Jump into the GAP

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Have you got your GAP Festival tickets yet? Ten day extravaganza kicks off on June 7th

The biennial cultural GAP Festival in Goring and Streatley will welcome festival goers to its incredible programme of over 50 exciting events in June.

Some events still have a few last tickets remaining. So if you haven’t got yours yet, or you are looking for a last minute opportunity to try something new, visit The Gap Festival to book yourself in and join this cultural extravaganza! As a registered charity, every ticket purchased goes back into bringing culture to the community. How about…

World-class mandolin player and wit Simon Mayor and Friends in a relaxed evening of magical music and humorous anecdotes on Friday 7th June.

The spectacular red carpet premiere of the shortlisted Children’s Film Festival short films, alongside a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) on Sunday 9th June.

For crime drama and true crime lovers, An Audience with Author Helen Saxton, with actors will re-enact key events and discuss the controversial story of Amanda Knox in the murder of Meredith Kercher on Monday 10th June.

Outdoor family theatre in an idyllic setting on the banks of the Thames, with a performance of The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle on Thursday 13th June.

A one hour family show of songs about science, maths and the wonders of the world around us with Helen Arney: A Voice of an Angle – as seen on BBC2, Channel 4 and Discovery – on Friday 14th June.

Step back in time, put on some 40s/50s glamour (or not!), sit back and tap your feet to the doo-wop harmonies of the Ding Dong Daddios on Saturday 15th June.

Enjoy a Glyndebourne-style opera experience, with GAP Opera: The Marriage of Figaro. Picnics, pimms, fizz and top class opera in three performances Friday 14th – Sunday 16th June.

Alongside the amazing variety of ticketed events, there are also a host of free activities and performances taking place, no ticket required – just drop in.

On Friday 7th June, pre-schoolers can bring their parents to join a morning of games, free play and interactive story with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.

Join the cosmic fun of Saturday 8th June and experience all that Space Day has to offer, including blasting off a water rocket, space crafting, scale-model solar system treasure hunt and the chance to track the International Space Station live with local satellite company OrbAstro.

Visit Goring’s Rectory Garden on Sunday 9th June to join the Festival’s contribution to the national Great Big Green Week – The Great Green Food Day. Head down and discover creative ways to let eating and food play a vital part in helping tackle climate change, reduce waste and protect nature. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music, ask the experts question time, stalls, children’s activities and more, or pick up lunch from the collection of food and drink stalls and enjoy all the day has to offer.

Saturday 15th June hosts the return of the popular Festival Market Day. Enjoy browsing crafts, arts and skills from the local community, alongside face painting, refreshments and live music.

Meet and Greet the Owls at Withymead Nature Reserve on Saturday 15th June and learn all about owls, how they hunt, owl conservation and have a go at pellet dissection.

For art enthusiasts, there is a celebration of community art with a weekend long Art Exhibition from Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th June.

A chance to have a go at bell ringing with the Goring and Streatley ringers, followed by a lunchtime Festival Picnic Concert with Goring and Streatley concert band on the final day of the Festival – Sunday 16th June.

Plus a host of ‘fringe’ music events, popping up in local venues where you can sit back and soak up the Festival atmosphere with a drink in hand.

Find out all you need to know to make the most of this year’s Festival during the ten-day period and book your last minute tickets by visiting https://www.thegapfestival.org/

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Nik Kershaw comes to Oxford

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Nik Kershaw and his full band announce June & July 2024 shows coming to Oxford – O2 Academy on Friday 28th June.

Nik Kershaw and his band are excited to announce intimate festival warm-up shows at O2 Academy, Oxford on Friday, 28th June, Epic in Norwich on Saturday, 29th June, and Roadmender in Northampton on Friday, 12th July.

The performances will be devoid of dance moves, lasers, pyrotechnics, or any other showbiz elements. Instead, attendees can anticipate a focus on exceptional music, with minimal sartorial extravagance and a close-up, high-energy experience.

The setlist will feature Kershaw’s hit songs such as ‘Wouldn’t it be Good’, ‘The Riddle’, ‘I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’, among others, along with selections from his extensive discography and possibly a few surprising cover versions. This presents a rare opportunity for fans to witness the acclaimed songwriter, once praised by Elton John as ‘the best songwriter of his generation’ (with a disclaimer acknowledging Elton’s possibly altered state when making the statement).

June & July 2024 shows include:
Friday 28th June: Oxford – O2 Academy
Saturday 29th June: Norwich – Epic Studios
Friday 12th July: Northampton – Roadmender

All tickets are priced at £32.50 advance plus any BF’s/levy’s that may be applicable.
Tickets are available from Nik Kershaw (thegigcartel.com)

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ArtWeeks at Earth Trust is back!

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ArtWeeks returns to Earth Trust with pop-up gallery and eight exhibiting local artists

Earth Trust is bringing together an exciting range of local artists for this year’s Oxfordshire ArtWeeks with a pop up gallery open to visitors 19-27 May, situated in the centre’s beautiful converted 19th Century barn.

From ceramics, acrylics and oils, to sustainable fashion and upcycled jewellery, eight creatives will be sharing a selection of their work and talking to visitors about the techniques they use, and the eco themes that inspire them.

Visitors can immerse themselves in beautiful artwork inspired by the natural world while surrounded by the beautiful local landscape of the Wittenham Clumps.

Amy Rowland, Public Programming Manager at Earth Trust said: “Our exhibiting artists are celebrating the role that art can play in our understanding and connection to the natural world. Connecting with nature is not just about being outdoors – it’s about how we engage with nature while we’re there. It’s about noticing, feeling, beauty, celebration and care. We’re delighted to be exploring this once more with such a fantastic line-up of talented creatives.”

Included in the exhibiting artists are Earth Trust’s previous and current Artists in Residence, JC Niala and Nicola Fielding. Also exhibiting are Caroline Butler, Jessica Farrell, Jayne Ford, Helen Grimbleby, Paul Whitehouse, and Emma Williams. From Caroline’s emotive reflections of the Chilterns to Jessica’s sustainable pieces integrating nature, each artist offers a unique lens into the natural world. Nicola’s residency work, inspired by local wildlife, stands alongside Jayne’s serene landscapes capturing fleeting moments of light.

Helen’s sketches evoke nature’s tranquillity, while JC’s collaborative prints celebrate Earth Trust’s landscapes. Paul weaves tales of human connection with the environment, and Emma’s colourful images reflect the sea’s allure and prehistoric landscapes. Together, their art invites visitors to connect deeply with nature’s beauty and stories, fostering appreciation and awareness of our environment.

“Throughout the week, visitors can engage with JC’s legacy artwork installation and visit Nicola in her open studio, experiencing first-hand the profound influence of nature on artistic expression.”

The gallery is open Sunday 19th-Monday 27th May daily from 11am-4.30pm, excluding Saturday 25th May. Part of the Oxfordshire ArtWeeks Wallingford Art Trail.

Ideal for families and anyone interested in art. Children and dogs are welcome. Refreshments will be available from our friends at Horsebox Coffee.

“After a visit to the gallery, visitors can head up to the Clumps for spectacular views, explore the serenity of Little Wittenham Woods or discover Broad Arboretum, and experience the green spaces that have inspired some of our artists.”

More info at https://earthtrust.org.uk/events/earth-trust-gallery/

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Top 5 Solar Installers in Ascot

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Every second, the sun generates 173,000 terawatts ((trillions of watts) of solar energy – more than 10,000 times the Earth’s total energy consumption*. Without solar panels on your roof, all of this free energy from the sun goes to waste.

With solar costs at an all-time low, now is a great time to take advantage of this free energy supply at home. Are you keen to save on your monthly energy bills and become energy independent? Book one of the top MCS-certified solar installers in Ascot / Egham, UK:

1. Soly

Soly is a leading solar installer, rated Excellent on Trustpilot. With over 10 years of experience, Soly offers free virtual consultations and cost-effective solar solutions that can help you save up to £1,300 per year on your energy bills. 

Take advantage of industry-leading warranties including 30-year solar panel, 25-year performance and 10-year workmanship warranties, with fantastic aftercare service beyond installation. Soly is MCS and HIES accredited, Enphase certified, and a Which? Trusted Trader.

If you buy before 30th April, Soly is offering £1,000 off. Book a free consultation today at Soly Energy and quote ‘Ascot’ to claim this discount.

2. Your Energy Your Way

Your Energy Your Way is a female-led solar installer based in Surrey. Established in 2018, the company designs and installs whole-house renewable energy solutions across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, West London and surrounding counties. They provide everything from solar panels and battery storage systems to heat pumps.

Your Energy Your Way offers a 25-year warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and a five-year warranty on inverters. The installation comes with a workmanship guarantee for two years. The company is MCS-certified. 

3. SogoSolar

Established in 2010, SogoSolar designs, supplies and installs solar panels, battery storage systems and EV chargers. Their focus is on smaller installations for homes and businesses across South East England. 

SogoSolar provides up to a 40-year product and performance warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and a two-year workmanship guarantee on installation. As a member of the Real Assurance Consumer Protection Scheme (RECC) customers are also protected by an insurance-backed warranty scheme. The company is MCS-certified. 

4. Sphere Energy Solutions

Sphere Energy Solutions is a family-run solar business based in Bagshot, Surrey. Established in 2010, the company supplies and installs solar panels, home battery storage and EV chargers in Ascot, Egham and other areas in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Greater London.

Sphere Energy Solutions offers a 25-year product and 30-year linear power warranty on solar panels and a 10-year warranty on batteries. The installation comes with a five-year workmanship guarantee. The company is MCS-certified. 

5. Solar Dynamics 

Solar Dynamics designs, installs and maintains solar energy systems in Surrey, including Ascot and Egham. Established in 2001, the company covers the South East of England, including Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. 

Solar Dynamics offers a 25-year warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and a standard two-year workmanship guarantee on installation. The company is MCS-certified and offers solar financing solutions. 

Finding the Best Solar Installers in Ascot / Egham

Finding local solar installers you can trust in Ascot / Egham doesn’t need to be stressful. Plenty of certified contractors are available to provide valuable advice on what’s best for your home, along with a fast, free quote. While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost, with many homeowners making their money within eight years. 

The top solar installers are MCS-certified and offer high-quality products and long warranties for peace of mind. As your solar panels are a long-term investment (lasting up to 30 years), always look for companies that offer great after-care service beyond the installation period. 

Sources: https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2444/10-interesting-things-about-energy

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Top 5 Solar Installers in Guildford

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The sun is a vast resource of endless renewable energy. Every second, it generates 173,000 terawatts (trillions of watts) of solar energy – over 10,000 times Earth’s total energy consumption*. Without solar panels installed on your roof, all of this free, clean energy goes to waste.

With solar costs at an all-time low, now is a great time to take advantage of this free energy supply at home. Are you keen to save on your monthly energy bills and become energy independent? Contact one of the top MCS-certified solar installers in Guildford, UK:

1. Soly

Soly is a leading solar installer, rated Excellent on Trustpilot. With over 10 years of experience, Soly offers free virtual consultations and cost-effective solar solutions that can help you save up to £1,300 per year on your energy bills. 

Take advantage of industry-leading warranties including 30-year solar panel, 25-year performance and 10-year workmanship warranties, with fantastic aftercare service beyond installation. Soly is MCS and HIES accredited, Enphase certified, and a Which? Trusted Trader.

If you buy before 30th April, Soly is offering £1,000 off. Book a free consultation today at Soly Energy and quote ‘Guildford’ to claim this discount.

2. Over to Solar

Over to Solar is an independent solar energy provider based in Guildford. The company designs, supplies and installs solar systems with a 90-day install guarantee. 

Over to Solar offers a manufacturer warranty on solar panels, batteries and inverters. They offer a 10-year production guarantee to ensure that your system performs as promised. If your solar system doesn’t supply the expected energy each year, you’ll receive a refund for the difference. The company is a NAPIT-approved and MCS-certified contractor. 

3. Sheerwater Solar

Sheerwater Solar is a local solar company based in Jacobs Well that designs and installs solar panels, batteries and EV car chargers. They operate across Surrey, including Guildford, Esher and Cobham. 

The company offers a 20-year warranty on solar panels, a manufacturer-dependent warranty on batteries and inverters and standard two-year workmanship guarantee on the installation. The company is a NAPIT-approved and MCS-certified contractor. 

4. Tech for Energy

Tech for Energy is a local renewable energy company based in Guildford. The company designs and installs solar panels and solar thermal systems in the local area. 

Tech for Energy offers a 25-40-year warranty on solar panels, depending on the type of panel you choose, a 10-15-year warranty on batteries and a 25-year warranty on micro-inverters. All installations are protected by a five-year insurance-backed workmanship guarantee. Tech for Energy is a NAPIT-approved and MCS-certified contractor. 

5. Guildford Energy

Guildford Energy is a local solar specialist based in the heart of Guildford. They install solar panels and heat pumps in Surrey and the surrounding areas. 

The company offers a manufacturer warranty on solar panels, batteries and inverters and a standard two-year workmanship guarantee on the installation. The company is a NAPIT-approved and MCS-certified contractor. 

Finding the Best Solar Installers in Guildford

Finding local solar installers you can trust in Guildford doesn’t need to be stressful. There are plenty of certified contractors to provide expert advice on what’s best for your home, along with a fast, no-obligation quote. While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost, with the typical payback period being eight years or fewer. 

The top solar installers in Guildford are MCS-certified and offer high-quality products and long warranties for peace of mind. As your solar panels are a long-term investment (lasting up to 30 years), always look for companies that offer great after-care service beyond the installation period. 

Sources:  https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2444/10-interesting-things-about-energy

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Top 5 Solar Installers in Windsor

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Every second, the sun generates 173,000 terawatts of solar energy – over 10,000 times what the Earth consumes globally*. Without installing solar panels on your roof, you’re unable to make use of all of this endless free energy from the sun.

With solar costs at an all-time low, now is a great time to take advantage of this free energy supply for your home. Are you keen to save on your monthly energy bills and become energy independent? Browse the top MCS-certified solar installers in Windsor, UK:

1. Soly

Soly is a leading solar installer, rated Excellent on Trustpilot. With over 10 years of experience, Soly offers free virtual consultations and cost-effective solar solutions that can help you save up to £1,300 per year on your energy bills. 

Take advantage of industry-leading warranties including 30-year solar panel, 25-year performance and 10-year workmanship warranties, with fantastic aftercare service beyond installation. Soly is MCS and HIES accredited, Enphase certified, and a Which? Trusted Trader.

If you buy before 30th April, Soly is offering £1,000 off. Book a free consultation today at Soly Energy and quote ‘Windsor’ to claim this discount.

2. Windsor Solar

Windsor Solar is a local family-run solar business based in Windsor, Berkshire. With over 10 years of experience, the company designs and installs solar panels and battery storage systems to reduce your reliance on the national grid. 

Windsor Solar offers manufacturer-dependent warranties (often up to 25 years) on solar panels and the Tesla Powerwall battery storage system with a 10-year warranty. The company is a NAPIT-approved and MCS-certified contractor. 

3. Solar Service Solutions

Solar Service Solutions services Windsor and surrounding areas. The company designs, supplies and installs solar panels, battery storage systems, solar thermal systems and more to help you save on your monthly bills and become energy-independent. 

Solar Service Solutions offers a 30-year warranty on solar panels and a five-year workmanship guarantee on installation. The company is MCS-certified and registered with the NICEIC.

4. South Green Energy

Based in Slough, South Green Energy is a local solar contractor that designs and installs solar panels, battery storage systems and EV chargers in Windsor and surrounding areas. 

South Green Energy offers a 25-year manufacturer warranty on solar panels, a manufacturer-dependent warranty on batteries and inverters and a standard workmanship guarantee on the installation. The company is MCS-certified and a NICEIC-approved contractor. 

5. Evergen Solar

Evergen Solar is a local solar installer with a head office in Maidenhead. With 12 years of experience, the company designs and installs solar panels, home battery systems and EV chargers in Windsor and nearby areas. 

Evergen Solar offers a 12-year performance and 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and inverters and a two-year workmanship guarantee on the installation. The company is MCS-certified. 

Finding the Best Solar Installers in Windsor

Finding local solar installers you can trust in Windsor doesn’t need to be a burden. Plenty of certified contractors are available to provide expert advice on what’s best for your home, along with a fast, no-obligation quote. While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost, with the typical payback period being eight years or fewer. 

The top solar installers in Windsor are MCS-certified and offer high-quality products and long warranties for peace of mind. As your solar panels are a long-term investment (lasting up to 30 years), always look for companies that offer great after-care service beyond the installation period. 

Sources:  https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2444/10-interesting-things-about-energy

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Producer Profile: Graham Beck

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Our wine columnist, Giles Luckett, catches up with Graham Beck’s Cellarmaster, Pierre de Klerk

I’ve called this piece a producer profile as that’s technically what it is, in the same way that a Ferrari is technically just another car. This is probably closer to a hymn of praise. As regular readers of this column will know, I’ve recommended Graham Beck’s wines on many occasions – and rightly so, they’re fantastic, and offer a mix of quality and value that’s hard to find. I’ve been an admirer of their wines for over twenty years and I’ve never had a bad bottle.

So what makes Graham Beck’s wines so good? To find out I caught up with their Cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk to discuss his vineyards, his wine, his thoughts on climate change and wine, and the future of South African wine in general.

Giles: Graham Beck is based in Robertson, one of the cooler areas of South African wine production if memory serves. How important is this location to the quality of your wines?

Pierre: The site is everything. You can have the best vines, the best winery, and the best winemakers in the world but if you don’t have great sits to produce great grapes, you can’t make great wine. Robertson has a cool climate, but within any one vineyard you can have microsites that produce different results. It can be challenging, but it also gives you amazing raw materials to work with.

Giles: How would you sum up your winemaking philosophy?

Pierre: For me, winemaking is about nurturing and respecting what nature gives you. When making sparkling wines, you need to keep your eye on the ball as there are just too many pitfalls. Most of the time you’re working with a mix of grapes from a number of different sites and to get consistency and harmony you need to be vigilant.

Graham Beck Brut (Majestic £11.99). White gold with amber lowlights. It’s elegant, fresh and refined, with a lovely nose of Granny Smith apples, limes, coconut, and yeast. On the palate, it’s clean yet rich and offers plenty of white fruits with hints of honey and spice. It’s perfect as an aperitif, with seafood or white meats and creamy cheeses.

Giles: South Africa makes great wines across the board. I’ve had fantastic Chardonnays, Cabernets, and Pinot Noirs from districts such as Stellenbosch, Walker Bay, and Paarl. Why do you think South Africa is so well-suited to producing sparkling wines though?

Pierre: It’s cool enough to give grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the long ripening season they need. The sunny, dry climate, low levels of disease and the diversity of the South African soils add colours to your palate to paint the final picture. Chardonnay on limestone in Robertson [very similar to those found in Champagne] is completely different to Chardonnay on granite in Stellenbosch. It’s ideal for world-class, sun-kissed sparkling wine.

Graham Beck Vintage Rosé (Simply Wines Direct £17.99). Deep pink with an inviting bouquet of red berries and blossom, this is fuller than the Graham Beck Non-Vintage Rosé (Majestic £16.99 or £11.99 on mixed six) and has cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant notes, good intensity and sufficient weight to partner with food.

Giles: ‘Right grape, right site’ is a mantra I hear a lot these days, and it’s one that seems to have played a significant role in the elevation of the quality of wines in Australia, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. Is site selection important to you?

Pierre: Respect the best combination of soil and climate. Site selection matters hugely. Come into our cellars and taste 200 base wines [still wines from which the final sparkling wine will be made] and from two cultivars [Pinot and Chardonnay], you’ll be flabbergasted by the differences.

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs (Majestic £18.99) is 100% Chardonnay, it’s golden, with a nose that’s delicate yet weighty and complex with apples, pears, toasted brioche, citrus and yeast. On the palate, it’s soft and yielding, with white peach, yellow plum, and red pear fruit offset by honey, spices and vanilla. There’s an intriguing mix of delicacy and intensity that is the hallmark of a great blanc de blancs, and the obvious bottle age has added depth.

Giles: How do you see the future for South African sparkling wines? More innovation? New wines?

Pierre: The future is bright for varietal [single grape] wines. We traded some Pinot Noir for some Pinot Meunier [one of Champagne’s black grapes] a few years ago and we were impressed with the results. We have now planted our own Meunier vines which will give us our first vintage in 2026. That should be very exciting.

There’s been a trend in sparkling wines in recent years to offer ‘ultra-dry’ styles. These low or no dosage – dosage being a mix of wine and sugar that’s added to balance acidity and improve mouthfeel – can be delicious, particularly when they have had some bottle age. These wines leave a winemaker with nowhere to hide, however. Underripe grapes, blending miscalculations and winemaking errors are laid bare.

Get it right though and you have marvellous wines such as the Graham Beck Ultra Brut 2016 (Vinum £19.95), a wonderful expression of this style. Deep gold with a rich, dried white fruit nose, it’s ripe on the palate and displays white fruits, honey and a touch of cocoa bean creamy bitterness. The finish is bone dry, clean, and mineral-laden. This is an intriguing style of sparkling wine that’s well worth trying.

Giles: Is climate change having an impact on South African wine?

Pierre: Climate change isn’t happening, it’s happened. It’s getting drier and it’s getting hotter. I was in Elgin, one of the coolest regions in South Africa, in February and it was 23 degrees at 7 in the morning. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir might not be the be-all and end-all in the future. We’re experimenting with new varietals. We’re excited about the possibilities, but there are challenges ahead.

Thanks to Pierre for his time and keep up the great work!

My last recommendation is the Graham Beck Cuvee Clive (Frontier Fine Wines £42.95) – this is their top wine, their cuvée prestige as they say in Champagne. Made in the finest years and using their best fruit, it doesn’t just take South African sparkling wine to new heights, but sparkling wine in general. Made from vines in Robertson and Darling, it receives three months of ageing in oak before spending five years on its lees (yeast and other bits left over after the second fermentation in bottle) ahead of its release.

The resulting wine is amber in colour, with a complex nose of apricots, dried pears, vanilla and blood orange. The palate is weighty and nuanced and floods the mouth with sweetly tinted green and yellow fruits, vanilla smoke, lime, and salt-tinted minerals. This is a mighty wine that somehow manages to remain balanced and refined.

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Acclaimed Chamber Choir comes to Manningford

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An acclaimed international chamber choir will be holding a choral music evening at St Peter’s Church, Manningford, in aid of vital church roof repairs this June.

‘My Spirit Sang All Day’ will be conducted by renowned vocal coach and musician Rachel McCorry who will lead the Sharcott Chamber Group in a selection of timeless, sacred and secular choral music from across the centuries. Including works by Finzi, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Bruckner.

The event is taking place on Saturday 1st June at St Peter’s Church, Manningford, near Pewsey. Doors open at 6pm for a glass of wine and nibbles which are included in the £15 ticket price. The concert will run from 6.30pm to 8.15pm with an interval.

The choir is a tightly-knit ensemble based in Wiltshire who have shared years of musical experiences. Including tours in the US, the Netherlands, France and Belgium. They have chosen St Peter’s Church because of its excellent acoustic and are kindly donating their services in return for using the space for a recording earlier this month.

The group of nineteen singers who will sing in Manningford Church were an auditioned subset of ‘The Village Singers’. Founded by Rachel, the choir is an ensemble of around 70 musicians ranging in age from teenagers to 80 year olds from all around Wiltshire. The group began singing in the pub at Sutton Benger but quickly grew and relocated to a village school before moving to St. Andrew’s, Chippenham under the musical directorship of Rachel McCorry. The choir’s repertoire includes sacred and choral pieces, classical and opera, spirituals, folk, pop and show tunes.

In 2014 the choir sang in Ypres Cathedral and at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Bruges. In 2017, they performed in three stunning Paris venues. Eglise de la Madeleine, Eglise St Louis en L’Ile and Eglise St Germain l’Auxerrois. In January 2019 they performed the US premier of Symphonic Adiemus, in Carnegie Hall, New York, as part of an international choir with composer, Sir Karl Jenkins in residence. Earlier this year, Rachel took a small group for a return trip to Carnegie Hall and to celebrate the end of her time with The Village Singers, they have very recently completed a tour in Amsterdam.

The church has space for around 75 so people are advised to book early to be sure of a seat. There will be managed parking close to the church.

Tickets for the June concert are available in advance only from:

Manningford PCC Sort code: 30-92-63 Account number: 01724232 Reference: ‘Concert’ and your name.

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Support Thames Valley Air Ambulance

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Thames Valley Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years and you’re invited to join the party and help their life saving work

In 1999, Thames Valley Air Ambulance first took to the skies to treat patients in critical need. Now, a quarter of a century and nearly 35,000 call outs later they are celebrating this milestone with a fun-filled family day for the whole community on June 22nd at Penn Estate.

Amanda McLean, Chief Executive Officer at Thames Valley Air Ambulance said: “Both the care we deliver at the scene and the support we offer long afterwards are funded solely by our community. It’s your generous donations that have allowed us to be there for these 35,000 people in their time of need.”

Their ‘Big Birthday Bash’ will include a variety of fun activities for both kids and adults to enjoy, from circus shows and workshops to special demonstrations from their crew plus plenty of delicious food and drinks from local vendors.

Tickets start from £4 and all proceeds go to help Thames Valley Air Ambulance continue to be there for those in most need across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. More at Big Birthday Bash – Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Did you know:
• Last year, we were called out 3,293 times to help people in need of urgent critical care.
• We are called out on average 9 times a day.
• The flight time between our base at RAF Benson and anywhere in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, or Oxfordshire is just 15 minutes.
• To find out more about the work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and donate visit Thames Valley Air Ambulance

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Dark drama at Theatre Royal Windsor

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Trial by media examined in Accolade starring Ayden Callaghan and Honeysuckle Weeks

Theatre Royal Windsor is delighted to be staging two plays directed by award-winning director Sean Mathias this year starting with Accolade this month.

Ayden Callaghan and Honeysuckle Weeks are to lead the cast in Emlyn Williams’ gripping drama Accolade, the first play in this year’s Sean Mathias season.

Ayden Callaghan is best known for his roles as Joe Roscoe (Hollyoaks), Miles De Souza (Emmerdale) and as Frank Farmer in last year’s UK tour of The Bodyguard The Musical.

Honeysuckle Weeks became a popular face on television playing Sam Stewart (Foyle’s War). She has just finished touring the UK in the role of Cora in Calendar Girls the Musical.

In Accolade, Ayden will play the protagonist Will Trenting, with Honeysuckle, his socially ambitious wife, Rona. Whilst William’s dark and sinister play originally stems back to 1950, the underlying tensions, couped with the fragility of one’s personal reputation, make this play as relevant today as when it was first written.

Completing the cast are Jamie Hogarth (Albert), David Phelan (Thane Lampeter), Sarah Crowe (Marian Tillyard), Louis Holand (Ian), Gavin Fowler (Harold), Sarah Twomey (Phyllis), Nardiner Samra (Daker) and Kayleigh Cooper (Parlour Maid).

Accolade opens at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Friday, 31st May and will run until Saturday, 15th June before embarking on a tour within the UK over the summer.

Accolade will be followed this autumn with Felicity Kendal in the title role of Eduardo de Filippo’s Filumena, the second play to be directed by Sean Mathias this season.

Director Sean Mathias said of staging the two plays: “These two plays are not what they first appear to be. Accolade is atypical of Emlyn Williams, examining success as approved by the establishment, it quickly deconstructs that success and then looks to smash it. The central character, Will Trenting, was written by the author for himself to play in the world premiere – a character lionized by an order he despised, Will contains shades and shadows of the Welshman himself, who refused to fit into any boxes. Williams had a deep fascination with the psychology of the criminal or alternative mind, and Accolade is a riveting theatrical reflection of his interests.”

To book visit: Home – Theatre Royal Windsor

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