Englefield House demonstrated its versatility this spring, hosting three very different events that enabled us to welcome visitors with a wide range of interests.

Music lovers enjoyed two events as part of the Newbury Spring Festival, over two nights – including a concert by the Maxwell String Quartet and a play about Beethoven.

The Hampshire Medical Fund, which buys vital equipment for three of the county’s hospitals, made Englefield House the lunch stop on its fundraising Hampshire Medical Car Rally.

And finally, supporters of Home-Start West Berkshire, which provides family help for parents when they need it, visited the Gardens and House at Englefield for a charity event to raise money for its vital work.

In each case visitors were able to enjoy the elegant Long Gallery at Englefield House. 

The dramatic and historic setting became a concert venue for the Newbury Spring Festival events, making use of the raised Victorian stage to create an intimate performance space with excellent acoustics.

It proved to be the perfect place to dine for the car enthusiasts from the Hampshire Medical Fund, at the halfway point of their rally.

And on a day of sunshine and showers it gave guests of Home Start West Berkshire a beautiful place to shelter and browse craft and food stalls.

The month of events started with the Newbury Spring Festival with a performance by the Maxwell Spring Quartet, which combines a refined approach to classical works with a passion for its own Scottish folk heritage.

The following night saw a performance by award-winning playwright and actor Tama Matheson and world-renowned pianist Jayson Gillham of “A Vision of Beethoven” – a dramatic re-telling of the composer’s life story.

Ashley Morris, General Manager of Newbury Spring Festival said: “We were delighted to be able to return to Englefield House and host two events in the Long Gallery. It's a wonderful hall in which to hold a concert. The Maxwell String Quartet remarked on how they enjoyed the acoustics, and having arranged the seating around the stage it was an intimate performance.

"For 'A Vision of Beethoven' the venue could not have been more fitting. The period and setting of the Long Gallery really added to the atmosphere of the afternoon event bringing Beethoven's history to life.  

“In both cases the audiences enjoyed the opportunity to visit Englefield House, the wonderful surroundings and the unique experience of hearing concerts in the Long Gallery.”

The organisers of the Hampshire Medical Fund’s Car Rally were also thrilled with the venue. “We were delighted to host part of our car rally at the wonderful Englefield Estate,” said Events Manager, Zoe Walker. “We enjoyed a delicious lunch and admired each other's wonderful classic cars in the grounds of Englefield House.

“Despite the rally not going ahead in its original format because of the tragedy at Bicester Heritage which was due to be our starting point, we were pleased to still attend our lunch as planned at the Estate.”

The rally was headline sponsored by surveyors and estate agents Knight Frank at Hungerford and Nigel Armstrong of high-end construction company R.W. Armstrong. Funds raised have helped the Hampshire Medical Fund get closer to its goal of purchasing sophisticated new equipment to treat heart patients.

The Home-Start West Berkshire event welcomed around 1,000 people and raised over £7,000 for the charity. 

Guests were joined by Lord and Lady Benyon and enjoyed touring the formal gardens at Englefield House. Tea and cake, along with Pimms and Prosecco, were served and stalls featuring children’s crafts and activities were set up in the Long Gallery.

Charity Director Grace Green said: “Home-Start West Berkshire were absolutely delighted to be able to open up these wonderful gardens on the May Bank Holiday and we are extremely grateful to our patron, Lady Benyon for the opportunity.

“The turnout was brilliant and the showers were a great time to indulge in the delicious cakes on offer!

“We raised an incredible £7,000 for Home-Start, funding that will go directly to supporting local families with young children experiencing challenging times. Thank you to everyone who came along and to all our fantastic volunteers.”

Events Manager, Peter Carson said: “The events hosted this spring at Englefield House demonstrate just how adaptable it is as an events venue.

“Whether it’s a live music performance, a dining stop for a classic car rally or a charity event, the Long Gallery has proven it can be a flexible and atmospheric setting.”

For more information about hiring Englefield House, Gardens or grounds for a formal event, please contact Peter Carson on 07585 509747 or click here to visit our website.