33 minute read
ARTS
By Julie Locke
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VISUAL ART signed copies of which will be available. Opening times: is there to support artists. For further information, visit www. Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. For Until Tuesday 29 September Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am somersetartworks.org.uk. further information, phone at David Simon Contemporary, Castle Cary, there is an exhibition ‘Fragment’ by Julia Cooper. A remarkable series of compositions inspired by the south coast of Cornwall. Whilst drawing on common shapes of harbours, headlands and coves, these paintings are abstracted and semi-figurative, reducing the landscape to the simplest forms. Gallery opening times: Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm (closed Wednesday and Sunday). For further information, phone 01963 359102 or visit www.davidsimoncontemporary. com. Until Tuesday 29 September at David Simon Contemporary, Castle Cary, there is an exhibition of ceramics by Emily-Kriste Wilcox. EmilyKriste creates vessels of a very individual and distinctive form. Using a cool colour palette of blues, whites and greens, her ceramics reflect the colours of the Cornish coast and exude to 5.00pm. All Gallery stock can be viewed online. For further information, contact 01935 815261 or visit www. jerramgallery.com. Until Sunday 4 October at Cranmore, there is an exhibition ‘Life in the Undergrowth’ by Fiona Campbell. This project Life in the Undergrowth Exhibition - Fiona Campbell Until Saturday 10 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition ‘Creative Caboodle’. This is a mixed exhibition by six artists, including painting, sculpture and the ancient art of kirigami (a variation of origami that involves cutting paper, rather than folding). Gallery is open daily, Tuesday to Saturday (exhibition closes at 1.00pm on final day). Box Office 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk. Until Saturday 10 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition ‘Same Skies’. Vanessa Worrall and Vicki Gillow, two painters from Cornwall and Devon, exhibit works influenced by the landscape of the west country, its wild seas and skies. Gallery is open daily, Tuesday to Saturday. Box Office 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk. 01458 273008 or visit www. acearts.co.uk. From Thursday 8 to Saturday 31 October from 10.00am at David Simon Contemporary, Castle Cary, there is an exhibition ‘St Ives Modernists’ by leading exponents of postwar Modernism with other 20th Century painters, demonstrating the progression and influences of this movement. Featured artists include Denis Mitchell, George Dannatt, Patrick Heron, Romi Behrens, Terry Frost and William Scott. Gallery opening times: Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm (closed St Ives Modernists Exhibition a freshness with broad bold will be shown alongside some Until Sunday 18 October Wednesday and Sunday). For layers of overlapping glazes. of her other mixed media from 11.00am at Shakspeare further information, phone Gallery opening times: Monday artworks during Somerset Open Gallery, Langport, there is an 01963 359102 or visit www. to Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm Studio event. Visits are welcome exhibition of contemporary art davidsimoncontemporary.com. (closed Wednesday and Sunday). For further information, phone 01963 359102 or visit www.davidsimoncontemporary. com. Ceramics Exhibition - Short Oval 27 by appointment. This sunny start to autumn is perfect for a wander in the fresh air of her spacious sculpture garden, and safe measures will be in place in the studio. To book, contact Fiona on 07515 537224 or at fionacampbell-art@sky.com. www.fionacampbellart.co.uk. Until Sunday 4 October, Somerset Art Works will hold its annual Somerset Open Studios event. Most of the venues are taking part online, however, some venues will be open by appointment only. It will be a digital extravaganza, including by two nationally-acclaimed artists, David Lawrence and Ashar. David has worked as a commercial artist, as well as a sculptor, and much of his work is surrealist in style, although later works include some images loosely based on circus iconography. Ashar works in oils and derives her inspiration from the wide open spaces and big skies of the levels and moors. Gallery opening times: Monday to Saturday 11.00am to 3.00pm. For further information, phone 01458 252477 or visit www. shakspeareglass.co.uk. From Tuesday 13 to Saturday 31 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a mixed textile exhibition by the Brunel Broderers. The theme is ‘Bloom’, with the six members of this group each with their own interpretation, using a variety of fabrics, hand and machine stitched, dyed and painted fabrics. A colourful and intricate exhibition of textile skills. Gallery is open daily, Tuesday to Saturday (exhibition closes at 1.00pm on final day). Box Office 01460 54973. www. Until Friday 2 October from a special 16-day programme of Until Sunday 24 October from themeetinghouse.org.uk. 9.30am at The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, there is an exhibition of new work ‘Chasing Cloud Shadows’ by Richard Pikesley. Richard back for his sixth solo exhibition. This exhibition coincides with the launch of his beautifully written and illustrated book ‘Landscape Painting’, online workshops, talks, studio tours and events! Through an interactive brochure, visitors will be able to curate their own tours of artists’ works, see into studios and hear how they develop their work through films. Somerset Art Works does not operate as a commercial sales platform, it 10.00am at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition entitled ‘Towards the Tipping Point’ by Rebecca Bruton and Lydia Needle. Environmental textile artists present an exploration of consumption versus the earth’s finite resources. Exhibition opening times: Wednesday to From Tuesday 13 to Saturday 31 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre’s Café Gallery, there is an exhibition of textile art by Alex Schellenberg. Gallery is open daily, Tuesday to Saturday (exhibition closes at 1.00pm
on final day). Box Office 01460 On Monday 28 September www.concertsinthewest.org/ presents a performance by 54973. www.themeetinghouse. at 6.15pm on Facebook or events. Naomi Burrell (violin), Gavin org.uk. From Friday 16 October to Friday 6 November from 9.30am at The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, there is an exhibition of new work by Carry Ackroyd. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.00pm. All Gallery stock can be viewed online. For further information, YouTube, Concerts in the West presents the Pelléas Ensemble. Henry Roberts (flute), Luba Tunnicliffe (viola) and Oliver Wass (harp) will perform works by Rameau, Bissill and Ravel. To watch the performance, click on the Facebook or YouTube link at www.concertsinthewest.org/ events. On Thursday 8 October at 6.15pm on Facebook or YouTube, Concerts in the West presents a performance by Stephen Upshaw on viola. Stephen will perform a contemporary programme by Benjamin Graves, Georgina Bowden, Heather Stephenson, Mark Yeats, Jonathan Harvey. To Kibble (cello) and David Gerrard (harpsichord). The programme is all Bach. To watch the performance, click on the Facebook or YouTube link at www.concertsinthewest.org/ events. On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment contact 01935 815261 or visit On Thursday 1 October watch the performance, click on Venue, Yeovil, there Is a www.jerramgallery.com. at 6.15pm on Facebook or the Facebook or YouTube link screening of ‘Michael Ball and
ACEarts Virtual Exhibitions ‘In Search of Northern Soul’ by abstract artist Leonard Green explores the energetic movement in the dances related to Northern Soul music. Powerful dynamic compositions overlaid with gestural drawing. Jenni Dutton’s ‘The Dementia Darnings’ explores the effects of ageing and dementia using wool and thread. These current virtual exhibitions can be viewed at www.theabsentgallery.co.uk/ acearts. ACE stands for Art Care YouTube, Concerts in the West presents the Jubilee Quartet. Tereza Privratska (violin), Julia Loucks (violin), Lorena Cantó Woltèche (viola) and Toby White (cello) will perform works by Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven. To watch the performance, click on the Facebook or YouTube link at www.concertsinthewest.org/ events. at www.concertsinthewest.org/ events. Alfie Boe: Back Together’. This ultimate musical duo is set to delight audiences throughout the country with the final show of their UK tour at the O2 Arena. Hot on the heels of their star turns in the West End’s phenomenally successful staged concert of Les Misérables, Ball and Boe’s sensational voices and irresistible chemistry will undoubtedly light up the big screen. Age 12+. Tickets £8.50 to £14.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
Education. As a charity they aim to provide art and creative activity to inspire, empower and enable people to develop and grow. Julian Dawson
MUSIC On Saturday 3 October at 8.00pm at The David Hall in Stephen Upshaw
Concerts in the West will South Petherton or on Zoom, On Saturday 10 October at continue streaming its online see singer/songwriter Julian 8.00pm on YouTube, enjoy series of concerts through Dawson in concert. Julian has Track Dogs in concert from the
October. These concerts give been a regular performer at comfort of home. The band, the audience a taster of future The Hall for nearly 20 years and comprising two Irishmen, one live concerts to be held in its this will be his last appearance. Englishman and one American, local venues, and they can be His music is a melodic and has a unique brand of acoustic watched for up to a month after highly individual blend of the music; a dynamic fusion of styles initial transmission date. Please best of folk, country and soul, including folk, Latin, Americana refer to the website (select the with a hint of Pop, as well as and even some bluegrass. Ezio
Concerts tab) for full programme great lyrics! He has recorded They will give two 45-minute details. Donations to support 25 albums, written hundreds performances, with an interval. On Saturday 17 October at performers and Concerts in the of songs and collaborated with After the gig, there will be a 8.00pm on Zoom, there is an
West would be very welcome. some of contemporary music’s Q&A session on Zoom. Tickets amazing not-to-be-missed
For wonderful music and finest players and writers. £15 (price per household). To performance by Ezio. In its dazzling performances, visit Tickets: £15 at The David Hall book, visit www.thedavidhall. 30-year career, this band has www.concertsinthewest.org. (numbers restricted, pre-booked org.uk. Box office 01460 made a habit of dabbling in
On Thursday 24 September tickets only) or £7.50 to view 240340. any style of music that takes its at 6.15pm on Facebook or YouTube, Concerts in the West presents Emma Halnan and the Eblana String Trio. Emma plays flute and the trio members are Jonathan Martindale (violin), Lucy Nolan (viola) and Peggy Nolan (cello). They will perform works by Mozart, Sibelius and Andrew Norman. To watch the performance, click on the Facebook or YouTube link at www.concertsinthewest.org/ events. from home on Zoom. To book, visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. Box office 01460 240340. On Monday 5 October at 6.15pm on Facebook or YouTube, Concerts in the West presents Trio Klein and Yuki Negishi on piano. The trio, Kamila Bydlowska (violin), Shiry Rashkovsky (viola) and Riccardo Pes (cello), and Yuki will perform works by Gideon Klein, J Turina and Morricone. To watch the performance, click on the Facebook or YouTube link at On Monday 12 October at 6.15pm on Facebook or YouTube, Concerts in the West presents a performance by Alasdair Beatson on piano. Alasdair will perform works by Ravel, Shoenberg and Schumann. To watch the performance, click on the Facebook or YouTube link at www.concertsinthewest.org/ events. On Thursday 15 October at 6.15pm on Facebook or YouTube, Concerts in the West fancy. From crunching bluesrock guitars to the jazz rhythms, there is plenty of genre-hopping on show here. The connection between front man Lunedei and guitarist Booga sets Ezio apart, with Lunedei’s rich tenor and complex acoustic guitar work complimented by Booga’s incessant lead guitar. Please refer to website for details and ticket prices. Box office closes at 12.00 noon on the day of the concert. www.thedavidhall.org. uk. Box office 01460 240340. 24 To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
On Saturday 17 October at The Emporium Café, Yeovil, there is an evening with Texanborn guitarist, Rodney Branigan. His adventurous boundarybreaking guitar-playing (sometimes playing two at the same time!) has earned him the title ‘The Two Guitar Man’. In 2018, he headlined the Glasto Extravaganza at Glastonbury Abbey, when Paloma Faith was forced to pull out, which led to a spot on the Acoustic stage at last year’s Glastonbury Festival. Dinner and drinks from the bar available to order throughout the evening. Tickets £10. To book, phone 01935 411378. On Monday 19 October at 6.15pm on Facebook or YouTube, Concerts in the West presents a performance by Fenella Humphreys (violin), Cara Berridge (cello) and Daniel Grimwood (piano). They will perform Beethoven’s ‘Archduke’ piano trio. To watch the performance, click on the Facebook or YouTube link at www.concertsinthewest.org/ events. events.
Yeovil, there Is a screening of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’. James McAvoy returns to the stage in an inventive new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, broadcast live from London’s West End. Fierce with a pen and notorious in combat, Cyrano almost has it all - if only he could win the heart of his true love Roxane. He has just one big problem: a nose as huge as his heart. Will a society engulfed by narcissism get the better of Cyrano or can his mastery of language set Roxane’s world alight? This classic play will be brought to life with linguistic ingenuity to celebrate Cyrano’s powerful and resonant resistance against overwhelming odds. Writer: Simon Woods. Director: Jamie Lloyd. Cast: James McAvoy. Tickets £11.50 to £17.00. Box Office 01935 422884. NT Live: Cyrano de Bergerac On Thursday 8 October On Friday 16 October at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, The Wessex Tale Tellers present ‘Alfred, King of Wessex’, a tale about the man who tamed the Vikings. Like the bards of old who wove tapestries in the mind from words riding on the sound of harp strings, Taprisha (founder member of the Wessex Tale Tellers) and Wendy (a harpist form Hampshire) will take the audience back to a time of drama, intrigue and great upheaval right here in the green hills of Wessex. Sit back and enjoy a tale well told. Tickets £12. To book, phone Box office on 01258 475137. www.sturexchange.co.uk. Paul Zerdin
Heather Ford. Create exciting artworks inspired by famous paintings. This session will teach how to look at works of art and what is required to create a masterpiece of one’s own. Different techniques and materials for each workshop: charcoal and chalk, pastels, painting, collage, scrafitti and mixed media. £12 per session (materials included). Age 9+. Restricted numbers. For more information and to book, email heatheraford@gmail.com. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Saturday 3 October from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a ‘Children’s Art Chest’ session with Margaret Micklewright. Make a book! Using a selection of papers and string, put a simple book together and start a few sketches. £6 per session (materials included). Age 8+. To book, phone 01460 54973.
at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at On Thursday 22, Friday 23 Children’s Art Chest On Thursday 22 October at 6.15pm on Facebook or YouTube, Concerts in the West presents the Ferio Saxophone Quartet. Huw Wiggin (soprano), Fenella Humphreys Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a screening of Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’, filmed live on stage at the Donmar Warehouse in 2014 by National Theatre Live. When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on hero and defender, Coriolanus (Tom Hiddleston). Famine threatens the city, and the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change. On his return, Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people. Age 12+. Tickets £11.50 to £17.00. Box Office 01935 422884. and Saturday 24 October at 6.00pm and 8.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, Paul Zerdin and his dysfunctional puppet family return to Yeovil with this show especially created for the venue, including everyone’s favourites Sam, Albert and Baby! Enjoy a mixture of master puppeteering, state of the art animatronic wizardry and a unique blend of comedy. Family friendly performance at 6.00pm and a more edgy performance for those aged 14+ at 8.30pm. Tickets £15.00. Box Office 01935 422884. On Saturday 10 and Saturday 17 October from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a ‘Step into Art’ session with Heather Ford. Create exciting artworks inspired by famous paintings. Each session will teach how to look at works of art and what is required to create a masterpiece of one’s own. Different techniques and materials for each session: charcoal and chalk, pastels, painting, collage, scrafitti and mixed media. £12 per session (materials included). Age 9+. Restricted numbers. For more information and to book, email Ellie McMurray (alto), Anthony Every week Artsreach will heatheraford@gmail.com. www. Brown (tenor) and Shevaughan share some of the brilliant themeetinghouse.org.uk. Beere (baritone) will perform cultural events that its artists are a selection from their highly releasing digitally. The page is successful recordings ‘Flux’ constantly changing so keep and ‘Revive’. To watch the checking back and keep sharing performance, click on the it. For more information, check Facebook or YouTube link at What’s On and Digital Diary at www.concertsinthewest.org/ www.artsreach.co.uk. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. PERFORMANCE CHILDREN On Saturday 26 September On Thursday 24 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm at at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is Westlands Entertainment Venue, NT Live: Coriolanus a ‘Step into Art’ session with Step into Art
MOVIES
AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES BILLY ELLIOT (15)
The life of 11-year-old Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell), a coal miner’s son in County Durham, is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. Before long, he finds himself demonstrating the kind of raw talent seldom seen by his exacting instructor, Mrs Wilkinson (Julie Walters). With a tart tongue and a never-ending stream of cigarettes in her hand, Mrs Wilkinson’s zest for teaching is revived when she sees Billy’s potential.
SHOWING AT Yeovil on Tuesday 29 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
Yeovil on Thursday 1 October, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 11.00am. Tickets £6.50 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
Yeovil on Friday 2 October, Westlands Entertainment Venue,
11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
EMMA (PG)
A sparkling new version of Jane Austen’s beloved comedy. Handsome, clever and rich, Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) meddles in the love lives of her friends. Convinced of her own perspicacity and determined to arrange a suitable match for her friend Harriet (Mia Goth), Emma consistently misreads the people around her and makes a series of mistakes before finding the love that has been there all along.
SHOWING AT Halstock on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, Village Hall,
7.30pm. Tickets £6.50 from Halstock Shop or on the door. For information: Tony Hill 01935 892485.
South Petherton on Friday 30 October, The David Hall,
8.00pm. Tickets £5. To book, phone 01460 240340.
West Camel on Friday 25 September, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm.
Admission £5 on the door.
MAMMA MIA! (PG)
Set in the Greek islands, Donna (Meryl Streep) is preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited bride-to-be, secretly invites three men from her mother’s past in the hope of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day. A fun musical featuring hit songs by ABBA.
SHOWING AT Yeovil on Friday 25 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
Yeovil on Saturday 26 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
MILITARY WIVES (12A)
With partners away serving in Afghanistan, wives left at home need to find a way to deal with the stress until the tour of duty is completed. They form a choir and quickly find themselves at the centre of a media sensation and global movement. As unexpected bonds of friendship flourish, music and laughter transform their lives, helping each other to deal with their fears for loved ones in combat. Starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan.
SHOWING AT Halstock on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September, Village
Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6.50 from Halstock Shop or on the door. For information: Tony Hill 01935 892485.
1917 (15)
At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers - Blake’s own brother among them. Starring Andrew Scott, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong.
SHOWING AT South Petherton on Friday 25 September, The David Hall,
8.00pm. Tickets £5. To book, phone 01460 240340.
West Camel on Friday 30 October, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm.
Admission £5 on the door.
Yeovil on Wednesday 30 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
ROMAN HOLIDAY (U)
Overwhelmed by her suffocating touring schedule, European princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) escapes her guardians for a night while in Rome. She falls asleep on a park bench and is found by an American reporter, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who takes her back to his apartment for safety. The next day, Joe finds out Ann’s regal identity and bets his editor he can get exclusive interview with her, but romance soon gets in the way. (1953)
SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 24 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 11.00am. Tickets £6.50 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (U)
It’s 1927 in Hollywood and matinee-idol star, Don (Gene Kelly), is caught in the bumpy transition from silent films to talkies. When the studio’s attempts to make a talkie turn disastrous, it’s down to Don, his songwriter best friend Cosmo (Donald O’Connor) and young aspiring actress Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) to save the day. With great songs and fantastic dancing, this film is a joy to watch. (1952)
SHOWING AT Yeovil on Sunday 27 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15)
This film recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune - all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing continent.
SHOWING AT Yeovil on Monday 28 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
Yeovil on Tuesday 29 September, Westlands Entertainment
Venue, 11.00am. Tickets £6.50 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.
DRIVING FORWARD
By Ross Owen Williams, Presenter on Radio Ninesprings, 104.5fm As we head into autumn, we’ve had a changing of the proverbial season at Radio Ninesprings as well, saying goodbye to Jake Hunter, our teenage prodigy and recent Drivetime host. Jake put in two fantastic years with the station, maturing both personally and professionally in that time, and stepped up tremendously during the lockdown period, dedicating much of his time to daily duties on Drivetime. A young chap with a bright future, we know it’s time for him to embark on his radio journey outside the community broadcasting spectrum, but his enthusiasm, sense of humour, and cheery demeanour will certainly be missed. With Jake heading for pastures new, the Drivetime chair needed filling and, if you’ve tuned in over the past couple of weeks, no doubt you’ll have heard our solution – and that solution is wielding the pen and scribbling this very article as we speak. Moving from the Lunchtime spot I’ve held since March, I’ve shifted gears - pun intended - to Drivetime to see South Somerset home in style each weekday and we’ve also extended the show to bring it more in line with the Drivetime offerings of other stations, now running from 4pm to 7pm, so whether you’re leaving work early or late, I’ll be waiting on 104.5FM to keep the tunes and chat flowing for your end of day commute (or to offer some afternoon company if you’re already at home!). I certainly wouldn’t have been able to do this earlier in the year – with schools and nurseries shut, childcare for my two kids had to be my primary focus, particularly for my toddler. However, now that they’re both more scholastically occupied for much of the day, the schedule has eased enough for me to be able to step into the breach, so to speak. As much as the next few months may be uncertain on so many fronts, it’s a reminder that we are at least ahead of where we all were in March this year. That goes for Radio Ninesprings as a whole – with several great recent additions to our Saturday lineup, including Steve Bulley from 7am to 9am, Neil Quigley from 2pm to 4pm, and Brad Butterworth New Local Radio Station for with the Saturday Scoreboard from 4pm to 6pm, we’ve got some serious depth to our weekend offering and, overall, we now have Yeovil and South Somerset more than 50% more hosted programming on the station than we did at the turn of the year. As much as there’s talk about the pandemic slowing or even stopping so many things, I believe that the continued development of our local radio station shows that, even when the chips are down, communities will dig deep, support each other, and still make progress wherever possible. Ross Owen Williams hosts Drivetime each weekday from 4pm to 7pm, as well as the Lucky 13 each Friday at 7pm, and The Sunday Spotlight from 4pm to 6pm on Sundays.
A CARTWHEEL FOR SNUFF - THE BLACK HORSE, CASTLETON
By Barry Brock
By the late 1780s the country was suffering from a shortage of small change, and in the absence of government supplies, local banks resorted to producing their own - you may know about the ‘Sherborne halfpenny’, minted for Pretor, Pew and Whitty, whose bank was in Long Street. Finally, government acted, and Matthew Boulton was given a contract to strike copper pennies and twopennies at his Birmingham mint. These were big and heavy, the heaviest ever produced, and quickly became known as ‘cartwheels’. After that, the copper coinage slimmed down, but the cartwheels remained a curiosity and were sometimes later put to a different use. One of these was at the Black Horse inn in Castleton, at the junction of Newland and Oborne Road, where at the end of the nineteenth century, landlord, John Stacey, had a number of these old cartwheels, now smooth from use, counterpunched with his initials and the word ‘Sherborne’. John’s grandson, Brian Stacey, remembers being told these were given in exchange for snuff and tobacco: ‘I think men purchased them on payday, for use during the week, after the rest of the pay packet had been handed over to their wives’.
The origins of the Black Horse as an inn sign are uncertain, but are probably heraldic, given the significant part played by the horse, both militarily and in agriculture. Sherborne Museum has a splendid example, saved when the Black Horse closed. The Castleton Black Horse had a long history - the first known landlord was Spicer Hart in 1756, when he had to give a £10 surety and undertake to keep ‘good order and rule’ to gain his licence. The inn was originally owned by the Digby family of Sherborne Castle, and leased by them to a series of tenants, who sometimes ran it themselves, or else rented it to others. When John Stacey took over the Black Horse in 1897, the leaseholder was the Dorsetshire Brewery in Long Street, but in June 1932 Sherborne Castle Estates sold the freehold to another brewer, Eldridge, Pope of Dorchester, who substantially remodelled the building to provide suitable accommodation for residents. One of those who stayed there for several years was Littleton Powys, a distinguished schoolmaster and brother of John Cowper Powys; another was Lucy Heath Pearson, who was thrown into Holloway early in World War II because of her association with Oswald Moseley’s fascist blackshirts.
The old Black Horse closed over twenty years ago, and has since been used to provide sheltered accommodation for young people. If you look carefully, you can still see the shadow of the inn’s name, bleached by the sun and left when the lettering was removed.
I am indebted to Brian Stacey for enabling me to photograph his grandfather’s token. If anyone would like to tell me about a similar token, they can contact me via the Editor.
RADIO SPRINGS
104.5 FM
Memories of policing Teddy Rowe’s (or Roe's) Band
By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide. Assisted by ’dorsetpeasant’ (Sherborne policeman in 1950’s who wishes to remain a MEMORIES OF POLICING TEDDY In the morning of Old Michaelmas Day (10 October) in Sherborne, the coming of Pack Monday Fair was heralded in by a midnight procession through the streets ROWE’S (OR ROE’S) BAND Rowe’s Band”. The Band was composed of young people who paraded the streets making as muc discordant noise as possible on horns, bugles, rattles, whistles, tin trays, saucepans, and so on. By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide The name Teddy Rowe is a recent origin, but wild music may well go back to pagan times when such Assisted by ’dorsetpeasant’ (Sherborne policeman in 1950s who wishes to remain amonymous) noises were made to frighten away devils on the eve of the festival. origin of Pack Monday and Teddy Rowe’s Band which you can find so you can believe. Whatever its origins, Pack Monday is still a notable day, full of life and colour, though the In the morning of Old Michaelmas Day (10 October) in Sherborne, the coming of Pack Monday ancient horse and sheep sales have long gone Fair was heralded in by a midnight procession through the streets by “Teddy Rowe’s Band”. The . By the 1900’s this ancient Fair consisted of three elements: Teddy Ro Band was composed of young people who paraded the streets making as much discordant noise as and livestockfairs and the Fun Fair. possible on horns, bugles, rattles, whistles, tin trays, saucepans, and so on.
The name Teddy Rowe is a recent origin, but wild music may well go back to pagan times when such noises were made to frighten away devils on the eve of the festival. There are many stories about the origin of Pack Monday and Teddy Rowe’s Band which you can find so you can choose which version to believe. Whatever its origins, Pack Monday is still a notable day, full of life and colour, though the ancient horse and sheep sales have long gone.
By the 1900s this ancient Fair consisted of three elements: Teddy Rowes Band procession, the street and livestock fairs and the Fun Fair.
In the 1920s a policeman described the procession as an excuse for ‘primitive tribalism.’ The noise emitted until dawn was hideous and frightening, eventually developing into noxious behaviour and feuds as sections of the crowd sought vengeance on people who were borne a grudge against; windows of shops and houses were smashed and gardens trampled.
By the 1950s behaviour seems to have moderated.
The whole event was led by a Marshall carrying a large triangular banner which was illuminated on the side facing the possession route. People along the route would give advance notice of where people were ill or had recently died. At this point the banner was reversed to show the unlit side and the musicians would go silent, and they really did! The route around the town would end on the Parade where dancing would take place to music other than Teddy Roes Band!
Along the route light hearted things happened. Dustbin lids borrowed, cars moved, a few door bells rung but no real damage or harm was done. Yes, the odd person under the influence would be arrested and held in cells to cool off. One local who persisted in playing a bugle long after the whole thing had finished was arrested and held until sober. A few days later he had to return, shame faced, to the police station to collect his bugle. Summary justice that worked.
In 1954 the police received information that a certain group of Teddy Boys from Yeovil intended to come to Sherborne to create trouble. Time for unorthodox methods …..…
“We had our own characters who could at times be troublesome but with whom we had a certain understanding. We told them of the proposed visit from Yeovil and that we didn’t want them here. The Yeovil gang arrived on the bus at Greenhill – that’s how it was in those days as people didn’t have cars and motorbikes. On arrival they got off the bus only to be quickly bundled back on again by the local welcoming committee.” Problem solved.
The spirit of high jinx associated with the Fair is illustrated by this account about a police Sergeant who, at this time, had a tendency to be rude to his colleagues and the
Along the route light hearted things happened. Dustbin lids borrowed, cars moved, a few door bells rung The Fair as shown on the Mural by the car park behind Waitrose. but no real damage or harm was done. Yes, the odd person under the influence would be arrested and Appropriately, one of the sites of the old livestock market. general public. Remember, this Unfortunately, owing to the held in cells to cool off. One local who persisted in playing a bugle long after the whole thing had was in the days when the police Covid pandemic the 2020 Fair finished was arrested and held until sober. A few days later had to rely upon public phone has been cancelled. “Pack station to collect his bugle. Summary justice that worked. boxes. Early in the evening on Monday has long been a the lead up to the procession he went into the phone box in Victoria Park, Newlands. The part of the community and a celebration of Sherborne, its history, and its people and In 1954 the police received information that a certain group of Teddy Boys from Yeovil intended to come to Sherborne to create trouble. Time for unorthodox methods local lads promptly ran a rope anything that jeopardises that around the outside of the box is not worth the risk.” (Brent “We had our own characters who could at times be troublesome but with whom we had a certain trapping him inside. He phoned Mitchell, Event Managing understanding. We told them of the proposed visit from Yeovil and that we didn’t want them here. the station for help. Evidently his colleagues moved very fast, after having another cup of tea Director) The Fair plans to return stronger in 2021 with the music nights and street fair to Yeovil gang arrived on the bus at Greenhill –that’s how it was in those days and motorbikes. On arrival they got off the bus only to be quickly bundled back on again by or two! welcoming committee.” make it a four day celebration. Problem solved. Teddy Rowe’s Band was suppressed in the 1960s because of the potential for rowdyism it offered. Roll on 2021!
KAYAKING – WITH KIDS!
by Tim Saunders, Travel Correspondent
In our attempt to embrace this new Covid way of life Caroline and I have revisited the days when we used to kayak before the children.
During those home schooling days we had chance to plan what we would do with the little kiddiwinkles during their holidays and so we purchased a second tandem kayak, roof rack and j-bars that allow us to strap these two enormous lumps of plastic to the roof of my tiny 18-year-old Ford Fiesta but as you can see from the photos, it works. It’s not as easy as it looks though, be warned. Firstly fitting the roof rack yourself is difficult and a small fortune can be spent on this apparatus if you’re not careful. Then fitting the actual kayaks can be an absolute nightmare. But teamwork, a little chair and a mini stepladder achieves success.
Caroline and I have learnt masses about correctly fitting the roof bars and lifting the kayaks and fitting them in the correct way. It’s frightening to think that if they are not fitted correctly they could simply slide off the roof. There are stories of this happening. After much care we all drive to Alverstoke in Hampshire with the children holding the oars in the middle of the car. And we arrive safely. The first time, it’s a worry and it gradually gets easier.
Unloading such a tall load is a bit of a challenge for us but we soon realise that if we roll them over the j-bars that is the easiest way of getting them off. Prior to this we were trying to lift them off, which was ridiculous.
It takes about half an hour to load and another half to unload and prepare ourselves for our adventure. We fit fabric seats front and back in each for that extra comfort and then carry them to the shore. I fit my Akaso Brave 7 LE waterproof camera to the carrying handle on the front of the kayak, which acts as a steady tripod for me to take photo and video, easily pressing the photo or video buttons on the remote wrist strap. The children clamber in. Caroline sits at the back of the new one with Heidi in the front while I sit in the back of our 15 year old one. Henry sits in front of me and holds a strap for added safety. Harriett sits in front of him. The children all have life jackets. I push the girls off in theirs and then push my own one into the water and push off with the oars.
Being on the water on a lovely day takes some beating. The children quickly take to it and Heidi and Harriett are doing their fair share of rowing. We must go up and down that lake 14 times. There is a current because the water comes in from the ocean so it’s challenging and a little choppy.
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