Alton Area Guide

Wyards Farm is a little-known seventeenth century gem of a house, hidden away in the fields between Alton and the village of Beech. This is your rare opportunity to see round the house and to enjoy a cream tea - outside if the weather is kind. The house was known to Jane Austen because of the Lefroy connection. The Jane Austen Society wrote in 1958 on the matter: "Wyards is a house of Hampshire, red brick, of mediaeval foundations with Tudor additions; it received its present appearance in the 1680's except that in the 18th century, sash windows were added though the leaded casements were retained. Wyards has the particular interest that it was a house well known to Jane Austen during the last two years of her life. In 1815, it was a farm-house, and part of it was rented by young Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lefroy. The latter had been Anna Austen, the daughter of Jane's eldest brother James by his first wife. Anna's connection with her aunt was extremely close. When she was left motherless at two years old, she was sent to Steventon Rectory where she was the special care of her aunts Cassandra and Jane, then twenty-one and nineteen." The current owners are Ann and William Monk. William is a distant relation of the Lefroy family but did not know their connection with Wyards until they had moved in. That's what you call provenance! We have 3 combined house tours and cream tea at 18.00 per person including transport via minibus from Alton Community Centre. For those who would just like to have a cream tea in the lovely garden at Wyards, we have 1 cream tea-only session at 15.00 per person including transport via minibus from Alton Community Centre. The times are: 1. Tour & tea: Minibus at 1pm; tour at 1.15pm; tea at 1.45pm and minibus back at 2.15pm. 2. Cream tea only: Minibus at 1.30pm; tea at 1.45pm; minibus back at 2.45pm 3. Tour & tea: Minibus at 2.00pm; tour at 2.15pm; tea at 2.45pm; minibus back at 3.15pm 4. Tour & tea: Minibus at 3.00pm; tour at 3.15pm; tea at 3.45pm; minibus back at 4.15pm

Follow the enchanting story of Rapunzel, the princess with magical golden hair. Upon learning of the princess's luscious locks, an evil sorceress named Gothel captures Rapunzel in the hope of gaining eternal beauty. Can Fairy Fabulous, Strider and Dolly Dumpling help to free Rapunzel from the confines of Gothel's tower? This hair-larious pantomime features sensational songs, colourful costumes and a laugh-a-minute script. So let your hair down and get ready to enjoy Pumpkin Pantos' Easter spectacular! Running time: 1 hour with no interval. For group bookings and wheelchair space enquiries please email josh@pumpkinpantos.co.uk

Join The Lord Chamberlains Men this summer, in their 21st year, for Shakespeares greatest romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeares original company, they present this joyous play as he first saw it in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. If music be the food of love play on! Orsino, Duke of Illyria, is desperately in love with Countess Olivia. But she, in mourning for her brother, has sworn off all men. Suddenly Viola, separated from her twin brother in a shipwreck and now disguised as a man, enters Orsinos court as his servant and turns everyones world upside down. Sent to woo Olivia on Orsinos behalf, Viola is stunned to find herself the object of Olivias affections and, as Olivia falls in love with Viola, so Viola falls in love with Orsino. Add Violas twin brother Sebastian into the mix and the scene is set! O time, thou must untangle this, not I. It is too hard a knot for me to untie. Romantic confusion, mistaken identity, infamous cross-gartered yellow stockings and riotous disorder abounds in Shakespeares hilarious and lyrical romantic comedy about love, its many and glorious facets, and the mess it can make of us all. Nothing that is so, is so. Bring a chair and a picnic and prepare to be entertained and transported. Book early to avoid missing out! Authenticity | Excellence | Magic Any enquiries please call 0208 852 5761 or email boxoffice@tlcm.co.uk.For more information about access tickets please visit tlcm.co.uk/carer-tickets [//www.tlcm.co.uk/carer-tickets]. The performance running time is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes including a 15-minute interval. PLEASE NOTE: Patrons are required to bring a chair/blanket/something to sit on. Seating is NOT provided. Only assistance dogs are permitted at this performance. Doors open 1 hour before the event starts All tickets are non-refundable.

Dont miss our evening of varied folk music with Moira and Carolyn, two of Britains top folk artists, known for their stunning harmonies and wide repertoire. With roots in Scotland and Northumberland, they bring traditional folk songs and a touch of contemporary flair to the stage. They will be joined by Malcolm Austen, who is a fine singer of mostly Music Hall and humorous songs, and Paul Tabbush, who not only plays Northumbrian pipes exceedingly well but also makes them. The Alton Community Choir will also support with "Songs to herald the Spring" . They both grew up surrounded by music and song, Moira in Scotland and Carolyn in Northumberland, and they now perform material from their traditional roots and heritage. Occasionally contemporary songs are also included in their repertoire with compelling and amusing lyrics, close harmonies, and good humour. Moira is a former winner of the Sidmouth Singer of the Year award and has long been recognised by club and festival goers for her superb interpretations of Scottish, Irish and English songs and ballads. As well as performing Carolyn is also a qualified teacher and has worked at schools in England, Scotland and Wales. She has been a consultant for a BBC TV Folk Dance series for schools, and is the former education officer for the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Carolyn directs several community choirs and runs workshops at festivals and events across the country. Their partnership has been described as the most inordinately fine singing youre likely to hear. Carolyn and Moira will be supported by Alton Community Choir with songs "to herald the Spring".