Events - September 2010 

FOR CHILDREN: Summer Games 2pm

The Wokingham Countryside Rangers have designed a mini-course for children to take part in a mixture of fun games and activities. Games include egg and spoon race, Wellie throwing, parachute crawling and more. Suitab;e for a ranger of different aged children No need to book just turn up on the day. Costs £2 per child. Games will take place on the play area at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. For more details ring 0118 9342 016, email or visit the website. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Rangers.

TALK & WALK: Bats   7.15pm-9pm

Learn more about the bats that live on the Basingstoke Canal with Canal Ranger Paul Hope, who will give a talk about bats at the outset then lead the group on a guided walk. There will be a limited number of bat detectors for you to use. Booking essential, £3 per person. Starts at the Canal Centre, Mytchett GU16 6DD. Book  by ringing 01252 370073 or email Also on Thursday 23rd.
 

FOR CHILDREN: Survial Skills - Fires & Ready, Steady Camp Cook 9.30am–1.30pm

Learn the art of camp cooking, including brushing up on your fire-lighting skills and constructing cooking gadgets. Then learn a number of essential survival secrets such as how to identify edible foods and finally tasting the cooked food. All the survival skills activities are for children aged eight or above. At Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst. Costs: £15 per child (includes lunch) please bring cash or cheque.  Booking essential. For more details and to book ring 0118 9342 016, email or visit the website. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Rangers.
 

MUSIC EVENT: Weyfest 2010

Annual music festival with camping at the Rural Life Centre. Rock, blues, jazz and world music. Drum workshop and children’s entertainers. Held at the Rural Life Centre, Reeds Road, Tilford nr Farnham, GU10 2DL. Admission charges apply. For more details ring 01252 795571,  email or visit the website
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FOR CHILDREN: Art in the Park Anytime between 11am-3pm

With colleagues in the Cultural Partnership the Rangers are putting together a fabulous free art events inear the cafe at California Country Park! Come along and take part in activities like puppet making, textile jewellery, felt making, print making and mask making (dependent on artist available on the day). Free but children must be accompanied by an adult. For more details ring 0118 9342 016, email or visit the website. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Rangers.
 

FAMILY EVENT: A Morning at Moor Green 9am-1pm

If you like the idea of getting up close to wildlife, then come along to Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve. You can join a bird walk and see some of the visiting and resident birds; find out what’s involved with bird ringing and watch the Reading & Basingstoke Ringing group in action; get close-up to moths or find out more about dragonflies and damselflies; go on a mammal and reptile walk or learn about the site’s management.  Gates open at 9am. Sorry no dogs. Access to the site is via the car park situated in Lower Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead RG40 3TJ. Or by foot via the footbridge over the River Blackwater from Moulsham Green. More details.
 

FAMILY EVENT & SPONSORED WALK: Forget-Me-Not Walk for Leukaemia Research 10am–3pm

This 5k suitable-for-all sponsored walk takes place in the beautiful medieval deer park of Farnham Park in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Come and meet Fifi Forget-Me-Not from Fifi and the Flowertots, Pandemonium Steel Band, Guildford Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus, bouncy assault course and sumo suits from CastlesRUs, many local craft stalls and lots more! The Mayor and Mayoress of Farnham will be opening the event and refreshments are available from The Golf Club Cafe all day. Entry fees £7.50 adult, £5 under 12, £20 family, includes t-shirt, sponsor pack, goody bag and medal. For more details visit the website. Farnham Park, Folly Hill, Farnham, Surrey. For more details ring 020 7269 9006 or email.
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS WEEKEND

Heritage Open Days (HOD) celebrate England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Heritage Open Days also include tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture. For details of events going on in this area visit their website.
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Wanborough Great Barn 10am-5pm

Wanborough Great Barn, Wanborough, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 2JR is the most important aisled barn in Surrey, dating from c.1388. It was built by the Cistercian monks of Waverley Abbey to store produce from their farm. Displays of local history and exhibitions of local art and photography. Wanborough is an historic hamlet, 8 km west of Guildford, turn off the A31, mid-way across the Hog's Back. Free parking to Church and Barn. Disabled access to Church and Barn. Refreshments in village hall, including morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas. For further information about this site visit the PastScape website. Organised by Guildford BC, Guildford Society & Guildford Tour Guides.
 

BAT WALK: West Green Common    7.30pm-9pm

Join ranger Leigh Neville at the historic West Green Common on an evening bat walk, to find out more about these fascinating creatures and which ones are using the common after dark. The walk will take about 1-1½ hours. Bat detectors will be provided, however, if you have your own please bring it with you. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing and be prepared for mosquitoes! Meet at West Green Common opposite the entrance to West Green House. Adults £2. children £1 payable on the day. For further information ring 01252 623 443, email or visit the website.
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Merrist Wood House   10am–2pm

In 1875 Charles Peyto Shrubb inherited the estate of Merrist Wood and nearby farm. The house named after the local woodlands was designed by the famous architect Richard Norman Shaw in 1877. The east extension, including the "Hankinson Room" and the central courtyard was covered in so that a grand staircase could be inserted. The County Farm Institute opened in the 1940s offering courses in agriculture and horticulture and in the 1960s it was re-christened Merrist Wood Agricultural College. Chimney stacks and walls survived a fire in 1978, and the building was rebuilt to the original design and re-opened in 1982. Rooms of interest are the Hankinson Room, Colebrook Room and Reception. Merrist Wood Campus, Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey. Organised by Guildford BC, Guildford Society and Guildford Tour Guides. For more information visit the website
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Duke of Wellington's Statue 10.30-12 noon

Talk and guide at the colossal statue of the Duke of Wellington, its origins, history and recent restoration. Learn about the creation of what was the largest equestrian statue in Britain, the controversy surrounding its creation, how it came to Aldershot, and how it came to be a symbol of the military heritage of the area. Statue is at Claycart Road, Aldershot. Follow signs to Wellington Statue from A325 (Farnborough Road) from the roundabout at the junction with the Wellington Avenue and Wellesley Road.  Car park at the foot of the hill on which the statue stands. Access to flat area around foot of mound where the initial talk will take place, but not safe for wheelchairs to go up the mound to the statue itself. Organised By Friends Of The Aldershot Military Museum. Website
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Dapdune Wharf 11am-4.30pm

Unusual National Trust property, Dapdune Wharf dates back to the mid-17th century, when it was a wharf for the Wey Navigation. Later it also became the centre for barge-building on the Wey. Exhibitions and boat trips available. Dapdune Wharf is situed in Wharf Road, Guildford GU1 4RR behind the Surrey county cricket ground on Woodbridge Road. Car park at Dapdune Wharf. Sandwiches, cakes, hot and cold drinks and cream teas. Shalford Mill and the Navigations Workshop at Send will also open and there will be a guided walk from Dapdune Wharf to Shalford Mill and back, leaving at 2pm. Organised by National Trust & Guildford BC, Guildford Society & Guildford Tour Guides. Website.
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Talk: Sir Richard Weston and the River Wey Navigation 12.30pm-1.30pm

Lunchtime talk by Doug Scott of The Guildford Society at Holy Trinity Church, Lower Hall, High Street, Guildford, Surrey. Guildford has always been on the River Wey, but Sir Richard Weston put it on the map. He brought flood meadows, the Navigation and wealth to Guildford, laying the foundations for the Guildford of today. Sadly Sir Richard is Guildford's forgotten hero. Tea and coffee are available. Bring your lunch. Organised by Guildford Borough Council. Website
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Walk from Dapdune Wharf   2pm

Enjoy a short walk from Dapdune Wharf to Shalford with the National Trust lengthsman who will include a visit to Shalford Mill. This is a linear walk and will retrace its route back to Dapdune. Free. Dogs on leads welcome. Details from National Trust Dapdune Wharf, River Wey Navigations, Wharf Road, Guildford GU1 4RR. Grid ref: SU 993 502. For more details ring 01483 561389, email or visit their website
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Lily Hill Park History Walk 2pm-4pm

Take a guided walk back in time and learn about the varied history of Lily Hill House and estate over the years. Meet at the Lily Hill Park North car park (off Lily Hill Road), Bracknell RG12 2RX. Guided walk will include a tour of the grounds with some stepped areas. Organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Magical Trail & Tales at Popes Manor 2pm-4pm

From trolls and wolves to genies and princesses, families can follow a magical trail through the beautiful grounds of Popes Meadow and Popes Manor led by famous children's poet and writer, Clare Bevan. Clare will perform several of her poems with the chance for everyone to create their own magical spell poem. There will also be an interactive treasure trail for children. Unsuitable for wheelchair access due to the uneven surfaces. Refreshments, such as tea, coffee, squash and biscuits, will be available after the tour. Pope Meadow, St Mark's Road, Binfield, Bracknell RG42 4AY. Maximum 50 people. Best suited for 5-12 years. Pre-booking essential by emailing or calling 01344 354441. Organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council website
 

WALK: Lavell’s Lake Bird Walk    9am-12 noon

Lavell’s Lake is rich in bird life, which is attracted to the reed bed, shallow scrapes and quiet surroundings. Two hides are available for viewing. On the second Sunday of every month join the Friends of Lavell’s Lake for a walk around the Park from 9am - 12 noon. Members free, donation of £1 for non-members. Meet at Sandfords Lane car park opposite Black Swan Sailing Club, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH.
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY WALK: Historic Aldershot Military Town 10am-1.30pm

Guided walk around historic sites in Aldershot Military Town. Shows the development of the garrison from the original Victorian Camp, 20th century rebuilding, and current development. Length of walk approx 4 miles, duration 3½ hours. Free entry to Aldershot Military Museum, Queen's Avenue, Aldershot, for participants at end of walk.  Meet in the car park on corner of Queen's Avenue and Prince's Avenue. Pre-booking required by telephone on 01252 314598 or in person at the Aldershot Military Museum, Queen's Avenue, Aldershot GU11 2LG. Organised by The Friends Of The Aldershot Military Museum. For more details visit the website
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Bramshill House 10am-4pm

A 17th century mansion house, Bramshill was acquired in 1953 by the Home Office and is still used today as a police training college. Come and explore the Great Hall with its stained glass windows, rooms that have hosted many royal visits, the chapel and the beautiful walled gardens. You can also view the conservation work that has been carried out on the Mansion and Grounds over the last year.We are soon to install bee hives in the grounds and will have a special display about bee keeping. Bramshill House is in Hook RG27 0JW 2½ miles from Hartley Wintney (A30) – follow signs for the Police College. Entrance and exit via main gate only for this event. Guests will be directed to on site parking. Mansion accessed by steps - alternative entry available for wheelchair users. Limited numbers in mansion at any one time. Refreshments supplied for a charge by local WI. For further information on this site visit the PastScapes website
 

HERITAGE OPEN DAY: Ash Local History Museum  2pm-4.30pm

View this delightful Grade II listed former chapel local history museum covering Ash, Ash Vale, Ash Green and Tongham. Located in Ash Church Road, Ash GU12 6EU adjacent to Ash Grange School on the A323. Entrance is wide enough for wheelchair users. Organised by Guildford BC, Guildford Society & Guildford Tour Guides Website
 

BAT WALK: Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserve    7pm-8.30pm

Join Rangers Tim and Steve on an evening bat walk to find out which  bats are using the nature reserve after dark. The walk should take about 1½ hours. If you have a bat detector please bring it with you. All abilities welcome. Meet by the village pond, Elvetham Heath, just past Morrison’s supermarket. (Grid ref: SU 801 554). Adults £2, children £1,pyable on the day. For further information contact Hart Countryside Rangers on 01252 623443, email or visit the website
 

WALK: Heathland Walk at Frensham   2pm-4pm

Come on this warden led walk around the heath and find our more about the social and ecological history of the site. Informative with easy/moderate walking covering 2-3 miles. Well behaved sogs on leads welcome. Advance booking essential at National Trust Surrey Hills office 01372 220644, or email. Vist the website.
 

WALK: Rural Roam   10am-2pm

Discover the countryside around the lower reaches of the River Blackwater on this pleasant guided walk, which will cover 6-7 miles. Organised by the Blackwater Valley Walkers’ Link it will be led by Paul. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Meet at Riseley Memorial Hall, Odiham Road, RG7 1YB. Grid ref: SU 722 629. For more details ring 01252 331353.
 

TALK & WALK: Bats   7.15pm-9pm     Sorry fully booked!

Learn more about the bats that live on the Basingstoke Canal with Canal Ranger Paul Hope, who will give a talk about bats at the outset then lead the group on a guided walk. There will be a limited number of bat detectors for you to use. Booking essential, £3 per person. Starts at the Canal Centre, Mytchett GU16 6DD. Book by ringing 01252 370073 or email. For more details visit their website
 

FAMILY EVENT: Steam & Vintage Event  10am-5pm

Steam, great and small; tractors, commercials, motorcycles plus mowers, cultivators and a host of other vintage exhibits. Come to the Rural Life Centre near Farnham and have an enjoyable day amongst the working machines of a bygone era.  Admission charges apply. For further information contact: 01252 795571 or email. Vist their website.
 

FOR THE FAMILY:  Cycle Ride   2pm

Join a Surrey Heath Ranger for a 5 mile round route bike ride around Frimley Lodge Park and along the Basingstoke Canal tow path. Helmets must be worn and cyclists ride at their own risk. Meet at 2pm outside the Frimley Lodge Park pavilion, Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley Green, Surrey GU16 6HY. Family Event. Sorry no dogs. Organised by Surrey Heath Rangers. If you require further information please contact Surrey Heath Borough Council on 01276 707100, email or vist their website
 

BAT WALK: Fleet Pond   7pm-8.30pm

Join local bat expert Paul Hope and Ranger Joanna Lawrence on an evening bat walk, to find out more about these fascinating creatures and which ones are using the pond after dark. The walk will take about 1½ hours. If you have a bat detector please bring it with you although some will be provided. All abilities welcome. A torch may also be useful. Adults: £2, children £1. Meet at Fleet Station pay & display car park next to the reserve.  For further information contact Hart Countryside Rangers on 01252 623443, email or visit the website
 

• Event organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership