To be honest, one has been feeling a tad glum of late. Things have not been going too well for me work wise, however I’m all about positive thinking and looking at the bright side of life. I’m also into reading positive quotes and poetry of which I can identify with and generally doing everything I can to keep my pecker up. I’ve taken to writing a journal, and am having a bit of therapy to get any negativity out of my mind and must say this really helps. Whilst maintaining a positive stance, I decided to seek the positives in the home town that I reside in, as all too often we can become consumed with gloom. I hope that this will be useful for any one visiting or just a general reminder to my neighbours!
Here we go then, in no particular order.
1- The Racecourse. I’m no expert on racecourses, but I believe it to be a decent course. I certainly have a jolly good time whenever I go. I tend to go racing maybe three or four times a year. I’ve got a good mate who invites me to her box, and I get very merry on the endless champers. I love a day at the races, never win anything but it’s a good craic.
2-The Corn Exchange. I love this little theatre, I prefer going to the cinema here too, it’s much more intimate, and you can take a glass of vino in with you. I’ve been to many a production here, and the Pantomimes are hysterical at Christmas.
3-Highclere Castle. It’s stunning and full of Downtown Abbey charm. Events happen here all the time. Its wonderful for the odd tour, also it’s a fabulous Wedding venue.
4-The Vineyard Hotel. I of course have to mention this place. The hubster runs it, one of the most special places to dine, with the most amazing wine list. The bedrooms are luxurious, service is sublime. If they don’t get a michelin star this year, then I’ll be well miffed. The afternoon tea is awesome too.
5-The Woodspeen. Another lovely place to eat. Michelin starred, but very relaxed whilst being high end at the same time. One of the best steaks I’ve eaten demolished by moi recently. Really like this place, plus there is a cookery school too.
6-The Walks. There are plenty of local country walks, from The Chase at Woolten hill, to Snelsmore Common, to The Ridgeway. Great for the canine babies.
7-Golf. We seem to have an abundance of Golf courses. Donnington Valley is one of the best, but seriously there are loads to suit all budgets.
8-Spas. Again The Vineyard hotel and Donnington Valley both have lovely Spas where one can chill and luxuriate.
9-Shopping. Well, this is a tricky one, as our Town centre is a bit of a patchwork. There are a few nice shops and chain restaurants, but also a few dire ones. It’s probably best if you’re going to venture into Town to park at The Parkway end. We have the usual favourites plus some goodish coffee shops. Waterstones has been revamped and worth a little pop into for a coffee and a flick through some pages.
- 10-Must say I’m struggling now! But Angelica’s Terrace in Camp Hopson, Newbury’s main department store is worth a little jaunt to. It’s recently been refurbished and sells coffee, teas, Proscecco and Artisan products amongst other things. The furnishings are very glam, it’s quite lovely and you can sit Al fresco on the terrace and look across lovely Newbury!
Just Delight Me 