Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind In The Willows, lived in Church Cottage, Pangbourne until his death in 1932. And Mr Toad is back in Pangbourne for Christmas.
Stories passed down from staff at Hardwick House suggest that Grahame knew the owner, Charles Day Rose, and frequently attended parties there. It is a strongly held local belief that the colourful Sir Charles was the model for Mr Toad and Hardwick House the model for Toad Hall.
The George Hotel, who kindly display the Christmas tree, has undergone a makeover and its theme is Wind In The Willows. So, who better to have as our mascot for this year’s celebrations than Mr Toad himself!