Arts & Entertainments

38 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 Arts & Entertainment Two attend abbey carols

By Faith Eckersall Representatives of two Fordingbridge organisations were invited to attend the Duchess of Cambridge’s carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday, December 8. People from Fordingbridge Greener Living and The Branch (New Life Community Church) were invited to the festive event, after being nominated by the Co-op due to the level of support offered to people in need over the last year. The service was hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge and supported by the Royal Foundation to recognise and celebrate the work of ‘individuals and organisations across the nation who have stepped up to support their communities through the pandemic’.

BSO promises a couple of crackers

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is presenting a Christmas treat for the ears –two concerts at Poole Lighthouse Theatre to celebrate the festive season. Tomorrow, Saturday December 18, at 7.30pm, the BSO presents Christmas Crackers 2021, with a programme of festive favourites with a distinct twist of Sinatra! The programme includes Come Fly with Me, Luck Be a Lady, Santa’s Sleigh Ride and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Things turn more traditional still on Thursday, December 23, with a Celebration of Christmas Carols. The audience will be treated to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Hark The Herald Angels Sing and many other favourites, starting at 7.30pm. For more details, visit bsolive.com/events/christmas -crackers-2021.

It is now a legal requirement to wear a face covering when visiting and attending the theatre,

to reduce the risk both to yourself and to others and we respectfully request that customers continue to use the hand sanitisers provided, and to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app.

PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE

SLEEPING BEAUTY

17th December to 2nd January

(various times) Tickets Adults £17.50 U16s £14

1 in 10 free available via Box Office Plus Adults only (age 16+) performances on 30th Dec, 1st & 3rd Jan 7.30pm

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) A COUNTRY NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

Thursday 6th January 7.30pm Tickets £28

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) MOTHERING SUNDAY (15)

7th, 10th, 11th & 12th January 7.30pm Matinee 13th January 1pm Tickets Adult: £8 eves Matinee: £7 U16s: £6

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) MONEY FOR NOTHING

“Undoubtedly the best Dire Straits tribute in Europe”

Saturday 8th January 7.30pm Tickets £20

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) BLAKE IN CONCERT

Thursday 13th January 7.30pm Tickets £22.50

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

KEEPING BAD COMPANY

The best of Free & Bad Company

Friday 14th January, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 FROM GOLD TO RIO

Celebrating the music of Spandau Ballet & Duran Duran

Saturday 15th January 7.30pm Tickets £21 THE FRENCH DISPATCH (15)

17th & 18th January 7.30pm Matinee 18th January 2pm Tickets Adult: £8 eve Matinee: £7 U16s: £6

ADULT PANTO: LITTLE RED RIDING…!

Suitable for ages 16+

Wednesday 19th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 THE ELO EXPERIENCE

Friday 21st January 7.30pm Tickets £26

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 39 Arts & Entertainment Help the show go on for others

by Faith Eckersall

East Dorset theatre lovers are being urged to dig deep to help Poole Lighthouse’s annual Christmas Appeal, which provides free tickets for people and families to see shows. The theatre has revealed that its generous supporter, Lynn Glass, who has donated more than £10,000 to the Christmas Appeal over the years, has offered to match any funds given for the 2021 appeal. This means that if a donor funds two tickets, a family of four would be able to see one of the Lighthouse’s popular shows. A spokesman for Lighthouse said: “In 2019, when we last ran the appeal, people’s generosity meant that we exceeded our target. Even though we have been forced to close for large parts of 2020 and 2021, we have still been able to use that money to give the gift of a live show to a wide range of local charities and groups.” One of the many groups that have benefited has been Mytime Young Carers – a charity that supports children who have to provide care for a parent or relative at home. “Thanks to the support of donors, Mytime will be bringing 50 young people to see the Lighthouse’s pantomime, Beauty And The Beast, this Christmas. “A night of relaxation, entertainment and culture can help to reduce stress levels, broaden horizons, and raise aspirations for these children, and can support their development into wellrounded, happy adults.” Visit: lighthousepoole.co.uk/ support-lighthouse/bigchristmas-appeal.

Lions roaring back with quiz night

The Allendale Centre was full when around 120 players turned up to compete in the Wimborne and Ferndown Lions first quiz in 18 months since the Pandemic struck, writes Ron Neave. Thanks are due firstly, to the Allendale staff who were generally very helpful and squeezed all the tables and chairs evenly over the available space. Secondly to all the Lions who provided all the food, the raffle, distributed the scripts etc and did the scoring and of course the questions – a great team effort. The questions this time were tough, one or two people thought that they were too tough, but most enjoyed the challenge and there were some high scores. They might be easier next time! Finally our thanks to the players who combined to raise a net profit of over £700 which will go to selected Lions charities. Our next quiz is scheduled to take place at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown in March/April 2022, date to be finalised.

Laughter is guaranteed

If you’re in need of a good laugh, then Forest Arts has plenty to keep you amused in 2022. January 2022 sees Lucy Porter of QI fame on stage with her stand-up show: Be Prepared. Top podcaster, Spitting Image writer – and voice of Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump – Matt Forde, appears on Thursday, January 27. Comedy Kerfuffle returns on February 2 and nine days later, on February 11, Shazia Mirza brings her stand-up tour, Coconut, nominated as best stand-up tour show in the Channel 4 National Comedy Awards, to Forest Arts. Jonny Donahoe’s Forgiveness, described as ‘warm and uplifting’, takes to the stage on February 18 and Mash Report’s Catherine Bohart brings her show on Sunday, February 20. Visit forest-arts.co.uk. On song for Christmas

Viva Voce is performing a concert of Christmas songs and carols at the Broadstone War Memorial Hall, Tudor Road, on Sunday, December 19, at 2.15. Songs include Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, O Holy Night, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and many other old favourites as well as some traditional carols. Tickets are available at ticketsource.co.uk/ viva-voce or on the door (cash only), £6 for adults and £3 for children. Seats will be sociallydistanced with a maximum number of 70 people allowed in the hall.

Time to register for

Following on from 2021’s revised event, Dorset Art Weeks will return from May 14-22, 2022. Organisers say that, after a challenging few months, it will again provide artists and audiences with another opportunity to celebrate the county’s creativity. Many of the venues taking part in 2021 will feature again, with new and recent work, alongside brand new venues joining in. A fresh new Directory (in print) builds on the magazine format of 2021 and includes full venue details, regional maps and an index to complement the Dorset Art Weeks App, enabling audiences to plan their visits. Copies of the directory will be available from April in cultural centres across the whole of the Wessex region. From individual studios to galleries, workshops to collectives, pop-ups to projects, the event caters for all tastes and interests in the visual arts, covering a wide variety of art forms including ceramics, jewellery, film, installation, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, woodwork and more. It’s a great opportunity to see artists’ ideas at their source, ambitious group shows, and to appreciate the breadth and depth of creative talent in the county. The event provides a great

ANNOUNCEMENTS & PUBLIC NOTICES

Life Models required for a life drawing evening class in Wimborne. Starting in the Spring 22. sarah.pizzey13@gmail.com

The Cricketers Wimborne is open and doing food again Please join us for our Sunday roast but make sure you book first. Bookings can be made on 01202 121387. Our kitchen will be open from Tuesday 12pm to Sunday 18:00

Services at the Quintet Group

Christmas Services in the Quintet Group of Churches are as follows: Sunday, December 19, 6pm, Carol Service at Cranborne. Christmas Eve, 4pm, Crib Service at Edmondsham, 11.30pm, Midnight Mass at Wimborne St Giles Christmas Day, 8am, Holy Communion at Edmondsham. 10am, Family Service at Cranborne followed by shortened Holy Communion. Sunday, December 26, 10.00am Benefice Service at Woodlands followed by shortened Holy Communion.

Catch up on the movies

If you’ve missed out of any of the recent movie blockbusters don’t worry – there’s a chance to catch up with them in the Art Deco splendour of Fordingbridge’s Regent cinema in the New Year. On January 5, the cinema is screening Respect, the film of soul and gospel queen, Aretha Franklin’s life, from 7pm. Meanwhile Daniel Craig’s final James Bond outing, No Time To Die is being screened on January 7 and 8 at 7pm. The cinema advises people to pre-book and check availability as priority is given to members of Fordingbridge Regal Cinema Club. Tickets to all screenings, from films to live satellite opera, theatre and ballet, are first released to full annual members who get priority booking and discounted tickets as part of their membership package. The cinema then releases the remaining tickets, which include a day membership, which can be bought by members of the public. Membership is open to anyone aged over 16 and costs between £15 and £42 with a joint membership at £72. More details are available from theregal cinema.org/join-us.

Dorset Art Weeks

GENRES: A broad selection of works like these by Liz Somerville, Helen Millard, Isla Cheney and Sue Lanbury will be on show during Dorset Art Weeks

way to make the most of Dorset’s stunning countryside and coast and what it has to offer, to plan a great day out and to discover the unexpected –with so much to see and do, it’s the perfect blend of art, food and travel. For artists thinking of taking part or needing to reregister, details are now available on the Dorset Art Weeks website, and registrations are open until January 14. You can find out more by contacting producer@dorset artweeks.co.uk or by calling 07598 138295. Follow Dorset Art Weeks on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Varied menu at Red House

Christchurch’s Red House Museum is holding an exhibition on all things panto. Putting On A Show helps visitors to see behind the magic of the theatre in a free, family-friendly exhibition. Putting On A Show kicks off tomorrow, December 18 with a meet and greet with members of Highcliffe Charity Players in full panto gear. The exhibition continues until January 23. From January 14, the museum is running a five-session course on Women Writing in the 1960s. The selection of novels explored presents different versions of female identity and engages with a variety of themes. It highlights the importance of earlier writers, including Muriel Spark who created The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, Margaret Drabble’s 1965 novel, The Millstone and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys. The course takes place from 10.30am-12.30pm on Fridays from January 14. On January 16, is Goldilocks! The Adventures Of A Porridge Thief, which is suitable for families. Visit: hampshire culture.org.uk/red-housemuseum-and-gardens or call 01202 482860.

Community Coach Tours

Day Trips & Short Breaks with pickups in Blandford, Wimborne,

Ferndown, Kinson, Poole,

Bournemouth and Ringwood

This is an example of some of our trips... please visit www.dorsetcoachtours.com

We would like to wish all our past and present customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year SHORT HOLIDAY BREAKS

Christmas Break Ashley Court Hotel Torquay. FULL BOARD ........... ................................................................ Thursday 23rd – Monday 27th Dec, £599pp, no single supp

SHORT HOLIDAY BREAKS 2022

London Best Western Hotel, opposite Hyde Park ....................................... .................................. Friday 7th – Sunday 9th Jan, £225pp, no single supp Jersey Apollo Hotel, St Helier. Dinner B & B .................................................. ........................ Monday 21st – Friday 25th Mar, £525pp (No Singles left) London, Knightsbridge Museums ................................ Saturday 16th Apr £30 Adults, £20 u16 SOLD OUTAndre Rieu – NEC Birmingham ...................................... Saturday 30th Apr £135 per ticket Exmouth and Boat Trip and Cream Tea ......................... Monday 2nd May £42.40 Adults, £25.00 u16

Would-be snappers invited to visit club

By Lorraine Gibson

If you fancy yourself as the next Lord Lichfield or David Bailey, then Richard Soley at Ringwood Camera Club is inviting you to come along to a couple of free photographic taster sessions. According to Richard, a pointand-shoot camera is perfectly fine for taking photos, however, if you want to be up there with the pros, you should read on. “Today’s cameras are wonderful pieces of technological wizardry that enable almost anyone to take reasonable photographs with minimum mental input,” he says. “They don’t call them ‘point and shoot’ for nothing.” And yet, he says that taking more professional-looking photographs isn’t overly difficult and certainly needn’t cost you a fortune in camera equipment. While most ‘point and shoots’ work well, Richard points out that the settings are decided in the factory and designed to respond to all lighting conditions and whatever abuse new owners might throw at them. “The answer is to look at all the other markings on the camera dial and set up your camera for the conditions that you find yourself in,” he says. “This isn’t as difficult as it seems, although it does help to have a mentor to guide you through the first attempts at overriding the Auto setting. “My personal advice would be to either approach a photographically-savvy friend or, if you don’t have one, join a camera club. Mine is Ringwood Camera Club.” On the first Tuesday of each month, the Club holds a

beginners’ class for those who newsdesk@stourandavon.net NICE ONE: have the desire but lack the A squirrel pictured by Richard Soley knowledge to become the next Lichfield or Bailey. “The class is very laid back,” says Richard, “and you learn at your own speed. “Although there is a set programme each week, there are invariably other odd club members there who can help on a one-to-one basis if you’re struggling or want advice on how to tackle a particularly baffling scenario. “As the first few lessons are free, you lose nothing by giving it a go and should you be of a more competent standard or just want a chat for advice on anything photographic, then try our normal club nights.” Like the beginners club, the first couple of visits are also free – so, what are you waiting for? For information visit ringwoodcameraclub.co.uk or call 07534 416882.

Wood engravers society celebrates centenary

ETH T H EXC HANGE

Live a more eventful life

Friday 21st January My Mountain Life by Simon Yates

7:30pm Tickets £16/£15

––––––––Saturday 22nd January Greatest Songs of the Movies

7:30pm Tickets £17/£16

Thursday 27th January Touching the Void (15)

7pm Tickets £5

––––––––Saturday 29th January Radio GaGa

7:30pm Tickets £21.50 ––––––––01258 475137 by Faith Eckersall It sounds like an ancient craft but the art of wood engraving only really got started in the 18th century. To celebrate the centenary of the Society of Wood Engravers, Salisbury Museum has gathered together some top-class examples of the craft, as part of its Cutting It Fine Exhibition. Drawn almost entirely from a private Dorset collection, the exhibition showcases more than 120 original prints – as well as many rare original illustrated books – by 20 of the leading British wood engravers. Works by Gwen Raverat, Eric Ravilious, John and Paul Nash, Leon Underwood, Rachel Reckitt, Gertrude Hermes, Monica Poole, Anne Desmet and Neil Bousfield are included in the show. An accompanying exhibition explores the work of Wiltshire wood engraver, Howard Phipps, RWA, ARE. Born in Wales in 1954 his work is deeply rooted in the beautiful downland landscape of Wiltshire and Dorset. Both exhibitions are accompanied by lectures, and engraving demonstrations led by Howard Phipps. The exhibition was postponed from October 2020 and is due to run until Sunday, January 16. There’s still also time to catch the museum’s Art Of Stonehenge’exhibition, of works inspired by the ancient monument. The show features just over 20 works by artists such as David Loggan, Thomas Rowlandson, William Overend Geller, David Lucas, William Heath Robinson, Gertrude Hermes and Howard Phipps. It reflects the different attitudes and approaches to Stonehenge over the past 400 years, reflected in art. In the 17th century the first attempts were first made to analyse the momument. By linking Stonehenge with historic records it was associated with the Druids, mainly due to the work of antiquarian William Stukeley. The best paintings are from the early 19th century, when landscape artists such as John Constable visited the site. More recent work is characterised by the use of different printing techniques such as wood cut, wood-engraving, etching and linocut. Visit: salisburymuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/exhibitions.

BEST-SELLER: The Downton premiere, 2019 and, right, Fairbanks and Pickford in Taming Of The Shrew, 1931

WHO ARE THEY? Regent ushers in 1938. If you can name them, contact newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Cinema’s kept on giving since 1931

By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net In the true Boxing Day tradition of gifting, when the Regent Centre opened its doors for the very first time on December 26, 1931 admission was free. Residents were asked only to donate to the Mayor’s ‘Christmas Cheer and Distress Fund’ and, thereafter, ticket prices would start at 6d with children paying half price. The festive-opening announcement in the Christchurch Times was a cause for great excitement among the townsfolk, as not only would they be the first to visit the new 650-seat entertainment venue, built in just five months by visionary entrepreneur, TJ Rowley, but they’d get to watch the latest ‘blockbuster’, The Taming Of The Shrew, starring Hollywood dream couple, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. TJ Rowley had a knack of envisaging venues in unlikely locations and this new Christchurch ‘super cinema’, constructed in the narrow, elongated plot on the high street at a cost of £25,000 (that’s more than £1.8million in today’s money) was no exception; nor was it his first picture house project. It came on the back of building Boscombe’s Carlton and Winton’s Victoria cinemas and countless other local developments. Small in stature but big on drive and ambition, mildmannered Rowley had a reputation for getting things done and as per the announcement, the Regent opened bang on schedule. At the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor JW Tucker expressed his hope that everyone had had a pleasant and happy Christmas and told them that he personally was looking forward to ‘things bucking up before the year 1932 was out.’ At the time, competition was rife between the surrounding towns, as they vied to offer the best entertainment. In a nod – some might say dig – to this, it was also announced that amazing strides had been made in cinema construction over recent months and that Rowley had ‘marshalled the ‘...latest devices in this new Christchurch cinema which is the best-equipped theatre of its size in Hampshire and is certainly more up-to-date and comfortable than many larger buildings.’ Civic pride had rarely been so high and locals have continued to treasure the place, even in its less glitzy guises of a bingo hall in the 1970s and ’80s and an arts centre in the ’90s. After surviving a world war, a global pandemic and even a near-disastrous fire in 2010, the Regent’s proud cinematic heritage, like its interior, is fully-restored and celebrated. To mark the 90th anniversary, a host of events is planned, many inspired by the past, including backstage tours – normally out-of-bounds to the public –and vintage cinema museum viewings, exclusive film screenings, a musical variety show, a re-screening of the 2019 Downton Abbey film (the Regent’s best-selling film ever) and even a game of bingo as a nostalgic throwback to its Mecca days. A full house in every sense of the word! For the full programme of 90th birthday celebrations visit: regentcentre.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 499199.