newsletter autumn 2008

Arts Council for Woking Newsletter Autumn 2008

Send news of your event for inclusion in the next newsletter to

Anna Molesworth

a.molesworth@ntlworld.com

16 Eastbrook Close Woking GU21 5DQ

closing date for Winter Newsletter 1^st December 2008

NEWSLETTER DEADLINES

Winter 2008 1^st December Spring 1^st March 2009 Summer 1^st June 2009 Autumn 1^st September 2009

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Arts Council for Woking

Annual General Meeting Friday 19^th September 8pm

All Saints Church Woodham

Refreshments provided.

Please contact 01483 832089 to let us know if you will be attending.

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WOKING SOCIETY OF ARTS

EXHIBITIONS OF ORIGINAL ART WORK

Saturdays 13thand 20th September, 9am - 4pm

Mercia Walk, Woking.

Indoor Exhibition Friday 14th November 8pm - 9pm,

Saturday 15th 10am - 5pm

Trinity Methodist Church Hall Brewery Rd

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Julian Keeley chairman of the Arts Council for Woking reports on ACW showcase.

The Arts Council for Woking organised a showcase of members' activities on Saturday, 12 July 2008. Eight members participated with each having their own table in Mercia Walk. The weather was kind to us and we had a good level of interest from people wandering by.

All of the members who participated were pleased with the day and would participate again at a similar event. Comments we received after the event were building on what we had done. People would like to see more active displays with members demonstrating what they do i.e. various forms of live entertainment. We could provide more publicity and inform people about what the Arts Council does.

We will start planning for a similar event in the early summer of 2009. As we now have completed one showcase, we can hopefully organise the event even more smoothly.

We would also like to see more ACW members participate. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate what each member society does and hopefully attract some more individual members or people to attend shows and recitals.

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WOKING PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY NEW SEASON OF MEETINGS

Woking Photographic Society starts its September programme with a wide range of meetings to suit every taste. On the 2^nd September Len Deeley FRPS DPAGB presents his Audio Visual Spectacular. Combining a soundtrack with projected images offers a very satisfactory way to view pictures and the Society will be holding its own Digital AudioVisual competition on the 29 November.

On the 16^th September Rob Harris provides an illustrated talk on his experiences in Iraq with a presentation entitled "Basra and Beyond". Rob Harris visited Basra to report on the 1^st Battalion Irish Guards back in October 2007 when around 6000 British troops were stationed at the Air Base. `Basra and Beyond' tells the story of Rob's visit to the base at Basra, his journey's on patrol with the Irish Guards and his 2 day trip to Baghdad. His photographs show a British Army working closely with Iraqi's at the time when those in charge began to see the first signs of a brighter future for the country.

Rob Harris has been Head of News at Surrey and Hampshire's commercial radio station, Eagle Radio for over 4 years. He's recently returned from a gruelling trip to Kenya where he followed Aldershot based troops to remote parts of the country as they delivered an annual medical programme to tribes and their children. Rob is regularly asked to talk on his reporting experiences and is excited to be able to add his personal photographs to this particular presentation.

The first Print Competition, judged by Tony Baverstock LRPS, is on the 23^rd September and the last meeting of the month is on the 30^th September entitled "Land Sea and Air" presented by Nigel Choat.

The Society has 60 members from beginners to advanced and aims to encourage all aspects of still photography. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 8.00 for 8.15pm and take place on the ground floor of Owen House, Heathside Crescent, Woking GU22 7AG. For further information about Woking Photographic Society ring the Club mobile on 07954 196142 or go to www.wokingps.org.uk

 

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Woking Music Festival 2008 The Syllabus is available

The 2008 Woking Music Festival is being held from November 3rd to 29th.

Full details of the various classes, that can be entered, are published in the Syllabus that is available now by applying to the Syllabus Secretary,

Mrs Del Smith, 6 Glebe Court, Cross Lanes, Guildford, GU1 1SU.

The Woking Music Festival is one of the highlights of the musical scene in Woking. While it is basically a competitive festival, with many cups and trophies to be won, there is great emphasis placed upon performance. Visitors attending as audience can be assured of a feast of excellence and delight. The adjudicators are always chosen not only for their skill in assessing standards, but also because they are able to communicate with the performers and the audience, when at the end of each class they present a virtual master class during the adjudication.

The adjudicators this year Graeme Humphrey (piano), Anthony Frogatt (vocal, choral, Organ and Composition), Gillian Johnston (instrumental and orchestral), Penelope Charteris (speech and drama).

There are classes at all levels from beginners to advanced and for all ages from primary to adult. There are opportunities for soloists, duos, ensembles, and choirs and orchestras. Do consult the syllabus to discover what might suit you.

The youngsters who are learning their skills love to come back year after year to perform. The festival also provides a wonderful opportunity for adults to continue to enjoy playing and singing by presenting the stimulus to practise and prepare.

A feature of the Woking Music Festival is the inclusion of Speech & Drama classes. There are many and varied classes in this section, all fully described in the Syllabus, for example News reading both Radio and Television.

The Organ classes have been expanded this year and the Dame Ethel Smyth Trophy will be awarded in one of these classes, for a performance of a composition by a woman composer. This trophy was presented to Woking Music Festival by Woking Borough Council and is awarded each year.

The best of the young instrumentalist will be invited to go forward to take part in The Woking Young Musician of the Year Competition which is held annually in the following February. For young singers there is the award of The Most Promising Young Singer Award made during the festival's vocal classes with the opportunity to perform at the February competition.

The main venues will be Christ Church and H.G.Wells with Speech & Drama in the Rhoda McGaw theatre.

The closing date for all entries for Music Classes is Wednesday 1st October and for Speech and Drama Classes, Wednesday 8th October.

Further information can be found by visiting the Festival Website www.wokingmusicfestival.org.uk

Apply now for a syllabus from Mrs Del Smith (01483) 511 112

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The New Bank Gallery Chobham Surrey

This prestigious building has been renovated to a high standard and it is proposed to open it up once again as an Art and Contemporary Applied Art Gallery.

The Gallery is located in Chobham High Street an attractive village in Surrey. There is a large FREE CAR PARK 200 yards from the High Street and in addition there is limited parking in the High Street itself. Chobham is in a good catchment area.

The space was once an established gallery, subsequently it has now been refurbished and is self-contained with its own small kitchen, lavatory and good storage space. The Gallery has a wooden floor, high ceilings, a large number of electricity sockets and excellent wall space, lighting, display and hanging systems. There is also a partitioned space that would be suitable as a jewelry studio providing the facility for an artist in residence.

The Gallery will be run as a co-operative by a committee of willing members with a selection process for membership and an annual subscription of £100.00 year. Members are committed to have a two week exhibition either annually or bi-annually at a rate of £300.00 a week. Guest artists and or groups would also have exhibition opportunities at a cost of £950.00 per fortnight.

The Gallery space is approx. 580 square feet and group exhibitions, where the cost of hire can be spread, are encouraged and members could invite other artists/craftspeople to share their exhibition. Members are expected to arrange and manage their own shows and the Gallery's mailing list would be made available together with the Gallery web site supplying basic publicity and art listings.

This is a unique opportunity and if you are interested in becoming a member, or would like more details then please contact:

Elaine Coles, 73a High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AF

Tel: 01276 856769 email: elaine@elainecoles.co.uk

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Sketchbooks reveal Steve Bell's mastery of political caricature

Prime minister Gordon Brown will most likely be avoiding Woking this autumn, when a retrospective of work by the sharp satirical cartoonist, Steve Bell, goes on show at The Lightbox.

Steve Bell Cartoons (8 October - 16 November) traces 12 key themes from Bell's last 30 years as a leading political cartoonist. Best known for his long running if... series in the Guardian newspaper, he is famed for his cutting satire and ability to create iconic caricatures of leading politicians. Bell has famously depicted Tony Blair with a manic grin and one bulging eye, and John Major wearing his pants over his suit like some kind of awkward anti-hero.

"At first it can be tricky" says Bell, "but over the years you get a sense for what makes politicians tick and develop the characters you can work with. It's very useful to see the politicians in the flesh. I usually stick with the photographers at party conferences and follow them round with my sketchbooks. You can sit almost looking up their noses and pick up the things that the camera misses."

Not often seen in public, these sketch books are the highlight of The Lightbox exhibition. They reveal how Bell's incredible draughtsmanship and observational skills often enable him to capture the spark of an enduring caricature from just a few pencil lines.

The sketch books will be accompanied by a selection of original cartoons from Bell's vast personal archive. Working to reproduction size on card or watercolour paper, using John Heath's Telephone Pen (Fine), brush and Indian ink, he currently draws five if... strips and four editorial cartoons for the Guardian a week in his studio in Brighton.

The resulting provocative images hit close to home and Bell freely admits that he often steps over the mark. His early cartoon strip in Time Out Maggie's Farm was once condemned in the House of Lords as "an almost obscene series of caricatures".

Steve Bell Cartoons is in the Upper Gallery of The Lightbox from 8 October until 16 November 2008. Entrance is free. Opening times are Tuesday - Saturday, 10.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday, 11.00am - 5.00pm. Visit www.thelightbox.org.uk for information.

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Recycled sculpture wins public vote for £250 Surrey art prize

A woman's head made out of recycled china has been voted winner of the £250 People's Prize in the first Surrey Open Art Competition. Cleverly titled `Poor Celine,' the sculpture was crafted by Farnham resident Liz Thomas.

Liz was one of over 200 artists from across the county who entered the first Surrey Open Art Competition in April. `Poor Celine' was selected by the competition's judges to be displayed in the Surrey Open Art Exhibition (27 June - 10 August) at The Lightbox in Woking this summer.

When the exhibition opened in June, members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite artwork out of the 51 on display. When the exhibition closed, on Sunday 10 August, over 2,500 people had made their choices. `Poor Celine' was a clear winner with 240 votes.

The sculpture is made of pieces of broken decorative china, which Thomas purchased at car boot and jumble sales, glued onto a turned wooden base in the shape of a head.

Although she studied for an art foundation in her teens, the artist really discovered her love of sculpture about 15 years ago by taking clay modelling and stone carving classes. When her teacher moved on, Thomas and the other the pupils in her class started their own pottery studio, called Farnham Sculpture, in the village of Wrecclesham.

Liz Thomas now has arthritis in her hand, which prevents her from working as easily in wood or stone. Far from letting it be a setback though, for the last 2-3 years she has turned her talents to broken china instead. She says the idea "originated from the drive to recycle."

"Creating 3D artwork is something I couldn't live without now," Liz says. "It's a need I have to do it, whether working with wood, stone or ceramics. I work for my own pleasure but I find it really rewarding that other people like what I do!"

Liz Thomas will be presented with the £250 prize by its sponsor, Christopher Agace, Director of Chalk Hill Contemporary Homes . `Poor Celine' was purchased by a visitor to the exhibition for £200 and the artist has since received many more enquiries about her work. If you would like to find out more please visit the Farnham Sculpture website at www.farnhamsculpture.4t.com.

To find out more about the Surrey Open Art Competition, please visit The Lightbox's website at www.thelightbox.org.uk. Until 28 September there is an exhibition of Clarice Cliff Ceramics in the lobby of the Woking gallery and museum, and another on The Human Face in the Upper Gallery. The Lightbox is open Tuesday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm, and Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm. Entrance is free.

The Surrey Open Art Competition is a biennial competition run by The Lightbox, the first of its kind in Surrey. It is open to artists of all levels living or practicing in the county. A panel of expert judges selects the best works to go on display in the double-height Main Gallery of The Lightbox. The judging panel also chose a winner of the competition, who is presented with The Hutley Art Prize, worth £500. During the exhibition, members of the public can then vote for their favourite artwork and vote for the winner of a £250 People's Prize. The first Surrey Open Art Competition took place in 2008. The winner of The Hutley Art Prize was Anne Nolan of Woking. The next competition will be in 2010.

The Lightbox gallery and museum celebrates its first year of success

Corks will be popping in Woking this September (2008), when The Lightbox gallery and museum celebrates its first anniversary.

Without a doubt the highlight of the year has been winning The Art Fund Prize 2008 for museums and galleries. This £100,000 award has acted as a significant national seal of approval for the project.

The Art Fund Prize judging panel, chaired by broadcaster Sue MacGregor, described The Lightbox as "an innovative partnership between an independent charity and its supportive local authority". They were impressed by its "imaginative local history gallery, its accessible approach to presenting art, and its lively programme of temporary exhibitions, events and educational provision."

Of course all this would not have been possible without the support of local people volunteers and a dedicated team of staff. Over 200 volunteers help out with everything from greeting visitors to looking after the museum collection.

The judges said that overall they "were struck by the open and welcoming ethos of the staff and volunteers, and by the organisation's determination to continue to involve the community in the whole range of its work".

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Do you have a project that could be part of the 2012 Cultural Olympics?

The London 2012 UK-wide cultural programme will feature a mix of projects in which a whole range of communities are taking part.Large or small, we are looking for inspirational ideas from all sorts of people - surprising, exciting, brand-new projects, events or activities inspired by London 2012.

If you have an idea, a project or are an organisation which you believe fits the values of the Cultural Olympiad contact your local creative programmer

Could your project be part of the programme?

This is an entirely new scheme, not tried at previous Olympic or Paralympic Games, so we have to start with just a small number of projects or events. We will be selecting carefully to make sure we get a good balance across every nation and region of the UK.

Chosen projects will be granted the right to use the `Inspire mark' on various project materials, such as posters, brochures and website. (This will be subject to our standard license agreement being signed and approval processes being followed.) The Inspire mark is part of the London 2012 brand family. It recognises that a project has been `inspired by London 2012' and reflects the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

There are some criteria your proposed project or event has to meet in order to be eligible for selection:

• Only not-for-profit organisations can apply (ie: not individuals).

• The scheme is predominantly for projects which have entirely non-commercial funding and support.

• Your project or event must start after 25 August 2008 and before 9 September 2012.

• Your project must be primarily cultural.

• Your project must meet all three core values and at least three of the seven themes of the of the Cultural Olympiad. Find out more

• Your project must be inspired by London 2012 and not an existing piece of work - it needs to be different from what you normally do, taking bold, new steps forward.

Please note, the London 2012 Organising Committee is not a funding body. You should have sorted out all or most of the funding you need for your project before you put in an application to us.

If, having read all this, you would like to put an idea forward, you need to speak to your local Creative Programmer. There is one for every region of England and devolved nation of the UK.

The Cultural Olympiad values are to:

Welcome the world

- Inspire and involve young people

- Leave a lasting and positive legacy

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Woking Community Play Association has been awarded a grant from Woking Borough Council to commission a Play to be written about the Ockenden Venture.

Already professional playwright Rib Davis has been recruited to interview people who have memories of Ockenden and a number of interesting stories are starting to emerge. There is also a cache of papers at the Surrey History Centre, which were cleared out of Ockenden's office and are currently un-catalogued. Who knows what hidden jewels will emerge from these as they are archived!

All these strands will mesh together to form what will become the script of the Play, which will involve a large cast of local people including many who may never have acted before, and others will be involved in a myriad of other ways.

As anyone knows who has taken part in a play, it can make you feel like being in a large family. The experience of a Community Play means that family is very large! It's hoped that, in one way or another, the Play will touch the lives of most of Woking's residents.

WCPA are looking for people who have memories of Ockenden in whatever capacity and people who would be interested in volunteering to help with archiving the Ockenden papers. Later we will be looking for people interested in being involved with the more creative aspects, such as devising the script, helping with the Music and but at the moment it is help with organising the early stages.

If you would like to know more about the project or be involved in any way, contact Anna Molesworth on 01483 832089 or a.molesworth@ntlworld.com

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Christmas Markets in Cologne - Proposed WTTA visit, 12 - 15 December 2008

We are planning a trip for members and friends of WTTA to see the world famous Christmas Markets in Cologne. There are no less than six major markets in and around the city, each with its own character, so this is an opportunity not to be missed. There is even a floating market on a cruise ship moored on the Rhine promenade. Cologne also boasts the largest Christmas Tree in the Rhineland.

The atmosphere at the German markets is unique, and the shopping is wonderful, with all kinds of special Christmas wares to buy. You can sample the seasonal food and wine, and there are literally hundreds of stalls which are busy all day and far into the night. After dark the markets are a magical sight.

We will go by Executive Coach, which is very well equipped, with reclining seats and toilet facilities on board. We will be picked up from Woking at about 9 am. The journey will be via Channel ferry from Calais and on to Cologne, arriving in the late afternoon at our hotel. Three nights accommodation (on a bed and breakfast basis) are included in the price. We are also hoping to arrange an optional river trip for the Sunday.

The basic cost per person will be £319 ( based on two sharing a double room).

A single supplement of £75 is payable for use of a single room.

If you are interested in taking part in this visit, please contact Chris Sansom as soon as possible. For this trip to go ahead we need at least 20 members and friends to take part. Please send a deposit of �50 to reserve your place.

 

WTTA visit to the Cologne Christmas Markets

Please reserve me ……. place(s) for the visit to Cologne on 12 to 15 December 2008.

I enclose a cheque for a deposit of £50 per person, made payable to WTTA.

Name(s)

Address:

Telephone:

E-mail:

Please return completed form to:

Chris Sansom,Oak Cottage, 86 Potters Lane, Send, Woking, GU23 7AL

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WAOS Presents,,, SALAD DAYS

Book and Lyrics by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade. Music by Julian Slade

28^th October-1^st November

Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking Evenings 7:30pm

Saturday Matinee 2:30pm

Tickets from £10

Full details and orders from

www.waos.info

WAOS Box Office: 01483 836031

Ambassadors: 0870 060 8845

Newly out of University Tim's family expect him to get a job and there are plenty of Uncles who might be able to help him.

Jane's family want her to find a fine titled husband. Timothy and Jane have other ideas and then they are given a piano to look after for a month. It turns out to be a very special piano which leads them on a merry dance and a brush with authority.

This musical show which held the record for the longest run in the West End until eclipsed by Lloyd Webber and Rice is a great evenings entertainment packed with lovely tunes.