Portraits of Brotherhood exhibition in Guildford

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Guildford

Head to Guildford House Gallery to enjoy the solo exhibition by Curtis Holder, winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2020, before 28th September

Curtis Holder: Portraits of Brotherhood features a compelling selection of large-scale figurative drawing depicting imitate portrayals of Black men, rendered in vibrant in vibrant coloured pencil on paper.

Drawn from life in conversation with sitters, Curtis Holder’s works offer a multifaceted view of his subjects, exploring identity, masculinity and emotion in the face of society’s stereotypes. “Behind each drawing lies an unspoken narrative that we share in common – stories of conflict, exclusion and vulnerability interwoven with stories of perseverance, creativity and hope,” Curtis says.

Visitors can expect to see more than 20 works on paper, including two monumental room-length drawings, 10 large-scale multi-layered portraits and a selection of exploratory studies in both coloured and graphite pencil.

Exploring the intersection between drawing and dialogue, Curtis Holder’s works emerge from profound engagements with his subjects. “The subjects are men of different ages, backgrounds and occupations including; a dancer, an artist, a photographer, a business owner, a theatre director and a fashion model,” says the artist. “The final drawings reveal something of the inner world of individuals who would otherwise be unlikely to share this deeply personal part of themselves.”

Curtis Holder’s drawings invite viewers to look beyond the surface. As the artist explains: “I feel these works ask the viewer to look closer, not only at the febrile lines that form the figures in my drawings, but also inward at their own perceptions about the people looking back at them.”

Installed within the historic context of Guildford House Gallery, a 17th century Grade 1 listed townhouse, Curtis Holder’s works will be displayed in an intimate space with a rich history.

Guildford Borough Council Heritage Lead, Amanda Hargreaves, says: “We are excited to host this solo show. Especially curated for Guildford House Gallery, this exhibition of Curtis Holder’s dynamic drawings is sure to be a highlight of our 2024 programme. It should be a treat for all art lovers.”

The gallery’s opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

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Join DINOTRAIL at the Friary

Karen Neville

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Guildford

Roar into summer with the free family event in Guildford from August 5th to September 1st

Dinosaurs will be making a stomping comeback at The Friary’s roarsome summer holiday event DINOTRAIL with an exciting collection of lifelike dinosaur models.

From Monday 5th August until Sunday, 1st September, visitors of all ages will be able to embark on a prehistoric journey, encountering some of the biggest and most formidable creatures to ever walk the earth.

These amazing prehistoric displays will be located throughout Guildford’s biggest shopping centre and will allow dino fans the chance to get up close and personal with all their favourite dinosaurs to include Doris the Dilong Paradoxus, Danny the Deinonychus, Stan the Stegosaurus, Vanessa the Velociraptor and of course the king of the dinosaurs, Tony the T-Rex. Plus, there will also be a display of some adorable baby dinos and hatchlings! 

DINOTRAIL promises to be an unmissable experience for families to create memories and enjoy during the school summer holidays… and it’s absolutely FREE!

As part of this prehistoric adventure, visitors can participate in an engaging trail by collecting a free Dino Fact Sheet available in-centre or also online at the centre’s website. This fun educational activity will challenge young explorers to find out and learn more about each dinosaur while uncovering fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures.

Katie Watt, Centre Manager of The Friary Guildford, said: “We’re delighted to bring the dinos back to The Friary this summer! It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a free, educational experience during the school holidays here in the heart of Guildford. After the success of our summer event ‘Dinos Rock!’ last year, we’re confident this year’s event will once again bring a lot of joy to all dino fans especially the little ones as they interact with these amazing life-like dinosaur models and embark on a thrilling summer adventure.”

DINOTRAIL at The Friary will captivate the minds of both young and old, fostering a love for history, science, and exploration allowing imaginations to take flight like a ptero-dactyl as visitors embark on a prehistoric journey right here in heart of Guildford. It also provides the perfect opportunity to capture a Dino selfie or two!

To find out more about DINOTRAIL visit The Friary Guildford or follow The Friary on social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.

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New book celebrates Surrey’s ancient trees

Round & About

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Children invited to enter competition to design inside covers for The Thousand Year Tree

Children from the Weyfield Primary Academy Guildford are creating a beautiful new children’s book to encourage conservation of the thousand year old yew trees at Newlands Corner, Surrey.

Working with author Lucy Reynolds and illustrator Katie Hickey, the children are bringing to life 10 centuries of history, reflecting the elements of permanence and change that have bridged this time, and inspiring children everywhere to protect trees and woodlands for generations to come.

As England’s most wooded county, Surrey is home to some of our nation’s oldest trees, including the 4,000 year old Crowhurst Yew.

“These incredible trees have seen so much,” said Lucy, “from the Magna Carta and Norman Conquest, through rebellions, plagues and wars to the modern day today. But the trees are also fragile and have been struggling, so it’s been wonderful to see the children connecting with this vulnerability and expressing their care so beautifully through poetry and verse”.

“The artwork created by the children has been just as inspiring”, added Katie, “combining their vibrant variety of different styles and interests to create a colourful, joyful array of illustrations for the book, in which all of their different personalities shine through”.

One of the participating pupils Lola said: “I’m so proud of all the work and concentration everyone put into the book, this project’s helped me realise that nature has its own important part in all our lives.”

The Thousand Year Tree will be published in October by The Old Dungate Press – and an exciting competition gives children across Surrey the chance to have their own artwork included in the book!

Kids aged 4 to 11 are invited to design the inside covers of the book, based around the theme of trees and nature. Entry forms can be collected from any of Surrey’s libraries, with more information available at https://www.surreyhillssociety.org/the-thousand-year-tree-book-endpapers-design-competition/. Children have until 4th September to submit their creations.

The Thousand Year Tree project is a creative collaboration between the Surrey Hills Society; Surrey Hills National Landscape; Surrey County Council; author Lucy Reynolds; illustrator Katie Hickey; the Guildford Book Festival; The Old Dungate Press; Surrey Libraries and the Weyfield Primary Academy. The project is made possible through the Surrey Hills Access For All fund, which enables everyone to love and protect Surrey’s National Landscape.

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Bells and beers for Pilgrim Morris

Round & About

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Guildford

The cheery sight and sound of morris dancers is a sure sign of summer, so make sure you catch Pilgrim Morris this season

Pilgrim Morris of Guildford were established in 1972 and dance a variety of traditions in the Cotswold style, generally dancing around Surrey and north-east Hampshire during the summer season.

After kicking off the season on St George’s Day as one of the guest sides on a walking tour of Odiham, Pilgrim Morris followed up with the ever popular Summerpole event on Guildford High Street – perhaps you enjoyed their dancing last month?

There is a full schedule of events for the summer season that can be found on the Pilgrim Morris website with some of the highlights for the coming year being the Walking Tour of Windsor dancing as guests of Windsor Morris in the streets of the historic town on Saturday, 29th June and the Albury Produce Show on Saturday, 20th July as well as numerous pubs this month and next.

Pilgrim Morris always welcome new members so if you fancy giving it a go, come along during the Practice Season (October to April). We practice at Holy Trinity Junior School, Addison Road, Guildford, on Wednesday evenings between 8pm and 10pm.

Being a Pilgrim is about more than dancing: we normally have a music session after our pub gigs and the team has a strong social side. We also present the traditional Guildford Mummers Play on Twelfth Night (January 6th) in the oldest pubs in Guildford town. Please come to one of our events this summer and join in the fun.

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Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Round & About

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You’ll find him and Juliet in Guildford Castle Gardens and seven other town locations

This summer one of greatest of all love stories will explode onto the streets of Guildford.

For three weeks, June 21st to July 13th, Guildford Shakespeare Company is closing the High Street every evening to bring to life the passion and excitement of Shakespeare’s impulsive star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. In a society fuelled by greed and entitlement, can their fragile vision of a better world survive their families’ ruthless feud?

Featuring, amongst others, the iconic Guildhall balcony, historic Abbot’s Hospital and stylish Tunsgate Quarter you will follow the action as the story unfolds, ending in the stunning Castle Gardens. You will walk roughly 1,500m from Holy Trinity Church down the High Street to Tunsgate Quarter, and back again. Scenes will unfold as you move with the action. Stewards will be on hand. The second half of the performance will be static in the Castle Gardens, around the Bandstand.

GSC’s professional cast will also be joined by a community ensemble of adults and young people. The Youth Ensemble will form the street of gangs of Montagues and Capulets and come from three local schools and GSC’s own GSC Saturdays. The Adult Ensemble of community actors are the guest at Capulets’ masked ball.

Join GSC for a truly unique telling of Shakespeare’s heart breaking tale, as they continue their 18th birthday celebrations this year.

Romeo & Juliet also has two static performances on June 29th and July 13th. Book tickets at Tickets – Guildford Shakespeare Company.

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Uplift your spirits with Vayu Yoga

Round & About

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Forget your cares and de-stress in the calm inviting studio space of the new Vayu Yoga in Guildford

December is a non-stop whirl of activity, going here and there, school and work functions to attend and all amid the joy/chaos that Christmas brings so never is there a greater need for some ‘time out’ to take a breather for yourself.

Step into Vayu Yoga above Black Sheep Coffee in North Street, Guildford, and you’ll be stepping into a haven of all that is tranquil. Peace exudes and you’ll feel a lifetime away from the crazy world outside.

The clean, warm, inviting interior will have you letting out an instant sigh of relief as you absorb the unique experience that awaits, inviting you to feel the benefits of moving your body and calming your mind.

The only independent yoga studio in Guildford, Vayu Yoga is run by Lucy Butler, a yoga teacher and Reiki master. Lucy wants to share her passion and love for yoga through her calm and welcoming studio space ‘where you can breathe deeply and energise your morning or release into your evening’.

Vayu Yoga embodies three core principles – philosophy, community and your wellbeing. The philosophy is to curate sessions in which you can experience the rich variety yoga has to offer. Community is at the heart of Vayu Yoga with the emphasis on offering an accessible approach to yoga for everyone from beginners to those more experienced. Your wellbeing and self awareness will increase through the practice with a calm mind and healthy body helping to add to the feeling of overall contentment.

Lucy says: “We’ve created a beautiful environment with the best teachers in the area, where you will receive individual attention and guidance. We offer an experience, a step away from the stresses and strains of daily life, where you can focus on an hour of ‘you’ time from beginners to advanced practitioners.

“We also offer a range of intimate workshops for a longer immersive experience. A luxurious experience like no other studio, a clean beautifully scented space where you can relax and enjoy our tranquil atmosphere.”

A range of classes is available including hot vinyasa, Hatha, mindful flow, and the popular candlelight restorative as well as the relaxing Yin. One-to-one private sessions and small groups sessions, can also be enjoyed, alongside Reiki.

To find out more and book your class click here

Win!

Lucy is offering five Round & About readers the chance to join a free taster class. To enter click here.

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Q&A with Fiona Allen on tour

Liz Nicholls

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Guildford

We chat to comedian & Smack The Pony star Fiona Allen who is on tour with her debut stand-up show On The Run, including stops at Guildford’s Electric Theatre on 28th September, plus Swindon, London & Maidenhead

Q. Hi Fiona. Seeing as your show is called On The Run, can you tell us about your impulse to get away from your hometown?

“I think I get my wanderlust from my mum and dad. My mum grew up in the time of Franco and left Spain as a young woman. She couldn’t speak English and was an au pair, then she became a nurse in the north of England where she met my dad (a psychiatric nurse). He then went on to work in Saudi Arabia when I was eight (interesting school holidays in Saudi…). Then the family home moved back to Spain, then back to the UK, so basically itchy feet are hardwired into me. I think I’m genetically predisposed to look at the horizon and think I wonder what’s over the hill. I was like that as a chid, and I simply haven’t changed.”

Q. How did you meet your husband & how has the whirlwind of family life affected ‘romance’?

“He was a location manager on the first series of Smack The Pony. We kept glancing at each other but trying to look like we weren’t. Then the director, who was getting slightly irritated, said ‘for God’s sake, talk to each other and go on a date’. One day I slipped filming a scene and missed the crash mat as it was the wrong way round. I banged my head, and he took me back to the base. It was then, when I was dazed, confused and slightly concussed that he asked me out for a drink! I could be flippant about the romance question, but I won’t be as one thing I really believe is that marriage is sometimes how you navigate the tough times together. Flowers, kind thoughts and actions are lovely, but nothing is more romantic than knowing that every day, no matter what, someone has always got your back. However he doesn’t tidy up and drives me bonkers.”

Q. What about meeting your father-in-law, Michael Parkingson?

“He was just a normal (very) Northern bloke who happened to be famous. Good to chat to as a journo and cut through stuff. He can ask a question. I can so answer it.”

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G Live: Acorn Wood family theatre

Round & About

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Families! Catch Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Beloved Tales from Acorn Wood, live on stage at G Live on Thursday, 31st August.

The family favourite stage adaptation from Norwell Lapley Productions (NLP) is coming to G Live this summer. Based on Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s best-selling lift-the-flap books, Tales of Acorn Wood is brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.

The show is packed full of toe-tapping songs and an array of beautifully crafted puppets, as well as striking state-of-the-art staging, projection and technology.

Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.

The creative team working on the show include celebrated Birmingham based choreographer Johnny Autin as puppet director, alongside director Brad Fitt, acclaimed production designer Ian Westbrook, motion graphic designer Louise Rhoades-Brown and lighting designer Alex Musgrave. Props and puppets have been designed and created by Deborah Mingham. The creative team is completed with musical director composer Miles Russell.

Julia Donaldson said: “I am really happy that the Tales from Acorn Wood has moved to the stage. Fans of the books are bound to enjoy seeing the four main characters: Fox, Bear, Pig and Rabbit brought to life through NLP’s clever staging. Live performance and songs are both very close to my heart and I am sure this production will delight children and families.”

Axel Scheffler added: “I have always enjoyed illustrating the Tales from Acorn Wood stories; the wide cast of animal friends is fun to draw, and I enjoy developing their world through my pictures. The NLP team has used state of the art staging and technology to create a brilliant experience for children and I was thrilled to see my illustrations come to life, I especially loved how they created the lift-the-flap effects on stage!

Book your tickets to enjoy Tales of Acorn Wood, based on the favourite stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, on Thursday, 31st August, at 1pm & 4pm. Adults: £18, under-14s £16, family of four £64. Box office: G Live & 0343 310 0055.

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Alpine skier’s art exhibition in Guildford

Round & About

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Teenager Molly Butler is helping making her alpine skiing dreams come true through her art exhibition at The Hideaway Café

Molly Butler, a sprinted 16 year old learned to ski about the same time she was learning to walk! She is intent on pursuing one goal – to become a top alpine ski racer.

Being selected to represent Team GB at the European Youth Olympics in Italy in January, and in May being selected for the GB alpine squad, was just the first step on the journey.

As Molly is from a family without substantial wealth, it is no mean feat in finding the funds to cover the equipment, training, travelling and so on. A full year of required training to maintain this level of competition is more than £30,000. But sadly, for GB alpine athletes, there is no funding available, constant support is needed to continue.

To help fund her ski racing several years ago Molly set up a small business where she sells prints of her artwork, cards and other small gifts. View her work at (mollybutler.co.uk).

This summer Molly is exhibiting her art for three months from June 19th at the Hideaway Cafe in Guildford, an initiative of the Matrix charity providing a lifeline for vulnerable young people across Guildford Borough.

She’ll be working hard to help with the extortionate fees race training brings with it but she will be helping others with 25% from her sales going towards Matrix, making the whole exhibition even more worthwhile and meaningful.

Molly is so happy to be living her dream, she says: “I was born to ski, I couldn’t think of doing anything else in my life.”

Her second ‘love’ is her art. “I’ve combined my love for both skiing and art to create my unique hand-drawn gifts,” she explains. “The inspiration for my original artwork prints and the designs comes from the mountains and the natural world. All of my products make great gifts and are practical too. Wherever I am, or whatever I’m doing, the snow-capped peaks always remind me to keep chasing my dreams.”

By visiting Guildford and stopping by the Hideaway café to view and purchase Molly’s artwork (as well as enjoying a great coffee and cakes) you are not only supporting Molly, you will be joining her on her journey as well as supporting others.

And you can share every step, and all the action, by following Molly on Instagram and Facebook.

If you can’t make it to the exhibition please consider visiting her website and making a purchase.

She also has a dedicated Fundraising page.

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Chris Kamara to open Ninja Warrior

Karen Neville

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Guildford

Football pundit and presenter of Ninja Warrior UK launches the new Guildford attraction on February 2nd

In perfect time for the February half term holidays, the inspirational co-presenter of the TV show, legendary pundit, Chris Kamara MBE, will launch Guildford’s Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park.

He will be at the venue to welcome the guests alongside a number of professional Ninjas who people may recognise from the TV series. Amongst them will be first-time women’s champion Beth Lodge, who took the title during the grand finale of Ninja Warrior UK Series 6 in October 2022.

Due to the demand for launch-day tickets, three sessions will now be available to the public at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Chris Kamara said: “I am really excited about the opening of Guildford’s Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park; the reaction I see from guests who experience these venues for the very first time is just unbelievable! Ninja Warrior UK is a great family show and it is brilliant to be able to give families in Surrey the opportunity to come and try an adventure park. And, I still get to do the best bit of the job, which is to watch on – it’s equally as entertaining, trust me!”

The new Guildford venue, which opens on Thornbury Way in Slyfield on February 2nd, will feature a mix of adrenalin-fuelled TV show-style courses and inflatable runs inspired by the family favourite programme, and promises to combine fun, fitness and fire imaginations, with many discovering their inner Ninja in no time.

Visitors aged 5+ can choose from a range of amazing obstacles that will test their climbing, balancing and swinging skills to the max, and of course, try to beat the infamous Warped Wall. The Mount Sasuke climbing feature is an additional challenge for wannabe Ninjas, and the enormous inflatable course with its tunnels, battle towers and assault course, promises even more fun, before a visit to the Ninja Café for a well-earned rest. For the under 5s, there is a dedicated Mini Ninjas soft play area as well.

Tim Morrison, Co-Founder of Prime Leisure Group, operator of the Ninja Warrior UK Guildford venue, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our Guildford opening next month, and now our Surrey visitors will have the added bonus of meeting Chris Kamara MBE at the launch event! We are very much looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming everyone from across the region to come and enjoy an adrenalin-fuelled, fitness-focussed visit.”

Admission starts from £13.95 per person and £6.95 for Mini Ninjas soft play (under 5s). Book your space at Ninja Warrior UK Guildford.

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