The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre in Taunton has entered administration and its future is unclear. While there is community support to save it, the timing of the closure is unfortunate as there seemed to be growing momentum. However, underfunding from local and national sources made the financial situation precarious. The writer argues that a properly funded theatre has cultural and economic benefits for the region and hopes that its rebirth is sustainable rather than regressive.

1. Pat Preater Calendar of Events
Nigel Price Brewhouse
Andy Burden Clandestine Cake Club
Creative Innovation The Real Jane Austen
Centre Somerset & Bristol
Chelsea Hotel Clarks Shoes
Somerset Opera Short Story
Ilminster Arts Centre Poetry Corner
My Favourite
Spring 2013
Free
Shining a light on literature, art, music and performance in Taunton & Somerset

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delighted to announce or new Café/Restaurant at Riverside
Place, St. James St., Taunton.
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Home-cooked meals of the highest quality, accompanied by delicious freshly prepared salads.
We are open 7 days a week for breakfast offering a morning start for everyone. We offer a
selection of filled wraps and paninis for a lighter bite all day, and of course a wide selection of
cakes and tiffin.
We use local suppliers and produce and serve the finest tea, coffee and hot chocolate from our
partners, DJ Miles Ltd of Porlock.
FUNCTIONS and EVENTS and PARTIES
If you are looking for a venue to hold an event or celebration we can help. We cater for groups
from 6 to 60 and can provide a wide array of menus to suit all events.
Look out for pre theatre dinner opportunities for events at the Brewhouse.
COFFEE and TEA
In partnership with DJ Miles we stock a variety of freshly roasted coffee and skilfully blended
teas for you to purchase.

3. Contents
05 Throwing the Baby Out With the Bathwater
06 Robert Miles Blog
09 No Financial Spreadsheet for Inspiration
10 Somerset Opera
14 The Creative Innovation Centre
16 Pat Preater: A Life in Art
21 The Rural Living Show
22 Heads Tales: Nigel Price
30 Contains Art: Watchet’s New Art Initiative
32 Let Them Eat Cake
33 The Real Jane Austen
34 The Count of Monte Cristo
36 Chelsea Hotel
38 Somerset Bristol
39 Made to Last: Clarks Shoes
40 A Fitting Remembrance: John Cole’s Funeral
40 Re-opening of Ilminster Arts Centre
41 Fire River Poets First Poetry Competition
43 Great Expectations Fulfilled: The Brunner Prize
44 Great Expectations: Short Story
47 My Favourite: Anne Brayley
Editorial Advertising Lionel Ward
Copy Editor: Jo Ward
The views expressed in LAMP
Events Compiler: Julie Munckton are not necessarily those of the
All enquiries: editorial team. Copyright, unless
lampmagazine1@gmail.com otherwise stated, is that of the
01823 337742 magazine or the individual au-
thors. We do not accept liability
c/o Brendon Books, for the content or accuracy of the
Bath Place, Taunton magazine including that of the
TA1 4ER advertisers.

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5. Throwing out the baby with the bathwater?
As we go to I think his answers to some of the criticisms arts nationally (albeit much less than there
print the Brew- deserve to be more widely known. used to be) but we are not not claiming
house Theatre I am much afraid that he an his adminis- our fair share of it.
and Arts Centre tration is being used as a scapegoat for the Why is that so little cultural funding is
is in administra- core issue of underfunding. It is also disap- available to the people of Somerset per
tion and its fu- pointing that there appears no attempt, that head in comparison with Bristol or Lon-
ture is unclear. I am aware of (though I hope I am proved don? Do we not deserve properly funded
There has been wrong), in keeping the current programme theatres as much as anybody else? One
an outpouring in place. A glance at the calendar of events can only conclude that if we are not get-
of support for in this issue shows what an important part ting the funding we are not fighting for it
the theatre in a Save The Brewhouse Cam- the Brewhouse programme was to play in and making representations for it, which I
paign which is touching and reveals how our cultural lives over the coming three am afraid points to lack of commitment at
much it is valued by the community. months and I have made the decision to a local level.
The timing of the closure is particu- keep the events in place in the listings in the A properly funded theatre and arts cen-
larly sad as in the last few monthes there hope that some will still take place, even if tre not only brings cultural benefits but
seemed to be real buzz about the theatre. at another venue. makes good business sense. Taunton is
A new initiative brought cinema back to The talk is of rebirth through volunteers, a geographically situated in a perfect posi-
town with a judicious mix of recent re- phoenix arising from the ashes. Volunteers tion to attract audiences from Somerset,
leases, old time favourites and films not are an invaluable resource. I know from my East Devon and beyond. Visitors to the
usually found in the commercial cinema. own experience. They were the backbone of Brewhouse not only bring income to the
There was a marvellous Wind in the Wil- The Taunton Literary Festival and they have
lows production, cleverly making use of a vital role to play both in terms of admin-
locally produced willows both on the stage istration and putting on amateur shows, of-
set and in the foyer. A practical plan was ten to a very high standard. Theatre groups
in place to secure an extension to provide like the Taunton Thespians do a great job in
the larger auditorium which would bring introducing theatre into the community and
bigger shows to The Brewhouse in order are an extremely important part of the local
to make the theatre more profitable and al- cultural landscape.
lowing the provision of a greater variety However, we also need professional thea-
and quaility of shows. tre from national and regional companies,
However, one cannot have been unaware the sort of theatre we can aspire to, and a
of the tightrope that was being walked in core of professionals both to commission
the last few years as funding was squeezed shows and run a professional theatre. Please theatre but the wider community. When
with appeals for donations to the audi- read the article by Ally Kennen in the fol- the nettle is grasped and a cultural invest-
ence after each production. The theatre lowing pages if you have any doubt about ment is made such as in the case of the
like almost every other business has been the importance of a professionally run local Somerset Museum it can bring rewards
affected by a prolonged recession which theatre to an individuals life. and be a great success.
has meant smaller audiences and less rev- I hope it is understood that we are losing Let us bring the theatre back to life by
enue, as people think twice about buying a some very real expertise from the Brew- all means but when that happens we must
ticket for a show. We have seen household house and that it is not easily replaced. not handicap it in a straight jacket of un-
names disappearing from our high streets In order to run such a theatre we require derfunding, We must give it sufficient lo-
in the new year as cash flow problems a proper planned funding regime. Pro- cal funding and seek to match it a national
very quickly made themselves evident and grammes have to be put together months in level through such institutions as the Arts
the Brewhouse clearly was no different in advance, commissions taken, assumptions Council through proper representation
this respect. have to be made and an estimate of the po- and leadership. It should be perceived as
While the demonstration of support for tential audience and, therefore, revenue. It an investment not a liability, a spearhead
the theatre is heartening and there are an is a risky business at the best of times but for Taunton to climb up the cultural lad-
impressive number of volunteers coming especially when there is uncertainty about der and make it a destination point for the
forward to support the Brewhouse, my how much, when and where the funding is arts for the surrounding area and beyond,
worry is that in many quarters the respon- coming from. with all the attendant cultural and finan-
sibility for the current situation is being Of course, it is easy to say that in the present cial benefits that brings.
deflected in the direction of the adminis- climate any funding for arts centres should
tration under Robert Miles. I am reporting take second place to hospitals and schools. Lionel Ward
his last blog here in the following pages as However, there is funding available for the

6. Robert Miles Blog We therefore employed around 35 part
time workers, mostly on zero hours
February 26 2.50pm contracts, and 19 full time staff, some
(Following a meeting at of whom ran the restaurant and two of
whom were the most fantastic appren-
Deane House the previ- tices.
ous evening) 5. If Taunton Deane believe that a
volunteer led venue, mainly presenting
While the debate about The Brewhouse community work, is compatible with
continues I wish to make clear that I, along their economic strategy ‘Grow and
with the other staff, are no longer em- security, especially when they are just Green’ which they published two years
ployed, so I have no reason to enter the fray back filling other cuts. The decision to ago, then I must only have the first draft
other than on a whim to correct any errors not include The Brewhouse as part of of the report. I would either love to see
of fact if it helps the debate. I am currently ACE National Portfolio Organisations in the final one or hear an explanation as
on a whim. 2010 was clearly a direct result of Som- to why it is now not worth the paper
And in addition, as a parent, I wish to erset County Council’s decision to very it’s written on. There are some fantas-
ensure that the county my children grow publicly cut its arts funding by 100% a tic community groups in Taunton, but
up in has its fair share of cultural activity few months earlier. This decision was if TDBC think that the majority of our
to enrich their lives and make them fully the beginning of the end. old database would want mainly com-
rounded little creative heroes. Lets face it 3. There have been mumblings from munity shows, I think they would be
the more creative they are, the more chance some creditors of The Brewhouse about mistaken. I have nothing against the
they will have in this world whatever they us trading insolvently. In fact the sud- model, if it is progressive rather than
choose to do. den closure of the venue was necessary the regressive one being proposed
So lets do some facts: - to ensure that the organisation did not right now. Let’s not turn back the clock
1. If Taunton Deane Borough Council had break the law, and did the right thing to 1977; lets have some ambition to in-
invested in The Brewhouse at the same by its creditors, including other theatre vent something new. A model breaking
level as South Somerset District Council companies, artists and ticket holders. down barriers between ‘professional’
invested in the Octagon (20 miles away) Creditors’ being angry is completely and ‘amateur’ would be really interest-
over the past five years we would still be understandable in the current emotive ing if it was well designed and deliv-
open. And we would have achieved a sur- environment. We do realise how painful ered, but it is unlikely to come out of
plus of £169K in that time. That doesn’t this is for everyone and are genuinely this mess.
count any match funding that could have very sorry it had to end this way. How- As I say, I am no longer employed by
also been secured by that proper level of ever the arts industry turning on itself The Brewhouse (or in fact by anyone)
investment. TDBC underinvested. They while the austerity program decimates and none of what I think really mat-
are not alone in that position as Somerset the cultural landscape is counterproduc- ters. Apparently I have now become a
County Council and Arts Council England tive, short sighted and dangerous. skiver instead of a striver. I hope the
also underinvested, but TDBC should have 4. There is talk of us employing over 50 game of political football is over, we
led the process to rectify that position. workers, which sounds a lot to run a me- had no legal choice but to take our ball
2. Arts Council England withdrew regular dium sized theatre. This number was first and go home, but there are a lot who
funding in 2005. It is regular funding that used by some artists who put up posters have lost out, creditors, staff, other
allows an organisation to plan and to make outside the venue after The Brewhouse companies whose forthcoming tours
decisions sustainably. The irony about this closed. To clarify, we were far more than may be threatened etc. and myself and
is the Sustain fund paid The Brewhouse just a theatre, and employed other staff the rest of the team are genuinely upset
nearly half a million pounds in 2009 to for other work in the visual arts, cater- by that. I hope a new game can start
‘maintain the quality of artistic output and ing etc. Indeed we ran a restaurant, two soon, with proper rules, a level playing
resolve cash flow problems caused by loss galleries, a studio theatre and hosted arts field and sustainable investment from
of box office, trading and sponsorship’. practitioners who worked peripatetically all stakeholders in Somerset’s unique
But one off grants do not give long-term across Somerset delivering arts projects. cultural and creative infrastructure.

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9. ‘There is no financial spreadsheet for inspiration’
The Brewhouse Theatre you watch, you could take part. Then some-
how I got to join in a young play writer’s
in Taunton opened in 1977 workshop. The organisers had come down
when I was nearly two from ‘Actual London.’ There was a woman
who wore all black! Then my secondary
years old. It was the only school took us to see a professional touring
theatre for miles around. company perform Romeo and Juliet. It was
The ins and outs of the unexpectedly funny and terrifying and ex-
ploded for good those endless excruciating
funding struggle can be readings in lessons.
read elsewhere, but what And then, when I developed an interest in
music, I got to perform on the stage, in the
did the place mean to one mighty Battle of the Bands. Singing on a
small person, growing up professional stage was a big experience for ‘Ratty’ in The Brewhouse’s in-house
a person who was used to warbling at school production of ‘The Wind in The Wil-
on a farm, sixteen miles events. (I did end up singing for a living for lows’ and said ‘I want to be him!’ (an
away, in the middle of no- a while -for better or worse). I also got to excellent progression from the Power
perform a play I wrote and acted in for my Ranger role model he previously as-
where? A level Theatre Studies. pired to)
I remember a woman who used to ramble There are art groups for toddlers, a
The first time I went to The Brewhouse is around the high street and parks of Taunton thriving youth theatre, a cinema. The
also one of my first memories. My uncle all day, it seemed, doing nothing particular. program is/was packed with every
was acting with a troupe on stage. My un- She was a well known face and someone I sort of theatre and music you could
cle had been run over by a bus when he was would worry about. Was she OK? She got wish for. And now it has gone. Closed
17 and lost both his legs but was now per- hold of a camera and eventually The Brew- down. It has been stopped in its tracks.
forming with other disabled actors. house hosted an exhibition of her pictures. I’m not even mentioning the hours of
Another shady, hazy memory: I was taken The place was packed. pure fun I’ve had at the place, watch-
to the ballet. Imagine that! A scruffy farm It is impossible to quantify the value of ing brilliant shows, author talks, music,
girl with a deep interest in cowpats, and a small country theatre. At the risk of ram- dancing, local and national performers
only one TV in the house, taken to see such bling on, or sounding pompous, the theatre and comedians... I have a friend who
a spectacle. I remember the thump of the feeds dreams, and creates them. It allows us has 2 children who have been practis-
dancers’ feet on the stage, totally at odds to clamber out of our backgrounds and go ing flat out, in all their spare time for
with their pink fairy-like forms. somewhere new, should we wish. Watch- the gang shows that the scout organi-
My primary school bussed a class of us ing brilliant professional touring companies sation performs in April. I imagine all
there and I saw my first professional play: was revelatory. And yes, eventually, the these small people will be very sad.
‘The Selfish Shellfish’ It was dark and students who learned to work backstage, The Brewhouse Theatre has touched
scary. A large cloth was used to represent an to operate the bar, who volunteered to help my life, and thousands and thousands
oil slick. An actress wore a spiked hat, she with the lights, the box office, to write and of others.
was an anemone. I had never seen anything run small shows. We went on and did more What a miserable day this is for Taun-
like it and it blew my rural brain. (I went to things. Things that earned money and paid ton. It has become a little more grey. A
the cinema just twice as a child, these were taxes. little more dead.
totally new experiences) There is no financial spreadsheet for in-
The theatre, I understood, was where you spiration, and generating aspiration, and for Ally Kennen writes books for chil-
went and were not allowed to wear your building confidence and skills. dren and young adults. Her latest
wellies. You wore your best trousers. But And now I have moved back to Somer- book is Midnight Pirates which came
of course it became much, much more than set and am a firm punter. As well as adult out in January of this year and Bul-
that. events I regularly take (took) my children to let Boys which came out in January
Now eleven, my friend Meena was chosen the theatre to see glorious children’s shows, 2012. Her first three books were a
to sing during a local production of Mad- the likes of which are everywhere in the city, loosely linked series, Beast, Berserk
ame Butterfly, and perform on stage. (She and hardly anywhere down here in Somer- and Bedlam. She has also written
later became a ‘proper’ singer) It felt like an set. My three year old recently pointed at Sparks for younger children(8+)
awesome opportunity, and it was. The thea- a picture of a debonair actor who played readers and Quarry, a one- off teen
tre became a place where, not only could thriller.

10. Somerset Opera
Somerset Opera be- Guy Robinson was born the
gan as an evening class year Somerset Opera was
promoted by Taunton founded. Now Secretary of
Technical College, now the society that introduced
known as Somerset him to opera, Guy looks
College. forward to a busy 2013 pro-
gramme and an exciting
It was led by a new arrival to Somer-
set, Brian Cresswell, recently appoint- new initiative
ed music adviser to West Somerset.
The first evening attracted 12 singers
who all responded to the proposed La Traviatta, 2011, Anando Mukerjee as
During March, Somerset Opera will be per-
Alfredo Virginia King as Violetta
programme of a concert performance forming Gilbert Sullivan’s Iolanthe in ten
of Tachaikowsky’s little known opera, March 1976 saw two concert perform- venues across the county, it is organising the
“Tcherevichki”. Brian had conducted ances of Vaughan William’s “Pilgrim’s Maxwell Masterclass in April, then there’s
and directed the first known staged Progress” with orchestra, a work much the Somerset Song Prize in May, and its fully-
performances in England in the previ- loved by Brian who had previously con- staged summer show - Die Fledermaus - in
ous May at Bicester School where he ducted and directed staged performances July. A full diary, then, for this Taunton based
was Director of Music. in Bicester in 1972 where one perform- charity.
After a small concert of Christmas ance was attended by the composer’s One of the new elements to the society is its
music in the December, 1975 saw widow, Ursula. In May another swing of Young Singers Programme. Somerset Opera
a whirlwind of performances. The emphasis with performances of Tallis’ runs a Bursary programme, helping to support
Tchaikowsky was presented in concert massive “Spem in Alium” using other young singers to get to grips with new roles
performance in February with 25 per- choral groups in the area. “Beggar’s Op- and refine performing skills. Then there’s the
formers and an orchestra. In July the era” was staged in May and “Marriage of Maxwell Masterclass, made possible by the
group gave two staged performances Figaro” with orchestra in July. generous patronage of international opera star
with orchestra – Purcell “Dido and The die was cast. Staged and concert Donald Maxwell. For the past four years Don-
Aeneas” and the final act of Britten’s performances of opera, some little known, ald has spent a whole day guiding young or
“Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The with concerts of choral music. The first inexperienced singers, whilst entertaining an
new season began with concert per- 18 months had also demonstrated two audience of avid listeners. This year the Max-
formances with piano of “Cavalleria passions of the founder – English music well Masterclass will take place on 20 April at
Rusticana” and “Trial by Jury”. De- and the operas of Gilbert Sullivan : two Taunton School, where I went to school.
cember followed with another double years later the series of “Come and Sing” Last year, Donald performed a leading role at
bill –Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night performances of the operettas leading on the Royal Opera, Covent Garden on the night
Visitors” and the same composer’s to the creation of Brian’s alter ego, “Pri- before the masterclass. Within a few hours he
“Amelia Goes to the Ball”. vate Willis” began. was on a train heading to Taunton. This goes
beyond the involvement of your average soci-
ety patron. Why go to such lengths? ‘Amateur
grand opera has changed enormously since I
first got the bug some 40 years ago,’ comments
Donald. ‘It is now a complex balancing act be-
tween the varying demands of finances, audi-
ences and a loyal membership. The increasing
numbers of talented young professional sing-
ers adds yet another dimension. I greatly enjoy
trying to help Somerset Opera by simply try-
ing to enthuse the young (and the not quite so
young) members in enjoying grand opera. It is
fun, and a very important part of our cultural
life!’
Also this year, the society is proud to support
a new venture – the Somerset Song Prize. This
prestigious, new competition is promoted and
Patience, 1981 with Brian Cresswell as Col. Calverley cont’d p13
10

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11

12. 12

13. organised by Taunton Somerset Music,
Drama Dance Festival as part of their
Centenary celebrations, Somerset Opera
and the Ronald Tickner Educational Trust.
The organisers also express their thanks for
the support, encouragement and expertise
of the Castle Hotel, Taunton, where the fi-
nal will be held on 26 May. The Song Prize
will be open to any voice who is aged 16
– 26 years, and it reinforces the importance
of the role between the singer and pianist.
After the adjudication ceremony for the
Song Prize, there will be a recital of Eng-
lish song from internationally-acclaimed
soprano Elizabeth Watts and world-class
accompanist Iain Burnside. Entry paper-
work will be available from March 2013. Midsummer’s Night Dream, Britten,1985 with John Cole as Peter Quince
The touring show this year will be Iolan-
the: a musical tale of warring fairies (who jailor, over-the-top wooing and sweet re- with a heady mix of music and movement
never grow old), members of the House of venge. Rehearsals are about to begin, and in the staged shows.
Lords (who have a high regard for brains whilst the principal performers have been Success also depends on those with energy
and wished they had some themselves) cast, all are still welcome to put their name and vision driving things forward. One such
and a leading man who is not only half a forward for the chorus. A launch evening visionary is Brian Cresswell, who founded
fairy but has a mother who looks as young is planned for 4 April, when Hilary Mar- the society. Other crucial figures (plucked
as his fiancé. The show is directed by Sue shall (Somerset Opera’s Chairman and the from many) include John Cole, who was
Richards and the Musical Director is Chris Director of the show) will introduce her vi- maestro and performer for Somerset Opera
Ball. sion for what is colloquially being called on numerous occasions, and the leadership
How does the ‘Somerset Opera on tour’ ‘the bat’. and time of Musical Director Chris Ball
work? Firstly, it relies on an ability to read This will be the fifth time that Somerset and Chairman Hilary Marshall.
a map – and seek the patience of the audi- Opera has done Die Fledermaus across its
ence if cast members head to Stogursey in- 38 year history. What has changed since Guy has fond memories of his first
stead of Stogumber. Second, it relies on an 1974? First, there is the variety of shows main role with the group, under Brian’s
ability to improvise in different situations. performed, from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene musical direction. The show was Don
‘We cram ourselves into dressing rooms’ Onegin to a concert version of Wagner’s Giovanni and Guy was playing Lep-
explains Sue ‘which are usually kitchens or Meistersingers, from Mozart’s The Mar- orello. It was quite a risk for the society
billiard rooms, all try and remember to exit riage of Figaro to Britten’s A Midsummer to ask Guy to do Leporello, given that
only stage right as some venues don’t have Night’s Dream (pictured). Also, there have it was his first major role in opera and
a stage left, fit in as much choreography as been changes in the venue in which it per- needed a steady hand from someone
the space on the stage will allow and keep forms. Some years ago, the Brewhouse such as Brian. “After the final show”
singing and dancing whatever happens’. was Somerset Opera’s home. Then, like remembers Guy “I recall giving Brian
‘From a musical perspective’ adds Chris several other amateur societies, it needed a tape of Captain Beaky and his Band
“I’ve always enjoyed being faced with to explore other venues. In recent years we – a strangely important tape from my
the provision of different instruments at have found a fantastic venue in the thea- childhood. It was my little way of say-
our various venues. The beautiful Bech- tre at King’s’, a genuine theatre, with a bar ing that this had been an important ex-
stein grand with a 3-year film of dust; the and a great feel. well suited to our summer perience for me, and I really cherished
clangy Clavinova which wobbled alarm- show. that opportunity. Through the Young
ingly at the slightest touch; the piano on a The success of the society depends on Singers Programme, I’m hoping we
steeply- raked stage which began to move its chorus, and the group is lucky to have can bring new members to the group –
inexorably downstage as I started to play. strength in its members who are prepared and offer opportunities for those who’d
Also I remember the time when I arrived to go the extra mile each year, from sing- like to sing a bit more”.
late, hastily sat down and started to play ing heartily in the winter concert to coping
an octave above the required pitch to the
alarm and confusion of the cast, and being See Somerset Opera
so confident, or blasé, that it took me two Iolanthe will be on tour to nine venues from 8 March
pages to realise what was wrong.’
The summer show will be Die Fledermaus. Please see Calendar of Events for further details
Using a new translation from Dorset-based or visit www.somersetopera.org.uk
Graham Billing, the story mixes cham-
pagne with mistaken identities, a drunken or email: secretary@somersetopera.org.uk
13

14. all else. Once you start a conversation
The Creative Innova- it leads to other things.’
‘I have taught workshops for years,’
tion Centre is a new says fellow director Andrew Knutt.
‘I now realise that some of the most
creative space within worthwhile results come from just
Taunton. getting together and talking. Many
people take part in some form of cre-
ative activity but don’t know how to
turn it into a business venture. We are
here to help people both to generate
creative ideas and apply them from a
CICCIC styles itself a business support
business perspective.’
venture, supporting the creative sector and
It is not necessarily about creating
wider community through providing fa-
a financial outcome from a creative
cilities for exhibitions, lectures and show
idea, though that may very well re-
casing creative practice. It is a Community
sult. It’s also about experience and
Interest Company where profits are passed
inclusivity which can be rewards in
back into the community.
themselves.
It is creative, then within the broadest Heads in the clouds: Andrew Knutt (left)
‘We want people to be able to walk
sense, not just serving the artistic com- and Richard Holt.
through the door and engage, for there
munity yet visual art, music, literature and accompanying article). There are plans to be greater community ownership
cultural activities are very much at the to have a Saturday market where makers of our culture,’ says Richard.
heart of its vision. and retailers of fine creative works can ‘Very often,’ Andrew adds,’ what is
It has already established itself as an ex- be part of an indoor market. The centre considered culture is too exclusive or
hibition centre for the visual arts with the provides art talks, live music nights, a not accessible. ‘We want people to
third such exhibition from local artist Pat writing retreat, life drawing classes, take part and experiment.’
Preater beginning on the 12 March (see business lectures and talks – the list goes The building is the old memorial
on. hall next to the United Reformed
But the centre is not just about experi- Church. It is a large airy space though
encing events and attending courses, it the acoustics have proved a problem.
is also a facilitator. Putting design into However, a solution has been found
business is at the heart of the concept using suspended panels made from
of directors Richard Holt and Andrew sheep’s wool which absorbs the ech-
Knutt. Richard has 25 years management oes, provided by The Wooly Shep-
experience in business design training herd, itself a recent creative design
and Andrew is director of a local design success. Let us hope that many more
company, chair of the Somerset Design such successes follow in its wake and
Enterprise Network and a member of the that the centre develops into what it
board of Design South West. promises to be: an engine for local
Richard explains: ‘We are here to help, creative business and cultural devel-
a base to stimulate and exchange knowl- opment and an asset to the local com-
edge. We are about conversation above munity.
Contact Details
Creative Innovation Centre CICMemorial Hall
Paul Street Taunton Somerset TA1 3PF
Tel. 01823 337477
Email: info@creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk
CICCIC reception area and coffe bar
14

15. 15

16. A Life in Art
Pat Preater feels
that her art has
been her great ally
throughout her
life.
From her earliest years at primary school
it was the thing she excelled in and it
helped her not only with her art but later
on with other subjects such as biology
and geography. For her art ‘A’ level she
was allowed to travel two days a week to
Stroud Art School to study life drawing
and composition. She found the experi-
ence liberating. Not only was she study-
ing something she really enjoyed, but she
was working in a freer, less disciplined
environment.
After ‘A’ level her mum and dad were
wary about her continuing her art studies,
concerned that she would not be able to
get a decent job with an art qualification.
Her mum was a nurse and favoured her Tone near Taunton in 1964. In 1967, now energy I was getting from my art I was
either becoming a nurse or a secretary. with two boys, Jonathan and Jason, they able to teach.’ Whether she was teaching
Her father, was, however, she says, ‘won moved to their present home in Taunton. or at home, art was always, literally on
over by my enthusiasm.’ He had also It was nearly derelict and over the years the timetable. She would put together a
wanted to study art himself but had never they have put a considerable effort into planner dividing her time between her
had the opportunity. Once he was on-side renovating it. work and other duties and her painting
he became very supportive of her ambi- Pat took a part time teaching job at La- for, she says, ‘this reinforced my inten-
tion and she went on to study an interme- dymead School in Taunton where she tion to paint.’
diate course at Stroud for one year before remained for six years until the birth of At Somerset College she taught mainly
going to art college at Cheltenham where their third child, Edward in 1974. A fourth watercolours, though a Friday oil painting
she took a National Diploma in Design. child, Ruth, followed and it was not until class that she was told would not work
She recalls, ‘I loved my time at art col- 1988 that Pat took up teaching again, this also proved popular. The students joined
lege going out to sketch in the town be- time teaching adult education art courses the classes to enjoy an interest in painting
fore returning to the studio to create a at Somerset College. and drawing. Later on, a system of cred-
composition and drawing local Cotswold She always kept in touch with her own its was introduced which enabled entry to
architecture.’ The discipline of observa- art both while she was teaching and look- degree courses. When she finished teach-
tion was fundamental to the course and ing after her growing family. ‘I felt it just ing adult education classes in 2003 (after
included life drawing, clay work, weav- wasn’t me if I was not painting,’ she told fifteen years of teaching), most adult ed-
ing and etching. me. It helped that she taught part time. ucation classes were cut. She elaborated,
She then gained a teaching diploma in Pursuing her art was, in fact, critical to ‘There was a change from the belief that
Art at The West of England College in her teaching method. ‘My work gave me existed that education was all embracing
Bristol. She met and married Tom, whose an impetus to teach other people,’ she and available to everyone whether in full-
job took them to Wollaston near Stour- explained and then reinforced the no- time education or not.’
bridge, before a move to Bradford-on- tion by further adding: ‘Because of the She has an array of sketchbooks dating
16

17. cluttering fever tends to strike.
Take a look at these smart storage solutions.
ABOVE: Antique
Brown Wicker Stair
Basket, £20, All
Tidied Up.
LEFT: John Lewis
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door, three drawer
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SAGT offers artists and art lovers alike an oppor-
tunity to support the arts in Somerset while pursu-
ing our long term goal of acquiring a high quality
Permanent Somerset Art Gallery Collection. If
you are inspired by, appreciate and value the arts,
SAGT is for you – a community of like-minded art
enthusiasts helping Taunton to be a true Cultural
Centre! Our programme includes exhibitions, talks,
workshops, cultural outings events.
For membership information check out our website or
contact Jeremy Harvey (Chairman) on 01823 276421
11 March Talk on Rembrandt’s Late Self-Por-
traits by Jeremy Harvey, 7.00pm Conference
Centre, Somerset College, TA1 5AX.
12 March - 5 April Paintings by Pat Preater,
CIC, Paul Street, Taunton.
16 March Drawing Workshop led by Julian
Fraser 7.30 pm The Barn, Obridge House.
8 - 20 April Paintings by Ron Cann, Taunton
Library.
ALBURY HOUSE GROUP PRACTICE
10 Limited Edition
18 April Talk by Jenni Dutton Ingrid Hesling
7.30 pm The Barn, Obridge House, Obridge
Road, TA2 7QA.
Osteopathy To Book talks: 01823 276421 (admission: £5.00)
Sara Kennard Associates
01823 332871
Physiotherapy
Taunton Art Group
Established Maria Andrew Exhibition
25 years 01823 332070
18-23 March 2013
At Taunton Library
Chiropody (during normal library hours)
Marian Barnacle Associates
01823 322516 Painting,drawings, printmaking and 3
dimensional works by amateur and professional
artists original work and cards for sale
* Free Parking
* Ground Floor Treatment Rooms Contact us: 0788 0793 066 or 07817 807 259
* Wheelchair Access
17

18. A TALE FOR
OUR TIMES –
ON EXMOOR
A compelling story
of family and
ecological conflict
on Exmoor, set
against the cur-
rent financial cri-
sis and interwoven
with sexual rivalry
and obsession.
And at another
level, a reflection
on our planet as a tiny, living, teeming sward
- finite and vulnerable - and floating alone in
the dead sea of the universe.
PAN’S PRINCIPLE by SIMON PATRICK
A ‘MUST-READ’ NOW ON KINDLE – ONLY £0.99P
ginger fig gifts and gallery
1b Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER 01823
ginger fig gallery promotes artists and designers exclusively from
the South West, exhibiting new talent alongside established artists
18

19. back to her time as an art student when painting that is often commented on. ‘I am
she was 18. Sometimes she revisits them not aware of that when I am painting,’ she
and intriguingly believes that on occa- says,’It is just how it appears to me.’ These
sions she learns from her younger self. observational sketches are very often pen
As an example she shows me one of her and watercolour which are then worked up
old pen and ink sketchbooks and com- into oils. The still life are directly observed
pares it to a more recent one. To my eyes using oils. However, her still life paintings
they both appear very accomplished. are never one object in isolation but sev-
However, the style is different, with the eral grouped together. The space between
them and their relationship to each other is
an important part of the composition.
Unlike many artists, she does not ever
give up on a painting and consign it to the
rubbish bin if she does not like the way it
is going. She will alter and manipulate it Grace Cotinus
and find some way of getting the painting four years they travelled widely. She
to work even if it means ultimately over- shows me sketchbooks of Sienna and
painting it when she will often find a way of Manos in the heart of the Amazon,
of using the painting underneath by, for beautifully realised and accompanied by
example, letting some of the colour come elegant handwriting describing the trip.
through. And it was typical of Pat that once she
Sketchbook of Manos
We return to her sketchbooks, which ap- went back on board she was able to teach
pear to be miniature works of art on their a class on the cruise ship her method in
more recent ones portraying a more intri-
constructing her skillful compositions
cate but less flowing style. The pen she
– still using the energy from her own
now mostly uses are of the modern ink
work to teach others.
ball type, very handy to carry around and
good for intricate sketches but they do
not produce such a free flowing effect. It
is this earlier free flowing style that she
Pat belongs to the Somerset Society
intends to re-explore.
of Artists and the Chandos Society
Her style of art, generally, she believes.
at Bridgwater. She has found them
reflects her training at art school, based as
valuable as, she explains, ‘joining a
it was above all else on observation. She
society gave me an opportunity to
has tried painting in an abstract way but
show my work and to see the paint-
says she finds it difficult to ‘let go’ and
Conversation
ings outside of my own environment.’
paints ‘what she sees.’ However, at the
She has shown her work in several
same time, there is a complexity and con-
local and regional exhibitions such
trivance about some of her work which own account. After she retired she went as the South West Academy (Exeter),
give her paintings a particular style. She on a computing course. During part of the Bath Academy and the Royal West of
will observe a scene with a sketch and course they were asked to write about their England (Bristol), The Brewhouse,
then take that scene and populate it with hopes for the future. ‘I said I would like to Bridgwater Arts Centre and The Post
figures usually in conversation or at play. travel with my husband and sketch. Within Graduate Centre Bristol. See details
The figures are introduced from memory eighteen months that was exactly what I of her new exhibition below.
and sometimes appear in more than one was doing,’ Pat comments. For three to
painting (such as a yellow dog which
has made repeated appearances) and the
Pat Preater Art Exhibition
background, though it may have started
off as an observational sketch, may be-
come altered too. The faces of the figures
are often distorted to reflect a particular
12 March - 4 April 2013
aspect of their character. The Creative Innovation Centre, Memorial Hall,
She does also produce strictly obser- Paul St, Taunton TA1 3PF Tel. 01823 337477
vational paintings such as her recent one
of the apple tree which has been such a Email: info@creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk
part of her and her husband’s life in the www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk
forty-five years they have spent at their
house. It is full of colour, an aspect of her
19

20. Your local arts magazinetel. 01823 337742
email:lampmagazine1@gmail.com
OPEN DAY
www.lampmagzine.co.uk
Advertise in The Lamp
B E PA RT O F T H E D I S C O V E R Y
Saturday 4th May —10 am arrival
Please contact us to reserve your place
Co-educational day boarding: ages 13 –18 telephone: 01823 328204
admissions@kings-taunton.co.uk www.kings-taunton.co.uk
20

21. The Rural Living Show
is hosting a new spring
show at Taunton Race-
course in support of St
Margaret’s Hospice.
As part of the show the following
talks will take place over the two days.
Please check timings with the event
organisers (details at the bottom of the
pages):
Philip White of Hestercombe House and
Gardens:
‘Past and Future developments’
Robin Small of Charlton Orchards
‘Care and pruning of your Orchard’
Adrian Stallard of Lentells Accountants
‘Kitchen Table Businesses -working for
yourself not the tax man!’
Nicky Saunter of the Woolly Shepherd
‘Natural Acoustics - Innovating with
wool’
Nigel Cox of Bridgwater College
‘Spring preparation for a Blooming Sum-
mer’
Kate Tuke, Head Gardener of Killerton
‘Killerton Gardens’
John Addison of Bridgwater College
‘Plants for Wildlife’
Ingrid Hesling, Cinematographer
‘Purple Fields Productions – Rural Living
in Malawi’
Other features of the show include:
Over 100 indoor stands, with many
more outside
Plant and garden marquees
Eco-friendly and sustainability
stands
Ideas for both home and garden
Food hall, with cafe and a tasting
area for local produce
Craft demonstrators
Classic Car day on Sunday Please
Childrens entertainment
Fun Run with the NSPCC
use the
Contact details:
voucher
Tel. 01823 32 33 63 opposite to
Or during the show: 07989 10 97 07
E-mail: info@rurallivingshow.co.uk
gain free
Rural Living Show
Prioryfield House 20 Canon Street
admission
Taunton TA1 1SW to the show
21

22. Heads and Tales: Nigel Price
Winners of the Parlia- For the Ilminster gig they will be joined son to leave’, didn’t study at college,
by Vasilis Xenopoulos on tenor sax. De- but instead joined The Infantry, ‘I
mentary Jazz Award scribed by The Times as ‘One of the most was a bit too wild when I was young.
for Best Jazz Ensemble fiery young saxophonists around’, the It was a highly dubious decision and
Athens-born musician is a graduate from one that I regret some days.’ He got
2010, The Nigel Price Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of into music when aged 11, he and
Organ Trio play in a Music, and is highly regarded on the UK some school mates decided to form
modern, mainstream jazz scene. a band, ‘We all chose an instrument
style that focuses on
well-known standards.
Bandleader and guitar-
ist Nigel Price talks of
their return to Ilminster
Arts Centre, where they
will be joined by Vasilis
Xenopoulos on tenor
sax.
‘I played there in January with Alex
Garnett, Craig Milverton, Al Swainger
and Nick Millward’, recalls Nigel,
‘We had a brilliant night but I’m really
looking forward to getting my regular
guys down there and playing some of
the tried and tested material we have.’
The ‘regular guys’ who make up The
Nigel Price Organ Trio are a talented
bunch. Firstly there is Pete Whittaker,
described by Nigel as ‘The UK’s Ham-
mond organ authority and a seasoned
professional who just seems to instinc-
tively know when - and when not - to
pull the trigger and which sounds are
totally effective for each musical situ- Nigel Price
ation.’
Secondly there is Matt Home, a drum-
mer who, says Nigel, ‘is a force to be The musicians between them have per- right there on the spot and I just opted
reckoned with.’ His knowledge of jazz formed with everyone from Ronnie Scott’s for guitar.’
drums and jazz drummers throughout House Band to Ray Gelato, Scott Hamil- Nowadays Nigel is one of the top
history is invaluable to the trio. ‘It takes ton, Jim Mullen, John Etheridge and Toni UK jazz guitar players. He is a regu-
maturity to play like him - always for Kofi. lar performer at Ronnie Scott’s where
the music, never foregoing good taste Nigel, who grew up in Epsom, Surrey, he has racked up over 150 perform-
in order to impress technically’. and as he puts it, ‘never really found a rea- ances, and spent three years in lead-
22

23. Mel Reeves
Guitar Tuition
GCSE Composition Lessons
Music Technology Tuition
Music for Dressage
Songwriter’s recording service
‘A teacher of fantastic experience’
Guitar Techniques Magazine
Tel. 01398 371252
mel.reeves@btinternet.com
23

24. ing jazz funk band, the James Taylor
Quartet. Other projects include playing
with the Sheena Davis Group and the trio
recording an album with Alex Garnett and
Snowboy. The album Heads and Tales
was released by Woodville Records and
voted ‘5th best in the world, 2011’ by
Mojo Magazine who described it as ‘bril-
liant’ and ‘exhilarating’.
The Nigel Price Organ Trio was formed
around 2002 when Matt Home moved
down from Yorkshire and turned up at a
jam session. ‘I was knocked out by his
playing - the clarity of his ideas and his
swing feel was better than anything I’d
ever heard before’, remembers Nigel, who
called Pete Whittaker only to discover that
‘he had done his back in, lifting the damn
organ!’ It wasn’t until a year or so later
that the trio began playing together and,
says Nigel, ‘It was immediately apparent The Band
that we had something pretty special.’ ‘My style of writing suits a small group - the organist’, says Nigel when
The pairing of organ with guitar proved like this - punchy arrangements and loads asked who he would like to work
to be a winning combination for Nigel of room for improvisation’. with in future. ‘I like his vibe and
as the group won the Parliamentary Jazz The trio are currently recording their I reckon we’d get on pretty well
Award for Best Jazz Ensemble in 2010. fourth album. ‘We toured the material at stylistically’.
‘Working in this format you have a huge the back end of last year so we’re just With a career spanning ten years,
sound but communication is easy as there going to waltz in there and crank it out!’ thousands of gigs, and four al-
are only three members.’ explains Nigel. jokes Nigel. ‘I’m always writing and bums, The Nigel Price Organ Trio
practicing so things never stand still.’ is still very much in demand, and
The trio have also been asked to back the as Nigel puts it, ‘Life’s never dull
great US baritone sax player Gary Smuly- and there’s never enough time to
an, when he comes over to the UK in Oc- get everything done. Speaking of
tober, and in the spring Nigel is set to tour which – I’ve got to go and find
with UK jazz singer Georgia Mancio. the time to do some decorating!’
‘I’d like to bump into Dr Lonnie Smith
Hear The Nigel Price Organ Trio with Vasilis Xenopoulos
Performing on Friday 22nd March at Ilminster Arts Centre,
The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 70AN.
8pm. Tickets: £15 (£25.50 including pre-show supper at 7pm).
Box Office: 01460 54973 www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.
Vasilis Xenopoulis
24

25. March 2013 Events
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
Date Event Details Venue Time
4 Talk Lowry: Visionary Artist - Neroche DFAS Seavington Village Hall 2.30
Talk From Furnace to Hearth - Som. Ind. Archaeological Soc. North Town School 7.30
5 Comedy The Brig Society - Marcus Brigstock Brewhouse 8.00
Drama Anything Can Happen: Heathfield Year 11 Drama Festival Tacchi-Morris 7.30
6 Dance Russian Cossacks Brewhouse 7.45
7 Storytelling Grimm Grimmer - Martin Maudsley Saikat Ahamed Tacchi-Morris 7.45
Opera The Barber of Seville - Opera Up Close Brewhouse 7.45
8 Music Steve Gibbons Band Square Compass TBC
Music Toby Kearney Harvey Davies Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
9 Music T Rextasy: I Love to Boogie (Tribute band) Brewhouse 7.45
Music Spring Concert - Phoenix Singers St John Baptist Ch. Wellington 7.30
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Winsford Village Hall 7.30
9 Music Beethoven, Walton Brahms - Somerset County Orchestra Queen’s College 7.30
Music Duets for Jango Cossington Village Hall 7.30
10 Music Handel with Harpsicords - Kate Semmens, Collin Booth, Steven Devine St James Church, Taunton 7.30
Music Informal Music Song Session Halsway Manor 8.00
Music 4 Girls, 4 Harps - Christmas Concert Dillington House 8.00
11 Talk Late Rembrandt Self-Portraiture Som College, Conference Ctre 7.00
Music Haddo Wiveliscombe Congr. Church 8.00
12 Theatre Puppet Theatre: Hanging By a Thread - The Ding Foundation Tacchi-Morris 7.45
12-15 Music Folk: Mid-Week Break - Mary Ireson Halsway Manor TBC
12-16 Drama Snakes in the Grass: Alan Ayckbourn - Taunton Thespians Tacchi-Morris 7.30
13 Music Northumbrian Voices: Katherine Tickell Brewhouse 7.45
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Haslebury Plucknett Bible Ctr 7.30
14 Talk A Pablo Neruda Night - Graham Fawcett Seven Olympians Tour Brendon Books 7.00
Drama Songs of Innocence Experience - Heathfield Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
Music Guy Johnston - Cello with Navarra Quartet Brewhouse 7.45
14-16 Drama Dangerous Corner - The Barnstormers Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
15 Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Nether StoweyVillage Hall 7.30
15-16 Drama Wasted: Paines Plough - Birmingham Rep Roundhouse Brewhouse 7.45
16 Music Rob Harbron Miranda Rutter Halsway Manor 8.00
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Victoria Rooms, Milverton 7.30
Music J S Bach: St John Passion - Amici St Mary Magdalene 7.30
Music The Novello Years - Chris Davies Friends Trull Memorial Hall 7.00
17 Stories Art of Puppet Making - Somerset Storyfest Halsway Manor 2.00
Music Folk Rock: Jamie Smith’s Mabon David Hall, South Petherton 8.00
18 Music Piano Recital: Duncan McCririck Taunton Methodist Chapel 7.00
18-19 Dance Footloose: Surge Thrive Year 11 students Tacchi-Morris 7.30
19 Talk Clandestine Cake Club Talk - Emma Richards Brendon Books
20 Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Drama Under Scrutiny - Heathfield Year 11 students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
20-22 Dance Take Art County Youth Dance Platform Tacchi-Morris 7.30
20-23 Drama God of Carnage Warehouse, Ilminster TBC
21 Stories Beat It Speak It Tell It - Dom, Live Torc, Michael Loader Tacchi-Morris 7.45
Music Complete Madness (Tribute) Brewhouse 7.45
25

26. March 2013 Events
Events in date order. Contact details for most of the venues are given at the end of event listings. Please note, we do not
take any responsibility for errors or omissions. Please check with venue for timings and programme details.
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
Date Event Details Venue Time
22 Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Edington Village Hall 7.30
Music Ivana Gavric Milverton Concert Society 8.00
Music Jazz: Nigel Price Organ Trio Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
23 Storytelling Making Hi-Story: Somerset Storyfest Museum of Somerset 2.00
Dance Spotlight Dance Academy’s Annual Performance Show Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Music Marty Wilde The Wildcats Brewhouse 7.45
Drama The Glory of Friendship - Brewhouse Youth Theatre Brewhouse 2.00
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera North Curry Village Hall 7.30
Music Mendelssohn: Elijah Wellington Choral Society 7.30
Music Taunton Concert Band’s Easter Special Tacchi-Morris 7.30
Music Chris Farlowe Norman Beaker Band David Hall, Sth Petherton 8.00
24 Dance Spotlight Dance Academy’s Annual Performance Show Regal Theatre, Minehead 2.30
Talk A History of Royal Weddings - Tracy Borman Dillington House 2.30
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera King’s College 7.30
25 Dance Space Company Dancers Tacchi-Morris 7.30
26 Music Heathfield Community School Easter Concert Tacchi-Morris 7.00
27 Drama The Boy at the Edge of the Room - Forest Forge Theatre Tacchi-Morris 7.30
Talk Somerset and Bristol - James Osmond (Talk and Slideshow) Brendon Books 7.00
28 Comedy One Rogue Reporter - Richard Peppiatt Brewhouse 7.45
Storytelling Open Mic Thursday Brewhouse 8.00
29 Music Joey and the Jivers Lawns Soc Club Taunton 7.30
April 2013 Events
2 Film Harry Potter Pholosopher’s Stone Brewhouse 10.30
Film Harry Potter The Chamber of Secrets Brewhouse 2.00
5 Music Dave Martin’s Jabbo Five Ilminster 8.00
Drama Two Nations - the journeys of everyman Hatch Beauchamp V. Hall 8.00
Music Logic: Irish/Country Music Club Lawns Social Club, Taunton 8.30
6 Music One day Music Festival: young folk musicians, singers dancers Halsway Manor noon onwards
Show Guinness World Records Officially Amazing Science Live Brewhsouse 2.00/7.00
Music Live ‘N’ Up April Brewhouse Brewhouse Studio 8.00
7 Music The Rocky Monster Show - Hocus Pocus Oasis Regal Theatre Regal Theatre, Minehead 8.00
8 Drama Cube - Essential Theatre Company Tacchi-Morris 9.00
Talk The Great Age of the Poster - Neroche DFAS Seavington Village Hall 7.00
9-13 Show Taunton Scout Guide Gang Show Brewhouse 2.15/7.15
12 Music Abba2:Bjorn Belief (Tribute) Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
13 Music Irish Set Dance with Ceili Time, Maggie Daniel Lucy Taylor Halsway Manor 8.00
14 Talk Recent Lessons of History: Gen Sir Michael Rose Dillington House 2.30
Music Birds of Chicago David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
15-20 Show Sound of Music - Taunton Amateur Operatic Society Brewhouse 2.00/7.30
16 Film Mlle Chambon Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
26

27. April 2013 Events
Events in date order. Contact details for most of the venues are given at the end of event listings. Please note, we do not
take any responsibility for errors or omissions. Please check with venue for timings and programme details.
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
Date Event Details Venue Time
2 Film Harry Potter Pholosopher’s Stone Brewhouse 10.30
Film Harry Potter The Chamber of Secrets Brewhouse 2.00
5 Music Dave Martin’s Jabbo Five Ilminster 8.00
Drama Two Nations - the journeys of everyman Hatch Beauchamp V. Hall 8.00
Music Logic: Irish/Country Music Club Lawns Social Club, Taunton 8.30
6 Music One day Music Festival: young folk musicians, singers dancers Halsway Manor
Show Guinness World Records Officially Amazing Science Live Brewhsouse 2.00/7.00
Music Live ‘N’ Up April Brewhouse Brewhouse Studio 8.00
7 Music The Rocky Monster Show - Hocus Pocus Oasis Regal Theatre Regal Theatre, Minehead 8.00
8 Drama Cube - Essential Theatre Company Tacchi-Morris 9.00
Talk The Great Age of the Poster - Neroche DFAS Seavington Village Hall 7.00
9-13 Show Taunton Scout Guide Gang Show Brewhouse 2.15/7.15
12 Music Abba2:Bjorn Belief (Tribute) Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
13 Music Irish Set Dance with Ceili Time, Maggie Daniel Lucy Taylor Halsway Manor 8.00
Music Birds of Chicago David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
15-20 Show Sound of Music - Taunton Amateur Operatic Society Brewhouse 2.00/7.30
16 Film Mlle Chambon Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
18 Talk Art Talk: Jenni Dutton Ingrid Hesling The Barn, Obridge House 7.30
19 Comedy Jimmy Carr Wellsprings Leisure Ctre 8.00
Music Jazz: Allen barnes Jim Mullen Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
Music Just An Old Warhouse David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
20 Music Britten: Serenade, Simple Symphony. Bach Viol. Sonata-Sinfonietta St James’ Church, Taunton 7.30
21 Talk The Soldier Queen: Tessa Dunlop Dillington House 2.30
22 Drama Play in a Day: Heathfield Year 9 Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
23 Drama Three Hots and a Cot: heathfield year 11 Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
24-25 Music Talon: The Best of The Eagles (Tribute) Brewhouse 7.45
25 Drama Chelsea Hotel - Earthfall Tacchi-Morris 7.30
25-27 Drama The Rake’s Progress - Waterfront Thearte Company Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
26 Music The Aronowitz Ensemble Castle Hotel, Taunton 6.00
Dance There is Hope Brewhouse 7.45
Music Young Musician’s Concert St Michael’s Ch, Milverton 8.00
Music Ianus Consort: 18th Century Trio Ilminster Arts Cemtre 8.00
Coomedy Free Fringe Fridays Brewhouse Studio 8.00
27 Music The Aronowitz Ensemble Castle Hotel, Taunton 11.00/6.00
Music Carmina Burana - Taunton Choral Society Queen’s College 7.30
Comedy Brew Ha Ha! Comedy Club Brewhouse Studio 8.00
28 Music The Aronowitz Ensemble Castle Hotel, Taunton 11.00
Talk Time Traveller’s Guide to Elizabethan England - Ian Mortimer Dillington 2.30
29 Music Issy David Emeny with Kate Riaz Wiveliscombe Congr Ch 8.00
30 Drama The Marriage of Heaven Hell: Heathfield Year 11 Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
Talk Made To Last: Clerks Shoes - Mark Palmer Brendon Books 7.00
27

28. May 2013 Events
Events in date order. Contact details for most of the venues are given at the end of event listings. Please note, we do not
take any responsibility for errors or omissions. Please check with venue for timings and programme details.
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
Date Event Details Venue Time
1 Talk Art Talk: Laurence Dube-Rushby: A Thousand Sheep Brewhouse 6.00
Drama Much Ado About Nothing - Black Chair Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Dance May Day Celebrations Halsway Manor Dawn til dusk
1-3 Ballet Sleeping Beauty - Vienna Festival Ballet Brewhouse 5.00/7.00/8.00
2 Poetry Fire River Poets Readings Brewhouse Studio 8.00
3 Music Alan Hague Quintet Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
4 Music Acker Bilk His Paramount Jazz |Band Brewhouse 7.45
Music Live ‘N’ Up Brewhsouse Studio 8.00
5 Talk The Art of Byzantium - Ian Ainsworth-Smith Dillington 2.30
7 Film Where Do We Go Now? Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
8 Comedy Position Vacant, Apply Within: Julian Clary Brewhouse 8.00
9 Talk The Real jane Austen - Paula Byrne Brendon Books 7.00
9-10 Drama Count of Monte Cristo - Dir. Andy Burden Brewhouse 7.45
11 Comedy Jethro Brewhouse 7.30
Music Rock Roll Co Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Music Ahab support by LAzibyrd David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
Music John Kirkpatrick Halsway Manor 8.00
12 Writing Writing Retreat Creative Innovation Centre 10.00-4.00
Music The Brodowski String Quartet Dillington House 2.30
13 Talk Gardens of Cornwall Normandy - Neroche DFAS Seavington Hall 7.15
Music Vamm Wiveliscombe Congr Ch 8.00
15 Music Mugenkyo - Taiko Drummers Brewhouse 4.45
16 Drawing Workshop with Julian fraser The Barn 7.30
Comedy My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver Brewhouse 7.45
17 Music Rock and Roll: Black Cat Lawns Social Club, Taunton 7.30
Comedy Arthur Smith Exposed Brewhouse 8.00
Music Gabielle Ducomble Quartet Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
18 Show The Post Show Party Show Brewhouse 7.45
Music Richard Digance David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
19 Dance Week Long Dance Festival Big Event Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
22 Drama Charley’s Aunt - Creative Cow Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Music Fairport Convention David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
Drama 10 Minute Plays - Som College Operating Theatre Brewhouse 8.00
22-23 Show How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Bridgwater College 2.00/7.45
24 Dance Alice in Wonderland - Ballet Theatre UK Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Music Nicholas Mulroy (tenor) John Reid (piano) Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
25 Music Urban Voice in Concert Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Music Singer Songwriter Ange Hardy Wiveliscombe Congr Church 8.00
Comedy The Boy With the Tape On His Face - More Tape Brewhouse 8.00
Comedy Bre Ha Ha Brewhouse Studio 8.00
Music Martin Simpson David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
28 Music English Romantics in 20th Century - Mark Bebbington Friends Dillington House 8.00
28

29. Art Exhibitions
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
18 February - 10 March Woods For the Trees Gwyn Ardyth Sue Bishop Lutyens Gallery Hestercombe
19 February - 8 March Art Exhibition Artists 303 Ilminster Arts Centre
2 March - Saturday 13 April Cultivate 3 - The Trans-Local Network Brewhouse Taunton
2 March - Saturday 20 April Telluric Peter Messa The Brewhouse Taunton
12 March - 9 April 6th Annual Open Exhibition 2013 Ilminster Arts Centre
18 March - 23 March Taunton Library Please see advert for further details
8 - 20 April Art Exhibition Ron Cann Taunton Library Please see advert for further details
9 April - 22 April Incomplete Certainties Andy Rollo and Claire Mason Ilminster Arts Centre
23 April - 24 May Annual Exhibition 2013 Somerset Society Of Artists The Brewhouse Taunton
Tuesday 23 April - Friday 24 May Annual Exhibition 2013 Somerset Society Of Artists The Brewhouse Taunton
Contact Details
Barn, Obridge House. Contact: Jeremy Harvey. 01823 276421
Barrington Court Barrington Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0NQ 01460 242614
Brendon Books Bath Place Taunton TA1 4ER 01823 337742 brendonbooks@gmail.com
The Brewhouse Theatre Arts Centre Coal Orchard Taunton TA1 1JL 01823 274608 info@
thebrewhouse.net
Bridgwater Arts Centre 11-13 Castle Street Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3DD 01278 422 700
The Castle Hotel Castle Green Taunton TA1 1NF 01823 272671
Church St Peter St Paul Moor Lane North Curry Ta3 6JZ 01823 490255
The David Hall, Roundwell St SOuth Petherton. TA13 5AA 01460 240340 info@thedavidhall.org
Dillington House Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9DT 01460 258648 dillington@somerset.gov.uk
Enmore Inn Enmore Rd Durleigh, BRIDGWATER, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 2AW01278 422
052
Halseway Manor Crowcombe Taunton, Somerset TA4 4BD 01984 618274
Hestercombe Gardens Hestercombe Taunton TA2 8LG 01823 413 923
Hobbyhorse Ballroom Esplanade Minehead, Somerset TA24 5QP 01643 702274
Ilminster Arts Centre East Street ILMINSTER TA19 0AN 01460 55783
Oake Manor Golf Club,Oake Taunton TA4 1BA 01823 461992
Parish Church St John Wellington 72 High Street Wellington(01823) 662248
Porlock Village Hall Toll Road (New Rd), Porlock TA24 8QD 01643 862717
Queen’s Conference Centre Trull Road Taunton Ta1 4QS 01823 272559 contact@queenscollege.
org.uk
Regal Theatre 10-16 The Avenue Minehead TA24 5AY 01643 706430 mail@regaltheatre.co.uk
Richard Huish College 2 Kings Close Taunton, Somerset TA1 3XP 01823 320800
Silver Street Centre Silver Street Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 2PA 01984 623107
St Mary Magdalene Church Church Square Taunton TA1 1SA 01823 272441
St Mary’s Church Bridgwater St Mary Street Bridgwater TA6 3EQ 01278 422437 saintmarybridg-
water@gmail.com
St Mary’s Church Stogumber office.qtb@btinternet.com
St John’s Church Park Street Taunton TA1 4DG secretary@stjohnstaunton.org.uk
Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre School Road Taunton TA2 8PD 01823 41 41 41 info@tacchi-morris.
com
Taunton RFC Hyde Park, Hyde Lane, Bathpool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BU 01823 336363
Temple Methodist Church Upper High Street Taunton TA1 3PY (01823) 275765
Warehouse Theatre Brewery Lane, Ilminster, TA19 9AD Tel 01460 57049
29

30. ing the Links project, Creatives Club
“That little quaint hig- brought people together to network,
gldy – piggldy town inspire each other and share a vision.
Group members formed a not-for-profit
which is more like enterprise, Creatives Club CIC, to work
towards the goal of a dedicated artist-
a foreign quay than run space to support the needs of West
Somerset’s creative industries and give
any place I know.” them a visible presence in the heart of
the community.
The words of Victorian writer A.C. Os- home is limiting. The only suitable space Contains Art has obtained funding
born Hann sum up the quirky eccentric- is my living room which is no place to let from the Western Somerset Local Ac-
ity of a little harbour town that is the real rip with the paint”. tion for Rural Communities (LARC)
gem in West Somerset’s crown. Watchet, The first seeds of this exciting new scheme and Somerset County Council’s
an ancient port with boats, Hellikers Tea
Rooms and Yankee Jack, has inspired
many artists and writers over the years
and now with its frayed nonchalance is
gaining kudos as a thriving arts destina-
tion. The latest development is a kooky
project called Contains Art. Just as it
says on the tin, three shipping contain-
ers will be situated on the East Quay,
destined for use as artist’s studios, per-
formance and exhibition space. The con-
tainers will occupy a prominent position
overlooking the harbour and marina and
with glorious views are sure to inspire
great work.
One local artist who is delighted to
have been offered a seaside studio is An-
gie Wood, who has been looking for the
right space since achieving a Fine Art project were sown when local creatives Creative Industries Development Fund.
degree in 2010. As well as providing the began to meet regularly for a glass of cider Local businesses have also helped, such
ideal location to sell her paintings, she and a chat at Watchet’s Esplanade Club. as Watchet Glass and Glazing, who
welcomes the company and stimulation Facilitated by sisters Naomi and Jessica have donated some of their services,
of other artists and says, “Working at Griffith Prendergrast, as part of the Mak- Kalina Newman
The public launch is planned for
the May Bank Holiday. Creative
postcards are invited for the open-
ing exhibition, ‘Wish You Were
Here’. So why not send your en-
tries to ‘Contains Art, The Harbour,
Watchet TA23 OAJ’
For more information about Con-
tains Art email info@containsart.
co.uk
Angie Wood who will be a studio tenant
30

31. 31

32. Let Them Eat Cake!
Secret venues. Inspired Cake; plus stunning photography and
sneak-peek snaps from club events. At
themes. Fabulous cakes. last, the secret is out and everyone is
Across the UK and beyond, invited to join the Club.
thousands of home bakers Happily there is a branch of the Clan-
destine Cake Club in Taunton, one of
have been meeting covertly 150 branches, most of them in the UK.
in hidden locations with the To launch the Clandestine Cake Cook
same simple mission: bake, Book in Taunton, Emma Richards,
organiser of the The Taunton CCC
eat and gossip about cake. will be giving a short talk, showing
pictures from previous meetings and
These are the members of the phenom- answering questions along with fel-
enally popular Clandestine Cake Club low members at Brendon Books in
- and now, for the first time, they share Taunton on 19 March.
their baking secrets with you in the Emma’s fascination for cakes began
Clandestine Cake Cook Book. The rules when she used to vist her nans’s as a
are quite clear: no cupcakes, no muffins, young girl and help with the baking.
no brownies, pies or tarts. It’s all about She heard about the Clandestine Cake
cake! With each event organised around Club from The One Show last April.
a creative theme, the results are some of She hoped that one would start in
the most loved and inventive baked de- Taunton. When it did not she started
lights you’ll ever eat. From classic tea- one with her friend Kirsty. She found
time treats and chocolatey indulgences an obliging venue in Cafe Culture and
to global bakes and spectacular cake ex- the Taunton branch was begun.
travaganzas, you’ll find inspiring reci- The Taunton club now has a healthy
pes such as: Scrumptious Sticky Toffee 27 members though new members are
Cake; Smoked Chilli Chocolate Cake; always welcome with or without bak-
Blood Orange and Rosemary Loaf; ing experience.
Raspberry Cakewell; Rose, Rhubarb One of the central ideas is that the
Cardamom Cake; Chai-soaked Vanilla baking should take place at a series of
Sponge; a giant Lemon Fondant Fancy; venues, so if there is anyone out there
and the unmissable five-tier Rainbow who would like to offer a venue please
get in touch. Emma can be contacted
at: emrichas@yahoo.co.uk.
Meet The Taunton Clandestine Cake Club
Talk and Questions followed by cake
and an opportunity to buy the book!
7.00 pm on 19 March
at Brendon Books, Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER
01823 337742 email@ brendonbooks@gmail.com
Tickets, £4 redeemable against the purchase of the book
The cover of the Clandestine Cake Cook Book,
available from Brendon Books, details opposite.
32

33. The Real Jane Austen
work - a silhouette, a vellum notebook, a
topaz cross, a laptop writing box, a roy-
alty cheque, a bathing machine, and many
more.The woman who emerges in this bi-
ography is far tougher, more socially and
politically aware, and altogether more
modern than the conventional picture of
‘dear Aunt Jane’ would allow. Published
to coincide with the bicentenary of Pride
and Prejudice, this lively and scholarly bi-
Who was the real Jane Austen? Over- ography brings Austen dazzlingly into the
turning the traditional portrait of the twenty-first century.
author as conventional and genteel,
Paula Byrne’s landmark biography Paula was born in Birkenhead in 1967,
reveals the real woman behind the the third daughter in a large working-
books. In this new biography, best- class Catholic family. She studied at the The Sisters
selling author Paula Byrne, explores University of Liverpool and now lives ited. It was published worldwide by
the forces that shaped the interior life in Oxford with her husband, the Shake- HarperCollins, with the UK edition
of Britain’s most beloved novelist: her speare scholar Jonathan Bate, and their reaching the Sunday Times top ten
father’s religious faith, her mother’s three children (Tom, Ellie and Harry). She bestseller list in August 2009. Paula is
aristocratic pedigree, her eldest broth- is a Fellow of Oxford University’s Harris also the author of the top ten bestseller
er’s adoption, her other brothers’ na- Manchester College. Perdita: The Life of Mary Robinson
val and military experiences, her rela- Her previous book, Mad World: Evelyn (HarperCollins UK, Random House
tives in the East and West Indies, her Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead, USA). Paula’s first book, shortlisted
cousin who lived through the trauma told the story of Evelyn Waugh’s friend- for the Theatre Book Prize, was Jane
of the French Revolution, the fami- ship with the extraordinary aristocratic Austen and the Theatre, published in
ly’s amateur theatricals, the female family who inspired Brideshead Revis- 2002 and reissued in paperback by
novelists she admired, her residence Bloomsbury.
in Bath, her love of the seaside, her
travels around England and her long
struggle to become a published author.
Byrne uses a highly innovative tech-
nique whereby each chapter begins
from an object that conjures up a key
moment or theme in Austen’s life and
The Family Profile
Hear Paula Byrne
Talk and Questions followed by a book signing
7.00 pm on Thursday 9 May
at Brendon Books, Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER
01823 337742 email@ brendonbooks@gmail.com
Tickets £4.00 redeemable against purchase of the book
33

34. The Count of Monte Cristo
Director Andy Burden’s and the company performing the willow
pattern story), and believes that the The
love of storytelling and Count of Monte Cristo lends itself to
the theatre he believes this form of theatrical storytelling.
The Count of Monte Cristo also appeals
has its roots in his fam- to Andy because it raises moral and po-
ily upbringing in Wales litical issues which are relevant to our
time, when corruption within govern-
It was in part because of an unfortu- ment and local and national institutions
nate condition which meant he had and the morality and behaviour of large
poor eyesight in one eye and found commercial companies are bing called
it difficult to read. As a consequence, into question. The book is set against
his Grandad spent a good deal of time the background of profound political
reading to him. On Sunday evenings and social upheaval in France while on
he would read the bible and on Sat- a personal level, Edmund Dante, the
urdays Lambs’ Tales from Shakespeare. central character, not only has to grap-
His grandmother would also read to ple with the fact of the injustice to him-
him directly from her complete works self when he is falsely imprisoned, but
of Shakespeare after she had seen a the consequences of seeking revenge
production at the local theatre. Though which affects the innocent as well as the
school did its best to put him off Shake- guilty. There is also the question of the
speare, a visit from a theatrical group to morality of money and its relation to an
his school made up of a cast of just two individual and their perceived worth.
people, also made a great impression Dante is left largely unchallenged when
on him. They were telling the Willow he assumes the title of the Count of cigars they made were called Monte Cristo.
Pattern story and their only prop was a Monte Cristo, once it is known that he They told him it was because that was the
sheet. Yet he was affected by the power has money. title of their favourite book.
and simplicity of the storytelling. The idea for the setting of the play oc- Andy saw an opportunity for an interesting
Though Andy has worked for the curred after a discussion with a friend and powerful way of telling the story. The
commercial theatre on big productions, who had recently come back from Cuba. story is retold and re-enacted by three of the
he feels that the most important role is He had visited a cigar factory where workers in a cigar factory who quickly as-
to communicate a story to the audience the cigar makers were read to each day similate their characters in such depth that
and take them with you and that this while they worked. He asked why the we are transported to the reality of world of
can very often be done best with a small Dumas’ book.
energetic cast (just as Shakespeare did Andy has recently worked on a diverse Old World. For Stepping Out: Diary of
range of projects including perform- A Madman and The Inhabitants Of The
ances with The Natural Theatre Com- Moon Are Noses. Andy has also directed
pany in Slava Poulin’s Snow Show many shows and projects for Theatre West,
Congress of Fools in Moscow, co-writ- Innerroom, Big State, and The Theatre
ing and directing the highly acclaimed Royal Bath.
I Shot Den for Edinburgh, working with
Peepolykus at The Lyric Hammersmith
as associate and then tour director,
directing The National Youth Theatre
in Foot/Mouth at the Soho Theatre and
The Count of Monte Cristo
undertaking a six month contract as The Brewhouse,
Artistic Director of The Arc Theatre Taunton
Wiltshire Previous directing includes: Thursday 9 May
for The Tobacco Factory- Pinocchio,
A Christmas Carol, Alice Through The Friday 10 May
Looking Glass and Searchlights Over Box Office: 01823 283244
Bemmy. For Natural Theatre: A Night Please check to see if appearing
At The Bijou, Scarlatti In Paradise and
In The Eyes Of Cod. For Strangeface at an alternative venue
The Last Resort. For Prime Theatre:
Andy Burden
34

35. Alexandre Dumas
Alexandre Dumas is one of the most great English Shakespearian actor) and
widely read of french novelists. His in 1839, the most successful of his plays,
books have been translated into nearly Mademoiselle de Belle-Isle.
a hundred languages, and his life was Other affairs also followed (he was
as colourful as his novels. rumoured to have more than forty in his
He was born in 1802, the third child lifetime and at least three other illegiti-
of Thomas Alexandre Dumas, the il- mate children). He attached himself to
legitimate son of a marquis and a Ida Ferrer in 1835 and travelled to Na-
slave girl from San Domingo, Marie ples with her where he fell in love with
Cesette Dumas. His father, who mar- Catherine Ungher - and Italy. He mar-
ried Marie-Louise Elisabeth Labouret, ried Ida Ferrer in 1840 only for them to
died in 1806 in impoverishment, be separated four years later, the year
though he had previously had a distin- in which he began to serialise his two
guished career in which he had been a greatest novels, The Three Musketeers
general under Bonaparte in the Italian and The Count of Monte Cristo. More
and Egyptian campaigns. His, mother, books followed including a sequel to
therefore, had little money to spend on The Three Musketeers. He opened his
educating the young Alexandre. How- own theatre, The Theatre Historique, in Photograph 1855 by Nadar
ever, he was a voracious reader and 1847 where he showed several adaptions
his father’s distinguished career and of his novels. 1848 was a momentous 1853, he returned to Paris and started
aristocratic rank helped him acquire year, ‘the year of revolutions’, where, a newspaper, Le Mousquetaire and in
a position with Louise Philippe, the in France, Louise Philippe was de- the same year, the novel Ange Pitou.
Duke of Orleans, at which time he be- posed. Dumas unsuccessfully stood for In 1858 he founded Le Monte Cristo,
gan to mix with writers and artists. His parliament and though two books fol- a literary weekly and then spent some
son, also named Alexandre and who lowed (The Queen’s Necklace and The time in Russia where his books were
inherited his writing skills (He wrote Black Tulip), he went bankrupt in 1850. popular. In 1860 he met Garibaldi and
The Lady of The Camelias), was born Though Dumas had a good income from supported the Italian struggle against
in 1822, the result of an affair with his books he was extravagant and gener- Italy and found an Italian-French peri-
seamstress, Catherine le Bay. ous to his acquaintances who he would odical entitled L’Independente. In the
Though we know Alexandre Dumas often entertain in the large house he last 10 years of his life he continued to
best for his fiction, he first came to built outside Paris which he christened travel throughout Europe still produc-
prominence in the theatre and contin- The Chateau de Monte Cristo. He was ing dramas, novels, travel writing and
ued to write plays throughout his life. forced to sell it when he went bankrupt. journalism. He had a last love affair
In 1829 he had his first success with The year following his bankruptcy, with Adah Menken, a famous Ameri-
Henry III et sa couer at the Come- Louis Napoleon seized power and the can actress half his age. He died on 5
die Francais. Other successful plays Second Empire came into being, Dumas December 1870 in Dieppe.
followed: Christine in 1830, Antony joined Victor Hugo in exile in Belgium.
in 1831, Kean in 1836 (based on the In 1852 he published his memoirs and, in
Auguste Maquet
It is only in recent years that the extent of Maquet’s role in aiding Dumas with his nov-
els has been understood. He became Professor at the Lycee Charlemagne when he was
only eighteen. He trained as an historian though later turned to literature. Maquet’s role
appears to have been to outline the plot and the characters and he was thought to have
contributed to eighteen novels and many plays including the Count of Monte Cristo. His
name did not appear on any of the books though apparently he was well paid. It was a
fruitful relationship for many years until a court action by Maquet against Dumas for
non-payment of monies owed. Dumas wrote that the idea for The Count of Monte Cristo
was based on the story of Pierre Picaud, a French shoemaker who was falsely accused
by three jealous friends of being a spy for England while engaged to be married to a rich
woman. He was imprisoned in The Fenestrelle Fort and was the servant to a rich Italian
cleric who left his money to him when he died. When he left prison he took revenge on
his three false friends, stabbing two of them and poisoning the other.
Lithograph of 1847 by C Faber
35

36. Every Room Tells a Story: Chelsea Hotel
As the original Hotel any story - to a new generation, and to
know the cultural history’, says Jim, ‘but
Chelsea undergoes a it is not a documentary we are creating.
controversial face-lift, We will locate our own experiences and
reference our own performer’s biogra-
dance theatre company phies within the production, using some
factual and some fictional elements.’
Earthfall get set to reveal Jim founded Earthfall with Jessica
the poetry and tragicom- Cohen in 1989 with the aim of forging
radical choreography with live music
ic events from the iconic and strong visual imagery. Since then
New York hotel and its Earthfall have performed in many ma-
jor festivals all over the world, and have
place in contemporary won several awards for their live per-
formance and film work. These include
culture. the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Short
Film for ‘Too Old to Dream’, and The
Theatre in Wales Award for Best Dance
Dylan Thomas spent some of his last with ‘At Swim Two Boys’, which has
hours there, and Mark Twain was now been made into a film, due for re-
among the first of many authors to stay. Jim Ennis Jessica Cohen, the Artistic Directors
lease soon.
In song Leonard Cohen wrote of his af- ‘I went to hear her read from her book
Following on from Chelsea Hotel,
fair with Janis Joplin in ‘Chelsea Hotel - a beautiful account of a love affair be-
Earthfall’s next project looks set to take
#2’, and Bob Dylan described ‘Staying tween Patti and Robert Mapplethorpe’
them in a different direction and will be
up for days in the Chelsea Hotel writing explains Jim, ‘with him coming to terms
called ‘Stories from a Crowded Room’.
Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands’ for his with his sexuality, and Patti coming to
It will be a shorter, installation piece that
wife ‘Sara’. Jack Kerouac, Allen Gins- terms with her own creativity and artistic
berg, Arthur C. Clarke, Quentin Crisp, career.’
and Sid and Nancy are just some of the Jim, along with fellow Artistic Direc-
other legends that have passed through tor Jessica Cohen has visited the original
the doors of this infamous New York Hotel Chelsea in New York. ‘The place
hotel over the past 100 years. had an air of shambolic elegance’ recalls
Using a combination of radical dance, Jim. ‘It was chaotic with artists donat-
live music and film, the multi award- ing drawings and paintings in lieu of
winning Earthfall peel back-layers of rent. The building has charisma and has
history to reveal the stories-some true, always been a place of culture, created
some false-buried within its walls. organically from the ground up, but now
‘We had done a lot of research into the it seems like it’s becoming quite corpo-
New York art scene of the 50s and 60s rate.’
for The Factory’, explains Artistic Di- The Hotel, which first opened in 1884,
rector Jim Ennis, referring to a previous is currently undergoing refurbishment,
Earthfall production inspired by Andy and as a result many of the historic fea-
Warhol’s famous creative hub. ‘Out of tures including artists work have been
that, stories kept emerging of the events removed. This has proved controversial,
Jim describes as “a piece of architecture,
and people at the Chelsea Hotel. Like with some residents alleging these moves
a site-responsive piece of work where
Warhol’s Factory, the Chelsea Hotel be- are an attempt by the developers to force
the performers and the audience will be
came a place where artists found refuge, out existing tenants, some of whom have
immersed.”
and created an almost pseudo-family to resided there since the 1960s.
By Sara Loveridge
protect themselves.’ ‘I think it is important to tell stories -
One of the major influences on the
choreography and storytelling of Chel- See Earthfall perform Chelsea Hotel
sea Hotel has been Patti Smith’s ac- Thur 25th April at Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, School Road, Taunton. TA2 8PD.
count of the time she spent at the hotel 7.30pm. Tickets: £9, £7 Concessions, £5 Students. Recommended for those aged14+.
in the 60s, as documented in her book Box Office: 01823 414141. Website: www.tacchi-morris.com.
‘Just Kids’.
36

37. Let us forget with generosity those who cannot love us
Graham Fawcett is
coming to Brendon
Books in Taunton to
Neruda
talk about the poetry gi-
ant, Pablo Neruda, one
the
of the seven Olympians Olympian
of his lecture tour.
Graham explains the concept:
‘Over the twenty-seven centuries since
the first Olympic Games, athletes have School in London since 1997, devis- Graham Fawcett on Neruda:
been winning the hearts of their coun- ing and teaching new courses on poetry Such is the power of cinema that the
tries and often the world with feats of past and present from around the world. clearest picture many of us have of Pa-
physical and mental giftedness as near He has written and presented radio pro- blo Neruda’s life and work is, thanks to
to miraculous as anyone can imagine. grammes about literature and music on the 1994 film Il Postino: The Postman,
Go to Olympus and join the Olympic BBC Radio 3 for many years. His verse that he was on Capri in 1952 living for
crowds in ancient times, however, and translation of Dante’s early love poems, the first time with Mathilde Urrutia,
you would also have seen poets on La Vita Nuova, was a BBC Radio Dra- the woman who would share the last 28
hand to write works in praise of the new ma commission broadcast on Radio 3 years of hisife, and that he understood
champions. as A Voyage of Sighs directed by John about love.
Seven Olympians reverses the process Theocharis. Whether in enforced exile, as on
by staging lectures in praise of Ovid, Graham studied Classics at Christ’s Capri and visiting many of the world’s
Geoffrey Chaucer, Lord Byron, Alexan- Hospital, where his love of poetry be- capitals, or as a diplomat in Burma,
gan while translating the great English Ceylon, the Dutch East Indies, Spain
poets into Greek and Latin. He read during the Civil War (his in memoriam
Archaeology Anthropology and Eng- poems for Lorca, a friend, stun eye and
lish at Cambridge, and has worked for ear), France and Mexico, Neruda trav-
Southern Television, Southern Arts, the elled effortlessly; as a result, his poetry
British Institute of Florence, the Arvon carries the authentic charge of his en-
Foundation and Art History Abroad. He counter with dramas of land and sea
taught translation at Goldsmiths College and the unfolding of history.
for fifteen years from 1991, and now The love poetry offers the gloriously
lectures on both poetry and translation at double intimacy of an open heart to the
universities in the UK, Italy and Spain. beloved and friendship’s confessional
He has been a mentor for Exiled Writers to the reader, while his political nerve,
Ink, and is a trustee of Outside In World, exquisitely incisive and moderate, in-
the children’s world literature charity, spires fellow feeling beyond borders.
and President of the T S Eliot Society Nobel Laureate in 1971, Neruda has
(UK) - www.eliotsociety.org.uk. He has been hailed by Gabriel Garcia Mar-
der Pushkin, Charles Baudelaire, Emily lived in Italy and French Catalonia and quez as the greatest poet of the twenti-
Dickinson and Pablo Neruda, seven now lives in London. eth century in any language.
poets who became and have remained
national and international heroes for
their uniqueness of voice, intensity of Pablo Neruda Night at Brendon Books
wonder at the world, formidable output, Thursday 14 March 7.00pm
and sheer prowess on the page.’ Tickets: £10 from Brendon Books, Bath Place,
He has been a tutor for The Poetry
Taunton TA1 4ER 01823 337742
email: brendonbooks@gmail.com
37

38. Somerset Bristol
When James Osmond away. Britain is a land that bears the
scars of thousands of years of human
returned to the UK and habitation. Although this means that it
to Bristol after a year no longer has any significant areas of
true wilderness, it also means that the
photographing the dra- landscape has had long enough to set-
tle into its co-existence with the human
matic landscapes of population.
Australia and New Zea- Winding country lanes, patchwork
fields and ancient church towers, are
land he was concerned just some examples of the time-sof-
that the West Country tened scars inflicted on the land, that
have now become central to its aes-
landscape would ap- thetic appeal. Human history is writ-
ten deeply into the landscape of Britain
pear tame by compari- and nowhere is this more noticeable
son. However, he need than in Somerset.’
ing web design, film making, business
James’s route to photography was an
not have worried. indirect one. As a ‘clueless 17 year old’ planning and digital photography tech-
he was not sure what he wanted to do niques. I was in my element and didn’t
but was clear that he wanted to work want to stop so once I graduated from
outside and was not interested in be- this course, I immediately plunged into
coming rich. the unpredictable world of freelance na-
‘In hindsight, I can see that the problem was ‘I thought a degree in Zoology might ture photography.’
one of novelty. When you have grown up suit me, so I went to Nottingham Uni- The result of his endeavours is a new
and lived all your life in the same country, versity to do just that. It’s a fascinating photographic book which covers the
you are naturally accustomed to your sur- subject and I loved the fieldwork, but historic county of Somerset (the mod-
rounding landscape and inclined to take for there was one module that stood out for ern counties of Somerset, North Somer-
granted the qualities that make it special. me. That was the module on Biological set and Bath and North East Somerset)
Spending a year away in such a different Photography. which boasts three areas of outstanding
environment as Australia and New Zea- In 2001, a year after graduating from natural beauty, one unesco World Herit-
land allowed me to return to Britain with my Zoology degree, I was heading age Site and a National Park. He also
fresh eyes and as I set about surveying the back to Nottingham University to take covers the city of Bristol which borders
green spaces surrounding Bristol, I was my place on the newly launched MSc the historic county.The author takes us
aware of a subtle yet profound quality of course in Biological Imaging. This on a journey through the seasons of
the landscape that I had missed while I was was a very intensive year during which Somerset and Bristol in a collection of
I learned all sorts of things includ- stunning photographs.
James Osmond will be
showing slides and
talking about his book
at Brendon Books
Bath Place Taunton
TA1 4ER
Wedensday 27 March
at 7.00pm
01823 337742
Tickets £4.00
38

39. Made to Last
Eventually, shareholders voted to reject
This is the story behind the bid. The company was reorganised
with all its lines made outside the coun-
an iconic British brand try. This meant the closures of all UK
that is approaching its factories and the laying off of hundreds
of Clarks employees. But the result has
double century. Clarks’ been a transformation in the company’s
reach extends to all cor- fortunes. In 2010 its profits were over
GBP 100 million and its retro desert
ners of the globe and boots and other styles have become the
height of fashion, especially in China
yet it remains a family- and America.
owned business firmly Mark Palmer has been a journalist all
rooted in its Quaker ori- his working life as a news editor on the
Daily Telegraph, Executive Editor of
gins. the Daily Express and, latterly, as Trav-
el editor of the Daily Mail. His inter-
est in Clarks emanated in part from the
This is unlike other well known Quaker fact that he is a direct descendant of the
firms like Cadburys, now part of US gi- Quaker George Palmer, who began the
ant Kraft. biscuit firm that was to become Huntley
Founded in 1825 by two brothers, Cyrus ies and recreation halls were built - and and Palmers in 1841. William Palmer
and James Clark, the company began as a trade unions banned. As the sun set on was an executor of founder Cyrus
rug-making operation in the then tiny vil- the British Empire, Clarks opened up new Clark’s will and, in fact, the Palmers
lage of Street, Somerset. One day, James frontiers across the world. Clarks brand were one of several Somerset families
Clark began making slippers from off- logo became one of the most famous which bailed Clarks out in 1863 when
cuts of rugs and found that people wanted in the world. Every parent in the 1950s the company came perilously close to
to buy them. Slippers became shoes and swore by Clarks shoes for their children bankruptcy. Part of the fascination for
boots - and a business was born. as well as buying them for themselves. Mark, in addition to exploring his own
Over the years it has had its ups and But increased competition from within Quaker roots, is how the company has
downs but it has always strived to remain the UK and overseas saw concerns for retained its old fashioned ethos of qual-
true to its Quaker values in its commit- the future heightened during the 1980s. A ity and service and yet been an inno-
ment to the well-being of its workforce hostile bid for the company in the early vator and remained at the forefront of
and the local community. Schools, librar- 1990s saw the board and the family split. technological change.
Mark Palmer
will be talking about
and signing copies of
Made to Last
at Brendon Books
Bath Place Taunton
TA1 4ER
on April 30th
at 7.00pm
01823 337742
Tickets £4.00
39

40. A fitting Remembrance
Linda Cole, widow of John highlighting all the aspects of John’s
Cole, shares her experience life, his achievements, his passions, his
of the funeral tribute aspirations and work for his commu-
nity, were delivered by Hilary Marshall
At 2 p.m. on Friday, 1st February, the and Chris Davies. Hilary read a telling
Church of St. Mary Magdalene Taun- passage from the last chapter of John’s
ton was full to the brim with close to novel, “ Resolution”. As his death was
six hundred colleagues, musicians the result of a dramatic onset of Motor
and music lovers, previous patients, Neurone Disease, these words served as
friends and family members who had hope and balm for the soul. The clergy,
assembled to celebrate the life of John the Reverend Rod Corke and the Rever-
Hugh Cole. The introit for the entry end Terry Stokes gave other insights in- a smile “John is already making plans
of the coffin was “If ye love me” by cluding the seventeen years when John for auditions from among the heav-
Thomas Tallis. John’s choir, Amici, and Terry together looked after Wel- enly choirs”. There could be no more
now under the direction of Andrew lington “body and soul”! At the end of fitting place for the reception than
Trewhella, sang with commitment the day, the man who made music had the buzz of the Music School and the
and love. Rarely has been heard music made for him. The recessional quiet reflective peace of the Chapel
such beautiful singing. Three spe- Hallelujah chorus, John’s choice, was at Taunton School, where John devel-
cially selected traditional hymns were rousingly sung by congregation/audi- oped his love of music and went on
enhanced by descants written and ence and choir, joined by the exciting from there to study medicine.
provided by Andrew and the organ- sound of two trumpeters from Orchestra
ist, John Young. Stunning eulogies, West. As one mourner commented with Linda Cole
There was a grand re-
opening at Ilminster
Arts Centre on Mon-
day 14 January
Three of the Exhibiting Artists
Handmade pennants depicting local
scenes by South Somerset Embroi-
derers’ Guild were unveiled.
In the Gallery, a brand new exhibition
was launched by Ian Wait of Bran-
ston (sponsors of the Annual Open)
Thanks to support from NatWest
Community Force, the Gooch Char-
itableTrust, South Somerset District
Council, and customer donations, Leo Davey is from a Jane Bradley is the only
Ilminster Arts Centre has been able Andrew Sutcliffe, printmaker exhibited.
Retired art teacher. He family of artists who
to carry out much-needed refur- have all gone in slightly Has returned to art after
bishment works over the Christmas always maintained his an 18 year gap. Thinks
painting style while different directions.
break. This included upgrading the He studied art illustra- her work is a lot freer
Café Kitchen, installing new light- teaching. He finds that and more abstract than it
now in retirement he tion and now owns his
ing in the Gallery and painting the own studio and shop used to be and finds that
Arts Centre internally. Thanks were can attempt a looser screenprinting methods
painting style. in Minehead. He also
expressed to all volunteers who produces stylised land- have changed a lot for
have assisted with this. scapes. the better,
40

41. The First Fire River Poets
Poetry Competition
place and the poem is infused with a
The Fire River Poets sense of fun coupled with a warm hu-
first poetry competi- manity that gradually won me over.
Third Prize goes to Graham Burchell
tion took place dur- for From a Table of Winds. The imagery
ing the second half in this poem is often quite surreal and
quirky (‘A cloud approaches. It’s the
of 2012 with the re- size of a housing estate’). In this, the
sults announced at local to Somerset but perhaps in the fu- style is similar to Mark’s. To mention
the ostensible subject – a gust of wind
the beginning of 2013. ture also in the wider context of the South blowing stuff about – gives little idea of
Chairman of the Fire West of England. the worth and originality of this poem.
I didn’t deliberately set out to produce
River Poets, John The Competition report a final shortlist of ten poems. It just so
Stuart describes the An Judge Anthony Watts follows: from
the
amended version of the report happened that after I had found reasons
for rejecting as many as possible I was
background to the left with ten that refused to be ignored.
The hardest part of judging a competi-
competition. tion is deciding which of your shortlist
Here then, in no particular order, are
the seven remaining poems, to each of
of really good poems is the best. All of which I have awarded a special com-
Congratulations must go to the mem- them were selected because of some spe- mendation.
bers who drew up the rules, organised cial quality that marked them out from
publicity, took receipt of entries and the rest. After living with the shortlist Highly commended (in alphabetical or-
fees for the very smooth and efficient for several days, during which I changed der):
job that was done under the supervi- the order several times, I finally decided Anne Kealy for the poem Wordless
sion of Chrissy Banks. to award first prize to Mark Totterdell’s Dream, Jonathan Pinnock for the poem
The winner received £100, £75 and strikingly descriptive poem Wasp. This Bloody Italians, Mark Totterdell for the
£50 respectively for first, second and is the kind of poem where you know the poems Pet Shop, Pied Wagtails and The
third place. A number of poems were poet has held the subject in the focus of Kelt., Peter Wyton for the poems Robots
also commended. his imagination until exactly the right on Robots and The Comma in Water-
The entries were, as is now common- words appeared on the page (‘its mini- stones.
place, judged ‘blind’ in that the adju- monster face / with forelegs poised like
dicator, Anthony Watts, was unaware paws’). Through brilliant use of imagery, I’ve been on both sides of this competi-
of who wrote the poems he received it shows you the familiar in an unfamiliar tion malarkey, so I’m aware that the one
in the post. way. After reading this, I will never look thing you’re dying to know, apart from
These poems will now be published at a wasp in quite the same way again. whether you’ve won, is how many en-
on our website (www.fireriverpoets. Sister Hildegard by Annie Fisher (sec- tries there were. If you don’t know that,
org.uk) and the poets are all to be invit- ond prize) appealed to me for quite differ- the results don’t mean very much. Yet
ed to a special reading of these poems ent reasons. This one was a slow burner. surprisingly few competitions bother to
and others of their choice at a reading It started off well down the shortlist and tell you. Not so this one. The final total
on Thursday 2 May 2013 (venue to be slowly climbed to second place as I came of valid entries received was 245 poems.
announced). to like it more with each successive read- If you reached the shortlist - well done.
Fire River Poets intend that the in- ing. In contrast to Mark’s bold metaphors, If you are a prizewinner – very well
come gained through the competition Annie’s language is straightforward, con- done. If neither - better luck next time.
will be used to develop and expand versational and unassuming, but it reads
their poetry-based activities, mainly beautifully. There’s not a word out of
41

42. FIRST PRIZE So there we were, singing softly:
“Hark! I hear the foe advancing,
Hildegard’s great sandals prancing.
Wasp Sh-sh-sh......she’s coming!”
In high-vis tabard, it’s the hazchem symbol
Dear, shy Hildegard, we meant you no harm.
for itself; all chevron segments,
Anyway, we knew
points and angles, dangling undercarriage.
Your guardian angel could see in the dark.
It’s jasper
And, to be sure, there was never a slip,
the picnic villain, seeking to steal the sweetness
Not a curse, not a cry.
from the glass. Those hazy wings,
Just the creak of your careful feet,
sugar-fuelled, keep it buzzing through
And a reassuring mustiness,
the stump of summer.
As you wafted by.
It seems so other – meshed eyes, the oddity
Annie Fisher
of exoskeleton – as if it had scouted out
from some domed, humming, matt-grey
mothership,
THIRD PRIZE
but when it wipes its mini-monster face
with forelegs poised like paws, can you not sense From a Table of Winds
the subtlest of tugs on those tight-wound strands
that bind us into kin? A seafront diner dedicated to Geronimo
has dream-catchers, fluffy tomahawks
Mark Totterdell and prints of him looking disgruntled.
Every object is beaded and feathered.
Being feather phobic I choose to sit outside.
The air is still.
SECOND PRIZE There’s the arc of a polystyrene cup
lifted from table to lips. Silence
Sister Hildegard
interrupted by a slurp, a gull’s scream
Sister Hildegard disturbed the air lightly and harder breaths as I free a sandwich
With the musty odour of nunliness, from its wrapping. A fly and a wash of breeze
Slept under shivering blankets, feather my face. My napkin shudders.
In the room abutting the boarders’ dormitory.
A cloud approaches.
Each night at ten, after chapel prayers, It’s the size of a housing estate.
Her large feet, in a pair of men’s sandals, Behind it a cherub flies, cheeks inflated
Creaked along the corridors and up the spiral stairs, like the child on the next table.
Past our whispering, giggling beds
To her tiny, white-walled cell. Light dims. There’s a chill.
Tables become rinks:
One night we set booby traps: my cup, three-quarters empty, skates, spins,
Soap on the door knobs, sprays tea into the cherub’s blown breath.
A sticky-out-drawer,
Slippers, hairbrush, flannels on the floor... Paper, plastic spoon and wrappings
are hovercrafts. My napkin becomes
O blest, irretrievable, innocent days an airborne ghost of the gull I saw yesterday,
Of Bunty comics and ballet shoes, tripping over rocks with its broken wing.
And interlock knickers with pockets in regulation grey,
My perfectly pointless first bra: thirty double A... Graham Burchell
42

43. ‘Great Expectations’ fulfilled
huish | EVENTS
The 2012 Brunner Prize
Creative Writing Competi-
tion, organised by Richard
NTS
Huish College of Taunton,
was judged and awarded
in November 2012. Sue
Morkane, English teacher
at Huish and critical to the ‘Great Expectations’ was one of the
Bleak House
organisation and devel- seven titles basedon the Hearth
The Cricket
on Charles Dickens’
work (and in honour of his bi-cente-
2012
ond year in a row for his original and im-
pressively crafted take on ‘Hard Times.’
The judges (the Richard Huish College
2012
ak House opment of the competi- nary Great Expectationsstimulus
this year) that was the
tion, describes the award for the annual Brunner Creative Writ-
et on the Hearth Hard Times
English Department and creative writing
tutor and writer Julie Boyer) commended
Expectations evening. ing competition. This is the fifteenth the very high quality of the writing.
d Times year The Ghost’s Bargain been
that partner schools have The Taunton Academy’s Emily Beau-
ost’s Bargain involved and Curiosity Shop
The Old there was an impressive champ was a fitting winner of the Brun-
Curiosity Shop standard of workTwo Cities
A Tale of from seven schools: ner Competition’s sister award, The Lucas
of Two Cities Bishop Fox’s, The Castle, Courtfields, Cup for Artistic Writing. She too chose a
Heathfield, Kingsmead, the Taun- passage from ‘Great Expectations’ to il-
ton Academy and, for the first time, lustrate and created an evocative compo-
the wider Somerset area: Norton Hill sition with delicate penmanship.
School, Midsomer Norton. Winners collected their awards at a Pres-
The Brunner Cup went to Richard entation evening held on 20th November
Huish College student Zoe Backhouse, in the college’s Main Hall. An apprecia-
whose ‘Great Expectations’ was one tive audience listened to members of the
of the best entries yet: a very modern English department reading extracts of
piece of work that explored the think- the winning entries. An extremely pleas-
ing of a young musician as she played. ant evening was concluded with wine and
r entries:
October The partner school’s award went to refreshments.
Deadline for entries:
Sam Dunnett (The Castle) for the sec-
Friday 26th October
Zoe Backhouse, the winner of the though she quickly adds that she
Brunner Prize is a student in the does not have issues with control-
lower sixth of Richard College ling parents herself.
studying English literature, classi- Her main influence lies in the
cal civilisation, English language, American writer Lorrie Moore’s
French and drama and hopes to short stories. ‘Her collection called
carry on with English at Univer- ‘Self Help’ really inspired the voice
sity. of the short story, she says. ‘It is
The inspiration for her short sto- definitely Lorrie Moore’s style
ry is her background in music. Un- which formed the ‘how to’, impera-
til this year, when she had to focus tive persona of Great Expectations.
on her academic studies, she had She is a fantastic writer.’
been part of a choir and played
music in a band. She has, she says, The complete short story is repro-
‘grown up knowing children with duced on the following pages.
pushy parents who themselves did
not make it in the music industry, Left, Emily Beauchamp, winner of the Lucas
Cup and right, Zoe Backhouse, winner of The
Brunner Cup
43

44. Short Story
keys down and slaps her ankle against the
Great Expectations skirting board. Sit directly above her in
Laugh as thick globules roll over his taut
skin, reaching out, grasping his ears, his
your room. Listen. Floss your bow with hair. Hoot as spit penetrates his mouth
By Zoë Backhouse rosin. The G is flat. Tune it. Hum the Bee and floods his windpipe. Shriek when
Gees whilst flicking to the third movement. he chokes, when he splutters, when he
Fancy you can smell your eyeballs burn- Hear her footsteps outside your room. gasps. Howl when, like a nostalgic
ing because you’ve looked at the sun too ‘Claire.’ fountain, saliva punches through his
long. Flick your lids openshut. Watch Take in her damp hair, her dishevelled pale, pressed suit, and explodes with
the sun’s shape morph into squares and clothes. Notice a rip in her trousers. Feel slow, satisfied pops.
rectangles, and ooze into the edges of slightly grossed out by the eye of flesh. ‘What are you looking at Claire?’
your vision. Feel a flat pain stirring in It is pale and rippled. Resolve to remain Mutter a response.
the side of your head. Light floods your thin. Fade back into mindless memories.
view. Scrunch up your face in revul- ‘How was your day, Mother?’ Tap the lino with your patent leather
sion. ‘I was knocked off my bike, Claire.’ shoe. Notice a spattering of mud on
‘Steve. Claire’s doing it again.’ Feel Feel surprised at her bluntness. Nod, un- the left shoe (ironically it mirrors the
your father’s shadow on you. He is cran- derstanding. Worry she needs help, or a recent outbreak of spots on your nose).
ing his neck over the pushchair. Know hug. Look around; find inspiration from Wonder why the previous interview is
his pupils are sombre and wide.’ your conservative whitewashed room. taking so long. See a man hurry past,
‘Claire. Stop it.’ He says slowly and Ask: ‘Are you okay?’ lugging a tuba. Notice a loose stitch in
carefully, like a hammer testing a nail. Watch her straighten. Notice her nod. his jumper.
* You’ve done the job. Relax. Reflect on the day she died.
Study Mrs Walters carefully. Trace her Tottering downstairs, she will sort herself Wonder whether the bike crash jolted
face’s contours onto your thigh and fill out and research diabetes’ influence on her fattening tumour. Wonder whether
them with paint. Feel wheezy at the the younger generation. After this, know she knew all along. Hate her for not tell-
sweep of her hand up her cello’s neck. she will file everything away in her ring ing you. Hate your father for his hard
Drum your fingers. Itch to play. binder and use paper polos for reinforce- and square tears. Think of his marble
‘Someone, somewhere, is always play- ments. You will share her satisfaction in skin. Think of the surface of your cello.
ing Elgar.’ this but she will not see you, at the door- Feel a roll of nerves again. Inhale. Kick
Slump at your father’s voice. Hate Mrs way, as she moves away from her desk and your legs against the chair. Try to forget
Walter’s sheepish smile and plan multi- makes towards the kitchen. She will then them wheeling her in to the ambulance,
ple ways of destroying her. Decide to cook pasta, or quinoa. You will eat duti- her head lolling stupidly to the side, you:
cut up her cello strings and then twist fully. She will clear, murmur goodnight, void of words or thoughts, your hands
them round her neck until her eyeballs and bumble upstairs at 8:30. Your father trembling, fumbling for an already gla-
fall out. will roll his eyes. cial hand. Clench your jaw. Taste your
Steve. She doesn’t like her, Steve. She is pathetic. tongue in your mouth. Rush through the
She’s not leading a normal life. Think this as you watch her, slumped piece in your head. Stumble at dimin-
Julie is the best around. She’ll take her against your doorframe. Think it all in the ished sevenths in the second movement.
places we could never dream of. gasp of time it takes her to straighten up. Tense your neck. Jump: she is ready for
Try the dotted rhythm Mrs Walters Work your brain in flashes. Turn back to you now.
is suggesting. Think of mother’s new the music and click your neck to the right
polka dot bag and its dead cow smell. like the men do in movies before they *
Close your eyes a bit while you’re play- fight. Imagine the sound of bones. Taste Feel the beams of their eyes in the dark-
ing. Lean into your cello’s body. Forget your new candy lip balm that you stole ness. Watch the dust particles, dancing
Mrs Walters’ smudged lipstick, your fa- from that disabled girl. Lift the bow. In- to the whirrs of the cameras. Reckon
ther’s hand on her chair. Lean on the C hale; ready. you can hear their swooping sniggers
sharp and dance with the scale. Imagine * amongst the shushed and hushed crack-
popping each of the notes like perfect As you sit, waiting to be called for the au- ling of a million salted crisps.
bubbles, blue and silver on your pointed dition, remember this. Remember it now Swing your bow round to the spines
tongue. Wonder if you can go to Bella as you eye your father eyeing you. of four strings. Bounce each one. Test
Hoffman’s for tea. Picture yourself projecting a line of sa- their metal tautness. Position your skirt
* liva at his blank face. Watch it slip down around you. Shift its waves of silk, their
Your mother slams the door as she comes the bridge of his nose, seep into his tear vastness trapping you with a grand ges-
home from the office. She throws her ducts, dribble down to his flat mouth. ture of condescension. Blush. Wonder
44

45. Massive spring sale
20% off new books from stock until the end of March*
Named as one of the top 50 of all bookshops in the UK
by the Independent Newspaper in February 2012
BOOKS: New Old
Ordnance Survey Map Stockists
01823 337742
brendonbooks@gmail.com
www.brendonbooksonline.co.uk
*Excludes local books and books by local authors
45

46. if anyone realises you’re wearing the bra burning horsehair. Lick the cracks off ment. It nods. Its eyes are wide. Its
your father binned when he saw you’d your lips and taste an echo of candy- innocence stifles you.
bought it instead of the mute. pink lipstick. Grip the cello’s neck, so Sway under the imbalance of your
Cock your head to each sound. Smile. familiar in your sweaty clench. slumped shoulders; great expectations
Smirk. Know you’re good. Know you’re Picture its launch, an arc of wood and waltz with smoke and begin to strangle
better than most, better than those other light and dust. Imagine the stream of air you. Through the light and dust and
competitors sitting backstage, surrounded fizzing through the strings. They will smoke it pleads.
by fraught, frail mothers and fathers and sing for one last time. Your tears will I am not him.
teachers. They live vicariously. Know this be whipped into the whirlwind and will I was never him.
is worth more than another’s pretty face, splash the fire. It too will fizz and splut- The fire, disappointed now, licks the
more than a witty mind. Know you’re ter with this new body of food. Smug air with quietening flames. Hug the
good enough to win. boas of smoke will announce victory cello’s slender shoulders. Like the
Know your father will be proud, his hours and it will all be over. eternal lover, curl round its hips. Rock
of calculations, of silent decisions, of blank, It will all be over. with its weight. Slow.
blanketing pressure finally paying off. Finger the strings, lost in rebellion’s Someone, somewhere, plays Elgar.
Think you have a void inside your struc- image. It nudges your thigh. Glance But today, darling, it will not be you.
ture, gnawed at by missing birthdays, ab- down at the bowed head of your instru-
sent embraces. Drip in your stale pre-re-
hearsed passion. Feel melodramatic. Nod
at Mark. Watch his arms rise, sense the
orchestra stand to attention.
Begin.
*
Drop the bottle on the garden patio. Watch
the sun set. Snort. Return to the heap.
Stand, framed by the orange glow. Fix
hands on hips, chubby now from years of
stagnant rehearsals and late night post-con-
cert snacks. Trace a cello on the inside of
your curled hand. Find yourself scratching
the sharp lines of your father’s profile.
Cackle. Swig. Feel the alcohol’s burn in
your throat and lungs.
Think: it’s good I’m not a singer.
Yell: IT’S GOOD I’M NOT A CELLIST.
Shriek at the only gift he ever gave you:
the black, plain funeral dress. Shout every
cubicle-door word you know (you’d learn
them as hot, hurried urine streamed obedi-
ently into the bowl before each perform-
ance).
Scream your mother’s name- tell her you
hate her. Tell her you’re glad she’s dead.
Tell her she killed your father and he killed
you. Wail that your hair’s greasy, that
you’ve bitten off your nails, that the whole
world weighs a million lost piggy-back
rides you never had, that you’re gay, that
you’re straight, that you’re a man, that you
hate all men, that you’re scared of the dark.
Screech. Howl. Hoot.
Breathe the fire’s smell of radiators and
46

47. My Favourite...
We asked Ann Brayley to tell us about her favourite literature, art
music and drama. Anne runs the book club at Brendon Books. She
has had s short story read on radio 4 and is working on a collection
of stories. Anne works as Marketing Manager at Chilton Cantello
School
Having run several book clubs over the truly audacious and laughably pompous
years, you’d think it would be easy to lives of the last of the aristocracy and their
pick my favourite authors and books. circle.
Not so. It is with great difficulty that I Proust seemed to me to view everything
pick just two authors knowing full well through a lens of reminiscence and im-
that I leave behind bus loads of won- pending loss. Being a hopelessly senti-
derful authors waiting for clearance to mental person, I found myself reading all
jolt forward a foot or two. That will be three of volumes of his work: Remem-
for another occasion. In the meantime, brance of Things Past, as though I was
the two authors I have chosen as my fa- feeding on every word and characterisa-
vourites are Marguerite Duras and Mar- tion while using a big fat spoon to capture Lucien Freud Photo: Procsilas
cel Proust. all the delicious juices . has pushed the boundaries in our life-
Duras because she wrote like a painter I have been to performances ranging from time and created a stepping stone into
paints. She applied strokes of words opera to contemporary dance to something the future like da Vinci, van Gogh and
wildly avant garde involving drums and Picasso did. I think that artist is Lucien
singing in a disused warehouse in Vancou- Freud. How is that after centuries of
ver I seem to remember a long time ago, painting by generations of artists, Freud
but the one that stands tallest amongst this could come along and find yet another
small crowd of contenders is Waiting for way to apply paint to the canvas? How
Godot. I refer to the specific performance did he do that? I hold him up as my fa-
with Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart and vourite artist because his work is acces-
Simon Callow at the Bath Theatre Royal sible, yet shocking and ground breaking
a few years ago. Thanks to two friends at the same time.
who bought tickets for me to join them as Finally, my favourite music is tradi-
part of my ‘not insignificant birthday’ I tional Croatian music. I hear in it a
Marguerite Duras
saw this play, I think a third time, but with combination of gypsy, Klezmer, Hun-
to the page and the end result is like a garian and even a bit of sub-continental
painting that you want to look at again Indian. I grew up with this music being
and again. She used fleeting imagery played on stacked 45’s during parties at
and sharp observation interchangeably home and it immediately brings to me
like that of a rare artist who can use the sound of laughter and of tears from
both water colour and oil to full effect. missing the home country by my par-
Duras let romanticism, bad love, pain, ents and their fellow immigrant friends.
sentimentalism, ambiguity, even stu- It is bitter sweet music for me.
por and spareness of thought all flow
through her writing. She got it all down
2010 production, The Doon School, India
on the page and I love that. The first Photo: Merlay Samuel
book I read was The Lover and I highly
recommend the same starting point for these actors it was lifted to pure artistry.
anyone else. Simon Callow made the role of Pozzo
My second most favourite and entirely entirely his own which was an added and
different author, Proust, socialised with unexpected surprise. The whole thing was
the upper classes in the fading twilight superb.
of the 19th century. He wrote about the I think there is really only one artist that Croatian Gypsy Music.
47

48. 48