The madness of Christmas is over; it’s grey, cold and wet. Everyone is on a diet, paying off their credit card bill or giving up booze for the month. Welcome to January!
Fear not. Things to do, aside from hibernating, are a bit thin on the ground this month but I’ve managed to find a few. And at least the days are getting longer. In the meantime, you could always do one of the following.
1. Go to the panto
Rumpelstiltskin is being performed by the Didcot Phoenix Drama Group on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 January at Didcot Civic Hall. There’s a further performance at Harwell Village Hall on Saturday 26 January. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £6 for children or £26 for a family (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children). Purchase tickets in advance via the links on the Didcot Phoenix group website.
2. Get your things fixed
At the repair cafe, organised by Sustainable Didcot. Bring along your broken Christmas presents, electricals, toys and household goods to Didcot Civic Hall on Saturday 19 January between 2-5pm and they’ll attempt to fix them for free. They’ll sharpen knives and mend clothes too!
3. Explore the universe
This month’s Cafe Scientifique, a monthly science based talk, takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 15 January in Cornerstone. The original speaker has had to postpone so the talk this month, from Dr Geof Haigh, will look at the technology underpinning mobile networks. Free entry but voluntary donation appreciated.
4. Paint a canvas
Fancy yourself as an artist? Come along to the Berro Lounge on the evening of Thursday 24 January and join a paint party. No experience is necessary and you’ll create an acrylic canvas to take home. Book in advance at the Paint Party website; the cost is £28 and includes all materials.
5. Watch a film
If you prefer independent films to Hollywood blockbusters check out the monthly screenings by Didcot Film Club. The next film, The Bookshop, is being shown in Cornerstone on Wednesday 9 January. Tickets cost £6 for members or £8 for non members; buy them in advance from the Cornerstone box office.
If you prefer a more interactive experience pop along to the Bohemian Rhapsody singalong at Didcot Cineworld on Friday 11 January. Book your seats in advance.
I’ll be choosing five events in and around Didcot to publicise every month. If you have an event coming up please drop an email to indidcot@gmail.com.