Jan. 2005

 Time

 Winter Programme Events

 Where?

Wednesday 26th.

10.00am

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
"The Tinder Box"

Armstrong Hall

2004 Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Cast with two members of audience.

Photo Courtesy of Thornbury Gazette

The Tinderbox is a compilation of some of the lesser known tales from the prolific storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, this year happens to be the 200 anniversary of his birth.The production by the Old Vic Theatre School is in the best tradition of storytelling and manages to invest the everyday with the magic regularly seen in fairy tales.

The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School have been regular visitors to Thornbury helping to introduce young people to the joys, thrills and uncertainty of live theatre.

An enthusiastic audience of over 200 children, their teachers and assistants from four Thornbury Primary Schools saw the production on a cold Wednesday morning in January; result - a magical day , full of mystery, enchantment and wonder.

 February/March 2005

 Time

 Spring Programme Events

 Where?

 28 February and 1 March

5.30pm

Eisteddfod Speech and Drama
Class Judging

The Speech and Drama Eisteddfod is sponsored by the Lions Club of Thornbury

Sheiling School

Eisteddfod Music Class Judging

The Music Eisteddfod is sponsored by the Lions Club of Thornbury

  Sunday 6th March

2.30pm

 Eisteddfod Concert
Showcasing some of the top young performers in Thornbury

Armstrong Hall

2002 Best overall vocal
Thornbury Cymrodorian Cup Presentation
    

The judging for the various Eisteddfod classes will take place over an 11 day period in three venues.

For details of times of Music classes etc.,
please ring Barbara Ray on 01454 412272
or                Trish Wilcock on 01454 883763.

For details of times of Speech and Drama classes etc., please ring 01454 413887.

Selected class winners from the Eisteddfod will be invited on stage at the Eisteddfod Concert on Sunday March 6th, performing, singing or playing, for an appreciative audience.

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 April 2005

 Time

 Community Events

 Where?

The following performances will take place in an extended Festival period. To cater for those who are unable to travel to the usual venues the events will be held in the residential homes listed below.

 Various TBA

"Songs from the Shows"
with Four of a Kind

Four of a Kind take the lead in singing some of the well known songs from film and theatre and, of course, before too long the audience join in and sing along with gusto to the much-loved favourites from the musical stage.

Various TBA

"The Shadows Dance Team"

The Shadows demonstrate the atheleticism, expression and joy which young people bring to the world of dance and show just what can be achieved in a small area when the dance team move with agility, grace and precision.

 April 2005

 Time

 Pre-Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Friday 1 April 2005

"Engish Music and Traditional Dance"
National Youth Folklore Troupe of England

England has a traditional music and dance heritage which rivals most nations including our celtic cousins. NYFTC are a group of young people drawn from all over the country who get together in workshops, concerts and festivals to maintain the traditions, to perform and entertain, and of course for fun, enjoyment and friendship. The concerts include songs and music, morris, social and sword dancing and tons of energy and excitement.

The National Youth Folklore Troupe of England Is a not for profit organisation which promotes youngsters' knowledge, enjoyment and expertise in folk with high quality performances of traditional music, dance and song, at home and abroad.

Youngster interested in becoming a team member with the committment to attend the training events, the concerts and festivals can find out more on the website www.nyfte.org.uk or email daveleverton@lycos.co.uk

 April 2005

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Monday 18th.

10.00 am

"Climate Change "
 with Dr Dave Reay
Edinburgh School of Geophysics

 Castle School

Monday 18th.

12.00 am

"Climate Change "
 with Dr Dave Reay
Edinburgh School of Geophysics

 Marlwood School

It is the youngsters of today who will experience the adverse effects of the rise in temperature caused through the pollution of the Earth's atmosphere by industrialisation and the burning of fossil fuels. Can the build-up of greenhouse gasses be reversed? What is the relevance of Renewable Sources, or will Nuclear Energy be the answer? The students at Castle and Marlwood schools will have the opportunity to ask Dr Reay for the expert's view on the way forward.

Dave Reay is a scientist whose work is focused on global warming studying the impact of greenhouse gasses and how they might be reduced.

Dr Reay studied Marine Biology at Liverpool and went on to a PhD at Essex University studying the response of the Southern Ocean algae and bacteria to temperature changes. He now works in Edinburgh on greenhouse gasses produced by agriculture.

 April 2005

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Tuesday 19th.

All day

"Sounds Roadshow - the Gamelan"
 with Andy Warn - The Crochet Factory

 URC Church

The Gamelan is a traditional Indonesian percussion instrument consisting of a series of giant Gongs and metal pots (metallophones) which are used to accompany dance and theatre.

The name literally means "hammered" and the children visiting the workshop will have the opportunity to beat out the ancient rhythms and experience the exotic sounds made by these little-known but authentic instruments.

Andy Warn specialises in giving workshops on a variety of instruments combining fun and education for groups of children from reception to year 6. He is an accomplished musician, a former rock guitarist he now gives classical recitals on guitar and lute.

 April 2005

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Thursday 21st.

10.30 am &1.30 pm

"Creative Writing workshop"
 with Paul Henry - University of Glamorgan

 Castle School

Photo by D. Frederick

Paul Henry, born in Aberystwyth, is an accomplished poet with a number of published volumes to his name. Recently, to mark the official opening of the Wales Millenium centre, Paul was invited to read some of his poems in the concourse at the gala opening night.

Paul was originally a singer/songwriter, who has turned to the written word in more recent years. His creative writing sessions aim is to seize the imagination of young people through the power of the written word and to open a path of discovery which will take them as far as they wish to travel.

A pocket size selection of his poems "The breath of sleeping boys and other poems" is now available.

 April 2005

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Various.

half days

"Indian Dance and Music"
 with Inder Pym-

 Primary Schools

Inder Pym gives Workshops in Indian Folk and Classical dance for infant to year 6 children. The sessions combine all the fun of dressing up with rhymthmic dance and movement with Inder all the while giving a gentle introduction to Indian life and culture.

One of the most striking things is to see from the childrens' letters to Inder is how the colourful costumes make such an impression and how much the children enjoy the sessions.

Inder also performs Bhangra and Indian Folk dancing and was a featured artist in the 2002 Dance Live! Bristol celebration.

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 April 2005

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 6.30 pm

 Opening reception - Invitation Only

Cossham Hall

"An audience with Joan Bakewell"
 Joan Bakewell

Presented in association with Clive Conway Celebrity Productions Ltd.

Supported by Eastwood Park Training and Conference Centre

A familiar face and personality from television and a noted newspaper columnist and author, Joan Bakewell has interviewed most of the leading artists, thinkers and opinion-makers who have had something important to say, for over 30 years. She has written four radio plays, published 3 books, served on a number of arts-related committees and prize-judging panels. She was made a CBE in 1999.

Her elegant looks, cool head and wide range of interests made her a favourite interviewer with the viewers of serious television and because she always went to the "heart of the matter" the viewer was usually rewarded with insights which an ill-prepared questioner would have been unable to seek out.

Joan will be telling the story of her life and times: the difficulties women found in a Man's world; the huge changes in attitudes brought about in the 60's; to the thorny problem of dumbing down TV to retain audience share. She will take questions from the audience toward the end of the evening and will be available afterwards to sign copies of her recent autobiography "The Centre of the Bed".

 Time

 Where?

"Cool Science"
with Dr Karen Bultitude

Dr Karen Bultitude has an entertaining and unusual way of making science memorable - just cool it.

Currently employed by UWE as a Royal Instutution Lecturer, Karen is a research associate at the Graphic Science Unit. Her brief is to demonstrate that science can be fun. Armed only with a thermos, a pair of gloves, some fruit and some clear liquid gas Karen shows there can be surprises in store as the temperature changes; Who would guess that you can eat a hammer! Karen has a PhD in Atomic and Laser physics so her scientific grounding involved the study of the extraordinary properties of particles, waves and materials in conditions far outside our normal daily experience and comprehension.

The show will interest and engage all ages and illustrates part of the National Curriculum on the properties of solids, liquids and gases.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"Golden Moments from Opera"
with Hatstand Opera

Supported by Bank Cottage Practice

Hatstand Opera have built their reputation by taking professional performers to local venues and singing excepts from our favorite operas . Scene setting explanations and jokes, and over 7 years of experience, go along with the music resulting in a satisfying and rewarding evening of live opera.

The company have a core of experienced performers and an infectious sense of theatrical fun, their slick and witty performances delight and entertain. They have appeared in performance before 7,000 in the open air - and from The Savoy to Nether Stowey!. They have appeared at the Covent Garden Festival and on one occasion even used a Disabled loo as a changing room, quite an achievement given their regular quick-fire costume changes!

An evening to remember is almost guaranteed as post-show surveys carried out for HSO show that all members of the audience rated the performance as either excellent or good.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Sunday April 17th.

Tickets £7

"Tortworth Tea & Trees"

4 Pillars Hotel
Tortworth

Now rescued and restored by the Four Pillars group the magnificent building overlooks the mature grounds and lake, Mr David Rees the head gardener will guide the group of around the arboretum pointing out the species, the views and points of interest and afterwards we will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the wonderful hotel setting.

Stout shoes are recommended for the trail which will be about 11/2 mile and does include some sloping paths, unfortunately the paths are soft in places and unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Sunday April 17th.

Tickets £4 Conc. £2

"ngm Pop Concert "
Featuring: September, Underdown, Amora Ploy

Armstrong Hall

An evening for the younger people of Thornbury featuring September from Castle School and Underdown from ngm. Unfortunately Mutende have had to cancel because of injury; at short notice Amora Ploy have agreed to appear in their place.

September: Ollie Huggins Lead guitar and vocals, Dan Goudie Drums, Dave Hazel Bass guitar.
Underdown: Mark Guitar and vocals, Will Keyboard and vocals,Thorn Drums, Nick Guitar, Jon Bass guitar.
Amora Ploy: Tom Green Guitar, Paul Bishop Guitar, Jo Newcombe Bass guitar, Adam Camm Drums.

The concert is organised by ngm, so expect a professional show with superb technical back-up.

visit www.ngm.com

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Monday April 18th.

Tickets £ 4

"Sugarcraft"
with Iris Seymour of the Sugar-craft Guild

Iris Seymour secretary of the Keynsham and Saltford branch of the Sugar Craft Guild demonstrates the intricate art of making items such as flowers out of sugar. The creative skills and fine handicraft can be seen in the models which have been prepared for competition and exhibition purposes, it is extraordinary how she can take what seems to be the most unpromising material and turn out work which can almost seem like fine sculpture.

Your cake decorations will never seem the same again!

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Monday April 18th.

Tickets £8 Conc. £6

"Duo del fuego"
with Roger Huckle and Hayley Savage

Roger Huckle and Hayley Savage thrilled the audience at St George 's Brandon Hill, last November with a demanding and beautifully-executed concert performance of music for classical guitar and violin.

We welcome Hayley and Roger to the festival, Hayley is one of the UK's finest classical guitarists and winner of the Ivor Mairants Guitar Award, London, while Roger is Director of the Emerald Ensemble, one of the UK's leading chamber orchestras.

Together, as two polished musicians in complete accord with each other they bring magic, excitement and dazzling performance to their repertoire.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Monday April 18th.

Free entry

"Poetry Slam"
with Claire Williamson and Glenn Carmicheal

Do you find writing poetry comes easily to you, but don't know if it is any good? Do you know someone who has written some verse but won't let it go any further - or do you enjoy just listening in friendly company with the occasional pint? Then tonight's Poetry Slam may be for you!

Claire Williamson and Glenn Carmichael, experienced poets both, will lead the evening where local writers, supplemented by one or two professional poets, are encouraged to read their work to an audience gathered in the atrium area of The White Lion in the High Street.

If you have the courage, 3 poems to present and a burning in your heart, then call Barbara on 01454 412272 for further details.

This is a first for Thornbury, all are welcome, the Slam will be in the public bar so entry is free, but a little quiet when poets are reading will be much appreciated.

Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Tuesday April 19th.

Tickets £ 4.00

"Family History - Fact or Fiction"
with Pat Hase

Pat Hase is the Chairman on the Weston Super Mare Family History Society and has lectured widely on the pleasures, hazards and pitfalls of history and family history research.

With the spread of the internet, on-line registers, census returns and databases, family history research is a rapidly growing interest among all sections of the community, Pat is the one to guide you through it all.

Pat gave an informative and entertaining talk to the Friends of Thornbury Museum at their sell-out supper lecture in 2003, so it is with some pleasure that we welcome her back to Thornbury.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe"
Peter R Bond

This evening will be one of most vivid and spectacular to be presented at the Armstrong Hall as Peter R Bond shows some of the incredible images taken by the Hubble Space telescope and more recent planetary probes illustrating his presentation on the wonders of the universe we live in.

Peter is a regular commentator on TV and radio explaining the significance of the latest astronomical discoveries and events, he is the author of hundreds of articles in British and American newspapers and magazines and contributed to space and astromomy encyclopedias and CDs. His latest work to be published is an in depth account of the International Space Station.

Peter is a former teacher and won the Aventis Prize for the best Junior Science book in 2000. He will be available after the show to sign his latest books.

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 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Wednesday April 20th.

Tickets £ 4.00

"Castle School Samba Band, Wind Quartet and other performers"

The talented youngsters from a number of the different Castle School bands will be appearing in concert showing the breadth and depth of talent which is blossoming in Thornbury as the school develops its Arts faculties.

Full details will appear when the final programme is agreed.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"Jazz, Latin & Funk"
The Dave Betts Quintet - Jazz Café style

Supported by Cromhall Refinishing Ltd.

Local musician and composer Dave Betts and his quintet who made successful appearances at Ronnie Scott's Club and the London Jazz Festival will play Latin and Jazz in a Café style setting.

Dave drives the quintet along as the percussionist so expect plenty of cross-rhythms to set the feet tapping as they play many of Dave's own compositions.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"The Breath of Sleeping Boys"
An evening with poet and songwriter Paul Henry

Photo by D. Frederick

Paul Henry, born in Aberystwyth, is an accomplished poet and songwriter. He has published four collections of poems, published widely in Magazines and also edited a special edition of Poetry Wales - Poetry and the family vol 33 No.1.

Recently, to mark the official opening of the Wales Millenium centre, Paul was invited to read some of his poems in the concourse of the centre at the gala opening night.

Paul was originally a singer/songwriter, during the evening Paul will read a selection of his poems and accompany himself on guitar for his songs.

A pocket size selection of his poems "The breath of sleeping boys and other poems" is now available.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Thursday April 21st.

Tickets £ 4.00

"Highgrove - The Garden"
David Howard - Head Gardener at Highgrove.

Rose garden at Highgrove

HRH the Prince of Wales is well known for his keen interest in the countryside and his love of nature and especially plants.

The Highgrove estate closely reflects this interest and it is the responsibility of the Head Gardener Mr David Howard to interpret and deliver the vision.

David, who has recently appeared on Gardener's World, takes us on an illustrated tour of the garden at Highgrove, learn how the estate is organised and the seasons' work planned so that the whole is in harmony with the natural cycle while still giving pleasure and interest to the visitor.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Thursday April 21st.

Raised £12,  Flat £10
Reserved seating

"Three men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome
with Rodney Bewes

Presented by Elsewhere Theatre (Productions) In association with Acorn Entertainments Ltd.

Supported by Berkeley Vale Motors

Except, in this case, there is only one man - and a dog!

Rodney Bewes has adapted Jerome K. Jerome's comic novel into a charming and hilarious one-man show which has been an outstanding success at the Edinburgh Festival fringe on no less that 3 occassions.

He stars, directs and produces himself in the adaptation which is set in 1922 with Jerome as narrator recalling his japes and scrapes with George and Harris, and dog Montmorency, on a skiff in a bizarre and entertaining adventure on the Thames.

Rodney is well known for his role in "The Likely Lads" and has appeared in in countless plays, films and TV parts. Less well known is his interest in rowing and antique boats, in fact, his beloved edwardian skiff will be on stage with him.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Friday April 22nd.

Tickets £ 4.00

"Barefoot to Buckingham Palace"
with Susan Marshfield

Hear Susan Marshfield tell her fascinating story about her day at the Palace with this lighthearted look at Palace garden parties.

Susan lives in Winterbourne and this is only one of her extensive repertoire of entertaining talks.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Friday April 22nd.

Tickets £4

"The Opposite Sex " By David Tristram
with "Not the 4 of Us"

Coach House
at The Chantry

After their succesful debut last year, theatre company Not the 4 of Us formed by local actors Phil Domaille, Sarah Glew and Peter Wiggins are performing this rip-roaring comedy tailored to an intimate performance space.

The three are major players in the Thornbury Amateur Dramatic Society where the standard of their performances has won wide acclaim, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern" and "Macbeth" being two examples of recent TADS plays with superb performances from the cast.

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Friday April 22nd.
Tickets
Raised £12,  Flat £10
Reserved seating

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Independent Ballet Wales

Supported by Essilor Ltd.

Photo - Peter Teigen        

The raised seating at the Armstrong Hall is highly recommended to appreciate the art of ballet which returns again to Thornbury after last year's sensational debut by Independant Ballet Wales.

Independent Ballet Wales, directed by Darius James, is a young, vital group of dancers pushing back the barriers of classical ballet; a perfect way to enjoy the highest possible standard of dance and storytelling which makes the evening an ideal introduction to classical ballet for young people.

This year's production is an enchanting production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" using Mendelssohn's joyous music and acclaimed costumes by Welsh designer Yvonne Greenleaf.

Titania and Puck inhabit the fairy kingdom while Bottom and his earthly pals confuse the enchanted lovers in a web of mistaken identity and confusion until reconciliation finally and joyously arrives.

 Time

 Where?

 Saturday April 23rd.
Tickets
Raised £12,  Flat £10
Reserved seating

"London Community Gospel Choir"

Supported by St. Mary Centre

The London Community Gospel Choir will be 15 strong for their visit to Thornbury. They are world-famous for their rich harmonies and their up-tempo gospel flair, swing-beat, R'n'B, traditional and soulful arrangements with invigorating choreography and vocal gymnastics - outstanding to watch; seeing is believing!

Formed in 1982, the choir perform in a wide variety of live functions from parties to christenings, from cabaret to funerals, they have appeared in numerous TV and radio shows from Des O'Connor to Top of the Pops and the BBC Proms. The choir has released 8CDs and several videos, have opened on the main stage at Glastonbury, sang for Nelson Mandela during his famous visit to London and appeared at several Royal Command Variety Shows.

Energetic, Inspiring, Spirit-filled - Out of many churches, cultures and characters - One voice, The London Community Gospel Choir.

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  7 October 2005

 Time

 Autumn Programme

 Where?

 Friday 7 October

Phillip Lyons - National Poetry week

Philip Lyons, the well known Bristol Poet will be leading an "Open-mic" event at the Chantry, to celebrate National Poetry week. Phillip will be reading a selection of his own very personal poems and organising the evening's programme. The theme is "The Future", members of the audience who have the skill and the bravery will be encouraged to read their work to what is sure to be a very appreciative audience.

Phillip lives in Bristol and has taught at various Universities, Psychiatric Hospitals and at Prisons for male and female prisoners. His work among people under stress, with few prospects, has a powerful influence on his poetry but he manages to find some optimism in their lives and attitudes.

Phillip will be available to sign copies of his book of poems "Rainy Day"

 16 October 2005

 Time

 Autumn Programme

 Where?

 Sunday 16th October

Tea and Trees - Tortworth Court

Tortworth Court

Four Pillars Hotel

Now rescued and restored by the Four Pillars group the magnificent building overlooks the mature grounds and lake, Mr David Rees the head gardener will guide the groups around the arboretum pointing out the species, and points of interest and afterwards we will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea and the views from "The Room at the Top".

Stout shoes are recommended for the trail which will be about 1/2 mile and does include some sloping paths, unfortunately the paths are soft in places and unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

 19 November 2005

 Time

 Autumn Programme

 Where?

 Saturday 19 November

The Rhymney Silurian Male Choir
In Concert
with Guest Solist Lynne Dennis

Christ the King Church.

Castle Street

The choir will be joined on the platform by Solist Lynne Dennis who will be featuring songs from stage and screen.

In association with Christ the King Church, TAF warmly welcome the visit of the Rhymney Silurian Male choir.

If you enjoy Choir Concerts, a strong tradition in Thornbury and Dursley, then this evening of song and melody is not to be missed. Welsh choirs produce effortlessly lyrical and distinctive sounds from over 30 voices yet somehow still managing to sound as though they were but one single organ. After the concert the choir will be taking some refreshment and hopefully relaxing with a few songs in the bar.

On the same evening the Thornbury Christmas Lights will be switched on and a Fair will be taking place in St Mary St., soTAF has arranged that Concert Goers may park in the South Glos. Council Car park in Stokesfield Close.

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