MAGAZINE SEPT - NOV 2018 Issue 12
Garry Foley by Tom Scrase
New Drama School arrives
Ferndown Buddies launched
Three Degrees are in town
THE BARRINGTON MAGAZINE | ISSUE 12
CONTENTS SEPT - NOV 2018
Hello and welcome to this, my first Barrington Magazine as General Manager of the Centre. Yes, I really am called Rupert Barrington - it’s not a pen name! I’ll be honest. It is somewhat daunting to be working in a place with your name above the door and on the title of its very own publication! Some of you will already know that the theatre, and subsequently Centre, was named after my late grandfather Jim Barrington, who was instrumental in its inception some 40 years ago. My nana, Jean, still lived in Ferndown until around 2012 when she moved closer to my aunt in Nottingham; so I have many wonderful memories of summers and weekends spent here, travelling the many miles from... Bournemouth. I sincerely hope now to do the whole family, and Ferndown, proud in my challenging new role. As I begin my adventure with you all, I feel energised at the prospect of bringing some new ideas to this lovely space. It’s wonderful that PramaLife are so keen to continue with the theatre while developing the Centre’s programme for, and outreach to, the local community. It is a very exciting prospect for me personally and I hope to bring my skills and knowledge from working at Poole College and as General Manager at The Regent Centre in Christchurch, to The Barrington. One of the first things I’ll be doing is introducing a Saturday afternoon drama school for young people. Read a little about it on page 40. Our offering in the months ahead is already looking interesting and varied, so head to our What’s On and travel guides in this issue to see what appeals to you. Walid, our Travel Manager, is so excited about taking a party to South Africa this month (hosted by John Dickson) and another to his native Egypt in November. Volunteer Pat talks to Prama’s Fundraising Manager Jane Marengo about her pivotal role - you will see that it’s not all about appeals and begging letters. She is a very busy lady getting our name known ever more widely among potential sponsors and donors. We’ve also got some tips about how to feel more comfortable with a computer, an introduction to the Ferndown Buddies scheme (in which Prama is a leading participant) and a piece letting you know about the free local advice clinics being launched with Harold G Walker Solicitors. Please do pay us a visit and try us out if you aren’t already one of our “regulars” - I’m looking forward to getting to know as many of you as possible.
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LIVE MUSIC NOT TO BE MISSED
SATURDAY DRAMA SCHOOL LAUNCH 04. News from Rupert Barrington on one of his early projects.
The Barrington Centre Penny’s Walk Ferndown BH22 9TH
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COFFEE CHAT AND COMPANIONSHIP
EVEN MORE EXCITING TIMES AHEAD 16. Barrington Tours and PramaTravel are really going places!
YES, YOU CAN MAKE FRIENDS AGAIN 07. Ferndown Buddies can help you towards
HOW TO MAKE A PERFORMANCE OF IT! 23. There’s more to a drama production than
HOW DO WE DO IT? 12. Pat Stirling talks to Fundraising Manager
24. WHAT’S ON AT THE BARRINGTON
re-connecting.
Rupert
EDITORIAL Barrington: Pat Stirling Debbie Drake Sheila Piepiorka
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VENUES FOR YOU
Jane Marengo.
A 01202 894858 www.barringtoncentre.co.uk
m admin@thebarrington.org
DESIGN/PRODUCTION Brightbox Designs & mags4dorset: Louis Pulford Adam Trimby
just turning up on the night...
Our latest guide signposting forthcoming shows and events.
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Printed by Xerocad, Ferndown We reserve the right to edit submitted manuscripts for length, appropriateness, style and reader interest. Photographs submitted to us will be returned if you supply your details. The Barrington Magazine does not accept responsibility for the content of advertisements, promises made, or the quality or the reliability of the services offered in the advertisements in this publication. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. Under government regulations, we will not pass your details to a third partywww.barringtoncentre.co.uk without your permission.
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THE BARRINGTON MAGAZINE | ISSUE 12
The Barrington brings on affordable performing arts for all
Jo rehearsing “Annie”
A word or two from Rupert on one of his early projects as General Manager. Creative arts are slowly disappearing from the curriculum even though they are vital to society and the economy. In my experience, performing arts can really change the lives of those who participate - in whatever form. Therefore, my wife and I now dedicate much of our time to creating experiences for young people - whatever their ability. We believe children are the future and after running successful drama schools at The Jellicoe Theatre in Poole and several after-school clubs, we are expanding to The Regent in Christchurch and here, The Barrington. Our new drama school, for young people aged 5-18, starts on Saturday September 22 at 2.00pm and will be priced at just £12.00 for three hours’ training. Jo is the former Head of Performing Arts at The College in Poole and had the privilege of nurturing the careers of thousands of young people; be they
budding actors or young people needing a direction in an otherwise turbulent life. The South Coast Academy of Performing Arts (SCAPA for short) has been developed to encourage and nurture not only the next generation of performers but, most importantly, to ensure that all young people have an opportunity to capture and develop their creative spirit in an enjoyable environment that recognises their individuality. SCAPA prides itself on being a ‘fun family’ everything we do aims to increase confidence, self-awareness, skills and communication in a supportive, affordable way. We ensure that qualified, experienced staff provide excellent training.
Rupert
To learn more, visit www.scapa.biz, call Jo on 07525 040296 or call in at the Box Office
Three generations of Barrington boys, Mackenzie, Rupert and Richard, enjoying a recent camping trip in Hereford.
Free and informal legal advice comes to the Barrington Local solicitors Harold G Walker are bringing free legal advice clinics to the Barrington Centre. As a local firm committed to making professional legal services accessible for the community, Harold G Walker will hold monthly drop-in clinics from October. No appointments will be necessary to see a legal expert. The first clinic will take place on Thursday October 19, from 10.00am to 12.30pm in Penny’s Cafe. After this, there will be a clinic on every third Thursday of the month at the same time, giving Ferndown residents and
their families the opportunity to meet the HG Walker team of professionals and get their legal questions answered. The service prides itself on being friendly, straightforward and professional. A qualified solicitor will be available at each clinic to offer impartial legal advice on a variety of topics including family law, commercial law, employment law, conveyancing, dispute resolution and personal injury.
For more information, please call Jane on 01202 207328 or email jane.marengo@pramacare.co.uk
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Community Connectors can help you make friends again – here’s how Something new is happening around Ferndown. It’s a “buddy” scheme for people who feel they have lost the confidence to re-connect with their local community. This can happen for all sorts of reasons. It could be someone recovering from a period of poor mental health who has lost social connections and confidence yet wants to go, maybe, to the local coffee shop but not on their own. Or it could be someone who wants to go to a local eating opportunity, but just not alone. Ferndown Community Connectors can help both practically and emotionally. For example, a volunteer “Community Connector” or “buddy” can come with you to visit the coffee shop, or somewhere else you want to go. The aim is to help people make new connections in the community (or renew old ones), while the buddy provides vital emotional support by going along for the first couple of outings. People most likely to benefit are those who may have become socially isolated or are simply in need of some friendly support. Ferndown Community Connectors is a new multi-organisational scheme, led by PramaLife, that offers a 12-week confidential and supportive buddy service to help people to feel more connected with their local community. It is available to all adults over 18 years old, who may need practical and/or emotional support to be able to re-connect with places, clubs, groups and services within the Ferndown area. We aim to support those who have lost their confidence, networks or motivation to explore the opportunities around them and then feel enabled to join in. Partners to the scheme include POPP (Dorset’s partnership for older people), St. Mary’s Church, Penny’s Hill Medical Practice, including Friends of the Practice, A.E. Jolliffe & Son, PramaLife, Orchid House Surgery, Councillor Cindy Weller and Turbary Road Medical Practice. If you would like to take the first step, contacting us is easy and we would be happy to talk with you about what we can do for you.
Carol Davies
Just call Carol Davies, East Dorset Manager for PramaLife, on 01202 894858 or 07736 133445 for further details
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Computers can help make everyday things easier! Many of The Barrington’s visitors are reluctant to be contacted by us electronically, but increasingly it’s a much more effective way of keeping in touch with you. Don’t worry, under government regulations, we will not pass any of your details to a third party without your permission. If you want to make friends with your PC, help is at hand. Neil Barton talks to Pat Stirling about what the Bits and Bytes Computer Club can offer and why computers don’t need to scare you.
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anymore” happens quite a bit. Any special problems, Neil? “Oh, I do wish people wouldn’t give older people iPads. The expectation is that they will embrace them for emails, Skype and so on but the reality in many cases is that they don’t have the patience. It can be hard on your own so if you do give a technical device as a present, please donate some time as well to help them learn how to use it; don’t assume that the manual is enough!” Why should reluctant computer users wise up? “Lots of really practical, everyday reasons,” says Neil. • ‘To do’ lists are the most obvious thing, because once on the computer they are so easy to update. • Doctors’ appointments are much more accessible, because you get straight into the booking system when you go online (no human intervention!) • If you need to claim universal credits, you really don’t have much choice but to go online as these days everything public sector is digital. • Domestic accounts and cash flow are a must to keep track of personal finances. • You can also have the benefit of upto-date product catalogues online – then you’ll see just how out-of-date
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“I am here to help people use computers in a better way,” says Neil Barton, the man at the centre of the Barrington’s Bits and Bytes Computer Club for the past six years. The Club meets fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons and uses an informal chatting format to air those niggles that you want answers to. “We divide the club into two parts so that everyone gets the best out of it”, he adds. “We go for Basics on the first Tuesday and anything a bit more challenging on the second. Although some questions might feel silly, they need to be asked. Unresolved silly questions can be really annoying and stop you doing what you are trying to do.” The group set-up means that everyone can share their questions, but you can bring along your laptop if you want to and Neil will plug it into the projector so that the whole group can learn about the problem. Although participants tend to be in an older age group (those who remember a time when it wasn’t assumed that everyone had a PC - and we hadn’t even heard of the Internet!), there can be a bit of a mixture. Software updates are a common topic. “I used to do this and then I got an update and it won’t work
NEIL’S BEST TIP! If you don’t understand the answer, keep asking until you do
the ones you get in the post are! “You shouldn’t be scared about going online,” he continues. “Personal hacking appears in the press all the time, but genuine attempts are pretty rare. If you see a little padlock in the bar at the top of your screen (called the “certification”), it means you are OK. Emails are a bit more risky, but if you suspect a scam, you can usually check it on Google. (Note: Pat did this for an apparently miracle face cream and it stopped her getting caught!). However, he cautions, a computer is only ever as safe as the person using it so you need to understand a bit about what it’s doing. So learn, and go to sessions, he recommends.
Through his company, Barton’s IT Services, Neil also offers telephone support. With your authorisation, he can then access your machine through some software called Team Viewer, see your screen and sort out most problems quite quickly. What’s tricky in Neil’s world? “Helping people frame what is actually the real question – the IT world is full of jargon and common words that can suddenly mean something completely different.” Also, he thought initially that his business would be about programming, but in reality the greater need has been - and continues to be - about support.
Bits and Bytes Computer Club takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 2.30pm. Entry costs £3.00 per session. Or for individual telephone or home support, call Neil Barton on 01202 861077.
The Purbeck Big Band – one of our “regulars”! The Barrington is a very special venue for the Purbeck Big Band, which has played at regular dances and concerts for more than thirty years. Since the beginning, really. It was formed in 1969 by a few dedicated musicians who wanted to re-create the great big band sound of the 30s, 40s and 50s. The first formal rehearsal was held in Wareham, hence the Purbeck name tag. Performances were then booked at school
PTAs and similar functions; Wednesday evening concerts began on Swanage bandstand and these quickly brought a regular following of locals and tourists alike. The band has performed in many concert venues and ballrooms in the south of England and has a loyal following. With a music library of more than 900 arrangements, from old-time to big band jazz, it can adapt to any requirement and also accommodate all
the modern ballroom dances, including old-time. The Purbeck Big Band is a regular at charity events, helping raise tens of thousands of pounds for good causes. A full Big Band concert might play the music of Glen Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman and Britain’s best, the great Ted Heath Band. The line-up has five saxes, eight brass and four rhythm. Guest vocalists join up as required and can replicate the authentic sound.
For any function you might be considering - where we could make things go with a swing - please contact Alan on 01202 870689 or Tim on 01305 263005; or find us on Facebook. Visit the website at www.purbeckbigband.co.uk to have a listen!
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The café is now plastic free and we offer a 10% discount for all emergency services.
Not just for Shrove Tuesday!
PANCAKES 1. Traditional Pancake Served with sugar and lemon
£3.95
2. Simply Maple Served with maple syrup
£3.95
3. Banana Pancake Served with banana Cream and maple syrup
£4.50
4. Fruits of the forest pancake Served with fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries Cream and maple syrup
£4.95
5. Chocolate delight Served with chocolate pancake Cream and chocolate sauce
£4.95
6. The New Yorker Served with 2 rashers of bacon and maple syrup
£4.95
Pancakes are popular all year round and customers have asked us many a time if we do them at Penny’s - so now we have created a special menu just for you pancake lovers. I hope you all enjoy this addition to our everyday menu; my favourite is the fruits of the forest. Please do suggest other ideas you’d like to see and, you never know, we might just add them!
Here is our basic recipe for anything you want to try at home.
Jeanette
, Penny’s Manager
Pancake Recipe – Makes 4 Pancakes Ingredients • •
Method 1. 2. 3.
4.
10
4oz self raising flour 1 beaten egg
• •
¼ pint semi skimmed milk ½ oz white sugar
Mix everything together thoroughly until it is smooth and slightly runny. Leave in the fridge covered for a couple of hours. When you are ready to cook, heat a non-stick pan with a little butter and put in enough mixture to just cover the base as you swirl it around. A generous tablespoon is about right. The pancakes should not be too thick as they will be doughy. After a couple of minutes, check the underside of the pancake by lifting the edge with a spatula. When it is golden brown and has started to come away from the pan, turn it over (toss it if you feel brave!). When it is cooked both sides, add any filling or roll it to be eaten plain. You can make a pile of pancakes and keep them hot, so that everyone gets served at the same time – they won’t stick together. And you can lay out a selection of fillings for people to help themselves. Enjoy!
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How do we do it? Fundraising Manager Jane Marengo talks to Pat Stirling about her pivotal role.
I joined in April this year. I wanted to return to the charity sector after seven years away running a business. Before that, I was a corporate fundraiser for another local charity. I was attracted to Prama as I was excited by the work that they do. It is very inspiring to find an organisation dedicated to combating loneliness and isolation in older age - something that will affect all of us. It was interesting that they seemed to do so many different things such as domiciliary care, community support services and even running the Barrington Centre and Barrington Tours.
What do you like best about your role?
I love the variety that a Fundraising Manager’s job offers. Every day is interesting. It can range from spending some days writing lengthy and detailed applications for funds from philanthropic organisations; to devising fundraising campaigns and appeals; to standing in a supermarket entrance with a collecting tin! It also involves giving presentations to groups of potential donors and attending meetings to network with other organisations. Potential donors whom I meet can range from scout
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or guide groups to Chief Executives of businesses. I also meet up with other charities because often we collaborate on a specific project: as a Christian organisation Prama frequently works alongside Christian charities and churches for the benefit of the local community. I see my role as pivotal in communicating our work in a way that will resonate with - and engage - potential donors. I help them take steps in ways that benefit the charity; be it donations of funds or clothing or even volunteering.
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What are you planning to raise funds for in the year ahead? A variety of projects will be taking our attention. Of course, we need to support the many groups and clubs that PramaLife operates in Dorset each day - but we also have some other big projects in the pipeline. Our dream at Prama is to create a World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised age-friendly community; one where residents of all ages feel included, heard and relevant. Not only would this have a massively positive impact on our ageing population - it would also positively impact the local area while providing a benchmark for other cities in the UK and around the world.
What do you see as your greatest challenge?
I see my role as pivotal in communicating our work in a way that will resonate with - and engage potential donors. I help them take steps in ways that benefit the charity; be it donations of funds or clothing or even volunteering.
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When did you join Pramacare and what attracted you?
My greatest challenge is working with such competition amongst charities as well as having limited time to get everything done! However, we have a team of business support staff and we always work together if there are deadlines to be met. I have found Prama to be a very supportive organisation.
What have been the highlights so far? A particular highlight for me is that we have been voted Charity of the Year for Sainsbury’s Poole and Castlepoint stores. This is the first time that we have had this type of status and the recognition is so exciting. It gives us an amazing opportunity to raise vital funds and spread the word about our work.
If you get any spare time, how do you spend it? In my spare time I enjoy paddleboarding, keeping fit, salsa and spending time with my family and friends.
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Live music
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Not to be missed!
Here is our regular snapshot of what’s coming up on the music scene at The Barrington. The Three Degrees Friday October 5 | 7.30pm | £25.00 Absolutely not a tribute show! American female vocal group, The Three Degrees, was originally formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although a total of 15 women have been a member over the years, the group has always been a trio. The current line-up consists of Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday and Freddie Pool. Well known for their soulful voices, beautiful gowns, and fabulous stage shows, the group is remembered all around the world for songs like ‘When will I see you again’, ‘Dirty Ol’ Man’ and ‘Take Good Care Of Yourself’. They have been touring continuously for more than 40 years. Join us for a night of American glamour!
Travelin’ Man – The Ricky Nelson Rock’n’Roll Show Saturday October 20 | 7.30pm | £16.00 One for nostalgia! Travelin’ Man, the UK’s first and only theatre show tribute dedicated to 50s/60s rock’n’roll legend Ricky Nelson, returns to The Barrington. This authentic show features all the hits of the man who was second only to Elvis Presley in record sales between 1957 and 1962. Hits include ‘Hello Mary Lou’, ‘It’s Late’, ‘Travelin’ Man’, ‘Fools Rush In’, ‘Lonesome Town’, ‘Poor Little Fool’, ‘Just A Little Too Much’ and many more! Starring Dave B (currently also the star of hit show Rock’n’Roll Paradise as Ricky Nelson) and featuring the fantastic all-star Travelin’ Man Band. As seen on BBC TV, in London’s West End, at rock’n’roll theatre shows across the UK and heard on radio stations across Europe. A rock’n’roll feast not to miss!
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Exciting times ahead with Barrington Tours and PramaTravel Travel Manager, Walid Ashour, brings all the news. Ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to say a big thank you to all Barrington Tours and PramaTravel customers and staff who continue to be a pleasure to work with and who keep the big smile on my face. Despite my funny accent, they welcomed me into the Prama family and advised our fabulous Tour Manager John Dickson that I should keep the job - so together we have hit the ground running. I am proud of the busy three months it has been and how much we have accomplished. It has been very successful and exciting for all involved. I’d like to share our most important recent achievements with you. Crucially, we finalised our application to the Travel Trust Association (TTA) and have become members. This means that we are fully bonded and compliant with all UK laws and regulations. So every penny the customer pays us for trips or holidays will be 100% financially protected, giving you complete peace of mind. Also, we now have access to the travel facilities that make your holiday dreams come true. We have access globally to flights, overseas cruises and hotels - plus our fabulous tailor-made itineraries specially designed to fit the requests of all our customers; such as The Holy Land Israel, the inspiring Morocco, and the magnificent Nile Cruise. On completion of our travel trust membership and with the authority in place, we were able to finalise our booking to take 45 people to South Africa. Congratulations to John Dickson, whose idea to run a trip to South Africa turned a dream into reality. It will start on September 18, 2018 and is fully booked. However, don’t despair, as we have some more amazing holidays coming up - starting with the River Nile Cruise taking place on November 17, 2018. A Nile Cruise has been voted the top trip to do in a lifetime and is recommended by all the British tour operators as a holiday not to be missed. Best of all, PramaTravel has been able to secure some exclusive deals, so we can offer you the best River Nile Cruise experience for less than you might expect. We already have some reservations confirmed, so please register your interest early and avoid being disappointed. During the Nile Cruise we will visit Luxor - described as ‘the largest open-air museum in the world, containing seven thousand years of history’. We will see such mysterious and world-famous places as the Valley of the Kings, Tutankhamen tombs, Valley of the Queens and Karnak temple. Please pick up a brochure from the Centre to see the full itinerary for this truly unforgettable experience. We also have new brochures for 2019 day and overseas trips available. Do come and pick up a copy and join us on one of our fabulous journeys. Once again thank you so much for your support and we hope all our trips and holidays meet your highest expectations. We’d love to hear your feedback, so please feel free to give us your comments any time.
Who will be the first to tell us where Walid is in the photo below? The first person to come into the office and point out (to Walid!) where he is, and confirm his location, will win a £20 travel voucher! Where will he be next time….. look out for him somewhere in the next issue!
The proceeds from PramaTravel will uniquely support the Barrington Centre and help Prama deliver its charitable activities locally and across Dorset; while providing bespoke holidays at discounted prices.....ensuring financial viability for the Centre, saving pounds for holidaymakers and benefiting our local communities – what a winning combination!
Can you spot where he is? 16
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5 STAR COACH TRIPS Windsor Castle & Thames River Cruise: an excellent tour, one of the best! Thank you wonderful staff. Lyn Thank you for yet another enjoyable day out, as to be expected everything from the beginning to the end was well planned. Bless you and your “little helpers” for making it a happy time for us all. Yvonne Kennet & Avon Canal All extremely well organised, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr & Mrs B They know how to make us all happy. Joy
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Just to say we both had a really lovely day. Our first trip on a coach for years. The driver, volunteer and tour manager were all fantastic. You had everyone working together in a very relaxed and happy way. You worked v hard to make it a great day, and you succeeded. We will be back. Ash
Barrington Tours goes to the Isle of Wight By contributor Freddi Colclough Beautiful weather smiled down on the latest Barrington tour to the gorgeous Isle of Wight. After our ferry crossing we drove across to Streethaven where we took the IOW steam express to Wooton Bridge, and we enjoyed a delicious carvery lunch at the Sloop Inn. After lunch some of our party visited Osborne House and our remaining party visited Carisbrooke Castle. A great day was enjoyed by all.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES Thursday September 13 Dartmouth Steamboat
Tuesday October 9 Wells and Cheddar
Friday November 23 Longleat Festival of Light
A lovely steamboat cruise to Greenway and Buckfast Abbey, with lunch. Buckfast Abbey is hosting the Antiques Roadshow and the trip includes entry! £55.00
Visit the City of Wells in Somerset with its historic centre, splendid cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. There are seven attractions to explore at Cheddar Gorge , including a Bishops Palace tour. £27.50
Friday September 14 Tiverton Canal
Thursday October 11 Wicked the Musical
We pay a short visit to Longleat’s African village and then head off on our African adventure safari. Back to the main house for a lake cruise before seeing the colourful Chinese lanterns that will light up Longleat. There are food outlets on site. £45.00
Enjoy a horse-drawn canal cruise, a special ploughman’s lunch on board and a visit to Bickleigh Mill, Devon’s most exciting rural shopping centre. £42.50
A captivating revelation, Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Price includes lunch in the New Forest and a matinee show at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. £78.00
Sunday September 16 Longleat Sky Safari
Tuesday November 6 Clarks Village, Street
Don’t miss this one! Longleat will be filled with the spectacular sight of dozens of hot air balloons. Marvellous photo opportunity! Price includes entrance to Longleat. £45.00
Thursday September 20 Bletchley Park The popularity of this one brings a return visit. A treasured heritage site of British code-breakers during World War 2, it was here that methods were devised to enable allied forces to decipher other nations’ military codes - shortening the war by two to four years. £42.50
Clarks Village is a great place for shopping in the most delightful way, with more than 90 stores offering up to 60% off every day. There’s a wide choice of fashion, homewares, outdoor and sportswear - so it’s well worth the visit. Wear comfortable shoes! £25.00
Tuesday November 13 Portsmouth Victorian Market Treat yourself to some well-earned retail therapy as you browse this popular Christmas market, with more than 150 stalls selling fine hand-crafted gifts and curiosities. £35.00 - £42.50 (There are 6 optional attractions which have a £7.50 entry fee)
Thursday September 27 Powderham Castle
Tuesday November 20 Bath Christmas Market
See the castle’s unique, picturesque setting beside the River Exe estuary. Discover more than 600 years of history within one of Devon’s oldest family homes. Enjoy a trip down the river by ferry and return by train. £45.00
The Georgian City of Bath is transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise! Pretty wooden chalets line the streets and offer gorgeous Christmas gifts around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. £25.00
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JOIN US ON
John’s Surprise Trip – 11 OCTOBER 2018 – After the huge success of John’s surprise trip last year, we are pleased to be offering this one again. Trust John and the Barrington Tours team to give you a great day out! £50.00
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Shop and then drop at The Barrington Our volunteer Pat Stirling turns her thoughts to the changing face of the high street, our evolving shopping patterns and where to get some welcome refreshment after a visit to Ferndown centre. When I moved back to Dorset, having grown up in Broadstone before heading off to university and a working life, I chose Ferndown for a number of reasons – not least because it was billed as “East Dorset’s largest town”. And I’d never lived there before. I thought that sounded like a good transition from the London/Surrey suburbs. Then I found that, in reality, the accolade didn’t mean the size of the shopping centre – it actually referred to the town’s sprawling footprint, which stretches for miles in most directions, smaller areas each having their own distinct character. Shopping for essentials and the odd luxury was an interesting learning curve. In the outer reaches of London, many things had literally been on my doorstep or just down the road. Now I found that so many things I wanted involved a five-mile drive (or indeed a bus journey, where it never does to be in a hurry!). The retail press have opined for years that the high street is dying. First, the blame was levelled at the upsurge of out-of-town shopping complexes. Then it was parking restrictions. Now the alleged culprit, if there is one, is
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the Internet. Added to this is growing competition from upcoming brands who aren’t precious about buying British or buying local. (This stance has ironically created a huge marketing opportunity for brands that make a virtue of such things!). The smart money for retail chains and department stores has been to develop an Internet presence as an alternative means of selling to you. It costs them less to service than paying high street business rates, but most people still like to touch and feel what they are buying – at least until they are familiar enough with a product range to order online. Shock horror – M&S and Dingles pulling out of Bournemouth town centre, probably to be followed by other institutions we had just assumed would always be there. PR reasons aside, it’s down to customers changing the way they shop. Having suffered mobility issues, one solution for me in dealing with my limitations was to start getting online supermarket deliveries; but I feel there is really no substitute for browsing the aisles, finding a sell-by bargain or rifling through the fresh meat for the leanest offering and longest use-by date. Either way, it takes discipline to make
a shopping list and stick to it when you are a fully-paid-up foodie who loves making discoveries, so I often end up with an eclectic range of supplies for the fridge – especially seduced by introductory offers. I was actually quite reluctant to start shopping for food online, but I’ve gradually learned to trust it. Shopping for clothes is quite a different matter, unless you particularly take to a brand and know what suits you and fits you. Buying from a picture just isn’t the same as trying something on in front of a mirror and I’ve had a few disasters over the months. Sending things back has become simpler of late (due to competition for the initial sales, I guess) but not all returns are free. Grr. It also annoys me to be charged a delivery fee when I am already contributing to someone’s profit margin – or being cajoled into spending more to get free delivery (yes, I’m afraid I’ve been guilty of that), which is just a marketing ploy. There are very few situations in life where you get something for nothing – you’re paying for it somewhere along the line, even though it might not seem obvious. With all that in mind, I am heartened by the redevelopment proposals for Ferndown’s centre. In time, we should get more variety, more facilities and more choice. Bring it on!
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Extending The Barrington Centre is a case in point and attracting more retailers can only be a good thing – even if it is only on what they call a “boutique” level. The more people coming into Ferndown, the more visitors to discover The Barrington’s growing offer of interests and activities. Rumour has it that our town narrowly missed out on getting a “Little Waitrose” a while back, but with Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S Food in our midst we are pretty well served on the food front already; although some key products I’d expect to be popular seem to be inexplicably absent from all three. So, really, I think the message is “horses for courses”! Do what suits you. And remember, it pays to shop around.
MEMBERS’ CORNER What do you like best about shopping in Ferndown – and do you drop into Penny’s Café for a coffee or a snack when you have finished? Try it! What do you shop for further afield and what are the things you feel you would simply never buy online? Is there anything you just can’t find?
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Venues for you Here is a handy reminder of the facilities The Barrington has to offer. The Centre has been providing community services for more than 30 years. There is also a reasonably priced café serving home-style food from 8.30am each day and special events can be catered for in style with our retained suppliers. THE HALL has a daytime and a night-time persona - the day sees sequence and line dancing, ballroom, conferences, soft play and craft fairs to name but a few. There is a maplesprung floor so you can be as heavyfooted as you like. For music and drama, the room is fully functioning with sound and lighting (complete with resident technicians) and an advanced performance stage. The Hall will seat 275 and accommodate 406 standing, so plenty of room for a crowd!
THE HAYES SUITE is particularly useful as it can be divided into two. It is often used as a dressing room for live acts as it has facilities and mirrors to accommodate the intricacies of “getting ready”. As a theatre-style set-up, it can seat 30 to 40. As a break-
out room for the theatre or a special function it can double as a bar and buffet with a horseshoe-style flow to keep things moving in and out.
can accommodate up to 50 people.
THE STUDIO is the second room with a maple-sprung floor for dancing and
Even if you aren’t attending an event, PENNY’S CAFÉ can offer you some decent coffee and good value food.
Two new 50-inch widescreen TVs are also available to hire in any room.
THE BAR has full pub facilities and a new 55-inch widescreen TV. It is open for shows and you can preorder drinks for the show interval to save queuing. For an event, such as a coffee morning or a funeral breakfast, it will seat 30 to 40. THE CONFERENCE ROOM is ideal for Clubs and has full projection facilities on to the back wall. Seating up to 64 people theatre-style it can also be set up with groups of tables for up to 44 - ideal for discussion groups or pub-style quizzes.
Enjoying afternoon Bingo in the air-conditioned hall on a rather hot day
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REGULAR EVENTS AT THE BARRINGTON CENTRE MONDAY
CONTACT
TEL. NO.
Yoga - 10am - 11:30pm Sequence Dance - 2:30pm Ferndown Drama Group - 7.30pm Polz Apart – Pole Dancing - 6.30pm
Jane Handscombe Marna Williams Chris Allen Jane Moore
01425 472146 01202 871495 01202 578048 07779 336391
TUESDAY
CONTACT
TEL. NO.
Dance Away Foxtrot Classes – 2pm Bingo – Once a month 2.00pm Bits & Bytes Computer Club - 2:30pm (F) Ferndown Speakers - 7:30pm (F) Social Dance - 8pm (M)
Carol Rodulfo Barrington Office Neil Barton Shirley Thompson Marna Williams
01202 572094 01202 894858 01202 861077 01425 480631 01202 871495
WEDNESDAY
CONTACT
Clarity Hearing - 9:30am Ferndown Art Society - 9:30am Penny's Patchers - 9:30am Tai Chi - 10am Crafty Allsorts – 7pm National Trust E D Assoc - 7.30pm (M) Absolutely W.I - 7:30pm (M) French Circle - 7:30pm (M) Ferndown Wine Society - 7:30pm (M) Ferndown Drama Group - 7:45pm
Heather Cowell Mrs S Gomm Glenda Harford Paul Hamerston Anna Keegan Joan Eastwood Linda Barber Marion Lock Paul Fearnley Chris Allen
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THURSDAY
Ballroom Dance - 2:30pm Ferndown Art Society -2:00pm (M) Ferndown Historical Society - 7:30pm (M) Ferndown Camera Club - 7:30pm (F)
CONTACT
TEL. NO.
Marna Williams Mrs S Gomm Peter Dodd Cathy Whitehead
01202 871495 01202 573050 01202 872735 01202 577502
FRIDAY
CONTACT
TEL. NO.
Yoga - 9:30am & 10:45pm Coffee Club - 10am Sequence Dance - 2pm Penny’s Hill Folk Club [Country Dance] - 7.15pm
Natalie Smit-Ash Jean Read Barrington Office Margaret Thomas
07968 769659 01202 875926 01202 894858 01202 872795
SATURDAY
CONTACT
TEL. NO.
TEL. NO.
New Horizons Club - 10am
Rita Stubbs
01202 876330
01202 478881 01202 573050 01202 694847 07938 226833 01202 549309 01202 892011 01202 861750 01202 896984 01202 707128 01202 578048
SUNDAY
CONTACT
Afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes and lots of laughter (1st Sunday of each month in Penny’s) 2.00pm (M)
Linda Cross
TEL. NO.
01202 894858
For additional information on regular events please contact the Box Office.
F = Fortnightly | M = Monthly
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Performance of it! HOW TO MAKE A
Phoenix Musical Society Chairman Terry Holbert is back again, this time enlightening us on what needs to be in place for a performance to actually happen. Most of our readers support us by paying to see a finished performance. Many people don’t realise what has to be achieved to bring the show to fruition. There is much to do! First, the Committee (usually consisting of Chairman/Treasurer/Fundraiser/Concert Secretary and other working members) will meet every few weeks to keep the Society running smoothly. Aspiring participants for a show apply to join the company, are then auditioned by the Committee and agree to pay a membership fee on acceptance. The fee applies annually if they want to stay on as a member. Logistically, the theatre has to be booked two years in advance to secure the date required at The Barrington. We are able at present to do a ticket split with them - we each get our cut of the proceeds and the Society gets dressing rooms, bar and coffee facilities. Any proceeds from bar and coffee sales go back to the Barrington. Then some formal process. A show has to be chosen and secured from the Rights Holders. Permission for a public performance (the licence)
now costs £500 which includes the hire of words (known as libretto) and musical scores. These have to be kept in pristine condition until refunded six months later; if not, we are charged £40 per copy. Imagine these books in our cast’s homes “Oh, sorry, the dog chewed it” or “The baby got hold of it”. Always a risk; this is, after all, the real world! Lately, we have been very grateful for support from Ferndown Town Council Grant Committee who give us the £500 for our licence. We now apply each year and have to name a show on our submission form. Two other essential paid costs for a musical group are the Musical Director and Rehearsal Pianist. These people stay with us - our present Musical Director has been with us for 18 years! Sound-wise, we have our own high-tech face microphones and speakers, which have been paid for by a legacy and the generosity of our EDDC representative. To bring things together, we also have to think about the where-and-when for rehearsals; we need a large hall every Monday, then have smaller
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rehearsals on a Friday in a member’s home until nearer the show when a larger hall is needed. For the final six weeks of the run-up, we need a venue for Sunday afternoons. This all adds up to a another big cost over six months. Oh, and what will it all look like when we finally perform? Yes, we need to hire or make costumes and hire scenery (as with My Fair Lady) so that involves more large costs and transport fees.
So you see, it’s not just as simple as merely “turning up”! Terry Holbert can be contacted on 01202 972656
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Whatʼs On Stage at
September 2018
October 2018
November 2018
SAT SEPT 08 The Purbeck Big Band 8.00pm - £10.00
THURS OCT 04 Ferndown Lions Quiz 7.30pm - £6.00
THURS SEPT 13 Ferndown Rotary Gin Fest 7.00pm - £15.00
FRI OCT 05 The Three Degrees 7.30pm - £25.00
THURS NOV 8 – FRI 9 Poole & Parkstone Productions - Pack Up Your Troubles 7.30pm - £12.50/£14.50
TUES SEPT 18 Bingo 2.00pm - £1.00
SAT OCT 20 Travelin’ Man - Ricky Nelson Rock ‘n’ Roll Show 7.30pm - £16.00
WED SEPT 19 – FRI 21 Phoenix Musical Society My Fair Lady 7.30pm - £15.00
TUES OCT 23 Bingo 2.00pm - £1.00
SAT SEPT 22 My Fair Lady 2.30pm & 7.30pm £15.00
FRI OCT 26 – SAT 27 Ferndown Drama Group – Enchanting Angel 7.30pm - £TBA
SUN SEPT 23 The Old Pull & Push Dance 7.30pm - £7.50
SUN OCT 28 Ringwood & Burley Big Band 3.00pm - £7.00
THURS SEPT 27 – SAT 29 A Tale of Two Cities Doors Open 6.30pm, Show starts at 7.00pm - £15.00
SAT NOV 10 P&P - Pack Up Your Troubles 2.00pm, 5.00pm & 8.00pm £12.50/£14.50 WED NOV 14 – SAT 17 Ringwood Music and Drama Society Soiree 8.00pm - £13.95 WED NOV 21 – SAT 24 RMDS Soiree - 8.00pm £13.95 TUES NOV 27 Bingo 2.00pm - £1.00 SAT NOV 30 Prohibition Jazz 7.30pm - £11.00
All shows start at 7:30pm unless stated. Doors open half an hour before. For full listings for all our events and to purchase online tickets please visit our website. www.barringtoncentre.co.uk 24
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FERNDOWN FERNDOWNMOVES MOVESTOWARDS TOWARDS PLASTIC PLASTICFREE FREESTATUS STATUS Plastic Free Ferndown (PFF) launched on August 18 outside the town’s Barrington Centre with a free barbecue courtesy of the Flying Teapot
At the launch of Plastic Free Ferndown, Paula Jones, chief operating officer from Prama, the charity that runs the Barrington, announced the centre had become plastic free. Paula said, “We are keen supporters of Plastic Free Ferndown and were very pleased to be part of the launch. PramaLIFE has stopped using any singleuse plastic in the centre, including the theatre, bar and Penny’s Café and will be encouraging all users of the Barrington Centre to adopt the same approach.” It was a great start to the launch event, particularly as the steering committee had been working hard for several months alerting businesses, schools and community organisations about the plastic free campaign. Deputy mayor Jean Read attended to discuss how the campaign was going and town crier Mike Andrews alerted shoppers with his numerous cries about the event. Members of the committee met just before the launch to carry out a 30-minute litter pick and filled two big bags and a box with rubbish that had been thoughtlessly discarded on Penny’s Walk and in the shrubberies within the vicinity of the launch. Items included a large clock, a plastic light cover, 35 plastic bottles including an empty four-pint milk container, which had been gnawed by a rodent and licked clean, glass bottles including broken ones and several pint glasses. Cigarette butts were also
collected, but these were too numerous to count and many were found discarded next to rubbish bins. During the launch, over £60 was raised for Surfers Against Sewage, the award winning charity that is guiding communities throughout the UK, including Ferndown, to becoming plastic free. The PFF Steering Committee said, “Thank you to all the people of Ferndown and beyond who joined us for a free BBQ and to find out more about how to become plastic free. We feel we also inspired those who live further afield to start their own plastic free communities.” PFF Community leader Janine Pulford added, “The high level of support for this cause made us realise just how many people are fed up with the quantity of plastic in the world and are trying to consciously use eco friendly alternatives. Residents came to us with some good suggestions. “The general grumble was that big businesses need to change by reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging and food provision. “’Why wrap a swede in plastic?’ said one bemused Ferndown resident.” She highlighted the fact that a swede has to be peeled and cooked before being consumed, so the packaging is totally unnecessary. “Absurd practices like this have to stop,” said Janine. “And Plastic Free Ferndown will keep up the pressure for change.”
Join Plastic Free Ferndown on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/plasticfreeferndown/ or contact community leader Janine Pulford on 01202 870270. Email: editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk For more information about Surfers Against Sewage, go to www.sas.org.uk
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Coffee, chat and companionship New Horizons for ladies on their own
The New Horizons Club meets on a Saturday morning from 10.00am to 12.00pm for coffees, teas and plenty of chatting in the Bar at the Barrington Centre. The cost is £2.50 and on average 12 to 16 members come along. We also enjoy a Sunday lunch once a month in a local pub chosen by the group from a range of their favourites. The Club, now independent, was founded seven years ago by POPP, Dorset’s partnership for older people, to give a social focus to ladies living on their own. Sometimes, they can find that weekends are very dull and lonely, so knowing where to find some company for a couple of hours can be very welcome. New Horizons has a small committee led by Jean Storey; mainly doing the organising and making bookings to keep things running smoothly. Come along and make new friends! There will be a warm welcome for all new members, so do come and join us and give it a try.
Friday Coffee Club (or tea!) Fancy a natter with a jolly bunch of ladies and gents? Then you’re more than welcome to attend the Friday Coffee Club (a cuppa tea is also available!). You’ll find us every Friday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am in the Bar at the Barrington Centre. Between 20 and 30 people come along each week. The Club is actually a PramaLife event so the tea, coffee, biscuits, scones and so on are paid for by Prama. Members pay a £2.00 fee and any money made goes back to the charity. The lady to look for as co-ordinator is Councillor Jean Read.
We look forward to seeing you!
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THE BARRINGTON MAGAZINE | ISSUE 12 - advertorial -
The story behind the production...
T
With a string of successful productions over the last 3 years covering Musical Theatre, Cabaret and Drama, Encore are proud to present Jill Santoriello’s Musical Masterpiece, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, in association with Trowbridge’s Estate & Letting Agents.
aken from the Charles Dickens Novel, this Musical follows the lives of French and English people, all caught up in the terror and rage that marked the beginning of the French revolution. Two men in love with the same woman. Two cities swept up in revolution. One last chance for a man to redeem his wasted life and change the world. This musical focusses on the love triangle between young beauty Lucie Manette, French aristocrat Charles Darnay and drunken English lawyer, Sydney Carton. Follow the Manette family as they struggle with the wonder and tragedy that engulfs them as Charles
Dickens’ story unfolds on stage. From its opening on Broadway in September 2008, to our 10th anniversary production, marking a premiere on the south coast of England, this musical has inspired audiences all around the world, with its dramatic storyline and soaring music; something you won’t forget. July 2018 marks the opening in London’s Charing Cross Theatre, of Jill Santoriello’s latest production, a musical entitled “IT HAPPENED IN KEY WEST”. The composer/author has been closely involved with our production, and on July 7th some of the company went to meet her and to see her show. We are also lucky enough to be credited on her website and in the Show Programme.
L to R: Jon Shiner(Director), Jo Mansfield (Executive Producer), Jill Santoriello, Composer, & Nick Sander (Musical Director)
Booking and Ticket Information Thursday 27 September & Friday 28 September at 7pm Saturday 29 September 2pm & 7pm Tickets £15 Concession £14 Box Office: 01202 894858 www.barringtoncentre.co.uk
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Pat’s Ponderings
Our volunteer Pat talks about music
I was very young when I picked up the guitar. My brother Peter played (and still does) very well and when he went out with his friends I used to sneak into his bedroom and nick his guitar to see if I could make the same sounds. Somewhere, there was a book called “Play in a Day” by the legendary Bert Weedon, long gone I think. When I got my own guitar, it came from Donald Stride in Westbourne Arcade - still there! I learned the violin and the clarinet at school, so I clearly had a bit of an ear. I can’t really sing, but one
of my former neighbours said that I seem to do a lot better when I don’t think anyone’s listening! My friend Stuart plays keyboards and is exactly the same - he was happily tinkling away one day and when his mate walked in with a video camera it all went to pieces. I do write a few songs - a bit like Ferndown resident Eleanor Green writes her poems - and I get a thought in my head that prompts me to create. Just for my own benefit really. Sometimes it will be funny, sometimes downright dark. If you exercise at home or in a class, doing it to
music gives you beat, rhythm and timing. Music can lift your mood, relax you or just jolly you along because it puts a different vibration into your brain. I listen to a singer called Jackson Browne when I feel down - I stick on the headphones and usually lie on the floor. His album “After the Deluge” is part of my vinyl collection so it means I have to get up after 15 minutes to turn it over. Dance like there’s no-one watching. Sing like there’s no-one listening. And love like it’s never going to hurt.
MEMBERS’ CORNER - WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you enjoy music? Do you play an instrument (even badly)? Shall we start a “Members’ Music Night” at The Barrington where we can all pick up our pieces and play away to our hearts’ content? Say yes by dropping in to our Box Office or emailing. We already have the spectacularly talented Jenny Oag involved with us (she sang on the stage when Ferndown lit up for Christmas) and there will be more of you out there.
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