Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Midsummer Medieval Madness at Fairhaven – The Complete Canterbury Tales

The Pantaloons open-air theatre company visits Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, with their new version of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales on Friday, July 8 at 7pm. Tickets are £8, child (5 to 16) £5 in advance and £11 and £8 on the door. Book online at www.thepantaloons.co.uk or tel. 01603 270449.

In what may be a theatrical first, The Pantaloons are performing all The Canterbury Tales, with a cast of six actors playing more than 70 characters. Every story will be performed in a different theatrical style. The audience can expect pantomime, puppetry, masks, musicals, mime, farce, reality television, horror, opera – even Shakespeare gets a look-in.

Mark Hayward, co-producer and co-author explained: “There are several tales that are like mini-plays such as The Miller’s Tale and The Wife of Bath’s Tale which deserve a proper showing. Other stories have been condensed into sketches, songs or even limericks.”

Like Chaucer’s rude original, the show promises plenty of bawdy fun but, with something for everyone, this family-friendly adaptation is suitable for all ages. Bring rugs, chairs and picnics.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.
There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available.

Friday, 24 June 2011

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden – Summer Music in the Dell 2011



Taverham Brass Band returns to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Sunday July 3, to launch the garden’s Summer Music in the Dell season with a selection of classic hits and songs from the shows. This open air concert is from 2pm to 4pm. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3, under five free. There is no additional charge for Summer Music events.

Fairhaven Music in the Dell programme – all events are from 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday, July 3, Taverham Brass Band
Sunday, July 10, St Edmund’s Youth Orchestra
Sunday, July 17, John Brown plays the blues
Sunday, July 24, Norfolk Reeds Quartet
Sunday, July 31, The Castaways
Sunday, August 7, Norwich Accordion Band
Sunday, August 14, Dixieland Jazz Trio
Sunday, August 21, Brollyfolk
Sunday, August 28, Pavilion Swing band
Sunday, September 4, Sutton Jazz Quartet

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Week Two – Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight July 2 – July 10



Week two of Wymondham Music Festival, Saturday, July 2 to Sunday, July 10 has a busy programme of lunchtime recitals at Wymondham Abbey, family events, gigs at Central Hall and free Market Place concerts.

The newly refurbished Central Hall hosts The SweetBeats (July 2) Norfolk’s Lee Vasey Band (July 6), the Zimbabwean rhythms of the Anna Mudeka Band (July 8) and the Matt Wates Jazz Sextet (July 9). There are daily lunchtime recitals (1.10pm) at Wymondham Abbey from July 4 to July 8.

Families will enjoy the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at King’s Head Meadow, 11am to 1pm on July 3, with music from Hayley Moyses and storytelling. Garlic Theatre presents Fiddlesticks at Wymondham Baptist Church, 3pm on July 10.

There are also free Market Place events with the Smokehouse Blue Marching Band (July 2, 10am to 12noon), Chameleon Band (July 7, 5pm to 7pm) and Johnny Jump Band (July 9, 10am to 12noon)

Tickets from The Book Fountain, Wharton’s Court, off Market Street, Wymondham or the Festival Office tel. 01953 601939, office@wymfestival.org.uk, http://www.wymfestival.org.uk/.

Programme details follow:

Wymondham Abbey Concert
Wymondham Young Musicians’ Concert, Monday, July 4 at 7pm. £4 on the door.

Wymondham Abbey Lunchtime Recitals
All at 1.10pm, free admission (retiring collection) Broadside Revival, male quartet singing a cappella, Monday, July 4, The Chiron String Quartet, Tuesday, July 5, Tali Dolce Musica, flute, voice, chamber organ and piano, Wednesday, July 6, Magical Moments for You, popular song, opera and oratorio, Thursday, July 7, Piano Duo, Friday, July 8.

Central Hall Concerts
The SweetBeats, Saturday, July 2 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Lee Vasey Band Wednesday, July 6 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Anna Mudeka Band Friday, July 8 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Matt Wates Jazz Sextet, Saturday, July 9 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Open Air and Family Events
Smokehouse Blue Marching Band, Market Place, Saturday, July 2, 10am-12noon. Free event.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic King’s Head Meadow with live music and storytelling, Sunday, July 3, 11am-1pm. Free event.
Chameleon Band, music from the swing era, Market Place, Thursday, July 7, 5pm-7pm. Free event.
Johnny Jump Band, ‘punk skiffle’, Market Place, Saturday July 9, 10am-12noon. Free Event.
Garlic Theatre presents Fiddlesticks, Wymondham Baptist Church, Sunday, July 10 at 3pm. £6 (under 18 £5) includes afternoon tea (in advance), £2 extra on door.

Workshops, Lectures and Walks
Guided walk with Blue Badge Guide, Judy Hawkins, meet in the Abbey churchyard Sunday, July 3 at 11.50am. Free event.
Voice Workshop with Jon Baker, Wymondham Baptist Church, Saturday, July 9, 11am-1pm. £10 (under-18 £5) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Wymondham Music Festival is supported by Wymondham Town Council, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council. For more information about Wymondham contact the Tourist Information Centre tel. 01953 604721.

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Sew Creative Wroxham Barns – Interest Booming in Patchwork and Quilting Courses

Barbara and Stephen Kessel, the new owners of Sew Creative based at Wroxham Barns, are celebrating growing interest in the patchwork and quilting workshops that they offer. The current crop of workshops is fully booked and there was a queue outside the shop when bookings opened for the autumn series earlier this month. Sew Creative has a new shop combined with a course room used exclusively for the patchwork and quilting workshops.

The autumn series runs from September to December – many of the workshops are already full. A new mother and daughter course has proved particularly popular, booking up very quickly. Spaces are still available on new dressmaking courses, embroidery taster sessions and a two-day Christmas special on September 26 and 27, making table mats and runners (non Christmas fabrics also welcome). Two sewing machine demonstration days are being planned for October 8 and 9 and there will be a children’s activity week, ‘activities for the next generation of crafters’, during October half term, as well as a week of Christmas Crafts from December 12 to 17.

Barbara Kessel said: "We are absolutely delighted with the welcome that we have received from customers since opening the new shop in April. The shop is also next door to Wroxham Barns award-winning restaurant cafĂ©, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a coffee or lunch.”

“We are greatly encouraged by the popularity of our courses and workshops and are delighted with the response to our autumn programme. We will definitely be discussing other ideas for activities with our customers.”

Sew Creative is also offering a new scissors and kitchen knife sharpening service.

For more information about Sew Creative tel. 01603 781665, www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk.

Wroxham Barns, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762, is open daily 10am to 5pm, 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Southburgh Festival Norfolk – World of Music 2011, Saturday July 30



The third annual Southburgh Festival, Norfolk – World of Music 2011 will take place on Saturday, July 30 from 12noon to 10pm featuring music, dance, theatre workshops, street performers and international food and stalls. The festival, which is organised by Anna Mudeka, Norfolk based Zimbabwean singer, dancer and musician, is raising money to provide education for Aids orphans in Zimbabwe.

This year’s line up will be a colourful worldwide spectacle with performers from Zimbabwe, Japan, Ivory Coast, England, Ireland and Brazil. Tickets bought before July 1 are adults £13, concessions £12, children £6.50 and family (2 adult and 2 children) £35. After July 1 tickets cost adults £15, concessions £13 children £7 and family ticket £40.

The festival takes place at Burton Manor Barns, Southburgh near Dereham IP25 7SU, box office tel 01362 822194 or 07879 493843, email info@annamudeka.co.uk, http://www.annamudeka.co.uk/.

Bands performing are New Holland, Vocal Chords and Trinity Broads Singers, The Anna Mudeka Band, Third Bass, Kaago Dance Troupe from Ivory Coast, Murphy's Lore and Norwich Samba Band. Garlic Theatre will perform Three Billy Goats Gruff. There will be workshops in Taiko drumming, African dance, along with African face painting, street performers and magicians.

Anna Mudeka said: “This year’s festival aims to have something for everyone. We are very excited to have Garlic Theatre doing a performance of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. We will also be joined for the second year running by Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones known as the Black Farmer, who will be selling his award winning burgers and sausages, sauces and books. Bring the whole family and take advantage of the reduction in ticket prices before July 1. Don’t forget that we will be raising much needed funds to support Aids orphans in Zimbabwe.”

Southburgh Festival is sponsored by Goldsmith Personnel, Elmtree Beers
The Black Farmer, Arts Laolam, The Rose of India Attleborough, Cranworth Farm Services and Nia Norfolk.

Wymondham Music Festival Supported by Fosters Solicitors’ 250th Anniversary



Fosters Solicitors is celebrating its 250th anniversary by supporting Wymondham Music Festival, and sponsoring the Mercury Prize shortlisted Kit Downes Jazz Trio’s concert at Wymondham Abbey on Thursday, June 30.

Started in 1761 by William Foster, Fosters has grown, over the last 250 years, into one of the top 500 law firms in the UK with offices in Wymondham, Norwich, Bungay and Lowestoft.

John Wood, Chairman Wymondham Music Festival said: “The Kit Downes Jazz Trio is our standout concert this year. Our thanks go to Fosters Solicitors who have made the event possible with the sponsorship and we congratulate the partners and staff on their 250th anniversary.”

Steve Green, Partner in charge at Fosters Wymondham Office said: "Fosters is pleased to sponsor the Kit Downes Jazz Trio and to bring such high quality music to Wymondham. As a firm we have been involved with town wide events including the Music Festival for several years and we hope to continue our sponsorship for many more years to come.”

“We will be bringing over 30 staff and clients to Wymondham Abbey for the concert and are very much looking forward to the evening. In our 250th year we wish the Festival well and hope to be part of it for another 250 years."

Tickets costing £8 (under 18 £2) in advance are still available for the Kit Downes Jazz Trio concert at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 30. Tickets are on sale at The Book Fountain, Wharton’s Court, off Market Street, Wymondham or the Festival Office tel. 01953 601939, office@wymfestival.org.uk. Tickets on the night are £10 (under 18 £4).

For more information about Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, July 10 see http://www.wymfestival.org.uk/.


Photograph: Kit Downes Jazz Trio

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight June 25 –July 10




The 16th annual Wymondham Music Festival Festival Fortnight, June 25 to July 10, celebrates professional Norfolk musicians, combined with a selection of national artists and showcases local talent in this historic Norfolk market town.

Highlights include concerts at the 12th century Wymondham Abbey featuring Mercury Prize finalist Kit Downes Trio (June 30), the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet (June 25) and Madeleine Mitchell (violin) and Andrew Ball (piano) (June 29). The newly refurbished Central Hall hosts The SweetBeats (July 2) Norfolk’s Lee Vasey Band (July 6), the Zimbabwean rhythms of the Anna Mudeka Band (July 8) and the Matt Wates Jazz Sextet (9 July). Wymondham Baptist Church hosts a folk showcase with Pennyless and Tallis (July 6).

There is also a good selection of open air and family events – many free – workshops and a special music lecture.

Tickets from The Book Fountain, Wharton’s Court, off Market Street, Wymondham or the Festival Office tel. 01953 601939, office@wymfestival.org.uk, http://www.wymfestival.org.uk/.

Programme details follow:

Wymondham Abbey Concerts
Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Saturday, June 25 at 7.30pm. £12 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Violin Songs – Madeleine Mitchell (violin) and Andrew Ball (piano), Wednesday, June 29 at 7.30pm. £10 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Kit Downes Trio, Thursday, June 30 at 7.30pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Wymondham Young Musicians’ Concert, Monday, July 4 at 7pm. £4 on the door.

Wymondham Abbey Lunchtime Recitals
All at 1.10pm, free admission: Sohyun Park, piano, Friday, July 1, Broadside Revival, male quartet singing a cappella, Monday, July 4, The Chiron String Quartet, Tuesday, July 5, Tali Dolce Musica, flute, voice, chamber organ and piano, Wednesday, July 6, Magical Moments for You, popular song, opera and oratorio, Thursday, July 7, Piano Duo, Friday, July 8.

Central Hall Concerts
The SweetBeats, Saturday, July 2 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.
Lee Vasey Band Wednesday, July 6 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Anna Mudeka Band Friday, July 8 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.
Matt Wates Jazz Sextet, Saturday, July 9 at 8pm. £8 (under 18 £2) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Folk Showcase
Pennyless and Tallis at Wymondham Baptist Church, Friday, July 1 at 8pm. £6 (under 18 £2) in advance, extra £2 on the door.

Open Air and Family Events
Wymondham High School Jazz Band and the Jazz Band of the Gymnasium, Waldstrasse, Hattingen, Market Place, Saturday, June 25, 10am-12noon. Free event.
Tastes of Wymondham, Central Hall, Saturday, June 25, 11am-3pm. Free event.
Midsummer Jazz Picnic at Becketswell featuring the Dixie Mix Jazz Band Monday, June 27, 6pm to 9pm. Free event.
Smokehouse Blues Band, Market Place, Saturday, July 2, 10am-12noon. Free event.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic King’s Head Meadow with live music and storytelling, Sunday, July 3, 11am-1pm. Free event.
Chameleon Band, music from the swing era, Market Place, Thursday, July 7, 5pm-7pm. Free event.
Johnny Jump Band, ‘punk skiffle’, Market Place, Saturday July 9, 10am-12noon. Free Event.
Garlic Theatre presents Fiddlesticks, Wymondham Baptist Church, Sunday, July 10 at 3pm. £6 (under 18 £5) includes afternoon tea (in advance), £2 extra on door.

Workshops, Lectures and Walks
Guitar Workshop with Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Abbey Hall, Saturday, June 25 11am-1pm. £15 (under 18 £5).
Does Klezmer Swing? – music lecture at Wymondham Baptist Church with George Hyde, Andy Kirkham (guitar) and Jonathan Lambert (clarinet), Tuesday, June 28 at 8pm. Free event.
Community Music East, band skills workshop, Saturday, July 2 – tel. 01953 601939 for details.
Guided walk with Blue Badge Guide, Judy Hawkins, meet in the Abbey churchyard Sunday, July 3 at 11.50am. Free event.
Voice Workshop with Jon Baker, Wymondham Baptist Church, Saturday, July 9, 11am-1pm. £10 (under-18 £5) in advance, £2 extra on the door.

Wymondham Music Festival is supported by Wymondham Town Council, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council. For more information about Wymondham contact the Tourist Information Centre tel. 01953 604721.


Photograph: Kit Downes Trio

Thursday, 9 June 2011

Big Charity Breakfast Supports Macmillan




More than 60 local businesses gathered at Norwich Cathedral Refectory on Thursday, June 9 for Breakaway Business Networking’s Big Charity Breakfast in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The breakfast raised £300 for Macmillan, part of Breakaway’s commitment to raise £1000 for the charity’s Norfolk Business Challenge.

Jon Batchelor, Commercial Director AID Rope Access was guest speaker. Jon explained the benefits of Breakaway membership, notably business referrals and easy access to suppliers within a supportive business environment.

“I have been a member of Breakaway for 18 months and value the friendship of the group enormously,” said Jon Batchelor. “We moved our base earlier this year and having office equipment, stationery, print, marketing and telephone solutions suppliers on tap really eased the process. It was also very helpful to have friendly advice from other members during what was quite a stressful time.”

Kate Wilde, Director of Engage with Business and Chair of Breakaway Business Networking said: “We had a very productive business breakfast and raised a useful sum for Macmillan, made new contacts and hopefully recruited some new members to our group.”

Breakaway Business Networking meets every Thursday morning for breakfast at Norwich Cathedral Refectory. The group is independent and comprises members from the Norwich and Norfolk business community. For more information see http://www.breakaway-networking.co.uk/ or contact Mark Thair Reef Recruitment, tel. 01603 264964, email mark.thair@reefrecruitment.co.uk.

Picture left to right: Kate Wilde, Helen Chapman Macmillan Cancer Support and Jon Batchelor.

Monday, 6 June 2011

Wroxham Barns - Oxford Golfer wins Minigolf English Open



Oxford golfer, Michael Smith, won the British Minigolf Association (BMGA) English open at Wroxham Barns on Sunday, June 5 with a score of 90 after three rounds, setting a new course record with his final round of 28. Robert Witton from Norwich was best novice and Adam Kelly from Cambride won the Wroxham Barns trophy for best East Anglian Golfer for the third year running.

Twenty-eight golfers competed for the English Open title, travelling to Norfolk from Oxford, Hastings, Birmingham, Northampton, Canterbury, Guildford, Luton and North Wales. It is the second time that Wroxham Barns has hosted the tournament.

Michael Smith pulled the first pint of ‘19th Hole’ to celebrate his victory. This new draft beer has been brewed at Uncle Stuart’s Brewery, Wroxham Barns to mark the English Open and the opening of the new bar at the brewery.

Michael Smith said: “All the golfers really like coming to Wroxham Barns. It is a very challenging course with unique holes, unlike anywhere else in the UK. I was delighted to break the course record and also lend a hand with launching Stuart Evans new ‘19th Hole’ beer.”

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome the BMGA back to Wroxham Barns. Congratulations to Michael Smith on breaking the course record. We are delighted that we have such a popular championship standard 18-hole minigolf golf course and can now match that with a top class bar where golfers can relax after play. We wish the GB team luck in next weekend’s Nations Cup and look forward to hosting future tournaments.”

The English Open was the last tournament before the Great Britain Minigolf team heads to Stockholm next weekend for the Nations Cup. Seven members of the GB team took part in the Wroxham Barns tournament.

Sean Homer BMGA Chairman said: “We have had a superb tournament at Wroxham Barns. I would like to thank Ian Russell and the team for their hospitality and support. I am sure that lots of minigolfers will head to Uncle Stuart’s Brewery’s new bar for a pint of ‘19th Hole’ after their round.”

Wroxham Barns is open daily 10am-5pm, tel 01603 783762, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk.


Photograph: Michael Smith (left) with Stuart Evans, Uncle Stuart's Brewery and the first pints of '19th Hole'.

Raveningham Gardens – Special June Rose Weeks



Raveningham Gardens near Hales will be open for two special rose weeks from Monday, June 20 to Friday, June 24, daily 11am to 4pm and Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1, daily 11am to 4pm. The Edwardian Rose Garden was replanted in 2000 with repeat flowering roses and hybrid tea roses. Old varieties are displayed on the walls of the house.

Visitors can also explore the 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, arboretum and herb garden, enjoy contemporary sculpture throughout the gardens and the huge herbaceous borders. Also visit Raveningham’s 14th century church. Tea and cakes are on sale on sunny days.

Raveningham Gardens, Raveningham, NR14 6NS is open all Thursdays, 11am to 4pm, until the end of August. Admission: adult £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free, tel. 01508 548152, www.raveningham.com.

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden 12th Annual Green Festival



Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham is staging its 12th annual Green Festival on Sunday, June 26, 10am to 4pm. An action-packed day of entertainment and fun environmental activities is on offer in this beautiful Broadland garden. Normal admission charges: adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3.

Special events include: 11am & 2pm Bumblebee Walk; 11.30am &2.30pm Alpaca Amble; 12noon Nutmeg Puppet Theatre; 1.30pm children’s fancy dress bug parade – prize for best-dressed bug; 2pm-4pm live music from The He Hews. Other activities: Morris Dancing, circus skills, face painting, children’s crafts, clay play, fairy den building, insect box making, have-a-go felt making, sailing taster.

Demonstrations and stalls: Norfolk Countryside Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, Burnt fen Alpacas, pole lathe turning, hurdle making, British Dragonfly Society, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, master composter, BTCV, Norwich Bat Group, Wing and a Prayer, Nancy Oldfield Trust Electric Boat, Blofield and District Conservation group, EA Unearthed – outdoor activities specialists, soapmaker, crochet knitter and other craft stalls.

Boat trips on the Fairhaven Private Broad and South Walsham Broad on the ‘Primrose’ will be available all day (additional charge).

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open until 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday until the end of August. There is a tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Photograph: The He Hews.

Art Alive in Churches 2011 – The Glories of Norfolk’s Medieval Rood Screens



Art Alive in Churches 2011, promoted by the Norfolk Churches Discovery Project, is working with the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich and sculptors involved in the Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail and Welborne Arts Festival.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich
Wednesday June 8 to Sunday, June 12
The Narthex at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist is staging an exhibition celebrating the historic art of rood screens* and beams in Norfolk churches from Wednesday, June 8 to Sunday, June 12, open 10.30am-5pm (2pm-5pm on Sunday), http://www.sjbcathedral.org.uk/.

The Cathedral features an exquisite rood beam and crucifix carved for the church
by Peter Rendl of Oberammergau, one of the principal players in its Passion Play early in the 20th century.

The Art Alive Rood Screens exhibition includes:
 Photographs by Paul Hurst of the 15th century painted rood screen at St Michael and All Angels Barton Turf, one of the best surviving examples of a medieval rood screen in the UK. During the Reformation images of the saints on rood screens were defaced, but little damage was done at Barton Turf.
 An explanation of the significance of rood screen art in Norfolk Churches by Lucy Wrapson Hamilton Kerr Institute. Norfolk has more surviving medieval rood screens than any other county.
 Information about the 19th century ecclesiastical debate about the future of rood screens.
 Maz Jackson, Norfolk’s international egg tempera artist’s modern take on an angel’s head, created using the same egg tempera techniques employed by medieval artists painting rood screens. Maz is also providing a drawing frame to give visitors the opportunity to create their own sketches in response to the exhibition.
 Sculptures from Bergh Apton’s sculpture trail, The Journey, by John Bardell, Andy Hibberd and David Holgate
 Sunday, June 12, 2pm-5pm, Doves and Angles: Holy Visitors – join Caroline Gilfillan for an inspirational workshop writing poetry on the theme of Pentecost and Angels, free event; just bring a pen and paper.

St Michael and All Angels Barton Turf
Visit St Michael and All Angels to view the 15th century rood screen. The church is open on a daily basis http://www.bartonturf.churchnorfolk.com/.

Welborne Arts Festival
Saturday June 18, 11.30am-6pm and Sunday, June 19, 11.30am-4.30pm
Sculptor Joy Whiddett will be making a willow figure in the churchyard of All Saints Church Welborne as part of the Welborne Arts Festival. This Art Alive in Churches commission will remain in the churchyard after the festival. Visitors will be invited to participate in the creation of the willow figure. Joy is currently working on several sculptures to represent the essence of the festival, which will also be displayed in the churchyard. All Saints is a round towered church dating from the 11th century. It also has a 19th century rood screen. Norfolk based writers Rachel Hore and Elspeth Barker will both be giving readings from their work in the church during the weekend.

For more information about Welborne Arts Festival, tel. 01362 850327 or 01362 850492, http://www.welborne.org.uk/.

Jennie Hawks, Historic Places of Worship Support Officer, Diocese of Norwich said: “Our medieval rood screens are one of Norfolk’s great artistic glories. I hope that our special exhibition staged in partnership with The Cathedral of St John the Baptists will encourage both local residents and visitors to explore our wonderful historic churches.”

Art Alive in Churches www.openchurches.co.uk/artalive is supported by The Diocese of Norwich, Norfolk County Council, Town Close Estate Charities and Allies Computing.

*The rood screen separates the chancel, which houses the altar, from the nave – the main body of the church. The rood beam, which is located above the rood screen supports the great rood (crucifix).


Photograph: Cherubim, Barton Turf Rood Screen - Paul Hurst

Ceilidh with Pendragon – Welborne Arts Festival 18 June



Enjoy the ceilidh in the Big Top in the meadow at Welborne Arts Festival with Pendragon on Saturday, June 18 from 7.30pm. Their tunes from all over the world create an irresistible dancing mixture for both ceilidh veterans and novices. Tickets are £8, under 16 £2, tel. 01362 858770, email david.tudball@btopenworld.com. Barbecue from 6.30pm with licensed bar. Welborne is near Mattishall, the arts festival events are close to All Saint’s Church, NR20 3LQ.



Pendragon comprises Brigitta (dance calling, fiddle and recorder), Gerry (hurdy gurdy, hardanger fiddle and percussion), John (accordion), Paddy (bass and bagpipes) and Flavio (saxophones, clarinet and percussion).



Welborne Arts Festival is on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. Full details at http://www.welborne.org.uk/.

Welborne Arts Festival Norfolk June 18 & 19 – Arts, Music, Circus, Sport, Dance



The 9th Welborne Arts Festival, near Mattishall, the biggest village-based contemporary arts festival in Norfolk, returns on Saturday, June 18 (11.30am-6pm) and Sunday, June 19 (11.30am-4.30pm) with a packed programme of arts, music, circus, sport and dance.
The event is staged around the beautiful 11th century All Saint’s Church. Admission to the festival is adults £5 and under 16 free.

South Norfolk’s Circus Ferrel, described as “East Anglia’s brightest friendliest all human show”, will be pitching its Big Top in the meadow at the festival and will run two shows a day at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Circus characters will entertain on the meadow in the morning and between shows.

Other activities:


Joy Whiddett will be exhibiting her willow figures in the churchyard and inviting you to participate in weaving another one – an Art Alive in Churches project.
Norfolk Dance performances by children from Mattishall, Yaxham and Garvestone Schools in The Big Top on 18 June at 3pm.
Live music from local musicians – Fred’s House, John Ward & Mario Price (18 June) and Andy Kirkham, Joe Tozer and Matt Williams (19 June)
Exhibitions: Norwich Print Fair, Breckland Artists, the regular villagers’ exhibition and Unlaced - clothing and the female form, (paintings, textiles, ceramics and sculpture) curated by Krys Leach.
Kensington Lodge Farm Equestrian Centre present quadrilles to music in the meadow on 18 June.
Interview with BBC local radio presenter Helen McDermott in the church – 18 June, 2.30pm.
Literature – readings from local authors in the church – Rachel Hore, 3.30pm on 18 June and Elspeth Barker, 2.30pm on 19 June.
Craft activities for children and demonstrations from visiting artists both days.
Tony Nelson, Town Crier on loan from Sheringham both days.

Tel. 01362 850327 or 01362 850492, festivalartswelborne@tiscali.co.uk, http://www.welborne.org.uk/.