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Family Fun on Newbury Wharf  

Pictures by Ruth Walker

This year's Sunday Funday organised by Newbury Library celebrated the 10th anniversary of their move to the Wharf.

There were fun activities on two floors of the library for all ages and outside on stage on the library forecourt were lively performances from rock groups, The Jammin' Dodgers and Into The Chaos. Jammin' Dodgers front man, Sam Butler, said, "The Audience was great - we didn't expect such an energetic crowd - it was really cool." and Darrell Watson of Into Chaos rated the crowd, "Really awsome."

Trinity School gave a spirited performance with their Glee Club show and The Willows Primary School performance of Big, Big Combine Harvester was a hit with the crowd and Bangers and Mash Theatre Company thrilled everyone with their performances of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Inside the library as well as outside there were a host of activities — including flower arranging, skateboarding, circus skills, cake decorating, film making, language lessons and much, much more — there was something for everyone.

Most local charities, youth groups, clubs and societies  were represented along with the Police, Fire and Ambulance services.

It is the seventh time the library has held the event as part of the national Family Learning Festival and 2,500 people went into the library — with hundreds more just taking part in the outdoor activities. 

The day was summed up by Rob Sweetman who said, "My boys are aged three and four and they enjoyed the skateboarding, the diggers and the circus skills — but most of all, they were completely entranced by the Jack and the Beanstalk performance. For a whole hour they were completely engaged with the show. It was a brilliant day out for the family."

Ruth Walker, the Libraries' Promotions Co-ordinator said, "This was a fantastic community event and we are particularly grateful to all the local organisations and performing groups that generously shared their skills and talents free of charge with our many visitors. 

     "We were really pleased to be able to offer the groups an opportunity to showcase their talents — so that all could see the thriving creative and learning community we have in West Berkshire — and also, of course, to see what great things we have to offer in our libraries."