FRIENDS' EVENTS
 
MEET THE CAST PARTIES    
Friends are invited to met members of the cast in the bar after the show one evening during the run. The first glass of wine is free and nibbles are provided. These are relaxed and sociable occasions and are great opportunities to talk to the performers and to meet other friends.
 
Thursday 18 February
Heroes


Thursday 22 April
Bronte


Thursday 10 June
Daisy Pulls It Off 
 
 
Friday 26 March
Lunch Talk - Richard Ingrams
All My Magazines

Richard Ingrams co-founded and edited for 23 years the satirical magazine Private Eye. He founded and still edits The Oldie and writes a regular column for The Independent. “Vintage humorist, scourge of the pompous and the power-hungry, Richard brings a unique perspective to bear on the political foibles of the age and on a culture in thrall to celebrity.”

Bar opens at 12 noon. Lunch served at 12.30pm and talk at 1.30pm.

Tickets: £18

If you have any special dietary requirements please call the box office on 01635 46044.

Please note that lunch talks are unreserved seating unless you are in a party of six or more.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS


Thursday 15 April at 2pm
Garden Visit - Inholmes Gardens

Inholmes is the 10 acre garden owned by Sir Frank and Lady Williams, in Woodlands St Mary. It is well-known for its spring planting and colourful borders.
Normally only open twice a year as part of the National Garden Scheme, The Watermill is very honoured to be given the opportunity to visit in April.

A conducted tour by the head gardener and refreshments in the Party Barn will form part of the visit. The garden is full of interesting corners and fascinating and unusual individual plantings. Many of the spring bulbs should still be out and the colour coordinated walled garden at its best. There is also a magnificent formal garden and parkland with specimen trees leading to bluebell woods.

Tickets: £10 which includes tea and cake.

Please make your own way there. Ample parking. A map will be sent with your tickets.
 
Sunday 25 April from 12 noon
*Back by popular demand*
Shakespeare's Birthday & St George's Day Lunch

An afternoon of unashamed revelry and patriotic indulgence. Good food and magnificent, traditional entertainment.

A four course English meal in the fabulous Elizabethan style restaurant • Shakespearian Dramatic Interludes and Sonnets. • Traditional games • The Watermill Bard Quiz • Raffle

Book your tickets now for family and friends for this very special event. Everyone welcome!

 
 
Sunday 16 May   10.30am to 2.30pm
Walk with a Talk 
The Sites of the Second Battle of Newbury
With Chris Scott of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.
In 1644, after victory at Lostwithiel, the King returned to central southern England to liberate firstly Basing House, then Donnington Castle and Banbury before marching to Newbury. Here he awaited the parliamentarian attack. Chris will tell the story of what happened in the conflict in the very places where it took place.

We start with coffee and a talk at The Watermill, then board the coach and be transported back in time to the battle sites, returning to The Watermill for a light lunch.

 

Monday 24 May
Supper Talk - Lord Owen CH FRCP
In Sickness and in Power

The course of world history has been critically shaped by the physical and mental illnesses of heads of state, sometimes in the public eye but usually in secrecy. Long fascinated with the inter-relationship between politics and medicine, David Owen used his deep knowledge of both to undertake a unique study of illness in heads of government during the last 100 years and the influence of their medical advisers.

Lord Owen will take questions from the audience and sign copies of his books, In Sickness and In Power and his recently updated autobiography, Time to Declare: Second Innings, which will be available for purchase.

Tickets: £18

Bar opens at 6.30pm, supper served at 7.30pm and talk at 8.30pm

If you have any special dietary requirements please call the box office on 01635 46044. Please note that supper talks are unreserved seating unless you are in a party of six or more.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS


Sunday 6 June 
Summer Fair
Organised by the Friends of The Watermill – everyone welcome!
 
Set against the beautiful backdrop of The Watermill and the river Lambourn - stalls, games and entertainment for all the family. A lovely way to spend a summer’s afternoon and help raise funds for the theatre too.

Adults £1 on the door

Twelve and under free
Free parking

 
If you can give your time to help, please contact Julie Pearson, Friends’ Secretary julie@watermill.org.uk or call 01635 45834
 
 
Sunday 11 July
Garden Visit - The Mill House, Donnington
Two timed visits at 2.30pm and 3.30pm

Did you know there is a secret garden in Donnington? The Mill House Garden is just under 3 acres, totally secluded and set around the 17th century Mill House at Donnington, on the edge of Newbury.

The Garden is flanked by the river Lambourn with a small lake, stream and mill race. There are colourful herbaceous borders, lawns, a woodland area with a bog garden and a wild area to walk in. The many magnificent mature trees and the sound of water and birdsong are a feature of this cool and restful garden.

Jane & Ashok Vaidya have generously agreed to open their stunning garden to the Friends of The Watermill. Jane is a painter who primarily works in oils on the subject of water garden plants and Koi carp – influenced by travels in the Far East. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit Jane’s studio. Jane has also volunteered to donate plants to be sold in aid of the theatre.

Tickets: £10

A cream tea or tea with homemade cakes included in the ticket price.

Parking at Donnington Priory by kind permission of Dreweatts. A map will be sent with your tickets.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS
 

If you would like to become a Friend of The Watermill contact Friends' Secretary, Julie Pearson on 01635 45834 or email admin@watermill.org.uk

 
Friends' Membership
£25 single membership
£40 joint membership

back to top