Caversham Court Gardens is celebrating Christmas with two very special events over the next couple of weeks, both designed to help people get into festive spirit.
On Saturday, December 7, they will welcome a team from Econet for their annual sale of Christmas trees and decorations.
Then, on Monday, December 16, they will hold a carol signing event.
People are welcome to both.
What happens at the Econet Christmas Sale?
Econet is a wildlife conservation group that operates in and around Reading at a number of sites.
Activities include coppicing, hedge laying, scrub clearance, control of non native species, footpath clearance and willow harvesting.
Across the year, they provide opportunities for people to help manage Reading’s green spaces including Clayfield Copse, Mapledurham Playing Fields, McIlroy Park, Waterloo Meadows, and Reading Old Cemetery.
One of its key fundraising events is its annual Christmas sale, held in Caversham Court Gardens.
It is held on the first Saturday in December, from 9.30am to 1pm.
Its teams have been growing Scots Pine Christmas trees ready to sell on the day.
Other items available include holly, mistletoe, cones, willow wreaths and natural decorations.
There will also be an opportunity to buy cards and gifts from the local wildlife trust and RSPB.
Fairtrade goods and hand-crafted wares will also be available as well as local honey and beeswax.
Peter, the wood turner, will be selling some of his carefully made works, while Reading and District Beekeepers will be able to answer people’s questions about the hobby.
For more on the event, and Econet’s activities, log on to: https://www.econetreading.org.uk/
What are Scots Pine Christmas trees?
The National Christmas Tree Association of America says the trees are known for their excellent needle retention.
They resist drying and, if kept watered, the needles should remain on the branches.
Assuming they have been kept in a water-filled container, the tree should remain fresh for three to four weeks.
The Scots Pine has a pleasant fragrance, which will enhance any home seeking a real Christmas tree in their homes.
And it can be recycled after the Christmas holidays.
The trees can be used to produced pulpwood, poles, sawlogs, or turned into veneer. Its sap can be used to create turpentine, while its inner bark can be used for making rope.
Its cones, when dried, can be used as kindling.
It can take between six to eight years to produce a tree of around 7ft or 8ft.
Advice is to wear gloves when moving the tree around as sometimes the needles can be sharp.
What happens at Christmas Carols in The Gardens?
Gates open at 6.15pm on Monday, December 16.
Early arrivals can enjoy some seasonal refreshments: mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies.
The gardens will be floodlit so people can admire the plants and trees – hopefully, frosty wind won’t make moan, but there will be opportunities to enjoy the holly and the ivy.
Then, at 7pm, the bellringers from neighbouring St Peter’s Church will ring a peal.
READ MORE: Meet Steve and Sarah Boden, the team behind Reading’s pantomime, Cinderella
Its church choir will help lead the singing from 7.30pm, while music will come from members of the Reading Central Salvation Army Band.
The event is open to everyone and will see favourite carols sung. They could include O Come All Ye Faithful, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and We Three Kings.
Entry is free, but donations are welcomed, with profits shared among local charities.
If the weather is unkind, the event will be held in St Peter’s Church.
Where is Caversham Court Gardens?
Caversham Court Gardens is on Church Road in Caversham, and the site backs on to the River Thames.
There is a tea kisok, an information point and plenty of nature.
There is limited parking on site, and it is better to use public transport or walk in. Reading Buses’ Pink 22 stops at Bridge Street, and it is possible to walk around the corner to get to the gardens.
For more details, log on to its website, https://home.fccg.org.uk/home
​Get Cheeselogs in your inbox!
Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest posts, news and surprises. It's completely free, and goes straight to your inbox.
