ingénu/e 46, Winter 24/25

ingénu/e

creative talent revealed

Creative Courses & Workshops hone your creativity

plus art galleries & exhibitions

live music, theatre & dance looking ahead to festivals

flash fiction & poetry

south downs and high weald : issue 46: winter 2024/25

ingénu/e

creative talent revealed contents

spotlight on: creative courses visual arts & contemporary crafts

Greetings dear readers and welcome to the first ingénu/e magazine of 2025!

Firstly let me just announce a slight change, and one that we at ingénu/e central have been mulling over for some time. We have adjusted our publishing schedule to syncronise better with the seasons. This allows readers to plan their diaries earlier for favourite events in our key features. Roger goes into more detail in Coda which you can check out on page 60.

We have passed the winter equinox and as I write the days are getting almost imperceptibly longer and in our garden a few hopeful buds are starting to appear and the birds are getting busy finding mates and chasing off interlopers.

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

An evening with a difference, bringing baroque into the 21st century!

Horsham Music Circle presents Baroque Alchemy The Causeway Barn, 15th March, 7pm Piers Adams – Recorders Lyndy Mayle – Keyboards www.horsham-music-circle.org.uk Read about it on page 36.

Artists too are readying themselves for the year ahead, planning art trails, open studios events and exhibitions and working to build up their collections. Festival organisers are busy confirming acts and venues while their promotional teams are feverishly writing copy to send out. Courses and workshops across the region start the new year by welcoming students eager to try something new and determined to fulfil their new year's resolutions. Although chilly and grey, these January days can be full of hope; of planning the future, anticipating warmer days, and enjoying creativity – whether creating oneself or revelling in the creativity of others. This is the way to counter the onslaught of bad news that gets spewed at us hourly through the media, both mainstream and social, and bring about optimism and wellbeing in our immediate environment. Creativity equips us with the wherewithal to raise the tone of those around us and become more positive, effective and able to get more out of life.

"if it's not in ingénu/e ...it's

I'll get down off my soapbox in a moment! But first... I came across an interesting snippet the other day. One of the many pieces of music that makes me stop in my tracks is Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. That opening clarinet gives me goosebumps every time. Apparently the composition came to Gershwin on a train journey from New York to Boston. It was the rhythmic rattling of the train that gave him the inspiration to write the piece. He said, “I heard Rhapsody in Blue as a sort of kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our metropolitan madness.” And that opening sliding clarinet? It apparently happened as an impromptu part of their rehearsing and Gershwin is reputed to have said “keep that in, it's genius” (or words to that effect!) So let's emerge from our hibernation and immerse ourselves in the creativity of our musicians, writers, artists et al, and let's keep the goosebumps horripilating!

–Gill Kaye, editor

spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

WEST DEAN

Make Winter Your Season of Creativity

Winter doesn’t have to be bleak, in fact, it could be your most inspiring season.

Kari Leibowitz, author of How to Winter, has found that reframing how we see winter can turn this often written off season into an opportunity for renewal and creativity. Her research reveals that embracing winter’s unique qualities and redefining them can dramatically improve our mood and mental wellbeing. For example, we can view winter as cold, dark and wet, or cosy, magical and restorative. The weather and quietness, far from being a negative, make this a period ripe for indoor creative activities and rest.

Nestled in the heart of the stunning South Downs, West Dean’s Sussex campus offers frost-kissed gardens, serene woodlands and an atmosphere of reflection and inspiration. You can step into a world of creativity, surrounded by likeminded people, and learn something new this winter. The fully equipped workshops play host to a vast array of creative short courses taught by expert tutors; you’ll find courses ranging from ceramics, painting, and textiles to photography, creative writing, and basketry.

Resolutions shouldn’t to be joyless.

The New Year naturally lends itself to hope and aspiration, it’s the equivalent to a new school exercise

book, unblemished and full of potential. It’s a natural point for reflection and sharply focuses us on what we want for ourselves in the year to come. Whilst many of us make admirable plans surrounding our physical health or kicking unhelpful habits we’re not quite as committed to our mental health and creative fulfilment. The expense of a seldom used gym membership feels perhaps more justifiable than learning new creative practices. Is this because resolutions are meant to be hard or act as some form of penance? Whilst our minds might naturally seek regimens to improve bodily health, we know that research says that arts and crafts are also measurably beneficial to our health and we should prioritise them as such.

It's easy to be cynical about resolutions, we’ve all made enough to be hesitant about committing to lofty goals. However, our commitments don’t have to be heavy, joyless or puritanical. We might want to commit to finally learning how to throw a pot, or learning an unfamiliar printmaking technique, maybe even forging metal objects. This glorious hemisphere in which we reside makes the first month of the year a colder and altogether more trying time for self-improvement, in this month it’s certainly a brave time to be limiting alcohol or cheese intake as some encourage. However, in lieu of living in warmer climes, it might just be the perfect time to slow down and delve into mindful processes. The perfect time to make without the pressure of getting

spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

it right. Resolve to embrace imperfection and the ups and downs of learning new skills. Lean into the joy of craft and ditch the guilt of long lists.

You may have already hastily prepared lists of aims and aspirations for 2025. If this is the case, how many of these involve carving out time for making? Does the list include trying something creative with no pressure or expectation on the outcome? This year at West Dean we’re encouraging you to set creative goals that inspire, goals that illicit excitement, not dread. Our aim is to challenge you creatively; to nurture emerging passions and ultimately help you achieve your creative goals in 2025. With over 800 creative short courses programmed annually in everything from embroidery to stone carving, you can explore your creative curiosities and make 2025 a year of joyful, fulfilling resolutions.

Spring Short Course Preview:

Creative rag rugs with found fabrics – Debbie Siniska, 2-4 March

Lettercutting in stone and slate – Tom Perkins, 7-10 March

Throwing pots, refreshing your skills – Alison Sandeman, 11 March

Woodcarving for beginners – Alex Jones, 11-13 March

Expressive watercolour landscapes – Louisa Boyd, 2124 March

Experimental batik on paper – Hetty Van Boekhout, 28-30 March

Full programme of short courses available at westdean.ac.uk

opp: West Dean in snow; above: basketry workshop; below: Winter at West Dean

spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

ART JUNCTION

We look forward to another year of workshops and creative courses and hope you can join us.

Does creating something in 3D tickle your fancy? If so, we are the go to place. For many years now we have helped people enjoy and fulfil their creative ideas in clay and other materials.

We run courses dedicated to figurative, animal and abstract sculpture as well as regular life drawing classes. We also run Free Form sessions designed to enable those who would like to work on a project of their own

design. Learning how to mould and cast work and indeed create new work by collaging objects or making multiples is another skill we can pass on to those who are interested.

Explore ceramic techniques such as coiling and slab work to create your sculpture as well as learning how to hollow solid clay sculptures for bisque firing. There are a multitude of finishes for fired work that we can demonstrate.

If you are into gaming and would like to make a totally original and imaginative set for your table? The sky is the limit. Come along and try it out.

We like to encourage total beginners as well as those with experience so don’t hesitate if you are new to sculpture. We’d love to see you. Visit www.artjunction.uk for full details of all courses and workshops.

spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

SARAH DUFFIELD

Find Some Creative Space with Sarah

Being creative is a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mental wellbeing; it’s also a great way to have some fun.

Give yourself some time and space this year to develop your creativity in an inviting and nurturing environment.

All of my workshops are carefully planned to introduce you to the colourful possibilities of landscape painting and drawing.

Every session includes time for experimentation and learning through play. I will not teach you to paint like me but, I will encourage you (sometimes it’ll be a prod) to discover and develop a painting style of your own.

My art workshops are for more experienced painters and those who haven’t picked up a brush since school. Groups are small and welcoming. There is always cake or cookies.

If you want to: start painting, experiment with colour, make new friends, enjoy some time to yourself and relax then join us.

Saturday workshops take place at The Cow Shed Studio, Hammes Barn, BN44 3DA

Sunday workshops and evening courses take place in the Upper Beeding village hall.

Find out more about my art workshops and book your first session at www.sduffieldart.co.uk

top: Sarah Duffield; right: Have fun painting with me; below: student's work

spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

Skelton Workshops

A Creative Haven

A barn on the Artelium wine estate in East Sussex is now home to a creative haven: Skelton Workshops. Being close to Ditchling, Lewes and Streat with panoramic views of the surrounding idyllic Downland, it provides a marvellous learning environment.

Here students of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds bring enthusiasm for a hands-on experience.

By working at benches, with chisels and mallets on a range of stones, and with the guidance of expert and friendly tutors,

students learn the tradition of hand carving and the skill of letter cutting. The atmosphere is always supportive with students sharing ideas and problem solving together. Their creativity and collaboration results in impressive work.

The roots of the workshop have their origin in the life of celebrated sculptor, letter carver and educator John Skelton (1923-1999). His talent and skills have been passed through his daughter Helen Mary Skelton, who established Skelton Workshops along with colleague Paulien Gluckman over twenty-five years ago to educate and develop students' ability. Classes have been taught continuously since the Millenium and the development of students is reflected with the current tutors, all of whom were one-time students at Skelton Workshops.

For more details about workshops visit www.skeltonworkshops.co.uk

Students at work –above: hand carving left: letter cutting

The Collaborative Canvas

Art for Wellbeing

The Collaborative Canvas is situated in the heart of Eastbourne, at The Enterprise Centre.

We are a Community Interest Company providing ‘art for wellbeing’ workshops to individuals and small groups. We don’t expect our customers to be professional artists and if you haven’t picked up a pencil or paintbrush since school, it really doesn’t matter. We encourage individuals to come along to learn the basics of a variety of water based media and make connections, with informal instruction from our resident Art Facilitators.

Workshops can be in small groups or can be offered as one to ones. As a registered centre for Arts Award, we support children and young people, aged between 11 and 25 years old, to complete their Trinity College, London accredited courses through guided, 1:1 tutorial support. Arts Award’s mission is to support children and young people to enjoy the arts, to connect with and take part in the wider art world and develop creativity, communication and leadership skills.

During 2024 we have been working with a variety of Sussexbased artists and makers, such as Liv & Flo, Lynn Watt, Vicki Disney,

Graham Matthews, Sharon Randall, Kay Hilton, Alan Pearce and Emma Bennett, through their teaching and their creative output.

We also offer ‘art hot desking spaces’ for artists and makers to work with others in order to combat creative isolation in daily crafting and making.

For more information please visit: collaborativecanvas.org or contact: collaborativecanvas.art@ gmail.com Tel. no: 01323 552733 Facebook: The Collaborative Canvas Instagram: e.bennett_artwork

pictured from top: Sharon Randall, painting; Liv & Flo Ceramics; Jenny Shorter, textiles

spotlight on... creative courses & workshops

Roz Nathan MA

Natural History Art, Courses and Demos

Roz is based in East Sussex where her art practice has a Natural History focus – she takes part in Open Houses regularly and will be exhibiting artwork on Sussex Folklore with other artists at the Crypt, Seaford, in June.

A popular and very experienced tutor, Roz continues teaching her weekly courses in the Eastbourne area at Polegate Community Centre, with a warm, light room, great facilities and free car park.

Running on a Monday morning is the Creative Print, Collage & Mixed Media course, experimenting with various exciting media and semiabstract techniques, including gel print, collage and collagraph.

Roz’s other class at Polegate is Personal Projects, on a Tuesday afternoon, when you can make progress with your own work, receiving guidance in developing your ideas and skills, and have practical help in making and selling cards or prints of your work.

Roz is also now teaching fortnightly sessions in Langney at St Barnabas, also with its own car park, where she is running three Watercolour and Mixed Media courses and a new Water-based

Paint and Mixed Media course.

She also teaches live Zoom courses which include demos, discussions and relaxed project working, and supportive feedback within small, friendly groups – this Spring is Natural History Watercolour, Mixed Media Landscape, and Gouache & Mixed Media Portraits.

Roz works often with local art groups and societies, delivering demos, workshops or regular teaching; please visit www.roznathanart.com or email roz.nathan@hotmail.com to enquire; or check Facebook and Instagram @roznathanart

below: teaching Tom Shepherd's quick birds techniques; bottom: Marazion reserve, Watercolour and pastel, Roz Nathan

Catriona Millar’s

Art

Class, Eastbourne

“Like many Scottish painters Catriona Millar is a true colourist. Colour and pattern define her work but beneath the surface they portray the full spectrum of the human condition – joy, hope, longing and melancholy – and often alongside an animal companion.” –Elspeth Bray, former V&A London curator, Deputy Editor of the Apollo Magazine.

There are very few opportunities to learn the traditional techniques of painting particularly from an acclaimed artist, which makes Catriona Millar’s art class very special.

“We’ve had art students coming to the class to learn the basics of painting which their college no longer teaches,” said Catriona, “these techniques are centuries old and can be applied to oils and acrylics. It’s a pleasure to pass them on and help people develop their work.”

Catriona’s art class runs every Tuesday 11.30am to 1.30pm

in the newly restored Meads Village Hall, Eastbourne and is ongoing. The workshop space is large and airy and on the ground floor with disabled access. There is free street parking. Drawing materials and easels are provided along tea, coffee and biscuits. Ten classes cost £180 and you can join at any time subject to availability.

At the class you can learn to paint in oils, acrylics and multi-media in a friendly, creative environment. You can also learn how to draw in pencil, pen and charcoal. Students of all abilities are welcome, from absolute beginners to advanced painters, all of whom will benefit from Catriona’s individually tailored advice and encouragement. Catriona is assisted by her husband Roddy, who as a portrait artist counted many celebrities and public figures as his clients including the late Margaret Thatcher.

If you are interested in joining the class email Catriona at catrionamillarpainter@ gmail.com or call her on 07758 367479. catrionamillar.com

Catriona Millar & Dawn Chorus

Announcing

our 2025 programme of

Art Weekends at Jessops Farm Studios

Join us in our studios set in the picturesque countryside of rural Kent for a friendly but intensive workshop experience to set your creative juices flowing.

This year we are exploring some new and inspiring themes. Cathy Bird and visiting tutors will encourage you to try out some processes you may not have used before along with re-visiting old friends afresh.

Loose and Free – walking the edge of abstraction; Pastels and Oil Pastels – exploring the potential of these media; Painting Dancers – inspired by Degas or Lautrec; Ink Painting and Drawing – the excitement of pen, brush and ink; Mixed Media Creative – let your inner artist loose; Drawing – the Basics and the Adventures; The Flower Room – experience being surrounded with flowers; Picasso on Paper – Discover what you can learn from the master.

Please visit www.weekendarting.com for dates and course details. Otherwise call Cathy Bird on

01892 870067 or email weekendarting@gmail.com

Jessops Farm Studios, Tonbridge Road, Bough Beech, nr Edenbridge, TN8 7AU.

DRAWING & SCULPTURE COURSES

Casting service, bisque kiln firing available, studio space for rent.

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

Maria Sharipo sculpting professional aerialist Naomi Wood in action.

MEET THE MAKER

Daniel Pateman Course Tutor, Furniture

Painters, poets, weavers, welders, gardeners, gilders, calligraphers, conservators…

Whatever your craft, whatever your level, there is a short course for you at West Dean. Learn from expert tutors in state-of-the-art studios, or study in your own time with distance learning.

Be inspired at westdean.ac.uk

the COLLABORATIVE CANVAS

Provides ‘art for wellbeing’ workshops to individuals and small groups

Studio/gallery space showcases the work of Sussex based artists and makers

Art hot-desking spaces for artists & makers

Enterprise Shopping Centre, Eastbourne, BN21 1BD collaborativecanvas.art@gmail.com 01323 552733

The Collaborative Canvas e.bennett_artwork subscribe to ingénu/e magazine & never miss a copy

For just £15.95/year you can have your own copy delivered to your door each quarter. To subscribe just email subscribe@ingenuemagazine.co.uk More info: www.ingenuemagazine.co.uk

Natural History Artwork / Courses / Demos

Regular studio courses in Polegate & Langney

Creative Print, Collage & Mixed Media / Personal Projects

Watercolour / New – Water based paints & Mixed Media

Live, fun, group Zoom courses

Mixed Media Portrait and Landscape / Watercolour Natural History

Art Societies – demos / workshops / regular teaching 1-1 or small groups – private studio / home sessions

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

teaching Tom Shepherd’s quick birds techniques

exploring Liz Chaderton’s pen and wash techniques on cardboard

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Artgenu/e

by Lesley Samms

What’s the Story? – Artists talking about their unique journey.

In this issue we talk to artist David Kirkman. David will be a Pure Artist in Residence in 2025 at Bannatyne Spa Hotel, Hastings.

Did you have an interest in art as a child?

The most influential person was my Grandad. He was always trying new processes and loved all kinds of art. He taught me how to use oils, acrylics and watercolours and encouraged me to even enter my paintings into exhibitions at around eleven years old.

Did you have a formal art education or are you self taught?

I studied art up until A-Level but found formal art education limiting and didn't take it as a degree. I consider my self-taught as I really only developed my skills and current processes and style in my early 30's.

Was there a person or a place in your past that influenced you or you feel set you on the journey to where you are now? I was a stay at home parent for the first three years

of my eldest son's life. I decided to write and illustrate a childrens book for him. This reignited my love for art and also found it helped me manage my mental health. This led to me experimenting with abstractionism, friends started buying my pieces and then two years ago I decided to make it my job.

Whats the best thing about being an artist? I love it when someone connects with one of my paintings. It is an incredible feeling to see someone light up because of something I've created. It really is a privilege.

And the worst?

You become an artist to spend time creating in your studio but end up spending longer learning and navigating social media. You could be the most talented artist in the world but if the algorithm doesn't like you then it won't be seen. However, it is a necessary evil. You also need to be good at promoting yourself and reaching out to galleries, exhibitions and competitions which does come with rejection. This is something you learn not to take to heart but it's never nice.

Please tell us about your working environment.

I work from my home studio which allows me the space to create and store large pieces of work and provides me the convenience of painting at anytime. The space also allows me to show my

David Kirkman, Inner Love

David Kirkman

visual arts & contemporary crafts

work to collectors and photograph the artwork.

Please tell us a little of the processes involved in making your art?

I create intuitively therefore my process is based on mindfulness. I try to not plan or anticipate my next stroke or how the piece will finish up. This process is actually one of the toughest things about my work. To stop asking, 'what shall I do next' and just do it.

What's the most indispensable item in your studio?

I love to paint big so my most indispensable item would be my large Liquitex brushes.

Where are you finding ideas and inspiration for your work currently?

My latest collection is inspired by my love of scuba

diving. These pieces explore the parallels between the feelings you get when diving and the emotions we experience in everyday life. Shining a light on embracing our vulnerabilities in order to experience real joy and hope.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to make a living out of art?

Go in with your eyes open. Being a professional artist means you paint probably about 20% of the time, the rest you need to be a marketer, website builder, social media expert, track inventory, reach out to galleries, submit to exhibitions, deliver and frame pieces, invoice, build client relationships and the list goes on. It's harder work than you might expect.

For information about Pure Arts Group and to read this interview in full please visit pureartsgroup.co.uk

David Kirkman, Internal Reflection

£4.50 to £9 Free for Towner Members & Under 25s

what you can’ selected dates

Ken Kiff, Family, 1969. © The Estate of Ken Kiff Ltd

New Beginnings for Gallery North as they Celebrate

20+ Years of Art and Community

Gallery North, the cherished cultural hub in the heart of Hailsham, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a series of commemorative events that showcased the gallery’s rich history of promoting local artists and fostering a vibrant arts community in East Sussex.

Managed by Jennifer West for the past two decades, the Gallery’s exhibition management is now being taken on by local artist and marketer Emma Donovan (@thehinterlandstudio.art) with Jenny continuing the Gallery’s successful school outreach and workshops programme.

As the Gallery looks forward to a thriving 2025 full of exhibitions, workshops and outreach education, the Gallery’s 21st year looks set to be full of new beginnings with an exciting opportunity for artists to get involved with Gallery North’s new Springtime Open Call. Artists working in any medium are invited to submit up to three pieces of work that respond to the theme ‘New Beginnings’ and are invited to register interest by emailing Emma at artgallerynorth@gmail.com.

Building on a successful foundation in 2024, the Gallery will continue their Wellbeing Through Arts programme, designed to engage the local community and celebrate the gallery’s contribution to the local arts. Acrylic painting, wet-felting and collage workshops all took place in 2024, and there are plans to expand the programme for families and youngsters too.

Gallery Manager Jennifer West continues:

“It has been a great privilege and a joy managing Gallery North for the past twenty years. The commemorative exhibitions we have held this year have highlighted many of the wonderful artists who have shown work with us over the last two decades. Emma and I have exciting plans ahead and we look forward to showcasing the Arts in all their glory in our corner of East Sussex.

“A huge thank you to Wealden District Council and Hailsham Town Council for supporting us, and our amazing team of volunteers who keep the doors open – without them the gallery could not have continued. Our visitors books are full of

appreciative comments from both local and further afield visitors who have been delighted to discover a gallery in the heart of Hailsham. Long may it continue!”

The 20th anniversary exhibition is a testament to the enduring support of the Hailsham community. Gallery North invites everyone to join in the celebration and experience the power of art to reflect, inspire and connect. artgallerynorth.co.uk

top & above: Reflections and Echoes private view; left: Wellbeing through Art acrylics workshop with Gilly Toft

Sussex Artist Susie Olford

looks forward to Spring

Autumn and Winter days are the time to think towards Spring exhibitions.

We haven’t had a sunny Autumn, those crisp days of colour to enjoy spells of warm, midday sun. I can but offer you a colourful image to span the seasons – but not Winter. I never paint cold winter paintings preferring the warmth the other three seasons bring.

Planning for a Spring 2025 exhibition helps to cheer. For you, a chuckle seeing my humorous wine related greeting cards.

In May, over 100 paintings will be in my welcoming barn, part of the Chichester Open Studios Trail, space to enjoy joyful oils and acrylics. Find me in

Hoe Lane, Flansham, PO22 8NJ, just one minute’s drive from the A259 between Bognor and Littlehampton. A quiet piece of West Sussex you may never have found.

In your new 2025 diary please log the dates 17th, 18th May, and 24th, 25th & bank holiday Monday 26th May. Travelling the extra mile to Flansham will not disappoint.

See images of my work on the art trail websites chichesteropenstudios.org or arundelgallerytrail.co.uk

Colour brochures will be available nearer the date; my e-mail smoart@btinternet.com.

Susie Olford, Colours of Nature, Acrylic, 40 x 40cm

visual arts & contemporary crafts

A contemporary gallery space between city and sea showcasing work by local artists.

www.nicolaroseartist.com nicola.rose@zen.co.uk Studio visits by appointment Commissions

Gift vouchers available. Winter opening times in place, check website for details. We are always happy to open at other times by appointment.

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

EXHIBITIONS 2025

MATERIAL WORLD 15.02 - 22.03

A selection of contemporary textiles including weaving, mixed fibres, quilting, embroidery and rug-hooking.

SPRING OPEN

CALL 29.03 - 24.05

A selection of work spanning a range of mediums that responds to our Open Call on the theme of ‘A new beginning’. Submissions deadline: 25th January. £10 per artwork. Up to three pieces allowed per artist.

INTO

THE

WILD

07.06 - 26.07

A thematic body of work inspired by the beauty of the animal kingdom and our natural world.

ALTERITY 09.08 - 30.08

A contemporary exhibition of painting, poetry and installation by The Material Collective. OF SUBSTANCE 06.09 - 01.11

A wide-ranging, exploratory exhibition of contemporary sculpture and ceramics.

CONGREGATION 08.11 - 17.12

An exhibition of figurative and still life work that explores people, place and the connection between the two.

Enquiries & Artist Submissions to artgallerynorth@gmail.com

visual arts & contemporary crafts

South East Open Studios

Your Creative Community since 1996 Calling all artists and makers! SEOS

2025 registration open now!

Join us and showcase your creative talent to artlovers from across the south east and beyond. Next summer, hundreds of artists and makers will come together in June during a 16 day event that celebrates the wealth of artistic talent our region has to offer.

South East Open Studios (SEOS) is one of the most established annual open artist studio events in the UK and an extremely popular event in the arts calendar in Kent, East Sussex and south London. Each year SEOS provides a unique opportunity to make your creative practice more visible. By opening up your studios you will be welcoming people in to share your creative processes, your work and the stories behind it. Participating in the SEOS is a brilliant way to make creative connections, meet the art-buying public, and to raise your profile and share your creative practice with the wider community.

During SEOS, we open up our studios to the artloving public, hold collaborative shows and exhibit and sell our work commission-free. Whatever your choice of medium, if you’re a local artist, this is your chance to join an exciting and influential movement that's providing artists and makers with a vital platform and strengthening visual arts across the region.

SEOS 2025 takes place from the 6th to 22nd June and features a wealth of talent across a variety of media, from painting, print-making and pottery, to ceramics and sculpture, jewellery making and silversmithing, glass and woodwork, textile art, digital work, illustration, mixed media and more.

Throughout the year we also, very importantly, provide our artists and makers with an online platform via our Artist Pages and social media feeds to help establish them and their practice within their communities and the wider arts arena.

“I have done SEOS for the past three years since moving to Kent. I have found it a great way to introduce local collectors to my work and also to meet

other artists. Each year we have made good sales and had a large number of visitors which in turn has added to my mailing list.”

–Lucy Homer-Jones, Kent based contemporary painter.

Visit our website for more information, sign up to the mailing list and get ready to register!

Visit www.seos-art.org, you can contact us at marketing@seos-art.org and find us on social media @seopenstudios

above: painting by Faye Bridgewater; left: sculptor Jason Mulligan

visual arts & contemporary

Nicola Rose

Nicola Rose is a professional artist whose wild landscape paintings can be found in galleries in the south of England and also as far north as Shetland.

She has been painting the land, the sea and the weather for over thirty years. She travels extensively to remote locations and in recent year focusing on Scotlands northern and western isles.

Her working method involves making charcoal and ink drawings, and plein air oil paintings on board, on site and in all weathers. These initial responses to her surroundings are the source material for her powerful and emotionally intense paintings on canvas which are made back in her studio. She frequently works on several paintings simultaneously, capturing the energy and the spirit of these dramatic locations and wild weathers.

More recently, on several visits to Spain, Nicola has been working with Andalusian dressage horses interacting with exotically dressed flamenco dancers. She works directly, drawing at speed as the horse and dancer move in front of her.

Nicola’s studio is a fertile space filled with both finished paintings and works in progress and can be visited by appointment.

Nicola is also a professional teacher and is happy to work one-to-one with anyone wishing to further explore their own creativity.

above: Horse and Dancer 3; below: The light must follow Visit www.nicolaroseartist.com for more information or contact Nicola at nicola.rose@zen.co.uk.

m: 07703 452554 t: 01323 724229 | penniespetportraits@gmail.com @penniespetportraits | www.penniespetportraits.co.uk Our pets mean so much to us and a portrait celebrates the unique bond between us Experience the

Commission the artist for that special gift Gallery@42, South Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4XB

A gateway to connection, Heartfelt is an exhibition designed to resonate deeply and positively with your emotions through an array of mediums and themes. Here, you’ll find art that invites you to ponder, evokes cherished memories, and sparks smiles.

13 February to 13 April Thursday 12–8pm Friday to Sunday 12–6pm, Launch event 13 Feb 6–9pm @galleryat42 w: www.galleryat42.co.uk

Carnival 3 by Lindy Dunbar (detail)

https://www.pictureplace.co.uk Come and browse

Studio Gallery open every 4th Saturday of the month, 9am to 1pm, in support of Petworth’s Community Gardens

Corner Cottage, 2 The Mews, High Street, Petworth, GU28 0AU

visual arts & contemporary crafts

Petworth’s Studio Gallery

Petworth’s Studio Gallery opens its doors every fourth Saturday in each month – on Farmers Market Day.

The Gallery, located at The Mews in Petworth's High Street, is conveniently close to the car park, just three doors up on the left of Rosemary Lane footpath.

Specially tailored for pictures on show, the watercolour pictures exhibited are painted on walls, doors, wood panels and paper; the subjects are colourful, various and conventional – which also describes the artist, who started his working life in 1950, as a lithographic artist, transferring the artist’s work to printing plate.

The artist, Terence Kearey, taught life drawing and typography at Harrow Art School and artwork reproduction at London College of Printing, where he eventually taught colour and light theory before retiring to open a gallery here and in Spain. The pictures, which are not for sale and commissions are not taken, complement the home, where every item contributes towards the gallery being a remarkable showcase and suitable draw for charitable donations.

You can find The Studio Gallery at Corner Cottage, 2 The Mews, High Street, Petworth. It is covered by professional indemnity and public liability; ramps are laid, hand and grab rails available and guides are there to welcome you.

The online gallery, www.pictureplace.co.uk gives the curious all the various subjects from single flower to forest, waterfall to lake, family church to cathedral.

www.openwindowlearning.co.uk allows the listener to sample narrations of life’s stories through the ages; www.irishclan.uk gives ancient Irish history; whilst www.earlyvictorianlife.uk transports the reader through both world wars. See more about the artist's discoveries on page 54.

Paintings by Terence Kearey, above: Torc Waterfall; below: Shoebury Priory

visual arts & contemporary

Gallery@42 Eastbourne

HEARTFELT is an exhibition that showcases work which, through an array of mediums and themes, is designed to resonate deeply and positively with your emotions.

Here, you'll find art that invites you to ponder, to evoke cherished memories, and spark smiles. Each piece is a gateway to connection, allowing you to experience the profound beauty art can bring to the heart.

HEARTFELT launches on Thursday 13th February, signalling the big reopening after the gallery's winter rest, and continues until Sunday 13th April.

Opening hours are Thursday 12–8pm, Friday to Sunday 12–6pm.

Gallery@42, South Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4XB.

Visit www.galleryat42.co.uk for more information and on Instagram: @galleryat42

top: Alan Taylor, 'New York'; above left: Geraldine Franklin, 'Feuille l' left: Pennie Cunliffe-Lister, 'Kernow the cat' (wwwpenniespetportraits.co.uk)

visual arts & contemporary crafts

High Weald Marketing

Do you love the idea of building your business on social media but don’t know where to start? Feel overwhelmed at the thought?

Hi, I’m Steph, and I’m a social media mentor.

What does this mean, I hear you ask? I’m here to help you understand the right platforms for your business and use them as your digital shop window.

January is the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start on your social media, and I offer a range of services to support you.

Get your marketing ducks in a row with a social media audit –I’ll do a deep dive into your profile, analyse your bio, posts and the overall appearance of the page, then provide recommendations for content ideas, hashtags, post layout and much more.

I’ll take the mystery out of marketing with easy-to-understand language, and explain some of those words you always hear, but never know what they mean – like, just what is a reel?

It’s not just the captions you need to think about – they say a picture paints a thousand words, and it’s certainly true in this case.

To help you with the images you’ll need, I’ll create a bundle of templates for you that are on brand, smart and efficient. Drop in your photos and text and you’ll make the most of your precious marketing minutes.

I love to chat – get in touch to see how you can thrive in 2025! Visit www.highwealdmarketing.co.uk or @highwealdmarketing

original work by 25 local artists and makers fabulous coffee, cake and snacks unusual plant gifts life drawing and other classes & workshops

The Lighthouse Gallery Eastbourne 19 Cornfield Terrace, BN21 4NS 07748354879. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Find us on Facebook and Instagram

Senbla presents Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent Productions featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra

With an exquisite Japanese Garden and spectacular costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

“Authentic,

Directed by Ellen Kent, this brand new production is traditionally staged and features beautiful sets and costumes.

Boasting sumptuous sets and costumes.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles. A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music.

THE ANVIL, BASINGSTOKE La Bohème: Wed 12 Feb / Madama Butterfly: Sun 4 May anvilarts.org.uk DE LA WARR PAVILION, BEXHILL-ON-SEA La Bohème: Wed 19 Feb / La Traviata: Tue 29 Apr dlwp.com THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON

La Bohème: Fri 21 Mar / Madama Butterfly: Sat 22 Mar atgtickets.com/brighton* THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY La Bohème: Mon 14 Apr hawth.co.uk KINGS THEATRE, PORTSMOUTH La Traviata: Tue 4 Mar / Madama Butterfly: Wed 5 Mar kingsportsmouth.co.uk NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING La Bohème: Fri 11 Apr / Madama Butterfly: Sat 12 Apr atgtickets.com/woking* *Subject to booking/transaction fees.

Unmissable Ellen Kent productions of three classic operas

Senbla, by arrangement with Opera International, proudly presents three Ellen Kent productions featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly praised chorus and full orchestra.

Award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns early this year with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv presenting stunning classical productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and La Bohème, along with Verdi’s La Traviata.

Madama Butterfly is a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant, with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus,

the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

Directed by Ellen, La Bohème is another brand new production traditionally staged, featuring beautiful sets and costumes. It is the story of two young lovers in Paris, Rodolfo and Mimi – will they overcome their problems of poverty and ill health?

La Traviata is a tragic tale brimming with searing passion and memorable music. Parisian courtesan, Violetta, attempts to leave the life she knows behind to try and finally find true love. When she meets romantic Alfredo, the hypocrisy of upper-class society threatens their love – and someone must pay the ultimate price.

All are sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Visit www.ellenkent.com for full details and see the advertisement on the facing page for information about performances in our area.

below: La Traviata; bottom: La Bohème

SILVER BELL

LIVE MUSIC IN HORSHAM Spring 2025 presented by Horsham Music Circle for the 83rd Season

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

St Mary’s Church 4.30pm SUSSEX CHAMBER PLAYERS

Mendelssohn Octet Frank Bridge Sextet & octet arrangements of works by Moskowski, Fauré, Duke Ellington

SATURDAY 15 MARCH

Causeway Barn 7.00pm BAROQUE ALCHEMY

PIERS ADAMS recorder virtuoso with keyboardist LYNDY

SATURDAY 10th MAY

St Mary’s Church 7.00pm ONYX BRASS

‘stunningly crisp brass-playing’ BBC Radio 3

TICKETS Phone: 01403 252602 email: horshammusiccircle@gmail.com online from 30th December www.wegottickets.com/HorshamMusicCircle www.horsham-music-circle.org.uk

The Picture House Uckfield

The Picture House Cinema & Restaurant, Uckfield and The Atrium Cinema, East Grinstead

After 16 years of operation in East Grinstead the WTW-SCOTT Cinema Group passed ownership of The Atrium to The Digital Picture House Ltd (DPH). The amazing team at DPH also run the Picture House in Uckfield, which has been in family ownership since 1916.

Alongside a diverse selection of films, stage musicals and National Theatre Live productions are Exhibition on Screen events. Here are two examples of offerings at the cinemas early this year.

Late January at the Picture House:

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers (PG)

Van Gogh is not only one of the most beloved artists of all time, but perhaps the most misunderstood. Re-examine and better understand this iconic artist, with focus on his unique creative years in the South of France. With exclusive access to the National Gallery, which is hosting the UK’s biggest ever Van Gogh exhibition. Directed by David Bickerstaff

In March at both cinemas:

Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874 (PG)

Director Ali Ray

The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history, with millions marvelling at their masterpieces. But to begin with they were scorned, penniless outsiders, facing harsh opposition from the conventional art community at the time.

Impressionism originated with a group of Paris based artists whose independent exhibitions brought them to prominence during the late nineteenth century. 1874 was the year that changed everything as they broke the mould and held their own exhibition outside official channels. Impressionism was born and the art world was changed forever.

The name of the style derives from the title of the Claude Monet work, 'Impression, soleil levant' (Impression, Sunrise), which is pictured below.

See advertisement on facing page for more of what's on at the cinemas, and for further details visit: www.picturehouseuckfield.com www.atriumeastgrinstead.com

Claude Monet, Impression, soleil levant

Horsham Music Circle Preview of Spring Concerts 2025

After stunning performances with rave reviews in the autumn the Horsham Music Circle continues its 83rd Season with three contrasting programmes for Spring 2025.

On 15th February in St Mary’s Church the Sussex Chamber Players offer Mendelssohn’s ever popular Octet, the Sextet in E flat by Frank Bridge and string octet arrangements by Anna Cooper of Moskowski’s Bolero, Fauré Apres Un Reve and Duke Ellington’s Prelude to a Kiss. They gave us a splendid performance at our Vaughan Williams 150 concert in 2022 and are back with larger forces to bring us a real feast of chamber music.

In the Causeway Barn on 15th March International recorder player and Red Priest frontman Piers Adams, ‘the leading recorder virtuoso in the world today’ (Washington Post), joins forces with multi-talented keyboardist Lyndy Mayle in ‘Baroque Alchemy’, an extraordinary electro-baroque fusion duo. Replacing the familiar sound of the harpsichord with modernday keyboard technology Piers and Lyndy re-imagine music from mediaeval and baroque masters to modern day tango and jazz. The wizardry of the keyboard and expressive power of Piers' recorders promises a perfect blend of ancient and modern in a dazzling and moving performance!

May 10th at St Mary’s Church brings a resounding

finish to the season when acclaimed quintet Onyx Brass plays for our 83rd Anniversary concert. It celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and continues to be the leading light in establishing the brass quintet as a medium for serious chamber music, combining “staggering virtuosity” (Sarah Walker, BBC Radio 3) with the entertaining and articulate style that has become the group’s trademark. The programme ranges from Monteverdi’s Vespers, Rameau and Bach to Shostakovich, Arnold and Bernstein’s West Side Story Suite. For Tickets phone 01403 252602 or email horshammusiccircle@gmail.com. For full details visit www.horsham-music-circle.org.uk

Onyx Brass, photo Thomas Bowles inset: Baroque Alchemy, photo Piers Adams

New Sussex Opera presents The Silver Bell

After the “jaw-droppingly stupendous” (Musical Opinion) Dragon of Wantley, NSO’s same team has created the UK première production of The Silver Bell (Le Timbre d’argent) by Camille Saint-Saëns, in a newly commissioned English translation.

A poor, tormented artist, consumed with passion and ambition for a mysterious woman (played by a dancer à la Death in Venice), is given a silver bell that will provide all his heart desires. But in this story from the librettists behind Faust and The Tales of Hoffmann things could never be so simple. It is fantastical and compelling tale, with numerous spectacular elements. The work feels incredibly modern, and it is illuminated by a sumptuous and sensual score: NSO presents an unmissable first chance to discover this masterpiece by Saint-Saëns, one of the greatest French composers of his time.

New Sussex Opera Chorus is joined by St Paul’s Sinfonia Conductor Toby Purser, Director Paul Higgins, Designer Mollie Cheek, Dramaturg Ben Poore. The outstanding international cast includes Anthony Flaum (Paris in La Belle Hélène, Tremolini in The Princess of Trébizonde) as Conrad, Australian soprano Sky Ingram as Hélène, Armenian baritone Arshak Kuzikyan as Spiridion, Lucy Farrimond as Rosa and Harun Tekin as Bénédict.

Performances in May/ June in Lewes, Blackheath, Eastbourne, Worthing and Winchester. Visit www.newsussexopera.org for full information.

from top: Anthony Flaum; Arshak Kuzikyan; Lucy Farrimond; Sky Ingram

Lady Nade sings Nina Simone

Friday 7th February | 8pm | £24

Valentine’s Day

Latin Dance Party

Friday 14th February | 8pm | £18

Adventures in Science

Wednesday 19th February | 2pm | £9, £11, £36 (family)

Purple Hearts

Friday 21st February | 8pm | £25, £21

Hayseed Dixie

Saturday 22nd February | 8pm | £25

Ropetackle Arts Centre

Award Winning Arts Venue in Shoreham-By-Sea

9th February The Magpie Arc

The Magpie Arc is a cross-border band featuring acclaimed musicians Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Tom Wright, Alex Hunter and UK folk legend Martin Simpson on electric guitar. Formed to blend their songwriting and musicianship into a fresh take on the British folk/rock sound of the '60s and '70s, the band quickly gained recognition for its unique mix of folk, rock, country, and prog-rock elements. Their 2022 debut album, Glamour in the Grey spent 12 months on the UK Official Folk Chart, debuting at number 9. Mojo magazine compared it to Fairport Convention's 1969 release, calling it “Liege and Lief-affirming” with “an elemental racket”. The band has made waves on UK festival stages

and in headline tours, featuring solo sets from each member. Fans can look forward to their next album, set for release in early 2025. Expect excellent songs, lush harmonies, scything electric guitars, gorgeous fiddle lines and rock solid bass and drums.

March 20th Lynne Hanson

Canada’s own Queen of Americana Too tough for folk and too blues-influenced for country, Lynne Hanson’s brand of porch music with a little red dirt can turn on a dime from a sunshine, blue-sky ballad to a full on thunderstorm of gritty Americana swamp from one song to the next. And while her deep, bluesy croon has drawn comparisons to Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch, it’s the poetry of her lyrics that really sets her apart.

Hanson has released nine studio albums along with two books of poetry over her 18 year solo career. Along the way she’s won two Canadian Folk Music Awards, as well as the Colleen Peterson song writing award.

She’s toured extensively across North America, Europe and the UK, and appeared at leading international festivals. She has also toured as support for Grammy-nominated artists like Gretchen Peters, Steve Forbert and Albert Lee.

She is known for her high-energy, roots guitardriven live performances, whether playing solo or with her band the Good Intentions. She has an uncanny way of connecting with her audience with an authenticity that is as entertaining as it is disarming.

Visit https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk for all that’s on at the centre.

below: Lynne Hanson; inset: The Magpie Arc

The Old Market Hove presents REIGNING WOMEN

Our genre-spanning festival celebrates kick-ass women everywhere. A highlight of the TOM calendar, Reigning Women offers a platform for both established artists and rising stars to showcase their amazing talents.

18th February

Ethereal: An Evening of Calming String Music & 360º Visuals

Limited availability. Swiss/Catalan singer and violinist Violeta Vicci blends contemporary classical and electronic music, rooted in natural soundscapes. An evening of tranquillity that combines the mesmerising beauty of live string music with stunning 360º visual projections to create an atmosphere of pure relaxation.

13th to 14th March

Halina Rice

Limited availability. The electronic music producer and AV artist is renowned for her vivid and eclectic style ranging from evocative and avant-garde soundscapes to beatdriven tracks.

29th March

Sarah Jane Morris and Tony Remy: The Sisterhood ProjectA representation of Sarah Jane's roots, inspirations, and indefatigable love of contemporary music-making and its iconic pioneers ‘The Sisterhood’ celebrates 12 female stars who dominated the singing and songwriting of the 20th century.

2nd to 3rd April

Sh!t Theatre: Or What’s Left Of Us

The Sh!ts are back at TOM with a true crime show about folk music and grief.

16th April

PP Arnold: Soul Survivor – An Intimate Evening of Music & Conversation

To follow the publication of her autobiography, PP Arnold comes to TOM with jaw-dropping stories from her remarkable life in a beautiful, intimate evening that will include classic songs like The First Cut Is The Deepest, Angel of The Morning and more.

29th May

Elf Lyons: Horses

The first-ever comedy show performed entirely by a horse. Made by award-winning Elf Lyons, performed by Treacle.

30th to 31st May

M-Othering

A fiercely physical, comedic and moving new live dance work, performed by an intergenerational cast of women and girls aged 11-76. Visit www.theoldmarket.com for all that’s on at TOM.

Violeta Vicci

A review of the International Interview Concerts in Worthing

They’ve been three impactful International Interview Concerts at their post-pandemic venue of @rtsspaces@sionschool. Excited audiences, relishing the up-close performance experience and meeting the artistes in relaxed interviewing conversation, are returning for more of what they don’t get from conventional classical concerts.

Sample some recorded reactions, kept anonymous. To Maya Irgalina (piano) in 2023: “You told us stories, painted pictures, showed us your heart and your thinking, and held us under your spell” . . . “Your fingers flew on ivory lines, you made my heart reach the sun” . . . “A wonderful concert” . . . “I nearly cried in my admiration!”

Kamila Bydlowska (violin) & Olga Paliy (piano) in March 2024: “Heart-warming. Their interviewing rapport was almost as entertaining as the captivating music”. . . “The intimacy generated by the room layout added to the enjoyment, people chatted and got to know each other” . . .“Something special, and different to your average run-of-the-mill, self-important concert. The music transported me deep down into my meditation zone. I wasn’t expecting this level of enjoyment from an afternoon of chamber music” . . . “I came away hugely uplifted.”

Kenny Fu (piano) in November: “A wonderful combination of music and words”. . . “Excellent and moving. He played and spoke with clarity and honesty” . . . “What a resounding success! Very friendly audience atmosphere. Everyone surprised at the close quarters and very chatty” . . . “A remarkable and very special experience” . . . “We haven’t stopped talking about it.”

The audience-interactive Mystery Music and Ask a Question features got listeners guessing and asking. Fu’s Improvisation spot had them marvelling, Bydlowska’s walk-around staging amazed them, a guest painter created images to Fu’s performances, and all brought showpieces to thrill.

Next Interview Concert: Sunday 25th May (3pm), further details in the Spring issue of ingénu/e. www.facebook.com/TheInterviewConcerts

below: Kamila Bydlowska & Olga Paliy; inset: Kenny Fu; Maya Irgalina. Photos, Stephen Goodger

London Philharmonic Orchestra returns to East Sussex for the second half of its 2024/25 season

In February, the LPO celebrates the 150th anniversary of French composer Ravel at Brighton Dome. LPO 2024/25 Fellow Conductor Juya Shin conducts Ravel’s Pavane and his Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, performed by one-handed British pianist Nicholas McCarthy, as well as RimskyKorsakov’s Scheherazade. At the Congress Theatre, the Orchestra returns with LPO 2024/25 Fellow Conductor Matthew Lynch. Mentored by Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, he’ll take to the stage for a programme featuring Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp and Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony.

March sees more favourites of the classical repertoire, with conductor Adam Hickox and violinist Hyeyoon Park performing a programme of Schumann, Beethoven and Brahms in both Brighton and Eastbourne.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) returns to Brighton Dome and Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre in 2025 with a programme packed with some of classical music’s most iconic names and best loved repertoire. The Orchestra is thrilled to continue to share the wonder of classical music on the South Coast.

The LPO finishes its concerts on the South Coast at the Congress Theatre in April, alongside young Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski. Acclaimed Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki shows off his virtuosity in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2, before Sibelius’s invigorating Second Symphony brings the LPO’s season in East Sussex to a triumphant close.

As well as concerts in Brighton and Eastbourne, the Orchestra is delighted to share the wonder of classical music with local South Coast communities. With local partners the LPO is working together to offer musical opportunities for people of all ages in the area.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra hope to welcome you to a concert in East Sussex in 2025. Visit lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ for full information.

LPO photos by Jason Bell

Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra

After a hugely successful and well-received opening to their 2024-25 season, the RTWSO is presenting three further concerts early this year.

Consistently producing an extremely high-level quality of music-making, the RTWSO is a wellrespected and long-established orchestra, an absolute jewel in the town’s musical scene. Their season is a cornerstone of orchestral performance in our region, and is a highlight in the diary of local music enthusiasts! With performances from three international soloists, and programmes that include much-loved classics, the second half of the RTWSO’s season is not to be missed.

In February, Alexandra Wood performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Guy Johnston presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in March, and the season closes in April with Rebecca Bottone’s stunning performance of Strauss’s

Tickets are available directly from the Assembly Hall Theatre, and for full information, including details on how to take advantage of a substantial discount across the three concerts by purchasing a mini season ticket, visit www.rtwso.org

below: Guy Johnston;

Four Last Songs followed by Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, Titan.

inset: Rebecca Bottone, both photos by Kaupo Kikkas; top: Alexandra Wood

looking ahead to festivals

Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival

Concerts in Peasmarsh and Rye

26th to 29th June

‘Peasmarsh … is a magical Festival’ –Sir David Hare, in The Observer

Co-directed by Anthony Marwood and Richard Lester, the Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival emerged from the acclaimed Florestan Festival, directed for fourteen years by the award-winning Florestan Trio.

The Festival includes nine performances across four days including an orchestral performance featuring the ground-breaking Britten Sinfonia and our Artistic Directors Anthony Marwood and Richard Lester as soloists. We are also delighted to be bringing five local primary schools together for a large-scale celebration of their compositions featuring the brilliant young Lumas Winds following workshops in all five schools, building on nearly twenty years of educational partnerships in this special corner of East Sussex.

This year’s outstanding guest artists include the award-winning composer Steven Mackey whose new work The Ancestors, a ballet in eight tableaux, was commissioned by the Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival and premiered at the Wigmore Hall in January; pianists Julian Chan and Shai Wosner, violinist Grace Park, violist Hélène Clément and cellist John Myerscough. Our concerts take place in the Norman church in Peasmarsh and in St Mary’s in Rye, both beautiful settings in which to listen to stunning classical music. We look forward to welcoming you to our Festival.

The full festival programme will be announced in March; the box office opens for general booking on 7th April 2025. For further information please visit www.peasmarshfestival.co.uk

above: Peasmarsh Church; below: Lumas Wind

looking

Deal Festival

bringing a host of culture to Deal

3th to 13th of July

The Festival returns this summer as it has done for over forty years, to bring the very finest music and culture to the churches, theatre, castle, museums and streets, with over sixty events.

Of many highlights, one will be a concert given by their President and renowned soprano Lucy Crowe, in a programme that includes Strauss, Gershwin, Handel and Vivaldi, performed with the Fantasia Orchestra after their recent début at the BBC Proms.

As well as the finest classical musicians giving lunchtime and evening concerts, the festival brings world-class opera with the return of Wild Arts performing Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love. There’ll be sublime jazz, including local Deal legend Norma Winstone, up and coming young artists the Maddy Coombs Quartet and the youthful energy of a Harlem Renaissance programme from the big band of Tomorrow’s Warriors. The Festival is delighted to welcome

award-winning folk duo Spiers and Boden and back by popular demand, Chaps choir, who’ll raise the roof with their heart-warming ballads and joy-inducing songs. Festival 2025 brings a host of culture to Deal, Dover and Sandwich: children’s events, walks, author talks, films, community events and much more. Look out for the full programme on www.dealmusicandarts.com from top: Fantasia Orchestra; Chaps Choir, photo Alastair Veryard; Wild Arts, photo Bonnie Britain

looking ahead to festivals

Shipley Arts Festival

celebrates its Silver Anniversary Events throughout 2025

Now celebrating its 25th year, The Shipley Arts Festival sprang from the work, inspiration and passion of the Bernardi Music Group.

Founded by Andrew Bernardi in 1989 to inspire all ages of the community to share and benefit from the joy of music, the Bernardi Music Group comprises a committed group of professional musicians from some of the UK’s leading ensembles and orchestras. Performing together to create a variety of versatile

repertoires, they work within and across a number of different performance, education and corporate settings in Sussex, the UK and internationally.

Andrew’s founding vision was to perform in the traditional concert hall, as well as bringing communities together through music; inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, share music together and support charitable causes.

This commitment has remained at the heart of the Bernardi Music Group’s work ever since.

From its humble beginnings as a meeting point for a small group of musicians to perform alongside each other, it has expanded to encompass an array of regular performances at leading venues across the UK; the new Leonardslee Concert Series; and was the catalyst for Shipley Arts Festival which was founded in 2000 and celebrates its Silver Anniversary this year.

In addition, a year-round String Academy education programme for young musicians which is coupled with international cultural exchanges, connects and compliments the vast range of on-going community work, along with ambassadorial work with governments and businesses and major partnerships with national and international sponsors and partners.

The group’s flexibility and expertise as an ensemble allows for their work to range from chamber music through to symphonic, and over the years they have worked with internationally-renowned composers such as James Whitbourn, Roderick Williams OBE

Malcolm Singer and Cecilia McDowall. The Bernardi Music Group worked with the late Jon Lord (formerly of Deep Purple), performing ‘To Notice Such Things,’ which reached the No. 4 position in the Classic FM charts.

Bernardi Music Group is also a champion of English music, most notably that of the composers John Ireland, Elgar and Vaughan Williams; whose music have strong connections with the group’s home county of Sussex, and via The Shipley Arts Festival is proud to provide a platform for premiering new work by local composers, often commissioning said work.

Still passionate and anchored by its founding purpose more than thirty years later, the Bernardi Music Group is looking ahead to the future and forging major partnerships with like-minded international organisations.

“Under a shared vision to create new art forms that span different disciplines and genres, we continue to expand the work we have achieved,” says Andrew Bernrdi. “By engaging and connecting with both musicians and audiences using the latest technology, we are driving innovation and excellence within the music industry.”

Full programme of events coming soon. Please visit bernardimusicgroup.com/shipley-arts-festival where you will find more information.

1944 Secret Rehearsals for D-Day...

EXERCISE TIGER

EXERCISE TIGER

Secret Rehearsals for D-Day...

EXERCISE TIGER

Secret Rehearsals for D-Day...

“A wonderful book...”

“A wonderful book...”

Michelle Magorian ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’

“A wonderful book...”

Michelle Magorian ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ “A jewel!...” Actress June BrownDot in EastEnders

Michelle Magorian ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ “A jewel!...” Actress June BrownDot in EastEnders

“A jewel!...” Actress June BrownDot in EastEnders

Have you read it?

Have you read it?

Have you read it?

At your local book store now Paperback: £8.99

At your local book store now Paperback: £8.99

ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4

At your local book store now Paperback: £8.99

ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4

ISBN 978-0-9535123-2-4

www.wightdiamondpress.com

www.wightdiamondpress.com

www.wightdiamondpress.com

REMEMBERING APRIL 1944

After a talk in Waterstones about my book The Kid On Slapton Beach a lady came to me with a big carrier bag and pulled out a beautiful patchwork quilt. ‘It was made for my step-father by the Canadian Red Cross,’ she said. ‘How lovely,’ I said, ‘let’s show it to everyone.’ ‘No!’ she said. ‘I want you to see it! My step-father is the farmer in your book!’

How wonderful that characters in my book could feel so real! The story took two years to research, going to the South Hams coast, walking along that beach, talking to people who might remember, or whose parents might, how in November 1943 the War Office ordered a total and immediate evacuation of 30,000 acres on the Devon coast. Homes, businesses. farms, livestock, crops. No one was told why. Everything had to be gone before Christmas.

For April 1944 what was planned was Exercise Tiger - nearly thirty thousand men taking part in secret full-scale rehearsals for the D-Day landings. Wars have many secrets and Slapton Sands was one of the darkest. Nearly a thousand men died, just five weeks before D-Day. Even decades later, talking to people in Torcross and Slapton village, locals were still reluctant to speak about what had happened.

When my film 80 Years On, based on the book, was shown at the Dartmouth Book

Festival, one lady said to me her 14 year-old grandson was ‘transfixed by the book’. Another man said his son was ‘mad on the story’. One elderly lady came out of the theatre in tears saying how the film brought back so many memories and that it felt so real watching it. She was four years old when they had been told to leave, and said how hard and frightening it had been.

If this spring you visit this beautiful coastline, look for the US monument in the centre of the beach which thanks local people for leaving, and discover the US tank in Torcross village. It commemorates the secret of this beach that was kept for nearly sixty years.

–Felicity Fair Thompson.

See advert opposite and watch the trailer of the book here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhlBx-GJe_k

above: GIs meet the locals; below: The arc of Start Bay, Devon

poetry prose & illustration

Eager, I head for the best seat in the house to watch the morning show. A ball of fire rises, strikes docile waves, amber rollers form. Headlights spike from the dark cloud stage creating a mandarin sky.

– Patricia M Osborne from her collection 'Nature's Bookends', published by The Hedgehog Poetry Press. Limited edition copies of Nature's Bookends are available from the author's website shop at www.whitewingsbooks.com, all proceeds therefrom donated to Cancer Research UK.

The Last Taxi

Winter, 4 o'clock, the town swells with children, they pool on pavements then ebb away to homes where grandad no longer comes to tea.

The High Street, never quite open, closes. Mannequins pose in last year's style, colours no-one will ever wear to pubs or bars that are haunted now by the sweetish smell, of long-forgotten drinks.

The late bus runs empty, its driver, a shadowy Charon behind the wheel, casts his white-eyed stare at sleek rats, made bold by the quietened streets, to scuttle from the deserted station where no-one waits for the London train.

Night stains the sky above the rank where cabbies once plied their trade to party-goers and late commuters: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers all gone, their destinations reached. Tail-lights spark red, an engine coughs, the last taxi has taken its final fare.

–Sara Davis

First published in Dreich, 2021; and then in 'Catching the Shards' by Roundel, Poetry in Tonbridge, 2022. www.roundelpoetrytonbridge.wordpress.com

Identity Tags

We loaded on to a train, zipped off in a puff of smoke.

Labelled like luggage, tags hung loose, weighted bags dragged.

We peered out of windows, clutched dollies, teddy bears.

Lined up like cattle, against a wall on a stage, we stood still, waited to be chosen.

Some were luckier than others, taught how to bake bread, or taken on outings to the pictures.

Alan’s rations were stolen, mashed potato for his meal. He was horsewhipped daily, blood-bruised, until rescued by Police.

I was locked in a cage, only water to drink and a stale lump of bread...

Children taken, no night-time cuddles, only tremors, shadows.

–Patricia M Osborne

from her 'Lost Identity' collection in The Stickleback – a range of occasional poetry collections, published as downloads by The Hedgehog Poetry Press (more info at www.hedgehogpress.co.uk) and available in print from Patricia's website www.whitewingsbooks.com

A Head of Curls

Have you considered that joy in this world Is fully expressed in a head of soft curls! To twirl a curl around a finger

Opens a certain sense, which lingers

Curls mean much, are a joy to clutch

Curl up and enjoy this sense of touch. Show me anything in this world

That can bring more joy than a head of curls?

–Ger White ©GWhite2023

Man Down

You lie like a child, shirt askew; two kneel beside you as if in veneration, your arm is draped correctly for recovery: forgotten, your glasses still lie scattered on the dirty pavement the bus is ready to leave, every passenger intent on their pass, every one of us looking away, every one of us thinking, not me, not today, the sacrifice has been offered the gods have been propitiated until tomorrow as we pull away, the wailing yellow comet of the ambulance flashing past us is the only one to cry for you

–Francesca Duffield

Put the Kettle On

The solution to every problem

The hiss of building steam

Once that kettle is boiling A solution will appear!

I've seen it used at funerals It's the backbone of all wakes For every heartache ever had That kettle eased the pain

No science or medicine can compete

When everything looks wrong

The tried and true solution Is to put the kettle on!

–Ger White ©GWhite2023 from her collection 'Celtic Visions, Poems from the Celtic World'.

World on a Wire

Under scumbling skies, I watch the improvers improve incrementally. They watch me, from behind cone, formwork cordon, from a council sanctioned chamber.

A geni judders, cradled in a barrow, but I can hear them – speculating on my status and the state of my palms as they break, bore, burrow.

Amidst the heavy funk of pitch, ready to roll and replace the hardscrabble of my broken chase, my shell-toe and sole rests atop a crab apple.

I tease the sheath, like a clutch (or throat) as I peer past fresh kerb side sigils, peer down into the pit down at mauvine sphincter ducts poking through the clay,

a sheaf unlit and yet, I feel the transmission enter me. Before my door. By a microdot –first, in my fate whipped calves and then the roll, flip, gash

behind my glass, deep into my windless picture. Dipping into my weekdays, delving into my weekends and then, with a chime, louder than corvine –

a peloton of communiques, burrowing deep into my mandible, running regular services between my ear and toffee glass chin.

Raindrops begin their trot across standing water I turn – coach myself; there will always be someone winding a kettle and watching a sweep hand.

–Joseph Long

poetry

Francesca is part of the Bourne to Write group in Easbourne. More of her work can be found in several of the Bourne to Write anthologies, www.bournetowrite.co.uk

Patricia is a prolific writer, with five novels under her belt and another trilogy in progress. She has published serveral volumes of poetry and a number of her poems have appeared in other publications. www.whitewingsbooks.com

Joseph has a passion for works which reflect working class life and culture. He is part of the West Ksent Stanza and is due to have some of his poetry published in Stand magazine this year.

Ger has published two books of poetry, 'Poems from the Celtic World' and 'Newspapers on the Floor', and many of her poems have been published, both in anthologies and magazines. Find her at www.gerwhite.com and @gerardinewhite.

N.B. All poems shown are subject to copyright

Promoting the world of the family through searching the past, artist

Terence Kearey investigates...

Thy Kingdom Come

‘For ever and ever, Amen’. The Boys Brigade, Church Parade, ended – David Villers and I finished our prayers, to walk home… Our previous conversation soon picked up: castles, battles, sword fights, and burning oil – we were in our element, David drew the picture and I filled in the colour. The miles passed by as our walk gathered pace.

Have you ever wondered who your ancient relatives were and where they came from? If you did want to build a family tree your first move might be to find out your DNA. My DNA shows me to be one of the earliest Stone Age People – later to be early farmers in Ireland. This will start you off with handy facts and figures. Start off with your father’s birth date –progress to his father’s and so on. Now you can start to build up a file.

My brother busied himself building up a family tree that revealed an Irishman, Thomas Keary, who came to England in the early seventeen hundreds leaving his parents James and Mary behind. My brother had worked his way up from our father’s great, great grandfather. We were Irish way back, but how far back?

In time I could not help myself, I just had to try and find out. I studied books and engaged my own investigators, to finally contact Ireland’s main National Library in Dublin. The upshot being that Ireland’s Heraldic Office took over the task, to include, in time, a Coat (Grant) of Arms in their investigations. I was provided with a starting point by the Herald, the name and spelling of Ciar. Surnames began in Ireland in 920 AD and a leading family or clan of the time was the Chiardha.

Now the search was getting serious. Once money is about to be spent, the fun side now had a pressure – you cannot give up now, I kept telling myself. I still couldn’t trace what part of Ireland the clan resided in. My reading lead me to the Irish Annals. It was there that I found a village called Adare on the banks of the river Maigue. The district was the home of the clan Ciardha led by their king. Later the clan was driven into Kerry, Cork got its name from Ciar, later referred to as Ciar’s kingdom and that is where I have an account on Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society to continue my interest into the past.

James married Mary in about 1760. A number of the clan started to use the anglicized form of O’Carey or O’Cary at the turn of the 1800s. Thomas 1743-1825, the eldest son of Julia was the first of this family to stop using the prefix ‘O’ and to begin using the name of Keary. He married Mary, daughter of John Keogh of Castlepollard in 1815, later interred in the churchyard of Artane. In 1790 the Act of Union saw London replace Dublin as the political power for the Irish. Thomas Keary added the ey (Kearey) to be more English. St. Ciardha’s Church (Cill Cheire) –Church of Keary lies near the centre of the Barony of Upper Ormond situated one and a half miles southeast of Toomevara. Kilkeary was one the fourteen parishes in the barony and now sits in northern Tipperary. By the 1850s there were 68 Kear(e)y households in all of Ireland.

–Terence Kearey (Terence is also an artist, read about him and his work on page 28)

Researching your own family tree can be a fascinating and illuminating experience, and for all those would-be writers out there the results can provide a wealth of material. Whether your writing of choice is for biographies, historical novels, or –as in the case of a number of books by local authors that have been reviewed by ingénu/e – a jumping off point for gripping dual time-line novels, there can be rich pickings in famiy history.

flash fiction

A Kindly Light

–by Julia Dean

It was a silly thing to buy really, rather extravagant even by charity shop prices. As chandeliers went, it was tiny; it was unlikely ever to have graced a stately home, but some part of her just had to have it. Mark was away that weekend and, in his absence, she felt brave.

Screwdriver in hand, she climbed down from the dining table, switched on the light and laughed out loud. The chandelier threw out warm bright light that seemed to reach everywhere, dispelling the chilly monochrome Mark insisted upon and forcing his prized Bauhaus lamps to reveal their true nature in the ugly goblin shapes they threw against the cold grey walls under the chandelier’s benevolent gaze.

When Mark returned, he said nothing though she saw him looking at the chandelier, noticed the tension in his jaw. This time she did nothing. She knew these silences all too well; the power he could wield with them, the fear he could instil. She refused to submit. For a week nothing was said, nothing was done. The chandelier remained, dispelling the shadows, creating new ones. There had been too much of everything, she thought; shadows, silences. Control.

So when Mark finally confronted her with, “That thing has to go.” She simply nodded and climbed back up onto the table and unscrewed the chandelier. She packed it carefully into a box and picked up her suitcase. She left him staring after her. In the dark.

Jenny's Orange Skirt

–by Ger White

Prior to her prison incarceration orange was Jenny’s colour. Orange, symbolised fresh fruit, relaxing sunsets, nourishing pumpkins. Cell-side, smelt of rotting apples. Final nail-in-the-coffin of being unjustly convicted was wearing orange uniform. How had life turned from high-profile Barrister to scum-of-the-earth? Easy. Slick Rick, sleaze of easy-money!

50 word fiction, see more at @gerardinewhite

Evil Empire

–by Derek McMillan

It started in a dream. I dreamt that I had downloaded a trending game 'Evil Empire'. It had already spawned two lookalikes, 'Vile Empire' and the satirical 'Live Empire'. For good measure, I downloaded them too.

When I woke up I found that my phone had downloaded "Evil Empire" all by itself. These smartphones really are smart. Then I tried to turn to other apps. It wouldn't let me. I swiped up, down and sideways to no avail.

Then I tried to reset the phone. It had disabled that too. I could not switch it off and I couldn't turn the volume down although the music was really annoying.

I turned on the radio. Radio Four reported,

“Britain has been the victim of an unprecedented cyber attack. It is reported that mobile phones have been incapacitated by a video game called...”

And there it stopped and the 'Evil Empire' music started to play. I tried to turn the radio off. It wouldn't turn off. So I tried another station. One or two were still working normally for a few minutes before the accursed music started up. I unplugged the radio.

The same was true of the TV. The game seemed to be playing with itself so to speak and the screen switched between levels and screens giving the score and all the time the hideous music. It must have been designed to addle the mind.

I persuaded the family to deposit their mobile phones in our bedroom. It takes a hammer and chisel to remove the battery so I decided to let it run down. The music was still audible but that could have been from old Frank next door who had told me his phone had done the same as mine. It was the first time I had talked to old Frank in many years.

Around the kitchen table, we were all at a loose end and had to engage in what the old timers called 'polite conversation'. It was a strain I can tell you. The children did not know what to do with their hands when there were no phones to play with.

I had to get my news from an old-fashioned newspaper. It was like going back to the 1950s except in the 1950s we had the Light Programme.

It took a few weeks, but in the end, we adjusted. We started talking to people instead of texting them. We buried the smartphones in the garden, as did all our neighbours.

The 'Evil Empire' cyber attack had actually made the world a better place.

worthingflash.blogspot.com

short story

The Man Wearing the Brown Shoes

–a short story by Natasha Murray

“Is there something you would like to share with us all?”

“What?” I say, not sure at first if the man opposite is talking to me. My reply was rude, I had been taught to say ‘pardon’. I forgive myself as his question had surprised me.

“It is quite obvious to us all that you have issues and it would being doing yourself and all here a favour if you came out with it. The fact that the skirt you are wearing is far too short for someone of your build, tells us that you are trying to be something that you are not!”

I look at the man aghast and notice that those around us are staring, my mouth falls open and I want to say something noteworthy that will shock him into silence and cause him the same embarrassment that I feel burning inside. Why has he selected me and not the woman who sits on my right? She obviously has problems, as her hair is unwashed and her nails have been bitten down to the quick. I cast her a sideways glance to see if she has witnessed the man’s rudeness and hope that she will say something. She could at least acknowledge that I have become a casualty of words. She says nothing and I sense that she feels awkward. The woman stands up, puts her handbag on her shoulder and leaves. I do not blame her and wish I could follow but I am too shocked to move.

I cannot bear to look into the man’s eyes as I fear he is expecting an answer. Feeling extremely selfconscious, I gaze down at my lap to check that my skirt has not worked its way up to reveal my pants which would justify his outburst. With relief I note that my skirt is in place and the pale green material hangs modestly over my thighs.

Today is a new beginning. I am not going to torture myself with the pain of my past life anymore and am going to move gracefully on into a new era. I am most determine not to let anything or anyone upset me.

As I had dressed that morning, I had told myself that I was power dressing. It had taken me a whole week to choose the skirt, top, jacket and matching shoes. A broken nail had snagged my tights and I had cursed as they were expensive but felt relieved

that I had a spare pair. When I had stood in front of the mirror to see how I looked, I was disappointed to see that the new clothes did not disguise the fact that I had put on a few pounds. However, I love what I have bought and it is good to choose my own outfits without my mother interfering. I am wearing something that is perfect for a girl of my age. If my mother had her way, she would have me dressed in a kilt, a thick navy jumper, accessorised with pearls and sensible shoes.

Who does the man opposite think he is? I am furious and can feel the red flush of anger and embarrassment rising from the neck upwards. I breathe in deeply but the air is not fresh and does not calm me. Incoherent answers to his questions begin to bombard my mind and I wish that I had the strength of character to speak my mind but know that I will not be able to defend myself. It had always been the same with my mother. She had a cunning way of putting me down and then ending her sentence in a way so that it was impossible to retaliate.

She had brought, or more accurately dragged me up by herself. My father had gone missing. Much to my mother’s disgust as she considers herself to be middle class and things like that did not happen to respectable people. We lived in a council house and scraped by on benefits. My mother said she was too exhausted to work. She relied on me for both company and the most harrowing endurance test of all, emotional support.

I left school at sixteen and managed to get a receptionist job in a media company in the city. She was proud of me but cried most nights, saying she was lonely and would see less of me and that I was all she had. She begged me to find a job nearer to home. I suggested various ways she could meet people and said that I thought it a good idea if she got a part time job. She turned on me and told me that my new work clothes made me look like a tart and that I didn’t care for her and going out to work was beneath her. She cried. She cried a lot. I remember being dismayed that she had likened me to a prostitute but did not retaliate for fear of upsetting her more. I started my new job with a mixture of excitement and guilt.

After six months of her whining, I left home. One day, when she was out shopping, with only a couple of bin bags full of clothes and my heart beating hard in my chest, I secretly moved into a furnished bedsit.

The studio isn’t much, just two rooms but to me it is a sanctuary. I have not spoken to my mother since.

The man obviously likes to ask rhetorical questions to provoke a reaction. I look at his brogues, they are brown and gnarled and do not match his black trousers. I cannot look at his face again but remember that he is in need of a shave and think that it is most unprofessional to appear in public like that. Yes, he may think that he is a phycologist but really, he is just an old and very unpleasant man that craves attention – not unlike my mother. I will not give him the satisfaction of gracing him with a reply – it is what he wants. If he is rude to anyone else then maybe I will speak out.

I am alone in the world, no family, no close friends. It is difficult for me to make new friends – it always has been. As a child, mother always found a reason why I couldn’t go out to play – my room needed tiding, my homework wasn’t done or I looked too pale to go out in the cold air. As a teenager, I couldn’t afford a mobile phone or a computer so couldn’t keep in contact with people through social media. I did earn a few pounds delivering papers but that money my mother took. I had a few school friends but again there was no one close – perhaps there was something they didn’t like about me. Could they see the shadow of my mother holding on to me by the ankles?

At work, there are a few girls that meet up on the odd evening but they have not invited me into their circle. I have been there nearly two years and fear that my exclusion from their network maybe permanent – I have become a social pariah. I need to take my own advice and join a few clubs and perhaps a dating agency. I will have to lose a few pounds first so there will be no more comfort eating.

The euphoria of being independent is still with me but the guilt of not speaking to my mother claws at my insides silently on dark evenings when I stop to think about it. I cannot bring myself to speak to her. I am not sorry for having my own life, just sorry that I left so abruptly. I left her a letter explaining how she wore me down and that her behaviour is unacceptable. I wrote that she is a dysfunctional person and needs help. I know she will not believe that she has done anything wrong and she will say that I have hurt her and made her ill – that is inevitable. I do not want to hear that she is lonely and ill – it is not my fault.

A few months after living alone, I decided to go to the doctor as the feeling of wanting to cry all the time does not leave me and sometimes it is all I can think about. The doctor says I have depression and has given me some tablets. I am surprised by his diagnosis as I have always considered a depressed person to look really miserable, be negative and have no life. I am none of these things. I have not been taking the

tablets long and they make me feel a bit queasy but I am starting to see glimmers of sunshine straining through the black mist. It was the doctor that suggested going to group therapy.

A young man, perhaps a little older than myself sits down next to me. He is wearing navy trousers and a pink shirt with a tie. I like men to wear pink. He looks hot, I think he may have been running. His dark brown hair is dishevelled and he runs his fingers through it aware that his hair is out of place. As he does this, he drops a folder and its contents spill out onto the floor. I immediately slide off my seat and squat down on the floor to help pick up the papers. I think they are medical notes. I wonder if they are his own. Then I see his name on one of the papers – Mark Strong. He could be a doctor but I doubt he would be carrying patient records around with him. He must be a patient like me. I realise that I am too close to the rude man wearing the brown shoes and so after handing back some of the papers to their owner, trying to be casual about it, I hold my skirt down so not to expose any unnecessary flesh and then sit down. I feel myself going red again.

“Thank you so much,” Mark says as he sits back down. “I’m running late and am all fingers and thumbs.”

“So glad that you’ve joined us,” exclaims the man opposite. “Do you think being late is acceptable? Is it an excuse? Do you not think that being late will expose you and show us that you are failing as a human being,” he continues with an authoritative air.

I am thankful that these comments were not directed at me but then I see Mark’s pained expression and I feel for him. I want to tell the man wearing the brown shoes to shut up but again cannot find the right words. Unlike me, Mark manages to reply.

“I have nothing to hide, my life is in turmoil and my inability to organise myself properly is evident. I put my hands up to having a bad day but am not willing to submit myself to public humiliation.”

poetry prose & illustration

Mentally, feeling a bit stronger, I say in a weak voice. “Take no notice, he is being rude to everyone. There is nothing he would like more than for you to bite back.”

The man in the brown shoes says nothing. I can see that his hands are clasped together and he is winding his thumbs around each other in an anticlockwise direction.

A small woman, with short mouse coloured hair sitting on an adjacent seat coughs nervously and rubs her neck. She does not look comfortable and I think she worries that her innermost fears will be exposed. Her agitated state has not gone unnoticed.

All of a sudden, the man wearing the brown shoes stands up and walks towards her. I can see her trembling and wonder what he will say. He stops in front of her and takes a business card out of his top pocket and drops it into her lap. The woman flinches as if it was something that may ignite at any moment.

“I think what I need to say to you, should be done over the phone. Ring me in an hour. I can see that you are all in denial,” he declares as he turns to face us all. He leaves and everyone breathes out a sigh of relief. I can feel the atmosphere changing instantly and people begin to smile.

“Thank goodness he’s gone!” exclaims Mark leaning back in his chair. “I didn’t expect that. Thanks for trying to help.”

I look at Mark, his whole countenance has changed; the stress lines have sunk back into his face and he looks like a different man. Silently I gasp, I am attracted to him and this very fact scares me and nerves kick in. He is too good for me and perhaps wouldn’t look at me twice.

“That’s ok Mark, he was rude to me too.”

“Mark?”

“Oh… I thought that was your name. When I picked up the papers, I read Mark Strong and thought that was you. I’m sorry.”

“No don’t be sorry, my name is Justin. Mark is just someone I’m studying.”

“What are you studying?”

“I’m training to become a psychiatrist.” Justin looks at his watch. “I should be in a lecture in ten minute’s time.” “Are you at uni?”

“No” I reply, feeling guilty for leaving school so early. I should have done my 'A' Levels and gone to university but the desire to earn my own money and become independent of my mother had been too great. I want to impress Justin. “I’m working as a receptionist for a media company. I’m not sure what I want to do with my life yet.”

The truth has come out and I wished I had said something more exciting.

“I’ve got to go, or I’ll be late. I hope to see you again one day. I didn’t catch your name.”

“It’s Sasha White,” I say and a flutter of hope floats skywards. He hopes to see me one day! I need to let him

know I like him. “I’ll save you a place next to me.” I laugh inwardly at myself. I sound like a school girl. ‘Save you a place!’ What an immature thing to say. Justin stands up to leave – I don’t want him to go. “Can I take your number?” he asks. Perhaps we could have a coffee or lunch together one day?”

“That would be great,” I say, smiling. In my head I am jumping up and down like a happy maniac. Justin takes a pen out of his pocket and gives it to me along with his folder. I write my number down clearly and fan it with my hand so the ink dries. I don’t want him to smudge it. I hope that he will call me.

He takes back his folder and pen. “Good-bye, pretty Sasha White,” he says. “Until we meet again.” And he is gone.

I breathe in happily and look down at my skirt – it looks to be the perfect length.

The next station is mine and slowly the train pulls up to the platform. I make my way to the doors and wait for them to spring open. I find myself standing next to the woman with the mouse coloured hair that the man wearing the brown shoes had given his business card to.

“That nutter we all had to endure was just an accountant. Can you believe that!” she announces. “Now I’ve got his number I’m going to report him. He must be one of those self-righteous bastards that call out to random people, unhelpful phrases like ‘cheer up’ or ‘you’re an accident waiting to happen.’ What a creep!”

I float along the platform, today is truly the first day of my new life. If it hadn’t been for the man wearing the brown shoes, then I might not have had the chance to speak to Justin. As I leave the station, my mobile starts to ring. I look at the screen and I do not recognise the number. My heart skips a beat with excited anticipation and I take the call. “Hello Justin”, I say waiting to hear his voice. Annoyed and with a shiver, I cut the call. I heard my name but it was not Justin speaking, it was my mother! Her voice had trembled as she had spoken – and I know she has been crying. I sigh, block the number, put my phone away and carry on walking a little faster as I don’t want to be late for my first group therapy session.

Natasha Murray is an award-winning West Sussex author. A diverse writer producing books for all ages, Natasha wrote a romantic crime thriller series during lockdown: 58 Farm End; Julia’s Baby; and Waterfall Way (The Waterfall Way Series). These books are set in Findon, West Sussex and Cork, Ireland. She says, “I enjoy writing and it is both a pleasure and a compulsion. There is nothing better in life than creating parallel universes.”

For more information about Natasha and her written works, please check her out online at: www.facebook.com/NatashaMurray3004

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Coda

A personal note

Well that was a year!

I’ll start with a personal note. During November and into December, Gill, my wife and ingénu/e editor was seriously ill. She was rushed to hospital and I became a nervous wreck! But the NHS staff did a great job of looking after her, diagnosing the exact cause of her problem and gradually fixing it.

She is now completely back to her usual ‘glass half full’ state and my sanity has returned. Such things give one pause to think!

During this time work on the magazine was more or less shelved and we became very much backlogged. However, during her recovery when back home we were reviewing matters, and we decided to implement an idea that we had discussed many times over the last few years.

Starting this year, we are changing the publishing schedules of the magazine to fit more appropriately with the seasons. Thus the issues for 2025 will be spring issue 47 covering March to May, then summer issue 48 covering June to August, autumn issue 49 covering September to November and finally winter issue 50 covering December to February 2026.

This issue is winter issue 46 and will be online only, so we have a chance to catch our breath and ‘regroup’. The spring issue will be back to normal, with the added schedule changes as outlined above.

Words of the year

I always find it amusing when dictionaries proclaim their words of the year. Here are two offerings. What do you think? Do you recognise these as deserving their glorified status?

Oxford University Press apparently chose the word 'brain rot' after a world-wide public vote [two words, surely? –ed]. Although I suppose it is meant to point to the gradual disintegration of one’s brain due to too much social media scrolling, I’m afraid I think it’s a bad choice, albeit being quite topical for our times.

Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2024 is ‘Manifest’, a more apt choice methinks. The word that was apparently searched for by thousands on the online dictionary. It’s a word that has been used recently by quite a few celebrities, and also by mere mortals, in describing how they just imagined achieving something and it came into being.

I first came across this modern rendition of the word in 2006, when reading about Rhonda Byrne’s self-help book entitled The Secret, which outlined her concept of the Law of Attraction. The book has apparently sold massively worldwide and has been translated into many languages. My take on this word is that sure, you can imagine a future goal, and the more you ‘inhabit’ the idea the more chance there is of it occurring, but I also think this has to be accompanied by some diligent activity towards the end envisioned.

However, I’m also not averse to the idea of the odd ‘magical' or 'miraculous’ event happening, to or for

someone. There is ample testimony to such things. Shakespeare’s often quoted ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy’ sums up my take on the matter. I think most people have at least one story in their lives which they consider unexplainable by science or logical reasoning.

Be that as it may, I think it’s time now I manifested a cup of tea, so I will take my leave of you kind reader, and I shall return forthwith… ...Ah, that’s better, Earl Grey and pain au chocolat did the trick.

The resurgence of the protest song?

If you are a regular reader of my column, you will be aware that I occasionally mourn the passing of the ‘protest song’. Commonplace in the 1960s and early 70s, music and lyrics were often used to highlight social injustice, lack of Human rights, apartheid, Man’s inhumanity to Man etc.

In more recent times, although I don’t profess to be any expert on contemporary music, I can’t imagine McBusted, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran et al composing or performing a compelling ditty with a good melody and hard-hitting, meaningful lyrics, taking a stand against some social or cultural abnormality. Perhaps they are frightened of being ‘cancelled’, outlawed for expressing a view that some might consider controversial.

So imagine my delight at hearing a new song, with thoughtful and acerbic lyrics, that definitely fits the bill.

It popped up on my YouTube feed a while ago and I was intrigued. It was a song by Australian singer Iyah May, who is or was apparently a doctor and who recently released her song Karmageddon. Reports say that she was dropped by her label and manager because of the lyrics, which she refused to change, so in other words there was an attempt to ‘cancel’ her.

Amazing really. One could argue that the music industry needs to adopt the First Amendment, which would give freedom to artists to speak their minds. I can’t believe this overt suppression of creativity actually occurred. Looking back and comparing her song to a typical protest from the past – for example Country Joe and The Fish’s song ‘I feel like I’m fixing to die’, a fabulous and hilarious rant against the Vietnam War – it is very mild in comparison, even though she does take aim at many a target in the song.

Notwithstanding this attempt at censorship, the tune went riding high in the Australian and worldwide download charts.

opp: Gill happy to be leaving hospital; and a rainbow appears to welcome her home; top right, Iyah May; right: East Grinstead yarn bombers get Christmassy

Here are the lyrics to the middle eight: Man-made virus watch the millions die Biggest profit of their lives

Here's inflation that's your prize

This is Karmageddon

Turn on the news and eat their lies

Kim or Kanye pick a side Cancel culture what a vibe

This is Karmageddon

Good luck to her, and here’s a link to her website if you want to hear the song or help her fight to keep her career on track by downloading it.

https://iyahmay.com/

Note

Artists need to be free creatively and they have a tendency to be somewhat rebellious, a trait amply demonstrated by the yarn bombers of East Grinstead!

But is it actually Art?

That question marks an age-long debate which I believe stems from the fact that Art with a capital A is, at its most fundamental of fundamentals, almost undefinable.

But what do you make of this?

Apparently the first ever artwork by a robot artist was sold at auction late last year in New York for a reported £836,667.

Entitled A.I. God it is a portrait of Alan Turin by an actual robot called Ai-Da.

I don’t know what to think. Not only does the painting look like it could have been made by a human, but the blinking robot looks almost human also!

I suppose one could view this phenomenon as a metaphor for the disparaging of human creativity, manifesting by the cutting of artistic budgets, the controversy over Arts Council subsidies and the overall lack of importance given to promoting and supporting art of all genres by the government and bureaucrats in artistic organisations.

Festival fuss

In 1970 I hitchhiked with a friend to the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music, which could be considered the precursor to the now famous Glastonbury Festival, as it is rumoured that Michael Eavis was also there. Performers included

Floyd and Led Zeppelin, while Hawkwind and others performed on a lorry nearby. I well recall a very late night hearing the Floyd premiere their album Atom Heart Mother. Which brings us to Glastonbury 2025.

Having seen the festival's highlights over the years on the TV, it struck me that it was morphing into a ‘mainstream’ festival, and was not being truly faithful to its roots as a sort of counter-culture festival. While some great musicians have performed there, there have also been many established acts such as Dolly Parton,

Pink

Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Shirley Bassey, Shakin’ Stevens, Miley Cirus et al.

2025 brings the news that Neil Young (previously a headliner in 2009) has apparently pulled out of performing at Glastonbury in 2025 due to his view that the festival was now under the corporate control of the BBC. It is true that the BBC has become very involved with the festival, showing live performances and highlights each year.

Neil is getting on a bit, as am I, so maybe it’s best just to let the organisers get on with it. I’m sure the festival will continue into the future, and will undoubtedly undergo many a metamorphosis as the years advance.

Gioachino Rossini versus organised crime

I read recently that a family who lived in a very expensive house had reported to police that they saw drug addicts shooting up crack cocaine on their door-step. After sending pictures of an alleged drug deal to police, the report says the police advised them to play classical music as this has proven to deter and prevent crimes, but not too loudly.

Is this real? If so, I’d advise the finale of Rossini’s William Tell Overture, but definitely at full volume!

cw from opp top: Ai-Da with portrait 'A.I. God Polyptych' (detail) at the United Nations Copyright 2024 © Ai-Da Robot Studios, www.ai-darobot.com; Gioachino Rossini portrait by Constance Mayer 1820; Bath Festival ticket; Glastonbury 2022, photo Rachel Oates; Neil Young