ingénu/e 30, Winter '20/'21

ingĂŠnu/e creative talent revealed

Keep Calm & Create

online courses & workshops surviving the lockdown and looking forward to better times

south downs and high weald : issue 30: winter '20/21

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life” Gosh!! 2020 was a year was it not? Theatres closed, festivals cancelled, art trails and open studios cancelled, creative classes and workshops cancelled. Musicians, artists and performers, some on the bread line, some getting by. And, to my knowledge, the government had done too little to ensure the survival of the arts as a whole, from the journeyman performer to the well-established companies and venues.

The picture here of Chichester Festival Theatre reminds us of the fabulous creativity we are missing at the moment. The actors, musicians, stage set designers, costume designers, roadies, admin staff et al, we miss them all!

I’m hoping for a renaissance in 2021, it is SO needed. The above quote from Pablo Picasso is right on the nail, and here are some more creative quotes to inspire us and perhaps remind us what we are missing: “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

– William Shakespeare “Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” – Oscar Wilde “There is a kind of invisible thread between the actor and the audience, and when it’s there it’s stunning and there is nothing to match that.” – Maggie Smith “If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.”

– Michelangelo “To my mind a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful and pretty. There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them.” – Pierre-Auguste Renoir “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” – Salvador Dali “Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.” – Al Hirschfeld “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

– Stephen King “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” – Anaïs Nin “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” – Anne Frank

pictured above: Chichester Festival Theatre auditorium. Photo by Philip Vile

ingénu/e creative talent revealed

contents creative courses & workshops visual arts & contemporary crafts performing arts festivals poetry, prose & illustration 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

sales & marketing

Roger Kaye sales@ingenuemagazine.co.uk 07583 944546 07816 838694

online

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

cover image

Photograph by Johanna Churchill of nurse Melanie Senior, part of the Hold Still project www.johannahchurchill.com See right for more information _

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

prelude Greetings dear readers, and welcome to 2021 and issue 30 of our illustrious little magazine!

I recently did one of those online quizzes that present you with a long list of books and pronounce you well-read or not depending on how many of those books you have read. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help myself, especially when the Facebook friend who shared it declares “I got 50, how many did you get?”

My latent competitive spirit is awoken and I must act!

You see, I consider myself pretty well-read with a very broad taste in literature, so when I'm drawn to do one of these quizzes I've no idea who I'm trying to impress. I usually score fairly well but on the last occasion I'd been able to count just 64 books from the list of 500. That's only just over 10%. I was furious. Who compiles these lists anyway? Along with the usual classics – Animal Farm, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Ulysses etc – a great number of the books listed were modern popular fiction, many of which have been made into films or TV productions, and I wondered how many people read a book because they've seen the movie. Is that a valid reason to read a book, I asked myself. Then I realised how snobbish that sounded, even in the privacy of my own mind, and decided that whatever motivates a person to read is valid. The point is that they are reading – quite a thing, when there are so many distractions in our modern lives that reading for pleasure is often neglected. So if these book list quizzes prompt people to seek out titles they otherwise wouldn't have come across, then surely that is a good thing. Several books on the list/quiz I just did are already languishing on my bookshelves, some inherited from my bookworm mother, others picked up at random from second hand book shops, all awaiting their moment with worlds to explore and new characters to meet. I can't wait!

About the cover image – Johannah Churchill's photograph of nursing colleague Melanie Senior which has been turned into a giant mural on a building in Manchester's Northern Quarter was originally commissioned for a feature on frontline female medics in the Sunday Telegraph's Stella magazine supplement. Then it was chosen among 100 finalists in the Hold Still project, led by the Duchess of Cambridge and the National Portrait Gallery and sponsored by the Co-op, which set out to create a collective portrait of the UK during lockdown.

It now features in a display outside Waterloo railway station, in adverts across the London Underground, in Putney, Balham, Croydon and Wimbledon, and on Coop supermarket digital screens around the country.

The image shows a seated Melanie, who works with Johannah in south-west London, staring at the viewer wearing PPE and a face mask after readying infection control procedures for the opening of a Covid-19 clinic in the early stages of the pandemic in March 2020.

Read on for more inspirational stuff that creatives are doing in spite of the pandemic. –Gill Kaye, editor

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spotlight on...

Creative Courses & Workshops

New online short courses from

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation Get ahead with your creative goals for 2021; try tapestry weaving, brush-up on your watercolour skills and more, from home and at your own pace.

Taught by the College’s expert tutors each online course includes access to instructional videos with practical tasks to complete, materials and suppliers lists, additional notes and ideas, and an online gallery.

Most are also available with a craft box filled with

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materials posted directly to your door.

Online courses to choose from: Get started with making books with Tracey Bush Relief printing at home with Mary Dalton Get started with watercolour painting with Christine Forbes Start drawing with John T Freeman Tapestry weaving – learn the basics with Philip Sanderson

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

'Start drawing with John T Freeman' student, Sue, said "The clarity of instruction and engaging tutor was able to provide a really meaningful workshop, that has inspired me with home practice.”

Prices start from £38 or £78 including craft box.

Find out more at westdean.ac.uk pictured opp bottom: Printmaking; above: Watercolour

LESS TEXTING. MORE TEXTILES.

Discover over 300 art and craft short courses, including online westdean.ac.uk courses at westdean.ac.uk

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

Studio Eleven Poetry of Decay online course

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How often do you take photographs of peeling paint, lichen, rusting metal, weathered rock surfaces and neglected buildings? But then what?

spotlight on... creative courses & workshops Christine Chester of Studio 11, has developed an online course based on her popular studio workshop, to explore how to interpret those beautiful marks on paper, working with a range of different media and tools to create rich and textured surfaces.

This is both an introduction to mixed media and a sketchbook course particularly suitable for those people who like to play with processes and materials. A series of small paper-based studies will enable you to layer experiments and materials quickly, creating an understanding of your media.

The way this course is organised is the same as Christine’s other longer online courses. The course begins on a given date (01/05/21 for the next run of Poetry of Decay) and she likes to limit the numbers participating so that regular Zoom tutorials can take place to allow for questions, sharing and tutorial advice. These happen fortnightly to coincide with the videos which are sent out in a particular order. There is also a closed FaceBook group for those who like to engage with social media.

Christine has several other online courses on her studio website page (scroll down as the courses are organised chronologically) including a quilt making course and another mixed media course on Paper Lamination.

For further info visit www.studio11eb.co.uk.

https://www.studio11eb.co.uk/online -courses/

opp top: A set of cards & photos put together in a concertina booklet form; opp bottom: A progression of one card; above: Poetry of Decay workshop benches showing work in progress!; right: Christine Chester in the studio ingÊnu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

Learn to play Clarinet Saxophone, or Flute Online lessons with Jane Tuff

Jazz muscian Jane Tuff is a freelance woodwind performer and teacher of saxophone, clarinet and flute.

pictured above: Jane Tuff

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After studying at The London College of Music and The Royal Academy of Music, Jane started her performing and teaching career. She has since garnered a vast of amount experience in most musical genres, having worked in the West End and The National Theatre; with Big Band artists and renowned orchestras such as the CBSO and the RPCO, as well as with pop artists.

For thirty years Jane chose to combine her performing with teaching in schools and colleges while building a private practice. She has always been passionate about teaching and continues to teach individuals as well as coaching Saxville, a saxophone group and a clarinet and flute ensemble.

Since March 2020 Jane has been enjoying and offering online tuition for saxophone, clarinet and flute, teaching all ages and all levels. At present her youngest student is 9 years old and her eldest is 76.

Jane offers a free 30-minute meet up on zoom to see if it's for you.

For those interested in taking ABRSM or Trinity exams Jane’s students have had a 100% pass rate, this includes the new online performance exams up to Grade 8. While these results speak for themselves, here also are a couple of testimonials: “My son’s saxophone teacher, Jane Tuff, radiates an enthusiasm for music and her students that flows

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops generously, even via the internet! When we were plunged into lockdown, she didn’t miss a beat in seamlessly transitioning my 12 year old Grade 4 saxophone candidate to remote lessons via Zoom. We are very grateful. Being able to continue with music study in our current environment maintains normality, and this is a real blessing. Furthermore, although remote learning is a different experience than learning face to face, the pace of progress has not slowed. In some ways, it actually is more efficient as lessons can be more easily managed around a student’s academic schedule. Even after face to face lessons are once again able to resume at school, we will opt to remain with the flexibility of Jane’s Zoom lesson offering.”

– K H (parent).

“I have been enjoying lessons on alto sax with Jane for three months. Her tuition style is friendly and encouraging. With good progress I am already playing uplifting swing tunes, such fun!

Online lessons work perfectly for me. We listen to each other, discuss my progress, and play together, in comfort at home. I download pieces which Jane also sends as audio files, invaluable for practice.

I so look forward to my lesson, it is the highlight of my week!” – D F Wokingham.

If you are interested in Jane’s lessons for saxophone, clarinet or flute, you can contact her at jazzinyourspace@gmail.com. For more information check out www.jazzinyourspace.com.

saxophone clarinet flute Online Lessons with an Experienced Teacher contact Jane Tuff on jazzinyourspace@gmail.com or visit www.jazzinyourspace.com

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

ART JUNCTION New year – new chance to learn new artistic skills?

A new year is the traditional time for new beginnings – but as we enter 2021 still constrained by the precautions of Covid-19 it might not seem that easy to start something fresh. Luckily when it comes to art and sculpture nothing could be further from the truth – Art Junction, a dedicated collective of tutors based in Billingshurst, have spent the last few months of 2020 pioneering an online ‘art school experience’ and are now ready to welcome artists and sculptors, whether experienced or novice, to join their classes.

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Group online art and sculpture classes The Art Junction Studios (previously Sussex Sculpture Studios), alongside Billingshurst station, have been fitted out to offer live online Zoom classes, using live models, for both portraiture and life classes.

Typically, live classes last between two and

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

three hours and are presented by one of Art Junction’s experienced tutors who will give tips and pointers.

During the session still images of the model are captured and mailed as a photo-pack on the following day. This enables artists and sculptors to continue crafting their work.

You can enrol to join the group classes through Art Junction’s page on the Patreon platform – during the pandemic Patreon has quickly become recognised as the major global platform for supporting and becoming involved in the arts. You can find the page at www.patreon.com/artjunction which offers a variety of learning options on a monthly subscription basis. There is no contract so if after the first month you find it’s not for you then simply cancel.

Improve your skills with one-to-one online tutorials If you want to fast track your drawing, painting or sculpture, Art Junction’s team of highly trained tutors are also available for one-to-one online zoom tutorials. Between them they offer a full spectrum of experience and practice.

Tutors include notable sculptor Hazel Reeves, best known for her public commissions, ateliertrained painter Ben Laughton-Smith, figurative sculptor Mark Longworth, craftsman-sculptor Chaz Wyman, experimental artist Michael Joseph and Art Junction painter-in-residence Fleur Cowgill.

One-to-one tutorials give students the chance to discuss all aspects of projects and technique or just talk about their practice in general. Details of the full range of tutors, their qualifications, and what they offer in terms of mentoring, are available at www.artjunction.uk/1-to-1-tuition where you can also book sessions online. pictured opposite top: Hazel Reeves; opposite bottom: Chaz Wyman; above: Ben Laughton-Smith

WILL 2021 BE THE YEAR YOU IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS AS AN ARTIST OR SCULPTOR? Don’t get bogged-down in lockdown – enrol for online classes at Art Junction and get a choice of online programmes designed to improve your drawing, painting and sculpture taught by expert tutors and mentors: •Prompted self-study projects •Portraiture •Life Classes •How-to video resources •One-to-one tutorials and mentoring ENROL AT WWW.PATREON.COM/ www.patreon.com/artjunction ARTJUNCTION

MAINTAINING THE TRADITIONAL ART SCHOOL EXPERIENCE – ONLINE For more details see www.artjunction.uk ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

WAX ENCAUSTIC WORKSHOPS LEARN TO CREATE YOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS WITH WAX AT GIGI’S WORKSHOPS IN WEST SUSSEX 2021 DATES NOW RELEASED LET’S GET ARTISTIC NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! GIVE A GIFT VOUCHER tel: +44(0)7801 986854 or email: angelagglopez@gmail.com www.gigilopez.com covid regulations apply

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spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

www.gigilopez.com

Gigi has been creating art for as long as she can remember, holding a pencil and drawing with her Spanish grandmother in Madrid, outside the Museo del Prado, as a small child.

After many years working and living abroad with her career path veering off in several directions, she returned to the UK four years ago with her children and based herself in ‘unknown territory’, that is, West Sussex!

Her art can often be quite controversial and uncomfortable for some, as she touches on current subjects and issues such as racism, women's rights, mental health and anything else she feels should be discussed. “I don’t want my art to just sit quietly and pretty on a wall! Today as artists I feel we have a responsibility to use our art as a platform to provoke change by helping others and never being afraid to open discussions.” Gigi has exhibited worldwide from the Grand Palais in Paris, Monaco, Milan, New York, The Other Art Fair in London and various other European cities.

Always excited to learn new artistic skills, for the past couple of years Gigi has been holding her own Encaustic Wax Workshops from her studio. “I love the therapeutic process of working with hot wax and especially during these crazy times, we all need to relax and get creative!”

So why not get in contact and arrange for you or a loved one to attend one of her workshops. Gift vouchers are available.

Gigi is a member of the Pure Arts Group and has recently exhibited at The Small Holding restaurant in Kilndown, Kent. To contact Gigi call +44(0)7801 986854 or email her at angelagglopez@gmail.com.

For more information visit www.gigilopez.com

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

Karin Moorhouse ~Artist

Original work; Portrait commissions Drawing, painting and printmaking classes Karin has exhibited many times at The Mall Galleries in London and has been part of mixed shows at Pallant House and Oxmarket Galleries in Chichester, Dragon and Kevis House Galleries in Petworth and has been a regular participant in the annual Arundel and Brighton Festivals and Gallery Trails.

Her work is in several private collections around the world and she has run painting workshops in

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visual arts & contemporary crafts Mallorca, Italy and France. Over the years she has taught in several art colleges and in September 2020 she took a further leap as she moved into her new studio at The Mill Studios, Arundel where she will teach drawing, painting and printmaking and offer Artists' Talks and Master Class Workshops with visiting tutors.

This will now be known as Moorhouse Art @ The Mill.

Here is a lockdown message from Karin: “Well here we are in a New Year and a new lockdown. This wasn’t what we planned at all and so with regret but for everyone’s safety all courses at The Mill are put on hold for now with a review at half term this Spring Term.

If we are able to reopen then we will and as we are so flexible with our time we can make up any missed weeks so all is not lost. I recommend that you contact me directly with any questions and particularly if you would like to sign up for any of the classes.

Despite the holdup we are getting booked up! Visit www.Moorhouse-art.com for further information.

In the meantime I am still open as usual for portrait commissions. If you are interested in commissioning me please contact me through my website www.karinmoorhouseart.com where you can also see my latest paintings for sale.

Stay safe and keep well and I very much look forward to welcoming you very soon at The Mill. Many thanks and my very best wishes, Karin.”

Paintings by Karin Moorhouse – opposite top: Ruby in Brighton; opp bottom: The Blue Scarf; above: Col Tom; below: recent commission

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

Community Spirit at ArtSpring Gallery A resurgence of community involvement has been one of the features of the past year.

This is no less true at ArtSpring Gallery in Tonbridge where charitable contributions from sales have contributed to the new emerging 'Kindness Economy' – as labelled by the queen of the High Street, Mary Portas. Beneficiaries since April 2020 have included NHS Charities Together, West Kent Mind, Porchlight and particularly Young Minds UK who received £300 from the very successful Open ArtEscape Exhibition held in October. For this exhibition, the gallery received over 100 entries from Kent artists of art created during the first lockdown and the final selection of work by thirty artists attracted many visitors.

This generosity has come about due to the supportive members of this artist collective. A recent guest artist, ceramicist Liz Emtage, says: “There is nothing quite as magical as working with a good team of people. There is passion and enjoyment here and their set up is so professional and organised I can’t quite believe that they have been running for less than 5 years.”

The Tonbridge art collective is continuing with community support in 2021 by introducing 'Kindness January' during which 10% of all sales, whether online or in the gallery, will be donated to the NHS to support them during the ongoing Covid pandemic.

ArtSpring is looking forward to welcoming two guest artists early in 2021 – lockdown permitting.

Rosie Tweedale works between wood and ceramics, capturing the materials’ natural sensitivities through carving, casting and glazing. Her vessels explore the moment where clay and wood can intertwine, using ash glazes and wood-firing.

Returning as a guest artist in February, painter Clare Kent takes her inspiration from the transitory state of nature, capturing fleeting moments of beauty, highlighting how important it is not to destroy our surroundings. Some of her work reflects that the bleakest, coldest times in winter can also be the most beautiful.

The new Winter exhibition of paintings, watercolour, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, photography, glass and jewellery will start in early January.

Even if the current situation means the Gallery cannot open the artwork can be found in the ArtSpring online store at www.artspringgallery.co.uk/shop.

There are many pages of fresh and inspiring works to gather ideas – especially with Valentine’s Day and Mothers’ Day coming up. So pay them a visit online until their doors are able to open once again.

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visual arts & contemporary crafts far left, from top: Karin Keidel-Henderson, Silver necklace 5; Clare Kent, 'Devon Haven', oil on canvas; Rosie Tweedale, Oribe Flow Vase, porcelain; below, from top: Jane Bridger, Blue Glimpse Vessel, stoneware; Hildegard Pax, Glass Gems Necklace, dichroic glass; right, from top: Hilary Shields, Abstract Blue-Orange bowl, kiln-formed glass; Camilla West, Labradorite pebble necklace; Sarah de Mattos, 'Autumn Blues 2', mixed media

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

www.thejewellery-workshop.co.uk

www.shorehamgallery.co.uk

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Looking for inspiration for your home or the perfect present?

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

Browse our online store

FREE UK DELIVERY www.artspringgallery.co.uk/shop Follow us on social media @artspringallery T: 07803 159723 E: gallery@artspringgallery.co.uk

Karin Moorhouse Artist Paintings for sale & Portrait commissions visit www.karinmoorhouseart.com

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

Debbie Smith jeweller lifting spirits During the lockdown period, the jewellery workshop has had to close but I have been asked to create pieces of jewellery as a way of lifting spirits.

I came up with an idea to create an individual piece each with a personal positive message, as a gift of gratitude from one person to another, each having a personal message stamped on the piece. Some have said, ‘Touched by Kindness’, ‘sending happiness’, ‘bringing hope’, ‘Thank you!’ and of course ‘#thankyouNHS’.

Adapting to the pandemic has had its challenges, but as as small independent business I am glad to have lifted a few spirits with some heartwarming pieces. Please contact me if you would like something created for someone special. You can reach me via www.thejewellery-workshop.co.uk or through my https://www.instagram.com/thejewellery.workshop/ Instagram link: @ thejewellery.workshop.

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

Susie Olford overcoming challenges

Writing an article in November for readers in January 2021 is a challenge. 2020 has been a challenge to be ‘coped with’, or a challenge to get painting and enjoy what has been a wonderful weather summer.

My acrylics were the challenge I didn’t want to cope with, so I turned to the palette knife and oils.

Such fun in the warmth of a garden studio. Summer

has been early morning beach roaming, beach combing, photos of shoreline flowers, and photographs of painting ideas. Now the challenge during winter – to get those ideas and memories into paint.

It is time to think of 2021 Exhibitions. My painting focus is tending towards water, sand and breakwaters rather than hills and fields.

In May, I hope you will be able to visit my venue at the Regis section of Chichester Art Trail. It is a spacious barn where you can socially distance and browse at your leisure – more paintings displayed than you might imagine. You will find it at PO22 8NJ between Littlehampton and Bognor, details are in my advertisement on page 18. Email smoart@btinternet.com if you want to contact me.

Susie Olford, 'Song of Light', oils

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Shoreham Art Gallery A lot has been changing at Shoreham Gallery over the past few months.

We’ve grown our Online Shop, developed an extra gallery space (which we subsequently were not able to use due to the lockdown) and we have welcomed three more talented local Sussex artists to our collective.

In addition Sussex glass artist Alison Chesman has most recently joined the Gallery with her unique illustrated stained glass panels. Alison’s work can now be enjoyed alongside our two other glass artists all exploring different approaches using this medium.

‘A Treasure Trove of Talent’ This February Shoreham Art Gallery are showcasing the work of four fabulous Sussex jewellers: David Lilly, Georgie Major, Terry Guile and Sarah Bridgland.

Each artist brings their individual style with a variety of materials such as wirework, fused glass, embossed silver and gemstones. Their ideas have developed in many different ways from shaping the materials, by looking at nature and at other art forms.

We asked them all “What has inspired your latest jewellery pieces” and they have been giving some insight into how their work has been created. All the details can be found by going to www.shorehamgallery.co.uk/news/ David Lilly, The exhibition is the first in Shoreham

Oblong Darricarrere Pendant

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

David Lilly, Amethyst Darricarrere Ring

Georgie Major, Blue Agate & Swarovski Crystal STS Wire Wrapped Pendant

Sarah Bridgland – above and right: Dichroic glass pendants

Gallery's 2021 programme of events and runs for a month, although the February Jewellery exhibition can only be viewed online during the lockdown.

The Online Gallery and Online Shop are always open and offers FREE delivery to the BN43 area.

Terry Guile – far left, top: Solid silver bangle set with silver and 9ct gold nuggets; left, top: Sun dumortierite stone necklace with with central stone set in silver; far left, bottom: Silver blackberry leaf pendant with a rose cut green tourmaline; left, bottom: Teardrop labradorite and silver lace textured stud earrings ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

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ARTIST GILL BUSTAMANTE

On Why She Supports Anti-Drug Movements If you google Sussex landscape paintings you will inevitably find work by Sussex-based artist, Gill Bustamante.

Gill is best known for her unique working method whereby she goes for a walk somewhere and then, once home, paints a ‘memory impression’ of the place she has just been to. Though not always realistic as such, they do capture the flavour of a place together with the season in an intriguing and aesthetic way.

Gill’s love of Sussex landscapes began when she was at art college at Brighton. Unfortunately, this is also where her awareness of the dangers of drugs became 24

highlighted, as art students, in particular, seem be targeted by their peers to experiment with drugs and alcohol. At that time, Gill knew of no literature about drugs that was not ‘preachy’ and what was available did not really discourage drug use, it just made it more of a challenge!

In her own words Gill says: “When you have just left home and are finally away from parental control, you really are quite vulnerable to peer pressure and ignorance. I lost more than a few friends to drugs.

Not in the dramatic way of death by heroin but in the more insidious and common way of slow death

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

pictured above: Gill Bustamante, 'A Kind of Magic', oil on canvas; inset; Gill at work in her studio

by the lack of motivation and ability to keep going on goals long enough to achieve anything which, is very characteristic of drug and alcohol use. Although I was not able to help some of my friends, I have recently discovered the information provided at the website Drugfreeworld.org and was delighted to find it had books and courses that simply give the scientific facts about drugs in an easy to understand and very enlightening way. Even prescription drugs, which are usually seen as tame compared to something like heroin, are a massive problem which have become normal. Many drugs are needed but they all nevertheless have side effects. The most commonly missed but probably worst one being alterations to motivation and outlook.”

Gill feels very privileged to be an artist and to be doing something she loves and so she feels the urge to try and help others by making this literature known to people.

She donates a portion of her art sales to this and other drug awareness and rehabilitation movements. Meanwhile she continues to explore the beautiful landscapes of the south of England and to share what she sees with others in her artwork in the hope it will make life just a bit better…

Check out www.gillbustamante.com and www.drugfreeworld.org for more info.

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CHALK GALLERY Nestling in the folds of the South Downs, the culturally-rich market town of Lewes is home to Chalk Gallery. Established in 2004, Chalk Gallery is one of the first artist-led cooperative galleries in the UK and continues to display a high standard of vibrant work. The gallery is run by twenty one local artists offering original, affordable art.

Chalk Gallery is delighted to welcome two new artists this season, Melissa Birch and Andrew Milne.

Melissa joined us at the end of last year and is an artist and printmaker whose love of lino printing is grounded in a passion for simplicity of form and line. She produces hand pulled prints in small editions inspired by plant forms in the local countryside and her own garden.

Andrew, having been a graphic designer, works in mixed media producing expressive, gestural paintings often depicting beguiling pathways through the natural landscape reflecting the changing seasons and the tranquility of rural spaces.

We really look forward to them exhibiting with us this year and sharing their fantastic work with you.

While the gallery is closed, our social media and gallery website with its online shop (open 24/7) are constantly updated with new artworks and news from all the artists.

From February onwards, similar to last year's lockdowns, we will be showcasing new artworks in monthly mixed window displays 26

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visual arts & contemporary crafts which will be available to buy from our online shop www.chalkgallerylewes.co.uk/ shop.

In the meantime, we look forward to restarting our exciting programme of Featured Artists and Guest Artists for 2021 as soon as it is safe to do so.

For all the latest information about the gallery, the artists and their work visit: Instagram: @chalkgallerylewes Facebook: @ChalkGalleryLewesUK Twitter: @chalkgallery www.chalkgallerylewes.co.uk.

Chalk Gallery, 4 North Street, Lewes, BN7 2PA

opposite page: Melissa Birch, 'Teazels, lincut; right: Andrew Milne, ‘September Grass Stile’, Acrylic on wood

www.chalkgallerylewes.co.uk

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Gill Bustamante Artist & Art Tutor

Gill Bustamante - Artist and Art Tutor www.gillbustamante.com www.facebook.com/GillBustamanteArtist www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SussexPaintings

visual arts & contemporary crafts

www.midhurstgallery.co.uk

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

V Pease Jewellery

. the little art gallery .....

A contemporary gallery space between city and sea showcasing local artists. Gift vouchers available. Covid measures in place. Opening times may vary – check wesite for details West Wittering, West Sussex 01243 512218 www.thelittleartgallery.online

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ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30 S4P_Advert_73x108mm_Jan_21.indd 1

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05/01/2021 13:12

visual arts & contemporary crafts

.the little

art

gallery...

At the little art gallery we are continuing to do all we can to support local artists.

2020 was a challenging year but we are delighted that, although we spent a large part of the year closed due to lockdown, we feel we have become a ‘go-to’ place for all the people with new homes or recently decorated houses as well as those just looking for a new artwork or a unique gift.

We also feel as we have been open now for over three years we have passed a milestone and people are starting to know where we are

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visual arts & contemporary crafts and that it’s worth a trip to West Wittering to find what we have to offer.

To support as many artists as possible our new way of displaying much more work by many artists and cramming rather a lot in to our small space seems to have worked giving something for all tastes and budgets.

We will most likely return to a more streamlined approach in the summer when hopefully life begins to return to normal. Meanwhile if anyone needs a specific artist, style, size or colour scheme we hopefully have something to suit nearly every taste and budget. For more details visit www.thelittleartgallery.online. opposite top left: Richard Whincop, 'Beech Trees West Dean Estate', oils; opposite bottom left: Linda Foskett, 'End of a Lovely Day', oils; right: Paddy Martin, 'Classic off the Lizard', acrylic on recycled sail cloth; below: Claudi Barratt, Raku Koru.

above, at top: Rebecca Borthwick, 'Into the Blue', textile; beneath that: Wendy Farley, ceramic sculpture ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

left: Alison Crowe, seaglass and silver earrings; above: Nina Smith, The Crashing Wave, fused glass panel; below: Nina Smith, Shoal, fused glass on driftwood; below right: Esther Newnham-Brown, Moolight on the Shoreline, acrylic.

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Gallery bn5 After a challenging topsy turvy year, Gallery BN5 has opened and closed as required by the Government, and now awaits to reopen.

Despite these times, the gallery has still been very busy when open, both with customers and new artists. There is a core of local resident artists, who enjoy their time and success at the Gallery; plus new artists, of different calibres, are always welcome to join the team.

With such a variety of artists exhibiting at the gallery there is always a wide range of work on show. Windows are changed on a regular basis which gives interest in the high street, and customers looking for something a little bit different, are often seen window shopping.

Contact the Gallery through their facebook page or website www.gallerybn5.co.uk for latest opening dates and hours. They look forward to hearing from both artists and customers.

Gallery BN5

High Street, Henfield, West Sussex

Gallery BN5 is an artist run gallery in a prime location in Henfield. Artworks include paintings, sculptures, glasswork, ceramics, wood, silver jewellery & cards, with work changing regularly.

New artists are welcome to join us and be part of a friendly team exhibiting and selling their work.

Space available includes windows, walls and shelving, all designed to display art at its best.

Visit our website for more details.

www.gallerybn5.co.uk

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

Vivien Oldfield – photomontage artist Since lockdown began, digital photomontage artist and photographer Vivien Oldfield has used the time to take her work in new directions.

Her atmospheric pieces fall between photography, print and fine art with a strong emphasis on colour and composition. She enjoys experimenting with ideas, textures and colour combinations to evoke an emotional response, while the use of intricate detail adds depth to the print’s visual poetry.

Having originally studied textile design, Vivien worked in gallery management and public relations 34

before deciding to focus on her artwork in 2015. She also took a Diploma in Photography to develop her technical skills: “I’ve taken photographs of things that inspire me for many years. My camera is my sketch book – it enables me to capture a scene or moment I want to record. And while I first used Photoshop as a digital darkroom, its ever-expanding range of features has opened endless possibilities for artistic expression.”

Since then, Vivien has developed a unique style of working to produce digital artworks with a timeless

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visual arts & contemporary crafts yet contemporary feel: “I layer and combine multiple original photographs from my collection in Photoshop Creative Cloud. Having chosen the primary photograph, I ‘embed’ a second layer and experiment with the software’s tools and blending techniques.

Some composites involve selecting and pasting details from other photographs, while overlays of textures can be added to create a painterly feel.”

Many of Vivien’s prints are inspired by the coast, countryside and gardens of the southeast which she photographs throughout the seasons. More recently they have featured elements of disused industrial buildings discovered on lockdown walks.

“Since moving to Rye in the summer of 2019, we have so many inspiring places on the doorstep to photograph. Dungeness has an other-worldly quality with its slowly decomposing abandoned boats and looming power station. Romney Marsh exudes a

mysterious ‘Great Expectations’ feel and Hastings old town by the Stade is steeped in character with its net sheds and colourful fishing boats.”

Although disappointed to see so many exhibitions cancelled in 2020, she thinks one upside of the restrictions is the emergence of virtual exhibitions along with the increased use of Zoom, online courses and social media. “They say necessity is the mother of invention. Hopefully we can combine the best of these technologies with more established methods of working and exhibiting in the future.”

Vivien’s work can be seen on her website www.vivienoldfieldart.com and is available at a number of galleries and outlets in the southeast. opposite: Vivien Oldfield, 'The Final Voyage II' below: Vivien Oldfield, 'The Night Garden'

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

ARTgenu/e

By Lesley Samms Founder/Pure Arts Group www.pureartsgroup.co.uk As we enter 2021 with all our expectations and hopes resting on positive change and growth, we thought now might be a good moment for some reflection and review.

Reflection is a means of processing our thoughts and feelings.

It gives us an opportunity to come to terms with what we have experienced and make conscious decisions about our future.

It gives us the opportunity to grow and change if we wish to, and aim to do more of what makes us feel content and less of what makes us feel unhappy.

At Pure HQ we took some time in the last few weeks of 2020 to do just this. To consider both the achievements and the challenges we faced in 2020 and take a moment to set our intentions for 2021.

So for this article we are turning the spotlight on to you the reader.

• What were your highlights of 2020?

• What challenges did you overcome?

• What goals did you achieve?

• What are you grateful for?

• What new ideas and ways of being will you be taking forward into this shiny new year?

Feel free to share your responses to these questions with us on Instagram @pureartsgroup and Facebook @pureartsgroupuk or email me at lesley@pureartsgroup.co.uk if you would like some extra support or guidance on your journey.

Here are a few activities you might find helpful as you reflect and review: Hand evaluation On a piece of paper draw around your hand and record the following information: • Thumb – something good, something you enjoyed • Index finger – something you would like to highlight • Middle finger – something bad, something you did not enjoy • Ring finger – something you will treasure 36

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

visual arts & contemporary crafts • Little finger – something small but important you want to remember • Palm – A prediction for the future – what happens next…?

Sketch your feelings Get a large sheet of plain paper. Start thinking about the events, people, places… of 2020, that come into your mind. Sketch your mood and feelings about these memories on the paper. This can be in the form of just colour blocks or shapes or more detailed sketches. This is for your personal use only, not for public consumption so don’t stress about your drawing ability – stick men are fine – They worked well enough for Lowry after all!

Talk out loud Stand in front of a mirror and talk out loud about your year and your feelings, both good and bad. This will feel awkward and uncomfortable at first but stick with it – it gets easier!

So what did you discover about yourself through this process?

• What promises have you made to yourself?

• What is your word for 2021?

• What are your 3 primary business goals for 2021?

If you have found this process useful, there are loads of free resources on the Pure website from talks, to podcasts, interviews to blogs. Have an explore and see what you can find that might help you on your journey.

Our programmes and courses are all detailed on the Pure Learn page – take a look and see if any appeal. You can email us at any time to book a free discovery call to discuss in more detail.

And if we seem like your tribe – join us – we would love to meet you.

We wish you the very best you wish yourselves for 2021.

Lesley & the Pure Team Pure is a professional organisation which has been supporting the creative community in unlocking their full potential since 2009.

Pure is internationally renowned for discovering, mentoring and supporting talent in contemporary art.

To find out more, exhibit, learn, watch.... please visit www.pureartsgroup.co.uk Botanical studies by Louisa Crispin left: Hedera helix; right; Chrysanthemum i www.louisacrispinart.co.uk ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

PURE

Enabling Aspirations Inspiring Vision Empowering Success

ART360 : Virtual Open Studio Event in April Deadline for applications: 16 January 2021

PURE POTENTIAL : Programmes & Courses

Foundation - Practitioner - Master Practitioner

PURE TALKS : Series 3 Starting 2 February 2021

Visit the website for more information and to register or apply 38

www.pureartsgroup.co.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Brighton & Hove

Artists Open Houses Festival 2021 Family Art Line, Seven Dials, photo Martina Bellotto

moves to June

Artists Open Houses new festival dates: Weekends 29th May To 20th June The Artists Open Houses Festival is moving to June this year, ensuring maximum safety for all our participating artists and audiences. The festival will run weekends from 29th May to 20th June.

Register for the AOH 2021 Festival New Registration dates: 5 January – 22 March Early Bird rates until 28 February.

Who can take part Anyone living in the 01273 telephone area can take part in the Artists Open Houses (AOH) Festival as an Open House venue. Registration costs can be shared by all the artists exhibiting in one venue, meaning that taking part in the festival as a venue can be affordable for everyone.

Guest artists If you live outside the 01273 telephone area, you can still take part in AOH festivals by becoming a ‘guest artist’ exhibiting your work in someone else’s Open House.

June 2021 AOH Festival weekends: May 29,30,1 (Bank Holiday); June 5&6; 12&13; 19&20 Online-only listings available In addition to regular Open House listings, this year we are also offering an Online Only listing option for artists not opening their houses this time due to the current situation. Online Only listings include video links and online galleries.

To register as an Online Only Open House, please register via the registration link below.

The new additional online galleries and video links are also available free to all regular Open House listings.

Judy Stevens, Artists Open Houses Festival Director says: “Artists Open Houses connect artists and makers with an audience of art lovers, buyers and industry professionals – and is also fun to take part in, exhibiting with your friends in your own home.”

Register Now Registration runs 5 January to 22 March. www.aoh.org.uk

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

THE STAR BREWERY GALLERY LEWES

On February 1st 2021, the Star Brewery Gallery in central Lewes celebrated its first anniversary – a year marked by the turbulence of the corona virus pandemic.

The gallery exhibition space was first established back in the late 1980s and, over the years, has gained a great reputation as an art venue. The well-known Lewes painter Peter Messer says of it: “The Star Brewery Gallery has been at the centre of the art life of Lewes since its inception as the Star Gallery. Over the ensuing years, under changing management and name, it has shown a huge range of artists and craftspeople. I have consistently exhibited at the Star since its earliest days and have never found it to be less than an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”

In 2020, after a period when the space was unavailable for public shows, Neeta Pedersen, an accomplished illustrator and designer in her own right, was able to fulfil her ambition to resurrect and refurbish the gallery which she renamed. Within a short space of time, she booked a year’s worth of shows

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by local artists only to be forced into a lockdown with no opening date in sight.

Undeterred, Neeta employed her digital skills of web design and social media to create a highly effective on-line gallery which was extremely successful in attracting press attention and generating sales. Each artist’s work was showcased in detail, accompanied by biographical essays, videos and audio interviews.

When the lockdown was over, Neeta was able to stage a number of interesting gallery shows, culminating in a virtual sell-out show of works by Peter Messer, before the gallery once more was closed. Her celebratory We Are One online show highlights the artists who have exhibited and the exciting shows to come in 2021.

For more information about the gallery and future exhibitions go to www.starbrewerygallery.com. pictured below: Peter Messer, Half Wolf Dances Mad in Moonlight; right: Andrew Fitchett, Rookery

visual arts & contemporary crafts

www.starbrewerygallery.com

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visual arts & contemporary crafts

CREATIVE FUNDING IS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE “I predict an explosion of creativity in the arts and business sectors when the pent up energy held back by the pandemic is released – a cultural and economic renaissance.”

These are the words of Karen Simporis, Chair of Adur and Worthing Trust whose gaze is set firmly beyond lockdown and towards the wonderful, creative and life-affirming things that we are all looking forward to doing again.

Adur & Worthing Trust is the local charity behind Colonnade House and the successful partnership with Worthing Borough Council that has brought this creative hub to life. An important part of their work as a charity is to help get ideas and new creative businesses off the ground, and that’s where the Creative Commissions come in.

Running for the fourth time, the Creative Commissions launch event is on Thursday 14th January offering grants of between £300 and £700 to local creatives in Adur and Worthing who want to get a project off the ground. Karen says, “We’re looking for new work that flags up the vibrant creative community we live in and we’ve made it a simple process.”

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Last year the scheme had to be pulled due to Covid-19, and so this year it is back bigger and better and the trustees are looking forward to getting proposals for projects from across all areas of the arts.

More information about Creative Commissions can be found on the Colonnade House website: https://colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ creative-commissions-2021/ As the exciting plans for the expansion of Colonnade House into a creative digital hub will soon be submitted for planning permission, the Trust are also looking ahead to their continued role in the development and management of the hub.

With that in mind, the Trust are actively looking for new trustees with experience, expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas: fundraising, project development, strategic thinking, education for all ages and levels, digital innovation and economy, policy analysis, marketing, financial planning and analysis, legal, and all areas of the arts and heritage.

For an informal discussion or expressions of interest please contact: k.simporis1@ntlworld.com.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

visual arts & contemporary crafts offers of generosity from the public to help us rebuild our lives, as well as insurance complications, the obvious task of re establishing ourselves into daily life, finding some sense of normality, and going back to work.”

100 for 100

fundraising art sale “The original drawings, collages and artworks in the 100 for 100 collection were created between 2014 and 2020, and are all priced at €100, unframed, including EU/UK shipping. For the next six months, 10% of the sale price of the 100 for 100 collection of these selected artworks will be donated to CRESCER, to assist their projects helping chronically vulnerable homeless people in Lisbon who don't have the support mechanisms in place that we were so lucky to have.” www.ninafraser.co.uk/100for100

Artist Nina Fraser launches 100 for 100 fundraising art sale Multidisciplinary artist Nina Fraser, an old friend of ingénu/e who is now living and working in Lisbon, found herself in a perilous position at the end of last year. She has, however, turned this life-changing situation into something positive – a drawing/collage fundraising sale to help others. We'll let her explain...

“Five days before Christmas a gas explosion and fire destroyed our home and all our possessions, leaving us with nothing but the clothes we were wearing and the kind generosity of family and friends. We were sleeping at the time, but miraculously and narrowly managed to escape from our third floor apartment before the whole building burned down completely.

Others weren’t so lucky.

Read about it in full here.

For us, life does go on, albeit tinged with a bittersweet awareness of the fragility of any given situation. Currently the rollercoaster of highs and lows continues; incredible

above: Nina Fraser, 'Picos de Europa Rocks', 2017, wet-pasted collage, 17 x 29cm; below: Nina Fraser, 'Flowers III', 2016, gouache, charcoal, chalk, 34 x 48 cm. photo, Sarah Kilgallon

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Performing arts As you will be aware, the performing arts, along with many artists of all genres, have taken a direct hit due to the pandemic.

Theatres and venues have closed, then reopened with social distancing, only having to then close again.

Gigs, concerts and tours have been rescheduled, then cancelled. There is no doubt about it, the situation is having a devastating effect on the arts in general.

Some have taken to showing performances and events online, a device that many festivals and arts organisers have taken on board, including artists who deliver classes and workshops.

When we have all emerged from this covid tunnel into the bright warm light of normal human interaction

it is vital, I feel, to take ourselves off to the theatre and live music events and support those artists and venues who have been so severely impacted. Never has the phrase 'use it or lose it' been more relevant.

To find out what is happening at your local theatres and venues and how you can support them, please check their websites regularly. Here are links to some ingénu/e regulars: Worthing Theatres; Chichester Festival Theatre; Eastbourne Theatres; The Capitol; The Old Market; The Picture House, Uckfield; London Philharmonic Orchestra; The Hanover Band; The Hawth; Coastal Events; Russian State Ballet & Opera. pictured: Chichester Festival Theatre auditorium. Curtain call at first preview of Amadeus. Photo by Philip Vile

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ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

performing arts

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performing arts

PLEASE CHECK THEATRE WEBSITE FOR LATEST COVID-19 NEWS

THE CAPITOL

Horsham theatre celebrates its 85th anniversary

The Capitol, like so many other theatres across the country, have had to 'go dark' while we are all in lockdown. Under normal circumstances, however, The Capitol is a vibrant venue that brings diverse live theatre, music and cinema to its local audience. There is even a mezzanine gallery for local artists to exhibit their work.

A potted history Built in an astonishing six months, the Ritz opened in June 1936, owned and operated by Union Cinemas.

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This beat Horsham's Odeon which opened four months later. After Union Cinemas ran into financial crisis the venue fell under control of Associated British Cinemas (ABC) in Oct 1937. The Ritz was eventually renamed the ABC in February 1967 during a two week run of My Fair Lady.

Horsham District Council acquired the cinema in January 1982 who ran it until November 1983. The building then underwent an elaborate conversion to become a theatre and cinema. Still under the ownership of Horsham District Council, Horsham Arts Centre opened its doors in December 1984 and after twenty years, the building closed in January 2002 to undergo a £6 million refurbishment. Re-named as The Capitol (in homage to the old Capitol Theatre) it opened in September 2003 by HRH Queen Elizabeth II. And currently In March 2020 The Capitol had to close following the Government’s national lockdown in a bid to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The venue reopened its cinemas four months later in July 2020,

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performing arts

screening films on the 12m theatre screen as well as the two cinema screens. Several dedicated members of staff worked tirelessly to refresh the venue during the few weeks before re-opening, restoring some of the original art-deco features which now provide a visual treat for our visitors.

Due to the lack of new film releases, the theatre had to diversify into screening classic films. The theatre also took the opportunity of screening a 35mm film on their classic projector – being one of a handful of cinemas in the UK to have a fully operational projector and staff knowledgeable to run a film. This proved to be a big success with customers and further screenings were planned. The theatre re-opened with live shows in October 2020 and there were several sold out socially distanced shows before the Government’s announcement of a second lockdown in November 2020.

A full programme of drama, live music, comedy, ballet, evening-with shows, contemporary dance and family entertainment as well as the return of a Christmas Pantomime are planned for 2021 alongside current film releases and live screen events, including National Theatre Live and Royal Shakespeare Company productions.

Digital screens in the front window of The Capitol, Horsham are currently displaying various images whilst the venue is temporarily closed during the third lockdown – there is one which simply says “The Show Must Go On”.

Visit www.thecapitolhorsham.com for further information about the re-opening of the theatre and upcoming shows. pictured opposite: The Ritz, circa 1936; above: the refubished front entrance; below: The Capitol auditorium

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performing arts

HASTINGS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra is still working hard to present the concerts of its fifth season.

From socially distanced events in Covid-secure venues, to online broadcasts, the music plays on.

Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra – now in their fifth season – are proud to be one of the few professional orchestras in the South East outside the London cultural hub. In spite of the challenging circumstances of the current pandemic, HPO has continued to work hard to develop socially distanced events in Covid-secure venues whenever government guidelines have permitted, and they have also developed new initiatives.

From September to December HPO held five exciting sold-out concerts, including three chamber music concerts, one string orchestra concert in Winchelsea and a choral concert. The latter consisted of a performance of Handel’s Messiah, which brought together the twenty-eight-strong HPO Singers, seven professional soloists and an eight-piece Baroque ensemble and attracted an audience of over a hundred (pictured above).

To combat lockdown constraints and to enable outreach to those who are shielding or self-isolating, HPO has also developed a new initiative. They are not only broadcasting this season’s concerts but also concerts from previous seasons. For example, recent online streaming included a ‘New Music’ concert featuring the six finalist pieces of their 2019 composition competition. A forthcoming broadcast, on Friday 6th February at 7.30 p.m., will feature a 2016 performance – the first given by the orchestra with the Hastings Philharmonic 48

Choir. Access to this broadcast can be found on the HPO Facebook Page and Youtube Channel.

There is much to look forward to in the rest of HPO’s season. The main orchestral concert, originally planned for 15th January, has now been re-scheduled for 27th February, with the possibility of further postponement if necessary. Artistic Director Marcio da Silva comments that: “Our audience is immensely supportive – they recognise that we need to be flexible. We are grateful for their understanding.” Marcio reports that plans and funding are already in place for other exciting new projects. For example, HPO Songbirds is HPO’s new children’s choir, for five to elevenyear-olds. Weekly rehearsals on Sundays will be free of charge, with children being taught vocal technique and how to read music. The choir will perform two to three concerts each year. Interested parents should write to info@hastingsphilorchestra.co.uk.

The highlights of the rest of the season include three orchestral concerts. The first of these will be held in St Mary in the Castle, the second in Etchingham, and the final, free of charge July concert, in Alexandra Park. Further information about the orchestra and all forthcoming concerts can be found on the HPO website: www.hastingsphilorchestra.co.uk.

HPO are always grateful for any offers of financial support or sponsorship. HPO is a Registered Charity.

All donations help HPO to share the joy of high quality classical music in Hastings and the surrounding area.

–Dr Carolyn May

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

top: HPO Messiah, photo by Peter Mould

performing arts

Worthing and Eastbourne Theatres in Spring Let’s hope in the next few months theatres can reopen and live performance can once again grace the stages of our theatres.

There is plenty on offer providing the pandemic allows it.

Two examples...

The 20th May sees the amazing Kate Rusby bring her charming Yorkshire cheerfulness, her angelic voice and her wonderful songs to Worthing’s Pavilion Theatre. Inhabiting a lyric with unforced conviction – no matter how old or how modern – she has that rare ability to transport her audience, of touching them emotionally and making each tune live vividly within their experience and imagination.

As ever, she will be joined on stage by the cream of British folk musicians who form her band. These virtuoso artists are sure to delight you with their exceptional talents. The crossover appeal Kate enjoys is unprecedented for a folk singer and has been achieved without resort to compromise. Audiences will be treated to a truly remarkable and unforgettable concert experience.

Visit wtam.uk for further information of what’s on in Spring.

On 4th May 2021 at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne the legendary 10cc will perform the hits which have singled them out as one of the most inventive and influential bands in the history of popular music.

They are led by co-founder Graham Gouldman, a legend in song writing since the sixties. He wrote hit songs for the Hollies, the Yardbirds and Herman’s Hermits and with 10cc he wrote or co-wrote some of their greatest hits. 10cc had eleven top 10 hits, and over 15 million albums sold in the UK alone. The group also have three No.1 singles to their name – Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and I’m Not In Love.

In 2021 (hopefully!!) the band take their inspirational live show back on the road, performing their timeless hits and more, and always with a surprise or two.

Visit www.eastbournetheatres. co.uk for full details of what’s on. left: 10cc; top & inset: Kate Rusby

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looking ahead to festivals

There is no need to go into detail about the devastation brought to festivals of all genres in 2020. Some went online, some postponed until 2021. In Coda on pages 63 and 64 I write about some of those festivals that transferred online in 2020, and kudos to those who did. But in some cases, it was nigh-on impossible. I feel very strange having to write these next lines, but let us hope that in 2021 we can once again experience live performances at festivals throughout the region and beyond.

Here are a few festivals that are already planned for 2021. Needless to say, but please visit their websites for updated information.

The Shipley Arts Festival – celebrating 21 years

O

ver the past 20 years the Shipley Arts Festival has inspired, connected and brought local communities, business, youth music and respected gifted musicians together through musical innovation. This outstanding festival has grown to become a highly regarded classical music festival and in 2020 was proud to boast an audience signing in from all over the world as it continued its programme of events via Zoom.

The Shipley Arts Festival’s true spirit has always been to embrace and join communities through music.

Launching on 31st January and running through to the end of November, the festival is celebrating its 21st

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year with an unrivalled programme of events, where once again the melding of arts, Sussex heritage and music will be performed in some of the county’s most delightful venues, ranging from beautiful small village churches through to larger estate residences.

Nationally renowned, this classical music festival brings innovative performances from the Bernardi Music Group, their Stradivarius Trio, the String Academy Youth Orchestra and solo performances from internationally renowned Andrew Bernardi; whilst also connecting music professionals, composers, and talented young musicians from across the county and around the world.

And, widely recognised for its commissioning of new music to showcase and enhance the exciting and eclectic Shipley Arts Festival’s programme of events, along with the orchestration of events in collaboration with sponsors such as Nytimber Wines, you can be certain that this year’s 21st celebratory festival will not disappoint.

Priority booking, along with unique and exclusive opportunities can be secured through membership to the Friends of Shipley Arts Festival, so take a look at www.bernardimusicgroup.com or email andrew@bernardimusicgroup.com for more details about the upcoming 2021 celebratory programme or information on membership packages.

The Shipley Arts Festival is delighted to be working closely with their sponsors Tooveys, Nyetimber, Kreston Reeves, Wakefields, NFU Mutual and YuYaun Arts. above: Bernardi Music Group at Knepp Castle; opp top: BMG performing in Sussex churchyard; right: Jess Gillam

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looking ahead to festivals

Petworth Festival

planning for the best for 2021

A

s readers of ingénu/e will recall, our friends at the Petworth Festival did their level best back in the autumn to bring something recognisable to audiences in the region and pulled off an extraordinary two weeks of performance and literary events – a mix of live and online performances.

And with the same ‘basically optimistic’ approach to 2021, they have put together a full festival programme which they hope to run unencumbered during the usual festival fortnight in July.

In the words of Artistic Director Stewart Collins “we really feel we have no option but to plan for the best as the festival has enjoyed such a streak of positive momentum in recent years and our audience will really expect no less”.

A few of the highlights can be revealed here including classical music’s newest and hottest property, saxophonist Jess Gillam; comedian and author extraordinaire Adam Kay; and veteran rocker and blues artist Paul Jones with the legendary Blues Band.

“Fingers, toes and all sundry ‘low joints’ will be crossed in the intervening weeks” says Collins, “but as we promised in 2020, we will be back in the biggest and boldest way we possibly can!”

Keep an eye on www.petworthfestival.org.uk for further information.

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looking ahead to festivals

Deal 2021 Music & Arts Festival

2

020 has been an extraordinary year for all the reasons we know only too well. The arts have been particularly challenged. But there is now light over the horizon. That said, programming a public festival still presents challenges. We don’t know whether we will still be social distancing in July or not. So Deal Music & Arts has been busy creating a programme that is as outstanding as it is flexible, allowing for options in the ways events are presented.

Headlining the festival are the great musicians from Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the uproarious Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and the exceptional classical artists of the London Mozart Players. Star soloists include award-winning baroque violinist Rachel Podger, stellar saxophonist Jess Gillam and leading oboist Nicholas Daniel.

We celebrate the best of our nation’s young talent with our beloved NYJO (National Youth Jazz Orchestra), Guildhall’s Historic Performance Department who will work with Academy of Ancient Music, and the super-talented students from the Purcell School.

We focus on the impact women have made in art in times when equality was either diminished or denied, specifically profiling J.S. Bach’s wife, Dame Ethel Smythe and Virginia Woolf. And we pay a muchneeded retrospective nod to Beethoven 2020 with the complete violin sonatas performed by Michael Foyle and Maksim Štšura.

With a full range of free community events as well

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as outdoor concerts and plays (including Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Walmer Castle), Deal 2021 promises to raise spirits – a lot!

Visit www.dealmusicandarts.com for full details.

Hailsham Virtual Festival PLUS! A blended festival for Hailsham

W

ill Hailsham Festival take place in 2021? Of course it will! It may be another virtual festival using the successful online model pioneered in 2020 or it may be the fully fledged all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza of previous years, but you can be certain that there will be a festival in Hailsham from September 4th to 19th, 2021 and it will be great!

The 2020 Virtual Festival, described as ‘just like a normal festival but without the cups of tea!’ comprised an art trail with over thirty participants, a children’s art exhibition and the compilation of an anthology by local writers (See Poetry, Prose and Illustration feature on page 57). We intend to expand the format in 2021 to include music, presentations by well-known visiting speakers and webinars.

Should circumstances allow, we shall combine these with live events and create a ‘blended’ festival – Hailsham Virtual Festival Plus.

We are also launching our newly commissioned Community Musical, String! a music-theatre production which is rooted in the people and traditions of Hailsham. The work includes a large cast of local

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

above: London Mozart Players

looking ahead to festivals people but will probably now be presented in a reduced format for its first performance in the autumn. Comprising a compelling script and sixteen attractive new songs, rehearsals will begin in the spring. Anyone interested in taking part in any capacity should make contact via the festival website.

Further details for all festival events are available at www.hailshamfestival.uk right: Morris side at Hailsham

Cornwall Folk Festival in Wadebridge Friday 27th to Monday 30th August 2021

U

nfortunately the Cornwall Folk Festival of 2020, like so many festivals, had to be cancelled. But 2021 once again sees folk’s best performers arrive in Cornwall this summer. Most all of the 2020 acts will be performing, plus a few more. There is four nights of the finest in folk on the main stage and additional gigs. In addition there is three days of back-to-back regional music at the FAR Stage, live music in the streets of host town Wadebridge, sessions in local pubs and dance and music workshops.

The Festival welcomes Scotland’s finest songwriter Dougie Maclean, a performer who can truly hold an audience in the palm of his hand, and opens with perfectly paired O’Hooley and Tidow, whose music reached millions on TV as the accompaniment to the closing sequence of TV drama ‘Gentleman Jack’.

Among the many performers are Merry Hell, who have delighted festival audiences across the UK in recent years with their uplifting, rock-based folk. The final concert is a double take on the traditional with one of Ireland’s finest, Gatehouse, crossing the water to join the youthful maverick energy of Granny’s Attic.

There will undoubtedly be many other fine performers at the festival as it grows nearer in 2021.

Visit www.cornwallfolkfestival.com for more details.

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looking ahead to festivals

Tenterden Folk Festival 2021

T

he 28th Tenterden Folk Festival was due to take place in early October 2020 but by June, with the Covid-19 pandemic in full flow, it became obvious that would not be able to happen. With the full support of our guest artists, stallholders, volunteers and contractors, it was decided to postpone the 28th Tenterden Folk Festival to October 2021.

As the summer went on, we realised that we could not just let the Festival weekend pass unmarked, so we decided to post a few videos on YouTube but our friends and supporters had other ideas and it quickly developed into #VirtuallyTenterden. We received original videos from nearly all our 2020 guest artists and some past guests and even some artists who had not yet been to Tenterden as well as Morris sides, stallholders and so on. We were working up to the last minute to get everything edited and set up on Zoom, FaceBook, Twitter and Tumblr and were very pleased with the final results which you can still see at https://tenterdenfolk.tumblr.com/ (there is no need to login) or on Facebook. We also received donations

Morris dancer in full flight at Tenterden Folk Festival

from people who attended #VirtuallyTenterden over the weekend or watched it later.

These donations together with a couple of emergency grants we have received will help us to bring back Tenterden Folk Festival with a bang from Thursday 30th September to Sunday 3rd October 2021 (subject of course to the vaccine and summer weather bringing the pandemic to an end and the majority of the necessary Government rules and advise being eased or lifted). Nearly all the guest artists booked for 2020 and featured in #VirtuallyTenterden will now be with us in 2021 for an even bigger and better four days of folk song, music, dance, crafts, and traditions in Tenterden, the town known as “the Jewel of the Weald”.

Visit our website at www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org for the latest details.

Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer appeared at #VirtuallyTenterden

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Southdowns Folk Festival 16th to 19th September 2021

T

he Southdowns Folk Festival is ‘rolling-over’ the entire festival programme of 2020 into 2021 and is currently talking with headline artists, other performers, stall holders, local authorities and festival venues about appearing and hosting events between 16th and 19th September 2021.

Happily there is a very positive responses from these discussions and it is envisaged that the festival programme featuring Steve Harley, The Strawbs and Steve Knightly amongst others, plus the popular Ukulele Festival and the inaugural Americana Festival on the Pier, will very much mirror what would have taken place in 2020 with the possibility of one or two exciting additions. One such addition is a Shanty Showdown over 18th &19th September – a free event supported by Bognor Regis Town Council, it will be under marquee and around Bognor Regis Town Centre featuring the very best of shanty singing from the South of England.

With the February 2020 release of the all-acoustic CD “Uncovered”, Steve Harley, the original Cockney Rebel, shows no sign of slowing down. Steve has been playing live shows around the world for over 45 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all. “We have real adventures on tour”, says Steve.

“I’ve seen the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and dozens of wonderful galleries, museums and great cities, all on my down-time. I have a great life as a Wandering Minstrel!”

The Strawbs were one of the more successful bands who evolved folk rock out of the traditional folk scene in the late 60s and early 70s. Their early albums were very innovative both musically and lyrically, and included Rick Wakeman on keyboards. I well remember being enthralled by songs such as ‘Benedictus’ and ‘The Hangman and the Papist’.

Steve Harley

They also went on to have chart success, most famously with the song ‘Part of the Union’.

Founding member and songwriter Dave Cousins has kept the Strawbs' music alive, sometimes electric and sometimes acoustic, despite sadly losing some band members along the way.

A marvellous addition to the festival line up!

Visit www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk for more.

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looking ahead to festivals nd ne the bra

w music

al for H

What Better Excuse To Escape To Cornwall Bank Holiday 2021!

ailsham

l PluS! FeStiVa ham l a u t ir ails mV HailSHa ded festival for H n le b A

Sept 2021

An annual festival showcasing Art, Music, Theatre, Cinema, Literature, and Dance See the website for more information

www.hailshamfestival.uk

C O R N W A L L

F L FS V L

Wadebridge, North Cornwall Fri 27th-Mon 30th Aug

Dougie MACLEAN O’Hooley & Tidow

MERRY HELL GRANNY’S ATTIC Winter Wilson Gatehouse Blacksmith Geoff Lakeman/Rob Murch Steve Dan Mills Brother Sea Mike Silver/Jo Partridge Winter Mountain Coastal Belles + more

www.cornwallfolkfestival.com/tickets WWW .CORNWALLFOLKFESTIVAL.COM/TICKETS

THURSDAY 1ST JULY - SATURDAY 17TH JULY Jess Gillam • Nicholas Daniel Rachel Podger • Norma Winstone Minima • Dominic Degavino • Gavin Esler Jessica Duchen • Changeling Theatre Company Meera Maharaj • Michael Foyle & Maksim Štšura Steven Devine • London Mozart Players Sam Rapp • Academy of Ancient Music Lucy Stevens & Elizabeth Marcus Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Polaris Duo • Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra Old Time Sailors • Samuele Telari

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looking ahead to festivals

Arts

Shipley

Festival

21

20

Celebrating

www.bernardimusicgroup.com

YEARS

The Shipley Arts Festival is delighted to be celebrating 21 years of inspiring, connecting and bringing together our local communities through music.

This exciting collaboration of concerts that unite the arts, heritage and Sussex communities at some of the county’s most beautiful venues, launches on 31st January and runs through to the end of the year.

Nationally renowned, this classical music festival brings innovative performances from the Bernardi Music Group, their Stradivarius Trio, the String Academy youth orchestra and solo performances from internationally renowned Andrew Bernardi; whilst also connecting music professionals, composers, and talented young musicians from across the county and around the world.

For regular updates, priority booking and unique and exclusive opportunities, become a member of the Friends of Shipley Arts Festival. Further information can be obtained by emailing andrew@bernardimusicgroup.com

Tenterden folk festival 2021

Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald

Thursday 30th September to Sunday 3rd October 2021

www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org 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 Most held over from 2020, See website for details All details subject to Government restrictions and advise

www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk Tenterden Folk Festival: Charity No. 1038663 ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

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BEVERLEY ELPHICK on her Esther Coad trilogy

Many of us rediscover our creative muse in later life. Perhaps our focus on career or family meant that pursuing an early love of painting, or ceramics or, in this case writing, took a back seat. Those of us lucky or determined enough to revisit those early dreams come back to their chosen subject with a wealth of experience and knowledge and, in the case of retirees, more time in which to develop their chosen genre.

Sussex-based writer Beverley Elphick is a great example of this, having produced the first two books of a trilogy, 'Three Round Towers' and 'Retribution', in her 60's, doubtless crafted through her fascination and affinity with the area in which she lives.

Beverley says, “I started writing in my early twenties, sending news items to the local papers, most of which were published. My day job, however, was in publishing, distribution and finance.

“After a break to have my children I moved into marketing in the education sector. I created and purchased advertising as well as writing press releases for a local independent girl’s school later moving to West Sussex to do the same for a further education college.

“I have two adult children and four grandsons and wrote my first novel when I was 62, the sequel four years later. The completion of the trilogy will be in 2020. I had help along the way from other writers, in particular Rosemary Aitken and Helen Stockton.”

Here are some teasers about her third novel, 'Secrets and Saviours', due out later this year. A young woman alone in the late 18th century had a lot to bear. The first two books of the Esther Coad trilogy saw her learn to use her feisty spirit and intelligence to overcome tragedy and the attentions of malicious smugglers whose crimes she thwarted, not because she had lofty ideals but in order to survive and protect the baby girl she rescued and cared for as her own.

Secrets and Saviours puts Esther in a happier place. However, a new generation of Lewes smugglers threatens her existence and the unborn child she carries.

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An experienced midwife and intuitive herbalist to the poor and downtrodden, Esther dreams of better things for women who have nothing. Her mettlesome approach to life and inability to turn a blind eye leads her into the clutches of her enemies. Will the forces of law be able to save her?

Set against the backdrop of Lewes, Elphick seamlessly incorporates snippets of historical fact to add colour and depth to this final part of the venturesome trilogy. Visit www.beverleyelphick.com for more info or contact Beverley at info@beverleyelphick.com.

So if you have a passion to be creative, it's never too late – seize the moment!

MURDER ´ BETRAYAL ´ ADVENTURE the first two books of Beverley Elphick's exciting trilogy

THREE ROUND TOWERS “An engaging tale of one young woman’s struggles against the prejudices, assumptions and deprivations of a grim and ruthless period our history” - Rosemary Aitken

RETRIBUTION At the heart of this story is family; not always the one you are born with, but the one you carve out for yourself. A tale full of startling twists and turns and a score that must be settled

Order from www.troubador.co.uk or from your local bookshop or via www.beverleyelphick.com

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image by iStock

poetry prose & illustration

poetry prose & illustration

FELICITY FAIR THOMPSON on her book The Kid on Slapton Beach

HAVE IT? HAVE YOU YOU READ YOU READ READ IT? IT?

George Orwell said "One cannot see the world as it is, unless one recognises the overwhelming strength of patriotism, national loyalty…

As a positive force there is nothing to set beside it." In the face of Covid-19, our country seems to need that today.

In 1943 on 16th November a Public Notice was issued by the Admiralty to people in South Devon.

Everyone living in the coastal area round Slapton Sands was ordered to leave their homes and livelihoods. They had to be gone by 20th December.

And they did it.

It must have been frightening. There was no explanation. It was the middle of the war. Was invasion imminent? The Kid on Slapton Beach is written around the real events of that evacuation, and the subsequent top-secret rehearsals for D-Day. For Harry who is twelve, leaving is quite devastating. His father is missing in action somewhere in Italy. His mother can’t cope. His little sister is too young to understand. But they leave. They do cope.

But wait – Harry's most treasured possession is left behind. And he goes back for it. When the disastrous Exercise Tiger rehearsals on Slapton Sands take place, he's on that beach.

It's five weeks before D-Day. If the secret gets out…

The Kid on Slapton Beach, a must-read, available from www.wightdiamondpress.com

The Secret The TheSecret Secretfor Rehearsals Rehearsals for Rehearsals for D-Day...

D-Day...

D-Day...

“A wonderful book...”

“A book...”

Michelle Magorian “Awonderful wonderful book...”

Michelle Magorian ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ Michelle Magorian ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ “A jewel!...”

“A jewel!...”

Actress June Brown “A jewel!...”

Actress June Brown Dot in EastEnders Actress June Brown Dot in EastEnders Dot in EastEnders

Order from your favourite Order from your favourite Orderstore fromnow: yourPaperback: favourite£8.99 book Paperback: £8.99 book store now: ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4 book store now: Paperback: £8.99 ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4 ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4 www.wightdiamondpress.com www.wightdiamondpress.com www.wightdiamondpress.com

HAILSHAM FESTIVAL ANTHOLOGY 2020 Edited by Gareth Jones, the Hailsham Festival’s anthology of local writers is now available.

A significant number of submissions in both the poetry and short story categories were received and from these pieces 33 different writers were selected and 122 page anthology was created.

The Festival is grateful for permission to use representations of original artworks by Hugh Ford in the interior and John Wright on the cover.

The anthology is available on Amazon as a paperback or as an e-book . Apart from being a celebration of local talent, this is also a fundraiser for the 2021 Festival, with £2 from each purchase going directly into that fund. The Festival organisers hope that you will join in supporting these writers and artists, as well as contributing to the funds, by purchasing your own copy. Visit https://hailshamfestival.co.uk/anthology. ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 30

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poetry prose & illustration

– flash fiction –

Manzanilla – by Al Campbell

He never normally boarded a plane first, today was an exception. In this case a wheelchair and a full-length leg brace. Not ideal for ‘speedy boarding’. The irony didn’t escape him.

It was the stupidest thing. A slip on the concrete path by the 9th green. A slow twisting fall. His left foot trapped behind his right butt-cheek. A whip-like crack as his quadricep tendon snapped.

Then the pain. Excruciating pain.

The golf course’s insurance paid for the private hospital and surgery. At least, this being Spain, they did on Monday when they returned to work. Note to self – never break your leg on a Friday again.

The ultrasound specialist said it was a rare injury. The young ‘traumatist’ seemed nervous from the start. He suspected it was her first time performing the operation.

As they put him under, she was in the corner of the theatre reading what looked like an Ikea flat-pack instruction leaflet. He floated into unconsciousness hoping she had

WANT TO READ NEW ORIGINAL FICTION EVERY WEEK? Subscribe to my weekly short story service at: www.patreon.com/mostlyunpublished

Or check out longer stories at www.mostlyunpublished.com

all the right screws and bolts.

They’d given him an epidural and he came-to panicking, all feeling gone in his legs. He fought with the nurses, so they knocked him out again, to subsequently resurface into a world of agony.

Only to be expected when somebody drills holes through your patella, threads steel wires through them and the end of your tendon, pulls it tight and stitches the wound with 19 metal staples.

The nurse had to call back the anaesthetist to organise pain relief.

‘I make you a cocktail,’ he had said, emptying ampoules into a plasma bag they attached to the canula in his arm.

The word ‘cocktail’ rolled around his anaesthetised brain. He imagined his golf buddies on the lash in some dive bar in Fuengirola. With mouth as dry as a summer bullring he faded off dreaming of the tangy bite of a glass of chilled Manzanilla sherry.

He’d ordered Manzanilla the first night. No joy – the restaurant served BOGOF fillet steaks and a free bottle of wine between two, but tourists on the Costa del Sol don’t drink the finest sherry.

However Manzanilla, A.K.A chamomile in Spain, did arrive in the shape of a Thomas Lipton teabag along with the pain relief on his breakfast tray. As he drank it he smiled. He kept the wrapper – both a souvenir and a promise.

Eight nights and two bed baths later he flew home, leg stretched out occupying an entire row.

‘You’ll have to move that leg,’ said a steward.

‘Why?’ ‘You’re blocking these passengers’ seats.’

‘My seats’, he countered tiredly, showing three boarding cards. ‘Look, a seat for my foot, a seat for my knee and a seat for my arse. You’ve got the wrong row.’

The short ambulance ride home was painless.

He limped into the kitchen.

‘Get the Manzanilla out of the fridge,’ he asked his wife.

‘That? I threw it away, it smelled sharp.’

Sharpness. That palate cleansing bite into his tongue he had been longing for to cleanse the taste of ‘hospital’ from his palate.

She smiled at him. ‘How about a chamomile tea?’

Suddenly his kneecap started throbbing.

You can read more stories by Al Campbell by signing up to his weekly flash-fiction subscription service at www.patreon.com/mostlyunpublished or at www.mostlyunpublished.com

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poetry prose & illustration

book reviews The Coal Miner's Son -A Family Saga-

by Patricia M Osborne What happens when you rip a young lad out of his working class family home and transplant him into the privileged world of lords and landed gentry?

Such is the fate of 9-year-old George Gilmore.

When his father was tragically killed in a mining accident his mother, faced with an impossible choice, makes the heart-breaking decision to send young George to her titled but estranged parents in the south, to be brought up as the heir to the family estate. Now that he is the man of the house, however, George wants nothing more than to stay with his Mam and help bring up his little sisters.

Struggling with the death of his father and the loss of his home and bewildered by the new lifestyle he was being forced into, George struggles to adapt. He becomes embittered and resentful, convinced that his mother had not only abandoned him, but had in fact sold him. Among the challenges he faces in this unfamiliar life are a scheming governess, boarding school, betrayal and a kidnapping which almost destroys him.

His only ally in this new environment is Elizabeth,

The Christopher Daring Adventures The Forest of Riddles

by Stephen J Willis Within a tall whispering forest, night-time eyes blink in wonder at a magical blue spectacle dancing all about them in the silence. But as darkness falls something else awakens and a creeping menace threatens the tranquillity of the dancing blue lights.

Far away Christopher Daring, nearly thirteen years old and with a well developed sense of adventure, is preparing to visit his grandfather Charlie in the remote Scottish countryside. Christopher is fascinated with mysteries and has been reading avidly about a strange symbol and its connection to mysterious creatures spotted in the Scottish Highlands.

Along with his best mate Jason and new friend Poppy, Christopher arrives at his grandfather's to find the usual peace and calm of the area in some-

his mother's younger sister, who has had her own particular trials to endure. The daughter of an overbearing father and having suffered an arranged marriage to an abusive man decades her senior, Elizabeth's mettle is being tested, but in George she finds a purpose and starts to throw off the shackles of suppression.

Going back and forth between George and Elizabeth the story follows their respective journeys from scared little lad to confident teenager with a goal in life, and downtrodden daughter to self-assured young woman. But what of George's relationship with his mother, are they reconciled? And what does the future hold for them all?

The sequel to Patricia M Osborne's debut novel The House of Grace, The Coalminer's Son is the second book in the House of Grace trilogy, which is due to wrap up in March 2021 with the third book, The Granville Legacy. All books are published by White Wings Books and are available via Goodreads and Amazon. https://whitewingsbooks.com thing of a turmoil. There have been some strange goings-on around the lake and forest beside which Charlie lives, and he and his neighbours are on high alert. Of course this is grist to Christopher's mill and he, Jason and Poppy set out to discover what's going on, cautioned by the adults to be very careful.

What follows is an intriguing medley of plot and counter-plot, suspicion, betrayal, code-breaking, derring-do, heroism and brushes with death... oh, and small blue folk with unusual powers.

The Forest of Riddles is also full of fascinating facts, some of which – says the author -– are true and some, equally, are not. He leaves us to decide which is which!

It is the second book in the Christopher Daring series, and can be found on Amazon or from Stephen's website www.stephenjwillis.co.uk/books

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e o p

poetry prose & illustration

You

Live Like...

You were the strongest swimmer You’ve got stardust in your veins You’re the sum of all creation and the source of someone’s dreams.

Live like you’ve never known death Feel like you’ve never had fears Breathe like you’ve never drawn breath Laugh like you’ve never known tears.

You are energy and matter, Creator and destroyer Potential and apathy You’re a danger and a comfort, Parasite and host.

You’ve been good, and bad, and ugly.

Top of the food chain, and bottom of the heap.

Help like you’ve never been snubbed Smile like you’ve never met sneers Act like you’ve never been dubbed Joke like you’ve never known jeers.

You are humanity.

Love like you’ve never known hate Speed like you've never used gears Play like you’ve never been late Sing like you've never had ears.

You’ll not survive forever, nor anything you’ve made.

But there are seasons still to come, And choices still to take, Before the clock runs out on you, and the world begins anew.

Care like you’ve never known cares Win like you’ve never had cheers Do like you’ve never done dares And live help and love all your years!

You could pull a trigger, Or you could plant a tree.

Kiss a foe, or kill a friend Give everything or nothing.

–by SoRoL

Your great, great grandchildren may never know your name, But they’ll see you in the remnants of all that went and came.

You’ll be every treasured memory, each triumph and regret.

So, stand tall in your humility – your story’s not done yet.

Ice - Journey

Sky's horizon meets Stratum of lucid whiteness – Blue-ice-blink-on-sea.

–by N J Crosskey https://njcrosskey.com

Cold, clear sky, projects Perfect map of ice beyond Cool Captain's vision.

Apple (Sonnet thirty-two)

He steers his vessel Into ocean's no-man's-land, Through masses of ice.

Among the scattered orchard trees of light That swirl about in such abundant bloom, There spins our special globe, blue-green and white, Once apple of God's eye, that fruitful womb, Creating from its flesh such fecund forms Of life, all full of seed, all born to strive, Obeying but one God, be men or worms, To feed and breed and therefore to survive; But this Pomona-blessed creation blights, Within its bowl of night, a still-life fruit, While gravity and men consume in bites, With force and food, this apple, that like Newton, God has dropped, and so can bare no more, The apple falls – now rotten to the core!

–by SoRoL

Slow moving arctic Drift ice moaning as heaving Creaking Mountain peaks

In search of open Sea, forced free from light-field sheets Of ice floes floating In snow-slow-motion Meltings, forming fresh-water Lakes Of green liquid ice.

He welcomes freedom To frolic among the fish In warm desert seas!

–by SoRoL

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y r t e poetry prose & illustration

Free-Style

The Sound Swells

The sea says "My motions are mindless And will bear no barriers," And the waves say "From my folds You can feel all my fury," And the deep says, "I know all your sins And all your sad secrets," And I say – "I am as free as a fish, And I will swim where I wish to."

The sound swells as the church bells of St Mary’s ring Up a narrow steep spiral stair, the eight bells rung by many hands The ringers of the bell ring band use hand stroke and backstroke to coax the peals to bring the notes to folk like me, Across the air and watery waves my soul is settled by the singing

–by SoRoL

My ears tune into bird song mingling with the chimes which have rung for 917 years of time

The Poets of The Age

The water laps and pulses in the river, the seagulls keen, the curlews call, the sparrows cheep, the blackbirds peep, the starlings swoop and fall, the leaves rustle on trees whose branches bow and sway, from wind blown and seaside breeze, pushing shingle on the beach, shushing on the eternal incoming and outgoing tides where the kite surfers swoop and ride, the grass blades whisper, the flower petals rustle as they turn toward the rising sun, then fold again when day is done

The Poets of The Age Of Riots, Rage and War Each one a silver sage To shine for evermore: Old Cohen in his Tower Commanding from above And Lennon giving Power To the People needing Love And Morrison et Morrison One lives and one still dies And Orbison in orison – Sobs and sings and sighs And Dylan needing no one But the Angels as they fly – But does anybody hear their song Does anybody even try?

All day long while I’m awake then all night long as I lay sleeping, this melody, this rich and blessed aural tapestry, weaves its way in and out again, bringing with it soft refrain, a certainty a comfort found, the bells will ring upon the hour, their lilting pealing from the tower –by Mary L Murphy www.facebook.com/spokenwordery

–by SoRoL

SoRoL is the poetry pen name of poet and fantasy writer Steve Langley.

“As Steven Ronald Langley I was born, raised and educated in South East London. My Fantasy Series – Dragon’s Erf, is initially set in many locations you will find corresponding to those found in the South East and Central London areas.

After about 18 years of growing an adequate humanoid body, I set off to seek my fame and fortune, joining the Merchant Navy and sailing the Seven Seas, having many adventures and experiences. I then spent a further year or so hitch-hiking as a hippie around Europe doing the modern version of the 'Grand Tour' before finally settling in the UK, getting married, having kids, house and assorted pets!

I’ve had many poems published in various magazines over the years as well as doing poetry readings at poetry festivals all around the UK. I have published several poetry books and you can find out more about these and my other writings by contacting me via www.facebook.com/steve.langley.733. I plan to re-release these and many more poems on Amazon soon.”

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Coda That was definitely the year that was An unbelievable year has just become history, and god knows what historians will make of it. What with the Covid19 pandemic, populaces on both sides of the Atlantic bitterly divided on important political issues, not to mention Christmas being cancelled, it’s been nothing short of a disaster. And the arts especially have mostly been relegated to a position of low importance in the scheme of things, causing much stress and hardship. Apart from some of the larger artistic venues and projects, many performers, venues, galleries and artists have been left to fend for themselves, some becoming incredibly innovative and some unfortunately succumbing.

We mourn these losses and only hope that in 2021 some sort of renaissance occurs. Art in all its forms is the life blood of our culture, nourishing the souls of individuals therein. It is not money, conflicts or ideologies that make the world go round. It is Mankind’s creativity in all its many remarkable forms.

Ars longa, vita brevis, as they say in Yorkshire.

The times they are a-changing for Bob Dylan Apparently Universal Music has purchased Dylan’s entire songwriting catalogue of over 600 songs. The deal includes of course all Dylan’s well known classics such as Blowin’ in the Wind, Mr Tambourine Man and, one of my favourite songs ever, Like a Rolling Stone.

The price? Probably upwards of 300 million dollars.

There seems to be a trend of this sort of thing.

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Stevie Nicks has sold a major stake in her songwriting catalogue and Hipgnosis Songs Fund acquired the rights of songs by Blondie, Barry Manilow and quite a few others.

I’m not sure I’m down with this. I like to see artists' work inherited and looked after, managed and treasured by a family member or members, or

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top: Pocket Sinfonia who perfomed at BREMF online; inset: Bob Dylan

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individuals who truly care about the artist’s legacy. I don’t want to see The Times They Are A-Changing being used in an advert for a state-of-the-art electric car or a new brand of washing powder, or My Back Pages used to promote services to discover your family tree. And heaven help us what a misinterpreted With God On Our Side might be used for!

“Revel in your time!”

I’ve always thought this purposeful advice and encouragement given to a bioengineered being by his creator in the film Blade Runner was very good advice, even for humans. And, although it’s been incredibly sad to see a small number of galleries close and some theatres and artists struggle during these difficult times, the concept seems to have been taken on board by many festivals and artists, their imaginations and

innovative dynamism coming to the fore.

Here are a few inspiring examples: Sussex Sculpture Studios reinvented and rebranded the studios to become Art Junction, including an online Art School offering livestream courses in sculpture and drawing.

Epitomising this attitude, Lesley Samms MSc, founder and managing director of Pure Arts Group and Pure Arts Foundation, created Pure ART360, an innovative digital event delivered dynamically online via many platforms.

Based on the artist open studios concept, it includes an online private view and live broadcasts from artists’ studios around the world, streamed simultaneously on Crowdcast and Facebook.

Lesley says “At a time of such uncertainty, and with strong emotions of fear and anxiety swirling around wildly, there was no decision to be made other than to go online. It was our ethical duty to provide a portal of positivity and hope for all those who needed us. It took us a few weeks to work out what we were doing technically and a few more months of the new normal to understand what our artist community needed and from there we created Pure Talks, where I chat to interesting folks about subjects relevant to artists and we created Pure ART360 to support artists in getting confident and visible on digital. Going forward whatever the future holds we will maintain a blended top: Lesley Samms; below: Stradivarius Trio – Andrew Bernardi, Maria Marchant and Jonathan Few. photography by Sir Charles Burrell

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coda approach to the support we offer to artists – some online and some in the real world and we literally can't wait to deliver another large scale art fair! Fingers crossed for October 2021.”

We here at ingénu/e have of course taken the online route temporarily. However, when we return to print format, hopefully in spring 2021, we will still balance that with all we have learned and gained from online activity and the extended reach that gives one.

The EM Forster theatre at Tonbridge School, having been put into tier 3, decided that their Christmas pantomime, Robin Hood and his Socially Distanced Merry Men, would be filmed and broadcast over the Christmas period.

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation are running over three hundred online short courses, from beginners to advanced levels.

And some festivals went all out in overcoming the pandemic problem.

The 20th Shipley Arts Festival, brainchild of internationally renowned violinist Andrew Bernardi, overcame all obstacles and managed to deliver fully its programme of events throughout the year.

The Brighton Early Music Festival brought us ten films ranging from the subversive Joglaresa and their medieval protest songs, to the Bird Charmer, virtuoso recorder music inspired by birdsong, and Trumpet Marine, who graced the cover of our last issue.

Petworth’s two festivals, the Arts Festival and the Literary Festival, were merged into one online festival,

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with a fantastic array of talent to view. Too numerous to mention all who performed or were interviewed, the festival was an absolute treat of many genres of music and literature.

Celebrating Beethoven’s 250th anniversary, Arundel’s Hanover Band created a digital festival, an online festival of Beethoven symphonies and iconic chamber music. The quartet in residence, The Consone Quartet, came together with The Hanover Band Chamber Ensemble performing a series of Beethoven’s Septet and the Opus 18 String Quartets.

The Harp on Wight International Festival served up a variety of free online concerts and workshops during October, some still available on their website.

And let’s not forget Tenterden Folk Festival going online in 2020, as did the Hailsham Festival, which also included an Artists’ Virtual Art Trail, streamed performance and an anthology of local writers.

In addition, quite a few artists are now delivering their classes, workshops and tutorials online. You can find some of these in this issue.

To all these marvellous festivals and innovative beings we say a hearty well done! And anyone who feels we have omitted them, please accept our humble apologies. It’s been that sort of year! below: Consone Quartet; opposite top: Lise Vandersmissen, who performed at the Harp on Wight International Festival; opposite bottom: Billy Joel

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2020 in retrospect For a bit of fun, try singing this along to the music of Billy Joel’s song ‘We didn’t start the fire’ – it more or less works!

Jerry Corbin, Momentum, Novichok, Little Mix Lady Gaga, Maradona, Kim Kardashian Boris Johnson, Harry Styles, Meghan Markle, JeffreyEpstein Harvey Weinstein, West Coast Wildfire, BLM protests Kanye West, Joe Wicks, refugees, Scandi Noir, Brad Pitt, Libyan war and Kourtney Kardashian Kim Jong Un, Adele, Fifty two / forty eight Harvey Weinstein, Kylie Jenner, Justin Bieber, Brexit Michael Gove is a liar A Scotch egg is a meal, sorry no it’s not Michael Gove is a liar Close the pubs, eat outside, wear a mask at all times

Grayson Perry, pandemic, Captain Tom, Donald Trump Lunar eclipse, Covid 19, Beirut explosion Kobe Bryant, Wuhan city, Ghislaine Maxwell, Kamala Harris Death of George Floyd, Barnard Castle, Tensions with Iran Joe Biden, VE day, Ed Sheeran, NHS Vaccines, Caroline Flack and Iggy Azalea Mark Wahlberg, Sam Smith, Trafalgar Square protest Local lockdown, theatres closed, Billie Eilish, wash hands Michael Gove is a liar A Scotch egg is a meal, sorry no it’s not Michael Gove is a liar Close the pubs, eat outside, wear a mask at all times (disclaimer: ingénu/e magazine is not responsible for any opinions voiced in these verses!)

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"Society is under the delusion that art is something you have extra, like crème de menthe or something. But societies don’t exist with no artist.

Art is a functional part of society. We’re not some kind of decadent strip show that appears on the side. We’re as important as prime ministers and policemen" – John Lennon

Alix Lee 'John Lennon' image under public domain license

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