MUDDY’S PICK OF THE WEEK

FILM: The Screen, The Old Court Windsor, 6-30 Jan

Ooh, a cinematic experience with an arthouse vibe, The Old Court in Windsor is the place to be. On the movie reel this week you can see Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch (6-8 Jan) – a love letter to journalists in a fictional 20th century French city and Last Night in Soho (7-16 Jan). Later in the month The Screen will feature Eternals (13-22 Jan); King Richard (20-21 Jan) – the story of tennis legends the Williams sisters starring Will Smith and Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed West Side Story (23-30 Jan).

WELLBEING: Candlelight Sound Bath, The Good Life Hub Hampstead Norreys, 5 Jan

And breeeeeeathe… Christmas is chaotic, not it’s time to put you first. Take time out and enjoy a a Candlight Sound Bath at the heavenly Good Life Hub. It’s an unforgettable experience for anyone who seeks deep relaxation, rejuvenation and an acceleration of their inward journey. I’m game if you are. £22.15pp.

DAYS OUT: Changing of the Guard, Windsor Castle, 6, 8, 9 Jan

The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle is very British tradition that takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11am. The new guard set off from Victoria Barracks on Sheet Street and march through the Town Centre to the Queen’s des res. The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place at 11am inside the castle and the old guard head back to barracks at 11.25am. Always a fabulous site that brings this royal town to a standstill.

EXHIBITION: Decoding Braille, Decoding Me, The Base Greenham, 7-30 Jan

Artist Clarke Reynolds turns the tactile form of braille into a visual art form. The Portsmouth based artist is registered severely sight impaired and this is a stunning self-portrait in braille. Using a colour-coded system, he has created a visual guide to learn braille. With a ‘decoder’, visitors can explore and translate the canvases on display through sight and touch.

EXHIBITION: Mind & Mortality: Stanley Spencer’s Final Portraits, Stanley Spencer Gallery Cookham, now – 27 Mar 2022

Comprised of 26 works, the exhibition spans 50 years from 1909 until the artist’s death on the eve of the 1960s. Although more famous for his local landscapes, his portraits are world class – in fact one on his first self portraits hangs in the Tate Britain.

WALK: Birds & A Brew, Nature Discovery Centre Thatcham, 7 Jan

Redwing, Turdus iliacus, single bird in flight by Hawthorn bush

Could be mistaken for a misogynistic coffee morning but is in fact a bird watching event with a warming brew to defrost. If you fancy a winter walk with our local feathered friends join the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust and getting spotting the local talent of the Redwings, Fieldfares and Whooper Swans.

EVENT: Repair Café, Maidenhead Library, 8 Jan

Busy decluttering? Before you throw out something broken that’s useful/ loved, head to the Repair Café in Maidenhead. Run by volunteers, the repair coaches can help you fix your beloved but broken item. It’s like being on BBC’s The Repair Shop, but without Jay or the cameras. 10am-3pm.

SPORT: Windsor Winter Series, Dorney Lake Eton, 8 Jan

If you’re on of those smug people who has managed to keep on running despite the wine and cheese tempting you to fall off the wagon – good on you. You might be interested in shifting any unwanted Crimbo pounds with an easy peasy 5km-20km weekend jog. If you like to mix things up, there’s a Duathlon too. I’ll see you at the start line… one day.

WORKSHOP: Sunday Life Drawing, Jelly in Reading, 9 Jan

New year, new skill? Or simply fancy donning a painters’ smock and ogling a naked bod (no judgement). Artist Mark Webber is hosting a life drawing session in Reading. It will focus on quick poses, showing how the artist tends to think about the figure when drawing quickly. It’s always fun, and will feature quick dynamic poses to draw, and will encourage the participants out of their comfort zone. £12-£15.

DAYS OUT: Panto At The Palace, Windsor Castle, now – 31 Jan

WINDSOR CASTLE CHRISTMAS panto costumes and panels

Something a little spesh at Windsor Castle. For the first time you can see the Queen and Princess Margaret’s panto costumes in the same spot they were originally performed 80 years ago.

HERITAGE: Lights & Liminality, Basildon Park Pangbourne, now – 5 Jan

Basildon Park is blinged out for festive fun. This year, the house has a nature theme inside and out with lots of sensory surprises. The Dining Room has been transformed into an indoor terrarium, walks are lit by fairy lights and the smell of dried oranges and cinnamon will fill the house. So crack open the Black Tower, pass the nuts, and introduce your kids to life before Netflix. Basildon Park is also running after dark candlelit tours on the 3 and 10 Dec.

OUTDOORS: Windsor Great Park Illuminated, Windsor, Berks, now – 9 Jan

Last chance to visit Windsor Great Park’s inaugural illuminated trail. The trail, produced by guys behind Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, features a field of lights that extends more than 1,400 sqm, fountains of projected flowers and holograms of woodland creatures. Prepare to be dazzled. Open from 4.30pm-10pm. Tickets: Adults £21.45, Child, £13.20 and Family £74.80.

OUTDOORS: Garter Tower Illuminations, Windsor Castle, now – 6 Jan

Garter Tower Illuminations — Image: Gill Asper

Light ’em up! With the permission of the Queen (or orf with your head) the world’s most recognised castle provides the backdrop for Windsor’s daily spectacular of illuminations. Standing over 50ft high, Garter Tower is projected with images of the stained glass architecture and motifs from St George’s Chapel dating back to the 15th century and images provided by local schools in Windsor.

THEATRE: Jack And The Beanstalk, Theatre Royal Windsor, now – 14 Jan

Filed under ‘classic cheesefest’, this year the Theatre Royal’s panto is Jack And The Beanstalk. Windsor’s favourite comedy duo, Kevin Cruise and Steven Blakeley have been dusting off the panto patter and old pros Anita Harris and Basil Brush add a dash of nostalgia. It’s a great panto in a beautiful theatre. Booooom booooooom!

Find your fun this week in Berkshire

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