Foxlowe Newsletter - Issue 77 - September/October 2023

Foxlowe Arts Centre Co-ordinators

All co-ordinators are volunteers. Each has a number of volunteers helping with work in their area.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering at the Foxlowe, please contact Volunteers’ co-ordinator Marion Fenton on 07974 063674 or email volunteers@foxloweartscentre.org.uk

Arts Club

Louise Grayson 07535 058067

Lynda Pritchard 07891 301349

Building Maintenance

Cliff Deighton - 07789 362179

Cafe Gallery

Andrew Gale - 07950 610 779

Exhibitions: Gallery

Nena Selmes

neneselmes@gmail.com

Films

Maureen Wiskin - 01538 385799

Gardens

Alison McCrea - 07753 172564

GatewaySHED

Cliff Deighton - 07789 362179

Health & Safety

David Barnes - 01538 388478

Life Drawing Classes

John Pointon - 07544 653506

Marketing

Marc Briand - 07799 175909

Music & Theatre

Andy Norton - 07974 063674

Newsletter

Belinda Hargreaves

hargreavespr@outlook.com

Talks

Position currently vacant Volunteers

Marion Fenton - 07938 226469

Website

Alison McCrea - 07753 172564

Partner Organisations

Cabbage Rose

www.cabbagerose.co.uk

Fox & Crow

www.thefoxandcrowgallery.co.uk

Grange Cottage Plants

www.facebook.com/grangecottageplants

Leek Arts Festival

www.leekartsfestival.co.uk

Leek Blues & Americana Festival

www.leekblues.co.uk

How to support the Foxlowe

THERE are many ways in which people can help to support our community-run arts centre in Leek. Every bit of support helps us to make the Foxlowe what it is today.

Volunteer: The Foxlowe Arts Centre is run by volunteers with support from a small number of paid staff. Volunteers help with a range of activities, including administration, working in the café, stewarding exhibitions, gardening, decorating, serving on the bar, helping on film, comedy, theatre and music events, maintenance, and much more.

Pledge: A regular contribution as little as £2.50 a week provides valued financial support for the upkeep of the Georgian arts centre building and development of the arts programme.

Legacy gift: With the support of a legacy gift, regardless of size, you can be part of the Foxlowe Arts Centre future. Each legacy is an enduring reminder of how an individual’s life may be transformed through creativity.

Visit: Just by simply visiting our arts centre, you are supporting the sustainability of our community venture. And there’s so many reasons to visit the Foxlowe including: The Drawing Room Cafe, the main Art Gallery, the Cafe Gallery, the Foxlowe Gardens, Fox & Crow Gallery – and there is an everpacked programme of events and activities from film and documentary nights, creative workshops, comedy gigs, talks, live music, theatre, as well as a number of community events throughout the year. See our What’s On section on the back page to see what’s coming up over the next few months.

To find out more about volunteering, pledging, and leaving a legacy gift, download our supporters leaflet which is available online at: https://foxloweartscentre.org.uk/how-to-support-us – or ask one of our staff members or volunteers for a copy of this leaflet next time you visit the Foxlowe.

Thank you to all our supporters - you are all just amazing!

Drawing Room Cafe & Catering for Private Functions

Welcoming and relaxed ambience Monday to Saturday: 10am-4pm and every first Sunday of the month. Good selection of vegetarian meals and daily meat option. We cater for all kinds of private parties. Contact Centre Manager, Vicki Heath: 01538 386112.

Foxlowe Arts Centre Ltd, Market Place, Leek. ST13 6AD 01538 386112 www.foxloweartscentre.org.uk www.facebook.com/foxloweartscentre

The Foxlowe Arts Centre is a Limited Company by Guarantee: 0775732 and a Registered Charity:1144382.

Trustees: Chris Thompson (chair), Andy Norton (treasurer), Julie Taylor (Secretary), Marc Briand, Colin Broome, Peter Kent-Baguley, Mark Brammar.

Message from the chair

The spark of entrepreneurialism doesn’t necessarily ignite in grand schemes, it’s primer is in sheds, community venues, bedrooms and small studios in this great land of ours, but those smouldering embers need fuel and it is with some frustration that grassroots organisations like the Foxlowe doesn’t get the governmental support that they deserve.

It is with fingers crossed that we are successful with our bid to the Community Ownership Fund (COF) for £200,000.

Peter Kent-Baguley (with some small input by myself) has done a lot of hard work putting the bid together. We have got through the first round and all the COF bids have gone to ministers for review.

Maintaining large buildings has been the downfall of many projects so it’s important that we regularly maintain the much-loved Foxlowe and we are lucky to have such a great team.

Cliff Deighton

our maintenance

coordinator has appointed Kevin Evis as his deputy and Kevin has been a great help. Our latest maintenance challenge is the water ingress from a small flat roof in the corridor going to the toilet (pictured above) which has caused considerable damage and loose damp plaster has had to be removed, this will help it to breathe and will enable us to repoint the brickwork where necessary. The Clay Collective cellar project is slowly forging ahead and Chris Ramsay (pictured on the left) joined me to reinstate an airflow where the old barrel drop used to be, this will also let some natural light in. Simon and Emily Dickinson, Celia Kent and Anna Lisa Fraser have done a bit more painting using a traditional lime wash and we now have a kiln ready to be installed.

As you can see by the corridor picture, if you were thinking of becoming a pledger or making a donation, please don’t be shy!

Chris Thompson Chair of the Foxlowe Arts Centre Trust

Another big ‘HuG’ for the Foxlowe

This year’s HuG Green Arts Festival by Moorlands Climate Action (MCA) took place on Saturday, June 24 at the Foxlowe Arts Centre. Among the many activities and attractions, Bee Guides Bombus and Borage took their Bee Cart, a mobile world of surreal but true information exploring all things Bees and Pollination, on a walkabout in the Foxlowe Garden, as well as around Leek’s Market Place on the day. There was also numerous displays, workshops, and other activities hosted by a range of different community organisations and the event also saw the official unveiling of the Leek Bee Friendly Town Status bilberry bee wood sculpture which has been made by the Moorland’s own award-winning artist, sculptor and craftsman, Anthony Hammond. The festival was declared open firstly by Leek Town Crier, Bill Lomas, from Leek’s Market Place, and then by Leek Town Mayor, councillor Matt Swindlehurst in the Foxlowe garden.

MCA’s Lindsay Trevarthen said: “The sun was

Taking a step back in time

Visitors to our community-run arts centre were taken ‘back in time’ at a heritage event recently. The Heritage Open Day took place at the Foxlowe Arts Centre on Saturday, July 1, and saw lots of visitors taking guided tours of the house and garden; browsing a Foxlowe Arts Club Exhibition; as well as a stall by the Leek & District Historical Society

Representatives of Lace Wars (pictured) – the society of 18th Century Re-enactment – were also in attendance; having set up camp for the day in the Foxlowe Gardens.

Thank you to Lace Wars, Foxlowe Arts Club, Leek & District Historical Society, our tour guides and all our visitors for making the day

shining and bees were buzzing at Moorlands Climate Action’s third HuG Green Festival. “Visitors young and older swarmed from as far afield as Chesterfield, Cambridge and Kent to join the many Moorlanders enjoying a full day of music, poetry, arts and crafts.

“We were delighted with the turn out for our annual fundraiser for the Foxlowe’s ongoing energy efficiency programme. Everyone commented on the wonderful atmosphere.”

Lindsay added: “Many thanks to all who took part. Young people were such a central part of the event, and the Young Phoenix Singers stole the show.

“The central theme of this year was the importance of bees and other pollinators to our environment.

“The amazing Pif-Paf Bee Cart, brought to Leek by the ‘Outside’ arts project, provided a buzz throughout the day.”

To find our more about Moorlands Climate Action, go online to: www.facebook.com/ staffsmoorlandsclimateaction.

such a brilliant success.

To see what’s coming up at the Foxlowe Arts Centre, see our What’s On Guide on page 12, or go online to: www.foxloweartscentre.org.uk.

“Invasion of a friendly darkness”

In 410AD the mysterious and savage Visigoth tribes invaded and sacked Rome. Approximately 1600 and a bit years later, slightly more friendly gothic tribes visited the Foxlowe this summer. Author John Robb prompted their visit. Witty, knowledgeable and self-effacing, John came to the Foxlowe in July to talk about his new book, ‘The Art of Darkness – The History of Goth.’ Brooding rainclouds brought an appropriately strange, autumnal twilight to the evening of John’s visit, but inside the Foxlowe the mood was warm and friendly. What is Goth you might well ask? A muchmaligned music and youth culture worthy of respect was John’s answer, as he took us on a journey from the sack of Rome to bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus and The Cure, with brief stops for the ‘mad, bad and dangerous’ to know Lord Byron, Jim Morrison and punk rock.

John took to the stage with his arm in a sling –the result of a stage dive at a recent Cult gig, perhaps? Not quite – the arm in a (of course) black sling was a recent gym injury. A familiar face for music and pop culture fans, to many he’s the Mohican-wearing talking head seen in countless documentaries, never short of an opinion, but we quickly discovered there’s much more to him than that.

In addition to being a popular author and journalist, John is also a musician, website editor and vegan eco-activist. John shared his own life story, and it was fascinating – with

Gig review by Den Cartlidge

tales of growing up in the faded glamour of the north’s seaside capital, Blackpool – his early love of glam rock and punk (the latter first heard at a Blackpool ice rink of all places), and forming punk veterans The Membranes, before a career as a broadcaster and music writer beckoned.

John’s experience as a music writer yielded many great anecdotes for his evening at the Foxlowe. Alongside a believable claim to be the inventor of the phrase ‘Britpop,’ John was also the first British music writer to interview Kurt Cobain – when the then unknown grunge legend was still living at home with his mum. This was altogether an engrossing and entertaining evening – whatever your thoughts on gothic music culture – from a man with his own connections to the local area. John had a brief early 80s stint at what was then North Staffordshire Poly, that prompted his perhaps understandable decision to become a vegan (his student digs were next door to an abattoir) – 42 years later in late July 2023, he finally became a man of letters, with an honoury degree bestowed by Staffordshire University. Here is what John Robb said on social media about his gig at the Foxlowe in July: “Great night at the Foxlowe Arts Centre in Leek talking about my life and my ‘The Art Of DarknessThe History of Goth’ book with Susan Hanks. “Great audience! Sold out of books before we had started! Will post out the orders for people who missed getting one!”

Game changer for arts centre visitors

It’s nearly time for the first ever Carrooka World Championship event at the Foxlowe Arts Centre!

The new board game is the brain child of Leek master carpenter Jack Furnival who hand makes and sells the game worldwide with the help of his wife George.

The couple will be hosting the debut World Championship contest for the board game at our community-run arts centre on Saturday, September 30.

Anyone wishing to have a go at playing the new game can do so by using the Foxlowe’s very

own Carrooka board during cafe opening times of

Monday to Saturday 10am until 4pm, ask a member of staff for the board, playing counters and rule book.

Pictured is Jack handing over the new Carrooka board for the Foxlowe, to chair of trustees Chris Thompson.

For further information about the game and the competition, go online to www.carrooka.com.

Photo by Annie Shipley

Festival marks milestone anniversary

Ten years since it first hit the town, Leek Blues & Americana Festival is back for 2023 from September 22 to October 1 with a packed programme of more than 50 gigs across ten venues – including at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.

It all kicks off on Friday, September 22, when the selfproclaimed “Number one touring rhythm and blues band in the UK,” Nine Below Zero, pictured above, play the Foxlowe Arts Centre. Formed in the 1977 in South London the band still features original members Dennis Greaves (guitar and vocals) and Mark Feltham (harmonica and vocals).

Their no-nonsense energetic, driving blues sound has kept them fresh and entertaining over the decades and the band’s most recent LP Avalanche came out in 2019 to critical acclaim.

On Sunday, September 24, there is a free gig at the bandstand in Brough Park featuring local bands. Then on Wednesday, September 27, top UK Americana Band, Fine Lines and John Street Revival are at the Foxlowe.

Fine Lines take their

inspiration from Dylan, The Band, Bruce Springsteen and Gram Parsons. David Boardman and Zoe Blythe share the vocals, with guitar, keys and bass accompaniment and BBC radio and TV presenter Mark Radcliffe on drums. They have recently played support for Keifer Sutherland on his UK tour. The John Street Revival have local connections and they describe their raw Americana with infectious hooks and freewheeling melodies an altAmericana road trip from the UK.

Machin and multi-talented musician and producer Scott Ralph on vocals, Climax Blues Band are guaranteed to please the most discerning audience.

Climax Blues Band, pictured above, return to Leek for their Foxlowe Arts Centre gig on Friday, September 29, kicking off a weekend packed with gigs at venues around the town including The Cock Inn, The Roebuck, Brewces, Red Lion, Sparrow Park, Hideout and many more.

Founded in the 1960s in Staffordshire, Climax Blues Band have stayed true to their roots of a unique combination of blues and jazz. They achieved chart success when ‘Couldn’t get it Right’ peaked at number two in the UK charts in 1976. With a mixture of experience and ‘young blood’ in ubertalented Leek guitarist, Dan

Alabama born Debbie Bond, pictured above, plays the Foxlowe Arts Centre on the afternoon of Sunday, October 1. Debbie has been performing for decades in the Alabama backwoods and is now a regular on the Southern US and European club and festival circuit.

Influenced by raw juke-joint blues and the sounds of Muscle Shoals, Debbie’s impressive CV includes playing with US blues stalwarts such as Willie King, little Jimmy Reed and Eddie Kirkland. Her show promises an immersion in Alabama roots music guitar accompanied by her soulful voice accompanied by British born ‘Radiator Rick’ on keyboards and harmonica. Also on Sunday, October 1, rising star Ashley Sherlock plays at the Roebuck and there are plenty of other great acts to be seen including festival favourites Elvis Fontenot and the Honeybees, Bluesmakers, Acoustic Anarchy and many more.

The festival ends with its traditional crescendo, ‘The Last Call’ at The Roebuck from 9pm on Sunday >>>

<<< night, when musicians and gig-goers alike can round off the festival with an unscripted line-up of bands, artists and jam sessions to round off the weekend. The festival relies heavily on help from sponsors who this year are Leek Town Council, Leek Arts Festival, Joule’s Brewery, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Leek Town Lands Trust, Leek Building Society, ctd architects, Leek Link Taxis and Richard Owen Aerials & Satellite.

Festival chair Mike Gledhill, pictured on the right, said: “I’m really excited for this year’s festival. As ever we

retain our two founding principles of keeping most events ‘free admission’ and supporting our local hospitality and retail economy by attracting visitors and locals to a fantastic five-day festival in Leek.

Students work in the frame

It is always a pleasure to see and exhibit the work of our talented younger artists in the town.

We currently have a lovely display in our downstairs hallway of creations by GCSE students from Westwood College.

Pictured is Jane Rylands, Art Teacher at Westwood College, with Foxlowe Trustee Chris Thompson, next to the exhibition.

“I would like to personally thank all our sponsors, venues, volunteers, organisers, artistes and punters. The festival is a real big effort from scores of people, and we simply couldn’t do it without all the generous support.”

Tickets for the headline acts are available online at www.wegottickets.com or at the Foxlowe Arts Centre. Further details about the festival can be found on the Leek Blues & Americana Facebook page, and from leaflets and posters which will be around town.

Third visit for ‘out of this world’ band

A band with a difference will be making a welcome return to the Foxlowe Arts Centre – for a third time. Henge will be landing at our community arts centre for a matinee family show at 3pm on Saturday, October 7, and they will also be presenting their regular show at 7.30pm the same evening.

Extra-terrestrial joymongers Henge have been delighting audiences in the UK and Europe since they landed on Planet Earth seven years ago. Their music escapes definition, but occupies a space between rave and prog rock that nobody knew existed. It is energetic, subversive and invigoratingly playful, jovially going ‘where no one has gone before.’

For further details and to purchase tickets, go online to: www.foxloweartscentre.org.uk.

Treading the boards in the Bromfield Room

We have a multitude of theatrical talent set to make an appearance on the Bromfield stage over the next few months.

On Thursday, October 19, Jack’s Ashes will be on the Bromfield stage. A new cricket themed comedy show written and performed by Tim Marriott supported by recorded contributions from the sporting world including commentator David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd and players such as Shane Watson and Ed Cowan.

On Wednesday, November 22, Don’t Go into the Cellar company returns, this time with The 39 Steps. Their previous shows at the Foxlowe were the Sherlock Holmes ‘The Sign of the Four’ and ‘Truly, Jack the Ripper.’

Moving into 2024, on Monday, January 22 Shakespeare’s Fool will be presented at the Foxlowe. This is the telling of the story of Will ‘Cavaliero’ Kempe - one of the finest performers of the Elizabethan age. Gentleman player, juggling jester, headmaster of Morris dancers and London’s finest clown, until...he fell out with Will ‘git-face’ Shakespeare.

On Friday, February 9, there will be a hit from the Edinburgh Fringe, Confetti, which is a queer

Happy To Pledge?

We are currently running a campaign with the aim of boosting our much-valued pledger numbers.

Foxlowe Pledgers have helped with the running costs of the Foxlowe Arts Centre since the community-run project began almost 12 years ago.

Pledger coordinator Julie Taylor said: “We have new ‘Happy To Pledge?’ leaflets sprinkled around the building. Please spread the word to

rom-com following event planner Felix leading up to his best friend’s wedding. Uptight and unlucky in love, he is the ‘mate of honour’ and it’s going to be perfect… as long as there aren’t any distractions.

Next up will be a magician show on Wednesday, March 6. The Great Baldini, a member of the Magic Circle, has some spectacular illusions and tricks.

On Friday, March 8, Garlic Theatre returns to the Foxlowe with puppet show The Bag that went Boo! The enchanting story of a little red bag trying to find its way home is a fantastical adventure of paper bag proportions. This show is aimed at three to eight year olds and their families.

On Friday, May 3, She’Koyokh in Concert will be making a very welcome return. This impressively multinational multi-lingual band performs jaunty klezmer, jazz and more. All theatre shows at the Foxlowe start at 7.30pm except for the puppet show in March which will start at 5.30pm. For up to date information, and to purchase tickets, go online to www.foxloweartscentre.org.uk.

friends and family.

“We do so rely on local people to help with the running costs.

“Our much-valued Foxlowe

support, our Pledgers receive advance notice of ‘A-List’ celebrity acts at the Foxlowe, and 30 per cent off drinks in the café on the first Monday of each month. The next one will take place on Monday, September 4.

Pledgers either give a one off or regular donation.”

Julie continued: “As a thank you for their much-needed

“If you would like to become a Pledger, contact me by email garethandjules@outlook.com or pick up a form from the Foxlowe.”

Alternatively go online to www.foxloweartscentre.org.uk /how-to-support-us.

Update on ‘The Box’

Plans are continuing for a long-awaited enhanced performance space at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.

Volunteer Gareth Taylor, who is helping trustees with the project, said: “If you hear talk of the ‘Box,’ next time you are sipping your latte in the Drawing Room café, fear not.

“They are not referring to the latest Dr Who baddy. Conversation will almost certainly be referring to the long planned (and yearned for) ‘sympathetic’ performance space extension currently at design stage.

“Following the Foxlowe’s successful UK Shared Prosperity Fund bid for a feasibility study grant, architects Lathams and theatre designers Charcoal Blue are at the early stages of coming up with some initial design ideas for everyone to have a look at.

“Exciting time for sure but the big mountain –

raising the money to actually build what would be the Moorlands only 350 seater performance and exhibition/function space - remains an unfunded aspiration.”

Gareth continued: “If you would like to find out more about this exciting new project, or make a donation towards the cost of this much needed community asset, email me at garethandjules@outlook.com.”

BGT finalist lined up to provide the laughs

Funhouse Comedy Club continues to bring fantastic monthly nights of laughter to the Foxlowe Arts Centre.

Topping the bill on Thursday, September 7, is comedian, actor, writer, BBC Radio presenter and juggler Steve Royle, who came third in the final of Britain’s Got Talent 2020 and previously performed as a warm-up act on the Royal Variety performance.

Steve spent many years as the court jester at Camelot theme

park and has supported Peter Kay and Dave Spikey on tour. His television appearances include ’Phoenix Nights,’ ‘Live at the Palladium’ and ‘Max & Paddy.’ Amusing his audiences with his high energy and distinctive talents, there’s something for everyone. Opening the night on September 7 will be Eric Rushton; 2021 winner of the prestigious Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year competition, with his sardonic quips and personal dreams. Completing the line-up is the uniquely funny NHS doctor, Henry Michael, while compere for the night will be the cheeky, chatty Dave Twentyman, who puts a big smile on everyone’s face.

The next Leek Comedy Night

will take place at the Foxlowe on Thursday, October 5, with the line up of comedians Jonny Pelham, Wilson, Dominic Hatton Woods, Kevin McDonnell, and compere Dave Twentyman; while on Thursday, November 2, Nick Doody will be headlining with the line-up also including Alistair Barrie, Jacob Nussey and Max Poole. Then to close the 2023 comedy at the Foxlowe, on Thursday, December 7, the line-up will include Chris Washington, Finlay Christie, Jake Baker, and Phil Jerky. Doors open for Leek Comedy Nights at 7.15pm for 8pm start. Tickets for the above shows are £15 in advance, available from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk.

Foxlowe Garden News

One of the great joys of gardening is watching beautiful plants appear from seeds or bulbs planted months ago and maybe since forgotten. A particular joy of wildlife gardening is discovering wonderful plants that we never introduced ourselves but that have nevertheless found their homes in our garden. Better still are the insects lured in by their nectar. We are constantly delighted by these in the Foxlowe garden, to the extent that mowing or trimming are often postponed due to the presence of gently bumbling bees and hovering flies. An additional fascination is observing visible food webs and predation, especially of lesser known creatures, and we are continually discovering new ones.

This month we were intrigued to see an example of the suitably named ‘Candy-striped spider’ (Enoplognatha ovata), whose species name

comes from the Latin word ‘ovatus,’ meaning egg-shaped. A cute-looking creature to us, with its colourful bulbous shape, but nevertheless terrifying and terminal for the poor bumble bee it had been preying on. It’s a salutary reminder that nature isn’t always cuddly, nor should it be. We are constantly grateful for the kind donations of plants to the garden from our supporters and visitors. If we can’t find a home for them, they go to our Plants To Go stand on the patio. The proceeds from this go towards the cost of the battery operated mower that we are saving up for. However, perennial plants or small flowering shrubs would be particularly welcome. We were all looking forward to this year’s planned Apple Fest in October, but sadly the recently diagnosed illness of one of our two key organisers has meant that we will not be able to run it this year. However, there will still be apple activities: we had already agreed to take the Foxlowe juicing kit to Biddulph Moor Village Hall, on Saturday, September 30, to run some small demonstrations at Biddulph CORE’s Apple Day, which we know will be a tremendous event.

We’ll still run juicing workshops at the Foxlowe on Sunday, October 15 (details tbc) and, if you just have a glut you want to give to a good home, the Old Saw Mill at Congleton will be able to take lots for their juice and cider-making operation.

If you would like to become involved with the garden, please contact Alison McCrea via alison_mcc@btinternet.com.

The thing is to showcase talent

The Situation’s September Thing 2023 is being staged at the Foxlowe Arts Centre on Sunday, September 2. The musical showcase extravaganza is being hosted by Leek’s veteran not-for-profit music promoters, The Situation, and there will be seven hours of the finest in indie and alternative music, with two stages in the Bromfield Room.

The line-up includes A Thousand Wolves, Duck, Fractured Silence, The Jesus Bolt, Pound Land, Dog Train, The Blue Yellows, Dom Morgan, and Omnibadger.

Doors will open at 4pm with the first act taking to the stage at 4.30pm. Tickets are priced at £8 in advance from www.wegottickets.com/event/590137 or £10 on the door.

For further details go online to: https://www.facebook.com/events/14487967492 73423.

ALISON McCREA, Foxlowe Garden coordinator, reports on the latest greenfingered developments.

“A beguiling gathering of goths”

A gathering of goths descended on the market town of Leek on a suitably, drizzly evening, their black mascara and eyeliner, trying not to ruin in the windy rain of the Staffordshire Moorlands. They were here to see, and hear, the gothic classics by Sanctum Sanctorium, a band who have fine-tuned their craft to re-instate the darker side of the 1980s. A beguiling and brilliant set in a venue which couldn’t have been anymore suited to them, the Foxlowe Arts Centre.

The sold-out crowd were soon treated to classic, authentic renditions of 1980s songs, by bands such as The Cult and the Sisters of Mercy. Dry ice and stark white light lit the stage as the crowd danced and sang every word to every song.

The costume changes were slick and almost unnoticeable amongst the swirl of cloud within the venue. Lead singers changed from carbon copies of Siouxsie Sioux, Andrew Eldridge from the Sisters and Ian Astbury, singer with the Cult seen within the haunting mist. In fact, the lead guitarist from The Cult, Billy Duffy turned up to show his support.

After two hours of intense live music, the gathering of goths within the tightly packed Foxlowe made their way into the dark night, reminiscing in the music and culture that the band, Sanctum Sanctorium had just provided, a brilliant reminder of what that moment in musical history had to offer. Hopefully they will return to the Foxlowe, in time to get our nails painted black again.

Gig review by Phil Calvert

Here is what a band member of Sanctum Sanctorium said on social media about their gig at the Foxlowe in August: “A massive thank you to everybody that came to our Foxlowe show last night yet another very special concert insanely hot and sweaty and to see an entire sold out audience dance from start to finish was truly a sight to behold! Thank you also Mr Duffy for coming along to show his support, we love The Cult and pleased we did them justice.”

Have you attended one of the many gigs at the Foxlowe recently? Email your reviews and/or photos to our Editor Belinda at hargreavespr@outlook.com for possible use in our newsletter.

Meet the makers in open studios

A multitude of creative folk are taking part in this year’s Leek Open Studios - Meet the Maker event which is taking place at a variety of venues across the town on September 23, between 10am and 4pm. Creatives, who are based at the Foxlowe Arts Centre and taking part in this year’s event are: Chris Thompson, Gavin Bowyer, Sarah Taylor, Just Add Chalk, Vivienne Ross Ceramics, Joanna Allen, Humming Loom, John Pointon.

A spokesman for the event said: “All our artists and makers will be demonstrating what and how they produce their fantastic products. “Visitors will get the opportunity to talk to and ask questions of all our participants and of course they will be displaying some of the things they make.”

Further details at: www.leekopenstudios.org.

WHAT’S ON AT THE FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE

Art Exhibitions: Exhibition of works by the Society of Staffordshire Artists running until September 23, in the first floor gallery. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am and 4pm. The following exhibition will be ‘Stitchlines’ featuring works by Angela Oswald, Jill Crowther, Joy Madden, Lynda Edwardes, Pam West, Sue Gibson, and Sue Johnson - from September 29 until November 11. Plus exhibitions in the Drawing Room Cafe, which is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm, plus the first Sunday of the month.

Foxlowe Films: On Tuesday evenings with doors open at 7pm for 7.45pm screening time. Tickets £6. See the Foxlowe website for details of forthcoming screenings.

Life Drawing Sessions: Every Tuesday. 1pm-3pm. £10.

Saturday, September 2

The Situation’s September Thing Music. 4pm onwards with A Thousand Wolves, Duck, Fractured Silence, The Jesus Bolt, Pound Land, Dog Train, The Blue Yellows, Dom Morgan, and Omnibadger. Tickets £8 in advance from www.wegottickets.com/event/590 137 or £10 on the door.

Thursday, September 7

Leek Comedy Club With Steve Royale, Eric Rushton, Henry Michael and Compere Dave Twentyman. 8pm. £15.

Saturday, September 9 Repair Cafe Hosted by Moorlands Climate Action. 10am2pm.

Our Man in the Field Music. 8pm for 8.30pm. £14.

Sunday, September 10

Phil Maddocks Remembered Doors open at 1.30pm for 2pm. An afternoon of acoustic performance featuring friends of a much missed and popular musician – Phil Maddocks. £8.

Thursday, September 14

Chris Leslie Music presented by the Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club. 7.30pm for 8pm. £12.

Friday, September 15

An Evening with Alan McGee Music. 7.30pm for 8pm. £15

Friday, September 22 Nine Below Zero Music. 7.30pm. £22 (or £24 on the door).

Saturday, September 23

Leek Open Studios - Meet the Maker 10am-4pm at various venues across town including at the Foxlowe Arts Centre. Details: www.leekopenstudios.org. Brigid Mae Power Album Tour Music. 7.30pm. £12.

Wednesday, September 27 Fine Lines Music. With support from The John Street Revival plus interview with photographer Karen McBride with Susan Hanks. 7pm. £12.

Saturday, September 29 Climax Blues Band 7pm. £15.

Saturday, September 30

Carrooka World Championship Competition. 11am for 11.45am. £10 for both competitors and spectators. Tickets also include lunch.

Sunday, October 1

Debbie Bond Music. In the afternoon.

Thursday, October 5

Leek Comedy Club With Jonny Pelham, Wilson, Dominic Hatton Woods, Kevin McDonnell, and Compere Dave Twentyman. 7.15pm for 8pm. £15.

Saturday, October 7 Henge Music. 3pm family matinee show. £12. 7.30pm adult show. £15.

Thursday, October 19 Jack’s Ashes Theatre. Cricket themed comedy show written and performed by Tim Marriott. 7.30pm. £14.50 (£10.50 students).

Friday, October 20

John Power Music. 7.30pm for 8pm. £20.

Saturday, October 21

Sound of Sirens Music 7.15pm. £15.

Wednesday, October 25

An Evening with Kristen Hersh Music. 7.30pm. £25.

Friday, October 27

The Hanging Stars Music. Plus special guests. 7.30pm for 8pm. £12.

For up to date information about the above events, and to purchase tickets (some of which are subject to a booking fee) go online to https://foxloweartscentre.org.uk/events or call 01538 386112.