ingénu/e 35, spring 2022 by ingenue.magazine

ingénu/e

creative talent revealed

Art Trails & Open Studios

a wealth of creativity, view the art and meet the artists Festivals – the year of the tiger plus galleries & exhibitions live music & theatre creative courses & workshops book reviews; poetry & flash fiction

south downs and high weald : issue 35: spring 2022

https://wtam.uk/whatson/?genre=museum wtm.uk 01903 206 206

A Headlong, Leeds Playhouse and The Old Vic co-production

★★★★★ Rich, Poignant drama impeccably staged The Telegraph

Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd July Connaught Theatre

Exhibitions now on display at Worthing Museum and Galley The Regency Wardrobe

Image © Ray Sullivan

On display until Sunday 7th August

Kintsugi Women Golden Repair

A collaborative project between Turning Tides, Safe in Sussex and Worthing Museum

On display until Sunday 4th September

ingénu/e creative talent revealed

contents spotlight... art trails & open studios visual arts & contemporary crafts performing arts festivals - the year of the tiger poetry, prose & illustration creative courses & workshops coda

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who’s who & what’s what editor Gill Kaye editor@ingenuemagazine.co.uk

for press releases

pressdesk@ingenuemagazine.co.uk

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Roger Kaye sales@ingenuemagazine.co.uk 07583 944546

online

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and big thanks to 2 Way Communcations for their invaluable help on the website www.2waycomm.uk

cover image

Landscape artist Mark Munroe-Preston's striking treescape, entitled 'N51.0222 E0.0779', part of his Through the Enchanted Groves exhibition which comes to Trinity Gallery in Tunbridge Wells, 11th to 25th April. In May Mark is taking part in Artist Open Houses and will also be at Sussex Art Fair, Goodwood, and Talented Art Fair, Brighton, in July – see pages 9, 13, 33 & 35 for more details of these events. www.mpillustration.co.uk

"if it's not in ingénu/e ...it's not happening!"

prelude Hello dear readers and welcome to the 35th issue of ingénu/e, Spring 2022. We have had some beautiful weather and outside in the gardens and countryside spring is being heralded in with the re-awakening of life from its winter slumbers, the promise of optimism in the burgeoning growth. But this is not a weather report... like nature, the creative arts are ready to emerge with art trails, open studios events and festivals of all kinds. Many creatives have produced a body of work as a direct response to the pandemic and its restrictions – such as artists Karin Moorhouse and Leila Godden, both of whom, unable to travel further afield as they were used to doing, have drawn inspiration directly from their gardens, recording the changing colours and textures. Leila has recently had an exhibition at New Art Gallery in Eastbourne and Karin will be opening her doors to the public along with other artists for Arundel Gallery Trail later in the year. After the uncertainty of the last couple of years and the current hysteria peddled daily by the media news channels it is more important than ever to immerse oneself in all things creative – either as a consumer or as a creator – as both roles bring enhanced wellbeing and can lift a culture. During the lockdowns I watched a lot of theatre and opera from the likes of the Met Opera and National Theatre, whose masterstroke of generously streaming previously recorded productions kept the performing arts alive in the hearts of a culture-starved populace. Now, with theatres back in full swing we can once again enjoy the magic of live performance – a night out at the theatre has never been so warmly anticipated. And for those who still yearn for the BIG productions and for whom a trip to London, or even to New York, is difficult, live streaming is increasingly included in local theatres' programming with, for instance, National Theatre Live and Met Opera productions being live streamed by The Picture House, Uckfield, and Horsham's Capitol Theatre respectively plus Worthing Theatres' Screen Arts range. Check online and you will find what your local theatre has in store for you. I've always felt that theatres are a vital part of a community. In the small town where I grew up we had a repertory theatre, a re-purposed cinema – all dim lights and red plush, to which my parents would take us regularly. That gave way to an exciting new purpose built theatre, at which I would later work (in one memorable moment I served Edward Fox with a scotch on the rocks in the Green Room), and that enriched the town with a wider range of theatrical opportunities at a time when we still had only three TV channels. Broadening the community-enrichment remit even further is the Chichester Festival Theatre which, to mark its 60th anniversary, is planning a wildflower meadow. And so I return to where I started – art and life are thus inextricably linked... Read on to discover the wealth of –Gill Kaye, editor creativity in our region.

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios It's that time of year again when artists of all persuasions spruce up their studios and tidy their workshops ready to fling open their doors for the public. Art trails and open studios events are a unique way not only for people to view and purchase art works and meet and talk to the

artists, but they also give the artists themselves an opportunity to get out and see one another's work and exchange ideas. As artists and makers respond to the events of the last couple of years there will be a wealth of new work to enjoy.

South East Open Studios

25 Years On! 3rd to 19th June

022 is the anniversary of South East Open Studios. It is a real celebration of creativity with up to 300 artists and makers taking part across Kent and East Sussex. This established annual event is the biggest community of artists and makers across the South East of England and the South East Open team are really proud of this landmark year and its community. South East Open Studios is an opportunity not only for the designers taking part but for art lovers to meet artists and makers in their own environment, watch them demonstrate their skills and talk about their work, the process behind making it come to life and what inspires them. Stretching across Kent and East Sussex through countryside, coastline, villages and towns it's a great way to explore everything this part of the world has to offer, visiting studios and meeting new people. Within our community we have painters, photographers, sculptures, potters and many other disciplines including wood turners, jewellery makers and metal forgers within a variety of different styled studios spaces. “I discovered this great artist-led organisation soon after I moved to East Sussex from London in 2004. I always liked the idea of holding an Open Studio; I loved meeting people who are on the same wavelength, demonstrating and showing children how the

printing press works, as well as hopefully selling some work. I have been involved both in London and Spain where I was very active in setting one up, and which thrives still. When I joined SEOS I was delighted with their excellent physical booklet, which shows an image, short statement, and most importantly where to find a particular artist’s studio (often kept by the public for later reference), always backed up on-line. They are selective, so a certain standard is maintained. Much effort is put into organising the different areas, and setting up a local co-ordinator, who often leads an effort to provide an artist’s trail for their group. As I am 'out on a limb' in the countryside this is important for me. There is extensive on-line advertising, Open Studio posters, leaflets and the booklets for the information centres and shops, and everyone is asked to do their bit with distribution. Each year SEOS has improved, despite little help with funding, and I hand it to the organisers for the splendid job they are doing. If you are a serious artist then join our community.” –Brenda Hartill To celebrate 25 years, South East Open Studio has a fresh new look that has launched across the different community platforms including social media, online and all printed material. The Open studios team are really proud of the colourful approach taken and the process that has included the community itself. "The twenty-fifth year of South East Open Studios (SEOS) is such an exciting time for us, as it celebrates an arts event that has given so much pleasure to artists and visitors in the south east for a quarter of a century. As it is such a significant anniversary, c-wise from left: Brenda Hartill 'Eye in the Sky I' 2020, mixed media, Rye; Andy Young, Trio of Rings: Fordite, Surfite and Silver, Hadlow; Carol Smith 'Pink Seed Pod' ceramic, Chatham; Cali Wilson 'Raining in Hastings...Time for Tea' acrylic on wood, Tonbridge; Maria Turner 'Venezia' oils, Tunbridge Wells; Paul Chave 'Hello Mister' fused glass, Hadlow; Frances Featherstone 'Continuum' oil on board, Groombridge

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios SEOS has taken the opportunity to position ourselves for the next twenty-five years with a refreshed branding, both to reflect our commitment to arts of all media and to actively include artists from all communities to better represent the incredible wealth of creativity we have in the south east. We look forward to welcoming you into our studios in June..." –Jamie Walsh, SEOS Chair

The team at SEOS are really passionate about their creative community providing a professional and proactive approach to supporting the visual arts along the journey and ensuring the community remains inclusive and about collaboration. Look out for the full colour guide distributed to targeted outlets across Kent and East Sussex that showcases each artist and maker by area with a map and information that makes it straightforward to plan your visits. Pick up a copy at your nearest cafe, shop, pub and supermarket and follow the SEOS team and community on Instagram or on Facebook to see the community's work. SEOS is community based and accessible to all, plan your visit and enjoy the experience of meeting talented artists & makers. Visit www.seos-art.org.

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios

Blueview Art Studio Open House

Ferring, 16th & 17th April; 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th June

ucked away by the beach in Ferring, near Worthing, you will find Cathy Verney’s little garden studio, created in 2017 to host Worthing Artists’s Open Houses, packed full of her original and unique photographic wall art, cards, prints and gifts. Cathy has collaborated with numerous artists over the years and exhibits at several galleries. She is a multi award winning photographer. Commissions are welcomed and a visit to the studio is a must. Open all year round by appointment, the studio reopens on a Sunday afternoon from April and the season kicks off with an Easter Special Open House Weekend on 16th & 17th April from 11.00am to 5.00pm, which will include an Easter egg hunt at midday on Easter Sunday and the chance to win an Easter bunny! Exciting new artists will be participating in Art Weekends throughout the year with more dates in June: Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th, 11.00am to 5.00pm, and September: Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th, 11.00am to 5.00pm. Our Christmas Opening will be November: Saturday 19th, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Otherwise we are open daily by appointment with drop-in Sundays 3.00 to 5.30pm from April to November. You’ll find the studio down a little lane at 1 The Strand, Ferring BN12 5QX. There is free parking available and we are wheelchair friendly. Contact: 07990 521587; email: blueviewartstudio@ gmail.com; www.instagram.com/blueviewartstudio and www.facebook.com/blueviewartstudio www.blueviewartstudio.co.uk

top left: tealight holder printed with one of Cathy's beautiful beachscapes; above: Cathy Verney in Blue View Art Studio surrounded by her work.

Susie Olford

Chichester Open Studios Art Trail 30th April, 1st & 2nd, 7th & 8th May

atch the lighter mornings and colourful sunrises, so beautiful. This season is time for artists to start thinking exhibitions and trails for you to enjoy. I am finalising paintings for my first trail of 2022; held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, plus Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May, five days in total, opening from 10.30 am to 17.00 pm. The Regis/Chichester title of this Art Trail doesn’t easily guide visitors to my Show. My venue is quickly found on the edge of the A259 between Littlehampton and Felpham; PO22 8NJ. It's Flansham, a hamlet, one quiet lane, home to a charming lightfilled, spacious barn. Space to move around, fresh air and plenty of free parking. You may be surprised at the rural setting, the attractive barn, the numbers of contemporary oil and acrylic paintings on display! Warm, colourful and expressive palette knife work to delight – from inspiration of sea and land; pictured here (opp top), my vibrant view of climbing the hill. Visitors love my greeting cards – all Wine Humour (9 designs). A selection of my paintings is also held at the Little Gallery, West Wittering. Contact me by e-mail: smoart@btinternet.com or visit the Trail website www.chichesterarttrail.org for more details.

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios

Susie Olford, Lead the Way, oil on wood panel

Frances Knight

Saturday Open Studio – 16th April

ontemporary landscape artist Frances Knight will open her doors to visitors for Saturday Open Studios this spring on 16th April. Visitors will be able to see her latest paintings and enjoy a look around

her top floor studio at the Victoria Institute, Tarrant Street, Arundel BN18 9DG. The studio will be open from 11am to 4pm, and Frances will be there to chat to visitors and to answer any questions about her work. Original paintings and art gifts will be available for sale during the Saturday Open Studio, and work can also be viewed and purchased online at www.francesknight.com. Studio visits are always welcome at other times by appointment; please email frances@ francesknight.com to arrange. Frances paints 'en plein air', exploring light and colour effects on the landscape. These expressive studies inform later studio paintings, which often push gently towards abstraction. After graduating from Camberwell School of Art, Frances won a scholarship to complete her MFA in India. She worked as a painter at the Transcendental Meditation organisation, a global non-profit charity, for more than 30 years. Frances enjoys painting the local Sussex and Hampshire landscapes, but also travels widely and paints in many different countries. Her paintings are exhibited and collected internationally. Follow on Instagram @francesknightfineart for latest updates. Frances Knight, Cloudy Morning River Arun, oil on Board 20x25cm

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios a perfect day out this May, experiencing and buying great art, meeting the artists and sampling excellent homemade tea and cake in artists’ gardens. Festival dates: weekends 7th to 29th May. Find out more at www.aoh.org.uk left: Trailblazer Ned Hoskins in 1982; below: Frances Doherty creates ceramic sculpture in her studio.

Artist Open Houses is 40!

Brighton & Hove 7th to 29th May

rtists across Brighton & Hove and out into the countryside beyond are gearing up to this May’s special Artists Open Houses (AOH) festival. This May will see the festival’s 40th anniversary, celebrating the life and legacy of Open Houses founder Ned Hoskins, who first opened his home in Fiveways 40 years ago. Alongside a bumper crop of amazing Open Houses showing painting, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, performance and work in many other media, a special 40th anniversary exhibition at Hove’s Regency Town House will showcase some of the most exciting work from AOH artists, including school and university students, in an exhibition Towards the Light whose title is taken from a painting by Ned Hoskins. Ned’s own work and that of other early and original Fiveways artists will be shown alongside an oral history video, recording the origins of the Open Houses. Ned Hoskins was a trailblazer who created a movement enabling access to art for everyone, by simply opening his front door and inviting the public inside to view his work. As a result, everyone can have

below: South Heighton Pottery, Chris Lewis – ceramics in the pottery garden. ©chrislewis

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios at Brighton Racecourse. For more about Mark and his work go to www.mpillustration.co.uk. pictured left: Mark Munroe-Preston, 'N50.8971 W0.1901'

Vee Pease

Artist Open Houses every weekend in May

Mark Munroe-Preston

Artist Open Houses 7th to 29th May Trinity Gallery 11th to 25th April

s part of Artists Open Houses and West Hove Arts Trail Mark will be returning to exhibit a collection of his landscape prints, both on paper and aluminium, at the home of @bluebellroebuck (45 Westbourne Gardens, Hove). He has been showing at this venue since 2018 and it always has a wonderful vibrant collection of works from very talented Sussex artists and makers. Featuring the local Sussex countryside, his work coalesces photography, painting and collage to create atmospheric pictures inspired by his experiences in nature. He begins with images drawn from his expansive collection of original landscape photography, working with the photographs and exploring the subtleties of colour, texture, light and form to evoke the beauty and drama of the scenes, creating a bridge between what is seen by the eye and felt by other, more primeval, senses. Trees are the focus of his art, celebrating their energy as exceptional, complex organisms in our environment, from the diminutive and delicate to monumental and sculptural. Mark is bringing his new exhibition, 'Through the Enchanted Groves' to the Trinity Gallery in Tunbridge Wells from the 11th to 25th April and will be at the Sussex Art Fair at Goodwood from 13th to 15th May and the Talented Art Fair on 1st to 3rd July

est Sussex-based jeweller Vee Pease leaves her home studio every day to walk on the Downs, gaining her inspiration from the natural world, using her sketchbook to draw and record what she sees. She has been looking at the surfaces and textures of leaves, seeds and natural forms to change slightly the way she makes her jewellery. Her pieces are more natural in shape, less uniform, with the surfaces patinated, chased and hammered. She works predominantly in sterling silver, but can make any of her designs in gold. Vee will be taking part in Brighton Artists’ Open Houses every weekend in May. She will be at two venues – Milton House, 72 Clyde Road, Brighton BN1 4NP, where she has exhibited previously, and also at The Annexe @ Black Dog Hill, 17-19 High Street, Ditchling BN6 8SY. She looks forward to seeing you there. To find out more about Vee and her work go to www.vpjewellery.co.uk Vee Pease, Sterling silver and 9ct gold pendants on silver chain

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios

Karin Moorhouse

Arundel Gallery Trail 20th to 29th August

he year is slowly waking up and towns and villages all round the country are busy preparing for their annual art trails and open studios. Here in Arundel we are very much looking forward to opening our doors to our long-standing Arts Festival and Gallery Trail which thank goodness will be in its usual format for the first time in two years. Dates for your diary this year are Saturday 20th August to Monday 29th August and we will be ready to welcome you. I shall be exhibiting in my home once again with my new work, mainly oils on linen, and will be showing paintings I have worked on during and after the Covid lockdowns. I am fortunate to have a garden and that influence features largely in my collection this year as its changing beauty and character supported me so well over the last two years. I look forward to showing you my work and seeing you in August. www.karinmoorhouseart.com right: Karin Moorhouse, The Year Turning 1

Isle Of Wight Arts Open Studios 15th to 25th July

Carisbrooke Priory during Isle of Wight Open Studios

fter the covid cancellation in 2020 and the reduced numbers in 2021, we’re back, hoping the event returns to normal. This major Island art event attracts many residents and visitors from beyond the Island, to visit over 100 artists and craft designers/makers of many genres, showing work in studios and venues across the Island. With new artists joining, this range of creativity is expanding, inspired by the Island and its unique magic. Established, widely exhibited artists and talented new ones make for an event to excite the imagination. Meet with artists, talk about their work, see demonstrations, feel inspired, sign up for an art course! You will have a warm welcome. Buy that 'must have' artwork direct from artists, at all prices, as a gift or even for yourself! Entry is free, as is the Yearbook with artist profiles, maps & opening times, so you can plan your own art trails. Find these in tourist points,

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

spotlight on... art trails & open studios Isle of Wight Open Studios – below: Julie Sajous with students; left: Steve Prangnel on location

libraries, galleries, from artists, also downloadable from isleofwightarts.com. We also post copies; send your address/request. Visit the Island via Red Funnel/Wightlink Ferries; come for a day, weekend or more, to enjoy the creativity on an Island full of delights. www.isleofwightarts.com

Adur Art Trail is back 28th May to 12th June

fter a long absence and by local demand, the popular Adur Art Trail will again take place in Summer 2022. Opening to visitors throughout Lancing and Shoreham, over twenty-five venues – including private studios and homes, St Mary’s Church, Shoreham Gallery and other local businesses – welcome over seventy superb artists working in all genres: painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles and much, much more. There will also be an online version of the Trail which will be available from the end of May on the new website and will run alongside the actual event. Highlights of the Trail will include renowned artist Katie Sollohub opening her home/ studio in the first weekend, a chance to meet the artists at West Street Loft and exciting new venues on Shoreham Beach. And there will be so much more! Opening dates are 28th May to 12th June with most private houses/studios open at weekends only, but visit www.adurart.co.uk for further details and our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook posts for regular updates. For more information please contact us on info@adurartcollective. co.uk or call Gill on 07879 644307. paintings by, right: Hala Sabet; above right: Krysia Drury ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

spotlight on... art trails & open studios

The Big Yellow Art Event! Art in June – 3rd to 19th June

potted those yellow bikes yet? Discovered where they lead? Yes, it’s that time of year again, when local artists open their doors to

welcome art lovers into their studios during ART IN JUNE. Whether you’re looking for a piece of art to grace your home, as a gift or if you just enjoy art for it’s own sake without purchasing, pick up a free booklet and follow the yellow bike trail for a fun, inspiring short excursion or full day out. You will find something for everyone – paintings, ceramics, jewellery, metal work, sculpture, textiles and much much more. There are even tutored workshops, where you can try your hand at creating your own work of art! Look out for those yellow bikes… Starting Friday 3rd June until Sunday 19 June. Don’t miss it! www.artinjune.org pictured: Cathy Bird, 'Before the Storm'

www.artinjune.org

Coming soon to Sevenoaks, surrounding areas and the Eden Valley villages of Hever, Penshurst and Chiddingstone… Starting Friday 3 June until Sunday 19 June. Don’t miss it!

ART IN JUNE Open Studios www.artinjune.org 12 12

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios

Frances Knight Contemporary Landscape Artist

SATURDAY OPEN STUDIOS

26th March & 16th April, 11am – 4pm Top Floor Studio, The Victoria Institute, Tarrant Street, Arundel, BN18 9DG Studio visits are always welcome at other times by appointment. To arrange please email frances@francesknight.com

www.mpillustration.co.uk

Paintings can also be viewed on www.francesknight.com and latest updates on www.instagram.com/francesknightfineart/ Instagram @francesknightfineart

www.seos-art.org ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

spotlight on... art trails & open studios

V Pease Jewellery See Vee’s jewellery each weekend in May at Brighton Artists’ Open Houses

Adur Art Trail 2022

28/29 May, 4/5 Jun and 11/12 Jun All across the Adur area, homes, studios, art spaces and businesses will be open, exhibiting sculpture, painting, mixed media, textiles, glass and ceramics by local artists www.adurart.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076663091603 Facebook: adurart https://www.instagram.com/adurarts/ Instagram: adurarts

www.blueviewartstudio.co.uk www.instagram.com/blueviewartstudio/ www.facebook.com/blueviewartstudio

beautiful handcrafted silver jewellery from the heart of Sussex 07885 472366 | peasevm@gmail.com

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spotlight on... art trails & open studios

Artists Open Houses 7-29 May 2022

https://www.chichesterarttrail.org/

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https://aoh.org.uk/

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ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Artgenu/e by Lesley Samms

What’s the Story? – Artists and Gallery Owners talking about their unique journey For this edition we speak to Birmingham-based artist Sally Bramble who is the first Pure artist in residence at Bannatynes Spa Hotel, Hastings, until 28th April. Sally was born in London and lived in Islington. “My cousin lived 3 doors up so we were brought up like twins for a few years. My Dad was an architect and Mum was a nurse. We moved to Somerset when I was 5 and lived in a tiny, thatched cottage in a hamlet, with goats and chickens. The nearest shop was 2 miles away. We had no TV until I was 14 so me and my sister were very creative at entertaining ourselves. We lived ‘the good life’ which sounds idyllic, but I was always a city girl and longed to be a part of things. Village life was very isolating and as a teenager I was just desperate to get out into the world. “Going to art college to study fashion design was life changing for me. To be able to be creative all day with

other like-minded people was the best. I left home at 16 and went to live in my nan’s house on my own as she had moved to a nursing home. I had a whole house to myself which was a bit of an error of judgement on my parents’ part (parties) and I was swiftly taken back home! “I moved to London at 18 to study at The London College of Fashion and met a new group of friends. We all shared various flats in the same house and eventually all ended up in Flat 6 (14 of us in a 2 bedroomed flat) with mattresses on every inch of floor. It was the best fun, and I met some lifelong friends.” What is your earliest memory associated with art? “Drawing people with dots for hair! We went to museums as children but not art galleries. I didn’t have inspiring art teachers either until college, so art was always my private thing. Just something I did in my room. Once I got into music I drew portraits of pop stars – Adam Ant, Debbie Harry and other 80’s wonders.” Who/what has had the most significant influence on you as an artist? “I was always fascinated by my Great Auntie Ruth who had the most fabulous dress sense. She wore piles of gold bling with velvet suits and platform shoes, even when she was in her 70’s/80’s. She was the original Iris Apfel. “When I was 20, I met a friend who had a massive impact on me creatively. We travelled to Australia together and lived there for a year and then again shared flats in London, Birmingham and travelled around Europe, camping with no tent, just a tarp. We were incurably creative together, not just with art (he was the best cartoonist) but we wrote songs, film scripts, made up characters for ourselves to be at parties. We found each other hilarious. He allowed

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visual arts & contemporary crafts me to fully express my creativity for the first time in whatever form it took. “Nowadays my daughter is the person who I ask for advice on my paintings and ideas. We often bounce ideas off each other. She also has the art bug. She has always been surrounded by art.” Please describe your practice for us. “I have been painting since 2005 and used acrylics at first, in a very textural, abstract way. I did a 2-day course in 2006, on how to use encaustic wax. This was delivered by R&F paints who make the paints in the US. I fell in love with this luscious medium and have never looked back. I am a mixed media artist, but I always include encaustic. I am obsessed with botanical and florals currently and always use buckets of colour and a bit of sparkle. Encaustic with hologram pigments has become my trademark.” What is your artist muse? “Van Gogh was my first artist love (the movement and colour). Other ‘greats’ that I love are – Yayoi Kusama (the infinity rooms!), Howard Hodgkin (just gorgeous colour and construction), Lucian Freud (those HUGE ugly/beautiful bodies) and Mark Rothko (I will never forget the impact of the Rothko room at Tate Modern). But as a teenager living in a little village, I was fascinated by the London club glitterati such as Boy George, Leigh Bowery (Lucian Freud muse) and Trojan. “They were so utterly creative that their whole existence was an art form. It was a lifestyle with no boundaries. Once I moved to London, I embraced the LGBTQ club scene and community with all its vibrance and acceptance. This was where I felt most at home and comfortable. London was where I finally ‘arrived’. “I have always loved to travel and am constantly gathering inspiration to take home with me. I got the travel bug from my first trip to Australia and have tried to get the backpack on every couple of years. I’m lucky in that I have loved everywhere I have travelled to, especially SE Asia – Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia. But also, India, Cuba, and Bolivia. I would love to visit every country but am also drawn back to the wonderful places I’ve been. “In my head I am always creating, even if I am having a conversation with you.” What advice would you give to those aspiring to make a living out of art? “Do it in any way that feels right for you. There’s no rush but you do need a plan otherwise you could just

drift. That’s what I did for years. I had no focus. Once you have a plan, you just need to do it. Walk the walk.” What is the most important thing to know about you? “I love cocktails and I make a mean espresso martini.” You can view and buy Sally’s artwork directly from her website www.sallybramble.com. You can also view her artwork on exhibition at Bannatyne Spa Hotel Hastings until the end of April and online at https://pureartshop.co.uk/collections/ artist-in-residence-sally-bramble For daily insights into Sally’s life and practice, follow her on Instagram @sallybrambleart. For general art news and inspiration, follow @pureartsgroup on Instagram or join their mailing list and receive a free PDF download on the 7 essential artists tools. If you are an ambitious and motivated artist seeking to join a dynamic artist community, get in touch and book a free 30-minute discovery session. Email: lesley@pureartsgroup.co.uk l-r: Foxgloves, encaustic and mixed media 90x65x5cm, £1600; Sally Bramble; Blooming Blossom 5, encaustic and mixed media, 90x65x5cm, £1600

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

Shoreham Gallery Lighting the Scene!

We are celebrating this sunnier season with an abundance of colour and texture plus a splash of humour at Shoreham Art Gallery. The garden will be blooming amongst the sculptures too, so you can look forward to an exciting series of events, exhibitions and inspiring guest artists when you visit the gallery. April’s special guest artist is Gillian Hills, a painter and mosaic artist who creates work with an interesting variety of materials, collecting bits and pieces from the beach, both natural and man made, often incorporating them within her collages and mosaics. ‘Lighting the Scene’ in May has both beauty and a bit of fun! This latest exhibition of work by glass artist Jose Heasman and painter Sandra Stephens is in the little BIG gallery upstairs, full of colour and light to lift any mood. You can read more about both artists’ different processes and inspirations on the gallery blog. After a long absence the popular Adur Art Trail is back and Shoreham Gallery is one of the 25 venues on the trail covering Shoreham and Lancing with over 70 superb artists working in all genres from painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, stained glass, textiles, mosaics, jewellery and more. Several gallery artists are also members of the Adur Art Collective who organise the art trail and there will be an opportunity to meet the artists in many of the venues. A joint exhibition of Karin Hay White’s paintings and Lesley Stepney’s sculptures will be at the gallery throughout June. Karin’s amazing work is based on inspiration from modernist architecture and industrial design using geometry, colour and form to explore the tension between pure abstraction and pictorial representation. Lesley is always pushing casting processes with new materials and forms, with her work moving in new directions. Expect to see some stunning sculptural forms. The gallery is open every day and all the artwork is very reasonably priced. There is a wide range of original work for everyone to enjoy and many of the artists also take on commissions making bespoke pieces. To find out more about what’s going on at the Gallery visit www.shorehamgallery.co.uk/news/ where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter. from top: Sandra Stephens, Sussex Downs; Jose Heasman, Iris; Gillian Hills, mosaic; Karen White, Configuration 111

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

WEST END GALLERY Continue walking west along Worthing Town Centre’s pedestrianised Montague Street and you are in for a surprise – Worthing’s ‘West End’ is an eclectic mix of small galleries, cafés and independent shops. Now in its sixth year the West End Gallery is on the corner of Rowlands Road and Heene Place. Its lime green colour scheme makes it easy to spot, even on the dullest day, and its selection of locally-created art, displayed in a friendly and informal setting, is sure to lift the spirits. Currently, resident artists Sarah Sepe and Barry Williams have been joined by Jo Collard and Naomi Francis. Sarah’s printed seascapes, collages and small 3D paper artworks, Barry’s photography, prints and quirky mixed-media ‘Conversation Pieces’ and their unique cards are complemented by Jo’s textiles and Naomi’s glass work. Visit www.worthingartstudios.com Facebook: westendgalleryworthing Instagram.com/westendgalleryworthing email: info@worthingartstudios.com West End Gallery, 87 Rowlands Road, Worthing

BN11 3JX. Gallery core opening times are Wed to Sat, 10am to 2pm. On the 7th day of each month Sarah and Barry run informal Networking Breakfasts for anyone interested in the arts at Brewhouse & Kitchen, Wykeham Road, Worthing BN11 3JX. Drop by at any time between 9 and 11am.

Gallery BN5, Henfield Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and art in any shape or form, from paintings, sewing, ceramics to theatre come under this umbrella, the list is endless.

above left: Barry Williams, A Nursery Rhyme for our Times, conversation piece; above: Sarah Sepe, It's Been A Good Year For The Mimosa, woodcut

c-wise from below: Esther NewnhamBrown, Field of Daisies; Linda Thompson, Rambo; Nina Smith, Snowdrop curve; (Jean Holder pottery is shown on our advert on page 21)

We may not think immediately of paintings being visual arts, some may think theatre and stage being at the forefront of this. It is personal choice. However, everything in Henfield's Gallery BN5 is pleasing visually and our customers, regular and new are always very complimentary of our hardworking artists. Sometimes their difficulty is in deciding which painting, piece of jewellery, glasswork, ceramics or woodwork to purchase which ends up in them purchasing two or even three pieces of work. The work in the gallery changes each month, as do the artists. Along with our in house artists we have many new creators coming into the gallery over this next few months, with some absolutely gorgeous work and, of course, always affordable prices. Do pop along and visit the gallery, to browse and chat to the artist on duty that day, we guarantee that you will find something visually that will please you. We are open Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 2.00 and look forward to seeing you. Visit www.gallerybn5.co.uk. ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

www.pureartsgroup.co.uk 20

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

http://www.worthingartstudios.com/ www.facebook.com/westendgalleryworthing www.instagram.com/westendgalleryworthing/

Showcasing local Arts & Crafts

GalleryBN5 is an artist run gallery in Henfield High Street, offering unique handmade art. We have a lovely selection of original work including paintings, jewellery, ceramics, fused glass, wood & cards. Work changes each month, so there is always something new to see.

www.shorehamgallery.co.uk

High Street, Henfield Open Mon-Sat 10-2pm

www.gallerybn5.co.uk ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts notice things you never saw before. And the more you observe what is around you, the more connected you tend to feel to your environment – and that in turn can make you feel more in control of life generally. The only barrier to overcome when you start drawing is the one of ignoring the former criticisms and advices of well meaning (or otherwise) teachers or friends. Just go ahead and draw as well or as badly as you can. Why am I writing this? Because I was lucky enough to discover the therapeutic properties of drawing

Gill Bustamante An Ode to the Joy of Drawing Long before writing was invented, people expressed their ideas with a sketch. Children still do this as they still have the ability to draw unselfconsciously (at least until others start correcting them). Unfortunately, modern education does not always allow for the teaching of drawing. This is quite a tragedy as it is robbing people of one of the simplest forms of improving wellbeing and de-stressing that exists. I think that this is because when you look at the world normally you don’t really see it in any detail, but when you look at something with the aim of capturing something of it in a drawing, you really do begin to

very early in life and I wish to pass it on! Gill Bustamante – Artist and Art Tutor www.gillbustamante.com top: ‘a house I found last summer near East Chiltington and that I really wish was mine!’; above: Gill drawing by the River Ouse; below: A Sudden Appearance of Hope

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Catriona Millar Beautiful Signed Prints

Catriona Millar’s body of work is very impressive. Since the Scottish figurative artist’s sellout

Catriona Millar, Flora and Little Wing

To The Lighthouse!

degree show in 2005 she has produced almost a thousand paintings and studies, most of which are on her website. “I was very lucky that my work was professionally photographed from my first year at art school so I have a high quality record of my paintings and even some of my studies,” said Catriona. Some of the paintings like the popular ‘Little Wing’ series are available as signed limited edition giclee prints, but now Catriona’s entire back catalogue has been released as smaller high quality, stunning A3 signed prints costing £70 including UK delivery. “I’m really delighted by the quality,” said Catriona, “I felt it was important to have a level of my work that was very affordable and give people the choice they wanted.” To order one of Catriona’s signed A3 prints on 350gsm white card simply choose the painting you want from the ‘Paintings’ section of her website and place your order through the contact section. Delivery normally takes around 10 days and each cello wrapped print comes titled and signed by Catriona. A new set of six stunning art cards is also available. Visit www.catrionamillar.com. below: Sonya Tatham; Sunrise Through Birch Trees; bottom: Jazz Dixon, Fused Glass

Have you discovered The Lighthouse Gallery yet? If not, it's high time you did! Nestled in a beautiful period building on Cornfield Terrace in Eastbourne, the gallery is proud to showcase the work of 25 local artists, and is fast becoming a lively cultural community, with weekly life drawing sessions proving popular and art and craft workshops starting in spring. In the six months since opening the gallery has steadily built a loyal customer base who enjoy a constant influx of new work from the talented team. Whether you're looking for a new piece of art for your home or in search of a hand crafted gift, there's a wide range of fabulous paintings and artisan crafts to choose from. Ponder potential purchases over an exceptional cup of coffee, a freshly made open sandwich or a delicious slice of locally baked cake. With June set to be a busy month the gallery will be taking part in the Eastbourne Artists Open House Trail taking place on 11th/12th and 18th/19th June which will be neatly sandwiched between the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations at the start of the month and the International Tennis Tournament at Devonshire Place at the end. Plenty of visitors are expected in town and The Lighthouse Gallery will be happy to welcome customers new and old. The Lighthouse Gallery, 19 Cornfield Terrace, Eastbourne, BN214NS. Open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for details of classes and workshops. ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

original work by 25 local artists and makers fabulous coffee and cake unusual plant gifts life drawing classes

The Lighthouse Gallery Eastbourne 19 Cornfield Terrace, BN21 4NS 07748354879. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm https://www.facebook.com/The-Lighthouse- https://www.instagram.com/ Find us on Facebook and lighthousegalleryeastbourne/ Instagram Gallery-109961087991355

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ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Pete Gilbert, Blue Three

Want more colour in your life? Tired of things being dull?

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Gill Bustamante Artist and Art Tutor www.gillbustamante.com

www.facebook.com/GillBustamanteArtist www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SussexPaintings

https://www.greenfinchshop. co.uk/

http://www.catrionamillar.com/

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

artspring gallery ArtSpring 2D artists have always been influenced by the beautiful landscape to be found in Kent. They have been particularly active observing the beautiful skies and open spaces, especially taking walks in their own vicinity. Painter Katie Whitbread felt that her local countryside near Penhurst Place and Tunbridge Wells felt like places of wonder and freedom and last year, despite mixed weather, different signs of Spring were appearing prompting her to adopt a vibrant colour palette. Katie works in oil paint. This year Ruth McDonald has been inspired by the amazing colours seen in the sky especially on the Kent Coast near Seasalter. Her inspiration has been the early morning sunrise when no one is about and there is magic in the air. She can be found gazing out to sea trying to capture those magical moments. However, it is the buildings and structures in Kent that fascinate Ben Cotterill, especially ones that have been in place for hundreds of years, whether old castles and abbeys, the swooping and magnificent interiors of the cathedrals and churches, or abandoned and dilapidated ruins and machinery dotted around the coast. Gillian Smith was inspired by the beautiful ancient woodlands and chalk meadows of the North Downs, which are carpeted by bluebells during spring and provide an excellent habitat for badgers. Together, they make an iconic Kentish scene, and Antonia Enthoven has been busy etching showing Spring coming to Rye Harbour. Find out more about the gallery at https://artspringgallery.co.uk.

clockwise from top: Ben Cotterill, Tonbridge Castle; Gillian Smith, Out of the Blue; Ruth McDonald, Seasalter Dream; Katie Whitbread, Signs of Spring; Antonia Enthoven, Rye Harbour

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

New Art Gallery Brenda Hartill: 29th April to 29th May

British painter, collage artist and printmaker Brenda Hartill shows her work at Eastbourne's New Art Gallery this spring. Her work explores the texture, pattern and light of the landscape, and ranges from finely drawn figurative works to bold, heavily embossed abstract images. She loves the strong light and shadow of Southern Europe and remote New Zealand, where she was brought up, as well as the gentler greyness of the light in London and Sussex. She is based in her studio near Rye in East Sussex. The Private View is on 29th April from 5pm, please RSVP to attend, contact via www.newart-gallery.co.uk.

Brenda Hartill, Golden Rhapsody 1, encaustic

little art gallery Our little gallery in West Wittering has now been open for five years. We are pleased to have so many customers travelling from far and wide knowing they will have a variety of work to choose from at all times. In these five years we have displayed the work of over sixty artists. We like to change our displays regularly but continue to support our loyal band of artists with an occasional new one who may be of interest to our customer base. This year we will be continuing with the mixed displays which have proved so popular since the start of Covid times. The only exception to this will be when Linda takes over the whole gallery for the Chichester Art Trail at the end of April for two weekends. We are delighted to be participating again this year in the Festival of Chichester. The featured artists from 11th June until 9th July will be Deborah Richards and Sue Green with artwork that expresses their interpretation of the subject 'From the Downs to the Sea'. It promises to be an interesting display of work by these two popular artists, including drawings and printmaking by Deborah and expressive oil paintings by Sue. Find out more at www.thelittleartgallery.online.

from top right: Sue Green, Waking Sea Deborah Richards, Cobnor Dusk Linda Foskett, East Head

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

an exhibition of work by

Brenda Hartill painter, collage artist and printmaker 29th April to 29th May Rhubarb Chairs

Suzanne Hennegrave

info@newart-gallery.co.uk 01323 406442 www.newart-gallery.co.uk opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 11– 5, Sunday 11– 4 Keith Vaughan

Anthony Ellis

Eileen Mayo

A Natural History 12 February to 3 July 2022 Free admission townereastbourne.org.uk www.townereastbourne.org.uk @TownerGallery

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Eileen Mayo, Turkish Bath, 1930, 4 block print on paper. Private Collection.

The Coach House, High Street, New Art Gallery Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TD 7 Hyde Gardens Tel: 01323 871402 Mob: 07970 549873 info@newart-gallery.co.ukEastbourne www.newart-gallery.co.ukBN21 4PN Opening Times: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm www.newart-gallery.co.uk

visual arts & contemporary crafts

. the little art gallery .....

Do you love art created with natural materials?

A Coastal Contemporary Gallery

“The commission went really smoothly and the end result is stunning - we’re delighted.” L&C

West Wittering, West Sussex PO20 8LT 01243 512218 www.thelittleartgallery.online

This is created with natural clay pieces I find on the beach. Prices from £690 for 45cm disc to £2,900 for 90cm as shown. Contact me at hamish@pringle.co.uk forhttps://www.artistsathome.co.uk/artist/86/hamish-pringle more details, and to view in situ photos go to www.artistsathome.co.uk/artist/86/hamish-pringle

Looking for inspiration for your home or the perfect present? Visit us in Tonbridge or browse our online store www.artspringgallery.co.uk artspringgallery.co.uk Open Wed - Sat 11-4 167 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BX T: 01732 365924 E: gallery@artspringgallery.co.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Hamish Pringle

Beaches are anything but boring The beach is an endless source of inspiration to me. So many interesting things can be found there. Some years ago, I discovered bits of clay washed up by the tides and used them to make sculptures in the form of fish shoals. Many had holes in, and I learned from Jessica Winder’s Nature Blog https://natureinfocus.blog/ that these are drilled by boring molluscs such as the Common Piddock. Every so often I found a piece of clay with a single hole, and these looked even more fish-like. I decided to collect and preserve these to make my first ‘Mudstone Shoal’. This was a labour of love because not only are these single-holed pieces rare, they’re also even more fragile. It took Vivienne and me eighteen months to collect enough to create the artwork, and I doubt it can be done again! Fortunately, I found another less unusual and more durable object on the beach with a natural hole – a pebble. Maybe you’ve also found one and wondered how they came about? These special stones are found in many countries and most believe the holes were made by running water. Because it’s a common belief that magic cannot work on running water, paradoxically some cultures ascribe magical qualities to them. They say you can see the future by looking through the hole! https://thepilotdungeness.co.uk/holystones I’m more convinced by Jessica Winder’s explanation that these holes are bored by the same type of mollusc that drill holes in clay. They use their abrasive shells, rasping tongue, acidic secretions, and a twisting motion to create these cavities. I’m in awe of the time it must have taken for such delicate little creatures to excavate these incredibly hard pieces of rock. It puts humankind’s presence on earth into context. I decided to create an artwork using these stones with holes, and to invite friends to help. I made an eight foot by four-foot marine plywood support with a grid of 108 nails and placed the first pebble on it. Then I provided instructions so that other people could find their own pebble with a hole, write their name and the date on the back, and place it on the grid. It’s not that easy to spot these special stones on the beach and you must

from top: ‘Mudstone Shoal’ 2013; First stone on the grid 2013; Instruction to participants 2013; ‘Tidal Drill’ completed 2015

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

turn over hundreds before you find one with a hole right through. Then the hole needs to be big enough for the head of the nail to fit through, so it’s more like one in a thousand. It took a couple of years for the work to

be completed thanks to the efforts of many participants. They would walk along the beach nail in hand and eyes on the pebbles. It turned out that some people had a natural aptitude and were able to spot the tell-tale black holes in amongst dozens of shallow cavities. Others returned from their expeditions emptyhanded but determined to try again another day. The stones themselves have a natural beauty and their holes make them objects of meditation. hamish@pringle.co.uk Mobile: +44 7977 269778 Artists At Home: https:// www.artistsathome.co.uk/ artist/86/hamish-pringle

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Felicity Flutter South East artist joins the world's elite watercolour masters in an exhibition of contemporary watercolour painting. Local artist Felicity Flutter has been selected from thousands of entries from all over the world to take part in the International Watercolour Masters exhibition in May at Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire. Felicity works from her home studio near Rye in East Sussex. Her inspiration and current choice of subject matter comes from living not far from the coast. Water and all its many moods are a constant fascination for her; learning about how waves form and change, to capture a

fleeting moment in time. Felicity is a member of the Society of Graphic Fine Art and Wilderness Art Collective, she has painted in watercolours for thirty years. Her winning painting, Rise and Fall captures the myriad of colours that can be found in a wild sea in the evening sunlight. www.felicity-flutter.co.uk https://internationalwatercolourmasters.com/ Felicity Flutter, Rise and Fall

www.midhurstgallery.co.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

www.sussexartfair.co.uk/buy-tickets

www.sussexartfair.co.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

SUSSEX ART FAIR Goodwood Racecourse 13th to 15th May

Returning for a third event at the world renowned Goodwood Racecourse in the heart of the picturesque Sussex Downs, 90 exhibitors, each of whom you will be able to meet, will be situated throughout the main hall of The March Stand with 1000’s of artworks for sale.

Saturday and Sunday. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Being the largest art fair within the Sussex Counties, Sussex Art Fair is the perfect place to begin your art collection, or indeed add to your collection if you are already a seasoned art enthusiast. All exhibitor details will be available within both the limited edition brochure available at the event and on our website. Goodwood Racecourse, Selhurst Park Road, Chichester PO18 0PS. For tickets and all information go to: www.sussexartfair.co.uk/ Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SussexArtFair and Instagram www.instagram.com/sussexartfair/

Spread over three days and starting at 5pm on the Friday Preview Evening, visitors will be able to browse their favourite artworks with a glass of wine, and be the first to view the collections of work before the event opens at the weekend to the general public. Prices of art start from as little as £50 for prints and smaller works to over £3,000 for outstanding masterpieces, so there will be something to suit every budget. Buyers' purchases will be packed by our specialist wrapping team artPAKK, an eco friendly alternative to bubble wrap. We are thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Sussex Wildlife Trust, a conservation charity who cares about protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found in our Sussex towns, countryside and coast. Visitors can purchase original artworks kindly donated by our exhibitors, each work priced at £50 with all proceeds going to the charity. Weekend facilities include a first floor bar and café / restaurant serving teas, coffees and food throughout

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

1-3 July 2022 Private View: Friday 1st July 5pm to 9pm Open all Weekend: Saturday 2nd July 11am to 6pm & Sunday 3rd 11am to 5pm

Brighton Racecourse Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road, Brighton BN2 9XZ

Half Price Tickets with Code: INGENHALFPRICE 34

www.talentedartfair.com ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

visual arts & contemporary crafts

TALENTED ART FAIR Brighton Racecourse 1st to 3rd July 2022

We look forward to welcoming you to our 5th edition of the Talented Art Fair, this time at the beautiful Brighton Racecourse, where there will be live painting, music, a fully stocked bar and café plus 1,000s of original artworks and limited edition prints to choose from. Talented Art Fair has fast become one of the most successful independent artist-led fairs since bursting onto the London art scene in 2017, with a packed event and exciting display of 100 contemporary artists. The organisers Lemon Art, who are also the founders of the highly popular New Artist Fair, bring their team, knowledge and 11 year history of buyers with them to ensure this exciting event continues to be a great success for both art collectors and exhibiting artists. Talented 2022 brings a plethora of the most talented and sought-after contemporary artists to Brighton who are currently making serious waves in the art world today. Exhibiting artists include a variety of highly collectible contemporary artists, most of whom either have a Degree/Masters in their specified field or are gallery represented, professional artists or have a combination of all those attributes and qualifications. This makes the fair a great place to invest in artwork you love and admire.

from top: Martin Munroe-Preston 'N50.9886 E0.1216'; Lucy Cooper 'Natsukashii'; Steve Bicknell 'African Torso'

Another enticing reason why Talented is so popular with art buyers and collectors, is that there is a ceiling price cap of £5,000 on individual artworks, although most originals range from approximately £300 to £1,500, making it one of the most affordable and exciting art events at which to invest. Tickets are available to buy via Eventbrite (see link below) for the Private View on Friday 1st of July and throughout the Weekend (2nd and 3rd of July). We can’t wait to see you there! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ talented-art-fair-brighton-racecourse1st-to-3rd-of-july-2022tickets-208490790567

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

what's on at the theatre?

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE

Festival 2022

Artistic Director Daniel Evans and Executive Director Kathy Bourne have announced the theatre’s 60th anniversary season along with a roster of special events. They said: “2022 marks our diamond anniversary year and our sparkling Festival Season offers no less than six world premiere productions, three musicals and a host of dramas, as well as community and digital events celebrating 60 years of CFT. Festival 2022 places compelling stories front and centre: joyful, gripping, uplifting and provocative. They teem with 21st century teenagers and 1930s showgirls; London football fans and Scottish environmentalists; Edwardian feminists fighting for justice and American politicians struggling for dominance. A celebrated sleuth, an Anglican vicar, a troubled housewife and overly-polite middle Englanders all have their battles to fight, while ‘the Famous Five’ and Mole, Ratty and Toad go seeking adventure. In happy serendipity, we join with our fellow cultural organisations in Chichester marking significant anniversaries this year with a district-wide festival Culture Spark. After a challenging couple of years, we 36

are all surely in need of a celebration.” One of these events is Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, directed by Jonathan Church and starring Henry Goodman from 13th May to 4th June. I’m a great fan of Christie’s whodunits and look forward to this immensely. I’m always intrigued by new adaptions of this well told story. The celebrated detective Hercule Poirot boards the legendary Orient Express, enjoying the prospect of a luxurious rail journey. The train is surprisingly packed for the time of year and only the intervention of the manager secures Poirot a first class berth, alongside an intriguing and glittering company of international travellers. But just after midnight, the Orient Express screeches to a halt, marooned by a snowdrift. And by morning, one passenger is dead… Nobody can leave. A guard appears to be missing. A killer is in their midst. And Poirot must deploy his ‘little grey cells’ on the most difficult case of his career: one that will force him to question his deepest beliefs. For full information about the new season visit www.cft.org.uk.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

Three physically demanding performances this May at

Atlas aims to look at how we each bear the weight of our personal burdens, our what-ifs, joys, regrets and choices and asks what happens if we just let go?

WORTHING THEATRES BalletBoyz bring their new show Deluxe to the Connaught Theatre on 12th May Bold, boisterous and beautiful: BalletBoyz are back. Meet the eight extraordinary young dancers who feature in this explosion of mesmeric dance, fused with the witty and distinctive trademark use of film and behind the scenes content. Deluxe features work by some of the world’s most exciting artists, including choreographer Xie Xin, composer Jiang Shaofeng, Punchdrunk’s Maxine Doyle and jazz musician and composer Cassie Kinoshi of the Mercury-nominated SEED Ensemble. Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, BalletBoyz founders, are hailed as pioneers for making dance accessible and reaching wide audiences through their celebrated stage and television work.

bottom: BalletBoyz; inset: Oddly Moving, Atlas

Oddly Moving present Atlas at the Connaught Studio on Friday 13th May Oddly Moving combine theatre, circus and rudimentary physics in their new Show, Atlas. A boisterous and playful retelling of the classic Greek myth, bringing the Greek legend Atlas to life in all his immense glory, and of course featuring a cameo appearance from that classic bad boy Heracles. Oddly Moving will present Atlas through their unique blend of physical theatre, autobiographical story-telling and circus skills along with a rudimentary understanding of physics.

Emma Frankland’s Hearty Pavilion Theatre on Saturday 21st May Award-winning live performance artist Emma Frankland tackles the current media fascination with trans lives, and interrogates the controversial biotechnology of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Hearty. This is the fifth and final solo show in Frankland’s None of Us is yet a Robot project. Bearing wings made of sharp knives and shooting fireballs into the air, Frankland weaves stories of trans ancestry on stage. This live theatre experience connects the cycles of fetishisation, violence and erasure that trans people have experienced for centuries, and brings it home to audiences. It’s messy, it’s on fire and it’s seriously politically-charged. Visit www.wtm.uk for full information about what’s on across the theatres this spring.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

An incredible amount of musical talent coming to

ROPETACKLE ARTS CENTRE A feast of music, acoustic folk, blues, classical et al, will be arriving at Shoreham-by-Sea’s Ropetackle this spring and early summer. Here is just a snapshot of some of the varied talent that will grace the stage. 24th April – Eliza Carthy Trio Appearing with Saul Rose and David Delarre, Eliza will be celebrating her 2020 album “Conversations We’ve Had Before”. Eliza has revitalised folk music and captured the most hardened of dissenters with intelligent, charismatic and boundary-crossing performances. 27th April – Katy Hurt Steeped in country roots, but never one to simply yield to the traditional Nashville sound, Katy Hurt stretches the country music genre in new and exciting directions. Haunting blues vocals, towering country rock guitars, even a reggae vibe can be found in live performances. 15th May – The Grahams Nashville-based Alyssa and Doug Graham have been performing together since childhood. With their own unique brand of nostalgia-inducing alt pop, their music features nods to Americana, emotional and rebellious lyrics and mesmerising vocals. 29th May – Sound of the Sirens Honing their craft over the past decade, acoustic

singer-songwriting duo Abbe Martin & Hannah Wood have cemented themselves as firm favourites not only on the West Country scene, but nationally, and internationally too. 23rd June – Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra Continuing its aim to foster links with local towns and festivals, the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) present their debut performance at Rope-tackle. Enjoy an evening of Tchaikovsky, Bassi, Elgar, Sibelius and Nielsen. The concert will feature HPO principal clarinet Boyan Ivanov as Soloist, with Artistic Director Marcio da Silva conducting. 25th June – Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion Contemporary, original, melodic, funky rocking blues featuring Hammond organ, drums, guitar and vocals. This band refreshes the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing and vocal prowess. With an exciting live set based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs and exciting grooves, they mix old school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication. Visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk to discover all that’s on at the Arts Centre. top: Sound Of The Sirens, photo Matt Austin; left: Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, photo Richard Brown

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

A sample of what’s on offer in May at

EASTBOURNE THEATRES Catch Me If You Can at Devonshire Park Theatre from 9th to 14th May If you are anything near my age you will remember the TV dramas ‘The Man from Atlantis’ and the long running ‘Dallas’. You also might remember the pretty girl who captured the heart of the Fonz in the incredibly popular ‘Happy Days’ from around the same era. And here we are decades later and two US stars from these shows, Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl, fly in from Hollywood for this special production. Inspector Levine is called to a house in the remote Catskill Mountains to investigate the disappearance of newly married Elizabeth Corban. In a bizarre development a woman arrives at the house claiming to be the missing Elizabeth but, instead of celebrating the reunion, her husband accuses her of being an imposter. La Bohème at the Congress Theatre on 16th May English Touring Opera comes to Eastbourne with a poetic production of Puccini’s most popular of operas. A story of young love, starting on Christmas Eve in a Parisian garret. On this festive, snowy night the lovers draw close, but poverty forces them apart in a story told with the most memorable music, from ‘Che gelida manina’ to the shattering brass chords announcing Mimi’s death. ETO’s much-praised production, in period dress and inventive designs, sung in Italian, promises to

break every heart and breathe joy into the spirit of everyone who has ever wanted love. A Murder Is Announced, Devonshire Park Theatre from 24th to 28th May You can’t beat a good old Agatha Christie whodunit and her much-loved spinster sleuth, Miss Marple. The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock. Unable to resist, the group gather at the house at the appointed time, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, played by Sarah Thomas (Last of the Summer Wine), who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer. Visit www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk for further information about the theatres.

top: La Boheme; right: Catch Me If You Can, photo by Jack Merriman

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performing arts

Met Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor

The Shee – Summer’s Promise Tour

CAPITOL THEATRE,

THE HAWTH, Crawley

The tragic tale of 'the bride of Lammermoor' is a favourite of opera-goers and sopranos alike.

Cross-Border folk multi-instrumentalists and festival favourites The Shee...

Soprano Nadine Sierra takes on one of the repertory’s most formidable and storied roles, the haunted heroine of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, in an electrifying new staging by in-demand Australian theatre and film director Simon Stone, conducted by Riccardo Frizza. This live cinema transmission is part of the Met’s award-winning Live in HD series, bringing opera to movie theatres across the globe. Visit www.thecapitolhorsham.com for further information about what’s on at the theatre.

...are an exceptional all-female band, featuring the talents of BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year 2017 Rachel Newton on Harp and Sting’s clogger of choice, Amy Thatcher, on Accordion. For this tour The Shee will be joined by a new member; Scottish-Icelandic percussionist Signy Jakobsdottir, adding a fresh approach to the band’s huge catalogue of material. Expect low airs, Gaelic ballads, original songs, high energy tunes, hypnotic riffs, and of course… clog dancing! Visit www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/ The-Hawth for further information of what’s on.

Horsham, 21st May

3rd May at the Studio

pictured top: Nadine Sierra, photo by Cory Weaver; below: The Shee, photo by Lynn Robinson

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

TUNBRIDGE WELLS OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY the Musical – 14th to 18th June TWODS is bringing everyone’s favourite loveable green-eared monster to The Assembly Theatre, Tunbridge Wells this summer!

will love the cheeky, irreverent humour from the original film. Visit www.twods.org to book tickets and for further information.

Featuring all new songs as well as cult movie anthem ‘I’m a Believer’, Shrek the Musical is an allsinging, all-dancing extravaganza! Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular musical comedy turns the world of fairy tales upside down. Join Shrek, our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the smaller than life Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairy tale misfits plus a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got a Shrek-tacular mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages! Children will adore the Three Blind Mice, the Gingerbread Man, and the Grammy award-winning musical score of happy singalong tunes. The adults

below: A scene from TWODS' most recent production, 'Destination Anywhere' – a romp around the world in song and dance!

Al Stewart with his band The Empty Pockets

Al Stewart might possibly be thought to be an acquired taste, but he is arguably one of the most inventive and creative lyricists in popular music.

DE LA WARR PAVILION,

He originally came to stardom as part of the legendary British folk revival in the sixties and seventies and developed the combination of folk-rock songs with delicately woven tales of the great characters and events from history. He has nineteen studio albums and tours extensively nearly every year. His remarkable career spans four decades and he has many a story to tell from those years, and often drops intriguing and amusing anecdotes during his concerts. At one I recall he discussed writing his worldwide hit ‘Year of the Cat’ and mentioning that it was originally going to be called Foot of the Stage about comedian Tony Hancock. Other examples are playing at the first ever Glastonbury Festival in 1970, working with Yoko Ono and sharing a London apartment with a young Paul Simon, listening to him composing those amazing early songs. Visit www.dlwp.com for full information.

Bexhill-on-Sea, 25th October

pictured left: Al Stewart ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts MELTING VINYL LIVE 2022 WITH MV

Midlake BC Camplight KENT SHOW Arcane event Mabe Fratti Kayla Painter Danny George Wilson LOW SOLD OUT Baba Ali Ye Vagabonds Jim White The Unthanks KENT SHOW Chrystabell Laura Veirs The Handsome Family

LIVE MUSIC AT ROPETACKLE! GIGSPANNER BIG BAND Weds 11 May

SKERRYVORE Mon 16 May

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www.twods.org

WHEN RIVERS MEET Thurs 26 May MAYA YOUSSEF Thurs 30 June

Little High Street, Shoreham by Sea, BN43 5EG

www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk Box Office: 01273 464440 Registered charity no: 1109381

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

TWODS Shrek Engenue Advert 73x108mm+5mm bleed.indd 1

24/03/2022 21:46

performing arts

GLYNDE PLACE G LYNDE PLACE CONCERT SERIES 2022 C ONCERT ERIES 2022 BBC R 3 N SG A ADIO

TONBRIDGE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY ORCHESTRA Chapel of St Augustine at Tonbridge School Saturday 21st May Nino Rota’s Divertimento Concertante for Double Bass and Orchestra (soloist Toby Hughes) Nielsen’s Helios Overture Op 17 Sibelius Symphony No 5

ENERATION

RTISTS

BBC RADIO 3 NEW GENERATION ARTISTS A LEXANDER GADJIEV Gadjiev is, in my opinion, one of ALEXANDER GADJIEV "Alexander the most important figures in modern piano

piano

"Alexander Gadjiev is, in my opinion, one of the most important figures in modern European pianism." - Mario Messinis, critic Premio Venezia 2013, European pianism." Teatro La Fenice, Venice - Mario Messinis, critic Premio Venezia 2013, Teatro La Fenice, Venice

F. CHOPIN • R. SCHUMANN

Praised for their exquisite phrasing, fullblooded commitment and bold, passionate colours, The Mithras Trio is fast growing a reputation oneexquisite of the next generations’ Praised for as their phrasing, fullmost exciting piano trios. blooded commitment and bold, passionate colours, The Mithras Trio is fast growing a reputation as one of the next generations’ most exciting piano trios. L. VAN BEETHOVEN S. RAN • A. DVORAK

L. VAN BEETHOVEN S. RAN • A. DVORAK

SIMON HÖFELE SIMON 23 A HÖFELE trumpet

with

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FRANK -D A UPREE G piano

PRIL

• R. SCHUMANN TF.HECHOPIN MITHRAS TRIO THE MITHRAS TRIO

“But what a firework of outrageous things! What a wealth of rhythms, timbres, voices, songs . . . thanks to passion and perfection!” - Eleonore Büning on “But what a Höfele’s firework recording of outrageous things! Simon "Mysteries" What a wealth of rhythms, timbres, voices, songs . . . thanks to passion and perfection!” - Eleonore Büning on ANTHEIL • RAVEL • ENESCU Simon•Höfele’s recording TAKEMITSU BERNSTEIN • G"Mysteries" ERSHWIN KAPUSTIN • COSTELLO

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14 MAY 25 JUNE - SIMON HÖFELE & FRANK DUPREE

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LOVE FILM. LOVE FOOD. LOVE CULTURE. LOVE FILM. LOVE FOOD. LOVE CULTURE. Enjoy a classic from yesteryear followed by a delicious cream tea

EAT SAFELY EAT SAFELY

Northern Ballet, Merlin: 15th May

Pissarro – The Father of DRINK SAFELY Impressionism: 24th May DRINK SAFELY

20th April 2pm

25th May 2pm

01825 764909 I www.picturehouseuckfield.com I High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AS ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

https://www.coastalevents.co.uk/ 44

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

THE PICTURE HOUSE Kevin Markwick, owner of The Picture House Cinema & Restaurant in Uckfield, takes a look at what's coming up. It’s been a good start to 2022 and there are more great films and events to come including Downton Abbey A New Era and Fisherman’s Friends 2. We also have some great music films including 'a-ha The Movie', George Michael Freedom Uncut plus Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis is released in June. Special mention goes to Oscar winning director, Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) who celebrates the life and legacy of the legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone. Plus of course great live ballet and opera. To commemorate Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, we are delighted to be hosting a series of special screenings and events including celebrations at our restaurant on 2nd June and the documentary Elizabeth A Portrait in Parts directed by the late great Roger Michell (Notting Hill, The Duke). One screening we are excited about is Gerry Anderson A Life Uncharted on 5th May. This is a must for any Thunderbird fans. There will be a special Q&A with producer Ben Field and Jamie Anderson, Gerry’s son. For all the latest info go to www.picturehouseuckfield.com. top: 'Elizabeth, a Portrait in Parts'; left: 'Ennio The Maestro'; below: Producer/ Director Benjamin Field (l) & Producer Jamie Anderson (r) Q&A Tour

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

Melting Vinyl

two of their many upcoming gigs this spring and summer Ye Vagabonds The Greys, Brighton 9th May Brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn grew up playing music together in the southeast of Ireland. After moving to Dublin in 2012, they quickly became a staple of the live music and session scene in Ireland, playing their own original songs as well as folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, England and America. They have been busy touring Ireland, the UK, and Europe and arrive in Brighton fresh from a USA tour.

Robert Wyatt, Tom Waits, and everything in-between. Their eclectic style has earned them a Mercury Music Prize nomination and international acclaim. They will play songs from across this repertoire, in addition to tracks from the new album with a 5-piece line-up. At the nucleus of a constantly evolving unit are the Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank and the arrangements and writing of composer, pianist, producer and Yorkshireman, Adrian McNally. Visit www.meltingvinyl.co.uk for full information and other gigs scheduled.

The Unthanks; The Sorrows Away Tour Folkestone Quarterhouse, 22nd June After a two year break, The Unthanks return to performing live, bringing their unique blend of folk, jazz and everything else in between. Using the traditional music of the North East of England as a starting point, The Unthanks combine influences from the worlds of jazz, contemporary classical, blues and more. Listen to the back catalogue and hear the likes of Miles Davis, above: Rachel and Becky Unthank left: Ye Vagabonds

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts his own band and Tom McGuinness will no doubt continue writing and recording. So here’s the last golden chance to experience a quintet whose authentic roots stretch way back before the great British Blues boom of the 1960s. For further information or tickets visit www.dlwp.com or www.coastalevents.co.uk. Turin Brakes – Songs & Stories The Old Market, Hove 9th June

Coastal Events

presents two marvellous gigs at Brighton and Bexhill in June The Blues Band Farewell Tour De La Warr Pavilion 17th June A farewell tour! Gosh, my age is showing, can it really be 42 years since five experienced musicians, no strangers to the pop charts of the 60s and 70s, decided they’d ignore the cultural slurry of disco and the tailend of punk and throw caution to the wind by returning to their solid roots – The Blues. Although the band are saying goodbye, you can still enjoy their continuing offshoots such as Dave Kelly solo, or Dave with Paul Jones as a highly entertaining and erudite blues duo. Bassist Gary Fletcher is also a noted songwriter with

After an impressive 23 years together, eight studio albums and over a million records sold worldwide, Indie giants Turin Brakes are on the road again, performing a unique and intimate show at The Old Market in Hove on Thursday 9th June. Not only will the band be playing an acoustic set of their back catalogue of songs, they will also be sharing stories and anecdotes with audience members for a onenight-only exclusive recorded discussion, hosted by The Reel Feedback Podcast. Edward Kilroy of Coastal Events, said “Turin Brakes are one of the finest indie bands of the last two decades, with seven top 40 hits to their name. They are a band that are sure of who they are and what they’ve set out to do, and know that there’s always a story left to tell… this event is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the greatest bands within the realms of Indie music.” Visit www.coastalevents.co.uk and theoldmarket.com for more info and tickets. top: Turin Brakes; below: The Blues Band

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

TONBRIDGE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY ORCHESTRA Chapel of St Augustine at Tonbridge School Saturday 21st May

With this exciting programme beginning at 7.30pm, the highlight of the evening will be Nino Rota’s Divertimento Concertante for Double Bass and Orchestra with Toby Hughes, one of the UK’s leading double bass soloists, performing.

Wells International Young Concert Artists competition in 2018, as well as being the first double bassist to win the Bromsgrove International Music Competition and the ROSL string section final. He has performed with major international orchestras at major venues and he regularly plays with the renowned 12 Ensemble. Aged only sixteen, Toby was invited to study at the combined universities of Lausanne, Fribourg and Sion with Professor Bozo Paradzik, continuing to study there with the support of the Julius Isserlis Scholarship and ‘Future Talent’ Coombs Scholarship, presented by the Duchess of Kent. He has also studied in Berlin with Matthew McDonald, and at the Royal Northern College of Music, graduating from the International Diplomas Course. Nielsen’s Helios Overture Op 17 and Sibelius Symphony No 5 will complete the programme, conducted by Naomi Butcher, the Society’s first female conductor, whose innovative programming is proving a huge success. Naomi currently holds the Junior Conducting Fellowship at the Guildhall School of Music. And save the date: An evening of American Classics is to be performed by the Society’s choir on Saturday 9th July at the Chapel of St Augustine, Tonbridge School. Visit tonphil.org.uk for full details.

Toby was the acclaimed winner of the Tunbridge

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

above: Director of Music Naomi Butcher; below: Tonbridge Philharmonic Society Orchestra

performing arts

Glynde Place Classical Concerts Return 23 April, 14 May & 25 June

Glynde Place are pleased to announce that musicians in the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme will again be performing at the house for their 2022 Concert Series. The Glynde Place Concert Series returns after two years absence due to Covid-19 with an exciting selection of artists and music. The scheme helps to develop exceptional young musicians who are on the cusp of their international careers. The Glynde Place concert series gives Sussex audiences the unique opportunity to see some of these artists performing in the magnificent setting of Glynde Place, an Elizabethan manor situated on the Downs near Lewes. The concerts will take place in the intimate setting of the panelled Gallery in Glynde Place. Alexander Gadjiev, international award-winning pianist and appointed BBC Radio 3 NGA in 2019, opens the series on April 23rd playing works by Chopin

and Schumann. On May 14th The Mithras Trio, BBC Radio 3 NGA 2021, perform piano trios by Beethoven and Dvorak and a recent work by Ran. They have performed at major London venues including the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room. The final concert will be performed by the superb, internationally recognised trumpeter Simon Höfele with pianist Frank Dupree offering works by Ravel, Antheil, Enescu, Takemitsu, Bernstein and Gershwin among others. For the three evenings ticket holders can enjoy the concerts (7pm start) and are welcome to picnic in the grounds (from 5pm), with beautiful views across the Weald and South Downs. Seating is limited, so early booking is advised. Book online at www.glynde.co.uk/glynde-place/concert-series. above: Glynde Place from Park below: Alexander Gadjiev, photo Shahriyar Farshid

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

performing arts

JS B ACH

S T J O H N PAS S I O N T H E H A N OV E R B A N D T H E H A N OV E R B A N D C H O R U S Andrew Arthur director/organ

Philippa Hyde Soprano Tim Morgan Alto Peter Davoren Tenor Simon Wall Evangelist Alex Ashwor th Christus Edward Price Pilate

FRI 8 APRIL 19.00

FRI 15 APRIL 19.00

C H I C H E S T E R C AT H E D R A L CHICHESTER, PO19 1PX

ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH A R U N D E L , B N 1 8 9 AT

Tickets and fur ther information from T Hhttps://thehanoverband.com/ E H A N O V E R B A N D. C O M

TELEPHONE: 0333 666 3366

These concer ts are promoted by The Hanover Band Foundation Registered Charity No: 11338061

(Bookings Only)

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Tarrant Place, 65 Tarrant Street, Arundel BN18 9DJ

performing arts

HASTINGS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra is in the middle of its dynamic sixth season. Here is a glimpse of its fantastic variety of exciting Spring concerts. Artistic Director Marcio da Silva hardly seems to pause for breath as he makes sure his busy music schedule runs smoothly. HPO is delighted to be back at the De La Warr Pavilion on April 24th for a programme including Tchaikovsky’s challenging Violin Concerto with soloist Max Baillie, and Beethoven’s Symphony No 3, ‘Eroica’. May brings three sets of dates to add to your diary. Two engaging performances of Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, on the 4th and 5th at St John’s Church, St Leonards; a recital of famous opera arias and duets given by baritone Marcio da Silva, soprano Helen May, and pianist Francis Rayner on May 14th at Christ Church, St Leonards; and an exciting Jubilee themed ‘Proms for All’ on May 27th at the White Rock Theatre, also featuring Hastings Philharmonic Choir, massed local choirs, and audience participation.

And June brings a special highpoint, with two performances of Puccini’s La Bohème on offer – June 11th and 12th – at Christ Church, St Leonards, with stunning young professional soloists, HPO Ensemble, and participation from local children. Da Silva is certainly adhering to his vision of putting Hastings back on the map as a centre of excellence for classical music. Do go along and support them – you are guaranteed a treat. All tickets available at: www.hastingsphilorchestra.co.uk bottom: Artistic Director Marcio Da Silva conducts Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra; inset: a glimpse into the orchestra. Photos by Peter Mould

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Festivals – the year of the tiger 2022 is the year of the water tiger and, as such, promises a year of positive change. Let's get out there and have fun and support these worthy creative endeavours!

BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK

Folk Music by the Sea – 5th to 12th August

roadstairs Folk Week is on track to return to a fullstrength festival in 2022, after putting together a smaller event in 2021 in just four months. Folk Week is a hybrid of a green field festival in the middle of a town – with a beautiful beach too – making a great family holiday. The festival headliners including Lindisfarne, Show of Hands, the Spooky Men’s Chorale, Spiers & Boden, Sharon Shannon, the Longest Johns, the Magpie Arc and Tim Edey who will all appear in the Concert Marquee at the Festival Arena, next to the town’s railway station. After a drought of dance in 2021, festival goers are looking forward to a full programme of dances and ceilidhs at the new dedicated venue in the town’s popular Sarah Thorne theatre, featuring dance workshops in English Folk dance, Appalachian clogging, Cajun dance, and lunchtime and evening ceilidhs for all the family. There are around 400 events crammed into one week – workshops for all abilities in music, song, African dance, drumming and guitar, flamenco guitar, fiddle, melodeon, spoons and ukulele are just some of the subjects on offer. Young people can join in with the Band in a Weekend project – bring along any instrument or just your voice and create a band. There are singarounds, poetry shares and sea shanties on the Jetty. Morris sides dance around town and

down the High Street in the annual festival parade. The ever-popular official free pub gig programme takes place in pubs around the town. At the bandstand, the free Hobby Horse Club attracts hundreds of families who participate in games, singing and dancing with Clarence the Dragon and the festival mascots, the Hooden Horses. The festival campsite is within walking distance of the town and venues, although there is a free minibus service into town too. It’s a great way of having a holiday by the beach with all the entertainment thrown in! New in 2022 is a Folk Week Lite week’s adult ticket which includes all events apart from the evening concerts in the Festival Arena. There are more details and online booking at www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk. top: Sharon Shannon left: Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

festivals – the year of the tiger

THE FESTIVAL THEATRE AT HEVER CASTLE May to August at Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent

ever Festival Theatre returns this year with over 40 shows to entertain you. The vibrant and varied programme includes opera, plays, films, jazz, music, speakers, comedy, family favourites and the best tribute artists. Events will take place in three spectacular locations in the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of Kent’s top tourist attractions: The Loggia (the tranquil Italian Gardens with the magnificent lake view) where this year you can enjoy two fabulous Shakespeare comedies; Anne Boleyn’s Woodland Walk (a secluded open-air ancient woodland glade), the perfect setting to enjoy some family shows; and the Two Sisters Theatre (the original heart of the festival) where the outdoor seating is tiered and under cover or you can choose to sit where you like on the lawn and enjoy the vista from your own chairs or blanket, in the sunshine or under the stars. A sample of events from May to early July: The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is marked with two Proms, the first being the Guildhall Strings celebrating British composers including Henry VIII’s Green Sleeves in June. Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin Stories and The Simon and Garfunkel Story return to Hever, while Grammy nominated artist Stacey Kent performs songs from her latest album ‘Songs from Another Place’.

Two historical writers discuss their novels – Alison Weir will be back on stage again to talk about her latest novel Elizabeth of York The Last White Rose, signing copies hot off the press, and Lauren Mackay brings her book Among the Wolves of Court, The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn in St Peter’s Church, where Anne’s father Thomas is buried. There is more drama and romance with Edenbridgebased Another Way Theatre’s production of Jane Eyre and Charles Court Opera with the Gilbert & Sullivan production Patience. Bring your picnic, sit back and enjoy! For all the events covering the spring and summer and to book visit www.heverfestival.co.uk or through the Box Office 07379 488477. top: Stacey Kent; below: the Two Sisters Theatre

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festivals – the year of the tiger Holiday Monday. Start with the festival; stay for the week! See the advert visit www.CornwallFolkFestival.com for more details.

SOUTHDOWNS MUSIC FESTIVAL

22nd to 25th September A Wonderful Event to Look Forward To

O Merry Hell

49th CORNWALL FOLK FESTIVAL 26th to 29th August

ngénu/e readers have at least two main reasons to head west to the Cornwall Folk Festival this August Bank Holiday. First, the festival itself combines headline acts such as Dougie Maclean, Merry Hell, O’Hooley and Tidow and Granny’s Attic with a wealth of musical talent from across Cornwall and the South-West in the intimate setting of a town permanently in the Sunday Times Top 100 places to live. At this small, town-based event you can mingle with fellow music lovers and musicians. During the day hang out at the FAR Stage with back-to-back quality acts, or catch musical talent and dance in the local streets, pubs and cafés. Everything is in easy walking distance. You are not lost in some huge crowd or crawling through fields of mud. In the evening the festival moves indoors with its main acts plus Cornish beers in the town hall or famous John Betjeman Centre, or you can join in with locals at an evening pub session. Second, of course, you’ll be in North Cornwall at the best time: sea around its warmest, weather usually excellent, summer crowds all heading home on Bank

riginally called the Southdowns Folk festival, this fantastic late summer festival in Bognor Regis has changed its name to the Southdowns Music Festival and now has a new venue for the main acts at the Picturedrome Cinema, which has a capacity of over 600. Roger Nash, Chairman of the festival said “A Huge thanks to everyone who visited Bognor Regis town centre and helped to make the 2021 Southdowns Festival such a success. The many thousands who enjoyed the festival saw an array of great music from many different folk and roots genres and we intend to build on this for the 2022 festival.” Already confirmed as headliners for the 2022 festival are Lindisfarne, The Leylines, Spiers and Boden and The Men They Couldn’t Hang and lesser known talent such as singer songwriter Chesi O’Dowd. There will be many more events during the festival with an array of great music, dance and workshops from many different folk and roots genres, a real ale festival, shanty singing sessions and much more. Visit www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk for full details.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Chesi O'Dowd

festivals – the year of the tiger

TENTERDEN FOLK FESTIVAL 29th September to 2nd October

BINSTED ARTS FESTIVAL

4th June and 10th to 12th June St Mary’s Church, Binsted, West Sussex

insted Arts Festival, run by a group of local residents since 2015, is unlike any other in Sussex. It is small, intimate and with no TV celebrities. Each year a poetry competition results in an evening where winners are judged and read their work. There are also speakers connected with the area: writers, poets, historians and archeologists and a naturalist who leads a guided walk. Each year there are craft workshops and participants can take home their creations, and of course, there is live music to send the audience out with their feet still tapping. Some quotes from past attendees: ‘Binsted Laudate, a series of readings, interspersed by hymns, a sung psalm and two motets of ethereal beauty performed by a consort of viols and voices, was a highlight.’ ‘We experienced a real sense of place as a stimulus for creativity, and loved being in the church, hearing the competition poems read as the sun sank beyond the meadows’ ‘Beaming smiles of delight on the faces of the whole audience was something to behold during a folk music concert. Afterwards moon daisies in the grass outside gleamed white, while a complete half circle rainbow arched overhead’ For the 2022 programme visit www. binsted.org/arts-festival.

lans are well advanced for four days of the Tenterden Folk Festival 2022. The first of the fifty or so events will be the Thursday evening concert in The Tenterden Club which will feature Jeff Warner from the USA. Jeff performs mainly songs and tunes with their origins in the UK which his parents collected from old traditional singers across the USA before Jeff was born. This year’s guests range from Jack Hogsden, a student from Sussex currently undertaking a Folk Music Degree at Newcastle University, to four brothers who make up the Wilson Family an a cappella harmony group from Newcastle. Other guests include Jack Rutter, Si Barron and many more. Popular local band Foot Down have established themselves on the national festival scene and will be playing for the English barn dance on Friday evening with caller John Sweeney. Some of the other festival highlights will be the numerous free music sessions in some of the local pubs that performers come from all over the country to take part in, and of course the hundreds of Morris dancers, folk display dancers and street entertainers, who will perform around the town centre over the weekend and process along the High Street. As well as all the music and song events in various venues around the town there will be a large marquee for the craft fair and free music and dance stages on the Recreation Ground. More details of the weekend’s events, the full list of guest artists, Morris sides, etc. and details of how to buy tickets can be found at www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk. top: Jack Rutter; below: St Mary's Church, Binsted

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festivals – the year of the tiger

Venues are Trinity Church, St John sub Castro and St Michael’s Church, Lewes. See www.leweschambermusicfestival.com for full details and tickets as well as details of how to support the Festival by becoming a Friend or Patron. Performing at the Lewes Chamber Music Festival – left: Vashti Huner, photo Luke Chapman; above: Eusebius Quartet, photo Anna Patarakina

LEWES CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL – Tenth Anniversary 9th to 11th June

osted at various venues in the picturesque town of Lewes, the Festival was founded by violinist Beatrice Philips, and returns this year to celebrate its tenth anniversary. With many world-class musicians visiting the Festival and performing alongside the stars of tomorrow, it has deservedly grown a loyal local following and a nationwide reputation for extremely high quality and exciting concerts. This year, with an emphasis on the 'Fin de Siècle', programmes will explore how composers have navigated and responded to a changing world around them. Repertoire will include favourite pieces from the last nine Festivals such as Schubert’s beloved Quintet alongside rarely-heard masterpieces such as the mighty String Octet by Enescu, as well as works by living composers such as Kate Whitley and Jorg Widmann. On top of all this there will be music by Edward Elgar, Lilli Boulanger, Bartok, Brahms, Fauré and more, as well as a concert specially for local school children. Visiting artists include some of Europe’s leading string players and pianists as well as soprano Mary Bevan and clarinetist Matt Hunt. Tickets are on sale and are free of charge for those under 25 years of age.

DEAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 1st to 16th July

eal Music & Arts celebrates its 40th anniversary this summer and welcomes a host of great artists and ensembles, often reflecting on Deal’s unique place in our nation’s history – Julius Caesar first landed here, Henry VIII built three great castles, and the Goodwin Sands have created a natural if perilous port. Artists include Dame Evelyn Glennie with Trio HLK, 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition winner Alim Beisembayev, star saxophonist Jess Gillam with the London Mozart Players, Academy of Ancient Music & Guildhall performing Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra recreating Duke Ellington and Tchaikovsky, Shakespeare’s

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Dame Evelyn Glennie with Trio HLK

festivals – the year of the tiger

Katie Bray

Othello at Walmer Castle, the 1920’s film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari with live music specially created by Minima, a new opera that sets Frida Kahlo’s own diary to music, the work of Berthold Brecht and Kurt Weill with Cardiff Singer of the World prize-winner Katie Bray and the ever-uproarious Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. With events for all ages, free music around Deal, walks and talks, an exploration of world percussion with Beibei Wang and opportunities to play Balinese Gamelan, a rare chance to hear all of Prokofiev’s thrilling piano sonatas, and so much more. Visit https://dealmusicandarts.com for full details.

violinist Magnus Johnston and the celebrated Heath Quartet make eagerly anticipated returns; and award-winning Dutch pianist Hannes Minaar joins for the first time. Friday evening guests will be the brilliant young 12 Ensemble who will take to the stage in St Mary’s Rye, joining Anthony and Richard for the annual orchestral concerto concert. Concerts are also planned for the Norman church in Peasmarsh and the stunning St Thomas’ Winchelsea, with its famous stained glass windows and scintillating acoustics. There will be music workshops in five local schools and you will be able to hear the fruits of their labours at special concerts in Peasmarsh and Winchelsea on 24th June. For further details and booking brochure visit www.peasmarshfestival.co.uk or contact peasmarshboxoffice@gmail. com or 01797 253 178 to book tickets.

PEASMARSH CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 23rd to 26th June

hether you are new to the Festival or returning after many visits, we look forward to welcoming you. As the spring days grow longer, we look ahead to magical summer days of music-making – what could be better than ten concerts scheduled across four days, filled with wonderful classical music spanning many centuries of creativity. As always, the Festival will include a superlative roster of world class artists. Artistic directors violinist Anthony Marwood and cellist Richard Lester will be joined by accordion player James Crabb; the wonderful Heath Quartet

Ori Kam performs at Peasemarsh Chamber Music Festival, photo by Yanai Yechiel

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festivals – the year of the tiger

HARP ON WIGHT International Festival

28th October to 1st November

PETWORTH SUMMER FESTIVAL 13th July to 30th July

t’s all go at the Petworth Festival this summer as the acclaimed local organisation looks to get back up to full speed following the disruption of the last two years. First up is a special evening in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Saturday 28th May, welcoming a fabulous combination of performers including the multi-talented Joe Stilgoe, the superb young classical virtuoso that is Jeneba Kanneh-Mason and the rip-roaring jazz chanteuse, Liane Carroll. Presented by actor Trevor Eve, the evening promises a magnificent salute to the remarkable anniversary that is celebrated nationwide the following weekend. And then… the summer festival itself which fills the diaries of many in West Sussex and environs for the latter fortnight of July every year. The full programme is announced on 21st April, but we already know that the bar is due to be raised yet higher in 2022 with appearances from the finest classical stars – Natalie Clein, Dmitri Sitkovestky and the newly crowned winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition Alim Besimbayev; top rock/pop names Beverley Craven and Judy Tzuke; ever-so-slightly bonkers comedian Milton Jones, and the utterly danceable series of evenings in Petworth House’s Stables featuring amongst other Paul Young’s Tex-Mex outfit, Los Pacaminos. Add in a whole series of events for the family and wider community and it really will be a fortnight to remember as the nation returns to the joys of live events once again. And let’s not forget the Petworth Festival Literary Week, 28th October to 6th November. All details at www.petworthfestival.org.uk.

arp on Wight International look forward to celebrating their ninth annual festival in Ryde, Isle of Wight, in late October. Programming for the event was almost complete at the time of going to print. The festival are especially looking forward to welcoming Tristan Le Govic from Brittany and Flamenco harpist Ana Crisman Ana Crisman from Spain. They were both originally booked in 2020, but that year the festival ended up as an online event due to coronavirus. Both Tristan and Ana contributed online concert videos for it. They were both also originally invited last year, but then – again due to the pandemic – the festival changed its policy and decided to engage UK and Irish harpists only. Let's hope that this year is third time lucky for Tristan and Ana! The festival line up to date also includes Eira Lynn Jones from Wales and Aisling Lyons from County Clare in Ireland. Included in the festival are afternoon and evening concerts, teaching workshops, an exhibition of harps made by national manufacturers and a six day harp making course. Full details, including how to book tickets, will be posted soon on www.harponwight.co.uk. If you require any further festival information please email harponwight@gmail.com or call 01983 730930.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Milton Jones

festivals – the year of the tiger

JUBILATION!

A happy and glorious celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Seaford College on 28th May

T Andrew Bernardi

SHIPLEY ARTS FESTIVAL 2022 Events throughout the year

ounded by Andrew Bernardi in 2000, the annual Shipley Arts Festival brings world class music to communities in and around Shipley and the county of Sussex. Andrew has become established as one of the UK’s leading violinists, festival directors, string educationalists and music entrepreneurs. A champion of charitable causes and a dedicated ambassador of music’s power to change lives, he promotes the transformative nature of performance across the world working with consulates, businesses and charities. Through a curated programme of concerts and events, the Shipley Arts Festival celebrates the connection between music and nature, wellbeing and heritage. And, whilst showcasing professional ensembles, the festival also champions young talent. As part of the festival, musicians from the String Academy are invited to perform alongside the professional musicians. Established as one of the leading cultural events in Sussex, the festival also commissions and premieres new works by some of today’s leading composers. The festival runs from April to November and performances take place in different locations each year, ranging from beautiful small village churches through to larger estate residences. And, running throughout the year, music lovers can enjoy a unique programme of classical music excellence and innovative with performances from the Bernardi Music Group, their Stradivarius Trio, the String Academy youth orchestra and solo performances from internationally renowned violinist Andrew Bernardi. The Shipley Arts Festival is delighted to be working closely with their sponsors Tooveys, Nyetimber, Kreston Reeves, Wakefields, NFU Mutual and YuYaun Arts. Regular updates, priority booking and exclusive opportunities can be secured through membership to the ‘Friends of Shipley Arts Festival’. For details of membership packages and information on the 2022 programme visit www.bernardimusicgroup.com.

he Petworth Festival is delighted to present this unique programme of events on Saturday 28th May: A Royal Variety Performance – featuring the remarkable all round entertainer Joe Stilgoe, classical pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, jazz singer extraordinaire Liane Carroll, top singing duo The Dunlop Sisters and the one-off phenomenon that is Judge the Poet. Artistic Director Stewart Collins says “As a festival we are invigorated by the new look to our festival team, and we look forward to seeing you across the year, whether in the summer, the autumn or at our newest event, Jubilation! – the special evening of events in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. After the troubles and tribulations of the last 24 months I hope and believe that the festival is wonderfully placed to bring some much needed joy into all of our lives. There are few things more inspirational than quality live performance and that’s exactly what we have in mind for 2022!” Visit www.petworthfestival.org.uk for full details. clockwise from left: Jeneba KannehMason, photo John Davis; Judge the Poet ; The Dunlop Sisters, photo M Redman

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

festivals – the year of the tiger

This August Bank Holiday

Escape To Cornwall! FOLK MUSIC B Y T H E S E A LINDISFARNE | SHOW OF HAND S | T H E S P O O K Y M E N ’ S C H O R A L E SHARON SHANNON T R I O | S P I E R S & B O D E N THE MAGPIE ARC | TIM EDEY | T H E L O N G E S T J O H N S | F L O O K MCGOLDRICK, MC C U S K E R A N D D O Y L E BANTER | YORKSTON, T H O R N E , K H A N | M E G S O N CHRIS WHILE & J U L I E M AT T H E W S LUKE DANIELS & T H E C O B H E R S B A N D GERRY COLVIN BAND | B E L I N D A O ’ H O O L E Y COCK & BULL BAND | TARREN | B R O O K W I L L I A M S & D A N WA L S H CHRISTINA ALDEN & AL E X PAT T E R S O N | M I S H R A JON DORAN & THE N O RT H E R N A S S E M B LY KAKATSITSI DRUMMERS AND D A N C E R S | L ’ I L J I M | B E N PA L E Y PLUS MANY MORE T O B E A N N O U N C E D ! C O N C E RT S . C E I L I D H S . W O RK S H O P S . C H I L D R E N ’ S F E S T I VA L D A N C E S . C R A F T & M U S I C FA I R . F E S T I VA L C A M P S I T E MORRIS DANCERS . PUB SESSIONS

2 20

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E A R LY BIRD FESTIVAL T I C K E T S – AVA I L A B L E N O W W W W. B R O A D S TA I R S F O L K W E E K . O R G . U K B O X O F F I C E : 0 1 8 4 3 6 0 4 0 8 0 www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

WITH OR WITHOUT CAMPING FOR A WEEK, WEEKEND OR DAY

C O R N W A L L

F L FS V L

Wadebridge, North Cornwall Fri 26th-Mon 29th Aug

Dougie MACLEAN O’Hooley & Tidow MERRY HELL GRANNY’S ATTIC Winter Wilson Brother Sea Du Glas Handpicked Mike Silver Angeline Morrison + more www.cornwallfolkfestival.com CORNWALL FOLKFESTIVAL.COM/TICKETS

Tenterden folk festival 2022 Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald

Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October 2022

www.tenterdenfolkfestival.com Free events include crafts marquee, street stalls, free music stage, dance stage, Morris dancers, dance displays, procession, street entertainers, song and music sessions, etc. Ticketed events include concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Guests See website for details Up to 40 Morris sides and dance display teams in the streets

www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk EARLYBIRD TICKETS JUST £80 ( NOR-

EARLYBIRD TICKETS JUST £80 ( NORingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Tenterden Folk Festival: Charity No. 1038663

festivals – the year of the tiger

Petworth Festival

2022

Ruth Wall (credit: Lottie Davies)

Wednesday 13 – Saturday 30 July

TICKETS ON SALE 1 APRIL

Highlights include:

BEN WATERS • BEVERLEY CRAVEN & JUDIE TZUKE JULIAN & JIAXIN LLOYD WEBBER LOS PACAMINOS FT PAUL YOUNG • MILTON JONES NATALIE CLEIN • RUTH WALL • SEAN SHIBE • STEVEN OSBORNE

https://www.leweschambermusicfestival.com/ WWW.LEWESCHAMBERMUSICFESTIVAL.COM Don’t miss the return of live music-making at its very best! - Trinity St John sub Castro Church, Lewes - St Michaels Church, Lewes

And many more!

CLASSICAL, JAZZ AND WORLD MUSIC, CABARET, COMEDY, THEATRE, FREE FAMILY EVENTS AND THE VISUAL ARTS…

www.petworthfestival.org.uk Artistic Director - Beatrice Philips || LCMF is a registered CIO no.1151928

Job No. 211203_Petworth Sponsors Advert 73x108mm NEW.indd 1

02/03/2022 16:19

welcomes you to its fifth year

June: Sat 4th & Fri 10th – Sun 12th 2022 at St Mary’s Church, Binsted, BN18 0LL celebrating the cultural and natural heritage of a hidden-away part of rural West Sussex Our unique mix of talks, poetry, drama, music, a walk in the historic Binsted countryside, a practical workshop, and new this year is a session of readings to illustrate literary responses to climate change For the full programme and booking instructions see our website at www.binsted.org/arts-festival

www.harponwight.co.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

festivals – the year of the tiger

Festival Theatre at HEVER CASTLE The

https://heverfestival.co.uk/ heverfestival.co.uk

07379 488477

« Music « PlAYs « coMedY « oPerA «

« FAMilY « sPeAkers « FilMs « jAzz «

MAY - August

‘Why go to London in the summer when you can go to the Festival Theatre at beautiful Hever Castle?’

www.peasmarshfestival.co.uk

Want more joy in life? Intarsia, appearing at Broadstairs Folk Week 2022

Subscribe to ingénu/e magazine!

Jubilation! A happy and glorious weekend of events in celebration of Her Majesty The

QUEEN’S

P L AT I N U M J U B I L E E Featuring Joe Stilgoe, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Liane Carroll, The Dunlop Sisters, Judge the Poet, an audience with royal biographer Robert Lacey, a big picnic, and a tea-dance with 78 RPM

SATURDAY 28 AND SUNDAY 29 MAY 2022 Seaford College, Lavington Park, Petworth, GU28 0NB

Box Office open 4th February 2022

www.petworthfestival.org.uk WWW.PETWORTHFESTIVAL.ORG.UK

Brighten up your day with the only regional arts & culture magazine in the South East. For just £12.95 a year you can have ingénu/e magazine delivered to your door each quarter. To subscribe visit www.ingenuemagazine.co.uk, or email subscribe@ingenuemagazine.co.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Job No. 211203_Petworth Jubilation 73x108mm.indd 1

18/02/2022 08:47

festivals – the year of the tiger Bernardi Music Group

Welcome

Music to inspire and connect

INSPIRING MUSIC BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS

SHIPLEY ARTS FESTIVAL MAR - NOV 2022

PULBOROUGH SHIPLEY WARNHAM COOLHAM KNEPP CASTLE ESTATE SEDGWICK PARK FINDON PLACE NUTHURST HORSHAM CHICHESTER WASHINGTON WEST CHILTINGTON & MORE

ture For tickets & more visit us online bernardimusicgroup.com www.bernardimusicgroup.com Inspired by na

www.dealmusicandarts.com ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

poetry prose & illustration

book reviews Dream House by Phil Hall

Doug and Cathy Robinson were looking forward to a fresh start. They had moved to Wild Rose Cottage, their new dream home in leafy Surrey, with their two young children and bouncy puppy, putting their past firmly behind them. The house was perfect. Originally an eighteenth century inn, it stood at the head of a private close overlooking a dozen other houses. It had been lovingly renovated by its last owners and with plenty of space and a garden that backed onto woodland, it was the home in which the Robinsons would re-establish their bonds and bring up their young family. No sooner had they started unpacking than the neighbours began dropping in. But the welcome was far from warm and the couple started to realise the idyllic facade of this pastoral neighbourhood was only skin deep. A confrontation with the previous owner in which he stated in no uncertain terms that he wanted 'his' house back left Doug shaken and angry. That was just the start of their troubles. Before long strange things started happening to unnerve them. It was obvious that someone was trying to scare them off. With these suspicious events continuing and becoming more serious paranoia started setting in and the dream home began to feel like a nightmare.

The Many Lives of Pimlico Pettigrew by Patricia Keiller

Suzie Montgomery lives a quiet life. It revolves around her tiny flat, her cat and her antique shop. Excitement seems to have passed her by and at thirty years old she is bored and disillusioned. That all changes one day when when she finds a strange man in her shop basement. His name, he thinks, is Pim, but he can't remember anything else. Touched by the vulnerability of this polite young man, Suzie takes him under her wing and, in doing so, gets involved in events that would turn her quiet mundane existence upside down. Between them, Suzie and Pim set out to discover who he is actually is, but then Pim goes missing and all of a sudden the urgency to find out his true identity becomes paramount. Suzie's search leads her to a 64

They didn't know who they could trust; which of their neighbours was behind this persecution. Was it Jim Woods, the previous owner, with his larger than life confidence and self-appointed 'lord of the manor' status in the close? Could it be Chris Parker, desperate to own Wild Rose Cottage to win back his estranged Russian wife? Or perhaps Italian Tony; does his apparently generous and welcoming demeanour mask a sinister side? Or was it the alluring but predatory Amanda, who seemed to have taken a particular interest in Doug? Then something unthinkable happened, setting off a series of events which further rocked the family, threatening to unravel its very fabric. Doug had to act if he was going to save his marriage and keep his family together. But what extreme measures would he have to take to do this? With a twisty-turny plot and suspects lining up like an episode of Poirrot, Dream House will have you guessing until the end. Dream House is available from The East Grinstead Bookshop and Amazon.

mysterious research facility in Cornwall, where freak weather events and strange disappearances are not uncommon. But soon the trail comes to a dead end with Suzie being stone-walled at every turn. Then, when she is at her lowest point, desperate and alone, who should turn up but Pim... or is it? With parallel worlds, time travel, mysterious doppelgangers, betrayal after trust and the eternal struggle between good and evil, The Many Lives of Pimlico Pettigrew takes us on a roller coaster ride and for its protagonists, life will never be the same... Available from Amazon.

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poetry prose & illustration

Out of the Frying Pan

How many artists does it take to solve a kidnapping? by Judy Upton What happens if your flatmate is car-jacked during a bank heist, by the bank robber himself? This is the position in which Vonnie Sharp found herself one average day in Brighton. A sculptor caught up in the social maelstrom of the Brighton arts scene, Vonnie didn't pay much attention to her quiet flatmate, Gina. But once she had disappeared Vonnie realised with a pang of remorse how much she had taken her for granted. As the days went by with no developments in the case of Gina's abduction, Vonnie decided to take the matter into her own hands and, recruiting some of her artist friends to the cause, set about investigating. Before long their efforts yielded some leads and soon Vonnie found herself mixing with the less desirable elements of Brighton society. The biggest coup was tracking down the bank robber, a dark-haired enigmatic character, but he claimed he'd left Gina safe albeit shaken. But Vonnie's suspicions also fell on Gina's father, whose shady dealings could not be ignored. Who could she

April’s Magical World and her joy for living slow by Kizzy Petit Kizzy Petit was born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela and her name in the Mandinka language means ‘stillness; be at peace’. She is a journalist with a PhD, and was a university professor back home. She now lives in Forest Row near East Grinstead. She is currently creating 'Stories of an Unhurried Childhood', a series of books for children between four and eight years old, although slightly younger or older ones could enjoy them as well. Her focus is to promote a slow-paced living approach, which she feels is more and more important for children, bombarded as they are with technological devices, who are growing up disconnected from their own imagination. Her first book is ‘April’s Magical World and her joy for living slow’, chronicling a glorious day of childhood, filled with play, nature and with April’s wild imagination running uninhibited and free. She paints, dons her pink rain boots and blue coat and goes out to meet other girls and boys.

trust? Then a ransom note arrives demanding that Vonnie delivers the cash. Was she up to the challenge? Would her nerves hold out? Written with a great deal of warmth and wit, this light-hearted crime thriller jaunts along at a good pace with the perfect balance of scene-setting and action. Author Judy Upton's well fleshed-out main characters are instantly recognisable – I warmed to Vonnie, despite her shortcomings she has guts. And for those who know Brighton and the surrounding area the landscape will be engagingly familiar. A thoroughly enjoyable romp, Out of the Frying Pan is available from Hobart Books, Bookshop.org, Amazon and the Book Depository. Writer Judy Upton lives in Shoreham-by-Sea and has been part of Brighton's artistic community for many years. She has had plays produced by the Royal Court, National Theatre, BBC Radio 4 and at Brighton's Komedia, New Venture and Little Theatre.

Adventures range from climbing trees to meeting a dinosaur, a friendly dragon and a unicorn, while also singing songs, dancing, collecting magic stones and building fairy homes. At the setting of the sun she returns home where she has a bath and shares her adventures with her mother. It’s a beautiful book and I applaud the author’s vision of encouraging children to embrace their imagination fully and for parents to encourage this with love. April's Magical World is gorgeously illustrated with watercolour and graphite pencil by Elys Rendón, which helps bring Kizzy’s story fully to life. Available from The East Grinstead Bookshop and www.aprilsmagicalworld.com. where you can find more information about the book and the author.

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poetry prose & illustration

Wreaths

fresh foraged foliage & faux by Alys Dobbie Wreaths are not just for Christmas... I have an old wreath, made of pine cones and faux greenery, which comes out of hibernation every Christmas to adorn the front door. Although I am fond of it I have to admit it has started to look pretty tired now, and I was wondering, as I took it down after the last festivities, how I could freshen it up. I now have the answer. In Wreaths, expert wreath maker Alys Dobbie shares step by step guidelines on how to make wreaths of all kinds, from live materials to dried botanicals to found objects. You can make wreaths out of almost anything - dried flowers and plants, paper, feathers and rags, even baubles for that extra festive zing. But what attracted me most were the living wreaths, made with succulents, live moss, herbs, even bulbs to bring a waft of spring into the house. We are most familiar with wreaths hanging on a front door but they can be just as striking anywhere in the house. A dried flower wreath lends rustic charm to any room; a herb wreath makes a perfect addition to the kitchen, and a succulent wreath livens up a bathroom. A living moss wreath adds an interesting dimension to a shady corner of an outside seating area, while a spring bulb wreath makes an unusual and striking table centrepiece. All these ideas and more await you in the pages of this book. Beautifully illustrated with photographs of each stage of development and with simple clear instructions, Wreaths will inspire you to create unique wreaths not only for special occasions, but for every day. Available from www.gazellebookservices.co.uk or through your local bookstore and Amazon.

Blooming Paper

how to handcraft paper flowers and botanicals by Laura Reed Have you ever been frustrated by the limitations of creating displays with real flowers? Needing constant attention to keep them fresh and even then they have a relatively short life. Blooming Paper has an alternative approach. With this book you can learn to create bold modern paper flowers from an award-winning professional in the field. There is no need for an elaborate set-up. Paper flower making is an accessible craft that uses simple tools and can be done on the kitchen table. With her mantra of "It's not wrong, it's different" Laura Reed guides you through the process with step by step tutorials, starting with the first petal of a simple flower and developing your skill until you are creating full paper flower displays. "When I started out, my flowers were quite simple. The more I practiced, the more elaborate they became. I like to make graphic, sylized pieces," says Laura Reed. "It's so easy to get lost in making paper flowers, whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter – in today's fraught world, that can only be a good thing!" Abundantly illustrated with diagrams and photographs of each stage of the making process, as well as lavish final displays, and complete with templates to copy and use, Blooming Paper will have you eager to start creating. By the end of the book you will not only know how to make a wide range of flowers, but how to design your own blooms and create your own projects. Available from www.gazellebookservices.co.uk or through your local bookstore and Amazon. 66

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poetry prose & illustration

We Could Be... Bowie and his Heroes by Tom Hagler Consultant editor Tony Visconti

Tom Hagler is a presenter and reporter for BBC World Service radio and his book traces David Bowie’s life from 1947 through to his passing in 2016 via two hundred or more snapshots of his encounters, mostly with other fellow icons. The overall picture of these vignettes gives us an unusual insight into Bowie as a musician, songwriter, actor, fashionista and, most interestingly, as a human being. There are so many famous people and so many iconic moments revealed that it is impossible to choose which to highlight. Who knew, for example, that Bowie taught Michael Jackson the Moon Walk or how he saved the life of Nina Simone or how the fates conspired to scupper

the various times he hoped to meet Elvis Presley, one of his personal heroes. His relationship with John Lennon, the holidays they took together, his love rivalry with Salvador Dali over Dali’s muse, Amanda Lear, or his major concern over Jimmy Page’s supposed occult powers make fascinating reading. With over 350 pages of these anecdotes, with most covering just a page or so, the icons Bowie encounters are from every aspect of the arts (and a few from ‘everyday life’) which means there is something here for everyone, be they a Bowie fan or not. An incredibly well researched book and remarkably easy to read, available in most bookstores or online at various outlets.

The Silk Road Writers 2002 – 2022

The Silk Road Writers, a group of poets in the local area, celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2022. The group was born in the Silk Road restaurant in Littlehampton on a cold, wet, windy evening in February 2002. “I sat there thinking, surely nobody will come,” says its founder Jo Wood, “but then six people turned up.” Jo decided to start the group just after moving from Chichester to Littlehampton. “I wanted to create a forum where writers could share ideas and inspire each other,” he says. “Many of the new attendees were also very accomplished in other artistic fields such as singing, music and painting. This inspired me to begin acrylic painting. I’m so grateful that Paul kept the group going over twenty years and of course for keeping the original name, the Silk Road Writers, a name that evokes the mystery of the orient and stirs the creative juices!” Jo Wood moved away from Littlehampton in 2005 and leadership of the group was taken over by former teacher Paul Ward, who runs the Silk Road Writers to this day. “I was looking to make new connections, especially in the fields of literature and drama, to which much of my previous life had been devoted,” he says. “Our core activity is the monthly meeting, at which we read and study poems as stimulus for our own

above: Jo Wood, founder of Silk Road Writers; lefit: Paul Ward currently runs Silk Road Writers

creative work – but we have also published a number of anthologies and have given many recitals, usually working with guest musicians. “Essentially, we exist to provide an opportunity for a small group of like-minded local poets to get together and develop confidence and skill in our work through the stimulation which group activity can provide – otherwise, the writer’s life can be a lonely one.” The Silk Road Writers have a long tradition of participating in local festivals and events. Members of the group have given readings at festivals in Worthing, Littlehampton, Chichester and Arundel. The group has also twice appeared in Tortington Church under the banner of the South Downs Poetry Festival. As with so many groups, proceedings have been largely suspended over the past two years due to the pandemic, but Silk Road are now getting back into their stride. Monthly meetings have resumed, with

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poetry prose & illustration members from Littlehampton, Rustington and Worthing, and two appearances are now confirmed for this year, with more under discussion. Forthcoming Events June 2022 On Wednesday 8th June, as part of the East Preston Festival, there will be an afternoon of music and poetry at 2:30 pm in the Spire Room, St Mary the Virgin parish church, featuring the Silk Road Writers and musicians David Asher (recorders) and Maurice Thomas (lute). Tickets are £5 on the door or direct from the church: https://stmarysep.org.uk

July 2022 As part of the Littlehampton Festival, the Silk Road Writers will appear at the Uniting Church in Littlehampton on the evening of 22nd July from 7 to 9 pm. Tickets are £5 on the door, or from LOCA. For more information about these and other events, please check social media or see your library's list of local societies. East Preston Festival: www.eastprestonfestival.co.uk www.facebook.com/EastPrestonFestival Littlehampton Festival (LOCA) www.facebook.com/LOCALittlehamptonArts

October sun over Littlehampton beach

MURDER ´ BETRAYAL ´ ADVENTURE Beverley Elphick's exciting trilogy is complete!

HAVE READIT? IT? HAVEYOU YOU READ READ HAVE YOU IT? War is hard

War isis hard War hard when you when you when you have to leave have to have toleave leave everything everything everything you know you you know know and love. and and love. love.

THREE ROUND TOWERS

RETRIBUTION

At the heart of this “An engaging tale of story is family; not one young woman’s always the one you are born with, but the struggles against one you carve out for the prejudices, yourself. A tale full of assumptions and startling twists and deprivations of a turns and a score that grim and ruthless must be settled period our history” - Rosemary Aitken

SECRETS & SAVIOURS “To him I was just a hostage to fortune, a bartering tool. If not that, why would he keep me alive?” A powerful conclusion to the Esther Coad saga to keep readers gripped to the last

Available from all online suppliers or order from all good bookshops or via www.beverleyelphick.com 68

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

The TheSecret Secret The Secret Rehearsals forfor Rehearsals Rehearsals for D-Day... D-Day... D-Day... “A wonderful book...” “Awonderful wonderful book...” “A book...” Michelle Magorian MichelleMagorian Magorian Michelle ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ ‘GoodnightMrMr Tom’ ‘Goodnight Tom’ “A jewel!...” Actress June Brown Actress - Actress “Ajewel!...” jewel!...” “A June -Dot EastEnders JuneinBrown Brown ininEastEnders Dot EastEnders At your local bookDot store now

At your local book Paperback: At your local£8.99 bookstore storenow now

Paperback: £8.99 ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4 Paperback: £8.99

ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4 978-0-9535123-2-4 www.wightdiamondpress.com ISBN

www.wightdiamondpress.com www.wightdiamondpress.com

poetry prose & illustration

I Love and Need to Write The chapter on Beverley Elphick's Esther Coad trilogy comes to an end, but another begins... When I put my Esther Coad trilogy to bed, I had a few weeks of satisfaction that I had completed what I set out to do. Three Round Towers moved to Retribution seamlessly, albeit was several years in the making. The final book, Secrets and Saviours, was quite a different matter. My heroine Esther had grown in stature, had experienced life and had met and interacted with a lot of new characters. All of those strands needed to be considered and be part of the fabric of a satisfactory end. In writing about a woman who had matured, I wondered if my very likeable first book character had stepped too far from the person I had originally created. In the end I wrote Esther’s conclusion as I wrote her beginning. I allowed her to tell her own story as we went along. I had no idea how the story would progress but trusted in my knowledge of her to create a book that was true to character. I think I achieved that.

THE KID ON SLAPTON BEACH Felicity Fair Thompson's look at a moment of war through a child's eyes It's a nightmare scenario, the idea that an aggressor could invade your country, land on your coast, on your beach. At Christmas in 1943, with war raging across Europe, that was what people in South Devon worried would happen, when 3000 of them were forced to leave their coastal homes without knowing why. Young Harry, his mother and his little sister are among them, as US troops take over the area. In spite of this, Harry makes friends with one of the GIs and

I insisted to myself that my book writing days were over. At the ripe old age of 70 it was time to let go of smugglers, thieves and scallywags as well as a contented and fulfilled Esther Coad. That sentiment lasted for about a month before I came to realise that writing was an integral part of my life and happiness. I might not like the production or marketing process, but I love and need to write. Hence there is a new book coming along. It is somewhat different in being an adventure story for older children. I grew up reading Enid Blyton’s books – Five go to Kirrin Island comes to mind – as well as Biggles, Billy Bunter, Just William and Swallows and Amazons. I remember the excitement of adventure stories and fell naturally into that genre for my new book.

tries to help the locals cope. It's hard packing up, taking only what you need, going to relatives or friends inland, or just somewhere, anywhere, to stay. In the scramble, Harry's most precious possession is left behind. If your dad is away fighting, presumed missing, and it's the only photograph of him, can you really understand the dangers of going back for it? But Harry goes – and at the wrong moment he'll be on Slapton Sands, in the mayhem of this secret ill-fated rehearsal for the D-Day landings. And so will his GI friend. The Kid on Slapton Beach? “A great story, very well told,” says Anna Home, Children's Film and Television Foundation. “A vivid picture of the steely grey realities of war.” IW County Press. “See the landscape, feel its texture, smell it. See Harry, all those villagers and their struggles. It's powerful. I was close to tears when I read it. Smiling too. A wonderful book!” says Michelle Magorian, author of 'Goodnight Mister Tom'.

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a l f – flash fiction

poetry prose & illustration

Lucky Me

–Jennifer Pulling

If you were a first time subscriber to Bright’s Lending Library you might be excused if you thought you had wandered into the drawing room of a country house. There were comfortable armchairs and sofas, a deep piled carpet and overall the genteel atmosphere of neatly dressed helpful assistants. Bright’s offered a haven to bored housewives, retired military men and titled gentry. Here they could browse, climb sturdy ladders to reach a desired title, or settle themselves for a good read. The library had existed since Mabel Bright, wife of pharmacist Frederick Bright, conceived of a subscription library for gentlefolk in the late nineteenth century. Now, as the twentieth century neared its middle mark, it was still going strong. On an early spring day, Jessica Buckland’s eagle eye flew over the room, taking in every detail. She noted the daffodils set on the low table were fresh, the curtains at the windows hung just so, and there was not a book out of place. Barbara, the new assistant, was finally coming to understand her standards, ones that had made Jessica Buckland irreplaceable for the past twenty years. She gazed down at her pleated skirt, a little tight on the hips because of her secret consumption of Kunzle cakes, her polished low-heeled shoes and smiled to herself. Bright’s Library was her domain. ‘Ah Miss Buckland,’ a stout woman with a rather florid complexion had approached her counter, the one for A subscribers who expected and received extra special service their annual 17/6 provided. ‘So glad to see you. I thought it might be your afternoon off.’ ‘Oh no, Mrs Arbuthnot, I’m usually here on a Saturday. Only something very serious would prevent me.’ The woman leaned on her stick, wheezing a little. ‘Those stairs will be the death of me. When are they going to install a lift?’ This was an on-going demand on the part of Mrs Arbuthnot and Jessica chose to ignore it. ‘How can I help you today?’ she asked. The other shook her finger, smiling meanwhile. ‘Need you ask, Miss Buckland? More of the same, please, if you can find me something I haven’t read.’ Jessica steered her to one of the armchairs before she went to the Romance section for ‘more of the same.’ Her customer revelled in tales of delicate heroines and strong silent men who, after various misunderstandings, ended in wedded bliss. The selection was scrutinised and ‘Where the Heart Lies’ chosen. ‘I can’t get enough of happy endings,’ Mrs Arbuthnot sighed. ‘Such a wonderful escape from real life and troublesome husbands, you know?’ Jessica knew. Over the years she had been privy to the less than perfect behaviour of Percy Arbuthnot, his failings in many directions (this with a knowing look). 70

‘I often wonder, if I had my time again I might have thought twice about getting married.’ She eyed Jessica’s ringless left third finger. ‘But of course, you’ve been spared all that. Lucky you.’

It was the hot summer of 1938 when she’d gone with her parents on that holiday in Dieppe. It had all seemed so exciting, ‘abroad’ for the first time in her life. One afternoon they had gone to the Hotel Anglais for the popular tea dance. Her parents waltzed and quick stepped while she sat watching from their corner table. She was startled out of a reverie by a deep voice asking her if she would like to dance. She remembered how her heart beat quickly and her voice came out in a stutter. ‘I’m not very good,’ He shrugged a Gallic shrug and raised her to her feet. They’d danced and she smelled his cologne and wished the music would go on forever. When he brought her back to their table her parents were sitting there. ‘Thank you, mademoiselle,’ he said and kissed her hand. Her mother praised his manners. Her father said they were like that, these froggies. Two mornings later, when she had slipped out for an early walk along the promenade, she met him again. He had seemed delighted to see her. They strolled in the sunshine and he took her arm, they leaned on the railings to gaze out to the white sails of yachts dotting the sea and he offered her a cigarette. Although she had never smoked before she accepted. All these years later she remembered the acrid taste of tobacco and how, when she’d coughed, he had gently taken the cigarette from her mouth and replaced it with a kiss. They met each day after that. Her mother thought it romantic, her father shrugged and sighed but he was outnumbered. Jacques took her to dinner at an intimate bistro where his candlelit face seemed the most desirable thing on this earth. One day they drove out to Varengeville where they wandered the house and grounds. In the rose garden he took her in his arms and told her he loved her. ‘Je t’aime.’ An inexpressible joy rushed through her followed by the thought their holiday was almost at an end. She wept and he took her in his arms and comforted her. ‘Don’t worry little one, we shall write to each other and you will return.’ All through the following autumn her life revolved around his letters. He was thinking of her, recalling the time they’d spent together. She spent hours in her bedroom daydreaming over her replies. In the New Year she wrote that she was planning to return

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

h s a flash fiction – at Easter. And then the letters stopped. ‘I warned you,’ her father said. ‘Can’t trust Johnny Foreigner.’ ‘Leave it out, Arthur,’ her mother warned. ‘She’s upset enough as it is.’ Time passed and gradually the week in Dieppe became a memory, mixing pleasure with pain. But she seemed to have grown a protective shell over her emotions and never trusted a man again. Jessica stamped a date in Mrs Arbuthnot’s book. She smiled. ‘Lucky me.’ She was satisfied to note that something in her tone disconcerted the other woman. www.jenniferpulling.co.uk

Grandfather Clock –Richard Lewis

My father was standing in the hallway, still as a tin soldier, gazing at the grandfather clock. The clock looked back at him suspiciously. He turned and said, “John I’d like you to have it, we won’t have room when we move and it would be nice to keep in the family”. I was taken aback thinking, ‘that man has tended to the old clock since his father died twentyfive years ago, the weekly wind up and daily checking, adjusting the minute hand. What do I know about clocks?' I have to admit, part of me was pleased that he wanted me to have it and yet a thing like that would not really fit in our house. But not wanting to upset him I said, “thanks dad, I’ll treasure it.” Driving home with the back of the car half open, the thing sticking out, I tied an old red rag to warn drivers, thinking, ‘it’s a red rag to a bull, at least as far as Mary my wife is concerned.’ “I think that’s going to be a bit of a white elephant,” she said, just as I was warming to the idea of getting it all set up in the sitting room. Once home I couldn’t get the wretched thing going. It clearly objected to being moved and didn’t think much of its new owners. We had to get an expert in to have the thing regulated. This involved taking it back to his workshop, replacing the old cat gut, pully strings, making various adjustments and keeping an eye on it for a week or so. Finally the clock was returned and set up in the corner of the room. It seemed to be ticking away happily and chiming to its heart's content. All seemed

poetry prose & illustration

well until we went to bed. “Hang on,” Mary said, “is this going to chime through the night!” Well yes, I suppose so, I can’t just turn it off for the night time. “I don’t sleep well at the best of times, never mind with that thing calling out the hours.” She groaned. We put up with the constant chiming for a week or so and then Mary said, “I’ve had enough, there must be a way to turn off the chimes.” I contacted the clock man who said I could insert a peg that would stop the chiming but still allow the clock to work. “Thank god for that,” Mary cheered, in triumph. Six years later my father died. As he was lowered into the grave, standing in empty silence, I thought about the clock. There was something about the coffin that reminded me. ‘It would have been fitting,’ I thought, ‘to have buried him in the clock case as it was about the same size.’ It was a crazy idea but then grief can do strange things. I know this will sound far-fetched but when we arrived back home the clock had stopped. ‘I must have forgotten to wind it up,’ I thought. But on checking, found that was not the case. I gave it a nudge but nothing. Ten years later and it still stands, silenced like my father. richvlew@aol.com

Cracks in the pavement –Bronwen Griffiths

You remember that childish game? How you should never step on the cracks in the pavement in case the bears came for you? Or was it lions, tigers? Certainly it was a something monstrous – a creature with snapping jaws and teeth sharp as razors, or a wolf like the one in Red Riding Hood ready to swallow you whole. But you’re grown now and you study science and you are not in the least bit superstitious and when you read your daily horoscope you always smile and frown. But there was the day you found a jay’s feather on the lawn – deep and blue – and that same evening you met the love of your life and his eyes matched the blue of the jay’s feather. And there was a day when you saw the fox on the side of the road, its dead eyes staring up at the falling rain and a few hours later you heard your friend Michael had died. You are not superstitious. You do not believe in such things. The world is random chance, probabilities, statistics. This is how you think now. http://bronwengriff.co.uk

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e o p

poetry prose & illustration

Listen

Listen. I want you to save something for me.

Save the Autumn in all its russet glory and the calm warmth of a spent Summer sun. Save anticipation. Just that. Not disappointment in its wake.

Dismiss complacency with its blinkered views, Taking beauty for granted in every aspect of this life. Save the expectancy of a new day, not numbered as in old age. Save the patience to listen And colour a different response to the picture. Don't keep love to yourself But speak of it to all who would benefit.

Save the endorphins from a heartfelt hug And feel blame drift away. Save the joy of unexpected good fortune No matter whose.

Save these words when I can no longer speak them, But above all, save the knowledge that I loved you. –Jill Webb

Imagine

What if this life we know, was one without the wheel. How unpolluted life would be, imagine how you'd feel.

No cars, no planes or trains, no cyclists, nor then buses, A tranquil world of sauntering walks, on paths where no one rushes. A horse, of course, for urgent needs, the rich would get the steeds. At forges, queues and queues for shoes the Smithy sweating beads.

No scooter as a young child 'tho now that would be a pity, No roller skates to whizz along the seafront by the jetty. An island we'd remain, no bore to drill the tunnel. Our visitors from overseas, on boats with sails, no funnel.

No fossil fuel exploited, no wind farms in the sea, No fears of ice cap melting from the heat of industry.

But then no ambulances when feeling very ill, To get us urgent treatment and what shape would be the pill?

No CDs and no records as the shape was never found. Just singing with projection, never being wired for sound. No fights with shopping trolleys, going their way always squealy. No bins to push outside, just drag, for they would not be wheelie. But wheelchairs taking poorly folk, would surely then be missed. Alternatives, like zimmer frames are too hard on the wrist.

There'd be no Isle of Man TT and also no Grand Prix, Just writing in the garden, hearing birdsong clear and free.

Yes, peace from noisy transport would be something not to miss, Tranquility and clean, fresh air, is my idea of bliss. –Jill Webb

Jill Webb is a member of Bourne to Write www.bournetowrite.co.uk

Sleep

(Between the Lines)

The dangerousness of day, The stolen breath; The give and take away, Of tic-toc death. The silence between voices, The pregnant pause; The pros and cons of choices, Effect and cause. The simple smile that says, The wordless wish; The wink, the nod, the gaze, You can’t un-wish. The rows and rows of homes, Behind closed doors; The frozen garden gnomes, That life ignores. Same sun that rises, sets, Same day repeats, What was, one soon forgets, Between the sheets. –SoRoL

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y r t e poetry prose & illustration

On Being Born Again!

All nature feels a fleeting force; A primal push of birth; a pain Of being born; life takes its course And dies, but then is born again! And so the seasons spin in space, Each life a world of woe and waste; Or so would seem this endless race Of cosmic, comic, cruel bad taste! Each native pinned to this mad wheel Of time that turns like wound-up toy, Is born to fail and born to feel The joke of life – the loss of joy! And so each life is born then dies; And nothing new is known or lost, For all is but a sea of sighs That ev’ry sailor-soul has crossed! But please excuse such sinking tones; This meaningless and morbid mope; It is but creaking of old bones – Born from body, bereft of hope! As I lie dying on my bed, And all is dark and dimmed with doom; Please then forget these things I’ve said; They too should lie within a tomb! For these weak words are only dust, And have no life if they but curse The fact of life, in which we trust, To seek to save our souls from worse! The song-bird sings, the spider weaves; The mother loves, the baby grins; The pope or pauper, each believes That there is hope when life begins! For while there’s life in human flesh; There’s also spirit set to guide That speck of soul, caught in the mesh; A faith that they can turn the tide! All nature feels a fleeting force; A primal push of birth; a pain Of being born; life takes its course And dies, but then is born again! –SoRoL

The Dragon Vigilant guardian – reptile to ravage, Bat-winged, war-worm, with power of thunder, Emblem of nature – sovereign or savage, Menace of maidens, to pillage and plunder The kingdoms of Man, bring wisdom or waste; Fashioned for rasing the earth, dust to dust, The foe of the knight, the foe of the chaste, Emblem of evil, of bestial lust!

On Parthian standards my figure is flown, Or carved in the prows of viking long-boats; On shield of Saint George or shield of Saint Joan, Fierce figure unfurled – on carnival floats! Duality's dragon, blood-cold, heart-hot, More ancient than dreams of time, long forgot!

Oh world-weary worm, brave warrior's bane, I, as the symbol of majesty's might! Far longer than kings, far longer I reign – For I am forever, by fate, forged to fight! In glory of Heaven – furnace of Hell, Before origin of sin made its snake, As fires and lavas and fumes cast their spell Of concocting the potion of life in a lake, Seething contortion, some ungodly brew of lizard-like life, of muscle and bone, Of adamant hide and supple sinew, As eagle clawed creature, born out of stone, Congealing and cooling in volcanic nest Of magma found drooling from earth's treasure chest! Ouroborous, kin of my skin; such a snake, Swallowing its tail in eternal torque, That symbol of Gaea! Make no mistake In manner and meaning, my tongue is a fork, My breath is a fire, my scales are as ice, Glimmering, gleaming in ophidian sheen; For I am the keeper of virtue and vice, For eons the creature with no in-between! In lands of the west, I signify sin, In the east, beneficence, worldly-wise, Both yin and yang, as I end, I begin; See all of time in my smouldering eyes – For I am the dragon, silver and gold, Like the bones of the earth – and God, so old! –SoRoL

SoRoL is the poetry pen name of author S. R. Langley, who sadly passed away recently. A prolific writer, along with a multitude of poems and short stories he published his Dragon's Erf series, four fantasy novels starting with Dragon's Egg, which we reviewed in ingénu/e magazine issue 31. Before he passed away he assigned the task of forwarding his writing legacy to his son Jed, who continues to promote and make available this extraordinary work of fantasy. With all four novels out as e-books, Jed launched a Kickstarter to "Help make my dad's last wish a reality: finishing his Dragon's Erf fantasy series and turning them into hardcovers & audiobooks." Visit www.srlangleywriter. com for more information and links to the books. Stop Press! At time of going to print, Dragon's Erf books 1 to 4 boxset is out on Amazon at a major bargain! See more at www.facebook.com/SRLangley.Writer

N.B. All poems shown are subject to copyright ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

creative courses

Art Junction sculpture and art classes

With spring now in full flow, exciting new courses have been going at a pace in the studio once more. Throughout March, students have been enjoying the Figurative Sculpture course with sculptor Mark Longworth. This course is set to return soon with the challenge of a new life model and new dynamic pose. Our newest course, The Joy of Abstract with Michael Joseph, has been a huge success and represents a different approach for students as they learn how to work from producing initial maquettes and progressing on to cutting and shaping steel sheets to produce striking finished sculptures. A great course to get your creative imagination working! The studio is also thrilled to continue to offer courses by sculptor Hazel Reeves. Both her Expressive Portrait weekend workshop and her 5-day Portrait Head in Clay are popular favourites. For those interested in honing their drawing skills, drawing sessions take place weekly and we are heralding the return of a new Portrait in Charcoal 3-day workshop with Ben Laughton Smith in June. Visit www.artjunction.uk for complete details of our courses. You can sign up to our email newsletter there if you want to keep up to date with our news. All levels of

experience are welcome at the studio. Any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us: info@artjunction.uk. above: Joy of Abstract student at work; below: Mark Longworth teaching Figurative Sculpture

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

creative courses

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation Almost 60 new courses to inspire a creative, fulfilled summer

West Dean has just launched their new programme of arts and crafts short courses for June through to September 2022. It has been shown that getting creative can work wonders for your mental health and wellbeing, adding to your sense of achievement and fulfilment, so the wide variety of courses with expert tutors offer the opportunity to paint, sew, sculpt, garden, forge and nourish your mind. There’s 300+ short courses to choose from including almost 60 brand new courses. Courses span from one to five days, are suitable for all abilities and range in price from £128 upwards. Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, the College’s rural setting makes it an ideal place to escape, recharge, and immerse yourself in a new skill this summer. Many of the new one-day courses are a perfect taster to a new craft or offer the chance to return to a lost skill. You can now book a course to look forward to in the months ahead.

Whether you’re a complete beginner wanting to try something new or are keen to develop your existing talents, join a group of like-minded people and try a new skill in a creative and restorative environment. Visit westdean.ac.uk to find out more about the fantastic range of courses available. Oil painting at West Dean College. Photo by Chris Ison

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

creative courses

Greater Brighton Metropolitan College Lost your creative spark? Reignite your inner artist with a course at the MET. Is your house littered with abandoned art projects, started with enthusiasm, and now collecting dust? It’s hard being a part-time creative when you’re living a busy life and wishing there was more time to explore your hobbies.

art history tutor (GB MET). Whether you’re developing new skills, honing your craft, or pursuing a career, our courses are designed to help you achieve your goals. This could mean starting at beginner level and progressing through to an advanced course, or perhaps building your portfolio on a part-time art foundation until you’re ready to apply for one of our degree-level courses. We offer something for everyone, no matter what age, ability, or aspiration. To explore our full range of creative courses, find out more at www.gbmc.ac.uk/take-the-plunge Stained glass

At GB MET our doors are back open, with an ever-growing range of art, design and media courses to choose from. Pursue your passions and stay motivated by an expert tutor. Dedicate yourself to your dream projects with a schedule designed to suit you, and make friends with fellow creatives. “Often I teach painting and drawing to people whose confidence was destroyed at school and who blossom in my classes, receiving the support and encouragement they don’t get elsewhere.” – Steve Carroll; painting, drawing and

Explore your creativity with a leisure and hobby course this spring. Ceramics

Floristry

Photography

Silversmithing

Collage

Graphic design

Photoshop

Stained glass

Creative writing and poetry

Jewellery making

Pottery

Textiles

Life drawing

Printmaking

Embroidery Dressmaking

Painting

gbmc.ac.uk/take-the-plunge gbmc.ac.uk/take-the-plunge

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

creative courses

Moorhouse Art @ The Mill Arundel

“Drawing is the artist’s most direct and spontaneous expression.” Degas Join Elements of Drawing and see where you can take your art. Varied subjects and Various media Visit website for details, dates and mailing list:

www.moorhouse-art.com moorhouse-art.com

Choose from 300+ art and craft courses, online and in-person

www.westdean.org.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

creative courses

MUSIC BRINGS JOY INSPIRES CREATIVITY CREATES CONNECTIONS AND IS SO MUCH FUN Develop your skills today at https://createmusic.org.uk/ createmusic.org.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

creative courses

SCULPTURE AND ART MASTERCLASSES

Interested in making sculpture but not sure where to start? Book a taster session with us or peruse our list of fantastic courses on our website. We believe in creating opportunities for people to be creative! All levels of experience are welcome.

www.thejewellery-workshop.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/thejewellery.workshop/

Roz Nathan

Art Courses / Workshops

New weekly relaxed, enjoyable live Zoom courses from end of April on a range of topics, with sessions recorded and available exclusively to students. Demos, discussions, live group project working with supportive, encouraging feedback.

Visit www.artjunction.uk Any questions? Contact Marji at: info@artjunction.uk

Check website for August Summer Schools programme in East Dean and future face-to-face course plans. More online options available soon, including live painting demos, mentoring, 1-1 sessions, personal project guidance.

For details and testimonials: www.roznathanart.com roz.nathan@hotmail.com • 07913 080061 • ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Coda

Spring is sprung! Well, spring is in the air, and not just because of the changes in the weather. Spring is generally perceived as a time of renewal, of romance, of the promise of better things to come, and with cancellation of all pandemic restrictions the Arts now have their chance to flourish once more. Just like the bluebells in this gorgeous painting by Pete Gilbert, all creative souls should now rediscover their joie de vivre and blossom once more, coming fully to life to bring joy, laughter, optimism and spiritual refreshment to the world. It is SO badly needed, I think you will agree!

War – What is it good for? Sadly it seems, the best efforts of humanitarians, philosophers, artists, musicians, et al over the decades, to try to bring an end to barbaric conflict, have once again come to nought. If a world-wide pandemic was not enough to scare us all half to death, now the threat of a major war, perhaps even nuclear war, has become a possibility. I’m writing this in March and, as this issue covers through to June, perhaps as you read this the longer term effects of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine in February will be more fully known. As a 60s survivor, I’ve long time been a fan of the Protest Song, albeit that the effect of such doesn’t seem to have had the universal influence one would hope. There are so many brilliant protest songs, but here are a few excerpts of lyrics from some of my favourites…sadness, anger, beauty, hope and truth dripping from the lines like blood. top: Pete Gilbert, bluebells on the river bank (detail)

War by Edwin Starr Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong War, huh, yeah, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing! War, I despise, 'cos it means destruction of innocent lives War means tears to thousands of mother's eyes When their sons go off to fight And lose their lives Cold Days of February by the Incredible String Band Written by Robin Williamson Whether they were from here or there Their race and place I would not be heeding The men who caused such bitterness If hearts they have let their hearts be bleeding Who neither for age nor the young child Would turn the shot of the arms they carried Go bear the guilt a weary ways For the cold days of February Universal Soldier Written and performed by Buffy Sainte-Marie And he's fighting for Democracy He's fighting for the Reds He says it's for the peace of all He's the one who must decide Who's to live and who's to die And he never sees the writing on the wall But without him how would Hitler have condemned them at Labau? Without him Caesar would have stood alone He's the one who gives his body as a weapon of the war And without him all this killing can't go on

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coda

Masters of War Written and performed by Bob Dylan You fasten all the triggers For the others to fire Then you sit back and watch When the death count gets higher You hide in your mansion While the young people's blood Flows out of their bodies And is buried in the mud You've thrown the worst fear That can ever be hurled Fear to bring children Into the world For threatening my baby Unborn and unnamed You ain't worth the blood That runs in your veins I think you will find When your death takes its toll All the money you made Will never buy back your soul Galveston Performed by Glen Campbell Written by Jimmy Webb Galveston, oh Galveston I still hear your sea waves crashing While I watch the cannons flashing I clean my gun and dream of Galveston

And I mustn’t forget the film Dr Strangelove, Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 satire on nuclear conflict, and the immortal line “Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!” above: The Incredible String Band at Woodstock; right: Jimmy Webb

Uckfield Picture House on the TV On a much lighter note, earlier this year, Kevin Markwick, the owner of The Picture House Cinema and Restaurant, Uckfield, was featured on the BBC’s One Show as he had completed the refurbishing and reopening of possibly the oldest working cinema in the UK, The Electric in Birmingham. The Electric has a gorgeous Art Deco frontage and two screens which show 35mm as well as digital films. We at ingénu/e love this sort of thing, projects being done with love, people restoring and bringing aesthetic buildings back to life, and in this case, enabling wonderful films to be seen as they should be. Kudos to Kevin, who could have rested on his laurels after his work revitalising the Uckfield Picture House, but his love of film apparently has no limitations. right: The Electric Cinema, inset: Kevin Markwick

I still see her standing by the water Standing there looking out to sea and is she waiting there for me? On the beach where we used to run Galveston, oh Galveston I am so afraid of dying Before I dry the tears she's crying Before I watch your sea birds flying in the sun At Galveston ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

coda When one door closes… It is marvellous to see the Greenfinch shop and gallery thriving in Ticehurst in the building that used to house the Artichoke Gallery. Selling local arts and crafts, gorgeous gifts from Sussex and Kent, including artwork, ceramics, bronze and sculpture, books, greetings cards, clothes and more it is very much well worth a visit or two. See advert on page 25.

Café culture While out and about distributing the winter issue in January, and keeping an eye open for possible new outlets, we came across quite a few charming cafés having sprung up in various locations, most of whom were only too glad to have copies of this magazine. A very welcome sight after the trials and tribulations of the past couple of years, and an indicator of how

‘A book is a dream you hold in your hands’ – Neil Gaiman If you are walking in East Grinstead of a Saturday morning, far from the madding crowd, more often than not you will find a local author sitting outside the beautiful timber framed East Grinstead Bookshop on the High Street with a book or collection of books for you to savour. Above is a picture of children's author Kizzy Petit promoting her beautifully illustrated book ‘April’s Magical World’ outside the bookshop in February. The book is reviewed in this issue and is, without doubt, a perfect book for young children. much people like to get out, to meet friends, to communicate, catching up some work on their laptops or just to take a little ‘me time’ reading a book. With the ending of restrictions, it seems ‘café culture’ is alive and well in England. from top: Author Kizzy Petit with a customer outside East Grinstead Bookshop; stylish Jo Co café in Handcross imaginatively converted from an old garage just round the corner from Nymans; a corner of Greenfinch, Ticehurst

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Spring season of theatre highlights include: Lord of the Dance, 29 March – 3 April | School of Rock, 12 – 16 April The Addams Family, 10 – 14 May | Bat Out of Hell 24 – 28 May SIX, 31 May – 5 June

https://eastbournetheatres.co.uk https://eastbournetheatres.co.uk eastbournetheatres.co.uk 01323 412000 | ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 35

Come and join the party!

FESTIVAL 2022 THE TAXIDERMIST’S DAUGHTER OUR GENERATION MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS THE UNFRIEND

THE SOUTHBURY CHILD CRAZY FOR YOU SING YER HEART OUT FOR THE LADS THE NARCISSIST WOMAN IN MIND LOCAL HERO THE FAMOUS FIVE THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

April – December www.cft.org.uk cft.org.uk 01243 781312 #Festival2022