Out & About Magazine Autumn 2020

There are plenty of things to do in West Berkshire and the surrounding area, even in these restricted times. Find out more about the history of Greenham Control Tower, admire sculpture at Shaw House, enjoy the new exhibition at The Base and don’t forget to support your local town or village market WHAT’S ON Out&About leisure

House of Illustration’s Quentin Blake and John Yeoman 50 Years of Children’s Books exhibition The Base , Greenham September 18-December 6, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm) Workshops, courses, and an exhibition celebrating the longstanding literary partnership of Quentin Blake and John Yeoman. Much-loved illustrator Quentin Blake has had a number of extended collaborations with writers, but the longest of all has been with John Yeoman. Their first book, A Drink of Water, in 1960, launched Quentin Blake’s career in children’s book illustration and since then they have worked together on nearly 50 projects. House of Illustration’s Quentin Blake and John Yeoman 50 Years of Children’s Books exhibition is the first to celebrate this partnership. It features the original drawings for A Drink of Water , and 10 other projects by the pair – from picture books and short novels for children to adaptations of classic folk tales, including The Boy Who Sprouted Antlers, The Fabulous Foskett Family Circus, Up With Birds and Quentin Blake’s Amazing Animal Stories . These instantly recognisable illustrations will evoke memories of favourite childhood stories and will introduce this beautiful artwork to a new generation.

The popular programme of workshops and courses reopens with favourites such as Start with Art, Arm Knitting and Clay Classes, alongside some seasonal workshops so you can decorate your house with your own handmade creations. Why not try making wire decorations, a chunky knit wreath, a candle holder or a willow star? You can also take inspiration from the exhibition and learn how to create characters or young artists can draw comic book characters. Sessions have been adapted and there will be reduced numbers permitted, materials will be prepared in advance to avoid contact, and equipment will no longer be shared. For those who are unable to visit The Base to take part in a workshop, some sessions will be run completely online and others will have the choice of whether you attend in person or online. Tickets for workshops, classes and the exhibition must be booked in advance. For more information on the full list of activities available please visit www.thebasegreenham.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0845 5218 218. (Calls cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge).

Henley Literary Festival September 26-October 4

Henley Literary Festival is going online this autumn, with more than 40 events for adults and children covering fiction, sport, entertainment, politics, history and more. Speakers including Graham Norton, Joanna Trollope, Michael Morpurgo, Countdown star Susie Dent and former England rugby international James Haskell. Free events for children include Rob Biddulph with his record-breaking lockdown sensation Draw With Rob, David Baddiel and a Judith Kerr storytelling with Laura & Russell Brand, as well as schools events with Chris Riddell, Leila Rasheed and Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell. The full line-up of events and booking information can be found at henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or by calling 01491 575948.

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O&A AUTUMN 2020