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The Easter holiday Pantomime, Alice in Wonderland, is at The Woodville starring the legendary Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee as well as Steve Hewlett, the ventriloquist who shot to fame with his puppet versions of Sinita and Simon Cowell on ITV1′s Britain’s Got Talent.
Alice in wonderland is a great Easter treat with a live band, comedy, mind blowing magic and a west end calibre cast, including Ant Payne and Robert Pearce.
The pantomime show dates are Friday 4 April, Saturday 5 April and Sunday 6 April.
There is also more family fun at The Woodville with the Old MacDonald Had A Farm show. This fun filled farmyard tale with action, puppetry and animation brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a medley of games, giggles and singalong songs. Show dates are Friday 28 March and Saturday 29 March.
For more information and to book tickets go to http://www.woodville.co.uk or cdll box offices on 01464 337774
Upcoming exhibition at Rochester Art Gallery – Time Lapsed
A Medway artist will be showcasing her creative talents in the latest exhibition at Rochester Art Gallery.
Marissa Mardon – a painter from Rochester – will debut pictures of the historic town amongst a new display called ‘Time Lapsed’.
Mardon is known for her paintings of traditional landscapes using monochrome colours, but this exhibition shows an experimental side of the artist as she moves away from her usual style.
Many of the oil paintings will illustrate Medway’s rich history and reflect on the area’s ongoing regeneration.
Her canvases are bare in places, revealing visible pencil marks and brush strokes to show how a painting has developed over time – a fact that has helped inspire the name for this exhibition.
Visitors will also be able to watch a short film, capturing the process of Mardon’s work and how an image evolves from beginning to end.
Some of her pieces have been showcased at galleries throughout Britain and found homes across the world.
Also on display at the exhibition will be ceramics by two other artists. Imogen Noble will be presenting a selection of her crafted pots, rich in colour and inspired by natural patterns such as weathered stone and wood.
She will be joined by Raewyn Harrison, who will display her clay creations based on the themes of architecture, industry and tidal landscapes.
The artists’ work will be further complimented by historic objects loaned from the Rochester Guildhall Collection.
The exhibition will run from 28 March to the 1 June with a special preview on the 27 March between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Free Admission. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays, 10.30pm to 5pm
Flushed with success, now entering its fourth fabulous year, the world’s original touring burlesque spectacular is about to hit town.
Officially Britain’s biggest burlesque extravaganza – a quarter of a million people have now seen this show – An Evening of Burlesque is responsible for exposing the cream of the West End of London’s thriving burlesque scene to the world. Not only has the ever-so-cheeky production revealed the secrets of the art of burlesque to delighted audiences across the UK, it has also thrilled theatregoers at the swishest venues throughout Europe as well.
From Milan to Zurich, St Petersburg to Minsk, Leipzig to Verona, Dresden to Riga, Padova to Dessau the reaction has been the same – absolutely incredible, says show producer Michael Taylor.
“Nothing is lost in translation,” says Michael. “An Evening of Burlesque’s content – sparkling glamour, physical humour and a dynamic score – are appreciated in any language.”
An Evening of Burlesque features corsets, killer heels and stockings aplenty – and that’s just the theatregoers who come to see the show!
“For a spectacle that sparkles from its elaborately-decorated headdresses to its immaculately varnished toes,” says Michael, “it might not come as a complete surprise that audiences are predominantly female. Also, we’re pleased to report that, with a prize for the best-dressed member of the audience, theatregoers revel in dressing up for the occasion.”
The show itself sparkles with couture costumes recalling the golden eras of burlesque. An Evening of Burlesque claims to be the most glamorous show on tour.
For over-18s only, it boasts that its success is built on a combination of sultry vocals, breathtaking choreography, mischief, magic, frivolity and fun.
“It’s all tease, no sleaze,” says Michael. “The show combines musical and theatrical parody, cutting-edge variety, magic, comedy and dance with the art of striptease.”
Michael says he is proud to be bringing variety back to the theatre, claiming An Evening of Burlesque is the slickest, wickedly wittiest, most delightfully choreographed cabaret spectacular of the year.
“Dress up and come to the cabaret,” he says.
DRESS TO IMPRESS – PRIZE FOR THE MOST GLAMOROUS MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE
Sparkling with couture costumes, featuring killer heels and stockings aplenty. . . no, we’re not talking about the burlesque all-star performers appearing in Britain’s hottest new theatre show sensation An Evening of Burlesque.
That’s a description of audiences for the glamorous production. Its combination of song, dance, mischief, magic, music, frivolity and fun has proved an unqualified hit with the ladies.
“Throughout the UK,” says show producer Michael Taylor, “at every venue, the fairer sex make up the majority of our audiences. “And the ladies just love dressing for the occasion.”
So much so, the production now offers a “burlesque-tastic” surprise prize for the best-dressed member of the audience on the night. The prize will be awarded by the show’s production manager, their decision being final.
“The show is an opportunity,” says Mike, “to forget about all your troubles for an evening and enjoy the thrills and spills of modern-day burlesque.
“Theatregoers completely immerse themselves in the evening’s entertainment.”
Michael says, as performers look out from the stage the auditorium is aglitter with the most dazzling outfits.
“As a consequence, the atmosphere at theatres is absolutely electric,” he says.
“We would like to reward the most glamorously-dressed person with a prize they’ll treasure forever.”
ENTERTAINERS, 200 LONDON ROAD, HADLEIGH, BENFLEET, ESSEX, SS7 2PD
Tel: 01702 427100 switchboard, 01702 427102 direct easytheatres.com
On Tuesday 4 March the second Annual Pancake Races will be held on New Road, Gravesend. Local businesses will be racing against each other whilst flipping their pancakes. Races start at 12.15pm.
Last year’s winner was Lizzie from the Kent messenger. A council spokesperson said: “Last year was flipping crazy, there was a great buzz in the town with shrieks of laughter as the businesses raced against each other. We are looking forward to crowning a new champion this year.”
Oliver Twist Cine Concert
A French school choir will perform two concerts in the Britannia Theatre, Dickens World in Chatham on Tuesday the 4th March. They will accompany a French version of the Frank Lloyd 1922 silent black and white film Oliver Twist, re-mastered by Lobster Films and with English sub titles. The choir is from Nevers near Bourges in central France. Their Choir Master Cyril Lohbrunner wrote the music and his wife the lyrics. The organisers would be particularly delighted for local schools to attend.
Members of the Rochester & Chatham Dickens Fellowship (R&CDF) will read from Charles Dickens Oliver Twist (in English) before each program. The Dickens Fellowship is one of the sponsors of the concert.
Performances are at 2pm in the afternoon and 7.30pm in the evening and tickets from the theatre in advance or on the door cost £4 per person.
For tickets or more information on events, please use the following contact information:
http://www.britanniatheatrechatham.co.uk
Box Office telephone Number – 0844 858 6656
Bookings/general enquiries: bookings@dickensworld.co.uk
Events Information: events@dickensworld.co.uk
Oscar-nominated and BAFTA Best Director winner Paul Greengrass is coming to Gravesend.
One of Gravesend’s most famous sons returns to the borough in March to The Woodville’s cinema which is named in his honour.
Paul Greengrass was born in Surrey but his family moved to Gravesend where he attended Westcourt school and then Gravesend Grammar School for Boys.
He will be on-stage for a question and answer session about his career as a prelude to a special screening of his latest movie Captain Phillips which is in the running for a string of awards across the globe including six Academy Awards nominations.
Paul, 58, is also known for directing the first two of the Bourne trilogy and United 93.
He will be at the Paul Greengrass Cinema on 25 March at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 for the unique opportunity to see and hear this extraordinary journalist and filmmaker.
To book tickets go to http://www.woodville.co.uk or call 01474 337774
A nostalgic Roaring Forties Night is planned for High Halstow in March.
It’s a fundraiser for Anim-Mates, the animal rescue sanctuary in St Mary Hoo
The Roger Luxton Dance Band will be playing the music of the wartime era at High Halstow Village Hall on Saturday 29 March from 7pm.
Tickets at £12 are limited to 100 so there will be plenty of room dance.
40′s outfits are optional, but there will be a prize for the best one.
You are asked to bring your own rations to eat.
Themed activity trails, giant wooden Gruffalo sculptures and a big birthday forest picnic are coming to Bedgebury.
Families in Kent and Sussex are invited into a deep dark wood near their home this year to celebrate The Gruffalo’s 15th anniversary with characters from the world-famous picture books.
From April, visitors can join Mouse on his adventure and explore Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning tale through activity trails in the Pinetum.
The fun-packed partnership kicks off with The Gruffalo activity trails in Bedgebury and 27 other forests across England, which run through to the end of September. In October, The Gruffalo’s Child activity trails take over and will stay in Bedgebury right through the winter until February 2015. Characters from the stories will lead children through the trees with adventure and intrigue, learning about woods and forests as they go.
From June, a giant wooden sculpture of one of the world’s best-loved monsters himself will be hidden in Bedgebury Pinetum. Another 14 of the 7ft tall sculptures will be hidden in forests across England, for families to track down. The 15 Gruffalos will all be different and are currently being individually-carved in a secret woodland location out of three-ton pieces of timber, each carefully-selected from Forestry Commission sites.
Visitors are also invited to gather in Bedgebury with family and friends on Saturday 7 June to celebrate The Gruffalo’s anniversary with a big birthday forest picnic – inspired by an exciting party pack of forest-inspired picnic ideas, activities and bunting, free to download this Spring from the Forestry Commission’s website http://www.forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo.
Daryl Shute from Magic Light Pictures, the brand building and production company responsible for the award-winning animated Gruffalo films commented:
“The Gruffalo encourages followers to explore the real world with imagination, creativity and a true sense of adventure. With emphasis on learning and the great outdoors, Forestry Commission England is the perfect partner, and we’re delighted to be teaming up with them in this anniversary year to launch these exciting new series of trails across the country.”
“The Gruffalo lives in the natural world so a local forest is the perfect place to set out with Mouse on his journey in search of these magnificent new wooden carvings of one of the nation’s favourite children’s picture book characters.”
Sandra Styles from Bedgebury commented:
“There is no better way to celebrate The Gruffalo than within the deep dark wood and forest that he calls home.
“The Gruffalo is a national treasure and so are our forests and this partnership will really help to bring the story to life and celebrate the anniversary in true Gruffalo style.
“All the activities have been carefully positioned at Forestry Commission sites across the country so you are never more than an hour away from a Gruffalo adventure, and we are very excited to be a part of the celebrations with The Gruffalo activity trails and a sculpture at Bedgebury.”
Details of trails and sculpture locations and the forest birthday picnic party pack are available from http://www.forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo. Sign up online to find out more about the exciting year of forest celebrations.
It’s Full Steam Ahead to The Historic Dockyard Chatham this Easter, as thousands plan to travel to one of the South East’s biggest and best events – The Medway Festival of Steam and Transport. Visitors to the Festival on Easter Sunday and Monday, 20th and 21st April, are in for a real treat this year as one of the South East’s favourite events gets bigger and better still!
The Medway Festival of Steam and Transport is back this year with an injection of even more music to complement the classic and vintage vehicles across the 80 acre site. Visitors will be treated to a variety of music on two main stages located within a historical setting.
The Victorian Warship HMS GANNET, No. 3 Slip and No. 1 Smithery will encapsulate the Folk and Blues Stage, surrounded by vehicles dating from 1901 to 1930 and Steam Traction Engines, where visitors will be entertained with lively and toe tapping folk and blues music.
Acts performing to the crowds include: Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs an ‘off the rails’ skiffle band, well known on the Glastonbury Festival scene, with their quirky and comedic act playing music with wash boards, soap boxes, banjos and guitars and CoCo and the Butterfields, provide something a little different. A five piece band with a unique fusion of folk, pop and hip hop or ‘Fip Fok’ they are not to be missed! Funke and the Two Tone Baby a talented multi-instrumentalist will entertain with his mechanical alt-blues music; Kentish band The Flowing play alternative and folk songs with a range of instruments; and performances from Larkspur with their mix of lively traditional and modern folk music, will ensure that visitors will not be disappointed.
The River Medway sets the scene for a second stage, backed by the beautiful Commissioner’s House. This Sixties and Rockabilly Stage will be flanked by vehicles from the 1960’s, hot rods, trucks and American vehicles and this area will have an American Diner feel to it where visitors can rock ‘n’ roll the weekend away!
Acts on this stage include: Scarlett Rae and the Cherry Reds who perform a fusion of blues, rockabilly and jazz; Like…The Beatles bringing visitors the most accurate and fun Beatles tribute act in the UK, take a trip down memory lane; making a welcome return Thee Waltons, a playful act with a unique blend of hillbilly rock ‘n’ roll; The Kick-Backs are a six piece rock, funk and soul band with sing-a-long covers; The Scalextrics are a new-wave punk rock band with hits from the ‘60s, ’70s and ‘80s; and performances from Leroy and the Rockets with impressive credits in the music industry, be entertained with a mix of rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll and blues.
With such an impressive festival line up set to come to the Medway Towns, visitors are being encouraged to buy their discounted tickets in advance to avoid the queues, to enjoy their music filled Easter weekend at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. For more information and tickets, go to www.thedockyard.co.uk/steamandtransport
On Friday 7th February – Charles Dickens’ 202nd birthday – members of the Rochester & Chatham Dickens Fellowship attended the first local evening screening of the film “The Invisible Woman”. The film is currently being shown at the Odeon Cinema in Dickens World Leisure Complex, Chatham. The film is based on the book by Claire Tomalin telling the life story of Ellen (Nelly) Turnan. The controversy from a Dickensian scholar’s point of view is a tantalising question: did Charles Dickens have a platonic relationship with the young actress or a love affair? There is also controversy over his separation from his wife, the mother of his ten children – and indeed whether Ellen Turnan had a child by Charles Dickens (or even more than one!). I am sure that Dickens scholars will continue arguing over this for years to come.
Whatever the truth about Ellen Turnan and Charles Dickens, members enjoyed the film and found it well acted and produced. There is local interest in the film: Chatham and Rochester get a mention and part of the story relates to Gad’s Hill Place in Higham. A lesser-known fact is that Ellen (Nelly) Turnan was born on March 3rd 1839 in Maidstone Road, Rochester and baptised later that month in St Nicholas’ Church.
TO COMMEMORATE THIS YEAR’S WW1 CENTENARY PENSHURST PLACE AND GARDENS IS KICKING OFF A ‘SIR AND SOLDIER’ THEME FOR 2014 WHEN THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS OPENS FOR THE SEASON ON 15TH FEBRUARY.
The historic Kent venue will be running war-themed activities for visitors throughout the year, starting this month during half-term with a couple of fun children events designed to help young visitors experience life as a soldier.
SECRET SPY HUNT: 15TH – 23RD FEBRUARY (10.30 AM TO DUSK)
Reconnaissance soldiers are needed in Penshurst. Their mission: to transform into a WWI spy to help save Penshurst Place from enemy invasion. The soldier spies will need cunning skills to hunt down and solve war-themed secret clues to find ten missing objects that are hidden around the gardens and adventure playground.
This fun children’s trail is included within the admission fee and will be running throughout the half-term school holiday from 15th – 23rd February 2014 from 10.30am – dusk. Normal garden admission prices apply
For more information http://www.penshurstplace.com/whatson
WAR WOUNDS MAKE-UP WORKSHOP: 19TH FEBRUARY (4PM TO 6PM)
world war oneThe Porcupine Pantry at Penshurst Place will be transformed into a WWI wounds clinic on Wednesday 19th February between 4pm and 6pm when award-winning special effect artist Kate Griffiths runs a ‘War Wounds’ make-up workshop.
Designed by Kate especially for Penshurst Place, the event will show older children (age 7+) how to create fake wounds using everyday household materials and how to bandage their injuries in the same way as they would have been during WW1.
Tickets £10 (For children aged 7+)
www.penshurstplace.com/etickets
Selected upcoming March highlights at Penshurst Place & Gardens include Mothering Sunday family activities with special lunch menu on 30th March; an adult Spring Stroll and Lunch on 16th March and spring bulbs and blossom displays in the gardens.
SPRING STROLL & LUNCH – ADULT EVENT: 16TH MARCH
Dust off your walking boots for a leisurely two hour stroll and reap a tasty reward for your physical exertion. A brand new walking event for adults to enjoy at Penshurst Place & Gardens on 16th March between 11am and 2pm. Journey across the beautiful estate and learn about its Tudor history on the way. This special Sunday walk is led by Penshurst Place’s General Manager and is followed by a delicious two-course roast lunch in the Garden Restaurant. Tickets £22 (to include private parking, guided walk, lunch and garden admission) www.penshurstplace.com/etickets
THE GREAT ARMADA ADVENTURE: 22ND & 23RD MARCH (12 NOON TO 4PM)
Experience life at Penshurst Place as the militia prepares to ward off the Spanish Armada. Skilled costumed characters bring history alive as they invite visitors to join them in the Staterooms as the Penshurst Place household prepares for invasion. Normal garden admission prices apply. For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com/whatson
CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY: 30TH MARCH
Families can celebrate Mother’s Day at Penshurst Place with fun craft activities to suit all ages and a special menu in the Garden Restaurant. Children will be able to treat their Mums to a handmade Mother’s Day poetry card or present her with a hidden Morse code message on a necklace made in the Education Room. Normal garden admission prices apply. For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com/whatson
Other things to see and do while visiting Penshurst Place and Gardens during February and March:-
• Toy Museum
• House (Sats & Suns only)
• Woodland Trail
• Adventure Playground
• Garden Restaurant
• Porcupine Pantry
• Gift Shop
• The Gardens:
February – early spring flowering bulbs in the Orchard, Nut Garden, Lime Walk and Horse Pond
March – spring blossom in the Orchard, Nut Garden and Flag Garden
Most events are included in standard admission price unless otherwise stated. Full details of the event calendar for 2014 can be found at www.penshurstplace.com/whatson.
The February half-term holiday is approaching and there are plenty of fun activities on offer in Medway to keep the children entertained.
Fans of pop boyband One Direction will jump at the chance to learn a great dance routine to some of their greatest hits.
Those aged between eight and 16 – who fancy following in the footsteps of their favourite band members – can put on their dancing shoes and take part in a special workshop at The Brook Theatre in Chatham.
The workshop on Tuesday, 18 February is with professional dancer Jay Saunders who will teach the young people a choreographed routine and a variety of dance skills.
There will even be a final performance for family and friends where children can showcase the moves they have learnt at the end of the day.
The workshop takes place from 10am to 3.30pm and costs £14 for each participant.
Children can also get creative and learn some magic with a professional circus company at the Balloon Art and Magic Tricks workshop.
On Monday, 17 February, tutor Mighty Mike of Dizzy O’ Dare Presents will teach those aged between eight and 14 how to make amazing balloon models and perform marvellous magic tricks.
The session will begin with fun warm up games and demonstrations, followed by activities where the children will work in small groups with one-to-one help from the workshop assistants.
Each child will take home some new skills as well as their very own pack of playing cards to try their tricks on family and friends.
The workshop takes place from 10am until noon at The Brook Theatre in Chatham and costs £7.
On another date at the same theatre, youngsters interested in arts and crafts can get messy designing ceramics and printing pictures with artist Friday Caswell.
Using special tile-cutting tools, rollers and inks – those who attend the workshop on Friday 21 February, will get to make unique printed pictures as well as paint designs on mugs, plates and tiles.
Caswell will showcase some examples of her work and talk about the different techniques and equipment the group will be using throughout the day. She will then help the children with their ideas and creation of their artwork.
The workshop runs from 10am to 3.30pm for eight to 14-year-olds of all abilities and costs £14.
All materials – including the china items – are supplied and included in the price of the workshop. Children are asked to wear old clothes and an apron if they have one.
If you would like to book a place for any of these events or find out more information contact 01634 338338 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk
Another evening, more rain and more puddles, more mud and no chance of getting outside and really enjoying yourself.
Then it’s a good job the Upnor Pier is here to brighten up our evenings and whisk us off to the Caribbean for the evening with entertainment, three course meal and fun competitions combined to provide a great evening again and not forgetting the genuine Steel band.
Our chivalrous host enabling all to take part
Our congratulations to the Limbo Competition winner who beat off some stiff competition, not that it was a close run thing as I meant stiff in a…. finding it awkward to bend sort of way.
And the winner is……..feeling a little unwell.
As for the winner of the Chilli eating contest, well Julia, you are fearless, we are checking, but don’t think anyone, ever, in the History of the Upnor Pier chilli eating contest (It’s a tradition now you know) has eaten all six, the last one being named a Ghost Chilli. Congratulations and sympathy go to you this morning.
If you would like to know more about events at The Pier, find them on face book, or see them on page three of our printed edition for regular updates. You can find all the pictures from last nights event HERE.
It’s Full Steam Ahead to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as thousands plan to travel to one of the South East’s biggest and best events – The Medway Festival of Steam and Transport
Visitors to the Medway Festival of Steam and Transport being held at The Historic Dockyard Chatham on Easter Sunday and Monday, 20th and 21st April, are in for a real treat this year as one of the South East’s favourite events gets bigger and better still!
Returning to the Dockyard are the spectacular sights, sounds and smell of steam as traction engines and locomotives rumble by. Hundreds of classic and vintage vehicles, live music across the site, penny farthing and land train rides will delight all ages and the interactive Modelling Zone with planes, trains, automobiles and boats of the miniature variety will captivate visitors! Also returning is the Airfix “make & take” model building area, where children can experience building a model kit for free.
Children’s indoor soft play and outdoor play areas gives little Dockyard visitors a chance to let off some steam of their own! Dotted across the site there will plenty of themed places to eat and opportunities to buy that special Easter gift. All the attractions and galleries of The Historic Dockyard will be open to visit, as part of the event.
Due to popular demand, the Steampunks with their unusual Neo-Victorian costumes and steam powered wacky gadgets will return and have moved to the bigger venue on the Mezzanine floor, under the roof of the awe-inspiring 3 Slip: The BIG Space. ‘Steampunk Central’ will provide a colourful and imaginative world with vendors offering Steampunk fashions, accessories, gadgets, and books; and the Steampunk Morris team will perform, together with an exhibition of Steampunk art installations.
Sixties and Rockabilly live music featuring “Like…The Beatles” and many others will entertain the crowds while they are surrounded by our new category of Hot Rod and Drag cars, with American saloon vehicles and trucks. Live Folk and Blues music will fill the air on Museum Square with Skiffle band “Hobo Jones & the Junkyard Dogs”, as seen at Glastonbury Festival, plus many others to entertain you throughout the day.
The new temporary exhibition in No. 1 Smithery: The Gallery “A Squash and a Squeeze: Sharing Stories with Julia Donaldson” is perfect for families! Visitors’ children can follow in Toddle Waddle’s footsteps, climb into the cave with the Cave Baby and meet The Gruffalo; sing-a-long to songs on Julia’s Jukebox or perform a play on the stage.
An exclusive opportunity is provided to take a walking tour around the location for the popular TV drama series ‘Call the Midwife’ and see how areas of the Dockyard were transformed to become the perfect backdrop for the programme. The Dockyard ‘Midwives’ will lead the tour taken through the cobblestoned ‘Poplar’ Dockyard Streets with period vehicles, hanging washing lines and bicycles and music will recreate the special 1950s atmosphere, as it was for filming. The perfect opportunity for the avid fan.
For a special treat, Easter Afternoon Tea in can be taken in the splendid Georgian glamour of Commissioner’s House. Vintage crockery, 1950’s music and set dressed as the ‘Grosvenor Hotel’ featured in the second series of Call The Midwife. Spaces are limited so to avoid disappointment, bookings should be made in advance by calling 01634 823846 to check availability and to make a reservation. Alternatively there will be refreshments available in the Pavilion Marquee, plus good wholesome home cooked foods to enjoy from Wheelwrights’ Restaurant, The Railway Workshop and several catering units across the site.
Early Bird discounted tickets are now available to purchase online or from The Historic Dockyard Chatham. For more information go to www.thedockyard.co.uk/steamandtransport
New Photographic Display Outside IWM North
Launching the 2014 First World War Centenary programme at IWM North
From 18 January 2014 – Free Entry; Donations Welcome
IWM _Q28231: Female worker in Charles Macintosh and Sons’ Ltd rubber factory, Manchester, 1918
Exploring how the First World War changed the society we live in today, a new external photographic display at IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, in Manchester, reveals images of women working in industry during the conflict.
As IWM builds towards a major programme of events and displays commemorating the First World War Centenary, six images by official First World War photographer G P Lewis are being unveiled in huge, 5 metre high frames, outside IWM North, on the Quays in Manchester.
George Parham Lewis, an official photographer of the home front, specialised in documenting heavy industry and photographed women workers in the glass, vehicle and food industries.
The images in the free IWM North display document women’s vital contribution to the war effort in factories across the North West of England almost 100 years ago.
Taken from IWM’s renowned Photographic Archive, the images were jointly commissioned by IWM and the Ministry of Information, demonstrating the wide range of roles performed by women during the First World War.
Visitors are invited to contact IWM North on Twitter @I_W_M #IWMNorth or Facebook.com/iwm.north if they recognise family members in any of GP Lewis’ photographs on display.
IWM_Q28392: Female glass worker carrying a tube of rolled glass at Pilkington Glass Ltd., St Helen’s, 1918. The company still exists today
Graham Boxer, Director of IWM North, said: ‘The First World War was a major turning point that shaped the world we live in today, including the roles of women in society. These six powerful images depict women at work during an extraordinary time. It is a fitting start towards a major programme of exhibitions, displays and events marking the First World War Centenary at IWM North. Later this year we will open the largest exhibition ever created exploring the role of the North West of England during the First World War.’
The Women and Industry display opens on 18 January, while IWM North’s major exhibition marking the centenary, From Street To Trench: A War that Shaped a Region, will open on 5 April. For more information, visit http://www.iwm.org.uk
Paul Weller has confirmed five forest gigs, appearing as part of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live concert programme in spectacular woodland locations across the country.
It’s been thirty years since Paul Weller first exploded onto the music scene, suited and booted, and armed with statement tunes in The Jam. Blending the best of British with his love of Motown, Weller crafted a new landscape in the UK music scene thanks to an impressive portfolio of work including amongst others, Stanley Road, Illumination, 22 Dreams and 2013’s Sonik Kicks all hitting Number One. A significant figure in popular music for the past three generations, he remains a cultural icon.
Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission bringing music to new audiences without commercial branding or sponsorship. Income from the concerts is spent on improving the woodland for both people and wildlife.
Following on from two sold out Forest Live dates last summer, Paul said of the 2014 shows, “It’s a favourite summer jaunt for me so I look forward to performing in a few of the forests that I haven’t played in a good while”.
Paul Weller plus special guests will be performing:
Saturday 14 June: Sherwood Pines Forest, Edwinstowe, Nr Mansfield, Notts.
Saturday 21 June: Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, Nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Friday 27 June: Dalby Forest, Nr Pickering, N Yorks.
Saturday 28 June: Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley, Staffs.
Friday 4 July: Delamere Forest, Nr Northwich, Cheshire.
Tickets £46.20 (including booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 17 January from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.
Info
www.paulweller.com
As darkness descends, The Historic Dockyard takes on an eerie atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop for tales of history, mystery, murder and intrigue – mixed with a little adventure and romance. This year’s ghost walks and spooky tales take visitors around the darkened cobbled streets of the Ropery buildings and into the dimly lit Ropery itself – an eerie experience in the darkened ¼ mile rope walk.
Commencing at 8pm and lasting approximately 1½ hours these eerie evenings cost £12 per person and run on the following dates:
Friday 25th October
Friday 1st & 15th November
Friday 13th December
Places are limited! To avoid disappointment, pre-booking is essential. Call 01634 823845 / 823852 or email ghostwalks@chdt.org.uk
Minimum age is 16 years if accompanied by a full paying adult over the age of 21.
General ‘Chinese’ Gordon was one of the most famous figures of Victorian society and has been immortalised books, paintings and most notably the 1966 film ‘Khartoum’ where he was played by Charlton Heston. Read More
Saturday 19th October the Kent Police Brass Band will be playing at Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church and there are still a few tickets available if you would like to go you can get tickets from Stuart Coombs on 01634 251705
If you live within the distribution area of the Peninsula Times printed version, you will doubtless be aware of Anim-Mates charity and the good work that they do. If you have some time to attend one or both of these events you would be providing tremendous help to them. Plus you get to eat CAKE at one of the events and everyone likes cake!
Just to illustrate the kind of people they are. We found a cat hiding under our car at home, clearly injured and clearly in distress. We tried in vain to contact other animal charities for help without success. We called Anim-Mates and hoped, someone answered, not only did they answer but they gave us the address of a vet that could help and even called ahead to say that we were coming and any charge should be referred to them. Unfortunately the poor little cat died as a result of her injuries within a day or so and although it was a short period of time Anim-Mates were there and available to help when bigger and better known charities were not. Please help them if you can by going along to have some fun at these events.
If you can’t quite read the detail click on the image to make it huge!
Jessie Brennan portrait © Chris Dorley-Brown
The exhibition also includes one of the artist’s most famous works The Cut which won Second Prize in the Jerwood Drawing Prize, 2011, more recently this piece won Contemporary Talents 2012 (Drawing Category), François Schneider Foundation, France. Read More
New for 2013, an activity specifically designed for older children aged 7+
Enter the world of film and television special effects with a Halloween make-up workshop run by the award winning theatrical make-up artist, Kate Griffiths. Using everyday easy to find household material, children will learn how to create fake cuts, bruises and amputated fingers to give the perfect special-effects look to their Halloween costume.
For children age 7+ (parents must accompany or be on site) the workshop will last for two hours. Tickets are priced at £10.00 each and include materials plus a full ingredients list to take away! The workshop will take place in the Porcupine Pantry and ticket holders will be offered 10% saving on the cost of refreshments.
With limited availability, this event is proving very popular so early booking is advised. For more information or to make a booking, please visit http://www.penshurstplace.com/makeup or enquire at the gift shop or telephone 01892 870307. (Please note this activity will be held in Porcupine Pantry located outside the house and gardens next to the visitor car park. Normal admission prices apply for house and grounds access.)
SLUGS AND SNAILS AND ‘NOT SO SPOOKY’ TALES PLUS.. MEDICINE SPELLS, FANCY DRESS AND PUMPKIN TRAILS
Children can enjoy the half term by delving into the legends of Halloween with a choice of fun workshops and activities free to house and garden ticket holders at Penshurst Place & Gardens this October.
*NEW FOR 2013* LEARN MEDIEVAL MEDICINES
New for 2013 is the chance to learn about the horrors of medieval medicines and cures during a new activity designed to educate whilst having fun. Find out how the sick were treated in medieval times by using vinegar, wine, herbs and other household products in this craft activity suitable for children of all ages.
Bring on the autumn shivers with not too scary storytelling on Thursday 31st October. Perfect for younger visitors to enjoy Halloween and for those who like to be a little scared, but not too scared! Three showings, from 2pm, 2.45pm & 3.30pm. Please arrive in plenty of time for the first performance as spaces are limited. Not too scary storytelling will be followed by an optional fancy dress competition with a prize for all at 4pm in the Tea Room. Come dressed to kill!
Extend the fun by joining our themed craft activity sessions in the education room to make a lucky black witch on a broomstick or create special dragon, cat or bat Halloween inspired masks to complete your fancy dress costume.
Uncover secret hidden Halloween trails and explore Penshurst Place. Children of all ages can explore the gardens to discover the gargoyles that lurk in the grounds or find the friendly pumpkins hidden in our hugely popular pumpkin hunt.
Halloween craft activities and trails open daily throughout half term (19 October – 3 November) Gargoyles and Pumpkin trails – from 10.30am. Craft activities from 12 noon – 4pm.
Copyright Kennard Phillipps
IWM holds an unrivalled collection of twentieth and twenty-first century British art. Now, IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, in Manchester is presenting the first major exhibition of IWM’s collection of contemporary art produced since the First Gulf War – placing more than 20 years of work by over 40 artists in this national collection on public display together for the first time. Read More
Things get spooky this Autumn Half Term at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as visitors explore the eerie and ethereal through a range of exciting activities.
Running from 25 October through to 3 November, visitors can join in the Bats and Broomsticks activities, suitable for all the family. These include a brand new and very informative Bat Trail, the return of Megan the Witch with spell binding stories to enchant and – back by popular demand – families can challenge their creative skills by trying their hand at Pumpkin Carving or take the spooky mini Ghost Tours through the eerie Hearts of Oak gallery in the dark! Read More
After last year’s success, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is back with a new and vibrant Classical Ballet, The Nutcracker – a family orientated production with the Fairy Tale element and some added glitz from the beautiful costumes.
There will be no surprise to any that this production will be of the most delicate, intimate and powerful kind. This Company is known for its attention to details and, more particularly, for its dramatization in dance of the tragedy and beauty that this ballet is known for.
Join us for an unforgettable journey in the run-up to Christmas and be part of the magic as it unfolds. Read More
Hand of Stabs, a quirky three-man band known for their improvised shows in unusual settings, will be performing a one-off gig at the Old Brook Pumping Station in Chatham on Saturday, 28 September.
The Royal Albert Hall may have fine acoustics and the O2 Greenwich a show-stopping all round view but neither has a belt driven Blackstone 14 inch Unchokeable Pump on hand to wow the audience.
The 84-year-old water pumping device at The Old Brook Pumping Station, off Solomons Road, Chatham will be getting a new lease of life but this time as a musical instrument. Read More
If you’ve ever felt like branching out and having a new experience Medway Council could have the answer for you later this month.
A new art installation will give people the chance to listen to the inner workings of trees.
To get to the root of it – how does it work?
Artist Alex Metcalf uses special high performance microphones to record the sounds from inside the tree as water is pulled up from the roots to the leaves. Read More
Peninsula Times 