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