Old buildings across Newbury will open their doors to the public this weekend as part of the largest heritage festival in the country.
On Saturday, Newbury Town Hall is opening up as part of the annual Heritage Open Days Festival.
The public are invited to view the council chamber, civic staircase and the council’s maces, as well as other civic regalia.
You can also see the town hall honours boards, which list the mayors of Newbury dating back to 1956 and feature many well-known local families.
Mayor of Newbury David Harman said: “We are delighted to be welcoming residents and visitors into the town hall once again.
“For many, this will be the first chance to explore one of Newbury’s most historic buildings, right at the heart of our community.”
Doors will be open from 10am to 2pm, everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be available throughout the day.
A lift will be available for anyone who has difficulty with the steps and staircase and any children attending must be supervised.
A Newbury church will also be welcoming guests as part of the national Heritage Open Days weekend.
On Saturday (September 13) and Sunday (September 14), St Mary’s Church in Speen is offering a host of events.
The Victorian era church is believed to have been built on a site that has been a Christian place of worship since Saxon times.
On Saturday the church will be open from 10am-4pm and on Sunday from 11.30am-4pm.
Complimentary cream teas will be available from 2pm-4pm both days.
Any visitors will be able to learn about the history of the area and view Old Speen in photos, enjoy a guided tours of the Bell Tower and take part in a treasure hunt.
Among the treasures hosted in the country church is a rare Canova marble monument and a 16th century monument to a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber at the court of Elizabeth I.
You can also see the results of the work being carried out by the Berkshire Church Recording organisation, which is recording “historically and artistically interesting contents of the church building”.
There will also be a display of wedding dresses and the opportunity to dress up and take a selfie as a vicar.
Organisers are also suggesting that visitors also pay a visit to the adjacent Ladywell, which can be found in a wooded spot close to the church grounds.
It is believed the Ladywell could date back to Roman times.
The following weekend also sees Sandham Memorial Chapel opening its doors as part of Heritage Open Days.
The National Trust owned chapel, which can be found in Burghclere, will be open to the public for free on Saturday, September 20, from 11am-3pm.
Built in the 1920s, the red-brick building houses “one of the most remarkable and moving collections of murals in the country”, created by renowned war artist Sir Stanley Spencer.
Organisers say the “Day of Art, Reflection, and Community” offers a “rich programme of events”, including art insight tours, live poetry readings, art workshops and a blossom art display and garden of reflection.
A vintage tea room will also be open (for a charge).
For more details about Heritage Open Days visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
The events are free to attend.
