7 May – 21 June

7 May – 21 June Don’t miss Festival’sSimonsbath Simonsbath Festival Bank Holiday Monday 7 May – 2pm celebrates celebrations MAY DAY May Day Simonsbath Festival starts • Maypole dancing and country dancing by the children of Exford School in the customary way with • Live music from Spinach for Norman May Day celebrations • Competitions including tug o’ war and welly throwing for all the family on Bank • Exford hand bells • Raffle Holiday Monday 7 May Besides maypole dancing and country dancing by children from Exford School, the village will be joining on Exford Village Green. in with live music from Spinach for Norman and a host of other activities to celebrate the arrival of Spring.

For information please telephone Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451 or email [email protected]

Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June Don’t miss Festival’sSimonsbath Festival events diary – at a glance celebrations MAY DAY Events held at St Luke’s Church are highlighted below Date Event page May 7 May Day Celebrations Opposite May 12-May 28 Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition – The Old Pottery, Simonsbath 3 May 12 The Wellensian Consort – concert 4 May 16 Reverend David Weir – talk 5 May 20 Rebekah Brinkley – concert 5 May 23 Sarah Bryan – talk 6 May 26 Alaudiae – concert 7 May 28 Rob Wilson-North – talk at Simonsbath House 7 and 19 May 30 Rob Wilson-North – walk 7 and 21 June 2 Radio Rio Quartet – concert 8 Phyllida Lloyd – talk Patron June 6 Chris Sperring 9 Simonsbath Festival June 9 Kamao Quartet – concert 10 June 13 Murder and Mystery at Wheal Eliza – walk 21 I love the Simonsbath June 13 Bette Baldwin – talk 11 Festival for two reasons. June 16 Opera Anywhere – The Mikado – concert 13 It's the only festival I know June 21 Midsummer Family and Community Concert that regularly mentions The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross 15 wellington boots in its Information and booking 16-17 “programme and it has my Friends of Simonsbath Festival information and application form 17-18 favourite approach road – Simonsbath House Hotel to a night out, with its Additional venue 19 inspirational views away to Exmoor Society 21 the west on the drive down Simonsbath Sawmill 23 the South Molton road. Exmoor National Park 25 Index of advertisers 29 www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk” 1 Welcome to Simonsbath Festival

We all know that life, like the Exmoor This means that St Luke’s sometimes finds itself weather, is unpredictable. Sometimes the rather incongruous venue for performances an idea that seems to have everything such as the South African Gumboot Dance. going for it doesn’t quite make it into the Anyone unfamiliar with the Gumboot Dance might real world for one reason or another, and be tempted to underestimate its cultural and sometimes an idea which seems crazy at historical significance which is in fact considerable, the time, against the odds, does make it. besides which, it is a fabulous experience to watch and listen to. The idea of an annual six-week festival in this tiny, Although sadly this year’s programme does not remote village in the heart of Exmoor seemed feature the Gumboot Dance, the emphasis is still pretty outlandish back in 2011, but seven years on variety, with opera, jazz, classical and world later here I am welcoming you to Simonsbath The workshops culminate in a Midsummer music concerts and other events, including talks Festival 2018. family and community concert on June 21 at the and walks and an art exhibition. Last summer I bumped into someone in South Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross. In addition to the events in Simonsbath and Molton who was kind enough to praise the festival, Over the past years the festival has made the May Day celebrations in Exford, the festival describing it as ‘unique’. His comment chimed with donations to local charities such as Exmoor continues its work with local schools with the me because, with so many festivals popping up Search and Rescue, the Beacon Centre cancer project ‘Songs from the Exmoor Forest’ to revive all over the place, unique is exactly what we aim unit at Taunton’s Musgrove Hospital, the South interest in and knowledge of the traditional music to be. Molton branch of the Royal British Legion, West and songs of Exmoor. Simonsbath Festival is all about diversity. As well Somerset Food Cupboard in Minehead and Paul Wilson, from the folk and community arts as attracting as wide an audience as possible to Exmoor Community Youth Club. organisation Wren Music, is holding a series of a festival programme filled with as much variety Thank you for your warm embrace of workshops in Exford, Timberscombe, Cutcombe as possible, our USP is to celebrate Exmoor’s Simonsbath Festival. Without you we would and Dulverton schools to teach children traditional cultural heritage on May Day and Midsummer and not be here. music and songs collected on Exmoor from the to celebrate the cultural heritage of other countries early 20th century to the 1980s. Victoria Thomas, Festival Director during the six weeks in between.

2 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition Don’t miss out

Saturday 12 May – 28 May Book your The sixth annual Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition will take place Festival at The Old Pottery, Simonsbath, in the centre of the village just by the events NOW! Exmoor Forest Inn. • book online by logging on to the festival website: The exhibition showcases some of www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk the South West’s most innovative and • by emailing: influential printmakers, whose work [email protected] reflects something of the quality of • by telephoning Marian Lloyd moorland life, the physical beauty of on 01643 831451 the landscape and the diversity of the culture, flora and fauna. Please turn to page 16 for full details of ticket prices This year’s exhibition features framed and unframed work, all of which is and booking information for sale. Becoming a Friend of Simonsbath Festival The exhibition is open from for as little as £15 a year entitles you 10am to 4pm every day and to priority booking, an invitation to the until 6pm on Wednesdays art exhibition preview and other festival and Saturdays. events, and ensures that your name is

For more information telephone Sandy Schott on 01643 831844 Simonsbath Festival, please complete the or email [email protected] application form on page 18. www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 3 St Luke’s Saturday 12 May 7.30pm The Wellensian Consort

The renowned Wellensian Consort return to Simonsbath for a unique programme combining traditional folk song arrangements and contemporary uplifting choral masterpieces with a specially arranged suite from Marian Matthew’s bold and electrifying new choral work Incredible Jewel.

Local composer Marian Matthews has set to music the poetry of fifth generation Exmoor farmer Michael Reed, adding life and Over the last few years they have recorded two critically acclaimed CDs, vibrancy to the work with her immediately appealing musical style. broadcast internationally and performed at the UK’s leading venues and After a triumphant premiere last year in Wells, Incredible Jewel festivals, including Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall, Cheltenham Festival and comes ‘home’ for its second performance. City of Derry International Choral Festival. Heralded as one of the UK’s most talented and engaging chamber Refreshments available and canapés, prepared by Sue Croft and costing choirs, the Wellensian Consort and their conductor Christopher £6, may be booked in advance for the interval. Finch came to national prominence in 2010 when they won the coveted title of Choir of the Year in association with BBC Radio 3. All the members of this elite choir studied at Wells Cathedral Advance booking: Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; School before embarking on further study at the country’s leading £10 standard tickets (£11 on the door); student/unemployed £7.50; music colleges and universities. 14 year-olds and under free.

4 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June St Luke’s St Luke’s Wednesday 16 May Sunday 20 May 7.30pm 7.30pm (Please note this concert is on Sunday) Reverend Rebekah David Weir Brinkley University where she manages the Rector of Exmoor clarinet choir. She has performed Simonsbath Festival Young Musician with various ensembles, including Accompanied by pianist Mariko North I can’t come as a vicar; I am a vicar the University Philharmonic Super talented 20-year-old Orchestra, the University Wind An illustrated talk in which Revd David Weir reflects on a clarinettist Rebekah grew up on Band, the Somerset County Youth lifetime in the Church of England Exmoor where her education began Orchestra and the National Youth In a mixture of prose, poetry, music and song, David takes us on at Red Deer Nursery, Simonsbath, Wind Orchestra. an entertaining and informative tour through the Church of England and then Exford First School Rebekah performs a mixed and shows us how a culture of rich diversity has allowed different and Dulverton and Minehead programme of pieces by Saint- styles, manifestations and characters to flourish. Middle schools. She was a music Saëns, Schumann, Finzi, William scholar at Blundell’s School in Lloyd-Webber, James MacMillan Among the colourful characters from the past we meet are the Tiverton where she was awarded and Weber. Revd William Thornton, first rector of Simonsbath, the Revd her DipABRSM and received full Hawker of Morwenstow and the great Jack Russell. colours for excellence in music Refreshments available and during her final year. canapés, prepared by Sue Croft Refreshments available and a locally-made pasty, costing £4, may Rebekah is now in her second year and costing £6, may be booked be booked in advance for the interval. studying Music at Birmingham in advance for the interval.

Advance booking: Adult: £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; Advance booking: Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; £5 for unreserved seating (£6 on the door); £10 standard tickets (£11 on the door); student/unemployed £7.50; 14 year-olds and under free. 14 year-olds and under free.

www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 5 St Luke’s EXMOOR MAGAZINE For Exmoor, the Quantocks & North Devon www.exmoormagazine.co.uk

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & PRODUCED IN & AROUND EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK

www.exmoormagazine.co.uk www.exmoormagazine.co.uk THE COUNTRY MAGAZINE ISSUE No. 64 Autumn 2013 £2.95 THE COUNTRY MAGAZINE ISSUE No. 65 Winter 2013 £2.95 XMOOR XMOOR ARTSE NEWS SPECIAL GOLF INTERIORS GOAT FARMING AUTUMN PIES LURCHERS LONG-EAREDE OWLS TRAINED FRUIT TREES YFC WALKING ON NORTH HILL HASHING

OF MICE & MEN meet Exmoor mires & wood mice The Waley-Cohen sisters Glatting legend Clifford Beaver Folk musicians past & present Wednesday 23 May – 7.30pm Barnstaple Fire Brigade Men of steel at Allerford Forge A tribute to the late Albert Beer win A Christmas break worth £399! festive fare... free inside Game Recipes Miles Tea & Coffee Goose Farming Chief Executive, Christmas Diary Sarah Bryan Exmoor National Park Authority

Hoar Oak Publishing Ltd plus Hoar Oak Publishing Ltd Hoar Oak Publishing THE GREAT OUTDOORS ‘Dogs Helping Kids’ Horse logging Exmoor National Park: a signpost to the future Timberscombe walk Birch trees The Gathering Horner Wood Lichens Hoar Oak Cottage Churches for the 21st century Sarah Bryan took up her appointment as Chief Executive of Exmoor “An excellent, informative and interesting read. National Park in January 2017 after four years as Head of Conservation Wri en and produced clearly with a passion, this is and Access, but what makes her tick? In an illustrated talk, Sarah tells us what she cares about, what her priorities are and what she sees as a magazine with a heart for everything Exmoor.” the main challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Exmoor in (Julia Amies-Green) post-Brexit Britain. ON SALE LOCALLY OR SUBSCRIBE DIRECT Refreshments available and a locally-made pasty, costing £4, may be CALL BRYAN ON OR VISIT THE WEBSITE booked in advance for the interval. Facebook.com/exmoormagazine Advance booking: Adult: £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; Twitter & Instagram: @exmoormagazine #exmoormagazine £5 for unreserved seating (£6 on the door); 14 year-olds and under free.

6 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June St Luke’s Simonsbath House Hotel Saturday 26 May 7.30pm Monday 28 May Alaudiae 6.30pm A Woman’s Rob Wilson-North Love and Life Head of Conservation and Access, Exmoor National Park Authority The vocal duo of outstandingly As members of the Alaudiae trio, Family, Fortunes and Fate on Exmoor – talented opera singers returns to Miranda and Claire have performed the Knight family in their own words Simonsbath Festival to present in prestigious venues around the An illustrated talk a hugely varied mix of songs, world including The Royal Opera from 16th century madrigals to House, Wigmore Hall and Sydney Join Rob Wilson-North and friends at Simonsbath House Hotel for a re-imaginations of recent pop Opera House. Arngeir regularly memorable evening of Exmoor history and hospitality and a chance to hits. At the centre of the evening’s performs for Shakespeare Globe delve into the story of the Knight family. The centrepiece of the evening is a programme is Schumann’s cycle productions and Sonia has two-course Taste of Exmoor menu, provided by Simonsbath House Hotel. ‘Frauenliebe und Leben’, balanced recently been awarded the first by a selection of folk music, along female conductor place on the Advance booking only - admission £ 25, includes supper. with many other delights. Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker training programme. Mezzo-soprano Miranda Westcott Wednesday 30 May – 10.30am–12.30pm and soprano Claire Egan are Refreshments available and Meet at Ashcombe for a guided walk with Rob Wilson-North joined by Arngeir Hauksson canapés, prepared by Sue Croft (theorbo, renaissance guitar, lute, and costing £6, may be booked in In Search of John Knight percussion) and Sonia Ben- advance for the interval. A guided walk with Rob Wilson-North, exploring the setting of Santamaria (piano). the village and John Knight’s uncompleted gardens, laid out in the 1820s. Advance booking: Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; £10 standard tickets (£11 on the door); student/unemployed £7.50; 14 year-olds and under free. See pages 19 and 21 for details and booking information. www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 7 St Luke’s

Saturday 2 June - 7.30pm Radio Rio Quartet

The samba comes to Simonsbath bringing the sunshine, warmth and irresistible, lilting rhythms of the music of Brazil, performed by this group of accomplished and experienced musicians based in Cornwall. The Radio Rio quartet are inspired by the finest vintage Brazilian music including the samba and bossa nova from the 1930s to the 50s and 60s, featuring flute, accordion, Latin guitar, upright bass and a variety of Latin percussion and vocals.

Matt Scott – Classical Latin guitar Lucetta Radcliffe – accordion, flute and vocals Exmoor BookBinding Greg Dyer – Latin percussion 01643 841116 [email protected] David Ellis – upright bass

Refreshments available and canapés, prepared by Sue Croft and Repairs & Restoration to costing £6, may be booked in advance for the interval. all your favourite books. Albums, Folios Advance booking: Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; Scrapbooks & Journals £10 standard tickets (£11 on the door); student/unemployed £7.50; 14 year-olds and under free. made to order.

8 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June

St Luke’s The Crown Hotel - Exford Wednesday 6 June – 7.30pm

th 17 Century Family Run Free House Cosy Country Bar ~ Restaurant Chris Sperring MBE Fine Wines ~ Real Ales ~ Local Food Dog Friendly ~ 16 Luxury Bedrooms

Free Wifi ~ Free Parking

01643 831554 www.crownhotelexmoor.co.uk TV wildlife expert and conservationist Chris Sperring focuses on the different species of owl in the Exmoor area, examining their behaviour and addressing conservation issues. Chris explores the wider implications of the owl population as a way of assessing the state of the natural landscape for both wildlife and human use. Owls are top predators and their presence can be an indication of a healthy wild environment, just as their absence can be a warning that all is not well. Chris is well-known for his appearances on the BBC’s Autumnwatch series and Radio 4’s A Living World and is a wonderfully engaging and entertaining speaker. Refreshments available and a locally-made pasty, costing £4, may be booked in advance for the interval

Advance booking: Adult: £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; £5 for unreserved seating (£6 on the door); 14 year-olds and under free. www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 9 St Luke’s Saturday 9 June - 7.30pm Kamao Quartet

Kamao means ‘I like/I love/I want’ in the Romani dialect and you’ll be saying all that and more when you hear this exciting quartet from London perform Manouche songs (gypsy jazz), Django Reinhardt classics, jazz songs, a sprinkle of Brazilian Choro music as well as some original compositions.

Fronted since 2014 by French singer, guitarist and composer Jean de Talhouet, the band features Dave Schulman on clarinet, Dave Kelbie on guitar and Ruth Goller on double bass, creating a beautiful and rich sound that complements the vocals with haunting and lyrical harmonies.

Kamao Quartet’s repertoire ranges from hot swinging jazz featuring captivating virtuoso improvisations, to the saddest gypsy ballads, the liveliest waltzes and some personal compositions. The band are regulars on the London jazz scene, including the Vortex Jazz Club, St James Theatre in Victoria, the Royal Albert Hall and the Green Note. Design and print all sorts: Books and booklets, cards, posters, flyers etc. Refreshments available and canapés, prepared by Sue Croft and costing £6, may be booked in advance for the interval. Call to find out more. 1 Church Walk, Dulverton TA22 9ER Open Mon, Tues, Wed Tel: 07791 709 049 - 01398 323204 8.00-16.00 Advance booking: Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; www.printingatthevicarage.co.uk Out of hours by £10 standard tickets (£11 on the door); student/unemployed £7.50; [email protected] appointment 14 year-olds and under free.

10 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June St Luke’s Wednesday 13 June - 7.30pm Bette Baldwin

Hoar Oak Cottage has been home to shepherds since the 1700s and has been lived in by at least 15 families and the birthplace to more than 20 children. It remained a sheep farm until the 1960s, when the last shepherd family left, and by 2000 the cottage was deserted and derelict. Four of the shepherd families – from the 1870s to 1900 - were Scottish migrants employed by Frederic Knight to introduce Black Faced and Cheviot sheep to Exmoor.

Bette Baldwin is descended from one of those shepherd families - James and Sarah Johnstone who left Lanarkshire to live and work at Hoar Oak Cottage in a remote north-western corner of Exmoor on the Somerset-Devon border. Bette Baldwin and another descendent Will Bowden decided to set up the Friends of Hoar Oak Cottage to try and preserve the fabric of the buildings as well as researching and sharing the history of the place and people who lived there. Your Local Wine Wholesaler

Bette’s talk tells the story of the people, the place and what life was like at Hoar Oak Cottage. www.moorwine.co.uk Refreshments available and canapés, prepared by Sue Croft and costing £6, may be booked in advance for the interval. Supporting Simonsbath Festival 2018

01398 400432 Advance booking: Adult: £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; [email protected] £5 for unreserved seating (£6 on the door); 14 year-olds and under free.

Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 11 When should I make my will?

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12 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June St Luke’s Saturday 16 June – 7.30pm Opera Anywhere

The Mikado Gilbert and Sullivan

Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera The Mikado, or The Town of Titipu, tells the story of Nanki-poo, son of the Mikado LAURENCE J.W. BECKFORD of Japan, who flees his father’s imperial court to avoid marrying a MEMORIAL ARTIST & CARVER much older suitor and to search for his true love Yum-Yum. But Yum-Yum is betrothed to Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, against her will. How will this tangled web of love be sorted out before anyone loses their head? TRADITIONAL HAND PORTLAND MEMORIAL CUT LETTERS WOOD CARVING Opera Anywhere performs unique versions of operas old and new which are innovative, fun and entertaining. HEADSTONES and MEMORIALS Traditional slate and limestone headstones and memorials Refreshments available and canapés, prepared by Sue Croft and Individually designed and hand carved in Dulverton

costing £6, may be booked in advance for the interval. Refurbishment of existing headstones and memorials including re-fixing, painting and gilding Advance booking: Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; 0772 4452 961 www.beckfordsartworks.co.uk [email protected] £10 standard tickets (£11 on the door); student/unemployed £7.50; Full member of the Master Carvers Association ( M.C.A ) 14 year-olds and under free.

www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 13

WITHYPOOL TEAROOM

• ❖Located Located in the heartin the of thisheart of this picturesque Village picturesquebeside village the River beside Barlethe ❖River F reshlyBarle made on the premises; cakes, light • Freshlylunches made on, soup the premises;s and FREE FROM cakes, light lunches, soups and FREEoptions FROM options available available ❖ Licensed premises, serving local Ales, • Licensed premises, serving localCider ales, ciderss and and a gooda good selection of wine ❖selection Why ofnot wine come along and enjoy a freshly • Whyground not come cup along of and coffee enjoy a cup ❖of freshlyOpen ground daily bean Spring to cup til coffeel Winter or our local tea • OpenT el:daily 01643 Spring till831279 Winter

Now accepting all major credit and debit cards www.withypoolexmoor.co.uk Telephone 01643 831279 www.withypoolexmoor.co.uk

14 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June Midsummer family and community concert Please note this event takes place at The Big Cheese, Porlock The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross Specialists in British Cheese Wide variety of cows, ewes, goat and buffalo cheeses available, also local chutneys and preserves, ciders and ales. Hampers made to order for a special gift. We also have a small tea room serving light lunches, afternoon teas and coffee.

High Street, Porlock 01643 862773 Thursday 21 June – 1.45pm Admission FREE Wheddon Cross, Minehead, TA24 7DR Midsummer marks the end of Simonsbath Festival 2018 with TEL: 01643 841222 a family and community concert, featuring Paul Wilson and Email: [email protected] Marilyn Tucker from the folk and community arts organisation Web: www.restandbethankful.co.uk Wren Music and the children of Exford, Cutcombe, Timberscombe and Dulverton schools. Superb Range of Bar and Restaurant Meals, 7 Days a week, The concert is a part of the festival’s ‘Songs from the Exmoor Forest’ Traditional Carvery Meals on Wednesdays and Sundays project, which involves organising a series of workshops, run by Paul Luxury en-suite Accommodation Wilson throughout the festival in local schools, to teach children the Warm and friendly local atmosphere traditional music and songs of Exmoor. The workshops culminate in CAZ BAR – Outside Bar Facility, Parties and Weddings the children’s performance at this afternoon’s concert. Eric, Julie and Caroline Norman look forward to welcoming you For information telephone 01643 831451 or visit the festival website. www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 15

Information and booking

Concerts at St Luke’s Other events at St Luke’s How to book Admission to the events below at St Luke’s: Admission to the following events: Please note: Tickets will be available £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; FOR COLLECTION ONLY at St Luke’s £10 for unreserved seating (£11 on the door); £5 for unreserved seating (£6 on the door); on the night, THEY WILL NOT BE SENT 14 year-olds and under free. £7.50 student/unemployed concession; OUT BY MAIL 14 year-olds and under free. • Revd David Weir – Wednesday 16 May • • Sarah Bryan – Wednesday 23 May Standard tickets, premium tickets and snacks The Wellensian – Saturday 12 May may be booked: Consort • Rob Wilson-North – Monday 28 May • by completing the booking form on the website • (Venue – Simonsbath House; Rebekah Brinkley – Sunday 20 May www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk (please note this is on Sunday) admission £25, advance booking only) • by email from • • Alaudiae – Saturday 26 May Chris Sperring – Wednesday 6 June [email protected] • Radio Rio Quartet – Saturday 2 June • Bette Baldwin – Wednesday 13 June • by phoning Marian Lloyd: 01643 831451 • Kamao Quartet – Saturday 9 June Refreshments are available at all events and a Concessionary tickets are available for • Opera Anywhere – Saturday 16 June locally-made pasty, costing £4, may be booked students and unemployed only. in advance for the interval by telephoning Refreshments are available at all concerts and a Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. Interval snacks must be booked canapé selection, costing £6 and prepared by and paid for in advance. Sue Croft, may be booked in advance by telephoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. St Luke’s parking and facilities Bookings by telephone or email: There are only a few parking spaces at the If booking premium tickets with reserved Friends of Simonsbath Festival church itself, which are normally reserved seating for events at St Luke’s, please state your Becoming a Friend of Simonsbath Festival for visitors with limited mobility. There is preferred row, see below: entitles you to priority booking, free some roadside parking or Exmoor National Rows A to M, on the left, facing the chancel mailings and news updates while at the Park's Ashcombe car park in the centre Rows A to J, on the right, facing the chancel of Simonsbath which also has toilets. same time helping to support the festival. Or the Balcony. Please complete the form on page 18 The church is accessible to wheelchair if you would like to become a Friend. users and has its own toilet facilities. Please make cheques payable to Simonsbath Festival.

16 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June

! Other events at Simonsbath Festival Why not become a Events at the Sawmill Friend of Simonsbath Festival? Admission to open days at the Sawmill is free. Simonsbath Festival is a non-profit making community venture. We welcome your support by inviting you to become a Friend. Simonsbath Sawmill parking and facilities For just £15 per person, per year, Friends of Simonsbath Festival receive: There is limited parking at the Sawmill and • Advance copy of Festival programme Please complete the form overleaf and either: no public toilets. Visitors are encouraged • Invitation to Art Exhibition preview, • hand it to a festival volunteer at an event or to use the public car park in Ashcombe May Day celebrations and Midsummer • post it to our membership secretary: (where there are toilets) and to walk to Family and Community concert Polly Soltau, Westerclose House, the mill (500m). • Priority booking for Festival events Withypool TA24 7QR If you find walking difficult please ring • Regular festival news and updates Telephone: 01643 831302 the Sawmill (01643 831202) between Email: [email protected] 10am and 4pm on Open Days and a parking space will be reserved for you. We would much prefer payment by Standing Order (please see overleaf for details). Thank you Exmoor Society events 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

For general enquiries please contact Victoria Thomas on 01643 831343 or email [email protected] Simonsbath Festival logo illustrated by Lucy Pearn

www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 17 ! Simonsbath Festival Friends’ application and payment form

Name

Address

Postcode

Telephone number Date

Email address (It’s really helpful for us to have your email address, please)

1. Standing Order (preferred method of payment) I will set up a Standing Order for £15 per annum in favour of Simonsbath Festival Signature Sort Code 52-30-42, A/C 38041278 Friends’ payment methods: • Cheques payable to Or 2. Cheque payment (please tick box) Simonsbath Festival I attach a cheque for £15 per person • Standing Order to Please hand this completed form to a made payable to Simonsbath Festival Sort Code: 52-30-42, A/C 38041278 festival volunteer at an event or post to: Or Enquiries to Polly Soltau 3. Cash payment (please tick box) Polly Soltau, Westerclose House, Telephone 01643 831302 for £15 per person Withypool, Somerset TA24 7QR

18 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June =

Simonsbath House Hotel Simonsbath House Hotel Simonsbath House was built in 1654 by the merchant, lawyer and Monday 28 May – 6.30pm philosopher James Boevey (1622-1696). It was the first house to be built in the Royal Forest and stood alone until 1815. Rob Wilson-North In 1819 the Royal Forest’s main allotments were auctioned to Head of Conservation and Access, the highest bidder, John Knight of Worcestershire. Plans for the Exmoor National Park Authority proposed redevelopment of the Old School in Simonsbath will focus on chronicling the Knight’s extensive influence on Exmoor. Family, Fortunes and The only known portrait Fate on Exmoor – of John Knight, by an unknown artist. the Knight family in their own words Courtesy British Museum.

An illustrated talk Join Rob Wilson-North and friends at Simonsbath House Hotel for a memorable evening of Exmoor history and hospitality. Here is a chance to delve into the story of the Knight family, told in their own words and those who knew them and brought to life through the talents of local actors using letters from the recently discovered horde of family documents found in Kidderminster. The story of the family of John Knight, the man who made Exmoor, is one of financial uncertainty, the vagaries and challenges of the high moor, family illness, tenants, litigation and the loss of a hoped-for inheritance – it is an intense story: one of Exmoor’s great family stories. The centrepiece of the evening is a two-course Taste of Exmoor menu, Simonsbath House Hotel offers festival-goers a provided by Simonsbath House Hotel. 15% discount on B&B on event dates throughout the Advance booking only. Admission £25 festival (including May 28) subject to availability. Includes a Wicked Wolf Exmoor Gin cocktail, or non-alcoholic Please telephone 01643 831259 or email alternative, on arrival and a two-course meal, served in the interval [email protected] for details. at 7.30pm. Menus will be sent out on receipt of your booking. Space is limited so early booking is advised.

www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 19 20 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk The ExmoorSociety but donationstothesocietyare alwayswelcome. Exmoor Societywalksare normallyfree ofcharge Exmoor SocietyaspartofSimonsbathFestival. Guided walksoppositeare organised bythe qualities ofthisuniquenationalpark. purposes andwantstoenjoythespecial It welcomeseveryonewhosupportsthese Exmoor NationalPark. conservation, protection andenjoymentof a registered charitydedicatedtothe The societywasformedin1958andis landscapes ofExmoor. enhance thespecialqualitiesanddiversewild The ExmoorSocietyworkstoprotect and so pleasecheck www.exmoorsociety.com ortelephonethe ExmoorSocietyon01398323335before making aspecialjourney. For bothwalksmeetatAshcombe carpark,SimonsbathTA24 7SH(GridRef774395).Very occasionally walkdetailsmaychange,

© Nicola Friedrich Dogs undercontrol are welcome. toSimonsbath foranoptionalpublunch,orbringapicnic. Return or twoshortclimbsbutoverallthis isaneasywalkalongthevalley. Exmoor andthetragicmurder andmysteryatWhealEliza.There are one Wheal Eliza,exploringthehistoryofKnightfamily, mininginthispartof A shortwalkofapproximately 4km(2.5miles)alongtheRiverBarleto A guidedwalkwithExmoorSocietychairRachelThomas Murder andMysteryatWhealEliza 10.30am –1.00pm Wednesday 13June leads welcome.Pleasewearsuitableweatherproof clothingandboots. The walkismainlylevel,butdoesinvolvesomesteeperpaths.Dogson John Knight’s uncompletedgardens whichwere laidoutinthe1820s. (2 miles)centred onSimonsbath toexplore thesettingofvillageand Exmoor SocietymemberRobWilson-Northonthiswalkoflessthan3km Join ExmoorNationalPark’s HeadofConservationandAccess Hotel onMondayMay28(eachcanbeattendedseparately) A guidedwalklinkedtoRobWilson-North’s talkatSimonsbathHouse In Search ofJohnKnight 10.30am –12.30pm Wednesday 30May

21 22 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June Simonsbath Sawmill Sawmill Open Days

Simonsbath Sawmill was built for John Knight Simonsbath Sawmill will be open sometime after 1818 and refurbished for Viscount from 10am until 4pm on: Ebrington (later Lord Fortescue) in 1898. The building Monday 21 May of stone and slate beside the river in the heart of the village was once the hub of agricultural and estate Monday 18 June management for a huge country estate covering Visitors will have an opportunity to look much of central Exmoor. around the historic, water-powered There was a carpenters’ workshop and machinery sawmill and estate workshops. for cutting chaff, crushing oats and grinding mortar. Tours are available all day and volunteers The mill also generated electricity for houses in the on hand from 10am. village for more than sixty years. No booking is necessary but it is A waterwheel no longer powers the mill but the water advisable to phone 01643 831202 turbine that replaced it in 1898 is still working. When (between 10am and 4pm on the day) there is not enough water in the river to drive the before making a special trip. turbine the machines at the mill can be powered by a diesel engine installed in 1952. Limited parking is available at the mill and spaces can be reserved for visitors The saw-benches, water turbine, engine and the with limited mobility if you contact the leats that bring water to the mill were restored by sawmill in advance. Please note that there Exmoor National Park Authority in 2002. The mill are no public toilets at the mill. is now used for demonstration and as a venue for Visit educational visits and activities. It is cared for by a www.simonsbathsawmill.org.uk or Simonsbath Sawmill’s Facebook page small team of volunteers who help with maintenance, for more information. lead tours and are researching the history of the mill. Tours are free but donations towards the upkeep of the mill are very welcome.

www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 23 NEW WASHING MACHINES NOW IN STOCK GAS SAFE REGISTERED PLUMBER NOW AVAILABLE

24 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June Exmoor Nicola Friedrich

CareMoor for Exmoor is a donation Exmoor National Park covers an area of 692 sq kms scheme operated and managed by (267 sq miles) – a unique landscape of moorland, woodland, Exmoor National Park Authority. valleys and farmland, shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. High cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel The scheme provides an opportunity and cosy pubs and tearooms offer delicious local produce. for people inspired by Exmoor to contribute to the upkeep of the On Exmoor it is still possible to find tranquility and peace as National Park through donations. 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 Funds raised through CareMoor villages full of character. In recognition of our dark skies, for Exmoor are used for valuable Exmoor National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve and conservation and access projects. to get an even better view of the stars, telescopes can be hired Visitors, businesses and event from our National Park Centres located in Dunster, Dulverton organisers can be confident that their and the Lynmouth Pavilion. donations are being used to support nature, heritage and access projects for the benefit of everyone. Following the success of our camp outs, this year there are four Big Adventure Family Camp Outs and three family To find our more or donate please visit friendly Big Adventure Days. Pop in to a National Park Centre www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/ in Dulverton, Dunster or Lynmouth for more information. caremoor

For more details of all events visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/events or call into a National Park Centre. www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 25 PassionatePassionatePassionate aboutabout about ProduceProduce Produce AA family family run run shop shop with with a a bigbigbig ExmoorExmoor Exmoor welcome!welcome! welcome! SmallSmall Beef Beef Box Box;; ;Half Half LocalLocal produce, produce, fine fine foods, foods, PigPig inclincl incl.. Sausages. Sausages; ; ; organicorganicorganic fruitfruit fruit andand and veg,veg, veg, HalfHalf Lamb Lamb Box Box,, ,ooror rtrytry try organicorganicorganic bread,bread, bread, cakescakes cakes andand and aa a mixed mixed boxbox box packagedpackaged packaged pies.pies.pies. FreshFresh Fresh meatmeat meat fromfrom from readyreadyready forfor for youryour your freezerfreezer freezer.. . KendleKendle Farm. Farm. LocalLocal deliverydelivery deliveryaanandndd OpenOpen fromfrom from 88 .8.3030.30amamam forfor for collectioncollectioncollection.. . coffeecoffeecoffee andand and breakfastbreakfast breakfast.. . OUR AWARDS T:T:T: 01643 0164301643 851298 851298851298 E: E:E: [email protected]@kendlefarm.co.uk [email protected]@kendlefarm.co.uk T:T: T:01398 01398 01398 323878 323878 323878 Included in the Good Pub Guide Top 10 Pubs in the UK - 2014 & 2015 KendleKendleKendle Farm, Farm,Farm, Exton, Exton,Exton, Dulverton DulvertonDulverton TA22 TA22TA22 9LA 9LA9LA 5a5a5a5a Bridge BridgeBridge Bridge Street, Street,Street, Street, Dulverton DulvertonDulverton Dulverton TA22 TA22TA22 TA22 9HJ 9HJ9HJ 9HJ NationalGood Wine Pub Pub of the YearGuide’s - 2014 & 2015 FindFind us us opposite opposite the the Bridge Bridge Inn Inn Somerset Wine Pub of the year -2013 Somerset Wine Pub of the year -2012 ‘NationalSomerset Dining Pub Wine of the year - Pub2011 Somerset Wine Pub of the year - 2011 Somersetof Dining the Pub Year’of the year - 2010 Taste of the West Silver Award for Gastro Pub - 2009 England2010 Wine Pub – of 2018the year - 2009 Somerset Dining Pub of the year - 2008 England Wine Pub of the year - 2007 4, Bank Square, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9BU Telephone: 01398 324007 E: [email protected] W: woodsdulverton.co.uk

26 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June WHAT DOES YOUR PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL REALLY SAY ABOUT YOU?

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www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk 27 28 Simonsbath Festival 7 May – 21 June www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk

© Nicola Friedrich when replyingto advertisements. Please mentionSimonsbath Festivalprogramme to allouradvertisers: Thank youverymuch Woods WineBarandRestaurant Withypool Village Shop Segar Thorne Specialist FlagServices South MoltonJazzClub Rupert WhiteInteriors Riverford HomeDelivery The RestAndBeThankfulInn Printing attheVicarage Moor Wine Minehead andWest SomersetGolfClub Marks DomesticRepairs Hedley Price First DesignPrintWeb Farthings FarmShop Exmoor Magazine Exmoor CommunityYouth Club Exmoor BookBinding Exmoor Ales The Crown Hotel Brett Wright Joinery Bray Valley Wine The BigCheese Laurence Beckford back cover back cover page no. page no. 26 26 14 12 22 24 28 15 10 11 29 24 26 27 26 22 20 15 13 6 8 9 9 29 29 7 May – 21 June Simonsbath Festival 2018

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Simonsbath Festival is a not-for-profit organisation, run entirely by volunteers. To keep our ticket prices modest, while still attracting performers of outstanding national and international quality, we rely on the generosity of the Friends of Simonsbath Festival, other individuals – Simonsbath Festival logo (left) illustrated by Lucy Pearn some of whom prefer to remain anonymous – local businesses and advertisers, as well as occasional grants which support our educational outreach with local schools. This year we are especially grateful to the Chatfeild-Roberts family and the Waley-Cohen family. Telephone 01643 831343 Email: [email protected] Festival programme produced and edited by Victoria Thomas. Designed by Maggie Lyddiatt. www.simonsbathfestival.org.uk Printed by Brightsea Press Photography landscapes © Nicola Friedrich. When the world comes to Simonsbath in the of Exmoor