Simonsbath Festival 2013 Simonsbath Festival 2013 4 May – 22 June
Designed by Maggie Lyddiatt Printed by Brightsea Press Designed by Maggie Lyddiatt When the world comes to Simonsbath in the of Exmoor Simonsbath Festival 2013 celebrates May Day Monday 6 May – 2.30pm at the Exmoor Forest Inn Simonsbath Festival celebrates May Day with art, dancing, traditional music, songs and stories for all the family: • Children’s art workshops • Storyteller Frances Harrison will provide inspiration with her magical tales from Exmoor and beyond • Maypole dancing by local school children • A concert of traditional music and songs from Exmoor, performed by musicians from the folk and community arts organisation Wren Music. The art workshops and storytelling will cater for separate age groups (4 to 8 year olds and over 8 year olds): Art workshop 2.30pm – 3.30pm for 8 year olds and over (mask making). 3.30pm – 4.30pm for 4 to 8 year olds (mask making). Storytelling 2.30pm – 3.15pm for 4 to 8 year olds. 3.30pm – 4.30pm for 8 year olds and over. 4.45pm – 5.45pm Additional storytelling for adults and children, linked to Exmoor’s traditional music and songs from Wren Music’s collection. 6pm – 6.30pm Maypole dancing 7pm – A concert of traditional music and songs from Exmoor by Wren musicians Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson – come and join in, bring your own songs or Don’t miss just enjoy the fun. Simonsbath Festival’s Barbeque food will be available as well as food and drink served at the Exmoor May Day Forest Inn. Admission to the art workshops and storytelling is FREE - donations to pay for materials are welcome. Admission to the concert is also FREE, with a celebrations retiring collection. For information and bookings please telephone Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451
Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June
Index: page
Phyllida Lloyd Simonsbath and Simonsbath Festival 2 Patron St Luke’s Church 3 Simonsbath Festival Helen Yorke – Gala Opening Concert 4 Opera at St Luke’s 5 Attending festivals - as audience or participant - Tom and Barbara Brown’s “This Farming Life” 7 have been some of the most life-changing Bella Tromba – all-female trumpet quartet 7 experiences I’ve enjoyed. Sometimes I have felt I travelled far away just by experiencing the music or Chris Chapman’s presentation on Hope Bourne 8 theatre of another culture, at others the possibilities Geoff Nichols’ Thomas Hardy evening “Remembering Emma” 8 of a familiar venue have been totally transformed by Gumboot Dance Workshop 9 a surprise from outside. Modou N’Diaye and Kassa Afro African music concert 9
With the arts really feeling the pinch of spending Sir Andrew Burns’ talk 11 cuts, once again the Simonsbath Festival comes to Fiesta Flamenca Trio Spanish Flamenco concert 11 the rescue and promises to dazzle, entertain and Moorland Quartet 13 educate audiences young and not so young across Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx Indian music and “Drumscapes” 13 Exmoor with a range of entertainments which - just Tea with Slightly Foxed 15 in anticipation - really do put a smile on one’s face. Midsummer Celebrations 15 Small miracles that such festivals are, triumphs of Information and booking form 16-19 possibility over inertia, not only deserve our support Simonsbath Sawmill events 20 but bring the gift of a potentially great adventure Heart of Exmoor events 23 without having to take a train or even get out your Exmoor Society walks 20 passport to find it. Make sure you don’t miss what Exmoor Forest Inn events promise to be some sell-out events - of local and 25 international talent. I for one will be signing up for Simonsbath House events 27 the Gumboot Dance Workshop! Events diary – at a glance 31
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 1 Simonsbath The village of Simonsbath lies in the heart of Exmoor and its history is directly linked to the enclosure of the ancient Exmoor Forest and the pioneering Knight family. The Exmoor Forest refers to the ancient Royal Forest, at the heart of the existing National Park, an area of 20,344 acres, centring on Simonsbath. The Forest was an area of wild, uncultivated moorland, previously owned and subsequently leased by the Crown. The boundary of the Forest is 32 miles long and in many places the original boundary wall can be seen and followed. Each year walkers take on the Exmoor Perambulation around all 32 miles of the boundary and this year it takes place on June 22, the final day of the Simonsbath Festival. Simonsbath Festival The Simonsbath Festival is a non-profit making community venture which grew out of a series of concerts held to raise funds for the restoration of St Luke’s. Now in its second year the festival offers an exciting variety of events held throughout the village between May 4 and June 22. In these difficult times the Simonsbath Festival has kept admission prices to the bare minimum and offers free admission to many events, trusting that those who can afford it will be kind enough to pay a little bit extra to enable festival events to be enjoyed by those who are less fortunate. Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition The Exmoor Forest Inn will once again host the Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition throughout the duration of the festival, from May 4 to June 22. A wide range of artwork will be on display and for sale, including paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture by artists living in the Parish of Exmoor and other Exmoor artists whose work depicts Exmoor themes. Admission to the exhibition is FREE during Exmoor Forest Inn summer opening hours, from 11.30am until 11pm daily.
2 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June St Luke’s Church Work on building St Luke’s began in 1855, and the church was consecrated the following year. St Luke’s Church has recently been renovated to create a welcoming and attractive performing space which is ideal for concerts and other events. With its excellent acoustics, St Luke’s has already become a popular venue for professional and amateur concerts. Today St Luke’s is still a working church with regular fortnightly morning services, to which everyone is welcome. Details of services can be found in either the parish magazine or on the church gate. The present incumbent Rector David Weir, who can be found at the Rectory in Exford, would be happy to provide any further information. Simonsbath Festival is grateful to the Rector and the Parochial Church Council for the use of their lovely church.
Tickets for festival events at St Luke’s Church are available: • by phoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451 • by post using the booking form on page 17 • by emailing [email protected] • in person at Exmoor House guest house, Wheddon Cross • by booking online at the festival website below A season ticket is also available for admission to the five priced concerts at St Luke’s – Helen Yorke; Bella Tromba; Modou N’Diaye; Fiesta Flamenca Trio; Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx. The season ticket costs £40 (students/unemployed £25, 14s and under FREE), a saving of £10 on the full priced tickets. For full details of ticket prices and booking information please see page 16.
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 3 Saturday 4 May – 7.30pm Helen Yorke Gala Concert at St Luke’s
Bach Partita in B flat No 1 BWV 825 Chopin Nocturnes, Opus 9 No 2, Opus 15 Nos 1 and 2 Chopin Etudes, Opus 25 No 1, Opus 10 No 9 Grieg Wedding March Ravel Sonatine Rachmaninov Preludes, Opus 32 Nos 5, 10 and 12 Chopin Scherzo in B flat minor
Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Helen Yorke launches Simonsbath Festival 2013 with a gala concert at St Luke’s Church. Widely recognized as an outstanding recitalist and vocal coach, Helen performed with Renée Fleming for over a decade throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. She has held teaching positions at the Juilliard and Manhattan Schools in New York and the RSAM in Glasgow and has given master-classes across the world. She presently teaches at Trinity College of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. Helen is a recipient of the ARAM, awarded for the achievement of distinction in the music profession. Refreshments are available and a £5 optional canapé selection prepared by Exmoor’s own Cordon Bleu trained Frances Chanter may be booked in advance for the interval by telephoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. Adult £12 to reserve the seat of your choice Standard ticket £10 (students/unemployed £7.50); 14 year-olds and under FREE Block booking is available for concert tickets at St Luke’s; please enquire.
4 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June Sunday 12 May – 7.30pm Opera at St Luke’s
Sopranos Tereza Gevorgyan and Sarah-Jane Lewis Tenor Alberto Sousa Pianist Jonathan Papp
Donaudy O del mio amato ben, Ognun ripicchia e nicchia, Amorosi miei Soprano Sarah-Jane Lewis graduated from the Royal College of Music with First giorni Delibes Lakmé Donizetti Don Pasquale, Norina’s Aria Class Honours, and is currently studying for an MA at the Royal Academy of Music under Ryland Davies and Jonathan Papp. Sarah-Jane has performed at a variety Puccini La Boheme; Che gelida manina, Mi chiamano Mimi, O soave of prestigious venues and won a string of awards, including the Kathleen Ferrier fanciulla de Falla Siete Canciones Popolares; El Paño Moruno, Nana, Polo Bursary for Young Singers. de Curtis Tu ca nun chiagne; Cardillo Core ‘ngrato Tosti Marechiare Tenor Alberto Sousa from Portugal graduated in Vocal Studies at Universidade Tigranian Varditer’s Aria: “Sos and Varditer” de Aveiro with António Salgado and has recently completed the GSMD Opera Wagner Tristan und Isolde; Liebestod Course, studying with Laura Sarti. Alberto was a student of the Accademia’s 2011 season, under the tutorship of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and went on to record a CD of Italian songs produced by Richard Bonynge to commemorate the centenary of Simonsbath Festival is delighted to welcome the opera stars of Sir Georg Solti’s birth. tomorrow with a performance of bel canto – or, as we say on Exmoor, beautiful song. The talented young artists are alumni of the Georg Refreshments are available. A £5 optional snack with an Italian flavour, prepared by Solti Accademia in Castiglione della Pescaia, Tuscany, a prestigious Exmoor’s own Cordon Bleu trained Frances Chanter, may be booked in advance masterclass founded in memory of the great Hungarian conductor to for the interval by telephoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. educate promising young singers from all over the world in the art of Admission to this concert is FREE, with a retiring collection, but advance booking Italian opera and song. is strongly recommended to ensure a seat is reserved for you. Soprano Tereza Gevorgyan is from Armenia and completed her MA with distinction at the Royal Academy of Music where she is studying opera under Lillian Watson and Jonathan Papp. Tereza was one of A package deal combining a full menu at the Exmoor Forest Inn and a ticket 12 young singers selected for the Georg Solti Accademia’s 2011 for St Luke’s may be booked in advance for both Helen Yorke’s concert and season for a course of intensive training with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Opera at St Luke’s by telephoning Janis or Nick on 01643 831341. Sir Thomas Allen.
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 5 6 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June St Luke’s Saturday 18 May – 7.30pm Bella Tromba Emma Bassett, Victoria Curran, Josephine Harris, St Luke’s Clare Thorne
Wednesday 15 May – 7.30pm Carlo Gesualdo O Vos Omnes William Byrd March before the Battle Orlando Gibbons Pavan John Bull King’s Hunt Alan Duguid (Arr.) Hymn Benjamin Britten Fanfare for St Edmundsbury John Reeman L’homme Tom and Barbara Brown armé – World Premiere Francis Poulenc Sonata for Horn, Trumpet and Trombone Igor Stravinsky Le Cinq Doigts Emma Bassett (Trs.) 8 Melodie tres faciles sur 5 notes Leonard Bernstein Elegy for Mippy 2 for Trombone present This Farming Life Alone Miles Davis All Blues; So What Paul Robinson Swing “A wonderful, magical and memorable evening . . .” The fabulous Bella Tromba all-female trumpet quartet perform a varied concert A journey in time brings West Country farming communities to life from as of music spanning four centuries. Formed in 2004 at the Royal Academy of early as the 1920s to the 1970s, with archive film, words, traditional and Music, Bella Tromba is an established chamber group performing extensively in modern music and folk songs, from the incomparable Tom and Barbara the UK and abroad. The quartet has featured at the Cheltenham Music Festival, Brown. South Bank’s Purcell Room and on BBC Radio 3. Tom and Barbara, from Umber Music in Combe Martin, created their Refreshments are available and a Cornish pasty, costing £3 and delivered fresh show for rural touring. From heavy horses, through early traction, the from Cornwall by the bass trumpet’s family, may be booked in advance for the drift from the land, rural industries, and much more, the show includes interval by telephoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. interviews with farming people, documentary extracts, silent archive footage, tunes, songs and readings. A package deal combining a full menu at the Exmoor Forest Inn and a concert ticket may be booked in advance by telephoning Janis or Nick Refreshments available and an optional Ploughman’s Supper, on 01643 831341 costing £7, may be booked in advance for the interval by telephoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. Adult £12 to reserve the seat of your choice Adult £7 14 year-olds and under FREE Standard ticket £10 (students/unemployed £7.50); 14 year-olds and under FREE www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 7 St Luke’s Saturday 25 May – 7.30pm Geoff Nichols presents Remembering Emma An evening of words and music with poems by Thomas Hardy St Luke’s Tenor Eric Hadley Piano Jayne Thomas Flute Carolyn Hunter Portrait of Thomas Hardy Wednesday 22 May – 7.30pm Guitar Andrew Barrett by William Strang © National Portrait Gallery, Tenor horn and Piano Geoff Nichols London Chris Chapman with readings by Kate and John Dee. Celebrated musician Geoff Nichols presents presents an evening of words and music featuring his Hope Bourne – own compositions, including the song cycle Remembering Emma based on poems by A Celebration of Exmoor Thomas Hardy, and the premiere of Exmoor Miniatures, which he composed specially for A presentation by the highly acclaimed the Simonsbath Festival – and there are some photographer and documentary film maker gems by Bertolt Brecht along the way. Chris Chapman, whose new film Hope Bourne – A Celebration of Exmoor Refreshments available during the interval. is a powerful and sensitive portrait of the Admission is FREE, with a retiring collection, legendary Exmoor writer and artist, who died but advance booking is strongly recommended in 2010. Chris will talk about his first meeting with Hope, their friendship, to ensure a seat is reserved for you. the art of research and the complexities of making a film after someone has passed away; he will also screen some footage from his film. A package deal combining tickets for both Chris Chapman’s presentation and Refreshments available during the interval. Portrait of Emma Gifford Remembering Emma plus a full menu at the Courtesy of the Thomas Admission is FREE, with a retiring collection, but advance booking is Exmoor Forest Inn may be booked in advance Hardy Collection at Dorset strongly recommended to ensure a seat is reserved for you. by telephoning Janis or Nick on 01643 831341. County Museum, Dorchester.
8 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June Saturday 1 June – 4 – 6pm Saturday 1 June – 7.30pm St Luke’s Modou N’Diaye and Kassa Afro
Exciting world music and African rhythms return to Simonsbath Festival with a concert by Modou N’Diaye and Gumboot Dance Workshop Kassa Afro. Master drummer and Exmoor Forest Inn (please check venue when booking) kora player, Modou is a member of Gumboot Dance Workshop tutor Cecilia Ndhlovu offers adults and children the famous Cissokho family of Griot a chance to discover a whole new language, dance and culture based musicians and oral historians from the on that most humble and yet – to many Exmoor residents and visitors – Casamance region of Southern Senegal. most indispensible piece of footwear: the wellington boot. He plays a variety of instruments from The Gumboot Dance originated in the gold mines of South Africa where djembe, sabar and talking drum to his miners were forced to work underground in poor conditions, often standing leading instrument, the 22-string kora for hours in infected water. Instead of attempting to drain the mines the (West African harp). owners gave the miners wellington boots for protection. The miners were forbidden to talk, and as a result created their own means of communication to keep up their morale, sending messages to each other and warning each other of dangers like falling bricks. This language was developed using a variety of welly tapping, thigh slapping, foot stamping and clapping. After the miners were freed, the steps they learnt in the mines became part of the new Gumboot Dance form and were recognised nationally Refreshments available and a as a South African traditional dance which is still celebrated today to mark light Senegalese-style supper at the end of slavery in the mines. Bring your own wellies! approximately 6pm, after the workshop Refreshments and a light Senegalese-style supper available after the and before the evening’s concert, may workshop – see right. be booked in advance by telephoning Adults: £5 14 year-olds and under £3. Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. Combined ticket includes Gumboot Dance workshop and evening concert with Senegalese kora player Modou N’Diaye Adult £12 to reserve the seat of your choice; and Kassa Afro at St Luke’s at 7.30pm: Standard ticket £10 (student/unemployed £7.50); 14 year-olds and under FREE Adults: £12.50 (student/unemployed £10); 14 year-olds and under £3 Block booking available for concert tickets at St Luke’s; please enquire. www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 9 Full Design Service • Project management Comprehensive range of fabrics • Curtain making Upholstery • Lighting • Accessories • Sourcing Bed linen • China
STOCKLEIGH LODGE Exford, Exmoor, Somerset TA24 7PZ 01643 831500 www.stockleighexford.co.uk [email protected] k Stockleigh Lodge, a large country house set in its own wooded grounds on the outskirts of Exford. There are nine letting rooms all with ensuite facilities, ideal Rupert White Interiors to accommodate small groups. Bring your own horse on 20 Fore Street, Bampton, Devon EX16 9ND holiday and hire one of the 8 loose boxes for DIY livery, T: 01398 332 444 M: 07789 377 412 and ride the beautiful bridle ways of Exmoor. Walking E: [email protected] from Stockleigh is also easy and you're on the footpaths of Opening hours – Tuesday to Friday10.00am to 5.00pm. Exmoor within minutes. Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm.
10 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June Wednesday 5 June – 7.30pm St Luke’s Saturday 8 June – 7.30pm St Luke’s Sir Andrew Burns The Fiesta Flamenca Trio
Authentic Spanish Flamenco comes to Simonsbath Festival with the Fiesta Flamenca Trio from Ambiente Flamenco, bringing exciting rhythms to life and creating a lively atmosphere with dance, guitar and song. While the guitar echoes the laments of the gypsy tradition, the singer brings life and energy to the fiesta with stirring rumbas and lively percussion. With fire in her blood, the dancer expresses the emotions of the music and creates a unique and unforgettable experience. Refreshments are available and optional Spanish tapas costing £5 and prepared by Admission FREE, with a retiring collection. Exmoor’s own Cordon Bleu trained Frances Chanter, may be booked in advance for the interval by telephoning Marian Lloyd on Still Coping with the 01643 831451. Consequences of World War Two
Sir Andrew will reflect on some of the issues which have preoccupied Adult £12 to reserve the seat of your choice; him during his distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service over the last 45 years, in India, Eastern Europe, Israel, Hong Kong, Canada and now Standard ticket £10 dealing with the legacy of the Holocaust. (student/unemployed £7.50); Sir Andrew Burns is the UK Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues and a 14 year-olds and under FREE former British High Commissioner to Canada. He and his wife Sarah Block booking available for have lived in the Parish of Cutcombe on Exmoor for 40 years. concert tickets at St Luke’s; In the course of his Diplomatic Service career he was also British please enquire. Ambassador to Israel, Deputy Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau and Head of British Information Services in the US. A package deal combining a full menu at the Exmoor Forest Inn and Since his retirement he has been an International Governor of the BBC, a ticket for St Luke’s may be booked in advance for both Sir Andrew Chairman of Royal Holloway, University of London and Chair of the UK Burn’s presentation and The Fiesta Flamenca concert by telephoning Committee of University Chairs. Janis or Nick on 01643 831341. Refreshments available during the interval.
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 11 12 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June Sunday 9 June – 7.30pm St Luke’s Saturday 15 June – 7.30pm St Luke’s The Moorland Quartet Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx Tradition and innovation in world music Simonsbath Festival’s exciting programme of world music continues with a concert of tradition and innovation from Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx performing Indian music on sitar and tabla, with Drumscapes Live Sampling from Jon Sterckx. The concert will begin with a series of light Indian pieces with a folk element and, by special request, after the interval Jon will give a performance of his astonishing Drumscapes, which has been wowing audiences across the country. Created using a range of acoustic percussion instruments, vocal percussion and Violins Sarah Greinig and Simon Routh digital audio processing, Drumscapes range from highly energised rhythmical Violas Barbara Pears and Adrian Lock journeys to atmospheric percussion soundscapes. Cello Ruth Lock with Soprano Alison Routh Refreshments and authentic Indian snacks, kindly provided by the Malde family, Admission FREE, with a retiring collection. will be available during the interval. Adult £12 to reserve the seat of your choice; Haydn String quartet Opus 64 No 5 Mozart String quintet K 515 Standard ticket £10 (student/unemployed £7.50); 14 year-olds and under FREE Schubert Lieder Block booking available for concert tickets at St Luke’s; please enquire.
The Moorland Quartet was formed by local musician Barbara Pears. Barbara attended the Guildhall School of Music where she gained a teaching diploma. She then taught violin and viola at Epsom College for 18 years and also taught for Surrey County. The two highlights in Barbara’s career were singing in the chorus of Saint Nicholas at the very first Aldeburgh Festival with Benjamin Britten conducting and Peter Pears as the soloist. Many years later she played the viola in the Kegelstatt Trio with the Lord Chief Justice Sir Peter Taylor at a Law Concert. Refreshments available during the interval.
A package deal combining a full menu at the Exmoor Forest Inn and a ticket for St Luke’s may be booked in advance for both the Moorland Quartet and Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx’s concert by telephoning Janis or Nick on 01643 831341.
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 13 Rest and Be Thankful
14 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June Wednesday 19 June Sunday 22 June – 7pm 3.30pm Simonsbath Festival Tea with celebrates Midsummer Simonsbath Festival celebrates Midsummer and Slightly Foxed marks the end of Simonsbath Festival 2013 with a concert of traditional music and songs from the “Sparky and independent” Exmoor Forest and the wider Exmoor area. The Times. The concert will be performed by celebrated musicians Paul Wilson and Marilyn Tucker from the folk and community arts organisation Wren Music and everyone is welcome to come and join in. Editors of the unusual quarterly book review Slightly Foxed, Gail Pirkis and Hazel Wood, who both have long careers Refreshments available during the interval. in publishing behind them, talk about life in publishing, setting up a literary journal, publishing today and life in an independent bookshop. For the past nine years Slightly Foxed has been introducing its readers to some of the thousands of good books that long ago disappeared from the review pages and often from bookshop shelves. It has a wide range of contributors, some well-known, some not - all who write personally and entertainingly about the books they choose. “If you love books, you’ll love Slightly Foxed.” Time Out Refreshments available and an optional Cream Tea, costing £5, may be booked in advance by telephoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. Admission to this event is FREE, with a retiring collection, but advance booking is strongly recommended to ensure a seat is reserved for you. Admission FREE, with a retiring collection. www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 15 Information and booking
Booking tickets for events at St Luke’s Other events at St Luke’s Tickets for the following concerts in St Luke’s Church are priced at a premium Tickets for Tom and Barbara Brown’s This Farming Life cost £7 (14 year-olds rate of £12, to reserve the seat of your choice, or a standard rate of £10, to and under FREE). An optional Ploughman’s Supper costing £7 may be booked sit anywhere (student/unemployed concession £7.50, and FREE admission in advance for the interval. for 14 year-olds and under): Tickets for the Gumboot Dance Workshop are £5 (14 year-olds and under • Helen Yorke £3). A combined ticket is available for this workshop with the evening’s Modou • Bella Tromba N’Diaye concert for £12.50 (Concessionary £10; 14 year-olds and under £3). • Modou N’Diaye • Fiesta Flamenca Trio Free events • Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx The following events at St Luke’s have free admission with a retiring collection. The following optional snacks may also be booked in advance. With the However, advance booking is strongly recommended to ensure a seat is exception of the Cornish pasty, these will be prepared by Exmoor’s own reserved for you. Cordon Bleu trained Frances Chanter: • Opera at St Luke’s from alumni of the Solti Accademia • A canapé selection for the interval of Helen Yorke’s concert (£5) • Talk by Chris Chapman • A Cornish pasty delivered fresh from Cornwall by the bass trumpet’s • Talk by Sir Andrew Burns family for Bella Tromba’s concert (£3) • Moorland Quartet • A light Senegalese-style meal before Modou N’Diaye’s concert (£7) • Tea with Slightly Foxed • Spanish tapas for the interval of Fiesta Flamenca’s concert (£5) Optional snacks costing £5 may be booked in advance for the interval of Opera • An Indian snack for the interval of the Romain and Sterckx concert (£5) at St Luke’s (prepared by Frances Chanter, with a flavour of Italy) and a cream A season ticket is available for these five concerts costing £40 (concessions tea before the presentation by Slightly Foxed. Refreshments and light snacks £25, 14 year-olds and under FREE), a saving of £10 on the full priced tickets. will be available during the interval at other events to purchase on the night. Standard tickets, premium tickets, snacks and block bookings are available: A package deal combining a full menu at the Exmoor Forest Inn and a concert ticket may be booked in advance by telephoning Janis or Nick • by phone from Marian Lloyd: 01643-831451 on 01643 831341. • by email from [email protected] Please make cheques payable to Simonsbath Festival and send with Standard tickets are also available: your completed booking form to: • In person at Exmoor House guest house, Wheddon Cross Marian Lloyd, Higher Bradley, Withypool, Somerset TA24 7RS • Online by visiting the festival website www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk If you would like us to send you your tickets in advance, please enclose a For all events a package deal including a full menu at the Exmoor stamped, addressed envelope with your cheque, otherwise your tickets will Forest Inn and a concert ticket may be booked in advance by be available to pick up on the night. Concessionary tickets are available for telephoning Janis or Nick on 01643 831341. students and unemployed only.
16 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June ! Booking form for events at St Luke’s
Event Date and time Price per ticket Snack(s) Number Total cost please insert how many of tickets Helen Yorke – concert pianist 4 May – 7.30pm £12 or £10 (£7.50) (£5) Opera at St Luke’s 12 May – 7.30pm Free admission, with (£5) a retiring collection “This Farming Life” 15 May – 7.30pm £7 (Under 14s FREE) (£7) Bella Tromba – trumpet quartet 18 May – 7.30pm £12 or £10 (£7.50) (£3) Chris Chapman presentation 22 May – 7.30pm Free admission, with a retiring collection Thomas Hardy evening 25 May – 7.30pm Free admission, St Luke’s with a retiring collection parking and facilities Gumboot Dance workshop 1 June – 4.00pm £5 (Under 14s £3) There are only a few Modou N’Diaye – world music 1 June – 7.30pm £12 or £10 (£7.50) (£7) parking spaces at the Gumboot Dance Workshop and £12.50 (£10) church itself, which concert combined ticket (under 14s £3) are normally reserved Sir Andrew Burns - talk 5 June – 7.30pm Free admission, for visitors with limited with a retiring collection mobility. There is some roadside parking Fiesta Flamenca Trio 8 June – 7.30pm £12 or £10 (£7.50) (£5) or Exmoor National Park’s Ashcombe car Moorland Quartet 9 June – 7.30pm Free admission, with a retiring collection park in the centre of Simonsbath which Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx 15 June – 7.30pm £12 or £10 (£7.50) (£5) also has toilets. The church is accessible Tea with Slightly Foxed 19 June – 3.30pm Free admission, (£5) to wheelchair users with a retiring collection and has its own toilet Please complete the form overleaf and facilities. make cheques payable to Simonsbath Festival Overall total £
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 17 ! Please complete to book tickets or to keep informed by joining our mailing list
Title
Name
Address
Postcode
Telephone
Email address
Please send your completed form, plus, if you are booking tickets, a cheque made out to Simonsbath Festival to:
Marian Lloyd, Higher Bradley, Withypool, Somerset TA24 7RS.
18 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June ! Other events at Simonsbath Festival
Simonsbath Sawmill There is no public parking or public toilets at the Sawmill. Visitors are advised to use the Exmoor National Park’s Ashcombe car park which also has toilets. Parts of the Sawmill are accessible to wheelchair users and arrangements can be made to welcome people with disabilities (ring 01398 323202 between 10am and 4pm on the day). For more information please email [email protected] Exmoor Forest Inn To book events at the Exmoor Forest Inn please telephone 01643 831341 or for more information visit the website www.exmoorforestinn.co.uk Simonsbath House To book events at Simonsbath House please telephone 01643 831259 or for more information visit the website www.simonsbathhouse.co.uk Exmoor Society Exmoor Society walks are normally free of charge. For further information please telephone the Exmoor Society on 01398 323335 or visit the Exmoor Society website www.exmoorsociety.org.uk Exmoor National Park and Heart of Exmoor To book events organised by the Exmoor National Park and Heart of Exmoor please contact David Rolls on 07875 565823 or visit the website www. exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
For general enquiries please contact Victoria Thomas on 01643 831343 or email [email protected]
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 19 Simonsbath Sawmill The mill was built for John Knight sometime after 1818 and was refurbished The Old Farmhouse for Viscount Ebrington (later Lord Fortescue) in 1898. Never just a sawmill, this group of buildings generated electricity for parts of the village and was the hub at Honeymead of agricultural and estate management work for the whole area. It was bought by Exmoor National Park Authority in 1996 and restored in 2002 with Heritage Lottery Funding. It is no longer in regular use for sawmilling but is a venue for environmental education and other activities and is looked after by a group of volunteers. Sawmill open days Simonsbath Sawmill will be open from 10am to 4pm on: Monday May 20; Monday June 3; Monday June 18. Admission FREE (but donations invited)
Saturday 11 May – Sunday 12 May 10am – 4pm Simonsbath Sawmill will be open as part of the National Mills Weekend – the annual celebration of the UK’s milling heritage. Admission FREE (but donations invited) The Secrets of Simonsbath Sunday 19 May – Sunday 16 June 2.15pm – 5pm Five talks and walks exploring and celebrating Simonsbath’s remarkable historic and cultural heritage. Each will be based at the historic, water-powered sawmill with an illustrated introductory talk followed by a guided walk. Introduction to the History of Simonsbath Sunday 19 May 2.15pm – 5pm Led by Dr Graham Wills, Simonsbath Sawmill Heritage Group, and with a walk exploring the development of the village over the last 350 years, looking particularly at the plans of a 19th century Midlands ironmaster to create a great country estate here. Including a tour of the sawmill and a walk to see the leats and weirs that bring water to the mill.
20 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June The Prehistory of the Simonsbath area Sunday 26 May 2.15pm – 5pm Led by Rob Wilson-North, Conservation Manager, Exmoor National Park Authority, and joint author of The Field Archaeology of Exmoor (English Heritage, 2001) with visits to some of the remarkable prehistoric sites in the area to discover more about the earliest origins of settlement around Simonsbath, including Bronze Age sites like Whiteladder and Five Barrows. The Royal Forest of Exmoor Sunday 2 June 2.15pm – 5pm Led by Mary Siraut, County Editor, Victoria County History, and author of Exmoor – the making of an English Upland (Phillimore, 2009) with a walk to Mount Pleasant, for views over Simonsbath and the Royal Forest. We will also have a guided tour of the historic Simonsbath House, which dates from 1654 and was the first house to be built in the Royal Forest. There will be an opportunity to have a cream tea in the house after the tour. The Mining History of the Simonsbath area Sunday 9 June 2.15pm – 5pm Led by Dr Lee Bray, Historic Environment Officer, Exmoor Mire Restoration Project and author of A Field Guide to Exmoor’s Early Iron Industry (Exmoor National Park Authority, 2010). The talk will be followed by a visit to historic mine workings near the village, including the “Roman Lode”, to look for traces of early mining activity, and to the mine workings at Blue Gate to see Victorian and 20th century exploitation. Booking Arrangements Pinkery Pond - still an enigma? Spaces are limited and booking essential. Tickets £5 for each session (£20 for all five) Sunday 16 June 2.15pm – 5pm plus £4.50 for the cream tea on Sunday 2 June. Led by Dr Graham Wills with a guided walk to see the mysterious For further information or to register an interest early 19th century lake lying in remote moorland west of Simonsbath please email [email protected] or – “deep and brown and still, reflecting rushes and reeds at its sides, [email protected] the sedges of the hills, and the sky over them” (Henry Williamson). Photo courtesy of Lee Parker
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 21
Exmoor National Park and the Heart of Exmoor Exmoor National Park covers an area of 267 sq miles (692 sq kms) - a unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. High cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel and cosy pubs and tearooms offer delicious local produce. On Exmoor it is still possible to find tranquility and peace as well as rediscover a sense of adventure; to catch a glimpse of wild red deer, be amazed by dark skies full of stars and explore villages full of character. Exmoor National Park is also one of the few places in the world to be awarded the prestigious designation of International Dark Sky Reserve, recognising the fact that Exmoor has some of the darkest skies in the country and that it works hard to make people aware of how precious this resource is. www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Friday 31 May 10am – 4pm Wednesday 12 June – 8.30pm “Bogtastic” “A Wild Night Out in Simonsbath” A day for all ages, including undercover A gentle, accessible potter around activities, exploring bogs and Simonsbath on the lookout for wetlands in and around Simonsbath nocturnal sights and sounds such and Blackpitts. Meet at Simonsbath as bats, stars and moths. Sawmill or Blackpitts, 2 Km North of Meet at the Exmoor Forest Inn. Simonsbath on the B3223. Admission FREE. Admission FREE, though places are limited so please book in advance. For more information telephone 07875 565823 or 01598 752509, For more information telephone or visit www.heartofexmoor.org.uk 01398 323841 or 07875 565823.
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 23 The Exmoor Society The Exmoor Society works to protect and enhance the special qualities and diverse wild landscapes of Exmoor. The society was formed in 1958 and is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation, protection and enjoyment of Exmoor National Park. It welcomes everyone who supports these purposes and wants to enjoy the special qualities of this unique National Park. Guided walks organised by the Exmoor Society as part of Simonsbath Festival: Thursday 16 May 11am – approx 1pm Mining and Mystery at Wheal Eliza A short walk of approximately two hours along the River Barle to Wheal Eliza, exploring the history of the Knights, mining in this part of Exmoor and the tragic mystery of Wheal Eliza. Meet at Ashcombe car park, Simonsbath. Saturday 8 June 11am – approx 3.30/4pm Exmoor Mires - A Big Bog Adventure for all Ages Join members of the Exmoor Society and Exmoor Mires Project to explore Exmoor’s mires. Learn all about bogs, with peat depth tests and wildlife identification along the way in this stunning and historic landscape. Meet at the lay-by at White Ladder Stone Row, Comerslade. Monday 17 June 2pm – approx 4pm Flowers and Footpaths in Simonsbath A leisurely stroll through the species-rich meadows of Simonsbath. Meet at Ashcombe car park, Simonsbath. No booking is required for Exmoor Society walks and they are normally free of charge, although a small donation is requested from non-members. For further information please telephone the Exmoor Society on 01398 323335 or visit the website: www.exmoorsociety.org.uk
24 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June Exmoor Forest Inn Saturday 1 June – 4 - 6pm Saturday 4 May – Saturday 22 June Gumboot Dance Workshop Simonsbath Festival (please check venue when booking) Art Exhibition Painting by Lucy Pearn Learn a whole new language, dance and culture based on Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition will take place again this year in that most humble and yet – to many Exmoor residents and the Exmoor Forest Inn throughout the duration of the festival. A wide visitors – most indispensible piece of footwear – the wellington range of artwork will be on display and for sale, including paintings, boot. Workshop held in association with Modou N’Diaye’s prints, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture by artists living in the Parish of evening concert at St Luke’s. See page 9 for details. Exmoor and other Exmoor artists whose work depicts Exmoor themes. Admission to the exhibition is FREE during the pub’s summer Sunday 16 June - 2.30pm-5pm opening hours. Poetry Afternoon Monday 6 May 2.30pm An informal event hosted by a group of local poets, featuring their own work May Day celebrations along with some Exmoor classics, and co-ordinated by Richard Westcott, Editor of the Exmoor Review. Simonsbath Festival celebrates May Day with traditional music, songs and stories from the Exmoor Forest. Events and activities for all the Anyone interested in poetry is most welcome to come and bring their own family include a concert performed by musicians from the folk and Exmoor inspired poems to read out and share, and there will be plenty of community arts organisation Wren Music, a storyteller and a children’s opportunities to discuss the work presented. art workshop. See inside front cover for details. Tea and refreshments available. Admission FREE, with a retiring collection.
Wednesday 29 May – 8pm Photo courtesy of George Ody Good Vibes at the Exmoor Forest Inn Geoff Nichols brings his Swing jazz band Good Vibes Included in the band’s programme will always be a to Simonsbath Festival. selection of compositions by Gershwin, Porter, Kern, Having led the legendary Avon Cities jazz band for Berlin, plus some of Geoff’s own compositions, spiced many years, trumpet and vibes star Geoff Nichols turns with a handful of jazz classics from the 20s. to the Swing music of the 1930s and 40s to present his Optional buffet available. Good Vibes Band for the discerning jazz fan. Admission FREE, with a retiring collection.
For information on the Poetry Afternoon please telephone Richard Westcott on 01769 572225 or email [email protected] For information and bookings telephone Janis Smith at the Exmoor Forest Inn on 01643 831341 or visit the website www.exmoorforestinn.co.uk
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 25 Keep Exmoor Special
Join us and help conserve Exmoor now and for future generations. A voluntary organisation founded in 1958. We support the purpose of the national park status and are constantly on guard to protect Exmoor's special qualities. We want family farms to survive and the villages to be places where the Exmoor people can earn a living and afford to live. We encourage people to enjoy outdoor activity and experience wild open country, tranquillity and well-being. For further details of our aims and benefits to members apply to Exmoor Society, Parish Rooms, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9DP tel 01398 323335 www.exmoorsociety.com
Hope Bourne’s Exmoor A celebration of Exmoor through the life and work of Hope Bourne 25th March to 2nd November 2013 The Exmoor Society is mounting a major exhibition to celebrate Exmoor’s special qualities through the life and work of Hope Bourne. The paintings, drawings, writings and memorabilia on display will be based on the bequest Hope made to the Society when she died in 2010. The Society wishes to share this rich legacy by celebrating Hope’s life, and by making her bequest widely accessible to the public. The Exmoor Society has a long tradition of protecting and promoting Exmoor’s cultural heritage. Through Hope’s legacy, the Exmoor Society will continue to safeguard Exmoor’s special qualities. Free Admission The Guildhall Heritage and Arts Centre, Fore Street, Dulverton TA22 9EX
26 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June Simonsbath House Outdoor Centre Events
Children’s Activity Days Family Activity Day Activity days at Simonsbath House including tree climbing, wall Saturday 1 June climbing, a mini assault course, archery, a stream scramble, nature Family day packed with activities including arts and crafts, nature activities, activities, arts and craft from 9.30am to 4pm. a mini assault course challenge, archery, stream scrambling and a 10m tree Activity days are for children only and cost £15 per child climb. Suitable for children aged 5 to 11 years old. There are two sessions: (discounts available through a loyalty scheme). from 10am – 12pm activities include archery and tree climbing, and from Tuesday 28 May: 5 to 7 year olds 1pm - 3pm activities include an opportunity to try the stream scramble and Wednesday 29 May: 9 to 12 year olds the mini assault course challenge. Thursday 30 May: 7 to 9 year olds A picnic area is available. Families are welcome to book one or both sessions.
Simonsbath House Hotel Events Simonsbath Walking Festival - walking holidays and guided walks for non-residents Tuesday 11 June to Sunday 16 June Wednesday 12 June - Lannacombe to Simonsbath via Hoccombe Water, Brendon Two Gates, Hoare Oak, Exe Head and Limecombe. Thursday 13 June - Moles Chambers to Simonsbath via Woodbarrow, Pinkery Pond, Chain Barrow, Exe Head and Ashcombe Bottom. Friday 14 June - From moor to sea - Dry Bridge, Shilstone Hill, Rockford, Watersmeet, Lynmouth and the Valley of the Rocks. Saturday 15 June - Two Moors Way to Simonsbath starting at Withypool and proceeding via Landacre Bridge, Cow Castle and Wheal Eliza. For more information or to book events organised by Simonsbath Resident price DBB, including a packed lunch, all walks and transport, House Outdoor Centre and Simonsbath House Hotel please costs £425 per person. Walks cost £7.50 per person including transport telephone 01643 831259 or visit the websites: back to vehicle. www.simonsbathhouse.co.uk or www.shoc.info
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 27 8 Fore Street Sold in 2012 Dulverton TA22 9EX 01398 324488
28 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 22 June festival events diary at a glance dy evening – evening walk d Westcott “This Farming Life” “This Farming own’s - family adventure day - family adventure ew Burns ee day of boggy fun for all ages ee day of boggy fun for – Geoff Nichols’s Swing jazz band Nichols’s – Geoff Slightly Foxed – talk s activity days
omba – all-female trumpet quartet omba – all-female Wild Night Out in Simonsbath” A Fiesta Flamenca Trio – Spanish Flamenco concert – Spanish Fiesta Flamenca Trio Moorland Quartet with soprano Alison Routh Festival Simonsbath Walking “ in concert Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx Poetry afternoon with Richar Flowers and Footpaths in Simonsbath - walk with Tea celebrations Day Midsummer’s Art Exhibition Concert – Gala Opening Yorke Helen May Day celebrations Sawmill at Simonsbath Weekend National Mills Luke’s Opera at St Br and Barbara Tom - walk mystery at Wheal Eliza Mining and Bella Tr “Hope Bourne – a Celebration of Exmoor” Thomas Har “Remembering Emma” Sawmill seminars of Simonsbath – The Secrets Children’ Good Vibes “Bogtastic” – fr Family activity day Gumboot Dance workshop music concert Modou N’Diaye – African by Sir Andr Talk “Exmoor Mires” Event
May 19-June 16 May 29 May 31 June 8 June 8 June 9 June 11-16 June 12 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 19 June 22 Date 22 May 4–June May 4 May 6 May 11-12 May 12 May 15 May 16 May 18 May 22 May 25 May 28-30 June 1 June 1 June 1 June 5 www.crownhotelexmoor.co.uk www.crownhotelexmoor.co.uk
serving great food, real ales and fine wines. food, real serving great
, Exford, Somerset TA24 7PP Somerset TA24 Hotel, Exford, The Crown T: 01643-831554 E: [email protected] 01643-831554 T: The Crown Hotel – Exford Hotel – The Crown Exmoor National Park, with 3 star accommodation, Exmoor National Park, with 3 star accommodation, an award-winning restaurant and a cosy country bar, and a cosy country bar, restaurant an award-winning The warmest welcome awaits everyone at this famous The warmest welcome awaits everyone at this 17th Century family run coaching inn at the heart of the 17th Century family run coaching inn at the www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 4 May – 22 June Simonsbath Festival 2013
With financial support from the Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund and the Moorland Landscape Partnership’s Heart of Exmoor which is pleased to be supporting the Simonsbath Festival through its lottery funding. Please visit our website www.heartofexmoor.org.uk to discover and enjoy even more about Exmoor’s moorland. With financial assistance from ARTlife, in partnership with West Somerset Council.
Photography: landscapes courtesy Nicola Friedrich; St Luke’s interior shots courtesy Jackie Cooper Festival programme edited by Victoria Thomas Designed by Maggie Lyddiatt Simonsbath Festival logo illustrated by Lucy Pearn
Telephone 01643 831343 [email protected]
www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk Printed by Brightsea Press When the world comes to Simonsbath in the of Exmoor