Jane Austen Regency Week

14/09/2026

Yesterday (Sunday 13th) I had the pleasure of going to an amazing concert held at a beautiful tiny Church of St Hubert in Old Idsworth Hampshire.

The title of the concert was The Little Song Party and the Programme was Jane Austen-themed – with songs and pieces of music that Jane would have known, recognised or played plus music that was created in the 20th Century for modern adaptations of her books.

We had the amazing soprano, Penelope Appleyard who has the most beautiful voice as well as being able to make her audiences feel as if they are in a Georgian Drawing Room. Penelope was accompanied by the wonderfully talanted Jonathan Delbridge who played a 209 year old Broadwood Square Piano who is known a s Lady Catherine.

We were so lucky that prior to the start of the Concert, Judy Bennett, known to all of us Archers Listeners as Shula Archer/Hebdon-Lloyd, reading three of Jane’s letters.

The little church of St Hurbert was so atmospheric; it’s location is down a tiny lane and it stands alone in a field. The church does have an Austen link too, as the family "Marshalls" that have lived in the vicinity for over 500 years – one Mr Marshall was married by Jane Austen’s Father and his name is on the pew listing from 1795.

An excellent way to spend a dull Sunday Afternoon and wear one of my new hats

12/09/2026

Jenny tackling modern technology!

12/09/2026

We are here and getting ready for the Parade!

Jane Austen Festival, Bath, UK

22/08/2026

Our AGM is under 2 weeks away on Thursday 3rd September, 3.30pm at the Alton Assembly Rooms.

We thought it was time little Jane had a trip out and a we had a planning meeting. If you would like to take part in Regency Week 2027 please find us through our socials, we would love to hear from you.

Jane Austen Regency Week
Alton Assembly Rooms
Redfields Garden Centre

12/08/2026

Join us for a magical evening of Persuasion and music...

In this atmospheric experience, you’ll be transported into the world of Jane Austen with a musical concert and a focus on her last published novel, Persuasion.

✨ As twilight falls, explore the House and view exquisite objects from the museum collection, including a rare first edition and Jane’s own music book.
✨ Afterwards, join author Lucinda Hawksley for an informal drinks reception before heading into the Drawing Room, where Jane herself practiced the piano each morning, for an intimate concert performed by The Sylvan Duo.
✨ Readings from the novel provide the finishing touch to this incredibly special event.

⏰ Saturday 19 September, 4-6pm
🏠 Jane Austen’s House
🎟️ £65
🔗 Book now: https://janeaustens.house/events/an-evening-of-persuasion/

🍂 This event is part of our Persuasion Festival, 17-20 September 2026.

📸 Luke Shears

12/08/2026

A Summer of Stories at Chawton House. Discover our latest acquisitions, celebrate five years of research Fellowships, enjoy summer family fun and read what’s coming up at Chawton House in our latest newsletter: - https://mailchi.mp/chawtonhouse/august-newsletter

12/08/2026

Guess what I’m doing today? I wonder how they reacted to an eclipse in Regency time - and without Amazon specs….

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the January Ball. Jane Austen Regency Week

09/08/2026

Let your creativity loose and enjoy some summer family fun while pottery painting in the Dyers Barn on Sunday 25th August!

Run by pottery studio The Pottery Pantry, you'll choose your item to paint and the colours you want to paint with and then draw out your design. Then, you can get to work creating your masterpiece!

You will have the option to paint items such as mugs, coasters, plaques and small jugs, giving you the perfect opportunity to make a present for a loved one or treat yourself. After you have finished your pottery, The Pottery Pantry will take it back to their shop to glaze and fire it for you. The pottery will then be available for collection from their shop in Medstead, or they can bring it back to us here in Chawton where you can come and collect it.

There will be an option to purchase a picnic bag from us, but you are more than welcome to bring your own picnic! To purchase your ticket, just head to www.chawtonhouse.org/whats-on/pottery-painting-picnic-at-the-dyers-barn/

06/08/2026

Today Lilli and I did a ramble around Bentworth in Hampshire – well, I did the walking and Lilli made herself comfortable in her papoose (in fact, she was so comfortable that she was even snoring while I did the walking)

Bentworth is a sweet little village with some lovely cottages and houses and is about 3 miles from Alton. The Church, St Mary's, is in the centre of the Village and some parts look very old (apparently bits are from the 11th century). I did wonder if Jane Austen knew the Church. At the Church porch there is a note which gives some information about Jane, and it appears she knew the Rector, the Reverend John Colland. She writes to Cassandra from Steventon between December 24th and December 26th 1798 about a Ball that both Jane and John had attended. It appears that he was the “Flirt of the Evening”.

I have attached some pictures I took in the village which show how lovely it is; the Hampshire countryside was looking super even though the ground was very hard and very dry.

02/08/2026

The very first Alton Jane Austen Group grant is now open for applications.
If you have a project which enhances the arts, literary or cultural experiences within 5 miles of Alton, Hampshire, UK contact us for an application form.
Grants will be for between £50 and £500
Alton Town Council The Alton Society Alton Lions Club - Registered Charity No: 1174502 Alton Herald Alton Library - Hampshire County Council Curtis Museum Chawton House Jane Austen's House Gilbert White's House & Gardens

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