PEOPLES
the
Issue 70 Oct/Nov 2019
SUPERB AUTUMN GARDENS WITH
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the
PEOPLES publication
ISSUE
70 Publisher: Diva Publications, Grimsby & Cleethorpes 01472 238140 www.divapublications.co.uk Advertising Sales: Deborah Staff andrewstaff@live.co.uk Distribution: Andrew Staff andrewstaff@live.co.uk Design, Photography, Editorial: Ian Pickles
All rights reserved. Diva Publications make every effort to ensure that content is correct. However we cannot guarantee responsibility for any errors or omissions. Diva Publications do not accept any liability which may arise or result from any error in any advertisement or editorial, whether relating to wording, position, space or artwork. The Publishers cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from any material supplied, including advertisement copy, editorial, design and images. No part of the People’s Publication may be reproduced, transmitted, (mechanical, electronic or photocopying) or stored in a retrieval system of any kind.
GET AN EXTRA HOUR IN BED FOR NATIONAL SLEEP DAY THIS YEAR National Sleep Day falls on the last Sunday in October – the day the clocks go back and we all get an extra hour in bed. It’s a great time to think about your sleep patterns, how much you need, how much you get, and whether or not a change of bed or mattress might improve your life. If so then take a look at Brigg Beds - they’ve got a huge selection to choose from and helpful staff who will be happy to advise.
Need a new bed or a mattress? Try a look at what’s on offer at Brigg Beds.
To advertise in The Peoples or let us know about arts and entertainment events or for general enquiries contact Deborah on 01472 238140
Look out for us in .......
WELCOME BACK TO THE GREAT BRITISH SEASIDE ! The great British seaside holiday originated in the Victorian era but it was in the post war years that it really reached its peak thanks largely to the effects of the thanks to the provisions of the Holiday Pay Act 1938. Destinations of choice depended largely on where you lived. For example in the north, those from the mill towns, Manchester, Liverpool or Glasgow would most likely go to Blackpool or Morecambe: those from Leeds would head for Scarborough or Filey. Londoners might choose Brighton or Margate.
JUN
In The Know
7
Squeeze bring then Tilbrook Difford songbook show to Scunthorpe Baths Hall
B
ritish rock and pop royalty will be taking the stage at Scunthorpe Baths Hall in October when the venue plays host to visits from Squeeze, featuring Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford, with support from Heaven 17 on Thursday 17th October and to iconic singing star Lulu on Saturday 19th October. With 2 critically acclaimed albums in the past three years, and a live show that has seen them headline numerous festivals in the UK Squeeze are definitely on a roll and they’ll be bringing not just the hits, but also rarities that span their 45 year career both as Squeeze and solo artists. Difford and Tilbrook have been lauded as a songwriting team and compared to Lennon and McCartney
since their first release in 1978 – “Take Me I’m Yours” – which blasted Squeeze into the forefront of the UK music scene. Following up with hits such as “Cool For Cats”, “Up The Junction”, “Pulling Mussels From The Shell”, “Tempted” and many more,
the band established themselves as key figures in the new wave scene and they still have a great reputation for fantastic live performances. For further information and tickets visit www.bathshall.co.uk or call Ticketmaster on 0844 8542776.
Many industrial towns had local holiday weeks (wakes weeks or trades fortnight) when the local factory or plant would shut down for maintenance and all the workers would take their annual leave at the same time. And what a time it was. Donkeys on the beach, buckets and spades and little paper flags, whelk stalls, candy floss and ice cream, deckchairs and kiss me quick hats. What more could you ask for? And if you’re looking to get away for a while the Great British Seaside still offers some great value destinations. Just check out some of the ideas on the left, then grab the sunscreen and your rain hat and we’ll see you there.
Lots of laughter at the official launch of this year’s Auditorium pantomime
W
e headed down to Grimsby Auditorium last week for the official launch of this year’s pantomime - Aladdin - and if the show turns out to be half as much as the launch then we think audiences are in for a treat. Star billing this year goes to Brendan Sheeran, star of TV’s Coach trip, who will be taking on the role of emperor Confucius Pong and swapping control of warring holidaymakers for a more exotic role to lead the glittering pantomime cast on the a tour of old Peking. We spoke to Brendan at the launch and asked him if he was looking forward to visiting Grimsby and he told us – “I’m delighted to be performing in the Grimsby Auditorium pantomime this winter, also looking forward to exploring the local area and its coastal heritage. But, what I’m really looking forward to
is indulging in some good old fashioned East coast fish and chips, meeting the fine people of Grimsby along the way. So where can I find the best fish and chips then?” Answers on a postcard, but not to us. The show will lead audiences on a magic carpet ride through a tale of Eastern promise and adventure, into a make-believe world filled with mystique, stunning sets and costumes, comedy, song and dance! Audiences will follow loveable rogue Aladdin (Robert Aitken) on his quest for hidden treasure as he tries to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine (Charlotte Maclachlan). And of course there’ll be mayhem and slapstick at Widow Twankey’s launderette with her clueless son Wishee Washee (Stuart Wade, that’s Biff out of Emmerdale). Aladdin is produced by Three Bears Productions, who staged last year’s hit pantomime Beauty and the Beast, which broke pantomime box office records and tickets are already on sale. The show runs from Thursday 12th to Saturday 28th December. Visit grimsbyauditorium.org.uk for more information and to book tickets.
CARE FOR YOUR CAR THIS AUTUMN
Q&A
with Tony Briggs of Kingsway Tyres
Kingsway are well known for selling and fitting tyres but you do a lot more besides. What other services do you offer? We offer a wide range of essential services to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, including servicing your car as per the manufacturer’s requirements to keep your warranty valid. Also air con servicing (which also helps to keep fuel bills down), suspension and geometry. And of course tyres of all makes and sizes from wheel barrows to tractors. We’ve got loads of tyres to suit everyone’s budgets. Is this a good time of year for car owners to get their vehicle serviced? I don’t think there’s a best or worst time for that. Whatever the make or model of your vehicle it needs servicing regularly. Most modern engines need a full service at least once a year with maybe an oil change in between. You should have a routine and stick to it to keep repair costs and fuel consumption to a minimum. Is it a good idea to get your vehicle serviced just before your MOT is due? That’s a popular option these days
- certainly it can help with your emissions and it also helps as a reminder for when your service is due. Any good advice for tyre buyers? Most of us will never get to appreciate the difference between cheap tyres and top of the range. And that’s a good thing because the time when the difference shows is when you are depending on your tyres to avoid an incident. Tyres should be selected based on your own individual requirements and the type of use they will have.
Now part of the Lodge Group
50 branches nationwide, please check website for further info
• • • • •
We are always happy to advise on the best solution. The only rule of thumb is make sure they’re in good order and buy the best tyres you can afford. And if someone is faced with a choice between a service that’s due and some extra Christmas spending money? It looks like a tough choice but if you’re thinking about going away in your car then the service isn’t a luxury - it could be the difference between a good Christmas and a miserable one.
Exhausts Tyres Batteries Repairs Servicing
• • • • •
Alloy Wheels Brakes Air Conditioning Wheel Alignment Engine Remapping
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO USE ORIGINAL PARTS WHEN SERVICING A VEHICLE? Once upon a time new car warranties were only valid so long as you used the dealer’s own garage for servicing and repairs but in 2002 this type of restriction was declared unlawful so now the work can be carried out by an independent garage as long as they use manufacturer approved parts and correctly follow the manufacturer’s service schedule. Of course if your car is no longer under warranty then you may well choose to save money by using generic parts, but you can be sure that either way Kingsway only use quality parts when repairing and servicing your vehicle.
Margaret’s love of writing helps keep her sharp and active
R
esidents at The Grove Care Home in Waltham are always busy with a wide range of activities but one of the most interesting residents is Margaret Lamb, who loves to write, and has been doing so for many years. Margaret puts her love of writing to practical use and she is author and editor of The Grove’s monthly newsletter. Margaret has written the newsletter for the past three years and says she has enough content to write a book - ‘Diary of Care Home Residents’! When we asked her how she first got started Margaret told us “I started writing a monthly newsletter for The Grove in July 2016 in response to the Activities
Leader (at the time) appealing for a wordsmith willing to take the task on. Someone suggested me – probably because I was always writing (usually favourable) opinions and suggestions in the Chef’s comment book. My original newsletter was only 2 pages long, a recent issue was 9 pages in length. I agreed to tackle a newsletter because I have always enjoyed writing and wanted to keep my brain cells active! My ideas for content come from anything topical; Grove events, sport, books, food, humour, quizzes, TV, weather. I always say it is possible to write about anything. Future topics will include Marmite, handbags, beards, winter warmers, swimwear through the ages, your favourite carol and Norfolk revisited so watch that space!
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KEEP IN TOUCH THURSDAYS or KITT nights for short are informal social nights, held most months, in the theatre bar. All are welcome - members old and new, friends, family and those thinking of joining. It’s a good chance to meet, catch up and chat and find out what the Caxtons is all about. The recent production of Boudicca was evidence that the theatre still has the appeal to bring in lots of
This amateur production of A Christmas Carol is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD. and CONCORD THEATRICALS COMPANY
new talent and the 2020 programme, has a massive range of productions ranging from comedy to thrillers to Shakespearian tragedy. Why not pay them a visit and see if the Caxtons is for you.
BAH! HUMBUG! AND GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE. new again. It wouldn’t be Christmas without A This adaptation brings the timeless Christmas Carol. tale to life with just In this new stage five actors and all version, Patrick
“No matter how many times you’ve seen A Christmas Carol this version is not one to miss.” Stage Magazine Barlow takes Charles Dickens’ classic story of greed, grief, ghoulish ghosts and eleventh hour redemption, and makes it feel brand
the wit, flair and theatrical invention you’d expect from
Patrick Barlow, who achieved considerable success with his version of the 39 Steps. This version graced the stage of the Noël Coward Theatre in 2015, starring Jim Broadbent as Ebenezer Scrooge and winning excellent reviews.
FREE SECURE PARKING FOR CAXTON’S MAIN THEATRE PRODUCTIONS ON ORWELL STREET CAR PARK
C A 2020 X T O N T H E A T R E
ON THE WAY TO THE CAXTONS IN
Saturday 25th January to Saturday 1st February EDUCATING RITA by Willy Russell Directed by Stephen Labourne
Saturday March 7th to Saturday March 14th HANDBAGGED by Moira Buffini Directed by Jane Stolworthy
APRIL HYPNOSIS by David Tristram Directed by Nadine Bennett Wood JUNE FULSTOW BOYS by Gordon Steel Directed by Pam Reynolds JULY NELL GWYNNE by Jessica Swales Directed by Gemma Dodds
SEPTEMBER THEFT by Eric Chappell Directed by Debra West
Seafood Omelette Prep time: 2 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Serves: 1 Skill level: Easy Peasy If you've had all the ham, cheese and mushrooms you can stand, try some crab or salmon in your omelette.
SHOP ON THE DOCKS AT FASTLINE SHELLFISH With shellfish it’s a case of the fresher the better – that’s why you should go to Fastline. They sell lobster, crab and whelks from their premises on the North Wall, with Darren Kenyon doing the catching on his boat, the MV Sweetwaters, while the factory and shop are run by his wife, Jenny. So if you’re looking for the very best shellfish, as fresh as it comes, look no further than Fastline.
Ingredients 200g of crab meat or salmon 3 eggs, beaten 2 tsp sunflower oil 30g sundried tomatoes, chopped 1 red chilli, finely sliced (optional) Chopped fresh herbs, to garnish Method Season the eggs with salt and pepper and heat the oil in an omelette pan or non-stick frying pan. Pour in the eggs and cook for
a few seconds, until the bottom of the omelette is lightly set. Push the set parts of the omelette into the uncooked centre of the omelette. Continue like this until the egg has just set but the omelette is still soft in the centre. Remove the pan from the heat, top with the crab meat and salmon, tomatoes and chillies (if using). Place under a pre-heated grill until the omelette is fully cooked and serve garnished with the herbs.
for more recipe ideas go to fishisthedish. co.uk
recipes kindly supplied by www. seafish.org
fastline Shellfish • • •
WHOLESALE & RETAIL BROWN OR WHITE CRAB MEAT ALWAYS AVAILABLE LOBSTERS ALIVE, DRESSED OR BOILED
Open Mon-Thurs 6am-1pm Fri 6am-midday North Quay, Grimsby Fish Docks, DN31 3SY Tel 01472 360663
Lots of fun this Christmas IF YOU LOVE TO SING THEN THE HUMBER BELLES WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you love to sing? Do you fancy a new challenge? If so then the Humber Belles would like to invite you to their rehearsals every Thursday at 7.15 – 9.30pm. Come along and see what we do and have a go at singing in four part harmony. Visit our website, email thehumberbelles@gmx. com or call 01472 695836 or 01472 329367.
Sing for pleasure and let the music out! Why not come and join us! Do you love to sing and fancy a new challenge? Humber Belles Ladies Harmony Chorus welcomes prospective new members to their Thursday night rehearsals from 7.15pm -9.30pm at Wendover Hall, Humberston DN36 4HX. No formal musical knowledge is necessary. We can help you to decide which of the 4 harmony parts suits your voice the best and then provide you with good quality teach tracks to enable you to learn your chosen part. To arrange a visit please contact us by email. sing4parts@outlook.com or phone 01472 695836.
humberbelles.wordpress.com
GETTING READY FOR A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AT TWINKLES Kath at Twinkles has just celebrated her first twenty five years in business but that doesn’t mean she’ll be resting on her laurels because her busiest times of the year, Christmas and New Year are just around the corner. Whether you favour Santa chic or there’s a little bit of reindeer in your blood Kath will always sort you out with exactly the right costume for your big night.
Sweet Indulgence give your sweet tooth a treat this Christmas! All your Christmas favourites including vegan, dairy and sugar free selection boxes, advent calendars, sugar mice and pigs
* * * * * * * * *
Belgian Chocolates Handmade Fudge Sweet Bouquets Tray Toffee Sweet Buffets American Xmas Candy Sweet Gifts Jarred Sweets Children’s Party Bags and Cones * Decade Boxes * 1930s-1990s
26a St Peters Ave, Cleethorpes 01472 697495 www.sweet-indulgence.co.uk sweetindulgence1@hotmail.co.uk
BRING BACK THE FLAVOURS OF CHILDHOOD At Christmas we start craving all those great flavours that our doctors tell us we should avoid but at Sweet Indulgence of St Peter’s Avenue they stock a huge range of classic and retro sweeties, including all your Halloween and Christmas favourites plus lots of dairy, gluten and sugar free treats that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Just what the doctor ordered.
MATHS DAY ENGLAND HELP YOUR CHILD TO EXCEL World Maths Day is on October 15th and it’s a chance to encourage and celebrate your kids for their maths endeavours. Kumon’s English and maths system helps to bring out the best in your child, unlocking their potential, inspiring their passion for lifelong learning and building their self confidence to help them succeed at school. So give your child the best possible start and come and have a word with Sarah at Kumon.
J&S Mobility Unit 5, 352 Pelham Road, Immingham | 01469 572649 Free Local Delivery | Sales, Service & Repair
www.jsmobility.co.uk
Take care when you choose a Chimney Sweep.
C
hoosing a chimney sweep is a more serious decision than you might think and there are lots of factors to be taken into consideration before you make your booking. So what points should you consider? Well first of all remember that not all Chimney sweeps are equal. There are no legal requirements to calling yourself a sweep and setting up in business. No need to prove your competence or minimum equipment criteria. At Brushed Up! they took the best
available training in the industry and are still training with ever more advanced courses. They also have a wide range of equipment to ensure that no matter what the flue type or unexpected circumstances that may crop up we can clean your chimney or flue to the highest standard. If something does go wrong and it is possible. Accidents can happen, equipment can fail. You need to ensure that your sweep has the necessary public liability insurance to put things right. Brushed Up carry ÂŁ5 million of
Brushed Up! PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEPS
 01472 432511 H 07742 566901
www.brushed-up.co.uk
specialist public liability insurance so if the worse came to the worse there will be the peace of mind that things can be compensated for or replaced. Most household insurers insist on you using a certified sweep. Any claim against your house insurance concerning a chimney fire or damage related to one will possibly be rejected if you cannot prove that you have had your chimney swept by a competent person. Brushed Up! Are Guild of Master Sweeps and Sweep Safe members. We issue a nationally recognised certificate after every sweep. Experience counts for a lot. We have 5 years of practical sweeping experience to call upon. During which time we have come across many many strange and difficult chimneys and appliances. Being members of two of the most respected industry associations also gives us hundreds of skilled and experienced members to call upon should there ever be the need. Price isn't everything. If someone is quoting way below everybody else for your work ask yourself why. We value our knowledge, our experience and our customer service. We offer a service that we believe is second to none.
Check us out on Facebook and read our customer reviews.
Companies of excellence If you’re spending good money you want to be spending it with the best. So here are some of our favourite local traders people we’ve been dealing with for years and who we trust completely - companies of excellence.
Stairlifts & Bathlifts • Lifts & Platform Lifts New & Reconditioned • Straight & Curved Installed, Repaired & Maintained Repairs undertaken to any make Supplied to Trade & Public Over 35 years experience
Grimsby Lifts Ltd (01472) 210200
grimsbylifts@hotmail.co.uk
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we are not agents - we are engineers!
Live Life In Colour at
KITCHEN DISCOUNT of Wood Street, Grimsby Paul Stocks is used to people being surprised when they first enter the Kitchen Discount showroom in Wood Street (off Freeman Street, next turn down after Wellington). There’s a tardis effect in operation because the building (it’s the purple one) doesn’t look big from the outside but when you step through the door it just seems to keep on going - fifteen full kitchens on display over two floors and these are not just any kitchens. Kitchen Discount specialise in Schuller (Kitchens for Life), famous for their superb German design, style and engineering. They also provide a full design and project management service, taking care of everything from plumbing and electrics to plastering and tiling. “Most of our business is repeat business and personal recommendations” Paul explains. “People know us and trust us. We’ve been here for forty years and we’ve seen Freeman Street change beyond recognition. Fashions in kitchens have changed too.”
“Some things don’t change. People still want quality, attention to detail and personal service”
“When I started working with my dad the farmhouse style was all the rage but nowadays it’s all about clean lines and bright colours. People want a kitchen to be the main hub of their living space. Some things don’t change however. People still want quality, attention to detail and personal service. That’s what we provide and so far it seems to be working, so we aim to keep it up for at least another forty years.”
modern + traditional
MODERN OR TRADITIONAL BUT ALWAYS COLOURFUL AT SCHULLER AT KITCHEN DISCOUNT Exceptional quality kitchens from Schüller make you feel like a master chef. Every aspect of the design, build and finish is crafted from scratch with the superior quality, reliability and sleek finish for which the German kitchen brand is justly famous. No matter the style of your home, there’s a Schüller kitchen to suit and each one can be tailored to the precise requirements of your lifestyle and budget and to fit perfectly with the character of your property. Schüller kitchen ranges are now available with more than two hundred different door combinations – from high gloss or ultra matt laminates to Shaker style finishes for a more traditional appeal, so whether you’re thoroughly modern or a traditionalist at heart Schüller have just the kitchen for you.
Derrick Saxby: The view is always better from up on the roof! We’re always interested to hear about the lives and careers of our regular advertisers so when Debs got the chance to quiz Derrick Saxby of DDS Roofing a little, well she just could resist.
with plaster all over After that I worked with the local authority himself. for many years on schools care homes. You’ve developed a specialism in repairs Any funny moments to ancient buildings. What’s the reason along the way that you’d like to share? for this? I have had many I always approach laughs but the most working on historical & The Peoples: So how poignant and funniest monumental buildings memories I had with enthusiasm. long have you been working with uncle They’re the most a roofer Derrick? was when he fell exciting part of the I started the roofing job. There’s always game with my working through a flat going in between roof spars something new to with my uncle Bill on lear n about the history Saturdays when I was the ceiling landing boy of 14 years old. on the bed below of the trade.
Any good advice for people considering roofing as a career? If I was asked by a young person starting out today in this game today I’d say go to college, lear n the craft and the sky is yours. Remember that craftsmanship and doing your best job is always at the heart of what we do. It’s a job I’ve always enjoyed and I’ve never regretted it for a moment.
And how should people go about choosing a roofer for their own work? Have a good look round at what’s available. Make enquiries with other people who have had work done recently, get as much information as you can and always get several quotes. Don’t just pick the first person you talk to..
Grimsby Soccer Club have taken delivery of their new kit, courtesy of Redfern Services. Best of luck for the new season lads.
C A Norman Plumbing & Heating Ltd
Central Heating & Plumbing • Boiler Servicing & Repair • Gas Appliances Servicing & Repair Underfloor Heating • Gas Safe Registered Installers Solar System Installation • Bathrooms & Kitchens • Landlords’ Certificates Free Quotations & Advice
01472 329097 H 07887 802192 - Lee H 07979 365622 - Alan www.plumbergrimsby.net
Firedance to bring Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer to Grimsby
P
airing together professionally for the first time, Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer are sure to set temperatures soaring with their brand new Latin spectacular FIREDANCE touring the UK, beginning March 2020. Expect sequins and feather boas to make way for hot pulsing beats, seductive choreography and passionate performances that will take your breath away! With an incredible live band featuring Latin musicians and a dynamic dance ensemble performing Argentine Tango, Flamenco, Contemporary, Paso Doble, Samba and Salsa, audiences can expect an amazing show of fresh and exciting dance from two of the world’s finest. Born in Venezuela and having grown up in New York from the age of 10, Karen Hauer is most known for Strictly where she has been partnered with household names including Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, The ‘Hairy Biker’ Dave Myers, Mark Wright, Jeremy Vine, Will Young, and Sunday Brunch chef Simon Rimmer. Gorka’s flair for dancing started
from a very young age. Originally from Bilbao, he quickly excelled in dancing and became one of the top dancers representing Spain across the world. Gorka Marquez has continuously displayed outstanding talent and charisma in the series. In 2018 he was partnered with TV star Katie Piper after having waltzed Alexandra Burke to the final the previous year. Tickets for the show are now on sale through the Auditorium website and box office and Firedance promises to be a great show. We’ll see you there!
WIN TICKETS FOR SQUEEZE AT SCUNTHORPE BATHS HALL
We’ve got a pair of tickets for Squeeze at Scunthorpe Baths to be won and you can be in with a chance of by finding this post on our Facebook page OCT and giving it a like or a comment. A share would be nice too.
17
Hilda And The Northern Powerhouse
L
Grimsby Minster Saturday 21st September 2019 review by Andy Evans
ocal company, Our Big Picture brought Hilda and the Northern Powerhouse, a work in progress, to Grimsby Minster. The piece, written by Camille Hainsworth Staples and Kate Hainsworth, consisted of the first act of a community play being developed via funding from Arts Council England. In the opening few minutes we meet Patience (portrayed with grace and dignity by Oyin Orija), a recently widowed single mother who is serving as a vicar at Goodmanham Church. She is trying to juggle the pressure of her job with caring for a wayward son, who in turn cannot deal with his bereavement. She is ably assisted by Lucy Murray (Alice Palmer), a lovelorn, but enthusiastic young curate. When news arrives that Goodmanham is seeking to appoint a new bishop the charismatic Patience is the prime candidate but none of the local busybodies realise that she is receiving counsel from an unusual source, St Hilda of Whitby, a seventh century, Saxon princess, visible only to herself. Hilda was a formidable leader and helped introduce the Christian tradition to England. She is played here with strength and humour by Sarah Naughton, always lurking in the shadows or behind the pillars and arches of the Minster, as the play progresses. We also meet a cavalcade of both historical and contemporary characters portrayed by actors familiar to Hull audiences, directed by Hull Truck’s Amanda Huxtable. Live music accompanied the production at the Minster and, keeping it in the family, we saw Harry Staples Hainsworth performing live with guitar and vocal accompaniment, along with some impressive church organ work. The production was performed in promenade style, asking the audience to move around the building to follow the action, which kept things moving, but the lack of stage lighting meant that as dusk fell it became harder to see the performers. In addition, the staging sometimes meant that action occurred behind the audience, or in a blind spot, causing some confusion. Those unfamiliar with the story of Hilda may have struggled to follow the action as numerous ghostly saints, performed with gusto by Steve Willis and Adam Osbourne, appeared, to pass on their encouragement to Patience, who seemed reluctant to even consider her rather inevitable fate of becoming a bishop. So, we were left with something of a cliff hanger at the end of the performance as Patience received the news of her promotion and the action drew to a close. No explanation was ever given as to why Hilda, the (surprisingly mute) poet Caedmon and others had chosen to appear to Patience at this stage in the play. Act Two of this play has been outlined, and the characters arcs have been mapped for future development, but we were not given any detail of these ideas at the close of proceedings. The Minster provided a beautiful backdrop to this production and, it is great to see an ambitious and adventurous production being premiered in the Minster. Arts are on the up in Grimsby and Cleethorpes and it is hoped that many more such experiments will visit the town as a result.
Michelangelo- A Different View Tickets Now On Sale
T
ickets are now available to see a worldclass exhibition bringing the Sistine Chapel’s iconic scenes to Hull Minster. People are being urged to book as soon as possible to be among the first to see the “Michelangelo – A Different View” exhibition in the spectacular, spiritual setting of the Minster. The exhibition is being staged from October 8th-November 18 and is free to enter, but a ticketing system for specified time slots will apply to ensure visitors enjoy an uncrowded and
unhurried experience. Arrangements have also been made for pre-booked parent and toddler and quiet/accessible viewing sessions, while a limited number of tickets are available for just £5 per person offering an intimate viewing experience. The free exhibition runs from Tuesday October 8th to Monday November 18th and there are lots of classes and drawing sessions planned to help you discover your own artistic skills!
THE 2Q FESTIVAL BRINGS 90+ BANDS TO LINCOLN IN NOVEMBER Lincoln’s biggest multi-venue music festival, 2Q, is back on Saturday 9th November with a fantastic line up of more than 40 acts including cult brummy indie-pop band The Twang known for hit singles “Either Way” and “Wide Awake”. Also playing are Rats Reflekter, Andrew Cushin, Latenight Honeymoon, Hourglvss, Crystal, The Clause, The Feens and The K’s. At the top of the bill are the likes of Band of Skulls, indie royalty The Futureheads, Black Honey, YONAKA, Spector and one of the best bands to emerge from this year’s festival scene Doncaster’s The Blinders.
Boudica by Tristan Bernays at the Caxton Theatre - reviewed by Andy Evans
J
ohn Ferguson’s production of Boudica for the Caxton Players is an ambitious task. To retell ancient history on an epic scale is no mean feat. To make it seem fresh and modern for a twenty first century audience is even harder. Tristan Bernays’ script makes the story of Britain’s Warrior Queen accessible and empathetic. We are transported back to a world, where Britain is ruled by her Roman masters and this disunited series of kingdoms are all run by tribal chiefs. This particular version of Boudica’s story began its life at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in 2017. It requires careful rehearsal and preparation to ensure that the audience is neither
lost nor confused as the action progresses. The play opens with a brave and clear monologue from the goddess Andraste, a confident Molly Charnley. The clarity of her delivery is exceptional. We first meet Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, played powerfully by Rachel Walton, as a grieving widow accompanied by her two daughters, Blodwyn (Jessica Howden) and Allona (Gemma Dodds) as they seek to claim their home from their Roman masters. They give incredible performances, full-blooded and rich with emotion. The three prowl across the stage like a tiger and her cubs, until they are mocked and dismissed out of hand by Deciamus (Jack Scott) the effete, Roman Procurator. Boudica is chained
to a stake and whipped within an inch of her life as her two daughters are defiled by soldiers. Thus, really begins the tale. We see the machination of tribal Britain, as the bloodied but unbowed Boudica seeks to rally her neighbouring tribes personified by the decidedly authentic looking, Cunobeline (Chris Ladson) and the savage Badvoc (Josh Wainright). They agree to stand together to drive out the foreigners and we meet the regal yet world weary, Roman General, Suetonius (Robert Watson) charged with meeting their rebellion. Special mention should also go to Grace Halton who manages to play multiple minor roles with energy, dexterity and variety throughout. The company is completed by Indy Niijar, Arthur Brozych, Andy Locke, and Graham Barker. This is a brave choice of play for a small amateur company, and they rise to the challenge. Staged on a wonderfully eclectic set flanked by
a giant map of ancient Britain, the action and the battles are played out on an epic scale. We have the intricacies of inter-tribal diplomacy. We have sibling rivalry and we have bloodshed. So, not unlike watching Boris Johnson’s first days in office. But in all seriousness, the Caxton Players present a play that I suspect few amateur societies will attempt to offer because of its rigorous demands, and they tell the story well. The pitch, pace and power of John Ferguson’s production leaves you breathless and will leave you wanting more. Boudica runs from Saturday 7th September to Saturday 14th September 2019 and tickets are available from Cleethorpes Tourist Information Centre and online at www.caxtontheatre. com
GARDEN AID CARING FOR TWO COMMUNITIES Age Care Development is a local charity which has built strong links with the Kyenjojo District of western Uganda, and especially with the community of Mukunyu. The village provides shelter and care for those who are too old, (or too young), to work in the local tea plantations. Life in Mukunyu can be hard. Finding food, shelter and clothing is a constant struggle. Even basic medicines like paracetemol are beyond the reach of most people and an education is all but impossible for children who do not have the money to pay school fees. Our good friend Mark Howarth of Garden Aid donates 10% of his profit to funding projects aimed at helping the residents of Myukuntu, helping to provide much needed medicines, food, hospital equipment and school books which means that he really is helping two communities.
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