We’ve scoured the county to bring you the top events taking place this month
A Lunchtime Lecture
WWII saw much of the male population called up for duty and sent off to defend their country while the women were left behind. Local historian Mary South will be examining the female contribution to the war effort in her lecture WWII Woman’s War Too. The event includes a delicious two course lunch with coffee on arrival.
When: November 6, 11am
Where: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Romsey, SO51 0QA, 01794 369318
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Fabulous Fireworks
Wrap up warm and head out for an exciting fireworks display in the parkland overlooking the South Downs. Toast your hands by the bonfire, watch the Guy be engulfed by the flames and savour a delicious barbeque of locally sourced produce – just the thing for a chilly winter’s night!
When: November 8, 6pm
Where: Hinton Ampner, near Alresford SO24 0LA, 01962 771305, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner
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Showstopper
The National Trust’s Mottisfont is hosting its biggest ever annual Open Show, with over 90 works presented from local artists. Beautifully displayed in the spacious top-floor galleries, witness a wide range of themes and media from landscapes and portraits to sculptures and embroideries.
When: Until 16 November
Where: Mottisfont, near Romsey, SO51 0LP, 01794 340757, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
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John Mayall
The ‘Godfather of British Blues’ is bringing his captivating and authentic sounds to Portsmouth this month. Regarded by many as the most influential blues artist, John Mayall OBE has released an astonishing 45 albums. With special guest, King King, a revolutionary blues band with an electrifying rock/funk twist.
When: November 20, 7.30pm
Where: Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB, 0844 847 2362, www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk
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Falconry Fables
Join President of the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Ashley Smith for his compelling talk ‘It shouldn’t happen to a falconer’. Featuring a historical and humorous look at the work of the Trust over the last 50 years.
When: November 22, 7pm
Where: The Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8DY, 01264 773850, www.hawk-conservancy.org
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Bear Hugs
Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug. Join Douglas on his hunt for the perfect hug in this happy new show, full of laughter, sing-a-long songs and plenty of opportunities to join in! This heart-warming tale is perfect for little cubs aged 3 – 7 years with an irresistible blend of Blunderbus music, puppetry and high energy storytelling.
When: Saturday 22 November, 11.30am and 2.30pm
Where: The Spring Arts & Heritage, 56 East Street, Havant PO9 1BS, 02392 472700, www.thespring.co.uk
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Christmas Shopping Alternative
Searching for an alternative shopping experience? Avoid the High Street hustle and bustle and get ahead in the present buying game and browse a variety of quality craft items. Celebrating its 6th year, The Lights; Christmas Fair regularly attracts hundreds of people. Visitors will also be able to join in with a number of free festive themed workshops including card making and tree decoration.
When: November 29, 10am – 4pm
Where: The Lights, West Street, Andover, SP10 1AH, 01264 368368, www.thelights.org.uk
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Dogs Don’t Do Ballet
Biff is not your usual kind of dog. Instead of chasing sticks and fetching newspapers, he loves tutus, tiaras and ballet! Based on the best-selling book by Anna Kemp and choreographed by Christopher Marney, this fabulous show by Ballet Black is full of fun and magic and is guaranteed to delight budding ballerina’s aged 3 years and over.
When: November 29, 2pm and 4.30pm
Where: Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB, 01962 840440, www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
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The Magic of Christmas
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard welcomes the return of the ‘Victorian Festival of Christmas’. Now in its 15th year, this family favourite is the perfect way to start the festive season. New for 2014, the Festival proudly presents Sing-a-long-a Frozen! Don’t forget, tickets include full access to all the museums on site.
When: November 28-30, 10am-6pm
Where: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ, 02392 839766, www.christmasfestival.co.uk
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Baking with Paul Hollywood
Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the biggest names in TV baking, up close and live on his first UK tour. Witness the Great British Bake Off star demonstrate recipes during the show, discover some of the secrets of being a TV chef, and take a journey through his life in baking which has lead him to be a household name. Plus a baking challenge for audience members and open Q&A!
When: November 30, 2.30pm & 8pm
Where: The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR, 01256 844244, www.anvilarts.org.uk
