ingenue issue 52_web

ingénu/e

creative talent revealed

Summer Festivals

celebrate the season plus

art trails & open studios artists, galleries & exhibitions live music & theatre book reviews , flash fiction & poetry creative courses & workshops

south downs & high weald : issue 52: summer 2026

MICHAEL ROSEN

NATALIE HAYNES

JONATHAN FREEDLAND

ELLY GRIFFITHS

RICHARD COLES

AFUA HIRSCH

PLUS FATAL SHORE CRIME FESTIVAL, HENRY NORMAL, SIMON BRETT AND MUCH MORE TICKETS: www.shorehamwordfest.com

Shoreham Markets | 07515 800957

ingénu/e creative talent revealed

contents spotlight on: summer festivals 4 visual arts & contemporary crafts 16 art trails & open studios 36 performing arts 42 poetry, prose & illustration 60 creative courses & workshops 74 coda 80

who’s who & what’s what editor

Gill Kaye editor.ingenue@gmail.com

sales & marketing

Roger Kaye roger.ingenue@gmail.com 07583 944546

subscriptions

subscribe@ingenuemagazine.co.uk

online

www.ingenuemagazine.co.uk @ingenue.magazine @ingenuemag

cover image

Sarah, vocalist of Kent duo Dune Acoustic, at a recent Faversham Hop Festival

as it was then. His thoughts about leadership and statesmanship, about citizenship and society are inspirational and should be required reading for all would-be politicians. About journalism he says: “The power of the journalist is great, but he is entitled neither to respect nor admiration because of that power unless it is used aright. He can do, and often does, great good. He can do, and he often does, infinite mischief.

All journalists, all writers, for the very reason that they appreciate the vast possibilities of their profession, should bear testimony against those who deeply discredit it.”

And this is why ingénu/e exists, to encourage and support creativity, to counter those who would suppress it and give a voice to those creative souls whose work deserves to be seen.

—Gill Kaye, editor

"ingénu/e – not just a magazine, but a lifestyle"

prelude Hello dear readers – buckle up, this is a long one!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errors, who comes short and and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” —Theodore Roosevelt This quote popped up on my Instagram feed the other day. I stopped scrolling and read it. Then I read it again. Then I thought how apt it was for any walk of life, any profession or calling. Or just trying to survive against all the odds. But especially for the artist, the writer, the musician – any creative soul in fact. For the act of being creative invites, invariably, criticism and doubt – either internal or from another party. But here’s the thing. Being creative is a gift. It is inherent in the young, but often gets eroded by criticism and perceived failure followed by self-doubt. And thus creativity is consigned to the category of luxury, when in fact it is an essential factor in life. It nourishes the soul, elevates the environment, inspires others. When it is squashed, invalidated or outright suppressed we are left, in the end, with a dystopian '1984'-type society in which even original thought becomes dangerous.

I have read recently of a frenzy of book banning from school and college libraries, mainly in the US. The one element that these books have in common are their themes on social injustice and cultural issues.

Some that spring to mind are 'The Handmaid’s Tale' and Maya Angelou’s 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings', the classics 'Brave New World', 'A Clockwork Orange' and (oh the irony) 'Fahrenheit 451', and 'The Great Gatsby' (for heaven’s sake), while Harper Lee’s much loved yet persistently challenged 'To Kill A Mockingbird' remains one of the most banned books in American culture. The USA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom documented over six thousand books banned or restricted in 2025.

Which brings me back to the above quote by Theodore Roosevelt…

Curious about this president of whom I knew nothing I looked him up and, having nothing better to do for a quarter of an hour (ha!) I read the complete transcript of his speech at the Sorbonne, delivered in 1910. The first thing to say is that it’s really long! But if you have the time and stamina it is absolutely worth reading.

It shows him to be a highly literate man. Taking into consideration the fact that a great deal in society has changed in the intervening century and certain values have altered, much of the content is as relevant now

8

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

3

Summer festivals spotlight on...

There is something for everyone in our region festival-wise this summer. And with the benign weather we are experiencing it's a perfect time to make merry and indulge in a dose of aesthetic pleasure, be it via the many genres of music on offer, or stimulating literary experiences.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

—Maya Angelou.

Lewes Baroquefest 2026 15th to 18th July

L

ewes Baroquefest features six concerts in historic St Anne’s and St Michael’s churches, programmed by artistic directors Julia Bishop and John Hancorn.

Countertenor Charles Humphries joins Julia Bishop and harpsichordist David Wright for instrumental

works and arias from the great 17th and 18th century masters, Purcell, Bach and Handel.

Jean Kelly showcases the Bray Harp, with its distinctive buzzing, and the Celtic Harp with music from the cloister to the dance floor.

Suites and Fantasias by Purcell, Locke and Blow feature in ‘London Theatre Restor’d’ with Baroque Collective regulars Alison Bury and Julia Bishop, violins, Annette Isserlis, viola, and Catherine Rimer, cello.

Tenor Hugo Hymas, soprano Charlotte la Thrope and lutenist Kristiina Watt trace the expressive range of early song from private melancholy to courtly elegance. And Flauguissimo – flautist Yu-Wei Hu and theorbo/guitarist Johan Löfving – invite you to share in a wide range of Baroque passions.

This year’s Festival Finale, Handel’s Acis and Galatea, is one of Handel’s most popular dramatic masques. A pastoral delight with a dark thread of drama, this charming tale of good versus bad features two lovers and evil cyclops Polyphemus.

Highlights include a virtuosic recorder part in the famous aria 'O ruddier than the cherry'. Star tenor Nick Pritchard will play hero Acis, with baritone Andrew Davies as wicked Polyphemus, soprano Elspeth Pigott as Galatea and tenor Joseph Taylor as Damon, conducted by John Hancorn with the Baroque Collective and Lewes-based chamber choir, the Baroque Collective Singers.

Tickets available from Lewesbaroquefest.org where you can also find full details. left: Flaugiuissimo – Johan Löfving & Yu-Wei Hu, photo

by Aiga Ozolina; top: Baroque Collective Singers

4

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

spotlight on... summer festivals time the Shipley Arts Festival will be held there. Durrance Manor was the long-time home of Dr Gordon Lindsey, who sadly died last year. A long-standing supporter from the festival’s earliest years, he played an important role in its development, and the concert will, in part, acknowledge his contribution to the festival’s story.

Together, these concerts reflect the breadth of the festival’s programming, from contemporary thematic inspiration to long-established musical traditions and relationships.

Explore the full programme at www.BMGLive.com.

Music, Landscape and Legacy

Shipley Arts Festival 2026

top: Andrew Bernardi, and below: Nyetimber Welcome, photos

by Jack Morrice; bottom: Stradivarius Piano Trio at Festival of Chichester 2025, Johnathan Few (cello) and Andrew Bernardi (violin) suspended at end of piece, photo Graham Franks

T

he Shipley Arts Festival continues across Sussex this summer, from the pioneering rewilding of Knepp to a significant final visit to Durrance Manor.

The second half of the Shipley Arts Festival brings together a series of concerts across Sussex, each shaped by its own sense of place and atmosphere, from historic houses and churches to some of the county's most distinctive settings.

In July, the festival returns to Knepp Estate for its annual Wilding Concert, a long-established fixture in the festival calendar. Inspired by themes of nature, landscape and migration, this year’s programme includes the UK premiere of Helen Ottaway’s Migraciones (‘Migration’), alongside music by Richard Strauss, Fritz Kreisler and others. Internationally recognised for its pioneering rewilding project, Knepp provides a fitting setting for a concert that explores our enduring relationship with the natural world. The estate was also featured on this year’s BBC Springwatch, reflecting the continuing interest in its work and inspiring influence.

Later in the season, the festival reaches a reflective moment at Durrance Manor, a remarkable mediaeval hall house and gardens on the outskirts of Horsham, that has become one of its most distinctive and enduring settings.

This concert marks the last ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

5

spotlight on... summer festivals

Petworth Summer Festival 16th July to 1st August

S

eventeen unforgettable days and thirty eight exceptional events that cover classical music to jazz, blues, world music, contemporary and soul. Also, comedy and a brand new family event at Petworth House Stable Yard. There is something for everyone at the festival this summer.

Here is a snapshot of what’s on; 24th July Petworth House Stable Yard Petworth Festival’s most atmospheric venue welcomes two great bands for a night of jazz, jive and boogie. Proceedings kick off in the company of Dom Pipkin and the Boogie Boys, Dom without doubt being one of the finest honky-tonk, boogie and rock and roll musicians on the circuit – or in the words of Blues in Britain, “one of the world’s greatest exponents of New Orleans piano”. If Dom’s set can be topped, it will be by the absolute masters of swing and jive, The Jive Aces, one of the most popular bands to have hit the Stables in previous years. When these cats burst onto the stage in their signature yellow suits, you’ll be tapping your feet and grinning like a fool before you know it.

30th July at St Mary’s Church, Petworth Matthew Barley's cello sits alongside two other stringed instruments, the Finnish kantele and the African kora, their collaboration being spiced up by the percussion of Brazilian Adriano Adewale, a musician much loved by Petworth audiences following his

appearances with the AKA Trio. Mathew’s 51 Strings Grooves and Lullabies combines sublime world sounds from across the globe. The enterprising quartet’s repertoire will include new compositions, together with arrangements of dances and lullabies from UK, Finland and Gambia.

1st August at Champs Hill, Pulborough Ticket holders are invited to picnic in the beautifully manicured gardens at Champs Hill prior to an hour of perfect musical fare for the afternoon – works by the baroque masters, Bach, Handel and Telemann, all exquisitely performed by the Brook Street Band. The Band takes its name from the London street where composer George Frideric Handel lived from 1723-1759. Formed in 1996 by baroque cellist Tatty Theo, the band rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s leading Handel specialists.

Eighteenth-century chamber repertoire has always been the Band’s driving passion, focusing particularly on Handel’s music And look out in autumn for the famous Petworth Literary Festival, not to be missed!

For further information about all the events visit petworthfestival.org.uk

pictured: Matthew Barley; top: The Brookstreet Band

6

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

spotlight on... summer festivals

Summertime Swing

Saturday 1st August Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead

T

he Jive Aces, The UK's No.1 jive & swing band, have organised this annual event since 2004. All the profits from tickets have gone to various charities over the years such as the RNLI, Sight Savers, The Not Forgotten Association, Sussex Air Ambulance, the Royal British Legion, the Mayor of East Grinstead's local charities and many others.

There have been special guest performers such as Keely Smith, Clare Teal, Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, Craig Douglas, Laurie London, Wee Willy Harris, Ray Gelato, Si Cranstoun, Gunhild Carling, Cassidy Janson, Mike Sanchez and many others.

Special guests this year include French rockin' guitarist Lucky Will, Parisian powerhouse rhythm & blues from Richard Nola and jazz and blues from the USA from Nicole Rochelle with more TBC! Plus DJs, vintage stalls, classic cars and more and as usual, all proceeds go to charity including The Not Forgotten!

Visit Jiveaces.com/summertimeswing for tickets and more information. top: Summertime Swing; below: Gunhild Carling with The Jive Aces at last year's Summertime Swing; photo Vivien of Holloway

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

7

spotlight on... summer festivals

Southdowns Music Festival 2026 11th to 13th September

B

uilding on the success of the past few years, the 2026 Festival in sunny Bognor Regis promises to be even bigger & better with some really top names from the world of folk and acoustic music.

The 13th Southdowns Music Festival will feature the ever popular Ukulele Festival staged over three days under marquee plus around town, shanty and dance groups will be entertaining the thousands of people who come to the event. Fascinating festival markets will be in place along the closed seafront and once

again, younger musicians and performers will be featured on the brilliant Rox/Bognorphenia stage over Saturday and Sunday, and what is even better, all this is free!

There will be a whole array of more great free performances in festival outside venues including the William Hardwicke in the High Street, the RAFA Club in Waterloo Square, Bonito Lounge, The Lamb plus the Dog & Duck in Scott Street.

In Venue 24 on Bognor Regis Pier, the main ticketed evening concerts will be staged including on Friday 11th Sept, the legendary Phil Beer supported by the superb duo who are Megson.

Saturday 12th sees the excellent Irish group Roving Crows supported by the delightful Sorrel Nation and on Sunday 13th the fantastic 3 Daft Monkeys are the headliners with popular local performer, Ed Goodale supporting.

There are also two great free concerts at Venue 24 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons featuring Americana duo Holly Rogers and friend (Saturday 12th) plus on Sunday 13th September, the one and only Jez Lowe.

Saturday 12th September at 8.30pm will see a spectacular free drone/light display from Bognor Regis Pier, courtesy of SkyDot Dispays. Definitely not to be missed.

Visit www.facebook.com/ SouthdownsFolkFestival for latest news.

top: Sorrel Nation left: Megson

8

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

spotlight on... summer festivals from Brighton, and many more.

The festival will also include stand-up comedy, circus performers, disco and cinema alongside the exciting live music offerings. With general admission tickets, VIP tickets, weekend tickets and day tickets all on sale, the event caters for all types of festivalgoers.

Plumpton Revival promises not only an authentic throwback but also a joyful celebration of a cultural milestone that helped shape the UK’s music heritage.

Visit https://plumptonrevival.co.uk for further information and tickets. above and below: making music at the Plumpton Revival Roadshow in May; bottom: Who’s Next

Plumpton Revival Festival Summer of Love 8th and 9th August

I

n 1969 and 1970, Plumpton Racecourse played host to one of the most legendary – yet overlooked – festivals in British music history. Acts like Pink Floyd, The Who, Ginger Baker, Peter Green and Black Sabbath lit up the Sussex skies before the festival was forced to relocate, eventually evolving into what we now know as the Reading Festival.

Now, more than fifty years on, that forgotten chapter of British counterculture is set to roar back into life.

Plumpton Revival will take place on 8th and 9th August, transforming the racecourse into a full-scale, immersive reimagining of those extraordinary late '60s/early '70s weekends.

The event will feature theatre-quality tribute acts honouring the original lineup – including Think Floyd, Who’s Next, Dreams of Fleetwood Mac, and Eric and the Claptones – alongside nationally touring artists from the current Blues circuit such as The James Oliver Band (currently performing with Ian Dury and the Blockhead’s bassist Norman Watt-Roy), Aynsley Lister, one of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists, Will Wilde – an award winning blues rock harmonica player, singer & songwriter ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

9

spotlight on... summer festivals

Hailsham Festival of Arts & Culture 5th to 20th September

from top: Cackle Street Cats; Murder Mystery; Volya Voices, Ukrainian Choir and Dancers; The Gazelle & The Hunter Outdoor Theatre

B

ooking is now live for the Hailsham Festival of Arts & Culture, which returns for two weeks in September to celebrate its 20th Anniversary in and around Hailsham’s town centre.

The bumper-events programme includes indoor and outdoor theatre, music, dance, film, art, talking history, eco events and comedy for all ages. Over half of the events are free or subsidised.

Key Event highlights: Opening Street Festival Celebration: 5th September.

Expect outdoor street theatre, circus acts, community procession, market stall holders, live music, magic and dinosaurs!

Cackle Street Cats Puppet Theatre & Workshop from Rust & Stardust: 19th September – fun for the whole family with this hilarious musical comedy and puppetry workshop.

The Gazelle and The Hunter South Asian Dance & Music: 5th September. Explore South Asian culture with the Sonia Sabri Company; ward-winning productions rooted in Kathak and Indian classical music.

Volya Voices Ukrainian Choir: 17th September sees the return of this popular joyful music and dance allwomen ensemble.

Rocky Horror Immersive Cinema: 11th September; join fellow ‘creatures of the night’ and immerse yourself in this cult classic rock musical at the Hailsham Pavilion.

Choose from over thirty-five events; for further information visit www.hailshamfestival.co.uk.

10

Brighton Early Music Festival Bringers of Dreams 2nd to 25th October

W

hat are dreams made of? For the ancient Greeks, they were brought by the Oneiroi – the three sons of Hypnos, god of sleep, and Brighton Early Music Festival’s 2026 theme is inspired by this idea to explore dream worlds across the centuries and around the world.

This year’s festival offers twenty-five events featuring music from the medieval, renaissance and baroque and running across the city throughout October. Highlights include Florentine festival opener City of Dreams (2nd October), a day-long celebration of Dowland’s 400th anniversary (17th October), and Purcell’s glorious semi-opera The Fairy Queen with the London Handel Players (9th October).

With performers travelling to Brighton from across Europe, this year’s festival is shaping up to be an exciting feast of the music of the past. Alongside the main festival concerts there are plenty of opportunities to take part in workshops for singers and instrumentalists, learn baroque dance, and bring

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

spotlight on... summer festivals your children or grandchildren along to family events.

Brighton Early Music Festival, pre-festival events from 19th September. Tickets on sale from 3rd August (22nd July for Festival Friends). Visit bremf.org.uk l-r: The Fine Hand perform European and North American Ballads; Spiritato; London Handel Players

Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival 19th to 22nd November

W

orld-class jazz returns to Midhurst as the festival announces its 2026 line-up.

Saxophonist Courtney Pine will headline the second Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival, running across venues throughout the West Sussex market town.

Pine, celebrating forty years at the forefront of British jazz, tops a bill that includes Ronnie Scott's Blues Explosion, UK Blues Award winners The Cinelli Brothers, guitar legend Jim Mullen, and the Brit Funk Association — a ten-piece collective drawn from Beggar & Co, Central Line and HiTension. Centenary tributes to Miles Davis and John Coltrane, a Billy Joel spectacular and latenight jam sessions complete a programme spanning four days.

The inaugural 2025 festival drew more than five thousand people to forty-two events in fourteen venues. It has since grown into a year-round cultural programme, from candlelit Cellar Sessions in

a wine merchant's vaults to immersive 1940s club nights at an Italian restaurant.

“Midhurst deserves a cultural life that runs all year, not just one weekend in November,” said festival director Adam Page. “This is how places like Hay-on-Wye built what they built. Over time. With patience. Together.”

Visit www.midhurstjazzandblues.com for full information.

Courtney Pine, photo Augustas Didzgalvis

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

11

spotlight on... summer festivals

Shoreham Wordfest 2026: Time and Tide

1st to 11th October

S

horeham Wordfest is launching a vibrant celebration of books, ideas, and imagination for their 15th annual festival in October. In support of the National Year of Reading throughout 2026, the Wordfest team are delighted to present a dazzling line-up of outstanding authors and unforgettable events in this year’s festival.

The theme, 'Time and Tide,' takes inspiration from the ever-changing beauty of our local landscape, from the river estuary to the seashore. The shifting colours, textures and tides capture a sense of transformation and wonder, inviting us to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future.

This year’s programme is bursting with opportunities for discovery, inspiration, and pure enjoyment.

The much-loved author and poet Michael Rosen is making a return visit at popular request. The hugely successful Fatal Shore crime writing day is back, hosted by authors Elly Griffiths and William Shaw and this year featuring Richard Coles. Also, a whole day exploring Sussex History – from pagans to pirates.

First-time guests include the acclaimed journalist Jonathan Freedland, Iain Dale LBC presenter, author and filmmaker Afua Hirsch and the brilliant classicist and broadcaster Natalie Haynes. Add to that comedy and poetry from Henry Normal, Afternoon Tea and Prosecco with Simon Brett at Sussex Yacht Club and a host of other exceptional speakers and performers.

There is also a guided walk to observe birds along the River Adur estuary.

The programme includes musical theatre with 'Lost Tracks' by The Platform 3, a tale of forbidden love and the rise and fall of a 60s folk-pop group. David Bramwell will give an extraordinary presentation 'Ghosts of the Medicine Show' on the shamanic roots of popular entertainment and the festival finishes with a concert of Sussex Poetry and Song.

Ticket are available from the Shoreham Wordfest

12 12

website. 10,000 copies of the festival brochure will be distributed widely across the region and at the Shoreham Markets and you can dive into the full programme at any time on the website.

Shoreham Wordfest is a locally based charitable trust championing literary and community arts, and they are looking forward to growing and evolving in the years ahead. Powered by a team of dedicated volunteers and trustees, the festival continues to bring people together through creativity, conversation, and shared experience. The team warmly welcome new members, fresh ideas, and future supporters to be part of the journey.

For more details of the programme and to buy tickets go to www.shorehamwordfest.com.

You can also buy direct from the Shoreham Markets throughout July to September or call the Wordfest box office on 07515 800957.

from top: Simon Brett; Natalie Haynes; Dr Anjana Khatwa;

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

below: 'Breaking Shoreham Beach' by Shoreham artist Danny McBride www.dannymcbride.co.uk

spotlight on... summer festivals

Celebrating Shakespeare

a review of Wordfest's annual festival

A

pril saw the tenth anniversary of the Celebrating Shakespeare Festival from Shoreham Wordfest.

The weekend launched on Friday evening with the premiere of 'How Shakespeare Happened', a one-man play written and performed with depth and vigour by This Is My Theatre's Ethan Taylor, inspired by a talk by Shakespeare scholar Janet Pressley. Set five years after the Bard's death, real-life Shakespeare fan Isaac Jaggard wrestles with the prospect of immortalising Shakespeare's plays in print whilst honouring his hero's legacy. Fascinating and highly entertaining, the play was enthusiastically received by the audience and doubtless has a great future.

Shoreham's St Mary de Haura church was packed out on Saturday morning for the free concert featuring actors, singers and musicians presenting 'Celebrating Shakespeare in Words and Music'. The marriage of music from The Seven Singers, Sounds and Sweet Airs and the Pastores Ensemble with sonnets and drama from the four actors never fails to hit the spot. From light-hearted airs and wistful ballads to wise words and emotionally charged speeches, the concert ran the gamut of human emotions. In particular the powerful 'The Stranger's Case', a speech written by Shakespeare in which Sir Thomas More restrains rioters attacking immigrants, is as relevant today as it was four centuries ago. The concert was rounded off in traditional fashion with a rousing chorus of Greensleeves, audience participation invited.

Saturday afternoon took a scholarly turn as professors Matt Dimmock and Andrew Hadfield from Sussex University presented 'Love and excess in Romeo and Juliet', exploring fresh perspectives on the passion, tragedy and youthful impulses of Romeo and Juliet; highlighting Shakespeare's familiarity with Italy; and revealing how much the play was designed to showcase his literary prowess. Matt Dimmock took us by surprise by opening with a reference to

Taylor Swift. The 21st century songstress had written a song based on the doomed love story – proving again that Shakespeare's stories are transferrable to popular culture – but, hating the tragic ending, 'changed it up a bit'! (The song sold over 18 million copies, but doubtless did not win over the hearts of hard-line devotees).

The customary Shakespeare Night Revels and Ceilidh was a merriment of feasting and dancing.

Every arrival was greeted, much to their delight, with a tot of mead. A hum of conversation descended on the festively decorated hall as everyone enjoyed platefuls of delicious rustic victuals, until the band struck up and the caller invited everyone to take to the floor. With music provided by the Scratch Band and great patience and entertainment from the caller, the dance floor was a riot of traditional dancing, in varying degrees of accuracy and increasing hilarity as the evening wore on. A good time was had by all!

A gentle workshop followed on Sunday afternoon, of centuries-old songs and dances – learned from scratch but easy to grasp – led by experienced teachers Emily Longhurst and Kathryn Penny. The songs were mainly 'catches' or rounds, with the group dividing up to take different parts. The result was great fun and uplifting.

The weekend was brought to a close by a performance of Romeo and Juliet by the Bowler Crab Theatre Company, whose production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Celebrating Shakespeare 2023 brought the house down.

The dynamic actors brought a huge energy and commitment to their performances, often taking more than one role in true Shakespearean style. Impressive set with a

real-life balcony, earthy, poetic, passionate acting, a very convincing, earnest Friar Lawrence and skillful performances all round made it a wonderful memorable evening brought to a packed audience.

Keep your eyes peeled for news of next year's Celebrating Shakespeare festival and in the meantime check out what Shoreham Wordfest has to offer in the upcoming Time and Tide festival, see facing page. l-r: Ethan Taylor as Isaac Jaggard; singers, musicians and actors at St Mary de Haura; Saturday Night Revels; Kathryn Penny and Emily Longhurst lead the song and dance workshop

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

13

spotlight on... summer festivals

Not enough fun in your life?

Tired of things being dull?

Then pep up your day with ingénu/e magazine – subscribe now and never miss a copy!

Get your fix of music, theatre, festivals, arts and culture for just £29.50 a year Visit www.ingenuemagazine.co.uk or email subscribe@ingenuemagazine.co.uk 14

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

spotlight on... summer festivals

BRINGERS OF DREAMS FRIDAY 2 – SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER More than 20 concerts including Purcell’s Fairy Queen with the London Handel Players (9 October), and a whole-day celebration of the 400th anniversary of John Dowland (17 October). Plus music & dance workshops, concerts for families & more.

Baroque arias with countertenor Charles Humphries Jean Kelly, Bray & Celtic Harp Purcell & Blow string quartets Early lute song with Hugo Hymas, Charlotte La Thrope & Kristiina Watt • Flauguissimo Duo Handel: Acis & Galatea • Nick Pritchard, Acis The Baroque Collective Singers & The Baroque Collective • directed by John Hancorn

Tickets (from early Aug) and full programme information at

bremf.org.uk @brightonemf

lewesbaroquefest.org B E R N A R D I M U BS IE CR G N RA OR UDP I M U S I C LBF 26 Ingenue ad Summer lw2.indd 1

G R O U P

Extraadinary Music in Exceptional Places Ex

tra

ad

ina

ry

SHIPLEY

Mu

sic

in

ARTS

Ex

FESTIVAL

cep

tio

P R E S E N T 18/05/2026 14:49

nal

Pla

ces

MAY - OCT 2026

THE SHIPLEY ARTS FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY

www.bernardimusicgroup.com ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

15

visual arts & contemporary crafts

chalk gallery A tale of fortitude and passion in the face of adversity It's been a remarkable year so far for Chalk Gallery. Last summer the Chalk artists were busy making plans to celebrate the gallery's 21st anniversary. This was to be a chance to reflect on twenty-one successful years as a collective of local artists and at the same time to look forward to the future and how the gallery could continue to grow and be an integral part of the local community. All felt positive but then it seemed that disaster had struck.

The gallery was given notice to leave its premises of nearly twenty-one years!

Lewes is a beautiful town nestled in the Downs with a rich cultural tradition and therefore a magnet for artists and art lovers. However, it is also known for its extortionate rent and rates and the prospect of finding a suitable location for the gallery was a daunting one to say the least. But artists are passionate and some might say stubborn creatures and the Chalkies – as they are known, were willing to take on the challenge with everything they had. To cut a long story short, after six months of blood, sweat and tears, Chalk Gallery rose like a phoenix from the flames and opened its doors at its wonderful new premises in Station Street in the heart of Lewes.

And now present day Chalk is blossoming. The collective currently has seventeen members; painters, printmakers, mixed media artists, sculptors and ceramicists. Alongside the full-time members are guest artists who show their work in the gallery for two months. This enables artists who are not represented by a gallery to have the chance to be part of a gallery experience without the commitment that being a member entails.

Part of the ethos of Chalk Gallery is to be as inclusive as possible. Inviting guest artists is just one of the ways this happens. The gallery is also keen to become more involved in the local community by working with young people and offering

16

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

c-w from top: artwork by Michèle Findlay; Caroline O'Grady; Irina Hoble; Sally Smith

visual arts & contemporary crafts opportunities for them to take part in art competitions and potentially see their art hung on the walls of the gallery. Also there will be workshops in the future and a space for hire where groups or individual artists can apply to show their work in a formal setting for a set period of time. The artists are really looking forward to expanding their role in the community and the new location will enable them to do this more readily.

Finally the gallery now offers a bespoke high quality framing service in collaboration with an established local framer who has provided a framing service for over thirty years, boasting such clients as Buckingham Palace, Tate Gallery London, and a host of artists throughout the South East and beyond.

For all artists and latest news www.chalkgallerylewes.co.uk. clockwise from top left: artwork

by Jan Beesley; Jen Grant; Susie Hallows; Alan Taylor; Linda Lethem; Simone Riley

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

17

visual arts & contemporary crafts

In This Place | Summer Exhibition 2026

Victoria Pavilion Arts presents 'In This Place', its annual summer exhibition, from 10th to 12th July 2026, bringing together more than twenty artists from across Wealden and East Sussex.

Working across painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and mixed media, the exhibiting artists respond to the theme of place in thoughtful and diverse ways. Moving beyond landscape as simply a depiction of location, In This Place explores the environments that shape us—places of memory, belonging, transition and connection.

Drawing on personal histories, local landscapes and shared experiences, the exhibition reflects the many ways in which place influences identity and wellbeing.

Visitors can expect a rich and varied exhibition showcasing both established and emerging artists working across a wide range of disciplines.

Helen Preston, Arts Development Coordinator at Victoria Pavilion Arts, said: “In This Place celebrates not only the exceptional artistic talent we have across Sussex, but also the ways creativity helps us connect with each other and the environments that shape our lives”.

Organised by Victoria Pavilion Arts, a non-profit community arts project in Uckfield, the exhibition also raises funds for its Arts for Wellbeing Programme, supporting positive mental health through creativity.

Dates: Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th July, 10am to 4pm; Private View: Friday 10th July, 7pm to 9pm.

Victoria Pavilion, Victoria Pleasure Ground, Uckfield Admission is free, and all are welcome.

18

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

visual arts & contemporary crafts In This Place – opp from top: Katharine Rabson Stark, Framfield Verge; Joanna Farrow, Birches 2; Mark Munroe-Preston, N52.5643 W1.8340; this page far left: Gill Bustamante, The Search Continues; left: Hiroko Lewis, Emergence II

My Botanical Heart

Dianna Jazwinski, Photographic Botanical Art Dianna returns to home ground this September, exhibiting at Worthing’s Colonnade House from 8th to 13th September.

Before turning her focus to botanical art, Dianna established a successful career as a professional garden photographer. Her work has appeared in leading horticultural publications including Gardens Illustrated, The English Garden, and Country Living, and is represented internationally through the stock agency GAP Photos.

Eight years ago, she began creating more personal work, inspired by vintage botanical illustrations, particularly their dramatic dark backgrounds and exquisite attention to roots, seeds, and delicate botanical details. The work of Pierre-Joseph Redouté also proved influential, combining elegant simplicity with remarkable precision.

Following years of experimentation, Dianna developed a distinctive style that celebrates the beauty of plants through close observation of texture, colour, and form. Her aim is to encourage viewers to pause, look more carefully, and rediscover flowers that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Each image begins with a carefully styled arrangement, refined repeatedly until the composition feels complete. All photographs are created using natural light, allowing the subtle qualities of each subject to emerge with depth and authenticity.

Dianna has been represented by Will’s Art Warehouse since 2021 and regularly exhibits at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea and Hampstead. Visit www.diannajazwinski.com and follow @my_botanical_heart

“This is, without doubt, of superb quality.

The impact that it had on me was almost breathtaking. The print has an almost 3D look.

As if one could pick the flowers from the paper” –Pauline W, West Sussex Dianna Jazwinski, Dahlias with Achillea

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

19

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Radiance

Nicola Rose

Paintings and Drawings www.nicolaroseartist.com nicola.rose@zen.co.uk Commissions welcome

EXHIBITIONS & ARTIST EXHIBITIONS 2026 OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON...

11.07 - 25.07: 02.08 HIVE.- 30.08 ALTERITY

An exhibition of multi-disciplinary works by artists A contemporary exhibition of painting, poetry from the Blue Monkey group. and installation

by TheNetwork Materialartists Collective.

VANISHING PLACE 28.03 - 09.05

08.08 - 20.09 FLOCK. OF SUBSTANCE : 06.09 - 01.11

SUBMISSIONS OPEN UNTIL: 18.07.26 A wide-ranging, exploratory exhibition of Exploring the spirit of togetherness, community and contemporary sculpture and installation. collaboration.

All mediums accepted. **SUBMISSIONS OPEN UNTIL 11th AUGUST ** visit www.artgallerynorth.co.uk for info

12.09 - 17.10

PAPERING THE CRACKS.

SUBMISSIONS OPEN UNTIL: 25.08.26 CONGREGATION: 08.11 - 17.12 An expressive exhibition of drawing, print-making An exhibition figurative and artist still lifesketchbooks. work that and works on of paper including

explores people, place and the connection between the two.

24.10 - 14.11 artgallerynorth@gmail.com www.artgallerynorth.co.uk Artwork by photographer Liz Scott

20

BETWIXT AND BETWEEN.

Forexhibition all enquiries & artist please An of work by submissions artists from The Material contact Emma at artgallerynorth@gmail.com Collective. www.artgallerynorth.co.uk

70 High Street 21.11 - 19.12

SOLSTICE.

Supported by Wealden

Hailsham, BN27 1AXUNTIL 04.11.26 SUBMISSIONS OPEN End of year winter themed group exhibition and festive artisan market.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

2025 venue partner

visual arts & contemporary crafts

IN THIS PLACE

Zebra Queen

Summer Exhibition 2026

Spring Calling

Gill Bustamante

Image: Laura Darling

Artist and Art Tutor

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11TH & 12TH JULY

www.gillbustamante.com www.facebook.com/GillBustamanteArtist www.instagram.com/gill.bustamante.artist www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SussexPaintings

10AM-4PM

PRIVATE VIEW FRIDAY 10TH 7-9PM Victoria Pavilion, Victoria Pleasure Ground ,Uckfield TN22 5DJ

@Victoria Pavilion Arts

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

21

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Artists At Oakbank an exhibition of contemporary art 19th & 20th and 26th & 27th September

‘Oakbank’ Chantry Lane, Storrington, RH20 4BU The Oakbank Collective will return to Storrington this Autumn, with eight artists showcasing their work in the distinctive modernist house and gardens, set within the striking backdrop of the South Downs.

This carefully curated collection includes painting, sculpture, assemblage, collage, pottery and printmaking.

Visitors can expect a diverse and thought-provoking range of contemporary art.

Artists participating are: Judy Bould–printmaker, collage and mixed-media artist whose work is concerned with memory and sense of place; Terry Griffin–potter, who has been working with clay for most of her life and still gets surprised by its possibilities; Karin Hay White–drawings and paintings with a textural aesthetic, mostly based on inspiration from modernist architecture and industrial design; Delia Lindon-Spence–paintings, the natural world and her great love of music are her main inspiration and motivation; John Mulligan–sculpture assemblage using weathered painted wood and metal,

22

preferably rusty, merely a response to the colours and shapes which chance has provided; Kate Scott– paintings which speak of remembered places, grief and longing, and which seem to connect to people’s raw emotions; Carol Wagstaff–interdisciplinary artist whose work responds to humanitarian and environmental issues through an intuitive, layered process; Cath Whiteoak–assemblage sculpture, centering around the transformation of found objects sourced from her local environment.

Oakbank is set in an elevated position, among the trees, overlooking an expansive borrowed pastoral landscape taking in the South Downs Way. Designed by artist and owner John Mulligan, the Modernist interior has a mid-century character, concentrating on light, flowing interior spaces, eclectic furnishings and a relaxed 'artist's studio' environment, perfectly suited to this exhibition of contemporary art.

Please do join them in this unique location across two autumn weekends — ‘Oakbank’, Chantry Lane, Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4BU. Free parking is available on-site and close by, there will also be some refreshments available.

A portion of all sales (25%) will be donated to St Barnabas Hospice, Worthing.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

visual arts & contemporary crafts clockwise from opposite page bottom right: Delia Lindon-Spence, 'Colours of Autumn' mixed media; John Mulligan, 'Offcuts' recycled wood and paint; Kate Scott, 'The Dance' acrylic on linen; Cath Whiteoak, 'Daedalus' assemblage sculpture; Judy Bould, 'Early Growth' oil on canvas

A Beacon of Creativity: GALLERY NORTH champions the

20th Hailsham Festival of Arts August & September

in art workshops. For those looking to refine their skills, resident artists are running acrylic painting and ceramic workshops.

To browse the full arts programme and events taking place at Gallery North, visit the festival website https://hailshamfestival.co.uk/art/

Throughout this August and September, Hailsham will transform into a vibrant haven for art lovers.

This year marks a milestone for the local community: the 20th anniversary of the Hailsham Festival of Arts & Culture.

At the heart of this artistic celebration is Gallery North.

As a key host venue, the gallery is proudly throwing its doors open for community-focused visual arts events.

Where the Festival Began For the Gallery's Exhibitions Manager, Emma Donovan, the Festival is a highlight in their yearly calendar: “The Hailsham Festival was born at Gallery North and remains a key highlight of our exhibitions programme.

September is a time for the community to come together at the gallery, and we are thrilled to be at the centre of Hailsham's celebration of creative expression”.

A Summer of Collaboration The festival spirit ignites early at Gallery North. Starting in August with community themed exhibition Flock (8th August to 20th September), this multi-disciplinary exhibition of visual arts will explore the spirit of togetherness and collaboration, welcoming work in all mediums from artists of all ages.

Alongside the exhibition, the gallery will serve as a bustling creative hub. Throughout August, families can take advantage of drop-

Acrylics workshop with Gilly Toft Liz Scott, Murmuration

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

23

visual arts & contemporary crafts

The Lighthouse Gallery Eastbourne 19 Cornfield Terrace, BN21 4NS 07748354879. Open Tues-Sat 10.30-4.00 Find us on Facebook and Instagram

photo: Martin Christie

original work by 25 local artists and makers fabulous coffee, cake and snacks friendly welcoming atmosphere a wealth of cards and gift ideas

ARTISTS AT OAKBANK 19th & 20th and 26th & 27th September 11.00am to 5.00pm ‘Oakbank’ Chantry Lane, Storrington, RH20 4BU Judy Bould – paintings and prints Terry Griffin – pottery Karin Hay White – drawings and paintings Delia Lindon-Spence – paintings John Mulligan – sculpture assemblage Kate Scott – paintings Carol Wagstaff – interdisciplinary artist Cath Whiteoak – assemblage sculpture Free parking & refreshments. @artists_at_oakbank 24

25% of all sales will be donated to St Barnabas Hospice, Worthing

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Patterson Gallery at the Alfriston Room The Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne

showing work by established & emerging artists

ART SHOW

CRANBROOK Thursday 5 NOVEMBER • 10 - 5 Friday 6 • 10 - 7 & Saturday 7 • 10 - 5

King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 4ER Open weekends 10–5 and by appointment in the week, contact peter@pattersongallery.co.uk 07970 549873 • pattersongallery.co.uk

VESTRY HALL • Cranbrook • Kent • TN17 3HA

www.cranbrookartshow.org.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

25

visual arts & contemporary crafts

The Patterson Gallery at The Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne

right: Gina Southgate, Ascending; below: Dick Segal, Eleanor Rigby

There is an exciting programme of exhibitions over the coming months at the Patterson Gallery, showing work by guest artists as well as the gallery's regular artists.

Making a regular appearance at the gallery are Dick Segal, known for his highly elaborate renditions of Beatles’ songs, and Gina Southgate, best known on the UK's international jazz scene where she produces spectacular, qualitative, real time paintings of musicians at concerts and festivals.

Passionate about all kinds art from a young age, Segal loves drawing people, capturing a likeness in a portrait. He loves the Beatles’ music, the soundtrack of his youth, and he wanted to be able to paint his version of the songs. Eleanor Rigby, shown here, was the first of this series, and remains his favourite.

Speaking to ingénu/e about her abstract work, Gina Southgate says “In my studio practice I'm interested in the juxtaposition and layering of colour. I paint and monoprint from surfaces to add texture. I create

Attic Art Club

Summer exhibition 28th to 31st August The Attic Art Club was founded in Sussex almost ninety years ago and still going from strength to strength. It is a collective of around thirty inspirational professional and semi-professional local artists, creating fabulous work in a wide variety of skills and media, watercolours, oils, pastels, mixed media, sculpture, glass art and ceramics.

Kathy O'Regan, The Space Between Us

26

abstract work largely without narrative. I may have a title or a very loose idea but I mostly let the work take its own journey to a conclusion where I feel it is still buzzing with an energy but composed enough to sit harmoniously in the viewers world.”

Visit www.pattersongallery.co.uk to find out more and follow @patterson_gallery

Over this August Bank Holiday Weekend, we will hold our second exhibition for 2026 in Ditchling Village Hall. The exhibition will run from 12 noon to 5pm on Friday 28th August and then from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. A warm welcome awaits.

We are excited to introduce our most recent members to the exhibition: Julia Maynard, original gouache paintings inspired by her favourite places; Lyndsey Smith, creates passionate moments with her watercolours; Julie Snowball, porcelain paper clay items inspired by the sea; Anthony McIntosh sculptural artwork using ceramic and glass fusing; Naomi Odiwe, paints flowers and wildlife, exploring themes of presence; Kathy O’Regan, specialises in pet and wildlife portraits, truly unique artwork; and Jose Heasman, stained glass copper foil capturing the essence of nature.

At our May exhibition, new member Kathy O’Regan won the visitors' favourite vote with her incredible animal pastel portraits. This August, again, you can vote for your favourite artist’s work.

There will be artists demonstrating their skills over the weekend, so you can pop in for a chat and get some tips! We will also be supporting the Guide Dogs Charity, a worthy cause, helping independent living.

Visit www.atticartclub.co.uk or @atticartclub

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

visual arts & contemporary crafts

LINESCAPES Dwellings

Colonnade House, Worthing, 23–26 July

During her third solo exhibition at Colonnade House, 'Dwellings: Domestic Portraits' by Linescapes, Amalia Sanchez de la Blanca (the creative brain behind Linescapes) presents a refined collection of architectural images that explore the enduring relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit.

Created by an illustrator and former architect, the work captures the character and evolution of dwellings across time, from grand stately homes to iconic Modernist residencies and striking Brutalist blocks of flats.

At the heart of the exhibition are twenty new elegant drawings from the Dwellings collection, featuring iconic homes of the 20th Century, each rendered with precision and sensitivity to form, light and detail. Alongside these works, bespoke house portraits offer intimate studies of individual homes, elevating domestic design into objects of beauty.

A selection of architecture-inspired gifts and greeting cards from across the Linescapes collections will also be available, allowing visitors to take home part of these distinctive architectural narratives. Amalia looks forward to welcoming you and explaining the process behind her elegant and understated illustrations. linescapes.co.uk left: Framed Dungeness and Seven Sisters prints

by Linescapes

Snowball and McIntosh

Ceramics and Glass : Montague Gallery 11th August to 6th September Julie Snowball and Anthony McIntosh are returning as guest artists to the Montague Gallery, Worthing, from Tuesday 11th August to Sunday 6th September.

and jewellery. Recently he has also been combining his fused glass with ceramic to create large sculptures of mythological figures. As usual, both Julie and Anthony will have work for sale at a wide range of prices that include their large sculptural signature pieces but also smaller, and more affordable work that make ideal gifts. Every piece is handmade and completely unique. facebook.com/people/Snowball-and-McIntosh-Ceramicsand-Glass

This will be their third exhibition in this wonderful gallery. Julie creates striking figurative ceramics, thrown or hand-built forms, and a wide range artworks for the home and garden. Much of her work is inspired by the sea and the Sussex coastline, and she frequently includes beautiful driftwood elements in her work, collected from local beaches.

Drawn to the intense colour achievable with fused glass, combined with that incredible refraction and reflection of light, Anthony creates beautiful sculptural forms, decorative garden items, platters and bowls, Anthony McIntosh, Large tangerine netting bowl

Julie Snowball, ‘Gift From The Sea’, porcelain and driftwood

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

27

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Keeping it fresh THE CRANBROOK ART SHOW 5th to 7th November

The Cranbrook Art Show has long been a show with a reputation for showcasing outstanding quality and last year was no exception.

The 30th Anniversary line-up was full to bursting and was a real celebration of the talent we have here in the South East, from Melvyn Evans paintings and printmaking to Marie Prett ceramics, it was quite the show. But how do you follow such a triumph and keep it fresh and engaging for visitors?

Selecting and curating a show of over twenty-five artists each year is a challenge, and ensuring there is something new alongside the familiar means we never exhibit the same artists the following year, with the exception of the team behind the show: Felicity Flutter, Annie Waring, Sandra Fernadez, Jade Taylor and Karen Papworth.

Well established artists are always part of the line-up and each year the Cranbrook Art Show attracts well known artists who are new to the show.

This year we have the pleasure of welcoming Jen Miles, Joanne Burton, Anne Davison and Jemma Gowland exhibiting for the first time and the stunning work of Paul Jackson who is returning to the show. Also returning to the show for a second time is

Rebecca Ritchie, with more of her atmospheric still life works.

Rebecca has had two works accepted to the Royal Academy summer show yet again this year and is most definitely one to watch.

Nurturing emerging talent is fundamental for the future of Art Shows and we are always looking to showcase early career artists too. Fresh new talent exhibiting with us for the first time – Rachel Spreckley, Hollie Savory and Serdar Uzar – not only keeps the show fresh, but also supports emerging artists in building a career, making connections and exhibiting alongside more established professional artists. We are very proud to say over half of our 2026 line-up are artists who are exhibiting with us for the first time. Keeping the show fresh and exciting for visitors.

The Cranbrook Art Show, Vestry Hall, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HA. 5th to 7th November www.cranbrookartshow.org.uk from top: Paul Jackson, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning; Jen Miles, Blackbird and Rowan; Rebecca Ritchie, Muscat Grapes and Teacup

28

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

visual arts & contemporary crafts weekend; the main fair runs from 2nd to 4th October.

For more details about the event, subscribe to our newsletter at www.benendenartfair.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @benendenartfair. See you there!

Hannah Buchanan, Fair Director from top: Jude Askey-Brown, Pink Stripe, oil on canvas; Judit Esztergomi, Meadow Coffee Mugs, stoneware, sgraffito and inlay with underglazes and iron oxides; Julie Tucker-Williams, Mangled Bangle, silver with gold and precious stones; Judith Westrup, Fading into a Mere Sky, reduction linocut

Benenden Art Fair 2026 We are delighted to announce that Benenden Art Fair will be returning this October!

For anyone new to the area, BAF is an annual art fair held at Benenden Village Hall. Our goal is simple: to spotlight the incredible artists in Kent and East Sussex and to make art more accessible to the local community.

This year is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting yet! We are thrilled to be featuring over forty local artists, plus a fantastic lineup of new art collectives and creative collaborations, bringing some fresh energy to the space.

From painting and printmaking to stitchwork, ceramics, jewellery, stone carving, and collage, you're guaranteed to find something that catches your eye.

We’re also incredibly lucky to be sponsored by some brilliant local businesses, including Kingsfords Solicitors, Biddenden Vineyards, and Art4Site. We are incredibly grateful for their support and wouldn’t be able to run the fair without them. Please do have a look at their websites if you are interested to learn more.

If you fancy being one of the first to see the fair, join us for our Private View on Friday 2nd October from 6:00pm to 8:00pm to enjoy a drink and a first look.

Otherwise, pop in and see us over the ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

29

The Art of Illusion: The Theatrical World of Oliver Messel at Nymans

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Sat 13 Jun – Sun 1 Nov 11am-3.30pm Explore the creativity of Oliver Messel, theatre designer for stage and screen, and master of illusion, with this exhibition in the gallery. ©National Portrait Gallery

Normal admission applies

@NymansNT

nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans

The future of Arts and Crafts Thurs 2 Jul – Wed 30 Sep 11am – 4pm A joyful celebration of creativity and heritage brought to life through the work of today’s most exciting makers. Normal admission applies

Heritage Makes Weds 15 & 29 Jul, 5 & 19 Aug, 9 & 23 Sep 10am - 4.30pm Heritage crafts and core making skills with Sussex Contemporary exhibitors; including demonstrations. Normal admission applies @StandenNT

nationaltrust.org.uk/standen ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

30

Sussex Contemporary at Standen

Inspired by Standen:

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Benenden Art Fair 2-4 October 2026

Benenden Village Hall, The Street, Benenden, Kent, TN17 4DE www.benendenartfair.com

Judit Esztergomi Meadow Beakers Ceramics 8 x 8 x 7cm

Discover creativity on your doorstep

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

31

visual arts & contemporary crafts

The Makers Fair at Standen

Standen, the beautifully rambling Arts & Crafts house and garden in West Sussex, saw the regular Spring Makers Fair this May, the carefully curated collection of fifty makers and artists.

The inclement weather did little to dissuade lovers of beautiful things from visiting. A torrential rain shower had us scurrying for shelter in the cavernous barn café for a hot drink. But as soon as the skies lightened we made a dash for the marquee on the croquet lawn and spent a very pleasant and inspiring couple of hours browsing the array of beautiful work and chatting with the makers and artists.

There were all the crafts you might imagine – textiles, glass, wood craft, painting and illustration, all kinds of ceramic and pottery, jewellery, basketry, leather work, as well as soft furnishings and clothing, hand made candles and home ware, beauty and skin care, handbound books and even mini landscapes in tins.

With fifty participants it was impossible to talk to everyone, but those I did chat with revealed fascinating insights into their work and practice. I learned a lot – the challenges of producing lustreware pottery; the hidden secrets that can be discovered when turning wood; the trial and error that results in a signature

style of upholstery – and much more. There was a serendipitous moment when I met a jeweller whom I thought had made the very earrings I was wearing, the style was so similar. (It turned out not to be so!)

I discovered that makers are a more diverse group of individuals than you might imagine. Some are very well established, having been plying their craft for years, others are just starting out. Some are steeped in the exact principles and methodology of their craft, while some are engaged in a journey of discovery to see where it leads. But common to all is that undeniable urge to create and a passion for their craft.

We left with the firm impression that there is no shortage of talented artists and makers creating all

manner of things to delight and engage. And if we all just slow down a bit and take notice we too can revel in the beauty and creativity of their craft. It is so easy these days to buy cheap crockery, homeware or clothing. But to have something that you know is unique, something into which the maker has poured their imagination and talent, something that will last and can be passed on – that's worth something. And supporting artists and makers keeps these crafts alive and helps sustain the local economy rather than some faceless corporate giant.

Visit www.themakersfair.com to find out dates and venues of the Makers Fair through the rest of the year, find the one nearest to you and spend a pleasant and inspiring afternoon among the living crafts – and snag yourself a treasure or two! from top: The Makers Fair marquee on the croquet lawn at Standen; a visitor admires the glass mosaic pictures of DK Adams Mosaics; Alison West with one of her saggar fired ceramic pots

32

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Standen & Nymans

Two National Trust sites staging a conversation between past and present Inspired by Standen: The Future of Arts and Crafts brings contemporary art and craft to one of Britain's most significant Arts and Crafts houses from 2nd July to 30th September.

Developed in partnership with the National Trust's Standen House and Garden, the exhibition brings together 91 contemporary artists, designers and makers from across the UK working across ceramics, textiles, furniture, glass, printmaking, metalwork, sculpture and mixed media.

Jo Myles, Director of The Sussex Contemporary, said “It has long been a dream of mine to work with a property as significant as Standen House and Garden and with an institution as respected as the National Trust. What excites me most is seeing how artists have responded to the project in such diverse and unexpected ways.”

Meanwhile, over at Nymans from 13th June until 1st November, things take a more theatrical turn with the Oliver Messel exhibition. Messel, the legendary stage designer known for his opulent sets and costumes, feels perfectly at home in Nymans’ romantic, slightly ruinous setting. His flair for illusion, drama and detail plays out across displays that evoke a golden age of performance and imagination.

What connects both experiences is a shared sense of creativity unfolding in unexpected places. Standen invites you to see contemporary art through a historic lens; Nymans immerses you in the spectacle of a designer who made history feel like theatre.

Together, they offer a richly textured day out – part exhibition-hopping, part sensory escape – right in the Sussex countryside.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/sussex/nymans for full information of all events. from top: The Forecourt Garden at Nymans. Photo National Trust, Emma Stratton Conservation of portrait of Anne Messel. Photo National Trust Images, James Dobson Students from Wimbledon College of Arts working on a costume inspired by Oliver Messel Lydia Asscher, Honeysuckle Smells Sweetest At Dusk – Standen

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

33

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Gallery@42 Gallery@42 is all about colour as the walls are a distinctive bright pink and cerulean blue. It seemed only natural to ask the artists these two questions: 'Why do you like working with bright colour?' and 'What emotional response do you get to your work?'

Sue Branch: 'Sussex Summer', 70 x 70 oil on canvas board.

Why do I like working with bright colour?

Painting with a vibrant palette is a deeply emotional choice that brings me pure joy. The soft, rolling hills of the Sussex Downs provide the perfect canvas for high energy colour, allowing me to emphasise and elevate the natural terrain.

However, mastering this approach is a balancing act.

I rely on my deep knowledge of colour theory to create striking, harmonious combinations that captivate the viewer without overwhelming the eye.

My recent work is heavily inspired by the Fauves. I admire how Henri Matisse used unconventional hues in his landscapes and portraits. Applying this bold philosophy to the Downs in a patchwork format allows me to create a distinct, engaging style.

What emotional response do you get to your work?

When exhibiting, I intentionally showcase my most colourful pieces because of the powerful connection they create with viewers. Visitors often tell me that seeing these vibrant works lifts their spirits, acting as an antidote to grey, rainy days or amplifying the warmth of a sunny afternoon.

Hearing these complimentary reactions firsthand from visitors at Gallery@42 in South Street, Eastbourne, is incredibly rewarding. It confirms that my passion for colour truly resonates with others. l-r Sue Branch, Sussex Summer; Colin Knapp, Four Sets of Four,

Le Réchauffé; Pennie Cunliffe-Lister, Amerongen down to the Rhine, Explosion; Renee Rilexie, Dancing Cells I (detail), Isolation; Ed Gouldstone, Laon Cathedral, View from OJ to London Wall

34

Colin Knapp: 'Four Sets of Four', 40 x 50 mixed media collage, 'Le Réchauffé', 40 x 50 mixed media collage .

Why do you like working with bright colour?

With the tissue paper pictures, it isn't really a case of liking or disliking bright colours. These come with the territory. Multiple layers of tissue applied with PVA (almost) always generate a depth of vibrant colour on the canvas, which can often be quite different to that of the un-adhered paper. In that respect, it's a little bit like using a potter's glaze. Subtlety comes from overlaying papers of different colours and using variable amounts of water on the brush to produce texture. Or alternatively, from minimal application of the tissue, which allows any underpainting to show through transparently.

So, to a very large extent, the bright colours evident in my work are a function of the medium itself. Having chosen to work in this way, bright colours are a natural outcome.

What emotional response do you get to your work?

In general, I think there's a simple pleasure to be found in experiencing strong colours, especially if they are organised structurally to produce rhythm, balance and

contrast within a picture, which is mostly what I try to do – although I'm not sure that 'pleasure' is strictly an emotion. Beyond that, it may be that the viewer is able to connect to something from their own experience. In this way, the pictures and their bright colours can be understood as a sort of 'visual prompt' to a personal response – emotional or otherwise.

Pennie Cunliffe-Lister: 'Amerongen down to the Rhine', 85 x 85 acrylic on canvas, 'Explosion', 60 x 40 acrylic on canvas.

Why do you like working with bright colour?

I just do as life could be awfully dull without bright oranges, reds and blues. I even use bright colours in

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

visual arts & contemporary crafts my pet portraits when I put a bright collar on a dog or emphasise a cat’s luminescent eyes. I wear colour too because it is very uplifting. My watch is orange and the gallery button is bright pink and blue as are the walls which were inspired by Michael Craig Martin Retrospective at the RA in 2024. You cannot be miserable in colours, at least not for long.

What emotional response do you get to your work?

I am always told that my artwork is not typically English whatever that might mean because I use bright colours in all my landscapes and forest paintings. A young Gallery@42 visitor Winston (7) wrote in the guest book “I like all the colours and I find it calming”.

Renee Rilexie Sculpture 'Isolation', 27cm high mixed media, 'Dancing Cells I', 80 x 80 acrylic on canvas.

Why do you like working with bright colour: I like working in bright colours because the world would look too dull in black and white. My favourite bright colours are yellow orange sunshine. When I see that colour, it awakens the happiness gene.

What emotional response do you get to your work?

When I work with colour it brings me into a place where anything is possible especially when you see

the mix of colours or how they unravel and intertwine and communicate. 'Dancing Cells' is an emotional reaction in colour to listening to Einaudi’s Experience. Paintings are a synaesthetic response to music in colours and patterns.

Ed Gouldstone 'Laon Cathedral', 'View from OJ to London Wall', both pen and ink.

Why do you like working with bright colour?

The sunlight on that particular evening was just so beautiful the stone of the cathedral looked golden and the sky was perfect clear blue, so I felt I wanted to try and capture that with the colour beyond just the form of the actual cathedral.

What emotional response do you get to.your work?

I find that working with vibrant colour acts as an emotional, instinctive response that captures the energy of subjects like Laon Cathedral beyond simple representation. This artistic process offers a sense of focus and release, aiming to connect with viewers by presenting familiar structures through an amplified, emotional lens.

Gallery@42, South Street, Eastbourne BN21 4XB To see more go to @galleryat42 ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

35

art trails & open studios

Ashdown Forest Open Studios celebrating creativity, community and nature – 4th to 6th September

We have fallen headlong into summer, marked not only by Wimbledon but this year by searing heatwaves and the World Cup. But maybe sport is not your thing and whether or not you enjoy the recent heatwaves it's a good idea to make the most of them as we don't know when the next biblical downpour is going to happen!

A splendid way to enjoy the summer days is to visit the various art trails and open studios events across the region in which throngs of creative folk have poured their inspiration onto canvas and paper or into clay, wood, glass or stone for the enjoyment of others. As well as the opportunity to chat with the artists and makers and snag yourself a unique piece of art, many have refreshments laid on. Coupled with long balmy evenings at your local hostelry or the discovery of a new watering hole and your summer days will be perfect. In this region we are not far from the sea or beautiful counryside so here are some for you to explore.

W

e are excited to announce the inaugural Ashdown Forest Open Studios, which is taking place this coming September to coincide with the centenary of Winnie the Pooh. The studios will be open from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September, 10am to 5pm.

There will be over eighty artists/makers taking part at twenty venues situated on Ashdown Forest and in the surrounding villages, namely Forest Row, Hartfield, Crowborough, Herons Ghyll, Fairwarp, Nutley and Fletching. All the participants are Sussex-based and some will be offering demonstrations and workshops.

Come along and see the diverse creations from talented painters, ceramicists, textile artists, glass artists, sculptors and much more.

The weekend is being organised in association with/sponsored by Ashdown Forest, The Ashdown Forest Foundation (TAFF), Friends of Ashdown Forest, Crowborough Arts, Wealden District Council and Wealden Creative. There will be a Gala Evening at The Ashdown Forest Centre on Friday 4th September which will include a silent auction of works donated by some of the participating artists in aid of TAFF. Visit the studios and enter the competition to win a monetary prize to be spent with one of the artists/makers.

Ashdown Forest Open Studios celebrates

36

above: Jan Kemsley, watercolour artist

Kerry Kent, artist and poster designer

artist Sandy Infield, outside her Black Shed Studios

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

top: Valerie Letley, 'Harmony'.

All part of Ashdown Forest Open Studios

art trails & open studios creativity, community and a deep connection to nature. Artists and makers living and working around the Forest draw daily inspiration from its unique and beautiful landscapes. The event not only aims to share this creativity response to place, but also, to contribute to the preservation and future stewardship of this special natural resource. More details at www.ashdownforestopenstudios.co.uk

Susie Olford

capturing colour on canvas 22nd to 31st August

A

rundel Gallery Trail is the pinnacle of southern summer art trails and is a walking trail. Arundel provides the wonderful opportunity to leave the car, walk around the town taking in art, theatre, music, street entertainment and countless places to eat and drink. Arundel is pedestrianised at weekends; cafes move onto the High Street and Tarrant Street to the joy of visitors.

My exhibits may be found in the Old Printing House on Tarrant Street, Saturday 22nd August until Monday 31st August; official opening: noon until 17.00. Colour brochures are available in August, but the website is open now with artist and venue details: arundelgallerytrail.co.uk. Why not make life easy, travel into town by train.

With good weather a few paintings will appear outside as well as in ‘Gallery’. My world of colour in contemporary paintings displays soft blended pieces, or vibrant contrasts such as you see in The Hills are Alive. Please join me in a quirky gallery space: the Old Printing House is now an arcade of small shops, you’ll find me there before noon! smoart@btinternet.com

Vee Pease Jewellery at Hampshire Open Studios 22nd to 31st August

V

ee works in her West Sussex studio designing and making jewellery. She predominantly uses silver and loves to work with semi-precious and precious stones and beads. Vee’s work is inspired by her regular walks on the Downs near her home. She sketches and photographs seeds, grasses, ferns and plants which she uses in the design of her pieces.

Vee is the daughter and granddaughter of artists and her interest in art began at an early age. She spent much of her childhood drawing, painting and modelling with her sister and mother.

Vee will be exhibiting at Hampshire Open Studios alongside her painter mother.

They will be at North End Studio, Broughton, Stockbridge SO20 8AN from Saturday August 22nd till Monday 31st August from 10am-5pm. They are number 107 in the Hampshire Open Studios booklet. www.vpjewellery.co.uk above: Vee Pease, sterling silver leaf earrings and necklace with amethyst, apatite & chrysocolla beads; left: Susie Olford, The Hills are Alive, oil on board

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

37

art trails & open studios

Arundel Gallery Trail

creative talent in an historic setting 22nd to 31st August

N

ow in its 37th year, the Arundel Gallery Trail is delighted to present an even greater number of artists and makers exhibiting their work. With over 100 participants this year, the Trail offers a remarkable breadth of creative talent. Also, in addition to many returning venues, we welcome several new ones, each well worth a visit.

Originally designed as a walking route centred around Arundel town centre, the Trail allows visitors to explore most venues on foot while enjoying the town’s charm. Over time, the Trail has expanded to include venues on the outskirts and in nearby villages such as Walberton and Ford. These may require a longer walk or a short drive but are not to be missed.

Visitors will discover a wide mixture of art from an equally varied group of artists. The artists will be present and happy to discuss their work, much of which will be available for purchase. We hope that the creativity on display will move and inspire everyone who attends.

All mediums are well represented. Among the ceramicists, textile artists, jewellers, sculptors, glass artists, photographers, woodworkers and printmakers the visitor will also find many approaches to the art of putting paint to canvas – each with a strikingly different approach.

The Trail takes place under the umbrella of Arundel Festival of the Arts with which it runs simultaneously from 22nd to 31st August from 12 noon to 5pm daily. You can pick up a free Trail guide at every venue displaying the blue and yellow numbered flags or from many outlets in the town. Entry is free.

We extend our sincere thanks to all the artists for sharing their work and to the venues for providing space to showcase such talent. We kindly ask visitors to respect the artists, the venues, and the generous hosts who make the Trail possible.

We very much look forward to welcoming you. www.arundelgallerytrail.co.uk @arundelgallerytrail

38

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

clockwise from top – Arundel Gallery Trail, artwork by: Veni Smith; Josse Davis; Sarah Sykes, Nick Bodimeade; Elizabeth Russell; and opp page top: Claire Gray

art trails & open studios Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of venues across the whole of Worthing, each showcasing an inspiring variety of art and craft. Every venue will offer something unique, and many of the artworks and handcrafted items on display will be available to purchase. This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, with around half of the participating venues joining the trail for the first time.

The Worthing Art Trail is free to attend and welcomes visitors of all ages. To help plan your visit, a venue guide and trail map will be available.

For further information and to download a venue map, visit: www.worthingarttrail.com Worthing Art Trail, below: Nicky Brainbridge, 'Evening', acrylic on canvas; bottom: Duomo scarf by Carole Waller; bottom left: Recycled wood by Brighton Forward College students

Worthing Art Trail:

A New Chapter for 2026 and Beyond 19th & 20th and 26th & 27th September

T

he Worthing Artists Open Houses team has been making some exciting changes to its annual Art Trail. Following a successful funding bid, the team is expanding this year’s event to include voluntary groups and community organisations, celebrating the wealth of talent, creativity and community spirit across Worthing.

Recognising these exciting developments, a new logo has been created and Worthing Artists Open Houses will now be known as Worthing Art Trail.

The Art Trail will continue to take place over two weekends, with this year’s dates confirmed as: 19th & 20th and 26th & 27th September 2026.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

39

art trails & open studios

V Pease Jewellery

4,5&6TH SEPTEMBER 10 -5 am

A A FF O O SS

pm

www.ashdownforestopenstudios.co.uk

Gill Bustamante, Beyond the Hedgerow

see Vee’s jewellery at Hampshire Open Studios North End Studio, Broughton 22nd to 31st August

ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS ’

Fed up with grey dreary bad news?

Add some colour and light to your life!

subscribe to ingénu/e magazine and never miss a copy! beautiful handcrafted silver jewellery from the heart of Sussex 07885 472366 | peasevm@gmail.com

www.vpjewellery.co.uk

40

Discover the art and culture happening on your doorstep for just £29.50 per year To subscribe visit www.ingenuemagazine.co.uk or email subscribe@ingenuemagazine.co.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

art trails & open studios

Arundel Gallery Trail 2026 22-31 August

12-5 daily

100+ artists and makers 39 venues Free guide from all venues displaying the yellow and blue flag or from many outlets in the town

gallery t ra l

A R U N D E L 2026

arundelgallerytrail.co.uk Image: Frances Knight

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

41

what's on at the

theatre

Two unmissable shows this summer at Eastbourne Theatres Stepping Out – Devonshire Park Theatre 13th to 29th August Joining the previously announced Strictly star Karen Hauer and actress Lucy Benjamin will be Carli Norris, Wendy Mae Brown, Ben Stock, Felicity Duncan and Devon-Elise Johnso.

Stepping Out follows a group of mis-matched amateur tap dancers as they prepare for a charity gala performance. Proving ordinary people can do something extraordinary, this delightful theatrical experience shows that a series of missteps and mishaps can lead to something truly special.

This brand-new production is recently updated by Richard Harris, with the themes of friendship and resilience still very much in the spotlight. It promises an uplifting night of theatre, as we follow the group on their journey which is packed with humour, warmth, and relatability.

The Ballad of Johnny and June – Congress Theatre 25th to 29th August This brand-new musical tells the extraordinary love story of two of country music’s greatest legends, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

Starring Christopher Ryan Grant as Johnny Cash and Christina Bianco as June Carter Cash, the production features a live band and powerhouse performances that capture the passion, humour and resilience of one of music’s most iconic couples.

The Ballad of Johnny and June is told through the eyes of the couple’s only son, John Carter Cash, offering an intimate look at their extraordinary lives and enduring legacy.

Featuring timeless hits including I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Jackson, A Boy Named Sue, I’ve Been Everywhere, Sunday Morning Coming Down and Hurt, this exhilarating new musical combines iconic live music with a captivating story for an unforgettable night at the theatre. The Ballad of Johnny and June promises an uplifting evening of memorable performances, timeless songs and heartfelt storytelling.

Visit eastbournetheatres.co.uk for more info about all that’s on.

42

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

top & inset: The Ballad of Johnny and June; photo by Pamela Raith Photography

Stepping Out – above: Wendy Mae Brown right: Carli Norris

performing arts – theatre

Snapshots of some of what’s on at

The Hawth, Crawley this summer

A Midsummer Night's Dream – 30th July Four Forty Theatre invite you into their outrageous take on Shakespeare’s most magical comedy. A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows runaway lovers, magical creatures, and a group of very determined actors who find themselves in over their heads. With quick character changes, playful invention, and a sparkle of silliness, Four Forty transform the classic into a joyful night of theatre for audiences of all ages.

The Pirates of Penzance – 31st July Frederick, apprenticed to Pirates as a child, is indentured to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday. The Pirate King learns that Frederick was born in a leap year on 29th February, checks the contract’s small print – and realises he has only had four birthdays. Will Frederick be forced to serve the pirates until he is 84? And will his sweetheart, Mabel, wait for him that long?

These two events are outdoor performances so please dress for the weather. You may like to bring a camping chair/cushion to sit on, and a picnic to enjoy during the performance.

Cancellation in dangerous weather only, when performance will be rescheduled. Tickets are non-refundable.

The Class of 55: The History of Rock 'n' Roll: 27th August Take a journey back to the birth of Rock 'n' Roll in this spectacular documentary concert celebrating the artists who changed music forever.

The Class of '55 chronicles the songs, stories, and cultural impact of the pioneers who created a musical revolution. From the ground breaking recordings of Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Big Bopper, Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley to the unforgettable hits that defined a generation, this production brings the soundtrack of the 1950s vividly to life.

Visit hawth.co.uk for everything at The Hawth. below: The Class of 55; bottom: Pirates of Penzance

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

43

performing arts – theatre

Make the Most of Late Summer

Magic & Mischief

The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle There’s something rather special about a summer evening at The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle.

Whether it’s live music as the sun goes down, an open-air Shakespeare performance or a family favourite enjoyed with a picnic, the setting is every bit as memorable as the show itself.

August is packed with entertainment for all ages.

Music lovers can enjoy The Ed Sheeran Experience on 1st August, followed by the legendary Ronnie Scott's All Stars on 2nd August and the Britpop anthems of Oasiz on 6th August.

Theatre fans are spoilt for choice too, with Around the World in 80 Days on 8th August, Treasure Island on 19th August, Mike Leigh's brilliantly awkward Abigail's Party on 21st & 22nd August, and the hilarious King Arthur and the Holy Fail from Three Inch Fools on 25th August.

The summer season finishes on a high with Tour of the Eras on 26th August, The Dusty Show on 29th August and the ever-popular Last Night of the Hever Proms on 30th August, while September marks the start of the theatre's autumn season with even more live music and theatre to look forward to.

Whether you're planning a family day out, a catchup with friends or a special evening under the stars, The Festival Theatre has a show to suit every taste.

To browse the full programme and book tickets, visit: www.thefestivaltheatre.org.

— a review

This Is My Theatre's hat-astrophic production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream After several days of unseasonable winds and torrential rain the weather gods smiled upon us one Friday evening in June. We were off to see This Is My Theatre perform A Midsummer Night's Dream in the beautiful gardens of Nymans, the quietly majestic National Trust house in Sussex.

The stage was set against the backdrop of the roofless ruins of the Great Hall and as the audience settled down under an eggshell-blue sky, the three actors welcomed us with song, perfectly setting the tone for the evening.

What followed was a hilarious romp through the Athenian woods, as the farcical convolutions of the love triangles and mistaken identity played out. With too many characters and not enough actors, this unique scaled down adaptation of Shakespeare's much-loved comedy lost nothing for being so cleverly distilled. With just three actors each taking on three

summer evening performance at The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle

44

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

performing arts – theatre major roles (and some minor ones), the timing, character-swapping choreography and extraordinary skill provided a joyous spectacle. Blink-and-you-missit details, seamless transitions between the courtly faerie kingdom, the quarrelsome rivalry of the young lovers and the rambunctious buffoonery of the rude mechanicals – evoked with the donning of a hat and the change of regional accent – and the pure physicality of their performance made for a high energy, enthralling and hugely entertaining evening.

This Is My Theatre at its inimitable best!

Catch them this summer as they tour The Great Gatsby and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

All details of venues and dates can be found at www.thisismytheatre.com

madness. Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland invites you to lose yourself in the magic of one of literature’s most beloved journeys!

And we are also delighted to be back this summer with another family-friendly adventure. Our adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's much-loved story – packed with glamour, guile and plenty of gorgeous music – will be sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams

This is My Theatre

touring Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Great Gatsby this summer We are delighted to be back this Summer with another family-friendly adventure.

Our adaptation of Lewis Carroll's much-loved story, packed with music, merriment and plenty of magic, will be sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems…

Join Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and encounters a whirlwind of curious characters— the grinning Cheshire Cat, the frantic White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter, and the fearsome Queen of Hearts. This timeless tale of imagination, riddles, and wonder comes to life on stage in a dazzling production full of humour, music, and a touch of

with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel brings Jay Gatsby’s glittering world to life – a place of opulence, obsession, and heartbreak.

Visit www.thisismytheatre.com for all details of venues and dates. opposite page top: This Is My Theatre's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (The Rude Mechanicals); this page from top: This Is My Theatre's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

45

performing arts – theatre

Imperial Classical Ballet 20th Anniversary UK Tour 2026

In 2026, we proudly celebrate twenty years of touring classical art across the United Kingdom, bringing timeless masterpieces to life with international artists and full live orchestras. This anniversary season is a tribute to that journey — and to the audiences who have made it possible.

Giselle: A Romantic Ballet Where Love Triumphs Over Betrayal – featuring a full live orchestra.

Giselle tells the heartbreaking story of a peasant girl who falls deeply in love with Prince Albrecht, unaware of his true identity. When the truth is revealed and her heart shatters, Giselle succumbs to her grief. In the spirit world, she joins the Wilis — the ghosts of betrayed young women who dance men to death. Yet when Albrecht arrives at her grave, Giselle’s love rises above vengeance, protecting him from the Wilis’ deadly fate.

The Nutcracker: A Timeless Ballet with New Season Magic – featuring a full live orchestra.

Following multiple sold-out UK tours this beloved production returns with all its festive magic. The Nutcracker tells the enchanting story of Clara and her journey into a magical world of dancing snowflakes, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Kingdom of Sweets.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed

A masterpiece of the Romantic era, Giselle is celebrated for its emotional depth, ethereal choreography, and the haunting beauty of its iconic second act. Performed with a full live orchestra, this production captures the power of forgiveness and the enduring strength of love.

46

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

performing arts – theatre

live by a full orchestra, the production features lavish costumes, classical choreography, and a cast of internationally acclaimed dancers. A magical experience for families and ballet lovers alike.

Swan Lake: A Timeless Ballet of Love, Betrayal, and Redemption – featuring a full live orchestra.

Swan Lake tells the powerful story of Princess Odette, cursed to live as a swan by day and a woman by night. When Prince Siegfried vows to break the spell, deception and dark forces threaten their love.

From the iconic lakeside scenes to the electrifying Black Swan pas de deux, Swan Lake remains one of the most celebrated ballets in history. Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, performed live, brings depth and emotion to this unforgettable masterpiece. All productions are performed with a full live orchestra, featuring internationally acclaimed dancers, lavish costumes, and breathtaking staging. from above: See the advert for performances in our area and visit Namiko Gahierhttps://amande-concerts.co.uk for full details and tickets.

Ogawa;

Massimo Modoni; Harun Tekin; Daniel Chomiak; all appearing in NSO's David & Jonathan

opposite page top: Giselle; bottom: The Nutcracker; this page top: Swan Lake

New Sussex Opera presents

David & Jonathan

An opera by Marc-Antoine Charpentier This French jewel should be better known.

You may think you don’t know any music by MarcAntoine Charpentier, but if you have ever watched the Eurovision song contest you do: the opening fanfare for that (and the signature tune for all Eurovision broadcasts) is the prelude to his Te Deum, a rondo.

New Sussex Opera is presenting the first UK staging of Charpentier's David and Jonathan in October, opening in Hove and touring the south east including London’s Cadogan Hall. Paul Higgins is director and Toby Purser conductor, Mollie Cheek designer,

continued overleaf 4

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

47

performing arts - theatre continued from previous page... dramaturg Ben Poore, choreographer Namiko Gahier-Ogawa. There is a fantastic cast of emerging artists, especially the brilliant Harun Tekin as David – one to watch – and the Bellot Ensemble will be in the pit, they are Radio 3 New Generation Baroque Ensemble artists at the moment. Additionally we have commissioned an English translation from Christopher Cowell.

This is NSO’s first baroque opera as a main production (apart from the cod Handel Dragon of Wantley). It's a real jewel of the French baroque and hasn't been done in London and the south before – we are very proud to present it, as NSO has a habit of mounting under-appreciated works. The opera itself has a simple story (the same as Handel's Saul) but with incredible psychological and musical complexity: it is a powerful meditation on war and has a beautiful relationship between two men at its heart – production-wise there will be some lovely baroque choreography and lots of stage percussion (including the most amazing thunder machine).

Please visit www.newsussexopera.org for more information and tickets.

A snapshot of cultural treats this summer at

Uckf ield Picture House

Exhibition: David Hockney from the Royal Academy (PG) – 19th August Commemorating the passing of Britain's most popular artist, here is another chance to watch local director, Phil Grabsky's intimate documentary, a cinematic celebration of two blockbuster exhibitions held in 2012 and 2016 at London's Royal Academy of Art and featuring in-depth interviews with Hockney himself.

Turandot on Sydney Harbour (PG) – 25th August Directed by Chen Shi-Zheng, is known for its lavish sets, including a 25-metre dragon and a 20-metre pagoda, and its use of contemporary cinema and Chinese acrobatics. The production features a cast of world-class singers, including Dragana Radakovic as Turandot and Riccardo Massi as Calaf, and is known for its powerful rendition of 'Nessun Dorma'.

And for something a little different …

Murder Mystery Meal – 11th September Enjoy a three course meal and solve the murder mystery just £50 per person. Call to book a table 01825 764909.

A recent Tripadvisor comment about the cinema: “A traditional cinema which shows off-the-wall films as well as that week's blockbuster. Staff are friendly and attentive.

The auditoria are comfy. We order tea and it's brought swiftly to our seat. Lovely! (And a nice discount for members).”

Visit www.picturehouseuckfield.com for full details.

Stunning scenes from Opera Australia's Turandot on Sydney Harbour

48

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

performing arts - theatre

THIS IS MY THEATRE presents two classic tales this summer

Alice’s Adventures

inWonderland The Great Gatsby

For details, dates & venues www.thisismytheatre.com

Hockney 19th August

Aida on Sydney Harbour 28th July

Turandot on Sydney Harbour 25th August

RTS STA T N ME ISH B R U REF

026 ER 2 M SUM

James McNeil Whistler 15th & 16th September

photo ©Aliona Adrianova

La Traviata on Sydney Harbour 29th September

Goldsworthy with Andrew Graham Dixon – 6th October

01825 764909 | www.picturehouseuckfield.com | The Picture House Cinema & Restaurant, High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1AS 01342 321666 | www.atriumeastgrinstead.com | The Atrium Cinema, King Street, East Grinstead, RH19 3DJ

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

49

performing arts

FEEL THE THRILL OF LIVE THEATRE!

14–19 July

13–29 August

ER B M E V O N 18–21 Everything Everything (22 Jul) • Operation Mincemeat (4–8 Aug) The Johnny Cash Musical – The Ballad of Johnny and June (25–29 Aug) Dog Man The Musical (4–5 Sep)

For Full Whats On Listings visit eastbournetheatres.co.uk Box Office 01323 412000 50

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

hawth.co.uk 01293 553636

performing arts

COMING SOON...

Wed 15 July I Amphitheatre

AS YOU LIKE IT

In Shakespeare’s iconic comedy four pairs of soulmates meet in the mysterious Forest of Arden. But playful flirting becomes more pain than pleasure and love itself is pushed to the limit.

Tue 21 July I Amphitheatre

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

All for One; One for All! Young D’Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard. But are his swashbuckling credentials sufficient?

Thu 30 July I Amphitheatre

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Four runaway lovers, feuding sprites, and an ill-fated rehearsal. Four Forty Theatre reinvent the Shakespeare classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with inventive staging, irreverent wit, and gloriously theatrical mischief.

Fri 31 July I Amphitheatre

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operetta is performed by a six-strong cast of actors and singers with a fully orchestrated accompaniment.

Sat 1 August

WONDERS OF OUR UNIVERSE

Join astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS for a breathtaking journey through space and time. The show combines cinematic visuals, powerful storytelling, and an unforgettable soundtrack to bring the cosmos to life.

Sat 15 August

CARLTON MAIN FRICKLEY COLLIERY BAND Come and join one of the world’s most successful brass bands, in concert with International Trombone Star, Peter Moore.

Sat 22 August I Amphitheatre

THE ADVENTURES OF PETER RABBIT

This production offers a unique spin on the beloved classic tales. So expect the characters and stories you love with a modern twist to engage all ages.

Performed by a cast of community and professional actors.

Thu 27 August

THE CLASS OF 55

A high-energy celebration of the pioneers who shaped rock ’n’ roll forever. If you love the history of rock ’n’ roll, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Wed 2 September

MADE IN TENNESSEE

Made in Tennessee takes you through the decades of the nation’s fastest growing music genre, from Country’s origin in the Southern States of America to modern day Country heard around the world.

Wed 9 September

MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE

You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. All you have to do... is solve the hilarious improvised murder mystery!

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

51

performing arts presents

GISELLE

THE NUTCRACKER

SWAN LAKE

performed to a large live orchestra

Eastbourne, Congress Theatre 11 Oct Eastbourne, Congress Theatre 09 Oct Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Halls 14 Nov For information and tickets go to amande-concerts.co.uk

Eastbourne, Congress Theatre 10 Oct Crawley, The Hawth 14 Oct Portsmouth, New Theatre Royal 11 Nov

Shakespeare Under the Stars At Worthing’s Magical Highdown Gardens

OVER

40

HEVER CASTLE PENSHURST PLACE CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE

NT

EN

RomeoJuliet &

A pair of star-crossed lovers

YEARS

TE OF RTAINME

Tue 7th July to Sun 12th July

THE WEST END IN KENT, THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND

Richard III

JUST LIKE THAT! THE TOMMY COOPER SHOW

One man’s ruthless rise Tue 14th July to Sun 19th July

FRI 24 JULY

SAT 25 JULY

SUN 26 JULY

THEFESTIVALTHEATRE.ORG BOX OFFICE - 07379 488 477

Book Tickets From Worthing Theatres

01903 206206 or wtm.uk or at the gate available from 90 mins before the performance

A SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE ACROSS KENTS HISTORIC VENUES

52

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

performing arts

The Mediaeval Baebes Three Decades of Enchantment

celebrate with 30th Anniversary Tour The internationally acclaimed Mediæval Bæbes are marking an extraordinary milestone: thirty years of timeless song.

To celebrate three decades of ethereal music, haunting harmonies and genre-defying artistry, the ensemble will be performing in Ryde and Horsham in December, as part of their special 30th Anniversary Tour.

The story of the Mediaeval Baebes began in 1996, when musical director and composer Katharine Blake slipped into London's Abney Park Cemetery at midnight, to sing madrigals with a group of friend’s.

From these unconventional beginnings emerged one of the most distinctive and celebrated vocal groups of modern times.

Over the past thirty years, the Mediæval Bæbes have released twelve studio albums and won an Ivor Novello Award for their performance on the BBC serialisation 'The Virgin Queen'. They have also received two Emmy nominations and a Royal Television Society award as the featured artist alongside composer Martin Phipps for the theme tune of ITV’s hit TV show 'Victoria'.

With each concert starting with a torchlit procession

accompanied by a musical fanfare of mediæval instruments and drums, the celebration will include tracks from the latest album The Spinning Wheel.

Showcasing a richly woven collection of twelve songs inspired by the months of the year, they journey through the seasons from frost-bright winter laments to the heat-hazed longing of high summer.

Audiences can expect voices that shimmer, stories that linger, and music that feels at once both centuries old and strikingly new! Thirty years on, the wheel still turns… and you are warmly invited to join them on a musical journey of celebration, myth and song.

Throughout their many incarnations, the Mediæval Bæbes have captivated audiences worldwide. Their performances have spanned an extraordinary range of venues, from castles and caves, to cathedrals and festival stages. Highlights include appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall, Jersey Opera House, Tewkesbury Abbey, and the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival. They have toured alongside Jools Holland, supported Michael Flatley in Hyde Park, and performed at the renowned Lilith Fair.

To celebrate thirty years of music-making, the Mediæval Bæbes will once again be bring past and present together in a soundscape that is entirely their own. And, steeped in timeless enchantment, the concert experience will weave together ancient texts, traditional melodies and original compositions.

For more information and to book your place at a magical event, visit www.mediaevalbaebes.com top: The Mediæval Bæbes. Photo: Rob Kelly

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

53

performing arts

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Krapp’s Last Tape Weds 22nd July, 8pm

Atlanticus: Performing the

multimedia suite Oceanic Sat 1st August, 8pm

The Too Bad Jims Fri 21st August, 8pm

A sample of MELTING VINYL gigs in late summer Fuzzy Lights and special guests 26th September at the Rossi Bar, Brighton Cambridge’s acclaimed psych-folk quintet Fuzzy Lights return with their fifth album ‘Fen Creatures’, set for release in November via Meadows. Following 2021’s critically lauded ‘Burials’, the band have created their most conceptually ambitious work to date – a meditation on environmental crisis that uses the folklore and history of East Anglia as a lens to examine humanity’s fractured relationship with the natural world. 4

MELTING VINYL LIVE

COMING UP IN 2026 11.09 26.09 02.10 11.10

Dustbowl Revival

Tues 25th August, 8pm

Little High Street, Shoreham by Sea, BN43 5EG

www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk Box Office: 01273 464440

16.10 25.10 06.11 11.11 27.11 02.12 04.12 12.12

2027 21.02 Joan as Policewoman (with her trio) meltingvinyl.co.uk

Registered charity no: 1109381

54

Sairie Fuzzy Lights Pete Fij LSD and the Search for God Lemoncello Stornoway Penguin Cafe KENT Steve Knightley & the Winter Yards band Jetstream Pony James Yorkston KENT Danalogue Departure Lounge

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

performing arts Two diverse shows this summer at ROPETACKLE ARTS CENTRE, Shoreham-by-Sea

Musically, the quintet have pushed deeper into experimental drone territories while maintaining the crystalline folk sensibilities that have become their signature. The result is their most atmospheric and immersive work to date, with vast sonic landscapes that mirror the fenland geography they’re documenting.

And later…

LSD and the Search For God arrive at Komedia, Brighton on 11th October The band hit the Northern California coast in 2005, seemingly from another place and time, dosing San Francisco with hypnotic shows built on swirling guitars, otherworldly drones, fuzzed-out pop melodies and dreamy vocal harmonies.

Early shows and recordings drew comparisons to My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Yo La Tengo, Spacemen 3, and Sonic Youth, helping the band quickly earn a reputation as a must-see act within the Northern California underground shoegaze and psych scene.

Visit www.meltingvinyl.co.uk for all information of upcoming gigs. opp page top: LSD and the Search For God; above: Fuzzy Lights; (Melting Vinyl). right: Ropetackle Exterior by night; below: Atlanticus, photo: Rikki Borkum (Ropetackle)

1st August: ATLANTICUS – transatlantic organ jazz with an original twist Atlanticus is a British-American musical partnership bringing together the powerfully distinct musical personalities of US saxophonist Peter Fraize and UK organist Terry Seabrook, trumpeter Jack Kendon and drummer Milo Fell, delivering a dynamic new entry to the rich transatlantic heritage of jazz.

The band draws from the storied tradition of the great Hammond organ groups, with a post-modern sound echoing the ground-breaking organ quartet of Larry Young’s Unity album and contemporary artists like Larry Goldings. The group’s repertoire is comprised of mostly original music spanning a broad stylistic spectrum of Hard Bop blowouts, modal explorations, funk and odd-metered grooves, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and the Blues; their engaging compositions, sometimes intricate, always grooving.

With a new studio album and a summer 2026 tour planned, Atlanticus continues to move forward with exciting, modern and original Organ Jazz.

25th August: Dustbowl Revival – joyful, boundary-pushing soul music Dustbowl Revival has always been about pushing the boundaries of what American roots music can be. After celebrating more than a decade of sonic adventuring and playing thousands of shows together across the world, the group collected a devoted fan base coast-to-coast.

After spending years on the road, selling out hometown shows at LA’s famed Troubadour, headlining festivals and wowing crowds from Denmark to China, Dustbowl Revival never stopped making their joyful, booty-shaking soul songs and cut-to-heart folk-rock ballads that lift up their transcendent live shows.

Visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk for the full programme of events at the Arts Centre.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

55

performing arts

COASTAL EVENTS UK Four marvellous events this autumn and early winter

First off, The Feeling play Eastbourne's Winter Garden and the Drill Shed in Margate in early November.

Emerging from the heart of the noughties music scene, The Feeling embodies an era of unadulterated sonic brilliance. Their meteoric rise saw them dominate the charts, achieving four UK Top 10 hits and a staggering six weeks on the Singles Charts.

In the past two decades, the group have gone on to perform on the legendary Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, play to the masses at prestigious festivals like V Festival and release album ‘Join with Us’ which soared to the top of the UK charts. The band are now ready to take audiences on an unforgettable musical journey once again.

Then on 14th November The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain come to the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has achieved – almost by accident – international critical acclaim as the most entertaining pluckers in the world.

Somewhere between punk and classical sensibilities, between serious musicianship and restrained British humour, their forty-plus year career has taken them all over the world, winning hordes of friends, fans and imitators along the way.

Buckle up for a helter-skelter ride through every kind of musical genre with plenty of laughs along the way in an evening of Classical, Pop, Punk, Funk, Disco, Bluegrass and Metal.

25th November sees Turin Brakes perform Songs and Stories at The Old Market Brighton.

This special one-night-only event will see the band perform an acoustic set spanning their celebrated back catalogue, alongside an exclusive, candid conversation with the audience. Expect a relaxed, bar-style atmosphere as they share stories, insights and behind-the-scenes moments from across their career. There will also be a live audience Q&A, 56

offering the chance to ask your own questions.

And last but definitely not least, in midDecember the De La Warr Pavilion welcomes the dazzling James Bond Concert Spectacular.

Widely considered to be the finest performance of James Bond music since the originals, they bring the globally renowned franchise to life on stage in the most passionate, adrenalinefueled, energetic and polished performance imaginable, featuring all the hit title songs and some special cues from the scores.

The evening will be hosted by Miss Moneypenny herself: Caroline Bliss, who will guide you through the concert as compere, sharing the odd anecdote about her time in this legendary series. With stunning singing, an informative compere, and a show full of iconic tunes performed to an unparalleled level of detail it really is a night of exceptional quality.

As the only James Bond concert created by die-hard Bond fans, for Bond fans, by people who understand the music better than anyone else, you won’t want to miss it.

Visit https://www.coastalevents.co.uk for details of all events.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

top: James Bond Spectacular; inset: The Feeling

performing arts LIVE MUSIC IN HORSHAM Autumn 2026 presented by Horsham Music Circle for the 85th Season

SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER St Mary’s Church 7.00pm RED PRIEST - Truly, Madly Baroque

This ‘wildly virtuosic little band’ - recorders, violin, cello and harpsichord - is at the cutting edge of baroque music performance and led by recorder virtuoso PIERS ADAMS

THURSDAY 17th OCTOBER ` Causeway Barn 7.00pm SOFIA ROS classical accordionist

Music Box Wealden

Supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust Scarlatti, Bach, Albéniz, Piazzolla, Zolotaryov

Saturday 4th July 7pm

Saturday 18th July 7pm

Memorable concerts with local artists

Christ Church - St21st Leonards Christ Church - St Leonards SATURDAY NOVEMBER St Mary’s Church 7.00pm The COULL QUARTET

One of Britain’s leading string quartets play Mozart, Shostakovich and Brahms

Tuesday 7th July 7.30pm

Tuesday 21st July 8pm

Saturday 4th July 7pm Christ Church St Leonards Saturday 4th- July 7pm

Saturday 18th July 7pm Christ Church - St July Leonards Saturday 18th 7pm

Tuesday 7th July 7.30pm

Tuesday 21st July 8pm Tuesday 21st July 8pm Battle Abbey - Battle

Christ Church - St Leonards

7th July 7.30pm St Tuesday Clements Church - Old Town St Clements Church - Old Town

Saturday 11th July 3pm

Alexandra Park Band Stand - Hastings Saturday 11th July 3pm

Saturday 11th July 3pm Alexandra Park Band Stand --Hastings Alexandra Park Bandstand Hastings Alexandra Park Band Stand - Hastings

A platform for emerging talents from our area Building a classical music community in Wealden

TICKETS Phone: 01403 252602 email: horshammusiccircle@gmail.com online www.wegottickets.com/HorshamMusicCircle www.horsham-music-circle.org.uk

St Clements Church - Old Town

HPO OPEN DOORS 2026

Intimate, atmospheric venues

4th-23rd July

musicboxwealden.co.uk Classical music on your doorstep

Battle Abbey - Battle

Christ Church - St Leonards

HPO HPO OPEN OPEN DOORS DOORS 2026 2026 4th-23rd July 4th-23rd July

Battle Abbey - Battle

Thursday 23rd July 7.30pm Christ Church23rd - St Leonards Thursday July 7.30pm Christ Church23rd - St Leonards Thursday July 7.30pm Christ Church - St Leonards

Tuesday 14th July 7.30pm

Tuesday 14th July- 7.30pm White Rock Theatre Hastings White Rock Theatre - Hastings

HASTINGS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA HASTINGS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Tuesday 14th July 7.30pm

Pieces by SARASATE | BIZET | SAINT-SAËNS | RAVEL | ELGAR Pieces by SARASATE | BIZET | SAINT-SAËNS | RAVEL | ELGAR

White Rock Theatre - Hastings

BOOK BFORO EK E TICF KR EE TE S TICKETS

HASTINGS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Charity Registration No. 1191425 Charity Registration No. 1191425

www.hpo.org.uk www.hpo.org.uk

BOOK F R E: Eissue 52 ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald

Pieces by SARASATE | BIZET | SAINT-SAËNS | RAVEL | ELGAR

57

performing arts Horsham Music Circle Autumn Series 2026 We are delighted to commence our 85th Season with an exciting Autumn Series featuring internationally acclaimed performers, rising stars and one of Britain's most respected chamber ensembles. Three contrasting concerts promise virtuosity, imagination and memorable musical experiences.

We begin on Saturday 19th September at 7.00pm in St Mary's Church with Red Priest and their programme, Truly Madly Baroque. Renowned for their electrifying performances and theatrical flair, the quartet brings fresh energy to music

by Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Telemann and Corelli, capturing the exuberance and invention of the baroque age.

On Saturday 17th October at 7.00pm in the Causeway Barn, Spanish accordionist Sofía Ros showcases the remarkable versatility of the classical

accordion. Her programme ranges from Albéniz and Scarlatti to Bach, Liszt and Tchaikovsky, demonstrating both technical brilliance and expressive depth.

We close on Saturday 21st November at 7.00pm in St Mary's Church with the acclaimed Coull Quartet. Their programme features Mozart's celebrated 'Dissonance' Quartet, Shostakovich's poignant Seventh Quartet and Brahms's richly expressive Quartet in A minor, Op. 51 No. 2, bringing our autumn series to a powerful and rewarding conclusion.

Visit www.horsham-music-circle.org.uk for full details or call 01403 252602. top: Red Priest; left: Sofia Ros

••••

Hanover Band double-bill Summer concerts in August, part of Arundel Festival St Nicholas’ Church, Arundel Schubert and Haydn – 29th August 7pm The Hanover Band, one of Britain’s finest period instrument orchestras, returns to St Nicholas’ Church in Arundel for our annual festival concert.

This concert features an opportunity to hear Haydn's trumpet concerto, performed on an original historic instrument – an original trumpet from Haydn's period of

writing – an extremely rare event as these instruments are only very occasionally performed on.

David Blackadder will perform on an instrument originally made in Nuremberg by Johann Carl Kodisch around 1700. It was made by Mathew Martin of Norwich Natural Trumpets and has extremely light tubing which makes it easier to play sustained passages in the high register. This technique of playing developed throughout the 17th & 18th centuries and became highly prized by composers and their patrons alike. The sound that can be achieved in the high register is not unlike that of a woodwind instrument and the trumpet was indeed said to be capable of being “as sweet as an Oboe”. By using different articulations the best trumpeters could play very delicately and their trills were said to rival that of any flautist of the day.

St Leonard's Church, South Stoke, West Sussex – Patron’s lunchtime concert 30th August 12:00 pm Featuring much-loved string quintets by Weber and Mozart, this concert is followed by a canapé and drinks reception.

Visit https://thehanoverband.com for further information and to book tickets. pictured left: St Nicholas’ Church Arundel

58

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

performing arts

HPO Open Doors Festival 2026 Classical Music without Barriers This July, the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra invites everyone to experience the power of live classical music through the HPO Open Doors Festival.

A unique celebration of music, community and accessibility, it takes place across Hastings from 4th to 23rd July. Most remarkably, every event in the festival is completely free of charge. At a time when rising costs can make cultural events feel out of reach, HPO Open Doors is built on a simple belief: great music should belong to

everyone. Whether you are a lifelong concert-goer or have never attended a classical performance before, the festival offers a warm invitation to step through the door and discover what classical music can offer.

The programme showcases the extraordinary variety of classical music, from family-friendly performances and community events to large-scale orchestral and choral masterpieces.

Audiences will encounter everything from the drama and colour of Bizet's Carmen, the mystery of Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, and the enchantment of Ravel's Ma Mère l'Oye, to the monumental power of works such as Elgar's Enigma Variations, Orff's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms.

Hastings is the smallest town in the UK with a fully professional orchestra, and through Open Doors, HPO continues its mission of ensuring that world-class classical music is accessible to all. No tickets to buy, no barriers to entry – just outstanding music, shared freely with the community.

We look forward to welcoming you this July.

Visit www.hpo.org.uk for full information.

••••

Music Box Wealden Classical music on your doorstep Music Box Wealden brings professional musicians with local roots to venues – the more unusual the better – across the Wealden area.

Our concerts are warm, informal, educational and attended by a growing community of local music lovers – and they’re all free to under 18s.

Talking of unusual venues, William Hancox’s exploration of Music in Society, ‘Who Pays the Piper?’on 4th July was in the intimate setting of the roundhouse of the impressively restored windmill at Windmill Hill.

Following on from that is a recital on 19th July at Hellingly church, featuring the exciting young local violinist Richart van Zyl with sonatas by Poulenc and Ravel and Khachaturian’s electrifying Sabre Dance.

On the 14th August, harpist Fiona Hosford performs in another architectural gem, the beautiful 15th century Clergy House at Alfriston, with early English music and popular works from 19th century Spain.

Fabulous flautist Daisy Noton, partnered by local pianist Helen Ridout will play at Buxton Church on 6th September and in October we welcome international recorder virtuoso Piers Lane and keyboardist Lyndy Mayle to the magnificent Elizabethan barn at Michelham Priory with their unique concert experience, Baroque Alchemy.

For concert details, tickets and membership information, please

Fiona Hosford

visit musicboxwealden.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you at a Music Box concert soon!

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

59

poetry prose & illustration

We Three Witches

by Rosie Talbot

"I would do anything for you."

"That's what I'm afraid of..."

It is 1938 and in the historic city of York Viola Samphire is immersing herself in the study of ancient and arcane knowledge; with her three best friends, her coven, she pursues the art of magic.

But when fire sweeps through their meeting place killing Edie, her coven sister and unrequited love, it leaves Viola stricken, both physically and emotionally.

During her painful recovery she makes a startling discovery. She can see ghosts. To her relief, being now a seer means that she can both see and interact with Edie. But along with this new-found ability comes the realisation that all is not well. The streets of York are teeming with the spirits of the dead, and not all of them are benign. Most go about their business much as they did when alive, but some are malignant, powerful and destructive and, to make matters worse, their favoured source of nourishment is the life-force of seers.

Faced with this unexpected threat, Viola must let her remaining coven sisters know of her new ability and discover the source of the fire that killed her best friend. Was it just a terrible accident or was there some heinous intent behind it.

When Viola is called upon to use her divination skills

to help a mother whose child is mortally ill and not responding to treatment, she starts to suspect dark forces are at work. As she pieces things together an insidious danger starts to come to light. Impatient and driven by the desire for revenge, she must discover the truth behind Edie's death and keep her safe though her own life is in peril. She is offered help by her closest allies and strangers alike but, ultimately, who can she trust?

Written with a palpable urgency that kept me turning the pages, this story of love, loss, magic and discovery had me hooked. I was thoroughly invested in Viola's struggles against insuperable odds to uncover who or what snatched away the love of her life and nearly cost her her own mortality.

With the minimum of description the key characters – including the ghosts – are fleshed out such that you would know them if you met them. Even York itself, written with intimate familiarity, takes its place among the cast of characters. Next time you visit the city you will view it in a whole new light...

We Three Witches is a prequel to Rosie Talbot's earlier novel Twelve Bones and answers some questions left dangling in that story. All I want to know is – what happens next...!

Available from Waterstones and online. For more about the author visit www.rosietalbot.co.uk

••••

The Airline Girl

by Lizzie Page

It is two years since the end of the war and as England recovers from its privations 19-year-old Audrey Wright finds herself without a job.

Relied upon by her mum who had been badly injured in the Blitz, and anxious not to give her extra worries, Audrey set about finding work. But with men returning from active service positions were few and far between. When she saw an advert for a job as ground crew at Southend airport it stirred her imagination. Air travel was not common so to be close to the tantalising idea of exotic destinations was thrilling.

She plucked up her courage and made the arduous journey to the flat reaches of the Thames estuary and the fledgling airport. But by a twist of fate she found herself in an interview for the role of air hostess.

Despite being well-grounded and planning a future of domestic bliss with her handsome fiancé, Audrey had dreams. And when she saw a pair of glamorous air hostesses disembark upon their return from Gibralter something clicked. Why not accept the job. After all, the burgeoning post-war airline industry was full of promise. Air travel was the future and this was the opportunity of a lifetime. Her mum would be proud 60

of her and surely so would Martin, her fiancé, though she would have to keep her engagement a secret as there was a ban on employing married women.

During her training Audrey discovered elements of her character hitherto hidden and gained abilities she never thought possible. She forged close friendships with her two fellow trainees and started to love living in Southend, away from the rubble-filled streets of London and within sight of the estuary, with its mud and salty tang.

Now Audrey was suspended between two worlds, two futures. One where she settled down with her beloved husband in their little home and raised a family, and the other in which she had independence, travelled the world, had new experiences and tested her limits. As time wore on this inner conflict grew, and when Martin wanted to bring the wedding forward Audrey had a decision to make.

The Airline Girl is an engaging story that captures the hopeful atmosphere of post-war Britain. You will warm to the plucky heroine and her tight-knit group on the journey of their lives.

Available from Waterstones and online. For more bookish news check out @lizziepagewriter

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

poetry prose & illustration

Longshore Drift

by Bronwen Griffiths

Where the sea meets the shore, damaged souls must find their way back from the edge When Joe's mother and sister died in a suspicious house fire, his father vanished without a trace. Now Joe lives with his uncle on a remote shingle spit called The Point, but he's starting to suspect his uncle is hiding dark secrets about that terrible night.

Fourteen-year-old Cassie arrives at The Point with her mentally fragile mother Sylvie, fleeing their chaotic London life. As Sylvie's grip on reality crumbles, Cassie finds herself drawn to the mysterious Joe and his uncle Nelson, who paints mermaids but also harbours a devastating secret about Joe's family.

From the first page my attention was grabbed, like that first wave that knocks the breath out of you as you wade into the sea. Cassie, trying to navigate teen life in grubby London with her light-fingered mother prone to drinking and drama, escapes reality mudlarking on the Thames shoreline. But the pleasure this affords is crushed by the threat of eviction for unpaid rent. There's nothing for it. They have to do a runner. Leave everything familiar, her best friend, her beloved Thames. So taking only the essentials and a precious keepsake given to her by the only father figure she's known, now long gone, they head south to the coast.

Meanwhile, down at The Point, in his hut on the

shingle Nelson is trying his best to bring up his troubled teenage nephew. It isn't how he thought his life would pan out, but after the fire everything changed. He's doing his best with Joe, he always told him they could talk about anything, yet some things just can't be said. He struggles with his demons, but sometimes the past is better left alone.

When Cassie and Sylvie move onto The Point, Joe and Nelson keep their distance. People don't stay there. Summer visitors and day trippers come and go but it takes a certain type of person to call The Point home, with its ramshackle collection of huts and old fishing boats drawn up on the shingle spit where the only constant is the sea. Cassie, however, welcomes the anonymity as she struggles to keep her mother from going off the rails. But gradually their paths cross and a wary connection is forged. Perhaps there's something in the wild isolation of the place that allows bruised souls to unburden themselves. As connection turns to friendship their lives start to intertwine until a crisis imperils everything.

This is a story of love, loss, aching regret, stoicism in the face of adversity, and secrets – oh so many secrets... and mermaids. I was drawn into it hook, line and sinker, seduced by the prose, intrigued by the plot and captivated by the key characters – including The Point itself, evocative and compelling. Every bookshelf should have a space for Longshore Drift.

Available from www.troubador.co.uk or Amazon in paperback and e-book. Visit bronwengriff.co.uk

••••

Ebb & Flow

New writing by Ropetackle Writers Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea launched a writing group in 2023, welcoming writers of all stages of their progress.

Monthly themed sessions were held exploring many subjects, from time travel to animals and oceans and marked anniversaries such as Jane Austen and The Great Gatsby and exploring horror, crime and even working with a Shakespearian actor.

This short but entertaining book is the group’s first anthology. I really enjoyed reading it. It contains poetry and short stories by thirteen writers, all with something to say. With the cover designed by artist Cerri Lee and illustrations by the writers, it’s not long and the varied topics hold one’s interest. It’s the sort of book to read if sleep is evading you, or with a glass of wine on the beach or snuggled up to a warm fire or if you have half an hour to kill. Or of course you could choose to read one section per day if your life

is of the hectic variety.

I enjoyed all the poems and stories, but stand outs for me were Liz de Pauley’s rendition of releasing a trapped mouse in the garden, very cute, while Jill Hucklesby’s short tale of a woman with a (sort of) pet raven was fun. Sue Shipman gives us a poetic glimpse into life after losing one’s soul-mate and I found ‘Life is like a River’

by Cerri Lee very relaxing, portraying as it does the journey we are all undertaking through this sometimes wonderful, sometimes capricious world.

It is perhaps unfair to pick out one or two passages from the others, as I truly enjoyed all the offerings in the book. But I hope this gives a glimpse of the scope and creativity of the book. It’s well worth treating yourself to a copy, it would also make a thoughtful gift.

Available £10.50 at ropetacklecentre.ticketsolve.com/ ticketbooth/products/12648309 or £8 at Ropetackle box office (01273 464440). All proceeds go to helping Ropetackle with its community and arts programming.

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

61

poetry prose & illustration

Vagabond Soul

a memoir of roving and romance

by Carrie Evans a vivid portrait of a life lived boldly.

It is a testament to resilience, curiosity and the enduring appeal and consequences of choosing adventure over convention.

Fun-filled children’s books for summer reading This charming children’s story follows Red Fox as he prepares a special tea party for his friends Arctic Fox and Silver Fox. This story shows how important friends can be in a time of need, and also about not giving up It’s Arctic Fox’s birthday, and her ice cream shop holds a magical secret. A joyful tale of friendship, adventure, and birthday magic that’s full of fun and sweet treats!

“Carrie writes with disarming candour and a keen eye for both the absurdity and beauty of life on the road.” –Rebekka R

Available from your local bookshop and online from Troubador and Amazon

For ages 3-8 yrs. Available online via various book stores including Waterstones and from christinechambersauthorandillustrator.com

www.carrieevans.co.uk

By Order of The Shaman a psychological drama by

Stephen J Willis

Inspired by an incredible true event, this psychological drama challenges modern beliefs, exposes the power of group influence, and asks how far people will go in the name of salvation.

Read it if you dare...

Available now ISBN 978-1-915465-90-0

www.stephenjwillis.co.uk

62

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

poetry prose & illustration

The Frogmore Frogmore Papers Papers The Celebrating work work by by established, established, Celebrating emerging and and neglected neglected writers writers emerging since 1983.

1983. since Susbcribe for for the the next next two two Susbcribe years for for only only £15.00. £15.00. years

www.frogmorepress.co.uk www.frogmorepress.co.uk frogmorepress@gmail.com frogmorepress@gmail.com

Longshore Drift a novel by Bronwen Griffiths Where the sea meets the shore, damaged souls must find their way back from the edge Set in a fictitious Dungeness, the Marshlands and coast this is a tale about secrets and trauma, and the healing power of wild places.

Bronwen has previously published two other novels and two collections of flash fiction, and won the Mslexia Flash Fiction prize last year.

A gripping trilogy by ANDREW HOULSTON

E-book and paperback available from www.troubador.co.uk or from Amazon. Visit https://bronwengriff.co.uk/

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

63

poetry prose & illustration

ingénu/e in conversation with author Andrew Houlston We first met Andrew Houlston at the excellent East Grinstead Bookshop, where he was signing copies of his debut novel, 'The Search for Morganuke's Roots', the first in his trilogy of 'The Pagalan Chronicles'. Andrew was charming to chat with and passionate about his stories. After reviewing his book in ingénu/e issue 50, we quizzed him about his writing. You can read the first part of his interview in ingénu/e issue 51, it continues here...

Having been engrossed in Book 1 of the trilogy, 'The Search for Morganuke's Roots', I'm looking forward to reading Books 2 & 3 of the trilogy - but what happens after that. Do the characters have further adventures?

That is a question I am asked quite often, and the honest answer is that the story of Pagalan does not end with the first trilogy. In many ways, those three books are only the opening window into a much larger history.

The original trilogy of The Pagalan Chronicles follows Morganuke and his companions through a particular moment in time. It shows a period of upheaval across several cultures on Pagalan and begins to uncover deeper mysteries about the world itself. But even while writing those books, it became clear to me that the events surrounding Morganuke were rooted in a much longer and more complex past.

That realisation is what led me to begin writing The Pagalan Chronicles Origins series. This is planned as a four-book sequence that explores the much earlier history of Pagalan. The story begins thousands of years before Morganuke’s time, when the Patronese first arrived on the planet after fleeing their own dying world. From that point onward, the Origins books trace the development of their new civilisation and follow the bloodline that will eventually lead to Morganuke himself.

Over the course of the series, readers will see the appearance of the first High Order Patronese on Pagalan, the early struggles to establish a stable society, and the great events that shape the planet over roughly three thousand years of history. It is a much broader historical canvas, revealing how the foundations of the world Morganuke inhabits were laid centuries earlier.

What makes that exploration particularly rewarding for me is that it allows many of the mysteries hinted at in the main trilogy to be examined in greater depth.

Artefacts, ancient technologies, and long-standing rivalries that appear in the later timeline often have their origins far back in the past. The Origins series provides the opportunity to uncover those earlier layers.

But that is not the end of Morganuke’s story either.

Once the Origins books are complete, I fully intend to return to the timeline of The Pagalan Chronicles itself. There were simply too many questions left open about Morganuke’s future and the wider direction of 64

Pagalan to leave the story there. My plan is to begin a second series that moves forward in time and follows the next generation.

That continuation will allow Morganuke and his friends to reappear within a new stage of the world’s development, while also introducing younger characters who must face the consequences of what came before. The choices made in the first trilogy will continue to echo forward, shaping events in ways that may not yet be fully understood.

So, in a sense, the trilogy that begins with The Search for Morganuke’s Roots is only one chapter in a much larger saga. Pagalan has a long history behind it and, I suspect, many more adventures ahead.

When writing, do you have a set routine?

I would not say that I have a rigid writing routine in the traditional sense. My approach tends to change depending on the mood I am in and the kind of scene I am working on. Some days I prefer complete quiet and isolation. I will shut myself away in my room, put some music on in the background, and simply begin writing. Music often helps me settle into the atmosphere of a scene and allows the imagination to flow more freely.

Earlier in my writing journey I relied heavily on detailed planning. I would map out chapters almost to the smallest possible detail before I began writing them. While that method certainly had its advantages, I gradually found that it could sometimes make the process feel a little rigid. These days I tend to work differently. I establish the overall framework of where the story needs to go, but I allow the journey between those points to develop more naturally as I write.

That approach does mean that I occasionally have to go back and revise sections several times. A scene might evolve in unexpected ways, or a character may react differently than I first imagined. But I have found that this more fluid process keeps the words moving forward. It allows the story to breathe rather than feeling as though it is being forced along a predetermined path.

Interestingly, I do not always write best in quiet environments. There are times when I actually prefer being somewhere busy, surrounded by the background noise of everyday life. In those moments I might find myself writing on my phone rather than

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

poetry prose & illustration sitting at a desk. It is not unusual for me to capture ideas that way.

Spontaneous writing is also a big part of my process. Ideas rarely arrive at convenient moments.

They can appear suddenly while I am out walking, travelling, or doing something entirely unrelated to writing. When that happens, I tend to reach for my phone immediately and start capturing the idea before it disappears. Sometimes those quick bursts of writing become the foundation for entire scenes later on.

So rather than following a strict routine, my writing process is probably best described as flexible and responsive. I create a structure for the story, but I also leave room for inspiration to arrive in its own time and shape the narrative in ways I might not have predicted at the outset.

Based on your experience what would you say a) to other aspiring writers and b) to your younger self?

If I were offering advice based on my own experience, I would probably separate it into two parts.

One for writers starting their journey now, and another for the younger version of myself who had the ideas but had not yet taken the step of putting them fully onto the page.

For aspiring writers, the most important thing I would say is simply this: do not give up and learn to enjoy the process of writing itself. Every writer goes through periods where the words flow easily, and everything feels alive on the page. But there are also times when the opposite happens. You sit down and nothing seems to work. Ideas feel thin. Motivation fades. That is entirely normal. Writing is not a constant stream of inspiration. It moves in cycles.

During those slower periods it is tempting to stop, but persistence is incredibly important. If you continue writing, even when the ideas seem reluctant to appear, they eventually return. Creativity has a curious habit of rewarding patience. Often the best scenes or concepts arrive after a difficult stretch when you have forced yourself to keep going.

In terms of publishing, my own view is that self-publishing can be an excellent path, particularly today when the tools are widely available.

It is generally far less expensive than pursuing traditional routes, and perhaps more importantly, it allows you to retain full control over

your work. The trade-off is that the workload is higher.

You are responsible not only for writing but also for editing, formatting, artwork, and promotion. However, for many writers that independence is extremely rewarding.

I would also advise writers to be very cautious about the many organisations and services that promise quick success or guaranteed exposure. The publishing world unfortunately contains its share of opportunists.

There are numerous schemes that claim they can rapidly make a writer famous or massively boost book sales, but in reality they often turn out to be expensive distractions or outright scams. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Writers should protect both their work and their finances by approaching such offers with a healthy degree of scepticism.

If I could speak to my younger self, the message would be slightly different. I would tell him to believe in the value of his ideas and to start writing much earlier. For a long time I carried stories and concepts in my imagination but never fully committed to putting them onto the page. Looking back, I realise that the creative impulse was always there and simply needed the confidence to be expressed.

There is an old cliché that says there is a book inside everyone. While it may sound simplistic, I genuinely believe there is a great deal of truth in it. People accumulate experiences, observations, and ideas throughout their lives. Writing is one of the most powerful ways of giving those things shape and meaning.

I would also tell my younger self that writing can bring a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Beyond the achievement of finishing a book, there is a deeper pleasure in building something imaginative and sharing it with others. In difficult periods of life, creative work can also be a remarkable source of resilience and perspective.

So, if I could send a message back through time, it would probably be a simple one: start sooner, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey of telling stories.

–Andrew Houlston For more information visit www.optogleantalesltd.uk

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

65

poetry prose & illustration

VAGABOND SOUL

book two of Carrie Evans' memoir is here

Before GPS, smartphones and curated itineraries, travel demanded something rarer: faith in the unknown. In Vagabond Soul, Carrie Evans revisits a decade of wandering that, in retrospect, becomes a quietly profound search for freedom and belonging.

Preserved within the pages of Vagabond Soul is a vanished world, a world in which borders felt more porous, and the next destination was often determined by instinct rather than itinerary. In this companion memoir to The Fun We Had, which focuses on the author's professional life, Carrie retraces her youthful peregrinations across Europe and beyond, crafting a narrative rich in serendipity, misadventure and human connection.

Yet this is no mere catalogue of journeys. What lends the memoir its resonance is Carrie's ability to illuminate the interior landscape. Hitchhiking across continents, navigating fleeting romances, unexpected friendships and moments of genuine peril, she charts the gradual formation of identity through experience.

Carrie writes with disarming candour and a keen eye for both the absurdity and beauty of life on the road. The result is a memoir that is at once intimate and expansive, nostalgic yet unsentimental.

At its heart, Vagabond Soul is a meditation on curiosity itself, on the impulse to step away from the familiar and explore beyond the horizon. In an age increasingly defined by certainty, it serves as a compelling reminder 66

of the transformative power of the unknown.

Reviewed by Rebekka R (literary reviewer and ghostwriter) https://bookishbrewing.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/bookish_ brewing?igsh=OHU1bDJraW1rOTkx Due for publication on 28th August 2026 by Troubador Publishing. Available for pre-order from the Troubador website and Amazon. top: Machu Pichu – we made it at last! below: Carrie contemplating a purchase in La Paz

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

Filming Fun

poetry prose & illustration

with author and film maker Felicity Fair Thompson

1995 – I was out with my cameraman/editor David Banks, and sometimes just me, filming for my travel video 'The Isle of Wight – A Closer Look' covering over 6000 miles, criss-crossing the Island, day after day.

Yes, I did say 6000! I waited for hours in some places, or we went back and back to photograph a scene in a particular light. We hung over the edge of cliffs, climbed steep hills, and tramped through woods. Goats butted me. Nettles stung me! I was out walking, in lifeboats, and up in helicopters!

I had to get permission to film Quarr Abbey, and climb amongst the ruins and brambles of the original Abbey. I had to convince the National Trust to let me drive camera equipment up to the rocket test site at Scratchell’s Bay, and ask permission to carry equipment up the creaking stairs inside Bembridge Windmill.

When we were halfway up a terrifying ladder into the steeple of All Saints Church, Ryde, it was suddenly pointed out that the bells were tipped upwards. Any false move would tumble them over! Tread carefully we were told, because if they tumbled, we would probably fall hundreds of feet with fright at the noise! Heavens! But at the top – the view! In every direction and all the way across the Island.

We were the very last film crew allowed on board the Needles lighthouse before it was automated.

Exciting, jumping from a lifeboat in a huge swell onto those huge white rocks! It was a real home from home – an old Raeburn stove for heating and cooking, and a curved bunk to fit the circular bedroom. The occulting light was like a huge sculpture with sunlight reflected in strips of magnifying glass. It had the loudest fog-

horn I’ve ever heard, and the view from the helicopter deck on top over 100 feet up was magnificent.

That lighthouse inspired me to write 'Grandpa’s Dear Old Girl', and you can see my travel films on https://www.youtube.com/@felicity-h5c –Felicity Fair Thompson For more information about Felicity and her work please visit www.wightdiamondpress.com above: The Needles. Photo, Matt Redding Photography; below: Elenora rounding the Needles under the helm of Ben Ainsley. Photo, Christian Beasley, Beautiful Wight Photography

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

67

poetry prose & illustration

Christine Chambers

I make the characters from my books to sell at craft events. At the time I was writing a different story but I just kept thinking about this fox I'd drawn. I kept thinking, what could he be

from crochet to stories and back again Local writer and illustrator Christine Chambers creates charming stories for children, which then step off the page as crochet characters.

From the moment I could hold a pencil, I’ve loved art. Spending many hours drawing our family pets or my favourite cartoon charecters, I would be lost in the process. Growing up I'd be making little felt animals and imaginary creatures. I remember I'd keep asking my Mum if any of her tights had holes in them so I could use them for stuffing. This was the early 1980s, so no safety stuffing around then!

At college I studied art, textiles and knitwear design, desperate to be a fashion designer. Unfortunately that didn’t come to fruition so I continued to be creative in lots of other ways. Alongside art I would write little poems or notes of ideas that came to mind. Never really thinking anything would come of it.

In 2005 I married Lee and in 2007 we welcomed our son, Jack, into our lives. Reading him his bedtime stories re-sparked my creative drive and the desire to draw for children. At that time writing seemed like an impossible dream, but my comfort zone of drawing felt plausible.

Whilst working for the local children’s centres in 2022, buildings were closing and eventually redundancies made. So my husband suggested I write and really encouraged me to start. So, it's all his fault!

I was extremely nervous that I'd be rejected but pushed on with my family's support. Thankfully it’s paid off and now I have two books published and I’m working on a third.

'Red Fox does what? Surely not!' was created from a crochet idea I had. He has now come full circle, as

68

doing? After a few ideas I settled on baking as during covid my son and I had baked a lot!

Gradually ideas fell into place and pretty much like a cake, all the ingredients combined. Originally he was going to be a stand-alone publication as I've ideas for other characters and stories. But I kept getting asked by children and adults "What do the friends do?". So out of the curiosity of others I invented a world for all three friends with Arctic Fox Opens a Magical Ice Cream Shop. Silver Fox will be having his own story, but I need to work on that.

Both publications are aimed at 3-8 year olds. They are about friendship, not giving up, helping others and having fun. Who dosen't love animals, cake and ice cream?

For more details about Christine's books and other products, including made-to-order crochet characters visit christinechambersauthorandillustrator.com from top: Christine Chambers; 'Arctic Fox' book cover; crochet characters; 'Red Fox' book goes to the beach

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

poetry prose & illustration

Live Literature in Lewes The historic county town has a vibrant live literature scene, with three longstanding groups staging regular events.

The oldest of them, the Lewes Literary Society (formerly known as the Monday Literary Society) was founded back in 1948 and has been running an annual programme of talks and readings by distinguished writers ever since. Guest speakers in the 2025/2026 season included crime novelist Abir Mukherjee and Lucy Easthope, author and leading authority on crisis response. www.lewesliterarysociety.co.uk Lewes Live Literature was founded in 1995. An annual festival ran from 2001 until 2007, but in recent years LLL has focussed more on live literature production work, developing a range of interdisciplinary performances with writers. LLL has also facilitated the development of performance works by intercultural performing arts company Crosspath, including John Agard's one man show Roll Over Atlantic and Dora vs Picasso by Grace Nichols. www.leweslivelit.co.uk The Needlewriters collective was founded in 2008. A co-operative of poets and writers, Needlewriters present a quarterly evening of poetry and prose showcasing work by writers from the region upstairs at the John Harvey Tavern in Bear Yard, having transferred from their original base in the Old Needlemakers some years ago. www.needlewriters.co.uk Check the websites for details. You won’t have long to wait before the next event!

Lyndsey Smith, 'Needlemakers, Lewes', watercolour

Lyndsey Smith, 'Bringing in the Beer, at the John Harvey Tavern', watercolour.

Find Lyndsey on instagram @lyndseysmithart and www.lyndseysmith.co.uk ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

69

a l f

poetry prose & illustration

Appleby Cottage

The Power of Number

I drove towards Appleby in quite a rush that Monday morning. I had a class at 10.30am and had only given myself just enough time for my errand. Typical me, never was much of a judge of time, and always tried to squeeze a bit too much into my day. I followed my satnav, but she confused me, and, as usual, I did not trust the disembodied, well-spoken female voice that told me to turn right, then left, turn the corner, take the next bend.

“You’re sending me around the bend,” I snapped.

I switched her off with a satisfying click and wished I could read maps. I noticed a rickety wooden sign, citing ‘Appleby’ in curly, old-fashioned script. I could not remember seeing it before, and it seemed incongruous with the other smart new black and white place names crafted in metal.

And there it was, bathed in morning sunbeams and delight, the cottage of my dreams. The stuff of fairy tales, of gingerbread and witches and magic, painted pale pink, its chocolate brown beams reeking of history.

I stopped the car and stepped out to admire its beauty.

A weathervane, in the shape of something I could not identify, creaked and jarred with the rippling stream that glistened alongside the cottage, trickling gently into the forest beyond. I smiled at a family of pretty house martins darting in and out of the ancient eaves.

I thought I saw a curtain twitch but could not be sure.

Shrubs of rosemary and lavender framed the cobbled front path and led to a shiny black front door, furnished with a huge wrought iron knocker in the shape of a frog. Cabbage whites and bees danced busily around the purple flowers. I spotted a shiny brass horseshoe on the front fence. For luck, I thought. A huge tabby cat slept, stretched out on the porch floor like a soft, luxurious golden-amber rug and another cat, a black one, lay curled in a ball, basking in a patch of sunshine beneath a bush of white lilac.

Baskets of herbs and plants sat on the porch steps and an empty rocking chair shifted to and fro in the summer breeze. Another sign, in the same curly script as the roadside one, announced rather intriguingly: ‘Herbs for sale, enquire within. CAUTION – not for cooking. For use in spells only.’

I wish I had been brave enough to knock on that door, but they do say that curiosity killed the cat. When I was older and more courageous, I hoped I would lose my way in Appleby again, and revisit that lovely cottage. I never did.

It is believed that there are numerals that deliver the answers to the eternal questions of humanity. Why was there the sudden understanding of zero from a fingertip in the sand, the powers of minus one, or the language of algebra delivered by the Persians?

The power of 180 is only recognised by poets and architects and often, far too late by politicians. The dimension of a circle so profound in verse, so essential in the design of monuments – and yet in the neverending churn of empire building, collapse and putrefaction, we ignore the eternal cycle of humanity.

The year is 1846. The year of famine and clearance.

We see a young woman, alone, facing the tirade of the sea that carries away her husband, the father of her young children hounded by landlords when all he wanted was food. Is it Ireland? Is it Scotland? What hope is there when simple cottages are burnt, when starvation lingers on the horizon.

Turn the circle, the year is 2026, 180 years later, 180, yes the magic number. A young woman stands alone, facing the tirade of the sea that carries her husband away hounded by invading troops, by illegal settlers, all he wanted was food. Is it Gaza? is it Lebanon?

Where schools are bombed, where simple houses are destroyed and where starvation lingers on the horizon.

–by Tina MacNaughton

(Appleby Cottage was originally published by Poetic Edge in their 2024 anthology Away with the Faeries) www.writerhymespoetry.com @tinamacnaughton All flash fiction shown is subject to copyright

70

–by Rosalyn St Pierre

This was a timed exercise written in 20 minutes in Roddy Phillips' Bourne To Write workshop, bournetowrite.co.uk

Life Is Like A River –by Cerri Lee

Life is like a river. We start small, emerging from the otherworld, the deep well of another life, compelled to find our way through the twists and turns of being. Nurtured first in arms, solid and close, but soon we strive to break free, to find our own path through the world.

Like the salmon, we are driven by instinct to seek a place we have never known. We plough through the landscape finding weak spots in the dams of conditioning, convention, and restriction laid down in the sediment of history. We gather speed, we find a voice, we babble and break over a myriad obstacles.

Our youthful wake often leaves consternation and disruption as we tumble on heedless, always seeking a new direction. A river never looks back, it is drawn inexorably toward the horizon, toward something ineffable, an answer to a question as yet unasked.

There are times we travel with no guiding light, blindly traversing the underworld. Subterranean streets stumbling and winding through the darkest

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

h s a

poetry prose & illustration

places lured on by a longing, a need for enlightenment, a glimpse of some deeper meaning. Water always finds its level, and each droplet is attracted to another, and so in the dark we gather together. We find strength in communion and rise from the depths reenergised and resilient, able to dance and shine once more under the eye of the sun. On and on we go, broadening, creating nurturing spaces, breathing new life into our landscape.

With maturity existence slows the pace. Languid, confident and easy, the frantic gushing of our youthful endeavours now seem like childish folly. So many memories within this fluid existence. So many tales held within each ripple we have made. In our contemplative idle we review the journey so far. Are we the same mountain spring that tumbled and tripped through the land? Who are we now, what have we become? This quiet meditation stirs the murky depths.

We ponder on notions of time and memory as the light of celestial bodies wax and wane across our limpid pools.

Is this it, is there nothing more? Is this too comfortable, too stayed, too stagnant?

Quiet fears drive a new sense of urgency.

Time and tide wait for no man they say, that is not nature’s way. And so, the lake is urged to seek a new passage, to thrill at the breaking of new ground. Call it gravity, blame the full moon, but we sense the ancient imperative drawing all existence towards a greater mystery. At the end all questions will be answered as fresh river waters rush into the salty tears of the great oceans, as the cradle of life welcomes us home.

Published in Ebb & Flow (see p.63) For more about Cerri and her work visit cerrilee.com

Our last walk together –by Julia Dean

The weather had been hot and sunny for weeks so, when the wind picked up and the clouds lowered, we had to move fast. A windy day meant the ashes could be scattered without harming the earth.

We chose the Trundle because we knew dad has been fond of it. Or at least, we assumed he was fond of it, given the number of times he had made us walk up there with him; usually just after lunch on Sunday when the weather was looking distinctly autumnal and our thoughts had already turned to a cosy afternoon in front of the telly. Either way, it was certainly a place that was familiar to him, and close to home, so he wouldn’t be far.

Scattering ashes on a windy day can be tricky; it’s more a case of offering the remains to the wind to carry away for you. Slick it wasn’t, and a rogue gust of wind turning suddenly in our direction ensured that at least some part of dad would be coming home with us.

Afterwards, we stood and looked at the ancient downland that rose and fell all around us, rolling away towards the horizon and the silver of the coast which gradually dulled to pewter as the sun sank gently into the earth’s welcome embrace.

We had chosen the right place for dad.

South Downs Poppies by Emma Varley @emmajvarley

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

71

e o p

poetry prose & illustration

The Gatekeeper

Summer Concert

Her yellow-brown wings close like a pair of human hands in prayer

Schoolgirls pose for photographs aptly dressed like angels in milk-white linen slips, hair neatly cut below their ears to impress.

Kodak clicks: pupils on best behaviour.

I catch the symmetrical spots when she spreads her wings wide with patience I wait hold my camera in position

as she flits from one thistle to another waiting for her to stay still.

–Patricia M Osborne

Above the hubbub flutes and oboes squeak, the mistress lifts her hands and one, and two, she signals the singers but does not speak– cherubs chant Bing’s song, Moonlight Bay, on cue.

Summer Haven

A wasp dives downwards, stings somebody’s mother, rowdy spectators push at one another.

A kaleidoscope of butterflies ballet on a purple bloomed bush, they flaunt dark brown wings tinged with fiery gold rings.

–Patricia M Osborne

Ingrid leans over a flower bed, sniffs snapdragons, pansies, sweet peas, inhales their intense perfume. She sinks into a green striped chair, sighs, lifts the cup of Earl Grey to her lips.

–Patricia M Osborne

The Quiet Stream

An oak coppice stretches strong limbs to cirrus blue, a stone staircase winds to clouds. Jigsaw paving trims the placid brook, blooms of pink stars wave petals in the breeze. Goldcups hang sunshine heads, a crow trio ballet dance on the daisy mat twitching fan-shaped tails as amber rays beam light on the stream. A black labrador splashes his webbed paws into the water. Ripples gleam.

A golden lab watches, jumps in, swims upstream, back again, nudges the black, kisses him on the nose.

–Patricia M Osborne Previously published by The Hedgehog Poetry Press (2024) 72

Hands clasped, small faces invite attention, they wait for the audience to arrive, parents form a queue for the first session, guided to hard chairs, they sit down by five.

Summer Symphony Outdoor table tennis, athletics, rounders and cricket too,

deckchairs, parasols with loungers, men cooking at barbeques.

Fresh strawberries at Wimbledon, Jannik Sinner strikes his smash shot.

Sensuous dresses swing, swirl, while sumptuous headwear

makes bold statements at Lady’s Day as the Royal Couple lead the procession.

Free flow beer at folk festivals, melodious music for the ear,

but Last of the Proms surpasses the list and culminates summer symphony.

–Patricia M Osborne

Patricia M Osborne is married with grown-up children and grandchildren. In 2019 she graduated with an MA in Creative Writing. She is a published novelist, poet and short fiction writer, with eight poetry pamphlets published by The Hedgehog Poetry Press, and numerous poems and short stories appearing in various literary magazines and anthologies. Visit whitewingsbooks.com

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

y r t e

poetry prose & illustration

The City Peregrine

Country Girl

flies

from a cliff wrought in glass and steel over concrete foothills, urban peaks

circles

above rivers run on rubber tyres where silence sings a constant hum

scans

a valley stained in amber light as stars wink on from metal posts

locks

onto busy pigeons in flocks like oily pools on grid-locked streets

stoops

cleaving the tainted city air rips a pigeon from its flight

rises

a shadow on the mountain’s glassy face summoned by its hungry young

Sun rising, moon setting We meet and greet Stooping and squatting filling borrowed bags and barrow with scooped up stones Purposefully placed, at last the path before us emerges

A look, a touch of hands, a hug

She was only a girl, really just a kid When a gush and out Mam silently slid They took her and gently rubbed her back Gran sat up, quickly grabbed Mam back

Mam had freckles, red curls, was spirited, wild A country girl, a Roma child She lived full and well and very long Shrugged off hardships, was wise and strong When asked her secret of a life well-lived The only answer that she would give Just keep life simple to keep life sweet Feel the sun on your skin, grass beneath your feet

Labyrinth 5

Eyes down Eyes up Eyes meet Wet feet in cold sand

The men were told to shoo The women, well, they knew what to do The day was hot and poor Gran cried She said she feared that we would die.

She’s mine, Gran said and hugged her so Lay her on the grass and smiled hello Mam gurgled and cooed, sun on her face Under a sunset sky, aflame with grace

–Sara Davis (Tonbridge Roundel) Canterbury Festival Anthology 2023

A poem a song And before long we walk in widening circles

My mam was born in a field Gran was working, picking hops When she felt a deepening pain And knew she had to stop.

When she was young, Mam never shut a door Just twirled out, danced across the floor You’ll bring in the cold!

Her folks would scold You’d think I was born in a field, She’d laugh, my mam, living life in a whirl And they’d chuckle and smile At her freckles and her curls And they’d look and love and wonder And be thankful For their gift of a country girl.

–Tina MacNaughton www.writerhymespoetry.com @tinamacnaughton

Alone together We walk No falcons, but seagulls swoop Around us before the storm

N.B. All poems shown are subject to copyright

–Julie Meriwoode Shoreham Wordfest 'Poetry for All' 2024 ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

73

creative courses & workshops

Roz Nathan

Art Summer Schools / Natural History Art / Regular Art Courses Roz’s art practice has a natural history focus, she participates regularly in local Artists’ Open Houses and charity exhibitions, also exhibiting nationally when time allows.

A qualified and experienced tutor who has been teaching in the Eastbourne area for many years, she is again offering her popular East Dean Summer School programme this July and August.

A range of making and painting one-day workshops for all interests and abilities are taking place over ten days from 27th July to 7th August in a large marquee in a lovely private garden. They offer a mixture of subjects – several of which are back due to popular request – including Nature Linocut, Papier Maché Vessels, Wild Nature, Abstracting the Landscape, Gel Printing, Wildlife Sculpture in Wire, Botanical Sketchbook, Painting in the Village and more… all details on the website.

From September Roz will be running her regular studio courses at Polegate Community Centre, in their lovely warm, light lounge space with free parking. She will be offering Mixed Media, Print and Collage and Personal Projects.

Also offered are new live Zoom courses which include demos, discussions and relaxed project working, with supportive individual and group feedback within small, friendly groups – offering Watercolour Natural History, Mixed Media Landscape, Creative Portrait Drawing.

A weekly Wildlife Art and twice monthly Watercolour & Mixed Media / Beginners Watercolour courses will be running at St Barnabas, Langney in the Autumn.

Roz is also a regular visitor at many local art clubs in East Sussex, providing popular demos and workshops.

Visit www.roznathanart.com for details and testimonials; contact Roz at roz.nathan@hotmail.com and follow on social media:

74

Summer School – from top left: Painting in the Village; workshops in the marquee; pleased participants with their final pieces; relaxing between sessions

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

creative courses & workshops

Art Junction We know you are out there, but have you found us yet?

This is a clarion call for creative artists to come and join us for our summer courses running throughout July and August.

Why not have a holiday with us doing art? This summer you can book our five-day intensive figurative sculpture course, either in portraiture or the life figure, working from a professional model each time. If you are interested in learning how to prepare reference materials for making an animal sculpture, we have arranged the perfect course ‘Working from Animals, Drawing for Sculpture’ with tutor Jon Edgar. If abstract work is more your passion, then look on our website to gather details of two fabulous courses offered by Michael Joseph. Just navigate to the ‘In Studio Courses’ page to discover all that’s on offer.

In September we are gearing up for our regular weekly courses that run throughout winter. Keep an eye on the website page for updates.

Art Junction, also known previously as Sussex Sculpture Studios is an open studio situated in Billingshurst, West Sussex. We have been offering a unique range of courses for almost two decades now, open to anyone looking for a place to practise their art, perhaps to rediscover lost talents or to develop new ones for the first time. Blessed with exceptional tutors, we can offer excellent sculpture, drawing and painting opportunities throughout the year. All levels of experience are welcome.

For more information visit www.artjunction.uk Any questions? Email info@artjunction.uk

from top: Breeda applying a glaze to her sculpture of Frankie; Life Drawing session; Viv working on her sculpture of a Shire Horse

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

75

creative courses & workshops

A Summer Gift from

Bourne to Write

5 Free Writing Workshops Worth £75 To redeem this gift email Roddy at bournetowrite1@gmail.com This offer is open to non-members only Bourne to Write’s Zoom creative writing workshops offer a learning experience that is fun and friendly without leaving the comfort of your home.

Anyone with access to a computer can benefit from expert tuition in creative writing and share their work in a safe space. Whether you’re interested in writing a memoir, short stories, novels, poetry or screenplays creative writing tutor Roddy Phillips will help you achieve your aim. With over forty years’ experience Roddy is passionate about creative writing and the transformative effect it can have.

“Many of our writers are now published, some in this magazine, and the confidence that creates can be so important for a new writer. We also publish our writers’ work online every week and in paperback and kindle on Amazon.”

The Zoom writing workshop runs every Wednesday evening from 7.30 to 9.45pm.

“The online format opened up new potential for the workshops,” said Roddy, “it’s given them greater depth, I can share our writers’ work onscreen, whether it’s written or recorded and I can play video and sound clips. When I’m working one-to-one with a writer I can edit or revise their work live, the medium is extremely versatile. And of course we now have writers from across the UK and Spain, even the United States, who would never have had the chance to join one of our workshops.”

Find out more about Bourne to Write’s online creative workshop at bournetowrite.co.uk or call Roddy on 07758 367479.

Cat Friday is the fifth collection of Roddy’s humorous columns, available now in paperback on Amazon.

“

I love the Zoom workshop format, it's more involving and sharing work onscreen is a bonus. I now have a new group of friends with a common interest all over the country. Plus I don’t have to arrange childcare or leave the house!”

– Zoom workshop writer

76

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

creative courses & workshops

LCA Stage Academy Learning Creative Arts

LCA Stage Academy is an award-winning performing arts school based in Oxted (Surrey) and provides a range of performance classes and workshops in singing, acting and dancing, including technique training, one-to-one sessions, and a range of performance opportunities for young performers aged 3-18.

“

The professional staff are in the profession themselves and promote a good work ethic. The kids have lots of fun and work well as a team looking out for each other. The children love to come along to the classes. It is run with a family feel. Once you meet them you are part of the LCA family and taken under their wings. We love LCA!!” pictured below: LCA Stage Academy Musical Theatre Performers performing at The Barn Theatre in Oxted as part of the theatre’s ‘A Night of 100 Years’ celebration production in October 2024

LCA Stage Academy, established in 2015, teaches students who are successful in their auditions for a place at several universities studying areas of performing arts and in leading drama schools such as The Brit School, Arts Educational, Performers College, Bird College, Urdang, Central School of Speech and Drama and The National Youth Theatre.

BOOK YOUR FREE TASTER SESSION! Please visit www.lca-stage.com or contact us for more information about classes or holiday workshop times and prices. Join the LCA Family today!

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

77

creative courses & workshops

CATHY BIRD at Jessops Farm Studios

BOOK or get more info by calling Cathy Bird on 07951 726997 or email weekendarting@gmail.com (you can book one or two days £50 per day).

Cathy Bird’s exciting new workshop weekend – BAMBOO PEN & INK DRAWING – on the weekend of 25th & 26th July 2026 expands your pen and ink work to new horizons.

Learn to make your own pens with Jessops bamboo.

Then explore losing control and gaining control,with this wild yet elegant medium.

Based on Cathy’s years of successful inky sessions, this could be a game-changer for you.

78

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

creative courses & workshops

Roz Nathan

Natural History Artwork / Courses / Demos

SUMMER COURSES

Summer Schools – 27th July to 7th August 2 weeks of 1-day making & painting workshops Regular studio courses in Polegate & Langney Mixed Media / Personal Projects / Wildlife Art / Watercolour Live, fun, small group Zoom courses Mixed Media Landscape / Creative Portrait / Watercolour Art Societies – demos / workshops Private / Small Group Teaching

For details and testimonials: www.roznathanart.com roz.nathan@hotmail.com

Book now for our Intensive Summer Courses in Portraiture and Figurative Modelling in Clay, Animal and Abstract Sculpture & 2D work We are a friendly open studio offering courses and workshops for all levels of experience For a full list visit our website: www.artjunction.uk Any questions? Contact Marji at info@artjunction.uk

ART TUITION

with artist Gill Bustamante

watercolour • drawing • oil painting Mondays & Thursdays at The Old Court House, East Court, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH193LT Tea, coffee and silly banter included Details & times at www.gillbustamante.com ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

79

Coda Artificial ‘intelligence’ versus human creativity It has been reported recently that actor Matthew McConaughey and singer / songwriter Taylor Swift, among others, are using trademark law to protect their identity against AI-generated content, as it is capable of creating realistic but unauthorised reproductions of their personas and creative work.

I would imagine it’s a legal minefield and, worryingly, a world away from what ‘everyday’ artists would want to be involved with, never mind the costs involved.

We don’t know where AI is going to lead us into the future, and just me typing that phrase shows the difficulty. Surely WE should be leading AI into the future and not allowing ourselves to become servile to what is in essence a machine.

"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”

–Elbert Hubbard American writer, publisher and artist.

Politics versus aesthetics I recently read a news story about a local bookshop owner in Cornwall complaining that soaring bills and tax raids could lead many to close. The article mentioned businesses and shops facing an average rates bill rise of £4,563 a year. Also mentioned was that the Booksellers Association has suggested its members were angry at Labour for raising their bills in the ‘National Year of Reading’, a campaign to increase literacy among young people.

Of course those most hit by the current economic idiocy are those individuals or businesses involved in the various aspects of the arts, an easy target one might say. And although there has been a fragile growth in bookshops over the last few years, this is now in danger, and just one example of the rug being pulled out insidiously from under the cultural foundation of our society.

More dying of the light RIP Moya Brennan, real name Máire Brennan.

Moya was the ethereal lead voice of the Irish band Clannad, whose biggest and most iconic hit was 1982’s magical ‘Theme from Harry's Game’, written as the title track for a Yorkshire Television mini-series about the Troubles in Northern Ireland. And who can forget ‘In a Lifetime’ the haunting duet the band performed and recorded with Bono.

Singer, songwriter, harpist and philanthropist and sister to Enya, Máire leaves behind a wonderful and aesthetic musical legacy.

right: Máire Brennan

80

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

coda

We regularly travel around Sussex and Kent with ingénu/e magazine and, similar to most of the country, we see high streets gradually looking more and more dishevelled, bereft of sparkle and soul. Creativity brings environments alive and raises people’s tone, be it in the home, on the street, in the theatre or wherever.

I sometimes think that a team of diverse artists should be commissioned to upgrade and renew our high streets, with an all-encompassing brief to create not only what people need and want but also to restore and amplify environments for the 21st century, making an economical yet aesthetic atmosphere of optimism and hope for the future for communities. Although rather lofty, I think this macrocosmic Carl Sagan quote can be viewed in a microcosmic fashion as regards our local environment: “Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.”

from top: Much Ado Books, Alfriston; Gill with artist Gill Bustemante and (inset) artist Ben Stevenson, at the Ashdown Arts Spring Show in Forest Row; This Is My Theatre cast of A Misummer Night's Dream warming up the audence at Nymans and (inset) Gill with the cast

There and back again: our recent adventures We always love getting out and about with the magazine and some highlights of our adventures in spring were visiting the Ashdown Arts Spring Show in Forest Row, where we met with artist and ingénue regular Gill Bustamante, and saw some marvellous work, including Ben Stevenson’s stunningly intricate pencil work. Considering Ben is self-taught it was delightful to see his work and chat with him. And what a treat it was to see This Is My Theatre perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the open air at Nymans; thank goodness the weather held. The troupe gave a wonderful dynamic and

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

81

coda laugh-out-loud performance, and considering there were only three actors changing characters merely with changes of hats, it was a tour de force.

We had pit stop at the fascinating Lighthouse Gallery in Eastbourne, where besides viewing many gems of creativity by various local artists, one can also indulge in the most fabulous cakes. The gallery is one of our favourites and well worth a visit.

We could have spent all day at the Makers Fair at Standen House and Gardens. So many talented creatives to talk with and view their work. Please see Gill’s review of the event on page 32 in this issue.

We made a couple of visits to Lewes this spring, beginning with popping into the Star Brew Gallery, where there is always an interesting exhibition to be seen. Artistrun Chalk Gallery in Lewes celebrates its 21st birthday this year, and to mark the occasion they moved to new premises. In June we attended the official opening of their new gallery in Station Street and it was a treat to see their new home. The gallery not only has larger premises now, but also has expanded to include a framing service and has a small room at the rear of the gallery for hire.

While there we noticed Jade Golding’s Pepper You just opposite Chalk Gallery, relocated to Lewes after being in Alfriston for two years. Jade’s hand-crafted jewellery and other creations stand side by side with goods made by other small businesses and makers, while Jade also runs regular jewellery workshops.

With these two creative destinations it seems an aesthetic rejuvenation has begun in Station Street. I do hope this trend continues and inspires others to join in and enhance the cultural ambience of the town centre even further.

And we are very much looking forward to seeing the Mediæval Bæbes performing in Horsham in December, celebrating their 30 year anniversary. This unique, classical chart-topping choir was conceptualised and formed in 1996 by musical director, composer and producer Katharine Blake, and has gone from strength to strength, winning a

from top: The editor with owner Caroline at the Lighthouse Gallery, Eastbourne; Linda Letham, Chalk Gallery chair, speaking at the launch; The Mediaeval Baebes, photo Rachel Le Faye

variety of awards. Their performances are sometimes traditional, sometimes ethereal, sometimes vital and compelling, but always esoteric and magical, and we are big fans of the band. Their December concerts always seem to be perfect for the time of year, as in mystical and esoteric traditions December is viewed as a powerful spiritual portal. It represents the ultimate triumph of light over darkness and the spiritual rebirth of the soul.

And that is the exact vibe of a Bæbes concert.

If you haven’t discovered them yet, now’s your chance as they are touring through December.

Epilogue I like relatively famous quotes for some reason, maybe it’s because in some cases they seem to point the way to universal truths.

In these stressful and sometimes worrying times it’s worth remembering this Leonard Cohen quote from his song ‘Anthem’: “There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.”

One can work out one’s own take from this, socially or artistically, but I like it. It makes me feel that although perfection is the goal, there will always be small, little imperfections that make something created shine, allowing the artist to let go of his insecurities, decide his work is complete, set it free and allow what is created to do its duty.

82

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

THE FEELING

WINTER GARDEN, EASTBOURNE THE DRILL SHED, MARGATE WED 11 NOV • THU 12 NOV 2026

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN DE LA WARR PAVILION, BEXHILL SAT 14 NOV 2026

A JAMES BOND CONCERT SPECTACULAR DE LA WARR PAVILION, BEXHILL FRI 18 DEC 2026

TURIN BRAKES SONGS & STORIES

THE OLD MARKET, BRIGHTON WED 25 NOV 2026

COASTAL

EVENTS.CO.UK

JO WHILEY’S 90s ANTHEMS

WINTER GARDEN, EASTBOURNE FRI 23 APRIL 2027

SCAN FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52

83

Petworth

summer Festival

2026

16 July - 1 August A World Class Arts Festival in the South Downs

PetworthFestival.org.uk 84

ingénu/e magazine – south downs and high weald : issue 52