Venues revealed for Living Advent Calendar

THE countdown to this year’s Living Advent Calendar in Henley has begun with all 24 venues being revealed.

Each one will host a half-hour festive show in the evenings between December 1 and Christmas Eve for the fourth annual charity fund-raiser.

The performances will range from music and dance to drama, poetry and storytelling but the artists’ identities will be kept secret until the night.

They will be free to watch but there will collections and raffles.

Richard Rodway, chairman of the calendar trust, said new venues this year included Henley Rugby Club, Henley Cricket Club and the bandstand in Mill Meadows.

The performances would be twice the length of those in previous years. Mr Rodway said: “It gives them a bit more opportunity to put on a bit of a show.

“I’m really positive about what we have got in store. We have a great and fairly even mix of some fantastic new performers and some old favourites and with performances lasting 30 minutes, we hope that will serve to enhance everyone’s enjoyment.

“Ultimately, the success of the event hinges upon the enthusiasm and contributions of all those involved, so if someone is interested in getting involved there are all sorts of ways they can do that.

“We would love to hear from people whether that be about marshalling, providing a prize for the raffle, performing, partnering with a venue, sponsoring the event or helping out with leaflets, photography and so on.”

This year’s chosen charities are Riverside Counselling Service, Headway Thames Valley, the Chiltern Centre for disabled children, Camp Mohawk, near Wargrave, and the Henley Regatta for the Disabled.

The Mill Meadows evening will be on December 4 and will be held in association with the dog grooming parlour Naughty Mutt Nice in Reading Road.

Members of the audience are encouraged to bring along their dog and there will be treats for them as well as their owners.

Aspen Weatherburn, owner of Naughty Mutt Nice, said: “I wanted to do something very doggy orientated and I know that previously there hasn’t been anything like that.

“When I was told one of the nights was at the bandstand in Mill Meadows I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for dog owners to get out with their pets and enjoy the evening.

“We’ll be welcoming all dogs and will be giving them some delicious treats. We’re really excited to be involved and we’re looking forward to a good turnout.”

Graham Horner, president of Henley Rugby Club, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be involved. The more we can do for the town and the community the better.”

Brian Kenworthy, chairman of Henley Cricket Club, said: “We’re proud to have been asked and we’re delighted to be involved in a project to support the town.

“It’s nice to be associated with events that are growing and interest the community.”

The event on December 10 will be at the Regal Picturehouse and will see the screening of the finalists of a film competition on the theme of “Henley in autumn/winter”. There will be three age categories.

The full list of venues is as follows:

1. Town hall steps; 2. Angel on the Bridge; 3. Stuart Turner; 4. Mill Meadows bandstand; 5. Simmons & Sons; 6. Leander Club; 7. Phyllis Court; 8. Hotel du Vin; 9. Shaun Dickens at the Boathouse; 10. The Regal Picturehouse; 11. Town hall; 12. Henley Youth Centre;

13. Fire station; 14. Market Place; 15. The Henley College; 16. Early Rider, Henley Enterprise Park; 17. Kenton Theatre; 18. Delegate House, Hart Street; 19. River & Rowing Museum; 20. Henley Cricket Club; 21. d:two centre, Market Place; 22. Henley Rugby Club; 23. Market Place; 24. St Mary’s Church.

For more information, visit www.livingadventcalendar.co.uk