How toxic is your world?

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We live in a world that is literally awash with a concoction of untested chemicals. They are in soaps, detergents, cleaning products, furniture, cars, trains, planes, till receipts, plastics, paints, carpets, clothes, cosmetics, drinking water and food… and this is not an exhaustive list! Not only have about 80,000 chemicals been released into the environment since 1945, the majority have never been fully tested. Studies suggest you do not have to be exposed to a high dose to experience harmful effects. We are only now just beginning to see the results of this “experiment”…

Some have been classified as “hormone disruptors”, meaning they interfere with the intricate balance of hormones in humans and wildlife, potentially leading to developmental and reproductive problems. There is concern over the rising number of hormone-related disorders in both humans and wildlife and the results of recent scientific research include thyroid disease, hormonally driven cancers, early puberty, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The United Nations and the World Health Organisation have jointly published a report calling for more research to understand the link. It is unfortunately now impossible to escape being exposed to some extent to toxins, but you can dramatically reduce the total toxic load you are under, by making sensible lifestyle choices when it comes to what you eat, drink, wear and use. For example avoid consuming plastic bottled water (especially carbonated), filter your drinking and bathing water, eat organic foods, buy environmentally friendly/or make your own household detergents/dishwashing/cleaning and laundry products, stop using a fabric conditioner, think carefully about the use of garden chemicals/lawn treatments, use natural soaps/shampoos and reduce the use of personal care products and cosmetics/seek out natural alternatives. Consuming a nutrient-dense diet as well as directly supporting optimal liver and gut health are also key.

Call Mark BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) mBANT CNHC on 0118 321 9533 or visit www.entirewellbeing.com

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Birth & beyond

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Following the success of The Nature of Forgetting, Theatre Re bring Birth – their latest work in progress – to the Wilde Theatre in Bracknell, writes Peter Anderson

That is it we carry deep down within ourselves from the very beginning? Diving into a world of myths, legends, fairytales, folk songs and taking inspiration from the fields of neuroscience and psycho-genealogy, Theatre Re will use their trademark mix of mime, live music, sound, light, costumes and props to explore what is passed between generations and how this shapes us.

Theatre Re are an associate company of South Hill Park and Guillaume Pigé, their founder and artistic director has many happy memories of Bracknell, he tells me. “We absolutely love bringing our work to SHP! It is always our first port of call and has nurtured numerous projects at early stages. We have fond memories of performing in 2012 and in 2013. Then the stage of The Wilde was the largest we had ever been on. We could not be more excited to share our newest discoveries in July!”

What are the advantages of putting a play in development in front of a live audience? “It gives us a deadline, otherwise we could keep exploring for a very long time without getting anywhere! Things start off with a few ideas, props to play with but it can also be texts, poems, images, movements or set exercises. We realised having an audience helps us to rediscover and reinvent and sometimes also questions the material that we have created in the rehearsal room. It is also incredibly useful for us to hear people’s feedback very early on. It allows us to gain a better understanding of what we are doing and check it is accessible and meaningful.”

What is it about the human condition that so fascinates him? “I don’t think I’ve ever made a conscious decision about it. After having made a few pieces I realised the common ground to all the different shows was the fragility of the human condition. Birth is very much a continuation of the exploration we started with The Nature of Forgetting about memory, when we explored what is left when memory is gone. With Birth the idea is to look at the same question but from the beginning point of view. What is it that we all start with or what is it that we carry deep down within ourselves from the very beginning. We are exploring genetic and family memory and what it is that we subconsciously inherit from our ancestors.

“There will be a lot of Theatre Re trademarks –sweat, live music, not many words – but also new elements we are playing with… you’ll be surprised”

Birth is on Thursday, 12th July, at 7.45pm at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, RG12 7PA, and there will be a post-show discussion. Call 01344 484123 or visit www.southhillpark.org.uk

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Life in the dark

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The Natural History Museum takes visitors from tree-tops to sea beds to celebrate biodiversity and the amazing power of nature, with it latest family-friendly display. From fish to foxes, bats to boas, visitors can get up-close to a huge variety of elusive creatures, in its latest exhibition: Life In The Dark.

Professor Geoff Boxshall, science lead, explains: “At any one time, half the world is in darkness, and no sunlight ever reaches the deep sea or underground caves. Yet the night-time world is teeming with life and both the deep sea and caves are inhabited by a myriad of species. Even in the absence of light, life has found a way.”

This family-friendly exhibition delves into the darkest corners of earth to reveal a vibrant ecosystem as rich and diverse as any in sunlight. Utilising the latest advances, the museum has researched a huge variety of specimens and species in previously inaccessible and challenging places.

As well as coming face-to-face with some of the planet’s most elusive animals, visitors will can enjoy immersive installations, transporting them from the chaos of a bat-filled cave past live specimens and on to the spectacular luminescence of a deep sea light show. You’ll be among the first to see recently identified specimens, entirely new to science.

Be enlightened by the darkness at this summer’s most fascinating exploration, and discover that when the lights go out, the action begins.

Free late event on Friday, 27th July, 6-10pm, visit www.nhm.ac.uk

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Much ado outdoors

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Summer wouldn’t be summer without a spot of open-air Shakespeare, and Progress Theatre is bringing Much Ado About Nothing to Reading’s medieval Abbey Ruins.

Written right at the end of the 16th century, Much Ado About Nothing is, of course, a comedy, albeit one with a hint of darkness. It also explores the meanings of loyalty, chivalry and true love.

In this al fresco production Progress Theatre shifts the time and place of the story from Italy’s Messina to an English country house at the end of World War II.

Director Trevor Dale, a veteran of many local Shakespeare productions, says: “One of the key elements of this play is the speed with which the romance emerges – these aren’t people who can afford the luxury of a long courtship. The war in Europe is over, but people would have been mindful of the continuing conflict in the Far East.

“Historically, there was a lot of social change at this time than after World War I, and so much of the humour and conflict comes from the difference in the social positions of men and women. So I wanted to highlight the strength of women in relation to men.

He continues: “Being outside really adds to the show – Shakespeare’s plays would originally have been performed in an open-air theatre. On top of that, the Abbey makes for an amazing backdrop and that alone is a reason to see it.”

Much Ado About Nothing is at Reading Abbey Ruins, from Wednesday, 11th July until Saturday, 21st July.

To book a ticket, visit www.progresstheatre.co.uk

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True colours

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Kev Munday’s positive, vibrant artwork inspired by people-watching and the everyday will be unveiled at Reading’s Oracle as part of Reading Fringe Benefits, 24th-29th July.

Exaggerating and celebrating the ordinary, Kev aims for his art to appeal to all ages and make the viewer think and smile at the same time. His work takes inspiration from art forms as diverse as kawaii graphics and Huichol yarn paintings.

Using bold lines and block colours, the vibrancy of his style creates an enthralling visual experience. His iconic crowd paintings depict a sea of unique individuals showcasing the beauty in diversity.

Kev, 31, has created artwork for brands including Walt Disney, Graham & Brown wallpaper, Fracture Skateboards and Uni-Ball and his art is collected and exhibited worldwide. Having recently been named by The Telegraph as a “British artist to invest in right now”, Kev’s work can be found transcending gallery walls and on to a plethora of surfaces, including everything from police cars to pianos, billboards to grandfather clocks.

Relishing the opportunity to work in the public domain, Kev likes to see everything as a canvas and often produces artwork live at events. Upcoming projects include a large-scale mural in Dusseldorf, a public art trail in Southampton and an installation in a lift in The Oracle in Reading.

“I’ve done a few projects and commissions in Reading over the last few years, these include exhibiting at the UnBoxd street market in Broad Street Mall last December and painting part of an installation for the Festival of Light in 2016. I find it’s a nice town to exhibit in and the public are always accepting of new creative projects.”

His latest being in a lift at The Oracle, he explains: “It’s called Uplift and I’m basically painting all four walls, the floor and ceiling of a lift so you can literally step into one of my paintings. On Wednesday, 25th June, from 11am to 2pm there will be musical performances on different levels of the carpark, you can take the lift to see the acts.”

Kev took a graphic design degree at Solent University but says he got into art through graffiti and street art as a teenager which he believes is a great way to create art in the public domain. He adds: “It’s also a great way to get young people interested in art in my opinion. I still use spray paint and marker pens and paint public murals.”

Visit www.kevmunday.co.uk and for more on Reading Fringe Festival see www.readingfringefestival.co.uk

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Pax a punch!

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You’re welcome to come along and explore Lord Baden Powell’s former home in Bentley on Sunday, 8th July, where there will be fun for all ages and tastes.

Each year Pax Hill Care Home in Bentley holds a summer fete in aid of a chosen charity with the help of residents who make items for sale and help with stalls on the day. 

This year, the chosen charity is Cancer Research. Everyone is welcome, from 2pm-4pm in the central courtyard, GU10 5NG.

Visitors can also have a look around the home and grounds occupied for more than 20 years by Robert Baden Powell and his wife Olave.

In addition to residents’ contributions, many stalls will offer a variety of items, from vintage gifts and craft ideas to garden goodies. There will be plenty of on offer, including Nepalese street food, barbecue, ice creams, tea and cakes and live entertainment from Hampshire Scouts.

Organisers are hoping for fine weather for this family-friendly event in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Pax Hill is surrounded by footpaths giving lovely views of the old village of Bentley. Free parking is available in Pax Hill’s grounds and a footpath trail can be accessed from halfway up the drive.

If you are interested in looking at care homes for now or future reference, this is a good day to talk to the people who live at Pax Hill and see what life is like in modern day care.

Call Pax Hill Care Home on 01420 525 882 or visit www.paxhill.co.uk

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Imagination station

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Kate Schutte, head of English at Cranleigh Prep School, tells us about the second annual Awesome Book Awards, won this year by Peter Bunzl.

The Awesome Book Awards is not only a great titled competition, it’s an annual event organised by Cranleigh Schools to celebrate the best new fiction for young readers aged between seven and 10 years.

Peter Bunzl won the top prize this year for his first children’s novel Cogheart, a whodunnit thriller about three best friends and a mechanical fox.

Kate Schutte, head of English at Cranleigh Prep School, acknowledges that the life of a first time novelist is a struggle, and these awards serve to recognise the sacrifices the writer has made. However, she adds: “The Awesome Book Awards is also about celebrating young readers. The wonder of watching a child absorbed in a book is a very special thing. 

“Children who develop an early love of reading will have the opportunity to travel to imaginary lands, share imaginary adventures and a whole host of imaginary friends.

“As educators, while it is wonderful to see pupils curled up in a corner with a book, we also know the importance reading plays in children’s development. Research suggests that those who read for pleasure demonstrate an intrinsic desire to engage with stories, texts and learning. We therefore need to provide children with access to the sort of books that not only chime with their interests, but also hook our children because they interest them. Our short-listed Awesome books are selected to resonate with today’s generation of young readers.”

Entries are being taken for 2019, visit www.awesomebookawards.com

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Trust worthy

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Christina Pearce explains about Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, the charity which has fought to return local in-patient care.

The volunteers and trustees of Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust have never deviated from their mission to ensure the provision of 20 community beds locally, writes Christina Pearce. 

We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude; though their tireless efforts have often passed unnoticed, the trustees have worked hard and overcome many obstacles to arrive at the position this trust is in today.

The more obvious sign of the trust’s work was at the hospital shop in the centre of Cranleigh High Street, where I had the enormous privilege of working for the past 16 years. The shop was started as a means of raising funds for the project and to act as an information centre for anyone seeking an update on progress, but it became so much more. It was the go-to place for anyone seeking advice on sources of care locally, a drop-off centre for hand knitted clothes and blankets for a premature baby charity – the list was endless. After the hospital shop closed its doors in June, there was a little sadness tinged with the great joy in having contributed to the trust’s community beds achievement. 

Sadness, because for those of us who were involved in the shop, it brought us friendship and a bond which can only develop through working for a cause we all feel deeply committed.

Now that part of the project has become a reality, we move to the next phase, of local in-patient care. I am delighted to have been invited to join the Board of Trustees and will continue to ensure we reach our goal.

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Fairy Fun

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Calling all pixies, gnomes and fairies! Head along to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village in Compton on Saturday 7th and Sunday, 8th July for a magical highlight.

The Woodland Fairy Fair, between 10am and 4pm on both days, encourages families to join the fun. 

Enjoy a weekend of magical adventures in the enchanted woodlands and historic galleries as part of this annual family festival. Create fairy worlds, make wands, hear stories and build dens.

In collaboration with The House of Fairy Tales, the Artists’ Village will come alive with an original story about a slumbering giant. This immersive experience will include storytelling, creative play and sculptural installations. Create a lullaby beat maker, follow a trail to crack a magic code, take part in the mystical rituals of the Brothers of Compton, add to the Commonwealth of Enchanted Folk’s ring of spells, and plant a flower in the garden of the Sisters of Night.

In the Wattses’ home and studios, see beautiful illustrations of fairies and toadstools by Mary Watts, as well as James Henry Pullen’s giant automated puppet on display in the gallery. In the woodlands, transform into an elf, pixie, fairy or goblin with face painting by Fascinating Faces, and explore a magical kingdom from the treetops with the Great Big Tree Climbing Company. After a long day of craft and creativity, enjoy delicious seasonal food at The Tea Shop and Loseley’s Ice Cream Van.

Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, GU3 1DQ. Call 01483 810235 or visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk

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Class Act

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Westerberg High is back in class this summer with new songs, new material and new classmates with Heathers the Musical

Produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor Mills, who produced the award-winning Carrie together in 2015, this musical is one of the most anticipated UK premieres this year, and opens at The Other Palace for a limited run until Saturday, 4th August.

Heathers The Musical is based on the 1988 teen film classic starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The award-winning writing team, Laurence O’Keefe (Legally Blonde, Bat Boy) and Kevin Murphy’s (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives), hit musical adaptation has enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles and New York, and finally arrives in the UK for its European premiere.

Veronica Sawyer is played by Carrie Hope Fletcher who has shown her versatility in stage musicals appearing as Wednesday in The Addams Family, Eponine in Les Miserables and Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The mysterious JD is played by Jamie Muscato, who is making a return to the Other Palace after appearing there as Story Edward in Big Fish and he has also appeared as Joe in Bend it Like Beckham (Phoenix Theatre), Anthony in Sweeney Todd (Welsh National Opera).

The three Heathers are played by Jodie Steele, T’Shan Williams and Sophie Isaacs. This musical takes us to a place where popularity is life and death, but is it harder to be a nobody or a somebody? To find out and make sure you don’t miss the school bell, head to www.theotherpalace.co.uk

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