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MUSIC . ART . WORDS1 June – 7 July 2018

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Front Cover: We’d like to give special thanks to Mr. Stuart Roper, Artist, who has generously allowed us to use one of his paintings, Bluebells, for our front cover. Contact Stuart at Stuart@widcombehouse.co.uk, or on Instagram at stuartroperartist.

WELCOME!

WELCOME TO the 2018 Wantage Summer Arts Festival. Not just a change of name but also a change of emphasis. This year you’ll fi nd many more music, art-related and spoken word events.

Although the festival is primarily a celebration of arts and culture in Wantage and surrounding villages, we also wanted to create a festival that our community would be proud of.

Please take time to look through the programme and plan which events you would like to see. There’s a lot to choose from including many diff erent kinds of music, art exhibitions and lectures. Hope to see you soon!

–Jim Mitchell and the Festival Team(Ruth Alexander, Yvette Cecil, Jenny Hannaby, Rosemary Lang)

OUR SPECIAL THANKS to the following who have supported us fi nancially.In alphabetical order…

The Adrian Swire Charitable Trust Infi neum Smile TeamThe Arts Society Wantage Richmond Letcombe RegisThe C L Loyd Charitable Trust Waitrose WantageMrs Pamela Elder Wantage Town Council

REACH US ON:www.wantagesummerartsfestival.com, jim@wantagesummerartsfestival.com

For any changes to the published programme, check www.wantagesummerartsfestival.com …or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/wantagesummerartsfestival

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NURSING CARE | DEMENTIA CARE RESPITE & CONVALESCENT CARE

Take a look around Richmond Letcombe Regis Care Home and prepare to have your preconceptions of a care home changed for the better.

Changing Perceptions for the Better

RICHMOND LETCOMBE REGIS

proud sponsors of THE WANTAGE SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL

Tel: 01235 313084www.richmond-villages.com/letcombeRichmond Letcombe Regis, South Street, Letcombe Regis, Oxfordshire OX12 9RG

Sat 2 June 2pmBig Festival OpeningBear Hotel Forecourt, Market Place.Opening by Town Mayor with Big Bear Four Jazz Group and Implexa Contemporary Dance Studio.Free event

u Quintessence is one of the five Wantage Presents events in the festival. The events are on the Victoria Cross Forecourt (outside the Bear Hotel) on Saturdays, 11am–1pm, from May to September. Wantage Presents was set up 10 years ago by Howard Hill.www.wantage.com/wantagepresents

Fri 1 June onwardsArt at No 2Throughout June, Wantage Art Group will be showing work at Number 2 Market Place, Wantage. More information: Patsy Jones, 01235 764258.Free event

Sat 2 June 11amQuintessence A cappella singers.www.facebook.com/quintacappellaOutside the Bear Hotel, WantageFree event Phoyo Lynn Christer

Festival Events: The Festival take care to ensure that all the following information is correct. Any error is completely unintentional and we offer our sincere apologies.June 1–July 7 Beacon Events: For all NT Live events and films showing at the Beacon, Wantage during Festival dates, please visit www.beaconwantage.co.uk, or tel. 01235 763456.

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Sat 2 June 7.30

An evening with the Wantage QuartetA brass band quartet play music by Jenkins, Lloyd Webber, Byrd and Horowitz.Tickets £10 Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447

Sun 3 June 10am–5pmSewing workshopReversible pinafore dresses £40 (or £20 part funded places).The Mix, 15 Mill Street. Jo Harvey, 07768 767787, joharvey100@gmail.com

Tues 5 June 7pmBeryl Maile rememberedRecollections and memories of a very special lady and artist. Wine reception.Dolphin Gallery, WantageFree entry by invitation

Tues 5 June, 7.30pmMore Wantage Tales A local history talk by Trevor Hancock.Tickets £6 Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447

Weds 6 June 2.15pmConscientious Objectors of the First World War A talk about ‘the Richmond 16’ by Hazel Townesend.Tickets £6 Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447

Weds 6 & 13 June 10amGrove art classesJoin us to explore your creative abilities. Two painting sessions in Ardington – meet in front of the tea rooms.Tel 01235 555585

Thurs 7 June 5.30pmOliver Gosling artistLecture on Chinese painting.Letcombe Regis (venue to be announced).Tickets £8 from Vale and Downland Museum, 01235 771447

Thurs 7 June 7pmOpera Gala

Opera on film with Jonas Kaufmann, Bryn Terfel, Anja Harteros, Ekaterina Gubanova (live from Baden-Baden recording).Wonderful evening for Opera fans!Tickets £12 including free glass/soft drink from the

Beacon, 01235 763456.An Opera Unmasked presentation

Fri 8 June 7pmMurder, Mystery and Intrigue A fun-packed evening by Charaderie Murder Mysteries.Tickets £10 including light supper, from Vale and Downland Museum, 01235 771447

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Ghost Walk with Mike WhiteWednesday 20 June 9pm-10ish £5 (meet at King Alfred’s Statue) More of the stranger aspects of Wantage’s past. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

For further details contact:WantageLitFest@Gmail.comhttps://twitter.com/wantagelitfest https://www.facebook.com/wantageliteraryfestival/

Can’t wait untilthe WantageLiterary Festival 20 - 27 October?

Tickets via www.wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk or Madhatter Bookshop

Cocktails in Literature @ The Cob & PenFriday 15 June 6.30-8pm £25 Discover and enjoy a range of cocktails linked to literary greats from Hemingway, Percy, Fleming and more. Ticket price includes 3 cocktails! Over 18s only.

Sat 9 June 11am

Vale Islanders17th century music and dance in costume of the period.Outside The Bear Hotel, Wantage.www.vale-islanders.org.ukFree event

Sat 9 June, 10am–4pmPallet DIY WorksopTurn pallets and surplus wood into a shoe-rack, outdoor plant rack or other items. One day workshop, £40 (or £10 part funded places/fully funded places)The Mix, Mill Street, Wantage Jo Harvey, 07768 767787, or joharvey100@gmail.com

Sat 9 June 10am –4pmYoung Voices of the Vale competitionSinging competition for young people. Rock, Jazz or Classical, age 10-18. For solo singers and choirs.Challow Park Concert Hall, 01235 767975. email jamesmitchellonevoice@sky.comFree event

Sun 10 June 11am–7pmWantage Carnival (Ray Collins Charitable Trust)Giant funfair, live music, food etc. All proceeds go back into the local community helping local families and causes. See advert, previous page.Free event

Photo Jacqueline Hall

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Sun 10 June 6pmChoral EvensongThe church choir of the Parish Church of St Peter & Paul, Wantage will be singing Choral Evensong in the parish church.Choirmaster Jon Cox, organist John Ridgway.Free event

Sun 10 June 6pm

Music for a summer eveningWantage A Band, conducted by Paul Holland, perform a repertoire of brass music from their summer programme.Holy Trinity Church, Charlton.Tickets £6 adults £4 U16s, from www.wantageband.org/events, 01235 770378or Bretts Pharmacy and Regent Bookshop

Tues 12 June 7pmJohn Betjeman in WantageJim Mitchell and friends remember John Betjeman’s life in Wantage and read some of his popular poems.Wantage Library.Limited tickets free on application, 01235 762291

Weds 13 (also 6) June,10amGrove art classesJoin us to explore your creative abilities. Two painting sessions in Ardington – meet in front of the tea rooms.

Tel 01235 555585 Thurs 14 7pm

Thurs 14 June 7pm Wilts and Berks canal walks (and lost pubs!)

Walks also take place on other dates–for more information tel. 07946 524928 or email brian.stovold@wbct.org. www.wbct.org.uk

Thurs 14 June 7.30pmMuch Ado About NothingRain or Shine Theatre CompanyOld Church House, Priory Road (in church if wet).Tickets £14 adults, £12 concessions, £6 child, 01235 762785 or Vale & Downland Museum.

Thurs 14 June 7.30pmThe VigilPlay reading. All local actors are invited to participate in a play reading of this amazing tense drama by Ladislav Fodor. The Methodist Church, Newbury Street, Wantage.Contact jamesmitchellonevoice@sky.com for more information.

Thurs 14 June, 7.30pmWildlife of the Letcombe BrookVale and Downland MuseumA talk by the Letcombe Brook Officer.Tickets £6 from Vale & DownlandMuseum, 01235 771447

Fri 15 June 7.30pm Wine tasting The Wines of PortugalJoin Brian Davis, experienced wine educator at the Beacon for an evening of wine tasting. Tickets £20 from the Beacon, 01235 763456 or www.beaconwantage.co.uk

Fri 15 June 6.30–8pmCocktails in literatureDiscover a wide range of cocktails linked to literary greats – Hemingway, Percy, Fleming and more. At the Cob and PenTicket price includes 3 cocktails. Over 18s only.£25 from www.wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk or Madhatter Bookshop.

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Sat 16 June 11amWhoosya Country and Folk BandOutside the Bear Hotel.www.facebook.com/whoosyaFree event

Sat 16 June 10am/2pm/6pmPiano competition, Wantage Music Festival Come and see talented young pianists perform with professional adjudication.Challow Park Concert Hall. Tickets £3 at door. www.wantagemusicfestival.org.uk

Sat 16 June 7.30pm Pop-up Puccini, with Kennet Opera

Great songs and choruses from Puccini’s masterpieces Tosca, Madame Butterfly and more….Wantage Parish Church.Tickets £12 from Vale & Downland Museum or jamesmitchellonevoice@sky.com

Sun 17 June 10amString classes, Wantage Music Festival Come and see talented young string players perform with professional adjudication.Tickets £3 at door. www.wantagemusicfestival.org.uk

Sun 17 June 7.30pm Pop-up Puccini, with Kennet OperaGreat songs and choruses from Puccini’s masterpieces Tosca, Madame Butterfly, more….Letcombe Village Hall.Tickets £12 from Vale & Downland Museum or jamesmitchellonevoice@sky.com

Mon 18 June 7.30pmDeath and Burial in Ancient EgyptA talk by Zara ShoosmithTickets £6 from Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447

Tues 19 June 7pmOpera isn’t just Shrieking Ladies and Fat TenorsA humorous and informative talk for both dubious and converted.Wantage Library.Free tickets available from the Library in personor tel. 01235 762291Free event

Wed 20 Jun 10am–3.30pmIndigo dyeing workshopOne day workshop. Learn about the use of indigo. £30 per person, also part-funded places at £10 or fully funded places.The Mix, Mill Street, Wantage Jo Harvey 07768 767787, joharvey100@gmail.com

Wed 20 June 7.30pm Festival choir night at the BeaconA chance for local choirs to strut their stuff on the big stage at the Beacon. Any local choir welcome (contact Jim 01235 767975).Audience tickets £10 adults £8 children from the Beacon, 012235 763456

Weds 20 June 8pm Jazz: ‘Spats’ Langham and Hot FingersZelda’s Jazz Room at the Comrades Club, Wantage (fish and chip supper available).Tickets £12 on the door

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Wed 20 June 8pm–10ishGhost walk with Mike White More of the strange aspects of Wantage’s past. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.Meet at King Alfred Statue.Tickets £5 from www.wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk or Madhatter Bookshop.

Fri 22 June 6pmWantage Music Festival – vocal classes Come and see talented vocalists perform with professional adjudication.Featuring the John Miller Prize.Challow Park Concert Hall, tickets £3 at door.www.wantagemusicfestival.org.uk

Fri 22 June 7–8.30pm

King Alfred’s summer exhibitionThe King Alfred’s ‘Summer Exhibition’ Centre Site, Christopher Loyd Building. Art, textiles, graphics and design work from Yr 11, 12,13 students with some KS3 and primary school work.Also Sat 23rd and Sun 24th 10am–4pm.Free and open to the public.

Fri 22 June 7.30pmFlute and guitar recitalBenjamin Copeman and Jack Rowe.Featuring music by JS Bach, Villa-Lobos, Bartok, Debussy and Varese.Tickets £10 from Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447

Sat 23June 10.30am/2/6pm Wantage Music Festival – vocal classesCome and see more talented vocalists perform with professional adjudication.Featuring the Opera Unmasked Opera Prize.Challow Park Concert Hall, Tickets £4 at door.www.wantagemusicfestival.org.uk

Sat 23 June 10am–4pmFree machine embroidery One day workshop. Learn how to use your machine including setting up and adjusting tension. £35, part-funded £10, & fully funded places.The Mix, Mill Street. More information: Jo Harvey 07768 767787, joharvey100@gmail.com

Sat 23 June 11am–1pm

Hendred Ukulele Group (HUG)Performing songs you can join in with.Outside the Bear Hotel.www.hendredukulelegroup.ukFree event

Sun 24 June 10am/3pmWantage Music Festival–brass and woodwind classes Come and see talented players perform with professional adjudication.Challow Park Concert Hall, tickets £3 at door.www.wantagemusicfestival.org.uk

Sun 24 June 2pmBetjeman bike rideBetween two places where Betjeman lived –Wantage and Uffington. All ages welcome. Tea and cake can be purchased at St. Mary’s Church, Uffington.Meet at Betjeman Park.Free event

Photo Annie Hill

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Sun 24 June 1pm–8pmBrass in the Grass: Wantage silver bandsA popular annual event outside the Band Hall, Reading Road, Wantage.Bring the family and a picnic.Free Event

Sun 24 June 6pm Wantage Music Festival - vocal classes Come and see more talented vocalists perform with professional adjudication.Challow Park Concert Hall, tickets £3 at door.www.wantagemusicfestival.org.uk

Tues 26 June, 7.30Walter Sickert

First British impressionist and Jack the Ripper suspect.Talk by Jim Mitchell, Festival Director.Tickets £6 from Vale and Downland Museum, 01235 771447.

Weds 27 June 8pmJazz – Rascals of Rhythm With special guest Pete Allen, virtuoso clarinet/sax player.Lamb Inn, Wantage.Free entry (raffle, food available)

Thurs 28 June 7.30pm

Pandemonium Wantage folk and ceilidh band.Tickets £10 from Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447

29 June–2 July (times below)

Leila Anderson–art exhibition Preview Fri 29 June 6– 9pmGeneral viewing Sat and Sun 10am– 5pm.Childrey Village Hall. Free event, 10% of sales to charity

Fri 29 June 7.30pm Festival Midsummer Party!Dance to Wantage Big Band and disco, with cabaret and bites.Come and celebrate your great festival!The Beacon, Wantage.Tickets £15 only, from the Beacon, 01235 763456.

Sat 30 June 11.30–7.30Armed Forces Day Presented in t he Market Place by Wantage Town Council in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and the Royal Logistics Corps.Parades, displays, stalls, food and drink.Free event – see advertisement

Sat 30 June 7.30pmWantage Choral and Silver Band Together, they break new ground with a joint concert in Wantage Parish Church. A combination of great sounds. Tickets from Vale & Downland Museum, or members of the Choral Society or Silver Band. £10 if bought in advance. U-16s free.

Sat June12 noonThe Mad Hatters drop in for lunch

Enjoy music in the Museum cafe!Free event

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Photo Annie Hill

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Sat 30 June 10am–5pmSinging Performers’ WorkshopLearn performing skills with Morag Mclaren (Phantom of the Opera &c) at the Majendie Hall, St. Mary’s Church, Speen, Newbury RG14 1SA.Limited places £20 subsidised by Opera Unmasked. Please contact Tamsin (secretary@kennetopera.co.uk)

Sat 30 June 6.30/7.30pm Wantage Music Festival – finals and closing Concert6.30pm instrumental prize finals, 7.30 closing concert. Come and see some outstanding performances.Challow Park Concert Hall.Tickets £7 (£4.50 concessions) at door

Tues 3 July 7.30pm

‘Just Along the Road’The story of the Wantage Tramway.Tickets £6 from Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447

Thurs 5 July 7.30pmLute Roadshow with Lynda Sayce

Spend an evening with the Lute: 1000 years of music performed on 10 beautiful instruments.Vale & Downland Museum. Tickets £10 from museum, 01235 771447

Thurs 5 July 7.30pmConnie’s ColanderPresented by Richmond Letcombe Regis. We witness a mother-daughter relationship evolving and the impact Alzheimer’s has on them both.The Beacon, Wantage.Tickets £5 from the Beacon, 01235 763456

Fri 6 July 7.30pmThe Letcombe Singers’ Farewell Supper Concertincorporating Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury.Letcombe Regis Village Hall.Tickets £12 from the Museum, Bretts or letcombe.singers@gmail.com

Sat 7 July 11am

Shady Grove String BandOld time American music.Outside the Bear Hotel.www.cornucopia-dance.org.ukFree event

Sat 7 July 3pmPavlova Wind Quintet Music for a Summer’s Day. Perfect family event including Peter and the Wolf, G&S, Mozart and light classics. Outdoor if fine.Letcombe Regis (venue to be announced).Tickets £8 Adults £5 Children from Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447.

Sat 7 July 7.30–9.30pm Wantage Orchestra ConcertSuppe overture Poet & Peasant, Ibert flute concerto (solo: Jeremy Salter), Brahms Symphony no. 2.Old Mill Hall, Grove.Tickets £8 (concs £6) in advance, or £9 on door, from Vale & Downland Museum, 01235 771447, or from members.