they carried on their lives back in Berkshire. Free - tickets from Newbury Building Society

The Croft Hall  7:30pm venue map here 2090

Wed 18 July

The Story of British Rock Guitar Illustrated talk by Mo Foster Mo Foster is a witty raconteur who, during his 42-year career as a renowned bass player, has recorded and toured with a vast number of artists, from Cliff Richard and Brian May to Ringo Starr and ABBA, from Jeff Beck and Van Morrison to Joan Armatrading and the London Symphony Orchestra. Over the years Mo has gathered (and recently published) the recollections and anecdotes of hundreds of his musical colleagues and friends, and through their idiosyncratic, revealing and above all very funny stories he entertainingly charts the way in which the guitar - in a little over 50 years - transformed British music and culture. Free - tickets from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: MJ Rawlings Ltd and Mr & Mrs V Long venue map here 2007

Thu 19 July

Crazy Coconuts Latin American Evening Discover your Latin rhythm with a Salsa class before joining in with the sensational Colombian singer and dancer Luis Lema as he performs a variety of musical styles – we defy you to keep still! With authentic snacks and drinks available, this will be a Latin American evening to remember - for much less than the cost of a return flight to Peru! Free – tickets from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

Corn Exchange  7:30pm venue map here 2099

Thu 19 July

The Muppets Dir. James Bobin (2011) PG Cert The old Muppet Theatre is about to be demolished by an evil oil baron and Kermit and friends must reunite and raise the money to save it. This welcome big-screen return for Jim Henson's lovable creations will both win new fans and delight long-time devotees. “Deliriously entertaining” Daily Telegraph. “Sheer, unadulterated joy” Time Out Tickets £4 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

The Croft Hall  7:30pm venue map here 2100

Sat 21 July

Tea with Betjeman presented by Newbury Dramatic Society An entertainment devised by Ann Davidson. A dramatised introduction to the life and works of one of Britain’s best-loved poets - a man of humour, kindness and nostalgia – drawn from Betjeman’s poetry, letters and other writings. Tickets £7 (includes tea) from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

The Croft Hall  4:00pm Sponsored by: Caroline Lumley Training venue map here 2010

Sat 21 July

The Apollo Big Band Musical Director: Mike Lock From the traditional sounds of Glenn Miller and Count Basie through to popular modern hits, Apollo promises an exciting programme of swinging Big Band hits and a superb evening’s entertainment. Tickets £7.50 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford - and will also be available on the door.

John O'Gaunt School  7:30pm Sponsored by: LJ Smith Accountants Ltd and Mr & Mrs B Gregory venue map here 2011

Sat 21 July

Best of British presented by the St James Singers A sequence of words and music for Royal Jubilee Year. St James Singers are a small male voice a cappella ensemble whose repertoire of sacred and secular music spans twelve centuries. This special Jubilee concert includes songs and choral music with royal connections from six centuries, interspersed with readings of poems by Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Hardy and Masefield. The composers include Tallis, Morley, Purcell, Sullivan and Vaughan Williams, and there will also be a performance of a recently commissioned work: a setting of Shakespeare’s ‘O Mistress Mine’ in tango rhythm! Further details from Mike Jones, tel. 01235 751656 / mikebjones@live.com Tickets £5 (in aid of Our Lady of Lourdes Church Building Fund) from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford

The Croft Hall  7:30pm Mike Jones More info: 01235 751656 mikebjones@live.com venue map here 2103

Sun 22 July

The Elves and the Shoemaker This well-loved classic has been re-heeled by Theatre of Widdershins to create a magical show. A beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of tiny shoes and a comic mouse all make this show (a sellout at the Edinburgh Fringe) an enchanting experience. Age guide 3-9 years Tickets £5 from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

The Croft Hall  3:00pm Sponsored by: Mr & Mrs J Martin venue map here 2101

Sun 22 July

Hungerford Town Band Festival Concert The band presents a varied and entertaining programme including a performance by the Training Section. On the competition platform the band has now established itself in Section Two of the National Grading structure and looks forward to moving up with the determination and enthusiasm that has enabled them to achieve their current status. The band is actively recruiting members for both groups, in particular tuba players. Please contact Musical Director Tim Crouter on 01488 680674 or visit their website. Free - tickets from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

Corn Exchange  7:00pm Tim Crouter More info: 01488 680674 www.hungerfordtownband.co.uk Sponsored by: Hungerford Vets Ltd and Mr & Mrs R Gore venue map here 2102

Sun 22 July

Music from the Shows presented by Five Voices Musical Director: Michael Evans. Five Voices comprise Maggie Preston (soprano), Heather Sims (mezzo soprano), Alexandra Murray (contralto), Jeff Trim (tenor) and Keith Lawrence (baritone), accompanied by musical director Michael Evans. A glorious selection of favourite songs from the shows, opera and Gilbert & Sullivan. Free - tickets from Newbury Building Society, Hungerford.

The Croft Hall  7:30pm More info: 01488 684038 Sponsored by: Mrs J Smith venue map here 2013