HENLEY PAGES AND TOWN GUIDE 2019-20
y r to c e ir D s es in us l B cia ffi O
published and gifted by Invesco is proud to be part of the Henley community
We’ve always believed in taking a fundamental, long-term approach because we are committed to delivering the best outcome for investors. This principle has helped us build a world-class investment culture spanning many asset classes and geographies – not least our home in Henley-on-Thames.
The value of investments and any income and investors may not get back the full amount invested.
Invesco.co.uk
Invesco Asset Management Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. TELEPHONE NUMBERS Useful telephone numbers
Doctors - Bell Surgery 01491 843250 www.thebellsurgery.co.uk
Doctors - Hart Surgery 01491 843200 www.thehartsurger y.nhs.uk
Eyot Centre 01491 574989 www.eyotcentre.co.uk
Henley Farm and Country Show 01491 413619 www.thehenleyshow.co.uk
Henley Citizens Advice 01491 578267 www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Henley Cricket Club 01491 577743 www.henleycricketclub.co.uk
Henley fire station 01491 572938 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
Henley library 01865 815278 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
Henley Life magazine 01491 419449 www.henleylife.co.uk
Henley police station 08458 505505 www.thamesvalley.police.uk
Henley Rowing Club 01491 573943 www.henleyrowingclub.co.uk
Henley Royal Regatta headquarters 01491 572153 www.hrr.co.uk
Henley Rugby Club 01491 574499 www.henleyhawks.co.uk
Higgs Group printers 01491 419400 www.higgsgroup.co.uk
Henley Standard 01491 419444 www.henleystandard.co.uk
Henley Town Council 01491 576982 www.henleytowncouncil.gov.uk
Henley Town Football Club 01491 410389 w w w. h e n l e y t o w n f c . c o . u k
Leander Club 01491 575782 www.leander.co.uk
River & Rowing Museum 01491 415600 www.rrm.co.uk
Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading 0118 3225111 www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Tourist Information Office 01491 578034 www.henleytowncouncil.gov.uk
Townlands Memorial Hospital 01865 903703 www.nhs.uk
Upper Thames Rowing Club 01491 575745 www.utrc.org.uk
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 3 CALENDAR November 6, Shakespeare Schools Festival 2019, Kenton Theatre, OF EVENTS 7pm, www.kentontheatre.co.uk 2019-20 8, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Kenton Theatre, 7.30pm, www.kentontheatre.co.uk 8 to 17, Brakspear Jazz and Blues Week, various venues w w w. b r a k s p e a r j a z z a n d b l u e s . c o . u k 9 and 28, Farmers’market, Market Place, Henley, 8am to 2pm, www.visit-henley.com 9, Mendelssohn’sElijah, Aliquando Chamber Choir, St Mar y’s Church, Henley, 7pm, www.aliquando.co.uk 10, Remembrance Day service Henley town hall steps, October 10.45am. 16, Blake: Movies & Musicals, Kenton Theatre, 7.30pm 3 to 8, Henley Art & Crafts Guild autumn w w w. k e n t o n t h e a t r e . c o . u k exhibition, Old Fire Station Gallery 17, Michael Wooldridge, organ concert, Henley town w w w. h e n l e y - a r t - c r a f t s - g u i l d . o r g hall, 2.30pm for 3pm, www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk 3 to November 23, Run for Your Wife, Mill at 17, Henley Symphony Orchestra winter concert, Sonning, www.millatsonning.com Concert Hall, Reading, 4pm 5 to 20, Chilterns Walking Festival w w w. h e n l e y s y m p h o n y o rc h e s t r a . c o . u k w w w. v i s i t c h i l t e r n s . c o . u k / w a l k i n g f e s t 18, The Ladies of Nettlebed concert featuring Charlie 6, Henley Ploughing Match, Ipsden Dore, Rowan Godel, Megan Henwood and Jackie Oates, w w w. t h e h e n l e y s h o w. c o . u k / p l o u g h i n g m a t c h Nettlebed village club, 7.45pm 10 to 14, Finding the Edge painting and sculpture w w w. n e t t l e b e d f o l k c l u b . c o . u k exhibition, Old Fire Station Gallery, Henley 20 to 23, Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic 12 and 24, Farmers’market, Market Place, Henley, Society presents Jesus Christ Superstar, Kenton Theatre 8am to 2pm, www.visit-henley.com w w w. k e n t o n t h e a t r e . c o . u k 13, Henley half marathon and Henley Standard 10km 21 to 24, Country Homes and Interiors Christmas, w w w. h e n l e y h a l f m a r a t h o n . o r g Stonor Park, 10am to 4pm daily, www.stonor.com 13, Jon Smith, organ concert, Henley town hall, 25 to December 15, Christmas at Stonor, Stonor Park 2.30pm for 3pm, www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk w w w. s t o n o r. c o m 16 to 19, Henley Players present Dangerous Corner by 27, Christmas Artisan Craft Fair with free mulled wine, JB Priestley, Kenton Theatre Henley town hall, 6pm to 9.30pm. w w w. k e n t o n t h e a t r e . c o . u k 28 to December 3, Henley Art & Crafts Guild 19 and 20, Autumn Food Festival, Stonor Park Christmas exhibition, Old Fire Station Gallery w w w. s t o n o r. c o m w w w. h e n l e y - a r t - c r a f t s - g u i l d . o r g 23 to November 3, Halloween Half Term, Stonor 29, Henley Christmas Festival, including Christmas Park, www.stonor.com lights switch-on and late-night shopping, 5pm to 9pm, 26, Spooktacular fireworks display, Sue Ryder, Joyce various locations. Grove, Nettlebed, www.sueryder.org 30, Handel’sMessiah, South Chiltern Choral Society, 26 and 27, Lipstick on Your Collar, Kenton Theatre, Great Hall, University of Reading 7.30pm, www.kentontheatre.co.uk w w w. s o u t h c h i l t e r n c h o r a l s o c i e t y. o r g . u k 31, Rock photographer Danny Clifford, Old Fire 30 to February 8, Singin’in the Rain, Mill at Sonning Station Gallery, Henley. w w w. m i l l a t s o n n i n g . c o m
4 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY C A L E N DA R
December Februar y
1 to 24, Living Advent Calendar, various locations 9, Andrew Nix, organ concert, Henley town hall, w w w. l i v i n g a d v e n t c a l e n d a r. c o . u k 2.30pm for 3pm, www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk 4, Cinderella 2: The Mrs Charming Years, Kenton Theatre, 17 and 18, Immersion Theatre presents Rapunzel, 7.30pm, www.kentontheatre.co.uk Kenton Theatre, various times 7, Henley Choral Society Christmas concerts, 2.30pm w w w. i m m e r s i o n t h e a t r e . c o . u k / r a p u n z e l - 2 0 2 0 and 7pm, www.henleychoralsociety.org.uk 27 to April 18, Relatively Speaking, Mill at Sonning 8, Chris Stanbury, organ concert, Henley town hall, w w w. m i l l a t s o n n i n g . c o m 2.30pm for 3pm, www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk 8, Christmas Opera at Danesfield House Hotel w w w. d a n e s f i e l d h o u s e . c o . u k 12, Pete Burness-Smith, Old Fire Station Gallery, M a rc h featuring a “Do They Know It’s Christmas Tree”. 2 to 15, Henley Youth Festival, www.hyf.org.uk 13 to 28, Sleeping Beauty, Kenton Theatre, various times 5, World Book Day, www.worldbookday.com w w w. k e n t o n t h e a t r e . c o . u k 5 to 17, Reading Guild of Artists, Old Fire Station 14, 18 and 22, Farmers’market, Market Place, Henley, Gallery, www.rga-artists.org.uk 8am to 2pm, www.visit-henley.com 6, Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet, Kenton Theatre, 15, Henley Symphony Orchestra Christmas concerts, 7.45pm, www.kentontheatre.co.uk Christ Church, 4.30pm and 6.30pm 7, RIBA Henley Design Day 2020, Henley town hall, w w w. h e n l e y s y m p h o n y o rc h e s t r a . c o . u k 10am to 3.30pm, www.architecture.com 30 to January 4, Henley Children’s Theatre presents 8, Jean Martyn, organ concert, Henley town hall, Puss in Boots, Kenton Theatre 2.30pm for 3pm, www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk w w w. h e n l e y c h i l d r e n s t h e a t r e . c o . u k 15, Henley Symphony Orchestra 50th anniversary gala concert, Hexagon, Reading, 7.30pm w w w. h e n l e y s y m p h o n y o rc h e s t r a . c o . u k 28, Henley Choral Society spring concert, St Mary’s Church, Henley, www.henleychoralsociety.org.uk April
1 to 4, Henley Players present Saturday, Sunday, Monday by Eduardo De Filippo, Kenton Theatre w w w. k e n t o n t h e a t r e . c o . u k 19, Elizabeth Harrison, organ concert, Henley town hall, 2.30pm for 3pm, www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk January 2020 23 to June 13, The House on Cold Hill, Mill at Sonning w w w. m i l l a t s o n n i n g . c o m 12, Woodcote 10km run, 10.15am start, Woodcote 23 to May 5, Henley Art & Crafts Guild spring village hall, www.woodcote10k.org.uk exhibition, Old Fire Station Gallery 12, Phil Kelsall, organ concert, Henley town hall, w w w. h e n l e y - a r t - c r a f t s - g u i l d . o r g 2.30pm for 3pm, www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk 25, Henley Choir Festival, St Mary’s Church, Henley May
2 and 3, Henley Arts Trail, www.henleyartstrail.com 4 to 9, Henley Drama Festival, Kenton Theatre w w w. h e n l e y d r a m a f e s t i v a l . c o . u k 9 and 10, Tough Mudder London West, Culden Faw Estate, www.toughmudder.co.uk 14 to 19 and 21 to 26, Chelsea Fringe exhibition, Old Fire Station Gallery, http://tiny.cc/oldfirestation 15 to 17, Wood Festival, Braziers Park, Ipsden w w w. w o o d f e s t i v a l . c o m
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 5 C A L E N DA R
17, Chiltern Hills Rally 12, Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival, h t t p : / / t i n y. c c / c h i l t e r n h i l l s r a l l y incorporating the Henley Mile 28 to July 15, Ve r d i ’sUn giorno di regno/King for a Day, w w w. h e n l e y s w i m . c o m Garsington Opera at Wormsley 17 to 19, Thames Traditional Boat Festival w w w. g a r s i n g t o n o p e r a . o r g w w w. t r a d b o a t f e s t i v a l . c o m 29 to July 2, Mozart’sMitridate, re di Ponto, Garsington 19, Henley sheepdog trial, Henley Showground, Opera at Wormsley, www.garsingtonopera.org Hambleden, RG9 3AS w w w. t h e h e n l e y s h o w. c o . u k / s h e e p d o g - t r i a l 25, Club to Pub 1.5km summer evening swim June w w w. h e n l e y s w i m . c o m 6, Springstock 2020, The Flowing Spring, Playhatch w w w. t h e f l o w i n g s p r i n g p u b . c o . u k August 12 to 21, The Gap Festival 2020, Goring w w w. t h e g a p f e s t i v a l . o r g 7 and 8, Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta 14 to July 18, Dvorak’sRusalka, Garsington Opera at w w w. w s r e g a t t a . c o . u k Wormsley, www.garsingtonopera.org TBC, Rewind South festival, Temple Island Meadows 18 to August 8, Two Into One, Mill at Sonning https://south.rewindfestival.com w w w. m i l l a t s o n n i n g . c o m 16, Thames Marathon, 14km swim from Henley to 19 and 20, Beacon Festival, www.beaconfestival.net Marlow, www.henleyswim.com 19 to 21, Henley Women’s Regatta, www.hwr.org.uk 28 to 30, Reading Festival, www.readingfestival.com 25 to July 17, Beethoven’sFidelio, Garsington Opera at Wormsley, www.garsingtonopera.org 27, Henley Choral Society summer concert, St Mary’s Church, Henley, www.henleychoralsociety.org.uk 28, Selkie Henley Classic swim, 2.1km river swim upstream along the regatta course w w w. h e n l e y s w i m . c o m
September
5, Henley Regatta for the Disabled, Phyllis Court w w w. r e g a t t a f o r t h e d i s a b l e d . o r g 12, Henley Farm & Country Show, Henley Showground, Hambleden, www.thehenleyshow.co.uk 26 to October 4, Henley Literary Festival July www.henleyliterar yfestival.co.uk
1 to 5, Henley Royal Regatta, www.hrr.co.uk 8 to 12, Henley Festival, www.henley-festival.co.uk 10 to 12, Om & Bass Wellbeing Festival, Hill Farm, Watlington, www.omandbass.co.uk 11, Henley Kids Triathlon 2020 w w w. u k t r i a t h l o n . c o . u k 11, Henley Symphony Orchestra summer concert, Henley Festival, noon w w w. h e n l e y s y m p h o n y o rc h e s t r a . c o . u k 11 and 12, Woodcote Rally and the Festival of Ale w w w. w o o d c o t e r a l l y. o r g . u k
6 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY E N T E RTA I N M E N T Festivals and events HENLEY is rapidly becoming known for its festivals and sporting events. The town hosts a number of popular and long-standing annual fixtures, such as the Henley Festival, the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, the Henley Youth Festival, the Henley Drama Festival and the Henley Farm and Country Show. And in recent years, a number of new events has 1907727 been added to the calendar, including the Henley Literary Festival, the Henley Fringe Festival, the Henley House and Garden Show, the Chelsea Fringe festival, Music on the Meadows, Rewind, an Eighties pop event, and two food festivals. The five-day Henley Festival takes place in the second week of July and comprises an elegant mix of music, art, culture and dining —all in the spectacular setting of the banks of the Thames. The organisers call it “the most magical summer event in the United Kingdom”. The festival started life three decades ago as a classical music concert but over the years the repertoire has become more diverse, offering something for every taste. Each night, there is a range of performances of classical music, jazz, opera, pop, rock, comedy, dance and street theatre —all topped off with a fireworks display. Jessie J singing on the floating stage at the 2019 Henley Festival The 2019 line-up included Boy George, Jessie J, Tom Odell, Abba tribute act Björn Again and the Andy Hamilton, Richard Herring and Julian Clary. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. A ticket gives you access to up to six timetabled events as well as art galleries and a choice of bars Comedians who performed included Ed Byrne, and restaurants. The black-tie event is now one of the biggest and best-loved arts festivals in the countr y. For more information, call the box office on (01491) 843404 or visit www.henley-festival.co.uk The Henley Literary Festival takes place in the autumn and has established itself as one of the leading events of its kind. Events featuring leading writers are held at a range of venues including the Kenton Theatre, Henley town hall and Phyllis Court Club. The festival features workshops, River Readings of poetry and prose by leading actors on a Thames cruise and about 40 events for children and families. In 2019, there will be 170 events with speakers including former Prime Minister and Maidenhead MP Theresa May, who will be discussing the books that influenced her life. Speakers include TV presenter Mary Berry, IT Boy George performed on the opening night of the 2019 festival
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 7 E N T E RTA I N M E N T
Picture: Cheryl George
Members of the Berkshire & Henley Dance School performed at the 2019 Henley Youth Festival Dance event at the Kenton theatre pioneer Dame Stephanie Shirley and lyricist Sir including music, dance, drama and singing as Tim Rice, all of whom live in the Henley area. well as sports and other competitions. Also appearing is former England cricket captain Each year, about 2,000 youngsters take part in Sir Alastair Cook, actor David Suchet, comedian more than 40 events. The festival takes place in Paul Merton and newsreader George Alagiah. M a rc h . Children’s and family events will include For more information, visit www.hyf.org.uk Michael Morpurgo, David Baddiel and Radio 1 DJ The Henley Drama Festival has been going Greg James. for more than four decades. This year’s festival will take place from Saturday, It consists of a series of performances of one-act September 28 to Sunday, October 6. plays, some of them original, performed by local For more information, call 0118 972 4700, follow amateur groups at the historic Kenton Theatre in it on Twitter (@HenleyLitFest) or visit New Street. www.henleyliterar yfestival.co.uk The rules state that the plays must be no longer Rewind South is an annual celebration of than 50 minutes and there are usually three Eighties pop music that takes place in Temple performed each night. Island Meadows in August and is attended by up The festival director is Anne Dayton, whose to 40,000 people. parents were founder members. The 2019 line-up included Lulu, the Four Tops, The festival takes place in May. The Waterboys, Midge Ure, Belinda Carlisle, The Undertones, The Dire Straits Experience, UB40, The Henley Choir Festival has become a Tiffany, Heather Small, of M People, Heaven 17, regular fixture for singers across the area. the Neville Staple Band, The Selecter, The Wailers Local church choirs take part, performing and Kathy Sledge, from the original Sister Sledge. individual pieces before they all come together Festival-goers can buy day tickets or spend the to sing a chosen piece of choral music. weekend camping on site. There is a “glamping” St Mary’s Church is filled with the sound of area with luxury loos. more than 100 singers performing in the For more information, visit evening. Money raised at the festival is donated w w w. r e w i n d f e s t i v a l . c o m to a different charity each year. The Henley Youth Festival celebrates young The next festival will take place in January. For people’s talent. more information, email David Butler at [email protected] or Elizabeth Hodgkin at Organised by parents on a voluntary basis, the [email protected] festival features a range of performing arts events,
8 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY E N T E RTA I N M E N T
The Brakspear Jazz and Blues Week takes Saturday, September 12. The association also place in November and features a large number organises a sheepdog trial in July, where the of performances at the pub company’s venues. attractions include a spinning and weaving For more information, visit display and tractor and trailer rides. w w w. b r a k s p e a r j a z z a n d b l u e s . c o . u k It is also staging a ploughing match at Church Garsington Opera will present another fine Lane, Ipsden, on Sunday, October 6, where season at Wormsley in the Chiltern Hills from attractions include a heavy horse display, logging May 28 to July 18, 2020. demonstration, ferret racing, terrier racing and trailer rides. The programme will include Verdi’sUn giorno di re g n o , Mozart’sMitridate,re di Ponto, Dvorak’s For more information, call (01491) 410948 or Rusalka and a revival of John Cox’s legendary visit www.thehenleyshow.co.uk production of Beethoven’sFidelio in the The Thames Traditional Boat Festival takes composer's 250th anniversary year. place at Fawley Meadows in Henley over a For more information, visit weekend in late July. w w w. g a r s i n g t o n o p e r a . o r g The event, which was first held in 1978, features The Beacon Festival is a boutique family event a display of about 200 traditionally built craft, to celebrate the longest day, featuring music and including slipper launches, gentlemen’s day art, that take places at Watlington Hill Farm. launches, steam launches, river steamers, sailing craft, vintage speedboats, skiffs, rowing boats, There are about 40 bands performing across punts, unpowered and electric canoes, vintage three stages, a food piazza, bars, workshops, a sea-going cruisers and many of the famous children’s zone and camping. Dunkirk Little Ships. The festival is a not-for-profit event and the There are also family attractions, including proceeds are donated to community groups. exhibitions and demonstrations, vintage and The next one will be held on the weekend of classic cars and refreshments stalls. June 19 and 20, 2020. For more information, For more information, visit visit www.beaconfestival.net w w w. t r a d b o a t f e s t i v a l . c o m The Henley House & Garden Show takes The annual Chelsea Fringe Henley festival, place over a weekend in the spring. featuring a floral flotilla on the Thames, took Organised by interior designer Niki Schäfer, the place in May and June. show celebrates our love of homes and gardens This is an alternative garden festival that is and aims to encourage collaboration between endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society and Henley businesses. promotes an inclusive approach to flowers, The show is spread over a number of venues, gardens and gardening and runs alongside the with speeches, demonstrations and more than Chelsea Flower Show. 60 displays of indoor and outdoor furniture, For more information, visit flooring and artwork for the home. w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / C h e l s e a F r i n g e H e n l e y For more information, visit The Eat! Food Festival will be held from June w w w. n i k i s c h a f e r i n t e r i o r d e s i g n . c o . u k 13 to 27, 2020. Another major event is the annual Henley The inaugural festival was held in June 2019 and Farm and Country Show, formerly called the came to a close with a Riverside Fiesta of food, Henley Show, which takes place at Greenlands drink and live music on Mill Meadows and Farm, Hambleden, and provides a day out for all featured about 30 stalls of different cuisine. the family. There was also pop-up events including live talks Organised by the Henley and District and demonstrations at various town centre Agricultural Association, the show features venues, such as the Kenton Theatre. For more assorted prize animals, heavy horses, a sheep information, visit www.eatfoodfest.co.uk show, falconry display, horse show, dog show, food and farming tent, trade stands, a The Woodcote Rally takes place each July. This countryside marquee and much more. is an annual gathering of veteran and vintage transport, including steam engines, traction The 2020 show —the 129th —will place on
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 9 E N T E RTA I N M E N T
The Henley Swim Festival on July 12 is an outdoor swimming festival with options for everyone aged from eight and above. The event incorporates the Henley Mile,a 1.6km swim held on the royal regatta course. Another open water event is the14km Thames Marathon, previously known as the Bridge to Bridge Race, from Henley to Marlow in August. In 2014, the organisers added the Club to Pub Swim, a 1.5km race from Henley Rowing Club to the Angel on the Bridge pub. The challenge is to complete the course within an hour and before the chimes of the bells of St Mar y’s Church. It will next be held on July 25, 2020. For more information, visit www.henleyswim.com
Mandy Fox and David Hart tucking into some food at Mill A number of multi-sport events take place in Meadows during the first Eat! Food Festival in Henley in June and around Henley over the summer and autumn. engines, tractors, vintage cars and bikes. Since The Henley half marathon and the Henley the first rally in 1964, the event has raised more Standard 10km will take place on Sunday, than £500,000 for local charities and good October 13. causes. About 2,000 people take part in the races, which The 57th annual rally will take place on July 11 are organised by the Rotary Club of Henley and 12, 2020. For more information, visit Bridge and begin and end at Borlase Field, next w w w. w o o d c o t e r a l l y. o r g . u k to Henley Rugby Club. The Henley Christmas Festival will take place The half marathon started in 1981. The event on Friday, November 29 and includes late-night raises money for the RNLI as well as other shopping, fairground rides, stalls, carol singing, a charities. children’s procession and the Christmas tree lights switch-on ceremony. For more information, visit www.rotary-ribi.org For more information, visit The Henley Triathlon takes place in June and w w w. h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k has been going nine years. The Regatta for the Disabled, which was 10 The event comprises a 400m swim in the pool at years old in 2019, takes place at Phyllis Court Henley leisure centre followed by a 25km or Club in Henley in August or September. 12.5km cycle ride and then a 2.5km or 5km run. This gives children and adults with a disability a The run takes place in the grounds of Gillotts chance to enjoy a range of land and river-based School while the cycle ride goes along Greys activities not normally available to them, Road towards Rotherfield Greys before joining including river trips, dragon boat racing and a the B481 to Peppard and towards Sonning climbing wall that takes wheelchairs. Common. It returns to the school via Blounts Court Road and Devil’s Hill. The next triathlon The event is aimed at families and other will take place in July 12. attractions include animals to pet, pony rides, rowing machines and live music. Other events For more information, visit include a number of open water swims on the w w w. u k t r i a t h l o n . c o . u k / e v e n t s / River Thames. For more information, visit henley-thames-triathlon w w w. r e g a t t a f o r t h e d i s a b l e d . o r g The eighth UK Kids Fun Triathlon will be The Henley Classic swim is a 2.1km endurance held in June. For more information, visit race which takes place on the Henley Royal w w w. f u n 2 t r i . c o . u k Regatta course. The next swim is on Sunday, June Tough Mudder, known as “the world’s 28. toughest obstacle course”, takes place on the
10 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY E N T E RTA I N M E N T
Picture: Tony Wallbank
More than 850 swimmers took part in the Thames Marathon from Henley to Marlow in August, which sets off from Leander Club
Culden Faw Estate at Fawley in April and May. Kenton Theatre and every other year at an This is one of a series of events for hardcore open-air venue. competitors who require strength, stamina and The society owns The Studio, next door to the determination to complete the 12-mile course. theatre, where it holds rehearsals and social For more information, visit events and stores its extensive wardrobe. w w w. t o u g h m u d d e r. c o . u k Rehearsals normally take place three nights a The Great Escape is a role play and obstacle week for large productions and increase closer to challenge where competitors are part of an elite the production dates, which are usually in April team that have to rescue a downed pilot, avoid and November. Readings and auditions are the enemy and end up back in home territory. It generally open to all. also takes place at the Culden Faw Estate. For more information, call Clancey Smith on For more information, visit (01491) 573084 or email Jennamarie Smith at w w w. i n t r e p i d e v e n t s . c o m [email protected] Other entertainment The Henley Players are an established amateur drama group now in their 70th year. The Kenton Theatre in New Street is the fourth oldest working theatre in the country and They produce two full-length plays each year, is largely run by volunteers. It is a Regency gem usually at the Kenton Theatre, and also compete with a warm, friendly and cosy atmosphere. The in four or five local drama festivals. 241-seat auditorium is professionally equipped There are around 80 members of all ages and new and suitable for live performances, films, lectures members are welcome. and conferences. For more information, call Jenny Haywood on The Kenton presents a varied programme to suit (01491) 576293, visit the group online or email all tastes, from comedy, music and family events [email protected] to musicals, drama, opera and talks. The Acorn Theatre Music Company aims to A coffee bar and licensed bar are open for advance the education of young people in the art performances and the theatre is available for hire of theatre, music and other performing arts, for events and performances. regardless of colour, creed or ability, by creating For more information, call (01491) 575698 or original music theatre based on multicultural email [email protected] myths, legends and world stories. For the full programme and to book tickets, visit Using the very best artistic practitioners to work w w w. k e n t o n t h e a t r e . c o . u k with young people, the group looks to create The Henley Amateur Operatic and confident and dynamic live performances for Dramatic Society was formed in 1922 and new audiences in unusual places. Its 2019 each year puts on two musicals and a play at the summer production was The Green Man and Other
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 11 E N T E RTA I N M E N T
Fables, which was performed three times at White Pond Farm in Stonor. Such was its success, the group was then invited to perform an abridged version —two hour-long performances —at Blenheim Palace, which had constructed an Elizabethan village to host performances of some of Shakespeare’s best-known plays. The Henley and District Theatre Organ Tr ust was founded in 1971 by some Henley Rotarians under the chairmanship of Gordon Mintern. An organ was installed in the Regal cinema and regular Sunday concerts took place. The first was given by the late Reginald Dixon to an audience of more than 1,000 people. The trust now organises concerts in the town hall for local charities and to entertain Henley’s older generation. For more information, call Susan Rusman on 0118 972 4988. The Henley Rock Choir is for anyone who just loves to sing. Rock Choir is the UK's largest and most popular contemporary choir, with more Actress Mary Stewart is playing Maleficent in Sleeping than 25,000 members in more than 350 local Beauty, the Kenton Theatre’s 2019 pantomime communities nationwide. It offers adults the chance to sing and perform popular on Mondays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for contemporary songs, with no auditions and no rehearsals at the d:two centre in Market Place. requirements to read music or have any previous It is directed by Peter Asprey and performs at singing experience. least three major concerts each year, often with Henley Rock Choir is always open to new an orchestra. members and rehearses at Valley Road School, For more information, call Jan French on Henley, from 8pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays. (01491) 576929, email [email protected], For more information, visit www.rockchoir.com or visit www.henleychoralsociety.org.uk The Henley Symphony Orchestra was The Henley Children’s Theatre Group has founded in 1970 and is now one of the leading been established for almost 50 years. Founded in amateur orchestras in the country. It has around 1969 by Flavia Pickworth, it has been run by her 70 players drawn from across the Thames Valley. granddaughter, Muffin Hurst, for more than 25 Under the guidance of musical director Ian years. There are classes for children aged four to Brown, the orchestra promotes an annual series 16. The basic theatre skills of acting, singing and of four concerts and engages internationally dancing are all covered in a friendly, informal acclaimed soloists. Rehearsals take place weekly atmosphere. The emphasis is on fun. at The Henley College from 7pm to 10pm. The children give two annual performances at For more information, call membership secretary the Kenton Theatre. The group meets on Maureen Idowu on 07910 435240 or visit Saturday mornings at Sacred Heart parish hall. w w w. h e n l e y s y m p h o n y o rc h e s t r a . c o . u k For more information, call Muffin Hurst on Established in 1973, Henley Choral Society is (01491) 579091, email made up of more than 100 singers who share a [email protected] or visit love of music and gain pleasure from singing in a w w w. h e n l e y c h i l d r e n s t h e a t r e . c o . u k relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The Regal Picturehouse cinema, off Bell No auditions are required and the society meets Street, shows a wide range of films daily.
12 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY E N T E RTA I N M E N T
For more information, call 0871 902 5738 or visit Henley Arts and Crafts Guild, founded in w w w. p i c t u r e h o u s e s . c o . u k / c i n e m a / 1953, aims to bring together all those interested Regal_Picturehouse in visual arts and crafts by arranging a number of The Old Fire Station Gallery is a converted activities for members throughout the year. fire station, which is owned by the town council. Full-day painting and craft workshops are held It provides a magnificent space for artists to two or three times a month during the year, display their paintings, sculpture, tapestry or mostly at Remenham village hall. photography. It is located in Upper Market Place, In the summer months, outdoor painting behind the town hall. sessions are organised in the local area, along For more information, call the town hall on with coach trips to London exhibitions for (01491) 576982 or email members and friends. e n q u i r i e s @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Two annual exhibitions of members’work are Shiplake and Dunsden Dramatic held in the Old Fire Station Gallery in Market Organisation. In 1999 a local group entitled Place —one in the spring and another in the MAD (Millennium Amateur Dramatics) got autumn, with a craft fair in early December. together for the first time to produce Aladdin in For more information, contact Ann Spicer on Shiplake College’s Tithe Barn in aid of the 0118 972 2133 or [email protected] Shiplake and Dunsden parish appeal. Following the success of the venture, the group reinvented Henley Music Centre is run by the Eureka! itself as SHADDO (Shiplake and Dunsden Foundation. It is held at the Christ Church Dramatic Organisation) and decided to produce a Centre, Reading Road, Henley. It is open to all further pantomime, the proceeds this time to be ages. The centre is home to the Henley Youth ploughed back into Shiplake Memorial Hall. Chamber Orchestra and also supports ensembles for younger players. Since then they have produced many pantomimes and other productions including For more information, write to Eureka! Music murder mysteries, Gilbert and Sullivan’sTrial By Foundation, 5 Colleton Drive, Twyford, RG10 Jur y, comedies and A Christmas Carol. 0AU, call 0118 961 7584 or visit w w w. e u r e k a f o u n d a t i o n . o r g Members also enjoy a series of events and outings throughout the year, such as theatre and Henley Music School provides an all-inclusive, museum visits. Shaddo are always looking for fun music education for any child regardless of new members. To find out more, go to the age, ability, background or means. It provides group’s regular play readings on the first Monday individual lessons and school-based group music of the month at the Baskerville Arms in Shiplake, clubs and holds Music School Sundays. 7.30pm for an 8pm start. All tutors are specialists in their field, coaching For more information, email individuals in any instrument along with all the secretar [email protected] ensembles and groups.
Henley Rock Choir performing on night six of the 2018 Living Advent Calendar at the Henley 60+ Social Club, off Greys Road
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 13 E N T E RTA I N M E N T
These groups include a rock and pop band, wind in Sonning Common during term time. Their band, string ensemble, keyboard club, ukulele conductor and musical director is Paul Burke. group, guitar club, flute choir, saxophone and The singing year starts in September and there clarinet group, music tech, mini drums, mini are three regular concerts each year —a choir, mini recorders and musicianship for Christmassy concert, a classical concert in the four-year-olds upwards. spring, and a lighter summer concert. It currently has more than 350 children from The society uses both professional and Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire non-professional soloists and instrumentalists in enjoying all the different musical opportunities. its concerts. For more information, call Laura Reineke on In addition, the society runs occasional singing 07989 396210, email workshops and organises quizzes, singing and [email protected] or visit sightseeing tours and trips to concerts. w w w. h e n l e y m u s i c s c h o o l . c o . u k New members are very welcome —no audition Henley Youthful Orchestra is for anyone required. over 40 who wishes they still played an instrument and would like to experience playing For more information, email the choral society’s in a big group or performing on a proper stage. membership officer Wendy Cross at [email protected] or visit With monthly orchestra rehearsals, the music is w w w. s o u t h c h i l t e r n c h o r a l s o c i e t y. o r g . u k easy but effective and is arranged to suit all abilities. The River & Rowing Museum in Mill Meadows brings the river, rowing, history and For more information and registration forms, call the arts to life. Laura Reineke on 07989 396210 or email her at [email protected] It has five galleries —the Henley Gallery, supported by Invesco Perpetual, the Henley Youth Choir is for seven- to International Rowing Gallery, the River Gallery, 17-year-olds who love to sing, in either the the John Piper Gallery and the Community junior (ages seven to 11) or senior (ages 12 to 17) Galler y. c h o i r. The permanent Wind in the Willows exhibition They have performed four times at Henley heralds the return of Mr Toad, Ratty, Badger and Choral Society’s Christmas concerts and at the Mole to the banks of the River Thames, whose Henley Youth Festival’s Sing event at the Kenton creatures and landscapes provided the Theatre, as well as at Henley Royal Regatta, the inspiration for this classic tale. Living Advent Calendar and in Anita D’Attellis’s Winter Recitals concert series in Wallingford. There is a constantly evolving calendar of temporary art and photography exhibitions and Most recently they sang at the Henley Festival a year-round calendar of nature trails, craft Family Sunday to a packed audience —their workshops and family days. third such performance in as many years. The Youth Choir sings a wide range of music, from The 12-month admission ticket costs £24 for Mozart to Bruno Mars. adults, £16 for children aged four and over, £22.50 for senior citizens (for those aged 65 and Rehearsals take place in term time on Thursdays over) and £21.50 concessions. at d:two, Upper Market Place, from 5.30pm for the junior choir and 6.15pm for the senior choir. Day tickets are also available priced £9 for adults, £6 for children aged four and over, £8.50 The choir welcome new members and singers can for senior citizens aged 65 and over, and £8 come along for a trial session. They also have concessions. sibling discounts and a bursary scheme. Children under four go free. For more information, call Fi Harding on 07947 658252, email [email protected] or visit The museum is fully accessible and carers are w w w. h e n l e y c h o r a l s o c i e t y. o r g . u k / y o u t h - c h o i r s entitled to free admission. South Chiltern Choral Society currently has For more information, call (01491) 415600 or about 100 singing members. The choir rehearses visit www.rrm.co.uk on Mondays during term time from 7.30pm to 9.40pm at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge School
14 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY A rich sporting heritage
Henley Royal Regatta. It was decided at a Established on the site of what is now St public meeting at Henley town hall in March Thomas’s Hospital, London, in 1818, Leander 1839 to establish an annual regatta. eventually built its own clubhouse in Henley in It would be “under judicious and respectable 1896. management”and “would not only be At that time it was already the most successful productive of the most beneficial results to the club to compete at Henley Royal Regatta, a town but from its peculiar attractions would also position it has maintained to this day. be a source of amusement and gratification to the Leander’s athletes are either current members of neighbourhood and to the public in general”. the GB team, or row in the club’s development The first regatta took place on a single afternoon academy with international status as their aim. in June that year. The event received its “royal” To date, its athletes have won 123 Olympic prefix in 1851 when HRH Prince Albert became medals, including 55 golds, which make Leander the first royal patron. the most successful single sports club in the It is now the top traditional regatta in the world world. in many rowers’eyes, ranking alongside the The qualifications for membership require Olympic Games and the world championships. proficiency in good oarsmanship and good (Henley is the only town to have hosted the fellowship and most of the club’s 3,500 members Olympics regatta twice —in 1908 and 1948.) worldwide have competed at the highest level in The regatta now has its own headquarters on the rowing or given great service to the sport. The Berkshire side of the river next to Henley Bridge. club’s colour is cerise and the emblem a hippo, This building was opened in April 1986 by the whose origins are unclear, although it became a Queen. The regatta takes place over five days, significant part of the Leander regalia as early as with Finals Day always falling on the 27th the 1850s. Sunday of the year. The club is available to non-members outside the For more information, visit www.hrr.co.uk regatta period for accommodation, conferences, Leander Club is the most prestigious, historic dinner parties and weddings, whose revenue goes and successful rowing club in the world. directly to help fund the rowing programme.
Leander’s Alex Milne, Stephen Hughes, Miles Devereux and Tim Eilers, who won the Fawley Challenge Cup at the 2019 Henley Royal Regatta
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 15 SPORTS AND LEISURE
For more information, visit www.leander.co.uk expanded and offered three abreast racing in all Upper Thames Rowing Club is the only one events. of Henley’s rowing clubs to be based on the royal The regatta takes place on the fourth Saturday regatta course. after Henley Royal Regatta with the generous It was founded in 1963 by Peter and Diane support and assistance of the stewards. Races are Sutherland with the intention of providing run over about 800m of the famous royal regatta high-quality rowing for the local community. course. Originally, the club operated from a house in There is free entry to the enclosure, a licensed New Street but later moved to the disused regatta bar, refreshments, rides on the umpires’ boom shed halfway along the regatta course on launches and no dress code. Races run from the Remenham bank. 8.30am to 7.30pm. Now it has one of the finest rowing and training For more information, email facilities in the country, catering for a wide range [email protected] or visit of recreational and elite rowers. w w w. h e n l e y t o w n r e g a t t a . o r g . u k In 2009, a new clubhouse was opened by Sir Henley Rowing Association exists to Steve Redgrave. This complements the larger encourage rowing for all —from beginners to boathouse that was completed in 2005 and those who want to “have a go”, through to opened by then Henley MP Boris Johnson. experienced rowers. Individuals, small groups The aims of the club are to promote elite-level and corporate events, young and old alike, men rowing as well as cater for more leisurely and women, are all welcome. enjoyment of the river and encourage junior Available weekend afternoons, weekdays and rowing. some early evenings in summer, each rowing Upper Thames has strong links with local schools experience is tailor-made so prices vary and colleges and runs summer camps open to according to the number of participants, boats anyone who wants to try rowing. equipment and coaches needed. For more information, call 07881 205545, email For more information, email [email protected] or visit [email protected] or visit www.utrc.org.uk henleyrowingassociation.com Henley Rowing Club was founded in 1830, Henley Sailing Club was formed in 1896 at the year after the first Boat Race was held at Shiplake. Now based in Willow Lane in Henley, and took part in the first Henley Regatta, Wargrave, it owns two acres of grounds, which now the royal regatta, nine years later. include the clubhouse, boat stores, lawns and Its first home was a hired space at the Red Lion two car parks. Hotel boathouse but in the early 1900s it moved The clubhouse has a bar and lounge area, to premises at the end of New Street. changing rooms, showers and toilets. The club remained there until 1986 when it For more information, call 0118 940 3344 or moved to the site of the old swimming baths off email [email protected] Wargrave Road, where it remains today. The Eyot Centre is set in large grounds beside The club has about 350 members and is the Thames, about 300m upstream from Henley successful locally, nationally and internationally. Bridge with access from Wargrave Road. For more information, email The centre is home to Henley Canoe Club and [email protected] or visit the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. w w w. h e n l e y r o w i n g c l u b . c o . u k For more information, call (01491) 574989 visit The Henley Town and Visitors’Regatta w w w. e y o t c e n t r e . c o . u k , developed from the Henley Rowing Club Boat www.henleycanoeclub.co.uk or Races, which started in the late 1850s. w w. e y o t d o f e . c o m Its name changed to Henley Town Regatta in Henley Dragon Boat Club, which is also 1887 and the word “Vi s i t o r ”was later added to based at the centre, was formed in 1991. It is show that the regatta had been opened to open to anyone over the age of nine and of any competitors from clubs not based in Henley. a b i l i t y. After the Second World War and following the For more information, visit success of multi-lane racing on the Henley Reach at the 1948 Olympic Games, the Regatta w w w. h e n l e y d r a g o n s . o n l i n e
16 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY SPORTS AND LEISURE
Thames Rescue is a voluntary organisation that It has had National League status since the provides a water-based rescue service for charity mid-Nineties. At present, it has three other senior and commercial events on the Thames and teams, a women’s XV and colts side. It also has a nearby waterways. successful mini and junior section with more For more information, call Mary Aldred on than 400 members. (01491) 573562. The club installed a synthetic pitch in 2004 with Henley Town Football Club was founded in the aid of a £3,000 grant from Sport England and 1871 and leased its Reading Road ground for it may be hired by schools, sports clubs and decades. In 1974, after three years playing on companies. borrowed pitches, the club arrived at its present In 2016 the rugby club opened its new clubhouse. home in Mill Lane with a long lease from the The £475,000 redevelopment took four months town council. to build and includes a new kitchen and an As a community club, Henley run two sides in extension to the bar. It was opened by New the Thames Valley League and one in the Zealand rugby legend Sean Fitzpatrick ahead of Reading and District Sunday League. For more the club’s first home game of the season. information, write to: Henley Town FC, the For more information, call (01491) 574499, email Triangle Ground, Mill Lane, Henley, RG9 4HB or [email protected] or visit visit www.henleytownfootballclub.co.uk www. henleyhawks.co.uk AFC Henley started in 1974 as Henley Boys’and Henley Cricket Club in Matson Drive is one of Girls’Football Club. It is based at Jubilee Park the leading clubs in the Home Counties. The club opposite Tesco, which is leased from Henley runs three sides on Saturdays, with the 1st XI Town Council, and has about 300 members. competing in the Home Counties Premier League The independent club is affiliated to the Football and the 2nd, 3rd teams in the Thames Valley Association and was voted charter standard club League. of the year for 2012. It also runs a Sunday side which plays against For more information, call Trevor Howell on local village sides and leading wandering clubs. (01491) 578850 or 07711 845956 or visit The club has a comprehensive youth policy with w w w. a f c h e n l e y. c o m a large number of professional coaches who Henley Rugby Club, which is based at Dry coach a colts section of up to 200 youngsters Leas in Marlow Road, was founded in 1930 as between the ages of seven and 17. It also provides Old Henliensians by the old boys of the town’s coaching at local schools. grammar school. With the advent of leagues in For more information, call club secretary Tony the late Eighties, it made unbridled progress and Fettiplace on 07767 852680, email was coached by Sir Clive Woodward in the early [email protected] or visit Nineties. w w w. h e n l e y c r i c k e t c l u b . c o . u k
Sam Lunnon and Jake Albon, the joint captains of the Henley Hawks for the 2019/20 National Division 2 South campaign
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 17 SPORTS AND LEISURE
Henley Hockey Club was founded in 1958. It created two clubs in the Upper Thames area — has about 120 members and 200 colts and runs Henley and Oxford. It offers a welcoming and five men’s and three women’s teams plus a structured approach to swimming that’s open to Sunday mixed team. all, from leisure to competitive swimmers. The men compete in the South and MBBO For more information, visit www.howsc.co.uk or League and women in the South and Trysports email [email protected] BBO League. Henley Synchronised Swimming Club Many of the club’s players have achieved county meets on Thursday evenings and takes strong level and some international level. The players swimmers from the age of seven and above. have professional coaching two nights a week For more information, visit and for four hours on a Sunday morning for the w w w. h e n l e y s y n c h r o n i s e d s w i m m i n g c l u b . o r g colts. Springbox Gymnastics Club, established 25 The club runs social and fund-raising events. It years ago, is based at Henley leisure centre and welcomes new members, irrespective of ability trains on Wednesdays and Fridays with more and age, and runs courses for aspiring umpires. classes opening. It offers pre-school, recreational The club leases its Jubilee Park pitch from Henley and competition squad classes for boys and girls Town Council. from three years upwards. It also offers holiday For more information, call president Chris Baker clubs and gymnastics parties at the leisure on (01491) 574563 or email [email protected] centre. Springbox gymnastics is affiliated with Henley Tennis Club in Tilebarn Close is set British Gymnastics. within the grounds of The Henley College and For more information, email has five hard courts and a new clubhouse. [email protected] or visit It welcomes players of all ages and abilities and w w w. s p r i n g b o x g y m c l u b . c o . u k has a vibrant junior section and a new full-time Henley leisure centre in Gillotts Lane is run coach. by Better in partnership with Henley Town The club holds sessions on Tuesdays and Council and South Oxfordshire District Council. Thursdays at 6pm (Easter to October) and on Facilities include an air-conditioned gym, indoor Sundays at 10am. swimming pool, squash courts, a large hall for For more information, email the membership racquet sports and ball games and dance studio. secretary at [email protected] or There are male, female, group and disabled visit www.henleytennisclub.co.uk changing facilities, a café and free car parking. Henley Ladies’Badminton Club was The centre is open Monday to Friday, 6.30am to established in 1909 and originally was a mixed 10pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 8am to 8pm. club. Over the years, it has met at many venues, For more information, call (01491) 577909 or including the town hall, Trinity Hall and Shiplake visit www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/ College. It meets at 9.30am on Tuesdays at south-oxfordshire/henley-leisure-centre Woodford Park, Woodley, and welcomes new Trinity Trainer Pool in Greys Hill is a shallow, members. A group also meets at Trinity Hall every warm pool that is ideal for young children to Friday from 9.30am to 11.30am. enjoy and develop their confidence in water. It is For more information, call Joan Belcher on 0118 used by local schools, nurseries and playgroups 947 4772. and is available to hire. Henley Swimming Club is a small but friendly For more information, email competition club for swimmers aged nine to 19. [email protected] The club is more than 120 years old and Henley Squash Club, for adults and juniors, originally its swimmers trained and raced in the provides squash and racket ball. Thames at Henley. These days, activities take It has an active junior club and competes in place at Henley leisure centre. Oxfordshire and Berkshire. For more information, call head coach Sarah Club nights are every Saturday from 5.20pm to Williams on 07984 629935 or email 6.40pm. Members play at Henley leisure centre. [email protected] For more information, call membership secretary Henley Open Water Swimming Club was Duncan Nightingale on 07899 731219 or visit formed in 2014 as part of a pilot project that w w w. h e n l e y s q u a s h . c o . u k
18 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY C H U RC H ES Places of worship
St Mary the Virgin in 1987. The main weekly services are at 8am and The exact origin of 10am on Sundays. For more information, call the parish church of (01491) 574822 or visit the website St Mary the Virgin is w w w. h o l y t r i n i t y h e n l e y. o r g . u k unknown but it is Sacred Heart Church likely to have been The Grade II listed Sacred Heart Church was around 1000. The first opened in 1936, built around a beautiful reredos recorded priest was and altar designed by AWN and EW Pugin in Aumericus de 1852 as part of the private chapel of Charles Scott Harcourt in 1204. Murray at Danesfield House. In recent years the The present building church has undergone major re-ordering to was almost certainly reflect today’s liturgy, including a modern pre-dated by earlier engraved glass screen by the artist Graham Jones structures but the first and the addition of a meeting room and disabled reference to the toilets. church is a charter of 1272 granting an indulgence “to all contributors to the building or the repairing of the church at Henley”. St Mary’s is basically a 13th century building that was enlarged and remodelled in the 15th century and again in the 19th. Its sister church is St Nicholas’s in Remenham. Fr Martyn Griffiths is the rector of both churches. The main weekly service is at 9.30am on Sundays. For more information, call (01491) 577340 or email [email protected] The 10.30am Sunday Mass includes a special Holy Trinity Church children’s liturgy, separate during the early part Holy Trinity of Mass, and later as part of the main ceremony. Church opened in Visitors are most welcome. 1848 in the parish Masses: Saturday 6pm (Vigil Mass); Sunday of Rotherfield 8.30am and 10.30am (sung); Masses for holy days Greys. Holy 9.30am and 7pm. Trinity became a Confessions: Saturdays 5pm to 5.45pm. parish in its own For more information, call (01491) 573258 or right in 1849. The email [email protected] parish at that time had a Christ Church population Christ Church in Reading estimated at Road was formed following 1,000. Today, the the 1662 Act of Uniformity. total is more than The first named leader of the 7,500, comprising church was regular preacher the larger part of Henley. John Gyles, who led the The church was enlarged in 1891 to cater for the congregation until his death growing population. The flint and stone was in 1683. There is a poem to restored to match the original design of him on the north wall of the Benjamin Ferrey. The interior was re-ordered present church.
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 19 C H U RC H ES
One of the most memorable early leaders of the They worship in silence until someone is moved church (1748-1776) was Humphrey to speak. The meeting starts when the first Gainsborough, brother of the painter Thomas person enters the room and ends when two of and a renowned inventor and engineer. the elders shake hands. Afterwards, tea and The church was rebuilt in 1908 with yellow stone coffee are provided. All are welcome at meetings. dressings, gothic-style tracery and Art Nouveau For more information, call 0118 972 3295. glass. Benefactors included Sir Frank Crisp of Henley Baptist Friar Park, who paid for the flamboyant Church south-east tower in memory of a non-conformist Henley Baptist g r a n d f a t h e r. Church is located at The main weekly service is at 10.30am on the d:two centre in Sundays. For more information, call (01491) Market Place. 577733 or email It meets on m a n a g e r s @ c h r i s t c h u rc h h e n l e y. o r g . u k Sundays at 10.30am Quakers with worship, The Religious teaching and Society of Friends, or children’s groups. Quakers, meet at 45 For more Northfield End, information, call Henley, for worship (01491) 577414 or at 10.45am every email S u n d a y. [email protected] Art and galleries HENLEY enjoys a reputation as one of the leading the workshops and courses constantly evolve. She destinations for art collectors outside London. said: “We believe there’s a creative outlet for The OLD FIRE STATION GALLERY in Upper everyone and we’re here to help you find it. Just Market Place has an exciting and varied exhibi- because you feel you can’t draw, doesn’t mean tion calendar. you can’t create incredible jewellery, photo- graphy, linocut prints or maybe mosaics; what It has become popular for many types of art and about clay, is that your unexpected skill? hosts the likes of the Henley Art and Crafts Guild as well as other local artists. “We ’re big on the enjoyment that can be gleaned from using our creative muscles, as well as the In 2009, the council made major improvements learning, and we pride ourselves on providing a to the building, installing disabled toilets, mov- blissful studio to create in.” ing the kitchen area and opening up the whole of the main gallery. For more information, call Jo on 07748 567250 or visit www.thehenleyschoolofart.com An exhibition calendar can be viewed on the town council website www.henleytowncoun- c i l . g o v. u k HENLEY SCHOOL OF ART in Hart Street is a small art school offering a diverse range of courses and workshops. You can learn to paint or draw, try your hand at ceramics, create a mosaic, sew a portrait or have a go at calligraphy, printmaking and even creative writing. Propietor Jo Harris, who founded the school in 2013, adds to the roster of tutors all the time, so Jo Harris, proprietor of the Henley School of Art
20 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY COUNCI LS Government & Business IN Oxfordshire there are three tiers of local meetings, seminars and conferences. The town government —county, district and parish or hall is licensed for weddings or civil partnerships. town councils —each with distinct areas of It also supports a 60+ Club, town twinning responsibility for services. associations, festivals and other events and makes South Oxfordshire District Council collects grants and offers free use of its rooms to the many council tax and uses around 10 per cent of that to charitable and voluntary organisations in Henley. help pay for its services. Those services include The council also finances and supports an weekly food waste collections, fortnightly information centre at the town hall, Christmas recycling and residual waste collections, leisure Festival and Henley in Bloom, the Henley facilities, street cleaning, planning, housing, Business Partnership, CCTV and part-funds a environmental health (such as food hygiene police community support officer. inspections, noise nuisance, fly-tipping and air For more information, call (01491) 576982, email quality), forestry, public conveniences, sport, [email protected] or visit recreation, arts, tourism and the countryside, w w w. h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k unclassified roads, footpaths, off-street car parks Climate Emergency, Greener Henley, and some on-street car parks, street lighting, formerly Henley in Transition, was formed in cemeteries and crematoriums. 2008 and is a community group working to Oxfordshire County Council, which receives address the problems of peak oil and climate 80 per cent of council tax, is responsible for change by developing sustainability and education, libraries, social services, youth resilience within the community. A transition services, roads, trading standards and the fire and town aims to use local supplies of energy, food, rescue service. The council carries out waste housing and transport. disposal via recycling, landfill and bio-digesters. It Transition works by bringing people together to also maintains and looks after footpaths, both discuss the problem and create their own vision urban and rural. for a sustainable future. Current issues include Town and parish councils receive council tax finding green solutions to Henley’s congestion revenue for services such as informal recreation and pollution problems, a community energy areas, footpaths, allotments, bus shelters, some project to put solar panels on appropriate roof car parks and public conveniences. The remainder spaces, working with Henley allotments to goes to Thames Valley Police. encourage people to grow their own produce and The county council also looks after the the Henley Forest Project. registration service (births, deaths and marriages), For more information, call Ian Petrie on 07967 special educational needs, adoption and fostering, 638487, email [email protected] or citizenship, archaeology, flooding, pest control, visit www.henley-in-transition.org.uk health and wellbeing (in partnership with the The Henley Business Partnership is a not- health service), street lighting, winter for-profit organisation set up to identify, plan and maintenance and on-street parking. run collaborative projects for the benefit of Henley Town Council provides many services Henley. It brings people together for the good of to residents and visitors, including permanent the town, whether they are a resident, in business and temporary moorings and car parks at Mill or represent a local authority. Steered by annual Meadows, Mill Lane and Wootton Road; a action plans, the partnership raises the necessary cemetery, garden of remembrance and a green funds from private sponsors, the town, district burial site along Fair Mile; allotments on two and county councils and its members. sites; parks and open spaces; a weekly market, a For more information, email monthly farmers’market and four Continental [email protected] markets and outdoor sports facilities including an all-weather sports pitch in Reading Road. The town hall and King’s Arms Barn are available for hire for private and social functions as well as
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 21 COUNCI LS Town councillors Henley North Councillor Glen Lambert (HRG) Councillor Ken Arlett (HRG*) 140 Greys Road, Henley, RG9 1QR 11 Elizabeth Road, Henley, RG9 2JN g . l a m b e r t @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k 07816 298922 k . a r l e t t @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Councillor Sarah Miller (HRG) Oak Hatch, 81 Reading Road, Henley, RG9 1AX Councillor Ian Clark (Con***) 07909 442019 27 Cromwell Road, Henley, RG9 1JH s . m i l l e r @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k (01491) 572949 or 07778 052114 i . c l a r k @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Councillor Laurence Plant (Con) Henley Practice, The Oast House, Henley, RG9 Councillor Donna Crook (HRG) 2AA Henley town hall, RG9 2AQ 07720 400416 (01491) 576982 l . p l a n t @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k d . c r o o k @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Councillor Ian Reissmann (HRG) Councillor David Eggleton (HRG) 9 Gainsborough Road, Henley, RG9 1SZ 48 Gainsborough Road, Henley, RG9 1SX (01491) 579733, or 07788 735326 (01491) 579759 or 07836 202508 i . r e i s s m a n n @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k d . e g g l e t o n @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Councillor Rob Romans (HRG) Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak (HRG) 12 Cromwell Road, Henley, RG9 1JH (01491) 576982 Pantiles, Elizabeth Road, Henley, RG9 1RA r. r o m a n s @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k 07799 803596 s.gawr [email protected] Councillor Michelle Thomas (HRG) 1A Belle Vue Road, Henley, RG9 1JQ Councillor Lorraine Hillier (Ind Con**) (01491) 576982 The Swedish House, 8 Park Corner, Nettlebed, m . t h o m a s @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k RG9 6DT 07818 451367 South Oxfordshire District Council l . h i l l i e r @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Councillor Ken Arlett (HRG) Councillor John Hooper (HRG) 11 Elizabeth Road, Henley, RG9 2JN 54 Ancastle Green, Henley, RG9 1T3 07816 298922 (01491) 576982 [email protected] j . h o o p e r @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak (HRG) Pantiles, Elizabeth Road, Henley, RG9 1RA Councillor Paula Isaac (HRG) 07799 803596 41 Gainsborough Road, Henley, RG9 1SZ stefan.gawr [email protected] p . i s a a c @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Councillor Kellie Hinton (HRG) Ground floor flat, 7 Queen Street, Henley, RG9 1AR Henley South 07527 826706 Councillor Will Hamilton (Con) k e l l i e . h i n t o n @ s o u t h o x o n . g o v. u k 153 Greys Road, Henley, RG9 1TE (01491) 577487 Oxfordshire County Council [email protected] or Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak (HRG) w. h a m i l t o n @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k Pantiles, Elizabeth Road, Henley, RG9 1RA 07799 803596 Councillor Kellie Hinton (HRG) stefan.gawr [email protected] Ground floor flat, 7 Queen Street, Henley, RG9 1AR 07527 826706 *Henley Residents Group **Independent Conservative, k . h i n t o n @ h e n l e y t o w n c o u n c i l . g o v. u k ***Conser vative
22 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY C LU BS Clubs and services NOMAD Youth and Community project is an undertake target shooting and receive leadership active local charity which supports young people training. The cadets regularly attend events in and their families at grass roots level. It provides and around the town in order to contribute as support for those facing challenging situations in much as possible to the community. Potential their lives and works collaboratively with other new cadets are welcome. The 447 (Henley) organisations to deliver positive and individually Squadron meets on Monday and Thursday at the tailored programmes of support. It organises Drill Hall, Friday Street, from 7pm to 9.30pm. For activities including family fun days, beach trips, days out, football matches and community art more information, email [email protected], call projects and seeks to act as an advocate for local (01491) 572335 or 0796 7821220 or visit people regarding resources and facilities within w w w. 4 4 7 a t c . o r g the community. It is based at 55-57 Market Place, Henley Scout group prides itself on being one H e n l e y. of the first in the world, founded in 1908. It has For more information, call (01491) 635737 or operated continuously since then and now forms email [email protected] part of an organisation with 32 million members in 218 countries and territories. The purpose of Henley Army Cadet Force is one of Britain’s scouting is to contribute to the development of oldest, largest and most successful youth young people in achieving their full physical, organisations with more than 47,000 cadets in intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as around 1,700 local detachments. It offers a range individuals, responsible citizens and members of of opportunities, challenges and activities to help their local, national and international 12- to 18-year-olds develop mentally and communities. The group meets at Greys Road physically. The young people improve their scout hut six times a week for beavers, cubs, self-confidence and develop teamwork, scouts and explorers. friendship and leadership skills. The Henley Army Cadet Force welcomes girls and boys of all For more information, email abilities and backgrounds from the age of 12 [email protected] or visit (year 8 and above). It meets at the Drill Hall in w w w. 1 s t - h e n l e y. o r g . u k Friday Street on Wednesdays at 7.15pm. The 3rd Henley Brownies meet once a week. For more information, email detachment For more information, visit commander 2Lt Thomas Fearn on w w w. o x f o r d s h i r e g i r l g u i d i n g . o r g . u k [email protected] or call 07500 Henley-on-Thames Women’s Institute 504397. meets on the third Friday of every month at Henley Sea Cadets are a nationwide voluntary Sacred Heart Hall, off Vicarage Road, Henley at youth organisation whose aim is to give young 7.30pm. Meetings often host a guest speaker. people the best possible headstart in life through New members are welcome. nautical adventure and fun. Henley is one of 380 For more information, email units nationwide. They have their own unit [email protected] headquarters, Training Ship Guardian, and There are also branches in Harpsden, Shiplake private waterfront on the River Thames off and Remenham. Harpsden WI meets every Wargrave Road. They have a junior cadet section second Monday at 2.30 at Harpsden Hall, for 10- and 11-year-olds, a senior cadet section Shiplake every third Wednesday at 2.30 in the for 12- to 17-year-olds and a Royal Marines memorial hall, and Remenham every second Cadets detachment for 13- to 17-year-olds. Monday at 2.30 in the parish hall. For more information, including parade times, For more information about the WI contact the call (01491) 571159 (Monday and Friday Oxfordshire Federation on 01869 331081 evenings only), email [email protected] Henley and Peppard branch of the Royal or visit www.sea-cadets.org/henley British Legion was founded in 1928. Members Henley Air Cadets take part in a wide range of and friends meet on the third Monday of the activities, including flying in RAF aircraft and month at Christ Church Centre in Reading Road gliders and going rock-climbing and canoeing for lunch. The meetings usually have a speaker. (BTEC accredited training). They play seven Social events include a winter quiz night and a competitive sports up to national level, summer social evening. The branch has around
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 23 C LU BS
Henley scouts and cubs who took part in an animation workshop to make a film to promote the movement 100 members and supports civic events, walks of life and do their best to fulfil the Lions’ including the Mayor’s inauguration ceremony motto, “We serve”. Activities mainly involve and the Remembrance Sunday service and either fund-raising or community service. parade. Fund-raising enables members to engage in For more information, visit www.rbl-henley.org community service projects and to support The British Legion supports military veterans worthy causes primarily in the local area. and their families, for more information please Fund-raising activities include a Swimarathon, call Nick Launders on (01491) 628243 or call the car parking during Henley Royal Regatta in July Helpline on 0808 802 8080. and Santa’s grotto at Toad Hall garden centre in D e c e m b e r. Henley Society was formed in 1961 after the borough council approved a planning The club seeks to serve the community wherever application that would have meant demolishing there is a need, assisting groups and individuals. the Catherine Wheel Hotel in Hart Street and Projects have included helping individuals in replacing it with a row of shops. Residents and distress, working with the physically and visitors alike were aghast at the idea of losing mentally handicapped, providing hospital such a splendid old building and, with the help equipment and patients’comforts, helping to of the society, successfully campaigned to save supply food parcels to those in need and the hotel. Since then the society has flourished organising outings and holidays for the elderly or and its planning and conservation experts disadvantaged. The club meets on the first regularly bring an influence to bear on Monday (or a week later if it’s a bank holiday) of controversial applications. each month at the Margaret Day Room at the King’s Arms Barn from 7.45pm. The society’s aims include the conservation and enhancement of the town, its waterfront and its For more information, call David Murray on settings; the preservation of the town’s historical (01491) 574114. centre, its fine approach and its trees; an Henley Archaeological and Historical appropriate balance between housing and the Group meets in King’s Arms Barn in Market provision of employment, shopping and leisure Place usually on the first Tuesday of the month facilities; and the relief of traffic congestion with between October and June at 7.45pm. Lectures better car parking facilities and improvements to cover a wide variety of topics, from popular local bus and train services. The society is history and historic buildings to serious non-political and recognises that trade must archaeology. Excursions to places of interest are prosper for the town to flourish but seeks to arranged and the group administers a collection mitigate any adverse effects of commercial of historic books and records. Membership costs activity. From time to time it organises £12 per year or £20 for a family. Visitors £3 per newsletters, lectures and visits to places of meeting. interest. For more information, call Ruth Gibson on For more information, call honorary secretary (01491) 572271, email chairman@ Nora Scanlon on (01491) 579619, email henley-on-thamesachaelogicalandhistorical [email protected] or visit group.org.uk or visit www.henley-on-thames t h e h e n l e y s o c i e t y. c t c - a s p i r e . c o . u k a rc h a e o l o g i c a l a n d h i s t o r i c a l g r o u p . o r g . u k Members of Henley Lions Club come from all Henley YMCA in Lawson Road has been serving the community since it was founded more than
24 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY C LU BS
The 18 Henley ar my cadets show off their youth first aid qualification which is re c o g n i s e d by St John Ambulance 150 years ago. It has adapted to meet changing can enjoy a chat. There is an entrance fee of £2 needs and today is responsible for a wide range of and a raffle is held to cover costs. Members are activities and facilities including housing. It collected and taken home again. Volunteer provides affordable housing for people aged 18 to helpers and drivers are always available. 25. For more information, call Michael Pooley on All the units are self-contained and designed to (01491) 628284. facilitate independent living in a community Henley-Bled Twinning Association was atmosphere. Housing staff provide support and formed in April 2014. Henley twinned with Bled guidance to residents. in Slovenia following a special ceremony at the The Henley YMCA pavilion hosts health and town hall with about 100 invited guests. Bled has fitness and educational activities, including art, a population of 5,000, about half the size of pilates, yoga, karate, martial arts, dancing, Henley, and is strongly linked to rowing because keep-fit, seated exercise, t’ai chi, table tennis, the Slovenian national team trains there. It hosts photography, University of the Third Age, the an international music festival similar to the Flying Frogs after-school club, children’s dance Henley Festival and relies on its tourist trade. and a body, mind and spirit programme. It is part Weddings are held on an island in the centre of of the Henley Football Partnership, which Lake Bled in the same way they are on Temple provides an opportunity for males and females of Island. For further information, call Will all abilities from age five upwards to play football. Hamilton on (01491) 577487 or email It has a floodlit five-a-side pitch with an artificial [email protected] playing surface. Henley-Leichlingen Twinning Association For more information, write to: Henley YMCA, 2 was formed after Henley was officially twinned Lawson Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1NZ, call with Leichlingen, near Cologne, in November (01491) 411849 or visit www.henleyymca.org.uk 1979. There are regular visits between the two Henley and District Philatelic Society was towns and many friendships have been made. formed in 1966. Meetings are held in Bix village The association encourages people to carry out hall on the second and fourth Wednesday of each exchange trips and supports youth organisations month from September to June (7.45pm). for activities such as football, music and Members’interests include not only stamps, but swimming. For more information, call Patrick also postcards, postal history and other philatelic Fleming on (01491) 575165 or email items. The club has visiting speakers from other [email protected] clubs and there is an auction each May. Members of the Henley-Falaise Twinning For more information, call Ian King on (01491) Association have been exchanging biennial 873928, email [email protected] visits with their French counterparts for 40 years. or visit www.henleyphilatelic.org.uk Falaise is in Normandy, just 40 miles from the Henley Visually Impaired Group meets at channel port of Caen/Ouistreham. Greys village hall, Rotherfield Greys, on the first Members stay in each other’s homes, experience Tuesday of each month (except January and different cultures and lifestyles and generally August) from 2pm to 4pm. Entertainment, tea, have fun. Many have formed long-term sandwiches and cakes are provided and members friendships. An inability of many members to speak more than a few words of French has never
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 25 C LU BS seemed to be an obstacle. Academic, sporting and carol service and lectures. For more information, cultural links take place between the two towns, call Gill Heaven on 0118 947 5300 or email always warmly welcomed by the French. The [email protected] or visit association holds social events during the year w w w. r a m b l e r s . o r g . u k / h e n l e y - g o r i n g and new members are welcome. Henley Probus Club meets at Badgemore Park For more information, call Denis McCoy on Golf Club on the second Tuesday of each month (01491) 575506 or email [email protected] at 11am to meet friends, enjoy a speaker and Henley Chess Club welcomes new players of have a good lunch together. The primary object any age, from beginners to Grandmasters. It of the club is to provide fellowship and an meets at the Catherine Wheel in Hart Street opportunity to develop friendships. The club every Tuesday at 7.30pm from September to organises excursions to places of interest and April. For more information, call Steve Pitts on holds two special lunches with guests in the 0118 972 4570 or email summer and at Christmas. New members are [email protected] very welcome. Henley Borama Friendship Association was For more information, visit formed in 1983. Borama, which has a population w w w. h e n l e y p r o b u s c l u b . w o r d p r e s s . c o m of 150,000 to 200,000, is the capital of the Awdal Henley Ladies Probus Luncheon Club meets province in Somalia. It has received various at Badgemore Park Golf Club on the second forms of assistance from Henley, the most Thursday of each month. Meetings include notable being power generators donated in 1987. presentations by a variety of interesting speakers. For more information, call Malcolm Page on For more information, call Barbara Baxendale on (01491) 578712. 0118 972 3744 or email Henley Wildlife Group was set up in 1993 to [email protected] improve the town's open spaces for wildlife and Café Scientifique Henley began in 2012 and people. It manages three conservation areas allows anyone to explore the latest ideas in including Mill Meadows, where it has three science and technology for the price of a cup of ponds providing a suitable habitat for wetland coffee or glass of wine. Leading-edge scientists plants such as cuckoo flower and ragged robin. present monthly talks at Henley Hockey Club on On the Valley Road chalk bank the group has Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 10pm followed by constructed steps to improve access and members question and answer sessions. Previous talk cut vegetation. The group organises talks which subjects have included meteorites, the ageing are open to all. brain, sleep patterns, bubbles and the role of For more information visit plants in medicine. w w w. h e n l e y w i l d l i f e g r o u p . c o . u k For more information, email Henley Allotments Association has two [email protected] or visit allotment sites at Greencroft and Waterman's w w w. c a f e s c i e n t i f i q u e . o r g with around 200 plotholders who grow fruit, Henley Branch User Group represents people flowers and vegetables. There are different-sized interested in the Henley branch rail line and plots, small starter plots, half-sized plots and the holds regular meetings. traditional 10-pole plot. The longest is To join the group mailing list, email considered big enough to feed a family [email protected] or follow the throughout the year. The association runs a group on Twitter @HenleyBUG waiting list. For more information, call secretary Sharon Oldham on 07748 982031, email The Arts Society Henley, formerly the Henley [email protected] or visit branch of the National Association of Decorative w w w. h e n l e y a l l o t m e n t s . c o m and Fine Arts Society, holds meetings every third Thursday of the month, except July, August and Henley and Goring Ramblers is a friendly December, at Phyllis Court, with a lecture on a group which welcomes walkers from all over wide variety of arts-related subjects, given by a Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties. With range of speakers. This is an opportunity to meet 300 members and several walk leaders, they new friends over a cup of coffee for the morning organise walks which range from leisurely to talk at 10.45am, or a cup of tea for the afternoon strenuous and from four to 15 miles. A schedule talk at 2.15pm. of upcoming walks and social events is published twice a year. The group organises trips in the UK For more information, call chairman Evelyn and abroad and has a popular social programme McQuater on 07912 619970, or visit which includes a summer barbecue, a Christmas h t t p s : / / h e n l e y. t h e a r t s s o c i e t y. o r g
26 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY Thinking of making a change? Speak to the experts in family law
Our Services include: Divorce & Finances Children Wills & Trusts Cohabitation Family Mediation Lasting Powers Pre & Post Domestic Violence of Attorney Nuptial Agreements Grandparents’ Estate Planning Deeds of Separation Rights Wealth Management
Why not contact us Call us on: Or email: for your free 45 ABINGDON 01235 375500 [email protected] minute consultation? ASCOT 01344 513000 BASINGSTOKE 01256 584000 BEACONSFIELD 01494 629000 GUILDFORD 01483 370100 HENLEY 01491 630000 kjsmith.co.uk READING 01184 181000 READING CENTRAL 01184 181200
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 27 H EA LT H Health services THE Townlands Memorial Hospital features Members help through subscriptions and a local services including a minor injuries unit, podiatry, volunteer committee organises fund-raising. outpatient services, physiotherapy and For more information, call Judith Nimmo-Smith out-of-hours GP services. on 07930 581732. The services are provided by the Oxford Health The Chiltern Centre for disabled children, off NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Berkshire NHS Greys Road, Henley, is an independent charitable Foundation Trust. organisation providing short-break respite care The hospital’s outpatient department features for children and young people with severe eight consulting rooms, each with a bed, sink learning and/or physical and complex medical and desk, and one treatment room where minor disabilities. surgery can be carried out, for example, the The support is tailored to meet the specific needs treatment of a small lesion. of each child or young person, providing a vital The department also offers cardiology and lifeline for the families from across the Thames emergency medical services as well as clinics for Valley who use the centre. patients with pacemakers. The centre has a warm, homely and friendly There is an X-ray unit and a physiotherapy area, atmosphere so that parents can recharge their which features four cubicles with beds and batteries in the safe knowledge their child is parallel bars. being professionally cared for. The unit will also host exercise classes and is For more information, call (01491) 575575 or running a pilot project for those with long-term email [email protected] chronic pain. The Bluebells Day Centre for people with Other services on the ground floor include dementia meets between 10.30am and 3.30pm speech and language therapy and the minor on Mondays and Thursdays at the Christ Church injuries unit with four beds. Centre in Reading Road, Henley. As well as A rapid access care unit opened at the hospital in providing a cooked lunch and an opportunity to 2017. The unit on the first floor offers services socialise, the charity offers a programme of including antibiotic treatment and transfusions games, activities and talks designed to stimulate and operates alongside eight beds at the visitors’memories and keep them mentally neighbouring Orders of St John care home. The active. The Henley Handybus service may be able unit is designed to replace original plans for an to provide transportation for those with mobility 18-bed ward at the new hospital. problems. For more information, visit bluebellsday The top floor is currently empty after Sue Ryder centre.org.uk pulled out of a deal to relocate its Nettlebed hospice to the hospital. The Memory Cafe offers a safe, welcoming space where it is possible for dementia sufferers Henley has two doctors’surgeries, both at York and their carers to meet, relax and socialise. It is Road, The Hart Surgery and The Bell held at the Christ Church Centre in Reading Surger y. For more information, call either the Road, Henley, every Wednesday from 10.30am to Hart Surgery on (01491) 843200 or the Bell noon. Surgery on (01491) 843250. It costs £2.50 for tea, coffee and homemade Friends of Townlands Hospital is a cakes and there are activities including quizzes, charitable association of volunteers established to crafts, games and singing. For more information, supplement the service provided by the hospital call (01491) 577733 for the health, welfare and comfort of patients. Riverside Counselling Service was For more than 50 years, the league has assisted established as a charity in 1989 to provide with the provision of amenities for both patients professional, affordable counselling and and staff and helped Henley’s community psychotherapy for adults and young people from hospital to acquire many items of equipment. the age of 12. It includes The Space, which
28 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY H EA LT H
Women at a Bluebells session at the Christ Church Centre in Reading Road, Henley, which meets on Mondays and Thursdays specialises in counselling for young people with office hours are seven days a week, 7am to 9pm. problems such as depression or anxiety and For more information, call 01865 904191. difficulties at home or school. It is based at the Phones are diverted to the main switchboard Friends Meeting House, Northfield End, Henley during non-working hours so will be answered and is accredited by the British Association for seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Counselling and Psychotherapy. Henley Stroke Club welcomes people affected For more information, call 07879 381334, email by stroke and their carers, offering social and [email protected] or recreational activities such as raffles, speakers, [email protected] or bingo and a quiz at weekly meetings The group visit www.riversidecounsellingservice.co.uk also provides information and peer support and Oxfordshire Mind has a Wellbeing service some physiotherapy. On the last Tuesday of which operates across Oxfordshire, running peer every month there is a trip out, either for lunch support groups, short courses, one-to-one or coffee and cake. The club meets at the Christ recovery sessions and information sessions about Church Centre in Reading Road, Henley, on mental health and mental health services. Tuesdays from 10.30am to noon. As part of this service, it runs a peer support For more information, call Margaret Peters on group in Henley at the Christ Church Centre in (01491) 572861. Reading Road on Fridays from 1.30pm to Headway Thames Valley provides help and 3.30pm. rehabilitation for people with a brain injury and For more information, call 01865 247788, support and information for their families, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, or visit friends and carers. w w w. o x f o r d s h i r e - m i n d . o r g . u k The charity is based in Greys Road, Henley, and For more information about the Henley group, is part of Headway, the brain injury association call Roger Thomason on 07435 760801. that was established in 1979, and is one of more than 100 such groups in Britain. South Oxon Adult Mental Heath Team helps people with mental health difficulties. It is For more information, call (01491) 411469, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of doctors, email [email protected] or visit community psychiatric nurses, psychologists, w w w. h e a d w a y t h a m e s v a l l e y. o r g . u k occupational therapists and social workers. Meteor Club provides social activities for adults The team runs a programme of groups for clients with learning difficulties at Thursday meetings. aged 18 to 65 who are recovering from a major For more information, call Libby Meachin on mental illness. It is based in Wallingford and the (01491) 573213.
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 29 COMMUNIT Y Charities
Henley Rotary Club’s international committee presented a £1,000 cheque to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance having raised the money at a charity auction. Pictured, left to right, are Rotarians Hilary Shaw and John Grout and Nicola Green from the charity
Rotary Club of Henley Bridge was Theatre. established in 1982, one of the 33,000 Rotary For more information, call secretary Phil Fletcher clubs worldwide. Members meet each week to on 07979 690437 or email enjoy a meal together with fun and fellowship [email protected] and, on many occasions, a guest speaker. Open Spaces Society, based in Bell Street, The club organises a number of fund-raising Henley, was founded in 1865 as the Commons activities throughout the year, including the Preservation Society. Henley Half Marathon. It meets at Badgemore Park Golf Club on Wednesdays from 7.15pm. It is Britain’s oldest national conservation body and the founders included Sir Robert Hunter and For more information, call Annie Lathaen on Octavia Hill, who co-founded the National Trust. 07769 687326, email the secretary on [email protected] or visit The society has helped preserve commons, www.rotar y-ribi.org/ greens and open spaces for the enjoyment of the clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=540 public and has been active in protecting the historical and vital rights-of-way network in Henley Rotary Club is the oldest Rotary club England and Wales. It also advises the in the town and although it celebrated its 60th Department for Environment, Food and Rural birthday four years ago, it has a very youthful Affairs. outlook. For more information, call (01491) 573535 or Rotar y’s main theme is “service above self”and email [email protected] members try to help others in the spirit of fellowship. The club organises and runs various The Thames Valley branch of the Jubilee fund-raising events such as a bingo evening at Sailing Trust promotes the integration of Christmas, a big band concert in April, a mulled people of all physical abilities through the wine and hot dog stall at the Henley Fireworks challenge and adventure of tall ship sailing. The and charity auction. The funds raised from these trust operates two tall ships, the Lord Nelson and events are donated to local charitable causes. Tenacious. Both ships can accommodate non-disabled and disabled voyage crew, One of its most popular events is the annual including those in wheelchairs. All crew Youth Speaks competition held at the Kenton members sail as equal and active members.
30 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY COMMUNIT Y
The trust caters for people of both sexes from all fund-raise and seeks to continue making backgrounds, aged 16 to 70-plus. educational-based donations through careful For more information, call 0118 9403477 or 0238 stewardship of its resources. 044 9108, email [email protected] or visit It has 11 honorary trustees, who meet about w w w. j s t . o r g . u k eight times a year when they agree the broad The Henley and district branch of the Royal strategy and areas of activity, including National Lifeboat Institution was formed in considering grants, investment and risk 1973. Its small committee of eight has been management policies and performance. awarded six gold badges, two bars to the gold For more information or to apply for a grant, call badge, two silver and two bronze medals by the the clerk, Claire Brown, on 0118 972 4575, email RNLI for its fund-raising efforts. [email protected] or visit The branch raises about £25,000 annually. The w w w. h e n l e y e d u c a t i o n a l t r u s t . c o m fund-raising efforts over the year include a stall at Henley and District Talking Newspaper Henley’s May fair, sales of donated goods on the Association produces a weekly recording of river front several times a year, supper cruises on about an hour based on stories in the Henley the river, barbecues and the Big One, a car boot Standard. It serves those with visual impairments sale held in August. or with disabilities that prevent them from For more information, call chairman Norman reading for any other physical reason. Daniells on (01491) 574781, 573341 or 035572 For more information, call Richard Hodgkin on Oxfordshire South and Vale Citizens (01491) 573192. Advice —Citizens Advice Henley offers advice The Henley and District Housing Trust is a on all sorts of problems, including debt, benefits, small charity which provides affordable rental employment, housing, immigration, accommodation in the Henley area for local relationships, discrimination and consumer residents in need. The accommodation is mainly issues. houses and bungalows in Henley and the Run mainly by volunteers, help is free, surrounding parishes. independent, confidential and open to everyone For more information, email in the community. [email protected]. You can find Citizens Advice Henley right next to The Henley Volunteer Drivers provide the town hall, at 32 Market Place. You can also transport to hospitals and doctors’surgeries for reach them by phone, for advice on 0300 the elderly and disabled. 3309042 or for admin/appointments on (01491) For more information, call the office on Monday 578267. Alternatively, contact them by email on to Friday, 10.15am to 12 noon on (01491) [email protected] or visit 572923. w w w. c i t i z e n s a d v i c e . o r g . u k The Henley HandyBus uses a 14-seater bus Face of Henley charity was set up in 2002 by with a tail lift to provide transport for people in Jane Moss and Sarah Flindall to raise money for the Henley area who have difficulty accessing those suffering hardship or experiencing tragedy. public transport and who are members of a local Most of the donations help individuals and/or club, group or organisation. Regular journeys worthy causes that are not identified by larger (not excursions) are free for bus pass holders. charities, such as someone in need of a For more information, call secretary Robin wheelchair or some financial assistance to Popham on (01491) 571974 or email improve daily life. [email protected] For more information, call 07968 941882 or Henley 60+ Social Club has been in existence email [email protected] for more than 40 years and is based inside Greys Henley Educational Trust (formerly the Road car park. The former Henley Day Centre Henley Education Charity) has existed in one opened in September 1971 after a year of form or another since 1604 thanks to various fund-raising in place of the old St John endowments. It provides confidential Ambulance Brigade hall. It is now owned by the educational support for schools and families in town council. the Henley area. The trust does not actively The club offers a varied programme of
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 31 COMMUNIT Y
The 14-seater Henley HandyBus entertainment, hairdressing, chiropody and For others it is about the social contact, for meals for around 200 members and runs a social example, going on walks and outings, meeting environment for anyone over the age of 60 at its up for lunch or attending talks. building in Greys Road car park in Henley. For more information or to find out how to join, For more information, call Sharon Donovan or call membership secretary Ros Whittaker on Carolynne Holms-Sharp on (01491) 574718 (01491) 413535, or email [email protected] or (between 10am and 4pm) or email visit www.u3asites.org.uk/henley-on-thames [email protected] The Teenage Wilderness Trust is a Henley Age UK Oxfordshire is an independent charity charity which supports students who find it offering advice, information, companionship difficult to engage with mainstream education. and support with the aim of making Oxfordshire It aims to help them regain their self-esteem and a great place to grow old in. reignite the spark in them to want to learn. Its information and advice helpline answers Working with Path Hill Outdoors, the trust offers more than 4,500 enquiries a year on a range of re-engagement courses using bushcraft and subjects, including staying independent at wilderness learning techniques along with home, social and leisure opportunities, legal practical life skills to encourage students to get issues, financial issues, housing, care homes and back to their learning, in turn giving them a being a carer. better chance at a positive future. Age UK also produces many guides and fact The trustees are Matt Bailey, Penny Lake and sheets on a range of topics, including fuel, rights, Michael Benster. wills, care homes, TV licences and just about every other issue that affects older people. For more information, call 0300 111 9453, email [email protected] or visit For more information, call the helpline on 03454 w w w. t e e n w i l d e r n e s s . o r g 501276 or email [email protected] Henley U3A (University of the Third Age) is aimed at people no longer in full-time employment but wanting to make the most of their lives. It provides an opportunity to enjoy the things you have always wanted to do and to make new friends. You can meet up with like-minded people and pursue an interest such as art, poetry, history or music.
32 HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY Accommodation Architects/Design
Hives Architects 01189587331 Have you discovered our family run park alongside the River Thames? 19 Castle Street, Reading, Berks, RG1 75B www.hivesarchitects.co.uk Hurley Riverside Park Hudson Hives Partnership Ltd 01491 414055 Ideally located for visiting LEGOLAND Windsor, Oxford and London Conway farm, Rotherfield Greys, Henley, Oxon, RG9 4QZ Simon Mack 01491 571475 2 Walton Ave, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1LA Stephen Birch Practice Ltd 0118 9401701 1 Blue Cottages, Reading Rd, Henley, Oxon, RG9 4BY
Architects/Structural Engineers
Creative Designs & Structure Ltd 01491 411922 Henson House, Newtown Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AR Fully serviced Caravan Holiday Homes to suit a wide range of budgets www.creativedesignandstructure.co.uk Hire caravans available for short term rentals for house renova on projects Touring Park facili es include 3 showers blocks, playground and shop Moorings and private slipway membership available Art Galleries. HHurley,urley, BerkshireBerkshire SL6SL6 5NE5NE • 0162801628 823501823501 • [email protected]@hurleyriversidepark.co.uk Jack’s Gallery & Framing Service 01491 571387 $" $$ 36 Hart St, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AU Richardson Paintings Ltd 01491 638675 Henley YMCA 01491 411849 Greys Green Farm, Greys Green, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AQ 2 Lawson Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1NZ The Lemongrove Gallery 01491 577215 Hurley Riverside Park 01628 824493 10 Duke St, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1UP Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5NE The Old Fire Station Gallery 01491 576982 Market Place, Henley, Oxon, RG9 4QG Accountants/Accountants Services Tiny Gallery 01491 575176 19a Hart Street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AR Buffery & Co Ltd 01491 576659 2 West Street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2DU Artists & Illustrators www.bufferyandco.co.uk James Cowper Kreston 01491 848500 Gray Jolliffe & Co 01491 574385 Videcom House, Newtown Rd, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1HG Field Cottage, Hambleden, Henley, Oxon, RG9 6SD www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk Arts & Crafts Jefferies Accountancy Services 01491 845575 Chiltern House, 45 Station Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AT Art Jam Studio, Arts & Crafts, Creative Centre 0118 946 4417 41 Prospect St, Caversham, Reading RG4 8JB Kench & Co 01491 578207 www.artjamstudio.co.uk 10 Station Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AY Villars Hayward 01491 411077 Bakers/Cake Shops Boston House, 2A Boston Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1DY Patisserie Franco-Belge Ltd 01491 577225 www.villars-hayward.co.uk 12 Duke Street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AH Patisserie Valerie 01491 413038 Antiques/Bric-a-brac/Collectables 4 Market Place, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AH
Vintage Vogue Banks 5 Friday Street, Henley, Oxon RG9 1AN Barclays Bank 0345 7345345 Chiltern Antiques 0118 9242582 10 Hart Street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AY Henley, Oxon, RG9 5WY HSBC Bank 0345 7404404 The Ferret Antiques Centre 07504 331244 6-8 Market place, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AN 4 Friday Street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AH Lloyds Bank 034530 00000 The Vintage Look 01491 413931 1 Reading Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AE. 31 Hart Street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AR Nationwide Building Society 08005 540558 www.vintage-antiques.co.uk 13 Market place, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AA Tudor House Antiques & House Clearance 01491 57680 Natwest 03457 888444 49 Duke street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1UN 18 Market Place, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2AP
HENLEY PAGES DIRECTORY 33 Bathrooms Beauty Supplies
Steepal of Henley 01491 411990 Space Nk Ltd 01491 412598 7 Reading Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AB 24a Duke St, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1UP The Stride Group 01491 848000 Beauty Salons & Consultants Victoria House, 35 Queen St, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AR
MARLOW A ’ C Bed & Breakfast FACE+ BODY S S M , SL7 1DB LUXURY MEDI-CLINIC Abbotsleigh 01491 572982 01628 302028 . . 107 St Mark’s Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1LP Badgemore Park Golf Club 01491 574175 Amour Beauté 01491 572688 Badgemore Park Golf Club, Henley, Oxon, RG9 4NR 30 Reading Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AG www.badgemorepark.com www.amourbeaute.co.uk Chiltern Valley Bed & Breakfast 01491 638330 Beauty Revived - Mobile Beauty & Massage 07956 256189 Old Luxters Farmhouse, Hambleden, Henley, RG9 6JW Henley, Oxon, RG9 1JP www.beautyrevived.co.uk Stag Hall 01491 680338 Elite Beauty 07738 154907 Stoke Row Road, Kingwood, Henley, Oxon, RG9 5NX 14 Abrahams Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2ET The Paddock 07771 571255 Gorgeous White & Pink Nails 01491 573080 Vicarage Rd, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1HJ · 56 Bell street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 2BG Boatbuilders/Repairers Henley Nails & Brows 01491 412265 47A Duke Street, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AL Hambleden Marina 01491 571316 Planet Nails 01491 576337 Mill End, Henley, Oxon, RG9 3AY 25A Reading Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AB Peter Freebody & Co 01628 824382 Top To Toe 01491 411246 Thames boathouse, Mill Lane, Hurley, Berks, SL6 5ND 27a Reading Road, Henley, Oxon, RG9 1AB www.peterfreebody.com