Serenity Enchanted

Serenity Enchanted, a photo by SirPecanGum on Flickr.

Misty morning on the River Thames

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle Walk, a photo by Shedraway Photos on Flickr.

Beautiful shot of the Castle with a stormy sky

Happy Pancake Valentines Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, a photo by Joebelle on Flickr.

Double celebration this week involving huge quantities of pancakes (with sugar and lemon of course) and hopefully some lovely chocolates (jewellery…!?) and flowers. Should cheer us all up a bit anyway – February much better than January where we’re all desperately trying to lose a few exta pounds and not spend any money from our Xmas excesses. Enough time has passed – it’s official, today is the perfect excuse to have yourself a naughty pudding and get to the shops for a special treat for loved ones. Don’t forget the lemons on the way home, and Happy Flipping…!!

AWL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Last week AWL celebrated the Christmas Season in style with a bash for staff and friends at owners Nigel and Georgia’s home.  As usual, the idea was to get some great photos for our Christmas E-card and then donate the money that would have been spent on printing cards to a worthwhile cause.

As is becoming the tradition, the team get right into the spirit of the party with their sparkliest outfits and a great sense of fun.  You can see a collection of the best pics here  with many thanks to Bob Stapleton for coming along and taking the photos for us.

This year we are donating to the Jimmy Higham Bursury Trust.  You may have heard his single “Isn’t She Lovely” which is currently riding high in the download charts.  Jimmy was a much loved teacher at Wellington College who sadly lost his battle with Cancer this time last year aged just 26.  He had a beautfiul voice and a university friend decided to posthumously release this track in his memory.  The kids at the school are trying to get it to number 1 with all monies raised going to a bursury fund.  The bursary will allow 16 year olds to spend their last two years at the college with its excellent facilities – giving them a life changing opportunity.  You can download Jimmy’s single here for just 79p:-

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/isnt-she-lovely-single/id580686040

We would like to say many thanks to the whole team for such a great evening and wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year.

Kuwaiti state visit in Windsor

Kuwaiti state visit in Windsor, a photo by Niquinho on Flickr.

What’s On this Christmas in Windsor & Eton

With shops full of gifts and decorations and several party invites on the mantelpiece already it must be nearly Xmas…!  Here’s our list of what’s on locally to help you plan your diaries:-

Eton Christmas Lights Switch On takes place this Thursday 22^nd November.  Starting with a Service in Eton College Chapel between 6.30-7.00pm and then a procession and Light Switch on at the Community Xmas Tree in Jubilee Square from 7.20pm.

 

Windsor Street Gallery is an open air fine art show taking place on Peascod Street, Windsor.  Open for browsing and sales on Sunday 25^th November between 11am and 5pm.

Carols by Candlelight will take place at Windsor Theatre on 28^th November from 8pm.  The Locrian Ensemble will perform Carols and Christmas tunes accompanied by strings, harp and West End soprano Jill Washington.  A great start to the Xmas season!

Windsor’s Farmer’s Market has been taking place since 2005 on St Leonards Road between the Firestation and East Berks College.  Saturday 1^st December 2012 will have a Seasonal theme with decorated stalls and advice for how to make Christmas dinner extra special.

Windsor’s most popular Christmas event returns also on 1^st December this year. You can see the LIVE Reindeer and Father Christmas on a sleigh parading through the Town Centre between 2pm and 4pm.  Children can have photos taken with Father Christmas on his sleigh before he returns to Lapland.

Windsor Emporium takes place on Sunday 2^nd December between 10am and 4pm at Windsor Guildhall.  A truly delightful and alternative Xmas shopping experience featuring hand produced Arts & Crafts.  There will also be a Vintage Tea Room serving homemade cakes and light refreshments.

Entry to The Savill Garden is free from 1^st – 31^st December allowing you to enjoy a variety of winter plants – gardens are open 10am-4.30pm.  There will be a Victorian Christmas theme in the café and Father Christmas will be visiting The Savill Building between 11am-4pm on 20th and 21st December (£5 per child – please book 01784 435 544 to avoid disappointment!) 

Father Christmas will make his grand entrance on a festive horse and carriage at The Savill Building at 10.45am on 1^st & 2^nd, 8^th & 9^th, 15^th & 16^th, 20^th & 21^st December.  The carriage will then be available for all the family to enjoy. 

Tickets are now available for Theatre Royal Windsor’s Panto - this year Jack and the Beanstalk will be showing from 5 December 2012 – 6 January 2013.  Starring Matthew Kelly, Bond girl Brit Ekland and playing Jack is pop star Anthony Kavanagh.  Contact Box Office for further details.

Carols on the Hill takes place at King Henry VIII Gate on Friday 14^th December from 6-7pm.  Join the Band of the Blues and Royals for a spot of carol singing in front of Windsor Castle. 

Festivo takes place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30pm.  Tickets remain for Quires seating only (no view); this popular programme features favourite carols, devotional readings and lighter seasonal items. 

Finally, Alexander Gardens will once again be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with the arrival of the Christmas Ice Rink on 8^th December until 6^th January open from 9.30am to 10pm.  Windsor Ice will feature a private function room, Santa’s Grotto and a Victorian Christmas Market with evening entertainment.  

Whatever your plans, AWL wishes one and all a wonderful start to the Christmas season.  www.accommodationwindsor.com.

 

The Royal Phone Box

The Royal Phone Box, a photo by Andy Blackwell Photography on Flickr.

Fabulous Ring-a-Royal Art Box will be located outside Windsor Castle until the end of the year. The phone box, designed by Timmy Mallett, is one of a hundred created by artists across the country in aid of Childline to celebrate 2012 and 25 years of the charity.If you get a chance to visit, let us know who you think the Royals are all talking to…