Treasure Island

Ahoy Mateys!  Shiver me timbers!  Now pay attention, there be treasure to be had but don't go telling that evil pirate Long John Silver! 

Actually, the real treasure was on the 28th January, which saw the last night’s performance of Shipston-on-Stour Drama Group's portrayal of the pantomime 'Treasure Island'.  Under the wonderfully creative direction of Helen Morgan, ably assisted by Cheryl de Lacy, together with the colourful costumes and tropical sets, the group pulled off an unforgettable performance and a treat for us all.  We were taken right from the Hawkins debt ridden Benbow Inn, to an island ‘about 28 miles east of the coast of Trinidad,’ where X marked the spot. 

Comic rhyme came from the narrator of the story Nicky Harris (as Fairy Godmother) with her funky mobile and at one point sporting a beard!! Yes, I did say beard! The principal boy played by Tasha Smith (as Jim Hawkins) gave a fine performance along with the principal girl Beth Payne (as Felicity Trelawney) and their duet of the ‘mushy love song’ was beautifully delivered.  Chris Humphries as the Dame (Ma Hawkins) was well matched by David Ryan (as Squire Trelawney) but their suggestive relationship made the saying ‘Sick as a Parrot’ so true with (Polly the Parrot) ably played by Heather Thomas, who had some brilliant sarcastic one-liners, wanting to throw herself overboard. 

The talented comedy duo of Keith Lane and George Kelly (as Brass and Knuckles) were really funny and had a great rapport with the audience right from the start and carried throughout the show.  They were the ‘good’ pirates; the ‘bad’ pirates were Mike Jeffries (Black Dog), Joe Banks (Jolly Roger), Reece Workman (Young Jake) and Jez Collar (Blind Pugh) whose appearance alone had the audience laughing on sight.  Then he steered the ship, captained by Michelle Clark (Captain Corker’un) onto some rocks where they ended up on an island only to be met by “Crusoe, Robinson Crusoe”, a ‘James Bond’ character brilliantly played by Nigel Bosworth, who incidentally didn’t want to be rescued from the island.  Why?  Obviously it was his (Girl Friday) played by Lana Mulford, together with (Girls Monday to Thursday) played by Chrissy Lane, Catherine Collar, Kaz Hitchman and Toni Williams.  Their dance routines and sexy costumes brought wolf-whistles from the audience, and with Nigel’s singing ability they delivered a superb finale to the show.

Of course there had to be a ‘scary ghost bit’ with ‘He’s behind you!’ shouted several times by the enthusiastic audience.  The part of the ghost was well executed by young Helen Cox, who also played (2^nd Mate) on the ship along with Sian Betteridge, Jess Digweed, Skye Faulkner, Holly Hitchman and Libby Williams (as sailors and pirates), and the ‘bearded’ ladies Christine Ryan (Martha) and Susan Jackson (Beard Seller), together with Luke Clemons (Robin the Cabin Boy).

The stand out performance of the night however, was that by Tim Skeath who portrayed his version of the evil pirate Long John Silver.  His comic timing, delivery and interaction with the audience (at one time telling a boy in the audience that he knew where he lived) right off the cuff made for some unforgettable scenes and rippling laughter throughout the Townsend Hall.       

Who would want to stay at home watching television when an evening at the Townsend Hall offered local live theatre with members of our own Drama Group delivering a fun night of innuendos, rhyme and piracy.  This show had all the right ingredients down to the damsel in distress, the ugly dame (who some mistook for a sea monster), slapstick comedy and an evil pirate!   What more could you ask for, except more of the same?

Pitsford Reservoir very low

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Canal conservation

The special character along a stretch of the Oxford Canal could soon be protected by conservation area status.

Hooky rebranded!

Four Shires based Hook Norton Brewery has today launched its new corporate identity, designed to create a consistent look and feel across its brands.  To celebrate, the family brewer is opening its doors to the local community on Saturday 19 May for brewery tours and beer tastings.

Drawing on its Victorian heritage, whilst presenting the family brewer’s identity in a fresh, contemporary way, the new logo features a Victoriana ‘scroll’ and a modern, highly legible typeface.  The new corporate colour has been carefully selected to reflect the copper that is used throughout the brewery building.  A new strapline has also been introduced to reinforce both the brewery’s regional position and the ‘handcrafted’ nature of its beers – ‘Handcrafted beers from the Cotswold Hills since 1849’.

From today, new pump clips, bottle labels, merchandise and literature, along with the newly designed corporate website, will display the new identity.  All Hook Norton pub signage will also be replaced, over coming months, to reflect the brand.

The new corporate identity follows a thorough review of all aspects of the business, from staffing through to the refurbishment of many parts of the brewery site.  Key to this review has been establishing a portfolio of core brands that reflects the needs of today’s drinkers whilst taking account of where the cask ale market will be in the future.

While many of the brands remain unchanged, Hooky Bitter will now simply be known as Hooky and Hooky Dark reverts to its original name of Mild.  Hooky Gold, meanwhile, reverts to its previous very popular seasonal availability to make way for a new brand which will focus on the mid-range 4.0% ABV market and will be launched later this year under a new brand name.

James Clarke, Managing Director (Brewing) comments: “We see this new corporate identity as a very positive step in helping to build the profile of Hook Norton beers and brewery and enhance our reputation as a brewery of stature with an award winning portfolio of ales.

“We’d like to invite all members of the local community to visit the brewery on Saturday 19^th May to see our fresh new look.”

Upton House for 2012

  Top Warwickshire tourist attraction, Upton House and Gardens, throws open its gates next week for the spring season with a packed new program of special events.

A special ‘Year of Art’ has famous artists visiting and exhibiting at Upton House, a summer of 1930s celebrations with champagne on the terrace and two Jazz concerts.

There is the popular ‘Millionaires House Party’ weekend ‘Murder at the Mansion’ and our famous Jazz evenings.

For those who enjoy the garden there is always something to see but especially the tulips on the terraces, the changing herbaceous borders and the National Collection of Asters are just some of the highlights.

Come along and have an amazing day out all year round  for all the family.

Upton House and Gardens opens its doors to visitors on Friday 9 March.  This wonderful National Trust property is a gem amongst others and has become increasingly popular, with over 100,000 visitors in 2011.

 ‘The Year of Art’ sees Sigrid Holmwood, the up and coming contemporary artist, exhibiting and painting in situ at Upton House.  Later in the year a dramatic exhibition by the Turner Prize nominated Glenn Brown will be taking place, curated by the Meadows Arts Agency.  Throughout the year special talks will also be given on selected paintings in the collection which include paintings by Hogath, Stubbs, Canelleto and many other famous artists.

 Rachael O’Connor-Boyd, House and Collections manager, said: ‘We hope people from all over the country, as well as our local visitors, will enjoy this very special ‘Year of Art’ along with the many other attractions at Upton House. And it’s not just about paintings - visitors can also discover our outstanding, internationally important, collection of porcelain.’

Throughout the year visitors to Upton can experience the lifestyle of a 1930s millionaire. This is an interactive experience, giving a true sense of how the family of Lord Bearsted lived, researched from actual family archives and contemporary photographs.

Visitors can enjoy the 1930s ‘upstairs downstairs’ experience, with access to the attics and basements on special tours.

There are acres of stunning gardens to wander round, with borders full of colourful plant displays, some areas are gradually being returned to reflect the style of the 30’s garden, along with a unique kitchen garden set amongst the formality.   Some of the seasonal highlights are the Tulip weekend on the 14 & 15 April, the wonderful Bluebell Walk on Sunday 13 May and the National Collection of Asters which will start to flower from the 15 September. Visitors of all ages can follow the woodland adventure pathways and enjoy the fun and games of the natural surroundings or sit quietly and watch the birds flying in and out of nearby nest boxes.

Visitor Services Manager, Sigute Barniskyte said: ‘We’re very excited about opening fully for the year and we look forward to welcoming visitors young and old. Whether it’s a kid’s art club, playing 1930s games on the lawn, exploring the basements and attics or just having a wonderful day out, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained.

The restaurant’s new French chef, Gaston Demaecker, has planned new exciting  menus using local produce to complement the high quality snacks and cream teas of which we are famous for. So scheduling your day to allow  enough time for a real hearty lunch or light snack is highly recommended.

The Gift Shop and plant centre are the places to go to find those unusual gifts for family and friends or a few treats just for yourself.  There are many interesting books on art, history and gardens and nourishing food items of jams, honey and local biscuits.   The plant centre sells a good range of interesting plants including shrubs, fruit trees, herbaceous plants and roses. For those who just like to sit and relax we sell a wide range of out door furniture and complementary garden ornaments.

The gardens, restaurant and shop are open 11am-5pm, Fridays to Wednesdays. The house is open 1pm-5pm.

Thame Food festival gets go ahead

A  two year sponsorship deal with Thame Food Festival by the spice people McCormick Schwartz has guaranteed its future. It is a fabulous endorsement for this wonderful regional celebration of artisan local food and drink produce, local food producers and local food retailers.

The exciting list of mouth watering events and star names is now being finalized. Those already confirmed include ‘Adam’ and Kush from the BBC’s Very Hungry Frenchman and festival supporter Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; chefs Adam Simmonds of Danesfield House and keen festival regulars Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi and Lotte Duncan (pictured). All will be performing demos in the festival kitchen. Please look out for big star names that will make this year’s event even bigger and better than last year.

The 2011 festival saw over 60 stall holders and crowds of 10-15,000 people packed into the centre of this beautiful historic market town, enjoying a fantastic free fun packed family day of food.

It is hoped that stall numbers will rise to 100 this year and that festival ambassador Raymond Blanc will be there in person. Festival Patron Lotte Duncan will be running a stall, judging competitions, running a demo and appearing everywhere she can.

 This is going to be an amazing day that no true foodie will want to miss so put the date in your diary now. (29th September 2012)

Conserving the Sibfords and Burdrop