Nuneaton lives 2014 programme

FREE

Festival Programme

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Join us Nuneaton Town Centre Saturday 5th July 2014 10am – 5pm

Don’t miss...

Godiva’s Odyssey including the World Premiere of the Hummingbird

A family festival to celebrate local arts, culture, heritage and heroes

Programme sponsor

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Love Markets?

Then don’t miss the Market and Craft Market in town on Saturday 5th July as part of Nuneaton Lives!

Did you know?

A market was established in Nuneaton in 1233 and is still held to this day 2

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Welcome to the first ‘Nuneaton Lives’ event delivered in the Borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth. This event celebrates the art, culture and heritage of our past, our present and through the young people taking part today, our future.

We welcome one and all to Nuneaton today, but especially Imagineer’s Godiva, whom I am excited to meet. I’m also delighted to announce that we have the ‘World Premier’ of the Hummingbird Flight taking place in Riversley Park, which I am told is not to be missed.

Today, we also have the relaunch of the Reginald Stanley Town Trail and we celebrate the writings of our very own George Eliot through street performances of her cherished novel Silas Marner.

Godiva’s Odyssey.................................................................. 4 What’s on and where?....................................................... 6 Programme at a glance.................................................... 8 Ribbons for Godiva.............................................................. 8 Godiva’s Coat........................................................................... 9 The Cyclopedia....................................................................11 Desford Lane Peddlars.....................................................11 The Olympic Torch.............................................................13 Heritage & Culture Warwickshire..............................15 So who was George Eliot?............................................17 Silas Marner............................................................................19 Silas Marner performances...........................................20 Reginald Stanley..................................................................22 Town Brick Trail.....................................................................24 Live in Nuneaton.................................................................26 Museum & Art Gallery ....................................................33

Welcome to Nuneaton

Contents

Today promises a carnival atmosphere with community groups, dance schools, choirs, musicians and performers coming together to entertain and delight you.

I am especially pleased and proud that today’s event is provided by people with a connection to Nuneaton and Bedworth; talented people who through their own hard work and perseverance have come together to deliver what promises to be a wonderful day of entertainment for us all.

Whether you live, work or are simply visiting our borough, join with us today to make the 2014 ‘Nuneaton Lives’ festival a resounding success.

The Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Brian Hawkes

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Don’t miss...

Godiva’s Odyssey including the World Premiere of the Hummingbird

Performance schedule

10.30am Godiva arrives in Chapel Street to

watch Silas Marner Scene 1: Gold 10.40am Godiva walks to Market Place 10.50am Godiva rests in Market Place

between fountain and trees to

watch: Silas Marner Scene 2: The Community 11.00am Godiva walks to George Eliot Statue

in Newdegate Square 11.05am Welcome to Godiva from the Mayor

of Nuneaton and Bedworth.

11.10am With the Mayor, Godiva watches:

Silas Marner Scene 3: A Gift 11.25am Godiva walks to Bridge Street.

11.30am Godiva rests in Newdegate Street to

watch performance on the bridge over

the River Anker of Silas Marner

Scene 4: Dancing 11.40am Godiva walks to Church Street 11.45am Godiva greets her horse and watches:

Silas Marner Scene 5: Childhood 1.00pm On her Cyclopedia powered by

Cyclists from Nuneaton and

Bedworth Cycle Clubs, Godiva will

make her way to Abbey Street led

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1.30pm 1.45pm

3.15pm

3.45pm

by Nuneaton Harriers proudly displaying a 2012 Olympic Torch designed and made by local Bedworth Company Premier Group and followed by a number of Veteran Cycles ridden by members of the Desford Lane Pedallers Veteran Cycle Club. Leaving Church Street, the route will be along Bond Gate, Newtown Road and Powell Way. Godiva Arrives in Abbey Street Godiva sits to watch: Silas Marner Scene 6: Choices Godiva leaves Abbey St. for Riversley Park via Powell Way, Roanne Ringway, Coton Rd. and Clinic Drive Godiva arrives at Riversley Park

4.15pm World Premiere of the Hummingbird!

5.00pm

The Hummingbird is found and the story told in Riversley Park.

The day ends with a dance finale in Riversley Park

Further details of the Silas Marner performances can be found on page 21.

Please note that all performances may be subject to change. Please check website for latest information The ‘Godiva Odyssey’ tour to Nuneaton has been made possible with support from Heritage and Culture Warwickshire, as part of Warwickshire County Council.

A 6 metre Godiva for the 21st Century The six metre mechanical Godiva is a large-scale puppet constructed out of lightweight materials. Operated by a team of puppeteers, Godiva’s movement and expressions are achieved through a combination of traditional puppetry and modern animation techniques. Truly representative of the 21st Century in her creation, Godiva was created through combining long established puppetry techniques with modern engineering.

Godiva’s Odyssey

2014 sees Imagineer Productions extraordinary 6 metre mechanical Godiva embark on her Odyssey travelling from town to town, region to region, greeting people, sharing discoveries and making connections. The Odyssey began at Shakespeare’s 450th Birthday Celebrations in April and runs through until the Festival of Imagineers in Coventry on 9th August 2014.

local hero

Imagineer Productions Presents ...

World Premiere of the Hummingbird

Godiva will meet the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, and meet people in the town centre as part of the Nuneaton Lives celebration of local heroes George Eliot and Reginald Stanley. Arriving aboard her amazing Cyclopedia, Godiva will also celebrate for the first time the arrival of the Hummingbird - a free flying mechanical bird also created

by Imagineer Productions and Imagineer Technologies.

www.nuneatonlives.co.uk f NuneatonLives t @NuneatonLives

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What’s on and where?

Abbey Street Godiva 13.30 • Street Art Urban Artist (11.00-14.45) • Julie Bromage Dance Academy (12.00 - 13.45) • Anker Radio (12.00-16.00) • Dance/ Various (13.00-13.45) • Punch & Judy (13.15-15.15) • Scene 6: Choices (13.45-13.55) • Stanley Brick Trail Competition Winnners & Prize Giving (13.55-14.00) • Hoola Hoop Melanie Banks (14.00-14.25) • The Dance Academy (14.25-15.00) • Street Art Presented to Stage (14.45-15.00) Abbeygate Shopping Centre • Museum Make ‘n’ Take (10.30-17.00) Bridge Street Godiva 11.25 • Craft Market (10.00-17.00) • Strolling Accordion Minstrel (11.30-13.00) Chapel Street Godiva 10.30 • Scene 1: Gold (10.30-10.40) Church Street Godiva 11.45 • Phase One Steel Orchestra (10.45-11.45) • Scene 5: Childhood (11.45-12.05) • Phase One Steel Orchestra (12.05-13.00) • Flash Dance Haddon (13.00-13.15) • Coventry Samba Band & Carnival from Church Street; Bridge Street; Market Place; Queens Road and Stratford Street to Abbey Street (13.15-1330) Harefield Road • Buskers Drifting In /Out from 13.00 • Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary Market Place Godiva 10.50 • Taz the Sax Player (10.00-10.50) • Scene 2: Community (1050-1100) • Judith Vardey Dance (12.00-13.00) • Rise Dance Academy (13.00-15.00)

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Museum and Art Gallery • Godiva Coat Exhibition (10.30-18.00) • Museum Make ‘n’ Take (10.30-17.00) Newdegate Square Godiva 11.05 • Ukelele Band (10.00-10.40) • Chater Dance School (10.40-11.05) • Mayor/Town Crier Welcome • Scene 3: A Gift (11.10-11.25) • Ukelele Band (11.25+) • Buskers Drifting In /Out (from 13.00) Newdegate Street Godiva 11.30 • Strolling Accordion Minstrel (10.45-1130) • Scene 4: Dancing (11.30-11.40) Nuneaton Library • Local Studies Collections - Behind the Scenes’ tours at 10am and 11am. Please contact the library to book.

Riversley Park Godiva 15.45 • World Premiere of the Hummingbird The Tale is Told and the Hummingbird Flight (16.15-16.50) • Dance (17.00+) Ropewalk, Queens Road • Taz the Sax Player (11.30-13.30) • Haddon Performing Arts (14.00-14.15

In their inimitable style, the Anker Radio team entertain the Abbey Street crowds with hits and witty repartee, whilst providing a valued sound/P.A. system for a variety of performers.

Times and acts may be subject to change.

Please check online for further details. www.nuneatonlives.co.uk www.facebook.com/NuneatonLives @NuneatonLives

culture

15.15

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13.45

13.15

Godiva’s Route

13.30

Please note all timings are approximate

13.00

3

11.00

2

10.50

4

11.30

1

10.30

10.40

15.30

START

11.40

5

11.45

10.30

Market

10.30

Craft Market

Godiva’s Route

Live performances of ‘Silas Marner’ watched by Godiva

World Premiere of the Hummingbird

16.15

15.45

Entertainers

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RIBBONS FOR GODIVA Saturday 7th June to Saturday 5th July Join The Ribbon Writing Challenge!

In preparation for the arrival of Godiva, we are inviting the public to write lines from George Eliot’s novel ‘Silas Marner’ onto ribbons that will be tied into the trees around the Museum & Art Gallery.

Come and pick a sentence (or several) from ‘Silas Marner’ and write it onto a ribbon. Sign your chosen quote then see if you can spot your ribbon in Riversley Park on the day Godiva visits Nuneaton.

On the day...

Museum Make ‘n’ Takes During Godiva’s walkabout we’ll be making Cut Out Coats for Godiva and Hummingbird Origami in Abbeygate shopping centre .

You can also visit the Museum and take part in the Children’s Art Day activities. See Godiva’s coat and ‘The Wonderful World of Rodney Peppé’ exhibition too, before you find a spot in Riversley Park to

watch Godiva’s farewell.

The Museum will be open from

10.30am until 6pm.

See page 32 for more information on events at the Museum & Art Gallery

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Viewing Times: Tue 1st July Wed 2nd July Thurs 3rd July Fri 4th July Sat 5th July Sun 6th July

10.30am – 4.30pm 10.30am – 4.30pm 10.30am – 4.30pm 10.30am – 4.30pm 10.30am – 6.00pm 2.00pm – 4.30pm

Godiva’s Coat

1st to 6th July

culture

GODIVA’S COAT

On Saturday 5th July the Godiva puppet created by Imagineer will be visiting Nuneaton as part of the “Nuneaton Lives” Festival. In the build up to this Special Summer Event, Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery will be displaying Godiva’s 5 metre coat. Come and take a look at this magnificent hand-crafted garment!

FOR ONE WEEK ONLY!

www.nuneatonlives.co.uk f NuneatonLives t @NuneatonLives

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McDonald’s Bermuda Park St. David’s Way, Nuneaton Open 24 hours for Eat In and Take Away orders from 25th July

heritage Cyclopedia

The Cyclopedia The Cyclopedia is the structure that Godiva rides on, powered by cyclists on her journey.

For Nuneaton Lives the cyclopedia will be powered by the members of the Nuneaton Cycle Club. Formed in 1978 the club has continued to provide events, camaraderie and support for the needs of local cyclists across the borough ever since. The club welcomes anyone who has a passion for leisurely cycling. You can find out more about the club, its activities and some local cycle routes at www.nuneatoncycleclub.co.uk

Desford Lane Pedallers Veteran Cycle Club The East Midlands premier veteran cycle club. The Desford Lane Pedallers Veteran Cycle Club is a group of like-minded veteran cyclists who have a passion for riding, collecting and researching cycles from the last 150 years. Members own bicycles and tricycles that represent the history of cycling from the beginnings of cycling in 1860s through to the modern day and often wear a period costume that reflects the age of the cycle. The rides are about enjoying the countryside, socialising and getting a bit of exercise and if you have an interest in old bicycles and would like to join the club on one of its rides then contact the Secretary on www.dlpvcc.co.uk for more details. For new members we would welcome them on any type of bike. www.dlpvcc.co.uk

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local hero Olympic Torch

A chance to see the Olympic torch Manufactured in the borough by Premier Group based in Exhall, the Olympic torch is an iconic symbol of the London 2012 Olympics. Premier have kindly t +44 (0) 24 7636 agreed to loan the torch to Nuneaton Lives and it will lead Godiva on her2886 e enquiries@premier-group.co premier-group.co odyssey through Nuneaton, proudly carried by the NuneatonwHarriers.

CASE STUDY

lympic

torch A Midlands success story

Premier Group – the official manufacturer of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic torch

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t + e e w p

he Olympic contract was an unusual assignment for Premier Group, which plays a vital role in the UK motor manufacturing, rail engineering and aerospace industries.

The Midlands facility was fully tested during the engineering and manufacturing process. Premier Group employed an innovative five axis laser cutting machine to create the double skinned aluminium alloy triangular torches, as well as laser butt welding along the entire length of the torch. Premier Group was one of the first companies to use this technology in production.

Escape Community Arts

lym

The state-of-the-art 2D Prima Syncrono is the worlds fastest 2D laser, with off-line programming and nesting. 12,100 torches required 100 million holes to be cut in just 6 months. The apparently seamless torches were finished in a glistening gold colour, with a burner enclosed and fuelled by a gas canister.

Escape Community Arts Nuneaton are based at the Art Studio, Unit 3, New Century Way, Nuneaton.

One of the 2012 torches has been presented to the City of Coventry and kept on display The said: Art“ItStudio at the Council House. Premier GroupFacebook Chairman Denis Meagher is a great pleasure to present the torch to the Lord Mayor as a reminder to the people of Coventry of their for updates and activity programme. role in the London Olympics.” www.escapecommunityarts.co.uk The complex design presented numerous technical challenges, all of which were overcome by Premier Group’s unique blend of innovation and experience. A world-class skill set and technological capabilities allowed us to develop a process to manufacture the unique design of the Olympic Torch to the exacting standards required, and all within a challenging time frame.

Art Alert is a not-for-profit group promoting visual arts & crafts in Nuneaton, Bedworth and area. The Art Alert Gallery at 23E Abbey Street, Nuneaton. Weds, Fri, Sat 10am-4pm Meet 1st Fri each month at 11am ( in the gallery).

Facebook – The Art Alert Gallery http://artalertnuneaton.co.uk/ PT O

Continued overleaf…

Art Alert

Activities for Nuneaton Lives 2014

Nuneaton Town centre Shop Front Trail inspired by R Stanley & G Eliot – runs until June 28th Art Alert Gallery are exhibiting a display of local original artwork created for Godiva’s visit, from May Premier Group – the official manufacturer of 24th – July 5th. Art Alert have also secured Imagineer Production artwork and display information the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic torch (including a life size model of Godiva’s statue head, costume hats and original design models) which he Olympic contract was an unusual assignment for Premier Group, they will exhibit at the Art Alert Gallery from 25th May. which plays a vital role in the UK motor manufacturing, rail engineering

T

and aerospace industries.

The Midlands facility was fully tested during the engineering and manufacturing process. Premier Group employed an innovative five axis laser cutting machine to create the double skinned aluminium alloy triangular torches, as well as laser butt welding along the entire length of the torch. Premier Group was one of the first companies to use this

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Climb aboard the Museum on the Move Bus at the Nuneaton Lives Festival for FREE Discover our MADE HERE exhibition which uncovers a cross-curricular, chronological tour of the arts, industries, foods and facts that make our counties special.

Explore Nuneaton's Industrial past, play our computer challenge ‘Made Here’, have a go at weaving and play Xbox Dirt 2 in our Spacade plus much more….

All activities are FREE so come and find us at the festival.

Why not book the Museum on the Move Bus to visit your school, nursery or community group/event?

Call Heritage Education on 01926 412069. www.museumonthemove.org.uk @museumonthemove Museum on the Move

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Motionhouse

We welcome around 70,000 people to our sites and events each year and care for more than 800,000 objects in our collections, to make sure these irreplaceable heritage assets are preserved for generations to come. We are responsible for four sites – two museums and the County Record Office in Warwick, and the

Escape Community Arts

iconic Chesterton Windmill. We also curate and care for the collection at the Roman Alcester Museum.

heritage and culture Warwickshire

Heritage and Culture Warwickshire provide a wide range of services that help local communities and visitors to connect and engage with their local heritage. We aim to safeguard Warwickshire’s archives, history and natural sciences, protect its historic and natural environment and provide high quality arts and cultural opportunities and lifelong learning for everyone in the County and beyond.

Our County Arts service initiates, supports and brokers partnerships with a wide range of organisations to help develop sustainable arts activities and events for Warwickshire communities.

Dedicated to developing an accessible and high quality arts infrastructure, our Arts Officers strive to raise the profile of the arts and cultural industries within Warwickshire and beyond. The arts can offer a variety of beneficial outcomes for all communities and we focus on programmes that address arts and health agendas and cultural business development, making Warwickshire a healthy and happy place to live, work and visit. We also fund a small portfolio of professional arts organisations to deliver performances, programmes, workshops and activities throughout the county.

To find out more about our services and events please visit heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk Twitter: @Oisin The Deer Facebook: Warwickshire Museum

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Nuneaton and Bedworth Libraries Library services are provided by Warwickshire County Council and give anyone who lives or works in the county, free access to books, information, and the internet. Membership and borrowing books is free, books can be borrowed for 3 weeks and renewed on-line. At Nuneaton Library we also have the county special collections for Music and Drama, Warwickshire Local Studies and George Eliot.

As part of the Nuneaton Lives Festival, there will be displays at Nuneaton Library of important local people, including George Eliot, Alderman Melly, Reginald Stanley and others. Free “Behind the Scenes” tours of the local history material will also be available.

(Please book in advance). The library will also be displaying a small selection of ‘Godiva Awakes’ carnival costumes, which were created by Imagineer for the Cultural Olympiad in 2012. These costumes will be on display from Saturday 28th June - Saturday 5th July.

For further details visit the library website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries or telephone 0300 555 8171

The George Eliot Fellowship was founded in 1930 in Nuneaton. It now has members all over the world and puts on a lively and varied number of events every year.

These include lectures, discussions, study days, outings to George Eliot venues locally, George Eliot Tours, reading groups, dramatic adaptations, performances and wreath laying. It publishes a colourful newsletter several times a year as well as a peer reviewed academic journal which goes to all members.

Further information can be found at

www.georgeeliot.org

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George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century. Her novels, most famously ‘Middlemarch’, are celebrated for their realism and psychological insights.

She was born on 22nd November 1819 at South Farm on the Arbury estate, on the outskirts of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, the third of five children of parents Robert and his second wife, Christiana. When her mother died in 1836, she left school to help run her father’s household. In 1841, she moved with her father to Coventry and lived with him until his death in 1849. Eliot then travelled in Europe, eventually settling in London.

In 1850, Eliot began contributing to the ‘Westminster Review’, a leading journal for philosophical radicals, and later became its editor. She was now at the centre of a literary circle through which she met George Henry Lewes, with whom she lived until his death in 1878. Lewes was married and their relationship caused a scandal.

Eliot was shunned by friends and family.

Lewes encouraged Eliot to write. In 1856, she began ‘Scenes of Clerical Life’, stories about the people of her native Warwickshire, which were published in ‘Blackwood’s Magazine’. Her first novel, ‘Adam Bede’, followed in 1859 and was a great success. She used a male pen name to ensure her works were taken seriously in an era when female authors were usually associated with romantic novels. Her other novels include ‘The Mill on the Floss’ (1860), ‘Silas Marner’ (1861), ‘Romola’ (1863), ‘Middlemarch’ (1872) and ‘Daniel Deronda’ (1876). The popularity of Eliot’s novels brought social acceptance, and Lewes and Eliot’s home became a meeting place for writers and intellectuals.

local hero George Eliot

So who was George Eliot?

After Lewes’ death Eliot married a friend, John Cross, who was 20 years her junior.

She died on 22nd December 1880 and was buried in Highgate Cemetery in north London.

With thanks to the George Eliot Fellowship www.georgeeliot.org

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“A man falling into dark waters seeks a momentary footing even on sliding stones.”

culture ‘Silas Marner ‘

The shortest of George Eliot’s novels, ‘Silas Marner’ is one of her most admired and loved works. It tells the touching story of the exiled Silas Marner – a handloom linen weaver of Raveloe in the agricultural heartland of England – and how he is restored to life by the unlikely means of the orphan child Eppie. ‘Silas Marner’ is a tender and moving tale of sin and repentance set in a rural landscape that no longer exists and holds the reader’s attention until the last page as Eppie’s bonds of affection for Silas are put to the test.

“Nothing is so good as it seems beforehand.”

Poster from 2011 King Edward Vl College, Nuneaton production; illustrations from early edition; Jack West playing Silas.

Don’t forget Ribbons for Godiva. See page 8 for further details.

To find out more about ‘Silas Marner’ and George Eliot’s other novels, visit www.georgeeliot.org

Poster from 2011 King Edward Vl College, Nuneaton production; illustrations from early edition; Penguin Classics book cover, Front cover illustrated by Hugh Thomson., Jack West playing Silas.

Thanks to The George Eliot Fellowship.

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The Performers

Beth Dyson Academy

Make a flower for Eppie’s Garden!

Free, drop in workshop 10.00am - 4.30pm

Bethany Dyson has always had a love for performing and learning new techniques within the theatre industry. After graduation from The Birmingham Theatre School Bethany has been involved in work with ‘The Birmingham Opera Company’ and now runs the Bethany Dyson Academy of Performing Arts where she teaches acting, singing and musical theatre. www.bethanydyson.com

On Saturday 5th July, we will be turning Abbey Street into Eppie’s Garden, which features in the book ‘Silas Marner’. Come along and make a flower with us to add to the garden.

Workshops will take place from 10am - 4.30pm in Abbey Street, and the final ‘Silas Marner’ scene which mentions ‘Eppie’s Garden’ will be performed in Abbey Street at 1.45pm.

With kind support from Brose

Sudden Impulse Theatre Company Sudden Impulse Theatre Company was formed ten years ago with the remit of producing straight plays in Nuneaton. Since their first production in April 2004 they have continued to grow in strength and quality.

The Company is renowned for the high professional standard of its work and has won a number of awards at National Festivals. www.suddenimpulse.co.uk

Julie Bromage Dance Academy images by Ruth Spaak www.ruthspaak.co.uk

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The academy will be supporting each performance of ‘Silas Marner’ with dance.

See page 26 for further details.

Gold Chapel Street –10.30am

One night Silas takes some cloth to a customer, leaves the cottage unlocked, Dunstan Cass (2nd son of the squire) approaches the weaver’s cottage, enters, sees no-one is there and steals Marner’s gold. Source: Chapter 4

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The Community Market Place – 10.50am

Silas returns to his cottage. Discovers his gold has been stolen – searches everywhere. In fear and terror Silas rushes to the pub – The Rainbow. The locals sympathetically listen to his story. They offer him advice. This is the first time the miser has connected with the villagers Source: Chapters 4-6

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A Gift

Newdegate Square – 11.10am

Molly staggers along with her child Eppie.

She is an opium addict. In her hand is an empty phial. She dies in the snow. The child is attracted to the lights of the miser’s cottage. She enters and sits by the fire, singing to herself. Silas returns. He is short sighted and thinks his gold has returned… (her golden curls), with wonder he realises it’s a child.

Source: Chapter 12 – New Year’s Eve

Dancing

Newdegate Street – 11.30am

New Year’s Eve dance at the Red House Source: Chapter 11 Enter Silas Marner with child in arms.

Godfrey sees it is his child (Molly is his estranged wife). The Weaver insists on keeping the child.

Source: Chapter 13

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Childhood

Church Street – 11.45am

Eppie grows up – childhood scenes.

Dolly Winthrop gives advice on childrearing. Brings own child Aaron. Eppie & Aaron play together. Silas rehabilitated into the community.

Source: Chapters 14-16

16 years later….

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‘Silas Marner’ – The performances

Silas – weaver with pack on his back. At night he returns to his cottage, counts his gold, hides it under the floorboards…

Source: Chapter 2

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culture

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Choices

Abbey Street – 1.45pm

Dunstan’s body and Silas’s gold are found when the pit dries Upon this revelation Godfrey & Nancy visit Silas & Eppie. Godfrey apologises that a member of his family robbed Silas. He reveals he is Eppie’s paternal father and invites Eppie to go and live with him and his wife at the Red House.

Eppie chooses to stay with Silas.

Source: Chapter 19 Eppie marries Aaron whilst Godfrey looks on from the side.

Source: Conclusion

Can’t wait?

There will be a FREE preview performance of ‘Silas Marner’ on Saturday 28th June at Nuneaton Library at 2pm.

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Reginald Stanley 1838-1914 Montana was in the middle of a ‘Gold Rush’ and Reginald wanted his claim, so he and three others D.J Miller, John Crab and John Cowan decided to set out and find their own strike. Eventually after many efforts they arrived at a river bed and one of them said ‘this is the last chance’. John Cowan panned the river and suddenly a jingle of gold struck the pan and they had their nugget and Last Chance Gulch was born on 14th July 1864.

Within a few months it had turned into a mining camp and people came to stake a claim of gold. This camp soon turned into a town and was named Helena. Reginald decided after just a couple of years he had his wealth and found his love, a Canadian woman by the name of Marie Octavia Pineau and head back to England completing the three things he had gone for.

Reginald Stanley was born 2nd May 1838 in Hayle, Cornwall. His early life was spent travelling the country with his Methodist preaching father. Then at the tender age of 18, he and a friend, William Handyside, decided to go travelling and boarded a ship named the ‘Caravan’, smitten by the talk of wealth, adventure and love in America. Arriving in New York on 13th July 1856, they made their way towards St Louis on the banks of the Mississippi River. Over the next few years the pair earned money by logging and rafting on the banks. Eventually an eager Reginald, after reading of a party travelling west, decided to sell up and head for Montana.

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On his return to England in 1866 he headed for Leicester, his brother Jacob and brother in law Benjamin Broadbent had a timber manufacturing business.

The pair were ambitious and one of them spotted an advert for the sale of a brickyard in a small town called Nuneaton, they took the plunge and bought the business in Swan Lane (now Croft Road). Reginald was soon involved after Benjamin’s health declined and pumped some of his money into the Stockingford based brickworks. The company expanded over the next 20 years, not only bricks but coal mining and engineering works were bought. Stanley Brothers had sites on Haunchwood Road (behind the Cherry Tree), Whittleford Road (behind the War Memorial Cottage), also with interests in Coventry and Staffordshire. It had been said they served over 4000 customers at their height and Stanley Brothers was still employing people

Reginald spent a lot of time and money helping the Methodist Church. He laid stones at Stockingford, Whittleford, Manor Court Baptist and Abbey Street Wesleyan Church among others. He was also a Liberal party member and helped in the building of the Nuneaton Liberal Club on Abbey Street.

Another of Stanley’s creations is the iconic building known as ‘The Gate Temperance Hotel’ (now the children’s school wear shop) it reportedly cost Reginald £8000 to build in 1895, a staggering amount of money.

His biggest donation in Nuneaton was the gift of a hospital to the town. He along with James Tomkinson donated land off Manor Court Road. It was opened on the 21st September 1893 at a cost of around £3500 using Stanley Brothers detailed terracotta brickwork. Many of our ‘older’ readers will have spent time in ‘The Manor’ over the

years. Now it has become a doctors surgery and still has its original charm from the outside today.

As the world entered the 20th century, so did problems with Reginald. He had mining interests in South Africa and because of the Boer War it seriously affected his finances, so much, it more than likely lead to the stroke he suffered. That meant he had to give up a lot of his positions and eventually he retired to Bexhill on Sea. Sadly he passed away on 18th July 1914, his body was brought back to Nuneaton and buried in Oaston Road cemetery next to his wife who died some 15 years previous.

local hero Reginald Stanley

in Nuneaton up until the 1980s. During his time here he held many important positions.

He was a councillor on the district board, he was a justice of the peace, on the board for the first cottage hospital in Nuneaton and he also had an interest in the Nuneaton Observer. The importance of Reginald was key to the future of Nuneaton.

Nuneaton owes a lot to the generosity of Reginald Stanley. He made this town his home, employing thousand of local people, invested his money to make the town a better place. Thanks Reginald we love Nuneaton.

With thanks to www.reginaldstanley.com

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The Gate

The Liberal Club

From the George Eliot statue, set off in the direction that she is facing, towards Abbey Street. ‘The Gate’ Temperance Hotel was built for Mr Stanley in 1895. Designed by F. J. Yates of Birmingham, it features elaborate mock Tudor woodwork and decorations. When opened it had spacious coffee rooms, commercial rooms, billiard tables, gas lighting and a form of steam heating.

Mr Stanley was a Liberal councillor for Chilvers Coton and one of the founders of the Liberal Club. The building has an unusual octagon tile hung tower.

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Obelisk

Towering ceramic and terracotta Obelisk situated off Midland Road in Abbey Green.

Artist Tracey Heyes was inspired by the terracotta sunflowers synonymous with Stanley’s products and the rich blue ceramic tiles which together proudly reflect the heritage of Nuneaton. A wonderful piece of Public Art, the Obelisk was installed in 2002.

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Chimney Pot Sculpture

Nuneaton Civic Society and Art Alert have crreated a contemporary ceramic sculpture for the grounds of Manor Court Home,inspired by the life and times of Reginald Stanley. The Manor Court Sculpture can be viewed from Manor Court Road.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

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9 140 Manor Court Road On the corner of Fife Street was built the home of Stanley Brother’s brickyard manager; Mr J. Bates. It was a demonstration house of the company’s products.

‘Mardale’

Built for Dr. E. Nason it stands on the corner of Earls Road and Manor Court Road. It’s arrangements of roofs and chimneys shows the influence of the Arts & Crafts architects.

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The Manor Hospital, Manor Court Avenue

As a major employer, Mr Stanley supported the founding of the Hospital and gave money and land.

This was Nuneaton’s Town Hospital for 100 years, closing in 1993.

Mr Stanley was an enthusiastic benefactor of nonconformist churches in the town. He laid a foundation stone in 1898 (next to main doors) and opened the building in 1899.

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Nuneaton Ex-servicemen’s Club

Facing Riversley Park on Coton Road is the Nuneaton Ex-servicemen’s Club and Institute.

Originally named ‘Wesley House’ it was the residence of the Rev. Greenwood, a Wesleyan Methodist Minister.

Nuneaton Heritage Centre

r

Manor Court Sculpture

Nuneaton Civic Society and Art Alert have created a contemporary ceramic sculpture for the grounds of Manor Court Home,inspired by the 12and times of Reginald Stanley. life The Manor Court Sculpture can be viewed from Manor Court Road.

Lansdowne Terrace, 108-124 Manor Court Road

Manor Court

Standing on a site opposite the historic priory ruins, Manor Court was built as the Stanleys’ own residence. Again designed by F. J. Yates it had 12 bedrooms and stood in 6 acres of landscaped surrounds.

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A row of 9 houses with an impressively ornate façade of mock Tudor woodwork. It is thought that the name Lansdowne came from a mine in South Africa that Mr Stanley dealt with. In common with most buildings in this area, the terrace features Stanley bricks tiles, mouldings and finials.

106 Manor Court Road Reginald Stanley’s coachman’s cottage, which features a mock bell-tower. The house was built for Albert West, who for 20 years was Stanley’s gardener, groom, coachman and chauffeur.

You can find out more about Reginald Stanley’s life at www.reginaldstanley.com

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The Museum houses an eclectic collection of objects relating to Nuneaton’s past.

Much of the collection has been donated by residents and visitors to the Centre.

They house the largest collection of Stanley Brickworks castings and moulds in Britain, as well as large collections of payrolls and office ledgers rescued before the works were demolished.

Much of Stanley’s paperwork is now held at the Warwickshire County Archive where it is still being catalogued and archived.

We have assembled a large collection of moulding tools from the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as tools from the extractive industries which flourished in Nuneaton from the 17th century onwards.

Find out more at www.nuneatonheritagecentre.org.uk

heritage Reginal Stanley Town Trail

The Baptist Church, Manor Court Road

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! n o t a e n u Live in N

A round-up of all the live performances happening throughout the town at Nuneaton Lives on Saturday July 5th JVS Performing Arts

Coventry Samba Off the Beat’n Track. We are a diverse, fun-loving and enthusiastic group who share a love of drumming and the carnival spirit. Drumming is fun, therapeutic, energising and accessible to everyone, as long as you can count to four. Come and join us! www.coventrysamba.co.uk

Julie Bromage Dance Academy

Judith Vardy Studios was established in Nuneaton in 1993, now JVS Performing Arts has studios based in Nuneaton and Kenilworth, (Warwickshire, UK), and Orlando and Montverde (Florida, USA) and is an excellent choice for dance & drama training. They offer RAD/ISTD dance examinations and LAMDA drama examinations and are successful in dance & drama competitions throughout the country. Their pupils perform regularly on the West End stage, Disneyland Paris, and local and national shows. They are an APPROVED DANCE CENTRE with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing offering professional dance and teachers of dance training. www.jvsperformingarts.com

Julie Bromage Dance Academy is based in Bedworth and has been established since 1988.

Training is offered in a wide range of disciplines and offers a thorough knowledge of skills required for professional theatre. JBDA has students furthering their training at Bird College, Elmhurst, White Lodge, Laine Theatre Arts, Performers, Masters Performing Arts, Urdang, LIpa, Italia Conti and Arts Ed. Numerous students have been successful in the West End, TV, Film and cruise ships around the world. The Academy Stages annual shows in addition to appearing in local musicals, concerts, variety shows and pantomimes. Under the syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance JBDA are proud to hold a 100% examination pass rate. www.juliebromagedanceacademy.co.uk

Keep up-to-date All performers featured in this programme are up-to-date at the time of going to press. However things often change, so make sure you check out our website and social media for any last minute changes or additions.

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www.nuneatonlives.co.uk f NuneatonLives t @NuneatonLives

Rise Dance Academy Rise Dance Academy is a family run business which offers fun, relaxed, quality dance classes in a variety of styles at 3 different venues across the Nuneaton, Bedworth and Bolton areas. www.risedanceacademy. webs.com

be playing in Nuneaton at The Queens Hall on the 25th October) We are a Pink Floyd tribute band. I play three different saxes, alto, tenor and baritone. http:// petetazmorgan.weebly. com/

of the coveted Aries close-up competition trophy Bernard certainly is an accomplished performer. Bernard is an all round entertainer of adults and children alike. Highly recommended for his adaptable style and charming performance. www.mrjuggler.co.uk

Taz – Sax Player I’ve been playing the sax since the start of my mid-life crisis ten years ago just after my 40th birthday. I was very lucky to take to it without too much trouble and I haven’t put it down since!

At the moment I play with “Dark Side of the Wall.” (We’ll

Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary The sanctuary was founded in February 2001. The aim of the sanctuary is to rescue and release injured wildlife. Since opening, the sanctuary has had in over 27,000 animals and we do 24 hour call outs for all local authorities. www. nuneatonwildlife.co.uk

Mr Juggler As past president and winner

Formed in 2013, The Jam Band has been slowly gathering members , now there are around 20 of us, some already ukulele players & some learning.

We are only to pleased to teach non players the basics. We are a non profit band playing for various charities in and around Nuneaton. Anyone interested in joining the group would be very welcome. Come and see us at Newdigate Square on the 5th July.

Contact Dave Greenwood 024 77676986

Nuneaton Lives Performers

The Jam Band

Anker Morris Men Anker Morris Men were formed by a group of folk enthusiasts in Nuneaton in 1975, and take the name from the River Anker which runs through Nuneaton, “anker” being an ancient word meaning “meander” – possibly apt for Morris men! In 1980 the team was admitted to the Morris Ring, a national organisation of Morris teams.

Anker Morris Men always welcome new recruits, dancers and musicians, practising through the winter on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in the Coton Heritage Centre, Avenue Road, Nuneaton. www.ankermm.co.uk

Love Markets?

Then don’t miss the Market and Craft Market in town on Saturday 5th July as part of Nuneaton Lives!

www.nuneatonlives.co.uk f NuneatonLives t @NuneatonLives

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See things differently and grow within the family

Brose is a growing automotive supplier group. Innovations in research and development as well as strategic investments form the basis for extending our market position.

At our facility in Coventry/UK we are offering challenging tasks and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic environment.

Your future is here.

Apply now at www.brose.jobs Make the most of your potential

Fiona Maurice-Smith – also known as “Fi Fi the Wandering Minstrel Accordionist” – is never happier than when she’s got her accordion strapped to her chest and she’s playing all manner of lively well known songs and tunes which people can hum along to as she goes hurtling by with a happy smile on her face!

She’s been playing her squeeze box since she was 16 and she absolutely loves playing the thing! Have a peek at JIGABIT at www.facebook.com/Jigabit

Aidy Brooks Bristol based artist Aidy Brooks returns to his hometown of Nuneaton for his first Live art piece of 2014, an amalgamation of styles commemorating the works of George Eliot and Reginald Stanley. Working alongside the Urban Arts Clinic, Aidy forms part of a team

including Dancers, Musicians and Artists who will also perform at this years Rivfest 2014 in Riversley Park, Nuneaton. Aidy’s artwork fuses modern graffiti styles with traditional painting/ drawing techniques to form a unique blend of style.

BNB U3A Ukulele Group The group is part of the U3A (University of the Third Age) which exists to encourage new leisure activities and new skills, entirely on a self-help basis.

The U3A is a national (indeed international) organisation.

The BNB refers to Bulkington/ Nuneaton/Bedworth. So all of us are local. None of the group played the Ukulele until a year ago, although some have played guitar in the past. This makes learning the Ukulele somewhat easier, though is by no means essential. Some members have never played a musical instrument before and are doing very well. And more importantly, enjoying it!

Tel: 024 7634 3603

Nuneaton Lives Performers

Fi Fi the Wandering Minstrel Accordionist

performing as “John the Juggler” and a Magician known as “Mr Ian Wonder”, but these days is probably best known as the “Hoop Guy” performing and teaching fancy Hula Hooping moves not just to adults but also to children at schools all over the greater Midlands area.

John has also appeared on ITV’s “This Morning” programme where he taught Matt Johnson to hoop, plus he has taken part in the Sky program “Got to Dance” where he received some great comments from Ashley Banjo for his Hoop-Dance routine. John teaches Adult Hooping classes and also runs the Nuneaton Juggling Club on Friday evenings. http://m.johnparnell.info

John Parnell John is well known locally as a Juggler, Unicyclist, StiltWalker, and Balloon Modeller,

www.nuneatonlives.co.uk f NuneatonLives t @NuneatonLives

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Melanie Banks Melanie is a performer, artist and emotional wellbeing therapist and has lived in Nuneaton all of her life. She is often seen walking around barefoot and has been referred to as being “a true character of the town” www. creativehippie.com

Phase One Steel Band This local band has performed at numerous prestigious events, such as Notting Hill Carnival and Caribbean Carnival Extravaganzas in Morecambe, Newcastle and Arundel. As well as taking part in all of the UK carnivals, the band performed before HM the Queen in 1986. www.phaseonesteelband. org.uk

Chater Dance Academy Chater Dance Academy established in Nuneaton for over 35 years. Teaching dance to ages 2+, classes available in all genres of dance including Tap, Ballet, Modern, Acro, Lyrical and Street.

All examinations are taken with the British Theatre Dance Association and are accredited to the CDET, QCA, and GQA. This means that the higher examinations are equivalent to the skills and understanding at GCSE and ‘A’level standard.

All students get the opportunity to perform in our annual show as well as festival work.

Tel; (024) 76731844

Haddon School of Performing Arts is a family orientated school teaching all aspects of performing arts from street dance to stage make-up and everything in-between. We believe that performing arts should be fun, fun, fun, any age, any ability all coming together to celebrate and share their passion for performing arts. We perform regularly in several different settings including flash mobs, gala days, musicals as well as our own whole school show.

Nuneaton Lives Performers

Haddon School of Performing Arts

The Dance Academy Specialising in the latest dance trends and always staying relevant within popular culture, The Dance Academy is at the forefront of all things considered cool. They teach a wide range of dance and are always looking to create the next superstar, The Dance Academy is a tribute to the positive impact that hip hop and dance culture can have on society today.

Tel: 07475 169658

www.nuneatonlives.co.uk f NuneatonLives t @NuneatonLives

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DanceWear Dance Shoes Hosiery Show Costumes Gifts, Bags & Accessories Film/TV Characters Heroes & Villains Horror Panto & Drag Princes & Princesses Uniforms Wild West Accessories & Many More 47-49 Newdegate Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 4ER

Telephone: 02476 344200

www.katz.uk.com

Current exhibitions on at the Museum on Saturday 5th July “The Wonderful World of Rodney Peppé” 14 June – 17 August Yellow Gallery Rodney Peppé’s beautifully crafted and colourful toys and automata have a gentle humour that all the family can enjoy.

“Reincarnated Rubbish – Endangered and Extinct” Artwork

by Val Hunt 14 June – 20 July Landing Gallery Back by popular demand! Val Hunt’s work recycles drinks can metal, foil take-away containers, computer parts and even babies’ dummies.

“From Edge to Edge”

24 May – 13 July White Gallery This exhibition celebrates the unique narratives of tapestry as woven “from edge to edge”.

Riversley Park, Coton Road, Nuneaton CV11 5TU www.nuneatonandbedworth. gov.uk/museum Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am until 4.30pm Sunday 2.00pm until 4.30pm

heritage Art Gallery & Museum

Also...

A big thank you!

A big thank you to all the sponsors and supporters who have made this event possible.

Anker Radio Art Alert Beth Dyson Academy Brose Imagineer Productions Imagineer Technologies McDonalds Restaurants, Nuneaton MIRA Ltd North Warwickshire & Hinckley College Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council

Nuneaton Business Alliance Nuneaton Cycling Club Nuneaton Harriers Nuneaton Library Operation Footfall Premier Group Sudden Impulse Theatre Company The George Eliot Fellowship The Heart of England Co-op Warwickshire County Council

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It’s not too late to apply!

There’s sTill Time for your son/daughTer To apply for a course sTarTing This sepTember!

We have a range of full-time courses and Apprenticeship programmes at all levels, so we’ll make sure they are on the right course for them.

Whether they know what they want to do or are still unsure, our wide range of subject areas will guarantee they are on the right track, whether they want to go on to university or into full-time employment.

Check out our website for more information:

the.college@nwhc.ac.uk Get in touch to find out more:

024 7624 3000

www.nwhc.ac.uk

McLean Restaurants Ltd Supporting families with children in hospital

A big thank you to all our customers who have made donations to Birmingham Ronald McDonald House fundraising events held at the two McDonalds in Nuneaton and at Walsgrave, Coventry. Over the last 18 months this has helped enable 52 families from Nuneaton and Leicestershire and 65 families from Coventry to stay at the House to support their sick children.

The average stay for a family is 12-15 nights.

Overseas cycling challenges culminating with an Argentina/Chile cycling challenge in October 2014 will have raised ÂŁ150,000 over 5 events. These are funds raised in addition to those generated from collection boxes in each of the 12 restaurants that so far total ÂŁ40,000 for 2013/14.

For more information about the charity, fundraising opportunities or to donate please visit www.rmhc.org.uk

ACCESSORIZE BHS BLUE INC CARPHONE WAREHOUSE COSTA CREAM ERNEST JONES EUROCHANGE H&M HMV MINISTRY OF DESIGN MONSOON MUFFIN BREAK NETWORK NEWS NEWLOOK NEXT PHONES 4 U RIVER ISLAND SCHUH SPECSAVER SUBWAY SUPERCUTS THE BODY SHOP THE PERFUME SHOP THE WORKS TK MAXX TOPSHOP TOPMAN TRESPASS YOURS

#ropewalklive www.ropewalknuneaton.co.uk