Clare’s Children of Glastonbury I f you are a young person growing up and dreaming of becoming a rock star then take heart from one local musician whose dream is coming true. Andi Sleath of Clare is the drummer of a modern rock band called ‘O.Children’ and with recent appearances at top music festivals including Glastonbury and a new album released on 12th July he is a musician aiming for the top. Andi is not the first young man from Clare who has had success as a drummer. Joe Spurgeon from Bridewell street in Clare is a drummer with the garage rock band ‘The Horrors’ and plays under the name Coffin Joe. The Horrors have played at a number of high profile venues and also appeared on Television’s cult show ‘The Mighty Boosh’ under the name ‘The Black Tubes’. Background to the band: O.Children, who formed a year ago out of the ashes of an act called ‘Bono Must Die’, have gained a reputation for their unique musical style. Their sound is similar to early ‘Horrors’ which is perhaps because of the same drumming history and recently they supported Gary Numan at the Scala in London. The band are named after a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds track, while the giant frontman, has been described as a cross between Grace Jones and Lux Interior, and boasts a rich baritone that is equal parts (Nick) Cave and (Ian) Curtis. O.Children's music is described as Gothic Rock and is reminiscent of early-80s ‘Joy Division’. Their debut single called Dead Disco Dancer has influences that are definitely Gothic and their music has a dark and brooding quality, Even their record label is called Deadly Records. Not everyone is enamoured with their style. Then again, younger listeners might be more entranced by the band's textured shadowplay with shards of guitars and eerie synths. And if you're not offended by the idea of Interpol and Editors drenched in white face powder and black lipstick, with the sort of alarming menace all that implies, you'll be dancing from here to Halloween. As one critic remarked: There is something a little Rocky Horror about them, but not so much that it detracts from the music's considerable dark power. What to buy: The singles Dead Disco Dancer , Ruins. File next to: Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, Bauhaus, the Horrors. New Album: Out in July Links: myspace.com/ochildren They've also got a fun little ditty called Ace Breasts, which can be seen performed live on YouTube. O.Children are: Andi Sleath (drums), Harry James (Bass), Gauthier Ajarrista (Guitar), Tobi O’Kandi (Vocals) Andi Sleath’s parents David and Jenny have lived in Clare since 2002. At that time David decided to give up his high profile job in the City of London and move to the countryside. He bought Hudgies Hardware in Clare High Street and now he and his wife enjoy the life of successful rural traders The debut album from ‘O. Children’ features work from 22 year old London Met graphic design graduate Sam Coldy. The CD and vinyl cover artwork is ominous and brooding, depicting the celestial lyric ”on the edge of solace & divine” from stand out track Fault Line. The illustrations are all original pieces created specifically for the release. As a former head of corporate banking for the Bank of Tokyo David has been featured in The Sunday Times as one of a growing number of financiers who have decided to change occupation and seek a more fulfilling life outside London. The desire to turn their backs on the high powered life of the city in favour of a more rural existence is perhaps the bohemian aspect of David and Jenny’s lifestyle that has worn off on their son and inspired him to seek an occupation outside the mainstream of everyday life. It is certainly not David or Jenny’s musical skills since neither of them plays a musical instrument. However Jenny recalls being told of her grandmother visiting the music halls in the East End to listen to Marie Lloyd sing and her father could play the ukulele and tunes on the piano without any formal tuition. What ever the reason Andi Sleath has always been ambitious to break into the music scene and one of his first breaks was at the Clare Music Festival in 2003 when he was on the stage with his first band ‘Jelly Roll’. Until that day Andi’s parents had not seen him play live but the band’s excellent opening set impressed his parents so much that David and Jenny are now enthusiastic about the prospects for their son and his future career. Clare Focus Summer 2010 Page 73 BELCHAMP & DISTRICT TENNIS CLUB Hundon Carpet Bowls Club by Jean Causton A letter from the secretary Did you know there is a tennis club in the rural setting of Belchamp St.Paul? The club was formed on 14th July 1964 and reading through old correspondence in the Minute Book recently I noticed that the vicar was approached in order to get permission to play on Sunday mornings! How times have changed. Anyone out there remember Canon Powell? It is a very friendly club which meets to play social tennis. Club nights during the Season (April to September) are Tuesday and Friday from 5.30pm onwards and there is a Ladies Morning on Wednesdays from 10 am –( all through the year subject to the weather!) The club organises two tournaments during the season and membership entitles members to play all year round. There is a 6 week junior coaching course organised every year and junior membership is available. Hundon C.B.C. Meet every Friday afternoon between 2.00 and 4.00pm. We are looking for new members so if you fancy a fun afternoon out why not come along and try us out. We are a very friendly group - the emphasis is on enjoyment - so if you have never tried carpet bowling why not come along and give us a try. We play two games with an interval for tea/coffee, biscuits and a chat. Carpet bowling is a way of getting gentle exercise whilst having fun. We meet at Hundon Village Hall so feel free to just come along. If you would like to contact a member first give me a call on 01440 786475 (Jean Causton) We already have a few members from Clare so you may see a familiar face. Don’t feel shy - just come along and receive a friendly welcome. Why not contact the Secretary for further details : Barbara Stewart Secretary Belchamp & District Tennis Club: 01787-277198 Clare Focus Summer 2010 Page 74 CLARE FIRST RESPONDERS SEEKING NEW MEMBERS The First Responders is a group of volunteers established in Clare in early 2009. At the request of the Ambulance Service, the group provides emergency help to residents of Clare and the surrounding areas. The aim is that the First Responder arrives at the scene of a life threatening situation in advance of the Ambulance Service, and is able to give first aid treatment on the spot. This assistance can be critical in cases where survival rates are significantly improved by quick action e.g. in the case of cardiac arrest. Emergency equipment (including defibrillators) is allocated to whichever of the First Responders is on standby. Since its establishment the group has received a number of requests from the Ambulance Service, and has been able to respond quickly and effectively. After training by the Ambulance Service in First Aid and use of defibrillators and other equipment, each volunteer contributes as much or as little time as they are able, receiving support from the rest of the group. There is a local coordinator who arranges the rota and the day-to-day running of the group. There are regular meetings to enable volunteers to exchange views and experiences, to coordinate activities and to update training, with the support of the local ambulance staff. The type of calls First Responders are asked to attend by the Ambulance Service are life threatening emergencies such as heart attacks, chest pain, cardiac arrests, fits and breathing problems. First Responders are not asked to attend traumatic incidents such as road accidents, fights or childbirth. Leaflets describing the work of the First Responders are available at Clare Pharmacy. Clare First Responders are seeking new members to join the group. If you are interested to learn more about the scheme or would like to become a Responder, please contact one of the following: Roy Draper: 01787 277747 or Carolynne Rowe: 07837 606631 Grants for tree and hedge planting As part of St Edmundsbury Borough Council's Rural Action Plan, there is a grant fund available to community groups in rural areas. Any groups that would like to add some tree/hedge planting to an area in their village can apply, provided advice over the suitability of the planting has been sought from the Community Wildlife Advisor at Suffolk Wildlife Trust (who can be contacted on 01473 890089. Their website is www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org). Groups which apply need to discuss their request with their local parish tree warden. If you are unsure who this is, St Edmundsbury's Assistant Tree Officer Steve Bones will be able to let you know. Contact him on 01284 757069 or email [email protected]. The tree warden will make the application on your behalf. The deadline for applications is normally around Christmas. The actual grant allocated will depend upon the number of applications received and the beneficial effects of the planned planting for biodiversity. Clare Focus Summer 2010 Clare Priory Craft Fair - July 10th/11th 2010 Since 1993 Clare Priory has been hosting a Craft Fair on the second full weekend in July. This has grown steadily to become a very popular event, and now receives around 10,000 visitors over the two days. Exhibitors and visitors alike greatly appreciate the atmosphere and setting of the Priory, and many have become familiar friends as they return year after year. All proceeds go to charity, and the organisers and helpers are all unpaid volunteers who give their time freely and generously. Opening Times: Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Admission: Adults £4.00, Seniors £3.00, accompanied under-14s free. Sorry, no dogs allowed except guide dogs. Free Park & Ride from Clare Playing Fields, disabled parking at the Priory. CLARE COFFEE STOP We hope that users of the Coffee Stop and Information Service have found it both enjoyable and helpful. We will be taking a break for the summer and will resume in the autumn as follows: Monday, 13th September Monday, 11th October Monday, 8th November from 10.30 to 12 noon at the Old School Community Centre ENJOY free refreshments in comfortable surroundings MEET with other people in your community who you may not see on a regular basis FIND OUT about services available to you THIS initiative has been set up to help people of all ages who are residents of Clare become better informed about services, grants, entitlements and voluntary support which may be available both locally and nationally. Representatives from national voluntary organisations will be present, (A Citizens Advice Bureau representative is also available in the Committee Room at the Old School Community Centre from 10-12) Page 75 Salsa (some like it hot!) It makes you happy, young and you your pulse going only this, but is good for sharpens to this, a can it gets you moving, it keeps you meet people. Salsa is fun. It gets and you work up a sweat. Not you learn a routine which your memory and up your brain. Add sexy South Ameriteacher who brings the sauce to Salsa and you have a tasty dish. Salsa is a hot, spicy mix. That’s where it gets its name. So come to Stoke by Clare and join in the fun. We meet on Tuesdays at 7pm for beginners and 8pm for Improvers/Intermediates. You can come with a partner or on your own. Either way, you will get a warm welcome. You don’t have to be good at dancing. Manuel will take you through 4 basic moves and teach you how to dance with a partner. It isn’t difficult and learning together builds friendships. We also go for a drink at the local pub, The Lion, afterwards. So it’s very sociable and we have a chance to get to know each other. In the Swing Come and join the new course that started on Tuesday 8 June 2010. Whether a complete beginner or someone who has danced Salsa before we can offer new moves and the latest Salsa numbers to dance to. The Village Hall, Ashen Lane, Stoke by Clare. For more information call Vicki on 01787 277 513 or 0796 872 9379 Dear Sir, We run a weekly ‘1940s Swing Dance Session’ at Wickhambrook WI hall on Wednesdays. Contact 01440 786632. We also have a website www.theswingshed.co.uk. We are seeking more dancers (come on you men) and would love to see more people joining our dances. CLARE ANCIENT HOUSE MUSEUM Opening Days/Hours for 2010 1st - 5th April & 29th April through to 2nd October Thursdays, Friday and Sundays 2 - 5pm Saturdays and Bank Holidays 11.30am - 5pm Cavendish Community Council Programme 2010 July 8th Senior Citizens Strawberry Tea Sep 4th Tenth Anniversary Village Fete Sep 5th Annual Hog Roast with Jazz Oct t.b.c. Village Quiz Please phone Brian on 01787 282145 Regarding information concerning these and other Cavendish events. Clare Focus Summer 2010 Page 76 FALLS AND FRAILTY Falls and consequent injuries are a huge problem in the older UK population. The Stour Astronomical Society was established in March 2003 by Dr Kevin Marshall and Geoff Burling. Its main aim is to fill a void in the county of Suffolk where there is a lot of interest in astronomy but very few places to go and meet other amateur astronomers. Also members can listen to talks given by expert speakers, receive advice on what equipment you perhaps would like to buy and what to observe in the night sky. Meetings of Stour Astronomical Society - 7.30 p.m. first Tuesday of each month in the Memorial Hall, Cavendish, Suffolk. Membership £12.00 per year. Visitors Welcome - £1.50 per talk . Talk Schedule Tuesday 6th July 2010 Members’ Evening Talks & Photos by Members Tuesday 3rd August 2010 “UK Solar Eclipses” - Sheridan Williams O.U. Astronomy Club Saturday 4th September 2010 SAS Stall at Cavendish Fete with Susie Fowler-Watt Tuesday 7th September 2010 “Observing Techniques” - Dr. Lee Sproats A happy Memory from Spring: Dear Sir, We would like to thank all the people concerned with the Easter Egg Hunt that took place in the Clare Country Park. It is events like this that help to make Clare such a good place to live in. Our grand children enjoyed it very much consequently so did we. Your Sincerely Rose and David Ace There are currently over 11 million people aged 65 and over and nearly 30,000 aged 90 years. Over a third of over 65 year olds fall every year and a staggering half of all over 85 year olds. Three quarters of people living in residential care fall repeatedly every year. There are huge associated costs to both the individual and the health service. For example, 10% of all ambulance service call outs are for people aged 65 and over who have fallen but nearly half of these are not taken to hospital. These older people are not injured but simply lack the ability to get themselves up from the floor. Commonly this is due to poor strength and flexibility, particularly in their legs. These components of fitness, along with balance, can now be targeted with a special exercise programme called The Otago Exercise Programme. This programme is gaining in popularity as a way of helping older people regain fitness and strength to prevent dangerous falls. Carol Clerkin, who lives in Clare, is a fully qualified 50 plus (YMCA/RSA) instructor and is also a qualified instructor in OEP. She has also recently obtained an additional qualification to help chairbound people gain the exercise they need to remain fit and healthy. Carol will be starting a series of OEP classes at Haverhill Leisure Centre in September and she is looking forward to the new challenge. Carol already runs a successful 50 plus series of courses at Haverhill and the extra OEP classes are fully supported by the Leisure centre. If you are in need of exercise to help prevent falls or if your need a way of exercising, even if you are chair bound, then Carol has just the class for you. For more information on joining a class or on any of the courses Carol runs contact Haverhill Leisure Centre on: 01440 702548 ROYAN & ST GEORGES DE DIDONNE SOUTHWEST FRANCE Comment from Michael Jacobs, Church Farm, Clare There has been a lot of comment and speculation that I will be selling my land at Church Farm for re-development and that the site will be used for new houses in Clare. I would like to take this opportunity to say I have no intention of selling my property to anyone. I am happy where I am and do not wish to move. I would be grateful if friends and colleagues would not ask me or members of my family about this anymore as we are are tired of explaining the situation. Yours Faithfully Michael Jacobs. Clare Focus Summer 2010 Self contained seaview apartment, sleeps 4 - 6, all mod cons. Only minutes walk to beaches, bars & renowned seafood restaurants. £500 to £850 per week. (10% discount to Focus readers) quote this advert Phone 0033 54622 4579 or email [email protected] SOUTHERN SUN & FABULOUS SUNSETS FLY STANSTEAD TO LA ROCHELLE (Car hire or collection service) Page 77 Society for Music in Clare Church While most of us were shivering in front of the fire this winter, stalwart members of SMICC were toiling away in a rather chilly farm barn. The object -- to construct a new, large stage for our concerts. And one able to adapt to all sorts of different uses. The basic unit is a “box” 6 inches high and two-foot square. And we have 40 of them! The object is to have something strong enough to take a grand piano, or capable of mounting a choir or musical ensemble on different levels. So roll up for this year’s concerts -- like the stage, there’s something for everybody: SATURDAY, JULY 31 -- Music from Around the World OPTIMA MUSICA’s professional opera and concert singers and their musicians catch the musical zest of the Football World Cup nations. SATURDAY, Aug 28 -- Traditional Jazz Chas Clowes and The Stour Valley Stompers play: Dixieland Classics, Blues, Spirituals and a New Orleans Parade! As usual, all the concerts are in Clare Parish Church at 7-30 p.m. Tickets: May concert £10; rest £8-50 available six weeks before each concert from: Clare Pharmacy, Well Lane, Clare. By the end of this season, SMICC will have presented 17 concerts. So far, we have contributed £2,000 to the Parish Church running costs and well over £4,000 to the Church Restoration Fund, with more in our reserves. We are very grateful to the 2,000-plus people who have attended our concerts so far -- our proud aim is to involve the church and the community: to bring the Church to the people and the people to the Church. And if you want to join us, don’t forget -- we are always looking out for new helpers, church or non-church, musical or non-musical. Just ring Peter Shaw on 01787 278826 Clare & District Horticultural Society Summer Horticultural Show Saturday 17th July Clare Town Hall Open to Public 2pm Refreshments available Entries invited. For more information or a schedule contact 01787 277082 STANSFIELD FETE 2010 21st AUGUST 2010 12NOON-4PM at Stansfield Village Hall CO10 8LP Attractions for all the family including Hooded Falcon Birds of Prey, Felsted Schools’ Steel Band, Traditional Punch & Judy, Fun Dog Show, Little Egypt Morris Men, Vintage Fire Engine, Real Ale Bar, BBQ, Teas, Grand Draw, Ice Creams, Pop Corn & Candy Floss, Tombola, Cake Stall, Coconut Shy, Golf, Tarot Readings, Children’s Fancy Dress, Donkey Poo Bingo, games and sideshows. Thank you to everyone who has donated their used stamps which are sent to charities to raise funds; they are very grateful. If you would like to donate your used stamps please contact Scott family on Clare (01787) 277670 and we will pass them on. Yours Sincerely Mr & Mrs Scott Clare Focus Summer 2010 Clare Ancient House Museum Exhibits on display showing the rich history of Clare and including a special ‘Living With Dissent’ exhibition showing the effects of Kings Henry V111, Edward V1 and Oliver Cromwell on the Town. Open From May - September Thursday, Friday, Sun 2pm - 5pm Sat and Bank Holiday 11.30am - 5pm Churches in Clare: Living with Dissent Clare Ancient House Museum 2010 Exhibition Clare Austin Friars took part in the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. Clare residents angered a future Archbishop of Canterbury at a time when dissent could be punished by a sentence to be hanged, drawn and quartered. Early Baptists in Clare were stoned for their beliefs. A long-running grievance with the Anglican vicar ended in riots on the Common. Fortunately Churches Together has replaced dissent in the life of the town of Clare, but the passions of earlier centuries are here brought to light. National and even international dissent, controversy, and politics played roles in the formation of new denominations in Clare. In the Middle Ages all Christians were catholics, then a major reforming movement (and Henry VIII’s divorce) led eventually to the Anglican Church. Dissent from Anglican practices led to Independents (who became Congregationalists), Baptists and Quakers, each with their own meeting house. The Baptists built a new chapel, the Congregationalists joined with the Presbyterians as the United Reformed Church, and the Quakers of Clare disappeared. In the mid-20th century, Austin Friars returned to their long-dissolved Priory, once again bringing a church for Roman Catholics. These wider events left traces in Clare—the dissolved Priory was allowed to ruin and went into private hands for 400 years; the parish church lost most of its colourful religious images (in windows, sculpture and wall paintings); new chapels and burial grounds were established. By a mixture of explanatory panels and Museum objects, Clare Ancient House Museum presents the people of and events in Clare that relate to these changes. Of particular interest are the minute books of the Baptists and the quasi-religious temperance body, the Independent Order of Good Templars, in which these congregations can be seen to discipline their own internal dissenters, usually by expelling them. Here too is the manuscript book containing his many sermons, bequeathed to his congregation by the early dissenting preacher George Porter. A portrait of his predecessor, Francis Crow, has been loaned by a descendant. And from the Parish Church there are examples of the liturgical instruments of the kind destroyed by the Puritans. The exhibition runs from 29 April until 2 October, Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. For information or special visits: 01787 277421, or 01440 820095. www.clare-ancient-housemuseum.co.uk Page 78 KENTWELL HALL'S 2010 SUMMER OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME Imagine a lovely balmy Summer evening sitting with friends in beautiful picturesque grounds with a mellow bricked moated Tudor building as its back drop and experiencing the very best in Music, Opera and Theatre and you will have transported yourself to Kentwell Hall's extensive grounds and enjoying one of their spectacular Summer outdoor events – Kentwell's Summer Outdoor Taking place over three weekends from Friday 23rd July until Saturday 7th August Kentwell Hall's Open Air Programme opens with Shakespeare’s 'The Merry Wives of Windsor ' (performance also on 25th July) followed by 'As You Like It' on 24th at 7.45pm (also a matinee performance at 3pm) and continues with a Glenn Miller Night on 30th July when the audience are invited to dance the night away to the nostalgic sounds of the '40's. Continuing with Gilbert & Sullivan's musical comedy 'Pirates of Penzance' on Saturday 31st July the outdoor entertainment event draws to a close the following weekend with the 'King & Queen Tribute Night' - Elvis and Queen's greatest hits on 6th August. No outdoor entertainment programme would be complete without a 'Last Night of the Proms' and Kentwell Hall's will certainly be a memorable one with a traditional last night programme including Beethoven's 9th and Nessun Dorma amongst other favourites on 7th August. Visitors are encouraged to join in - wave their flags and heartily sing along with the choir to bring the house down! To help make your visit even more memorable picnic tables and chairs, tents, picnics and supper can be pre ordered – alternatively attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnics including rugs and umbrellas just in case of a short sharp shower! Situated in Long Melford – Kentwell Hall's Summer Outdoor Programme offers a truly wonderful setting for visitors to experience the sheer pleasure of classical music, opera and theatre played in the open air. Don't miss out - Booking Now! Entry prices vary according to show. On line discounts currently available. Clare Focus Summer 2010 Kentwell Hall in Long Melford – famous for its unique and totally authentic Tudor and WWII Re Creations is currently running their main Tudor event of the year – the wonderful Great Annual Tudor Re Creation. Celebrating the Tudor year of 1538 with over 300 Tudors from young to old – from all walks of life – peasant to gentry going about their daily lives – this event is definitely not to be missed. Not only are the 'Tudors' dressed appropriately but they eat and speak exactly as they would have 500 year ago. Visitors will be able to enjoy Tudors in the Kitchen, Brewhouse, Dairy, Foundry & Pottery – on the farm and of course in the House itself. There is always lots going on during this – the largest of Tudor Re Creations at Kentwell and visitors will not be disappointed whichever weekend they choose to go. Great Annual Re-creation of Tudor Life Friday, 9th Jul Saturday, 10th Jul Sunday, 11th Jul Kentwell Shakespeare Festival Friday, 23rd Jul Saturday, 24th Jul Sunday, 25th Jul Glenn Miller 1940s Concert Night Friday, 30th Jul The Pirates of Penzance Saturday, 31st Jul Summer Civil Defence & Battle School Saturday, 31st Jul Sunday, 1st Aug The King & Queen Tribute Concert Friday, 6th Aug Last Night of the Proms 2010 Saturday, 7th Aug The High Summer Re-Creation of Tudor Life Friday, 27th Aug Saturday, 28th Aug Sunday, 29th Aug Monday, 30th Aug Michaelmas Re-Creation of Tudor Life Saturday, 25th Sep Sunday, 26th Sep Visit www.kentwell.co.uk or call 01787 310207 Page 79 VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM - CAVENDISH RD, CLARE Clare Focus Summer 2010 Page 80
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