Simonsbath Festival 2015

Printed by Brightsea Press When the world comes toSimonsbath in the ofExmoor Simonsbath Festival 2015 4 May–19June Simonsbath Festival’s Simonsbath Festival celebrates MAY DAYDon’t celebrations miss on Exford Village Green MAY DAY 2015 Monday 4 May – 2.30pm Exford Village Green Simonsbath Festival celebrates May Day with traditional maypole dancing, live music and stories for all the family: • Storyteller Frances Harrison with her magical tales of and beyond • Maypole dancing by local school children • Live music from Ben van Weede and Howard Harrison

2.30pm – 3.30pm Storytelling for adults and children with Frances Harrison 3.45pm – 4.30pm (approximately) Maypole dancing with live music from Ben van Weede on fiddle andHoward Harrison on guitar

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

Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June Simonsbath Festival’s MAY DAYDon’t celebrations miss on Events held at St Luke’s Church are highlighted in lilac Exford Village Green Index: page Phyllida Lloyd Introduction and Welcome 2 Patron George Kypreos Band - music from Greece 4 Simonsbath Festival Birdie Johnson - Alas Poor Johnny, her mother’s memoir 4 Njabulo Madlala - recital by the prize-winning baritone 5 What a small community like Simonsbath might lack in access to choice and variety in the arts it makes up for in Tracey Elliot-Reep - Adventures on Horseback 5 ambition and collective enthusiasm to make things happen. Michael Bochmann and David Watkins - music for violin and harp 6 It might take more effort to go out and find world-class Dr Sue Baker - The Exmoor Pony - from Domesday to DNA 7 artists and invite them to a tiny village on Exmoor, but it is an example of collective will and spirit that makes it all Kausary - music from the Andes 9 worthwhile. Le Jazz - classical, jazz and ethnic music 11 And these exciting events can be enjoyed at a fraction of Pop-up Opera - Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers 11 what it would cost in the capital, with the pleasure of knowing Fiona Benson - that proceeds go to St Luke’s, the festival and local charities. Poetry workshop and reading 12 While the sun can’t always be relied on to shine on Exmoor, Simonsbath Sawmill events 13 even in May and June, Simonsbath Festival’s opening Exmoor National Park and Heart of Exmoor events 15 concert brings the warm Mediterranean sounds of Greek music to Simonsbath. Information and booking form 16-19 There’s more warmth to come with songs from his home in Exmoor Society walks 21 South Africa, sung by prize-winning baritone Njabulo Madlala, Boevey’s Tea Rooms events 23 and the sound and spectacle of music from the Andes. Exmoor Forest Inn events Experts in archaeology and the Exmoor Pony promise to 24-25 inform as well as entertain, and poetry, jazz and art add to Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition 26 the rich variety. To top it all Pop-up Opera is poised to thrill us Hotel and Outdoor Centre events 26 with nothing less than a Rossini opera. Midsummer family and community concert 27 Here’s to the success of Simonsbath Festival 2015! Events diary – at a glance 29

www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 1 A very warm welcome to Simonsbath Festival 2015 Simonsbath Festival is now in its Wren musicians Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson fourth year and has settled into held a series of workshops in local schools and its six-week slot in the spring in the wider community to teach the folk music, calendar between May Day and songs and traditions collected on Exmoor Midsummer. from the early 20th century to the 1980s. This The idea is to celebrate the cultural included material collected by Cecil Sharp, heritage of Exmoor, with traditional May who noted more than 100 songs which were St Luke’s Church © Nicola Friedrich Day and Midsummer festivities to open gathered from Exmoor. The other main body of and close the festival, while inviting work was Paul Wilson’s collection of folk songs musicians from abroad to celebrate their from his visits to Exmoor in the 1970s. For our world music concerts this year we cultural heritage during the six weeks in As part of the project we created an online song travel from Exmoor to the warmer climes of between. In the spirit of diversity, the aim book, featuring music and songs collected on Greece and distant Peru with the top quality is also to fill the programme with as much Exmoor, which can be found on the festival musicianship of the George Kypreos Band variety as possible with opera, jazz and website. We are keen to continue the music and the distinctive and characterful music of classical music concerts and all sorts workshops. This year they are run by the Kausary. We are privileged to host a recital of other events, including talks, walks, popular folk and traditional entertainers Tom by the outstanding South African baritone poetry and an art exhibition. and Barbara Brown at Exford, and winner of the Kathleen Ferrier Prize One of the most important aspects of the and schools. Their workshops Njabulo Madlala, and there’s a treat in store festival is our work with local schools. culminate in a Midsummer family and from violinist Michael Bochmann and harpist Two years ago the festival began a project community concert on June 19 at the Moorland David Watkins. to revive interest in and knowledge of the Hall, Wheddon Cross. Chris Gradwell, Andrew Daldorph, traditional music and songs of Exmoor. Tom and Barbara will also be holding an Andrew Barrett and Mike Thorn are The project ‘Songs from the Exmoor acoustic open session of Exmoor music and accomplished classical as well as jazz Forest’ was supported by the Heritage song ‘Moor Songs’ at the Exmoor Forest Inn musicians, and they bring their popular Lottery Fund and run by the folk and on June 10, to which singers, musicians and quartet Le Jazz to this year’s festival – community arts organisation Wren Music. audience are all welcome. with a dash of world music too.

2 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June Completing our series of Saturday evening school music workshops, the festival has concerts is the incomparable Pop-up Opera, over the past years made donations to BOOKBOOK NOWNOW showcasing exciting new operatic talent and local charities such as Exmoor Search and FOR THE BEST SEATS... bringing their imaginative staging of Rossini’s Rescue, the Beacon Centre cancer unit at The Italian Girl in Algiers to St Luke’s. Taunton’s Musgrove Hospital and the South • by phoning Marian Lloyd on Molton branch of the Royal British Legion. We have a distinguished line-up of 01643 831451 Wednesday evening speakers, beginning Victoria Thomas • by emailing with Birdie Johnson, giving us a taster Festival Director of the book she has just edited by her [email protected] • by post using the booking form mother Buster Johnson, with foreword by Buster’s grandson Boris. Tracey Elliot-Reep on page 17 touches down at St Luke’s with tales of her • by downloading the form adventures on horseback in far-away lands, on the festival website and Rob Wilson-North reveals the hidden www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk secrets and past of Simonsbath. Dr Sue Baker assesses the future of our Please turn to page 16 & 17 ancient breed of Exmoor Pony, with news for full details of ticket prices of some exciting developments, and poetry and a booking form makes a welcome return to Simonsbath with the North Poetry Workshop and a reading by award-winning poet Becoming a Friend of Simonsbath Fiona Benson. Festival for as little as £15 a year St Luke’s was the original inspiration for entitles you to special block- Simonsbath Festival and the recently restored booking discounts on tickets and church continues to inspire, with its attractive ensures that your name is added and welcoming atmosphere and warm to our mailing list while at the acoustic – now with the added benefit of a same time helping to support the brand new sound system. festival. If you would like to join Besides investing in the sound system at the Friends of Simonsbath St Luke’s, which was match funded by the Festival, please complete the Diocese of Bath and Wells, and funding the St Luke’s Church © Nicola Friedrich application form on page 18.

www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 3 St Luke’s St Luke’s Saturday 9 May – 7.30pm Wednesday 13 May – 7.30pm The George Kypreos Band Birdie Johnson Simonsbath Festival opens with the sunlight and warmth of the Mediterranean evoked by the sound of Greek music from the Alas Poor Johnny George Kypreos Band. The band is led by the virtuoso bouzouki Buster Johnson’s memoir of life on an and distinctively soulful voice of George Kypreos, accompanied by Exmoor farm, edited by Birdie Johnson Greek female vocals, and driven by the strong rhythmic grooves of with a foreword by grandson Boris. gypsy guitar, Syrian darbouka and a rocking English back-line. The songs are all composed and arranged by the band and are Birdie Johnson, Buster Johnson’s strongly influenced and inspired by Greek traditional (Laiko), gypsy daughter, talks about Alas Poor Johnny, (Yiftiko) and island music (Nisiotiko), but also by the band’s diverse her mother’s highly entertaining memoir cultural and musical backgrounds, including more modern aspects of life on an Exmoor farm in the 1950s, which are sensitively integrated into their electric-acoustic sound. and how, after all these years, it has finally George Kypreos (bouzouki, baglama, dzoura and vocals), come to be published. Kleila Andrali (vocals), Mark Pointing (guitar), In 1951 Buster moved with her husband Johnny and their Harry Puckering (bass guitar), four children to West Nethercote, a remote farm four miles Carl Rutter (drums) and from Winsford. Cut off from the world of domestic servants and Muataz Fatoum (tabla and tef). bridge parties she used to know, she threw herself into her new Refreshments available and an life. Her world shrank, revolving around Johnny and the children, optional mezze, Greek-style an assortment of friends and neighbours and, above all, the snack, costing £6 and animals. Isolated as she was, Buster kept in touch by writing prepared by Frances Chanter, may be booked in advance. letters, sharing with friends and family the seemingly daily dramas of life at Nethercote; it is these letters she drew on, 10 years later, Adult: £15 when writing Alas Poor Johnny. to reserve the seat Refreshments available in the interval and an optional snack, costing £4, of your choice; may be booked in advance for the interval. £10 standard tickets (student/unemployed £7.50); Adult £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; 14 year-olds and under free. £5 for unreserved seating; 14 year-olds and under free.

4 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June St Luke’s St Luke’s Saturday May 16 – 7.30pm Wednesday 20 May – 7.30pm Njabulo Madlala Tracey Elliot-Reep Accompanied by pianist Adventures William Vann on horseback South African baritone and 2010 Kathleen Ferrier Award-winning Tracey gives an inspirational and entertaining presentation about her amazing horse riding Njabulo Madlala brings a voice of adventures in distant lands, illustrated with rare distinction and beauty to the stunning photography and film. Simonsbath Festival and demonstrates the quality and range of his musicianship in Tracey Elliot-Reep grew up on a farm on Dartmoor, surrounded a dazzlingly diverse programme featuring by horses, sheep and a majestic landscape. Early in life she faced Schubert lieder, African-American spirituals, challenges at school where she struggled with dyslexia. French art songs, English ballads and Using her animal training and ability as a photojournalist, Tracey has traditional South African folk songs. shared her equine cross-country safaris in presentations around the world. She relates her adventures in action-packed photographic For full details of the concert programme performances, stirring audiences to live their dream despite the please visit the festival website or telephone obstacles. Victoria Thomas on 01643 831343. Tracey’s horseback adventures include travelling solo through New Refreshments available and Zealand, across southern Europe, Ireland, from Scotland to the an optional canapé selection, southernmost point of and, finally, from Mexico to Canada. costing £6 and prepared by She launched a greeting card, postcard and calendar business Liz White, may be booked in 20 years ago while living in a small caravan with her dog Sam on advance for the interval. Dartmoor, surrounded by Dartmoor ponies. Refreshments available and an optional snack, costing £4, Adult: £15 may be booked in advance for the interval. to reserve the seat of your choice; standard tickets £10 (student/unemployed £7.50); Adult £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; 14 year-olds and under free. £5 for unreserved seating; 14 year-olds and under free. www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 5 St Luke’s Saturday 23 May – 7.30pm Michael Bochmann and David Watkins Sacred and Profane eat well World-class violinist Michael with Riverford Bochmann and harpist David get your 3rd vegbox free Watkins perform an irresistible programme of music from the sublime to the more down to earth, including works by Bach, free * Vivaldi, Saint-Saens, Paganini, vegbox Mozart and Massenet, and much-loved traditional pieces to herald the arrival of summer. For full details of the concert programme please visit the festival website or telephone Victoria Thomas on 01643 831343.

Refreshments available and an optional canapé selection, costing £6 and prepared by Julie Reed, may be booked in advance for the interval. try a seasonal organic vegbox today Adult £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; www.riverford.co.uk/FTBF14 01803 762059 standard tickets £10 (student/unemployed £7.50); * Free vegbox on your 3rd delivery when you place a regular vegbox order. 14 year-olds and under free. New customers only.

6 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June St Luke’s Wednesday 27 May – 7.30pm Dr Sue Baker The Exmoor Pony – from Domesday to DNA

Author of ‘Survival of the Fittest – a Natural History of the Exmoor Pony’ and past chair of the Exmoor Pony Society, Dr Sue Baker assesses the future of the Exmoor Pony. The history of the Exmoor Pony is interwoven with the story of Exmoor’s inhabitants and communities. In the past, pony herds generated an income from the sale of foals to provide transport and power in harness. Hill farmers on Exmoor used their ponies for shepherding, ploughing and harrowing and transport to market; they were the original all-terrain vehicles of Exmoor. But the days when ponies were needed for agricultural work are long gone and their modern role is in equestrian leisure activities. Today the Exmoor ponies need people to work for them: to create a secure future through conserving their moorland home and ensuring that their genetic management maintains a healthy population. Refreshments available and a snack, costing £4 and supplied by Riverford Home Delivery, West , may be booked in advance for the interval.

Adult £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; £5 for unreserved seating; 14 year-olds and under free. www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 7 Guardians of the Breed since 1921 A registered Charity, the Exmoor Pony Society was set up in 1921 for the registration of pure-bred Exmoor ponies, the conservation of the breed and the preservation of the breed standard as well as promoting the ponies to the general public by the moorland farmers on Exmoor and holds the official stud book. The Society works closely with the moorland breeders and is responsible for organizing the inspection and registration of moorland foals and has recently obtained hi-tech microchip readers and a mobile penning system on behalf of the moorland herds. The Society works with the Exmoor National Park Authority and the Rare Breed Survival Trust to conserve the Exmoor Pony, which remains on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s Watchlist in Category 2. The Society is grateful to all its members, both on and off Exmoor, together with those members of the public who provide information about the ponies on the moor during the year and are concerned for their welfare and help with the Exmoor Pony Festival. You can help too – JOIN THE SOCIETY – Associate Membership is just £17.00 a year. For more information call our Freefone number 0845 607 5350 or visit our website www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk

8 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June St Luke’s St Luke’s Saturday 30 May – 4-6pm Saturday 30 May – 7.30pm Kausary Andean Music Workshop Kausary with Johnny Rodriguez The Peruvian band Kausary’s workshop will take participants on Andean a journey through Andean culture to experience the vitality of the music and dance of Latin America. The emphasis is on hands-on music concert experience, with the opportunity to play some of the instruments, Kausary is one of Europe’s best-known Andean bands and including panpipes, guitar and charango, so that participants can was formed in the UK in 1995 by musicians from Trujillo, on discover their own Andean spirit! the north coast of Peru. They wear the colourful traditional Refreshments available during the break. costumes of the region. Adult £5 14 year-olds and under £3 Andean music comes from mixing native instruments like the zampoñas or sikus (panpipes) or quena (Andean flute) with Combined ticket to include Kausary’s workshop and evening guitar and the famous charango (a small guitar originally made at 7.30pm, St Luke’s Church Simonsbath: concert from an armadillo shell), combined with romantic lyrics. Adult £12.50 (Concessionary £10); 14 year-olds and under £3 Wind instruments and drums form part of the original melodies from magnificent cultures like Quechuas and Aymaras. Refreshments available and a light Latin American-style supper, costing £8 and prepared by Frances Chanter, may be booked in advance for Johnny F Rodriguez (panpipes, quena, charango, bass guitar approximately 6pm, between the workshop and the evening’s concert and backing vocals), Julio Rodriguez (guitar, lead vocals, bombo [Andean Drum]), Manuy Figueroa (classical and electric guitar, bass, percussion and flutes), Cleyder Figueroa (keys, charango, percussion and flutes), Jorge Rodriguez (quenas [Andean flutes], panpipes and guitar), Ciro Rodriguez (panpipes and charango).

Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; standard tickets £10 (student/unemployed £7.50); 14 year-olds and under free.

www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 9 10 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June St Luke’s Saturday 13 June – 7.30pm St Luke’s Saturday 6 June 7.30pm Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) Le Jazz Playboy Mustafa is bored with his wife Elvira; what he really wants is an Italian girl. Coincidentally, an Italian girl Isabella arrives, in search of her sweetheart Lindoro, a young Italian The Best man recently captured on the high seas by Mustafa’s pirates of all Worlds and now in his service. Mustafa tries to set Elvira up with Lindoro so that he can The highly entertaining and dazzlingly dexterous musicians who form marry Isabella. Cue a shipwreck and all havoc breaks loose... Le Jazz show their mastery and enjoyment of a variety of musical styles, performing a richly diverse programme of music from Faure to Django “Talent Packed” The Evening Standard Reinhart, with Gershwin and Jewish Klezma music along the way. “Guts, energy and initiative” The Telegraph Chris Gradwell (clarinet and saxophone) is an associate of the Royal Pop-up Opera is an innovative touring opera Academy of Music; Andrew Daldorph (piano) took up a post as organ company dedicated to making opera scholar at Guildford Cathedral, subsequently gaining a fellowship of enjoyable and inviting, without losing the Royal College of Organists; Andrew Barrett (guitar) is the guitar the quality of musical performance. teacher at Wells Cathedral School; Mike Thorn (bass) has enjoyed a Language: Captions: long career as a musician in London, recording with artists such as Italian, English Michel Legrand and performing in shows such as Evita. Director: Darren Royston, Berrak Dyer Le Jazz is the way they let their hair down. Musical Director: Producers: Clementine Lovell and Fiona Johnston For full details of the concert programme please visit the festival Refreshments available and a £6 optional canapé website or telephone Victoria Thomas on 01643 831343. selection prepared by Frances Chanter may be booked in advance for the interval. Refreshments available and a £6 optional canapé selection prepared by Frances Chanter may be booked in advance for the interval. Adult: £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; Adult £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; standard tickets £10 standard tickets £10 (student/unemployed £7.50); (student/unemployed £7.50); 14 year-olds and under free. 14 year-olds and under free. www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 11 St Luke’s Wednesday 17 June – 7.30pm Wednesday 17 June – 5-7pm Fiona Benson North Devon Poetry Workshop Poetry Reading with Fiona Benson ‘A poet whose dark The North Devon Poetry Workshop returns to Simonsbath Festival with an informal session, presenting a series of poems by members on imagination mixes solemnity

various themes and inviting poems from the floor. Award-winning poet with lyricism . . . ’ The Guardian © Gareth Franklin/PR Fiona Benson will participate in the workshop and contribute to the discussion of the poems. Everyone with an interest in poetry is most Fiona Benson will be reading from her welcome, especially poets, readers and writers inspired by Exmoor. pamphlet, Faber New Poets 1, and her T S Eliot prize-nominated debut collection . Event co-ordinator Richard Westcott extends a warm invitation to all. Bright Travellers Her selection will include poems inspired by the For information contact Richard on 01769 572225 or email archaeology and landscapes of Devon, including [email protected] poems about the submerged forest of Westward Ho! and the dark ages architecture of Dartmoor. She will also read from her acclaimed sequence of poems ‘Love-letter to Vincent’, a series of dramatic monologues which take the paintings Exclusive Wedding & Event Caterers and biography of Vincent Van Gogh as their Elizabeth White Catering is a specialist, stepping-off points, and which chart a journey of love, quality and exclusive wedding caterer. loss and creativity. These poems speak across the paintings Our catering is traditional, classic and to the great painter in the voice of his prostitute-mistress. elegant. The complete catering service for Refreshments available in the interval and an optional snack, costing your wedding or event. All our catering is £5, may be booked in advance for approximately 7pm, between the tailor made to suit your special event, your workshop and the evening’s poetry reading. tastes & preferences and your budget. Combined ticket to include North Devon Poetry Workshop Tel: 01984 640553 Mobile: 07971 830989 and the Poetry Reading by Fiona Benson at 7.30pm, St Luke’s Email: [email protected] Church Simonsbath: £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; £5 standard unreserved

12 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June There is usually some parking available (at your own risk) at the mill Simonsbath Sawmill and we can reserve spaces for visitors with limited mobility if you Simonsbath Sawmill was built for John Knight sometime after 1818 contact us in advance. Please note that there are no public toilets at and refurbished for Viscount Ebrington (later Lord Fortescue) in 1898. the mill. You may find it preferable to park at Ashcombe Car Park, The building of stone and slate beside the river in the heart of the Simonsbath and walk the 500m to the mill but do take special care village was once the hub of agricultural and estate management for on this busy road! The recommended route is through the meadow. a huge country estate covering much of central Exmoor. Please visit www.simonsbathsawmill.org.uk or Simonsbath Sawmill Open Days Sawmill’s Facebook page for more information. Tours are free but donations towards the upkeep of the mill are very welcome. Simonsbath Sawmill will be open from 10am until 4pm on the following Mondays: 4 May; 18 May;1 June; 15 June National Mills Weekend Visitors will have an opportunity to look around the historic, water- powered sawmill and estate workshops and learn about the history Saturday 9 May – Sunday 10 May 10am – 4pm of this remarkable village. ‘Drop-in’ tours are available all day and Simonsbath Sawmill will also be open for National Mills Weekend, volunteers will be on hand from 10am to show you around the mill and the annual celebration of our milling heritage which offers a chance tell you more of the history of the area. No booking is necessary but if to explore mills throughout the country, many of which are not usually you are coming to Simonsbath especially to visit the mill it is advisable open to the public. The sawmill will be open specially for this weekend to ring us on 01643 831202 (between 10am and 4pm on the day). event with tours, displays and demonstrations from 10am to 4pm each day. No booking is necessary.

Mills in Art Competition If you come and visit Simonsbath Sawmill during the festival with your sketch book or camera, there’s a chance you could win a prize! The organisers of National Mills Weekend are running a “Mills in Art” competition this year and inviting amateur artists and photographers over 16 years of age to submit artwork featuring a windmill or watermill. For the under 16s there’s a prize for the best drawing, painting or collage of a mill. Entries must be submitted by 24 May 2015. There’s more information about the competition at the National Mills Weekend website or ask at the Sawmill. Both of Exmoor’s restored water-powered sawmills – at Simonsbath and Timberscombe - will be opened specially for the weekend. For further information see www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 13 Business Advice and Financial Support

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14 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June 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 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. For more information call in at one of the National Park Centres in , , or the Pavilion – or visit the website: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Wednesday 27 May 12pm-2pm Picnic, Paddle and a Pootle The Heart of Exmoor team invites you to come and enjoy a paddle and stream dipping, with the opportunity for a relaxing picnic. Some equipment will be available but please bring your ice cream tubs, kitchen sieves and magnifying glasses for stream dipping. There will be a short optional nature pootle, walking along the and finding out more about nature in this fascinating valley. Please bring your own food. Children must be accompanied by adults. Toilets and parking available locally at Ashcombe. Please wear outdoor clothing and suitable footwear. Meet at Simonsbath Sawmill (TA24 7SH) on the B3223. Donations invited. Booking essential. For more information and booking please telephone 01398 323841 or visit the website www.exmoornational-park.gov.uk

Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 15 w

Information and booking

Saturday concerts Refreshments are available at all events Other events at St Luke’s and the following optional snacks – and at St Luke’s Admission to the following events: a meal before Kausary’s concert – may to reserve the seat of your choice; Admission to the following concerts £10 be booked in advance by completing £5 for unreserved seating; in St Luke’s: the form opposite or by telephoning 14 year-olds and under free. £15 to reserve the seat of your choice; Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451 • Birdie Johnson for unreserved seating £10 A mezze, Greek-style snack, prepared by • Tracey Elliot-Reep (£7.50 student/unemployed concession); • Frances Chanter, for The George Kypreos • Dr Sue Baker 14 year-olds and under free. (£6) Band’s concert interval • North Devon Poetry Workshop and • The George Kypreos Band • A canapé selection, prepared by Liz White, Poetry Reading by Fiona Benson for Njabulo Madlala’s concert interval (£6) • Njabulo Madlala Refreshments are available at all events and • Michael Bochmann • A canapé selection, prepared by Julie Reed, optional light snacks may be booked in advance and David Watkins for the Michael Bochmann and David for the interval by completing the form opposite or by telephoning Marian Lloyd on . • Kausary Watkins concert interval (£6) 01643 831451 Le Jazz • A Latin American-style meal, prepared by How to book • Frances Chanter, before Kausary’s concert Pop-up Opera Premium tickets, standard tickets and snacks may • (£8) be booked: Friends of Simonsbath Festival • A canapé selection, prepared by Frances • by phoning Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451 • by emailing [email protected] Becoming a of Simonsbath Festival Chanter, for the Le Jazz concert interval Friend • by completing and returning the booking form entitles you to block booking discounts, free (£6) opposite mailings and news updates while at the same A canapé selection, prepared by • by downloading the booking form from the festival time helping to support the festival. Please • Frances Chanter, for Pop-up Opera’s website: www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk complete the form on page 18 and tick the box, concert interval (£6) if you would like to become a Friend. Concessionary tickets are available for students and unemployed only. Please make cheques payable to Simonsbath PLEASE NOTE: TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE Festival and post with your completed booking FOR COLLECTION ONLY AT ST LUKE’S ON THE DAY, form to: Marian Lloyd, Higher Bradley, , THEY WILL NOT BE SENT OUT BY MAIL Somerset TA24 7RS

16 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June w ! Booking form for events at St Luke’s

(Free admission to all concerts for children under 14 years old) Event Date and time Price per ticket Snack(s) Number Total cost insert how many of tickets The George Kypreos Band 9 May – 7.30pm £15 (reserved) £10 (unreserved) (£6) Concessionary £7.50 Birdie Johnson 13 May – 7.30pm £10 (reserved) £5 (unreserved) (£4) £15 (reserved) £10 (unreserved) Njabulo Madlala 16 May – 7.30pm Concessionary £7.50 (£6) Tracey Elliot-Reep 20 May – 7.30pm £10 (reserved) £5 (unreserved) (£4) Michael Bochmann £15 (reserved) £10 (unreserved) and David Watkins 23 May – 7.30pm Concessionary £7.50 (£6) Dr Sue Baker 27 May – 7.30pm £10 (reserved) £5 (unreserved) (£4) St Luke’s parking Kausary workshop 30 May – 4 - 6pm £5 (under 14s £3) and facilities £15 (reserved) £10 (unreserved) There are only a few Kausary concert 30 May – 7.30pm Concessionary £7.50 (£8) parking spaces at the Workshop and concert combined ticket £12.50 (concessionary £10; church itself, which under 14s - £3 ) are normally reserved Rob Wilson-North 3 June – 7.30pm £5 (£5) for visitors with limited Venue: Boevey’s Tea Rooms mobility. There is some Le Jazz 6 June – 7.30pm £15 (reserved) £10 (unreserved) (£6) roadside parking or Concessionary £7.50 Exmoor National Park’s Pop-up Opera 13 June – 7.30pm £15 (reserved) £10 (unreserved) (£6) £7.50 Ashcombe car park in Concessionary the centre of Simonsbath Poetry workshop 17 June – 5 - 7pm £15 or £10 (concessionary £7.50) (£5) which also has toilets. Fiona Benson (reserved) £5 (unreserved) Poetry Reading 17 June – 7.30pm £10 (£5) The church is accessible to wheelchair users and Workshop and poetry reading combined ticket £10 (reserved) £5 (unreserved) has its own toilet facilities. Midsummer Concert at 19 June – 2pm Admission free Free Moorland Hall (Wheddon Cross) Please complete the form overleaf indicating your seating preference and make cheques payable to Simonsbath Festival Overall total £

www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 17 ! Please complete to book tickets or to become a Friend of Simonsbath Festival

Name Title

Address

Postcode

Telephone number

Email address

If you have booked Premium Tickets or Reserved Seating for events at St Luke’s, please state your preferred row: Rows A to M, on the left, facing the chancel: Rows A to J, on the right, facing the chancel: or the Balcony.

I would like to become a Friend of Simonsbath Festival, please send me further details – please tick the box

Please send your completed form, with a cheque made out to Simonsbath Festival to: Marian Lloyd, Higher Bradley, Withypool, Somerset TA24 7RS Telephone 01643 831451

PLEASE NOTE: TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION ONLY AT ST LUKE’S ON THE DAY, TICKETS WILL NOT BE SENT OUT BY MAIL

18 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June Other venues at Simonsbath Festival

Events at the sawmill Admission to events at the sawmill is free. Sawmill parking and facilities 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 01643 831202 between 10am and 4pm on the day). Events at the 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 Boevey’s Tea Rooms For reservations and bookings please complete the booking form or telephone Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451. 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 Exmoor National Park and Heart of Exmoor events 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 or www.heartofexmoor.org.uk For general enquiries please contact Victoria Thomas on 01643 831343 or email [email protected] www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 19 The Crown Hotel – Exford

The warmest welcome awaits everyone at this famous 17th Century family run coaching inn at the heart of the Exmoor National Park, with 3 star accommodation, an award-winning restaurant and a cosy country bar, serving great food, real ales and fine wines. The Crown Hotel, Exford, Somerset TA24 7PP T: 01643-831554 E: [email protected] www.crownhotelexmoor.co.uk

WINE TO ENJOY At Moorwine you are assured of quality at the right price. As our wine comes from the less commercial vineyards from around the world, you can really taste the passion of the growers and the love from the small producers really comes through. We bring you wines which you will want to drink again, again and again and we try never to be dull or boring, bringing you wines to test your palate and for you to enjoy. We look forward to meeting you. Telephone : 01398 341406 / 07970 567628 Email : [email protected] FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

20 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June 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:

Wednesday 13 May Tuesday 19 May Friday 29 May Tuesday 16 June 11am– 1pm 2.30pm– 4pm 10.30am– 3.30pm 2.30pm–4pm Mining and Mystery at A stroll through the Simonsbath’s Lost Flowers and Footpaths Wheal Eliza History and Landscape Gardens and the source in Simonsbath A short walk along the River of Simonsbath of the A leisurely stroll through the Barle to Wheal Eliza, exploring A relaxed walk ending with a A 5-mile walk through the former species-rich meadows of the history of the Knights, mining visit to the sawmill. Not suitable gardens of Simonsbath House, Simonsbath. Please wear in this part of Exmoor and the for children or dogs. over the moor to the source of weatherproof clothing tragic mystery of Wheal Eliza. and footwear. Not suitable Walk leader Wendy Mills. the River Exe and back down There are one or two short Limecombe to the River Barle, for children or dogs. climbs but overall this is an easy ending in a visit to the sawmill. Walk leader Wendy Mills. walk along the valley. Meet at Ashcombe car Please bring a picnic and wear Return to Simonsbath for a visit park (Grid Ref SS774395) suitable clothing and walking to the sawmill and an optional for all the Exmoor boots. Dogs welcome. pub lunch, or bring a picnic. Society walks. Walk leader Jenny Gibson. Walk leader Rachel Thomas. No booking is required and the walks 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 www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 21 22 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June Boevey’s Tea Rooms Monday 4 May – Friday 19 June Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition Boevey’s Tea Rooms, the converted linhay of Simonsbath House on the turning into the hotel, is host to the Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition throughout the duration of the festival. For more information please see page 26.

Wednesday 3 June – 7.30pm Rob Wilson-North Conservation Manager Exmoor National Park Discovering the lost pleasure gardens of Simonsbath Rob Wilson-North explains how current research is revealing more about the enterprising Georgian industrialist John Knight’s vision for Exmoor and his plans for a great mansion at the heart of his estate in Simonsbath with pleasure grounds after the picturesque style. In 1815 the of Exmoor was enclosed by an Act of Parliament, beginning a series of events which led to the last and most ambitious land reclamation enterprise in England, driven by John Knight who bought the Royal Forest from the Crown in 1819. Bar open for refreshments, including wine, beer, tea and coffee. A light ploughman’s, with a selection of local cheeses, costing £5, may be booked in advance for the interval. Admission: £5 (Book early for this event to guarantee a seat.)

Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 23 Exmoor Forest Inn Diary of Events Wednesday 13 May – 1pm-3pm Forest Walkers’ Lunchtime Special A meal and a drink for £10 Tuesday 19 May – 4pm-6pm Forest Walkers’ Afternoon Tea Friday 22 May – 8.30pm Geoff Nichols and Good Vibes please see opposite page for details Friday 29 May – 7.30pm Wine tasting with food £12.50 per person (Booking required) Friday 5 June – 7.30pm Exmoor Forest Quiz Night Free for booked teams of four – and a prize for the winning team. Bacon baps £2 Wednesday 10 June – 7.30pm ‘Moor Songs’ with Tom and Barbara Brown please see opposite page for details Tuesday 16 June – 4pm-6pm Forest Walkers’ Afternoon Tea For information and booking telephone the Exmoor Forest Inn on 01643 831341 or visit the website: www.exmoorforestinn.co.uk

24 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June Friday 22 May – Music starts at 8.30pm Wednesday 10 June – 7.30pm Good Vibes Tom and Barbara Brown and food at the Exmoor Forest Inn ‘Moor Songs’ Geoff Nichols returns to the Exmoor Forest Inn with his Swing The Exmoor Forest Inn hosts an open jazz band Good Vibes. Having led the legendary Avon Cities jazz acoustic session of Exmoor music and band for many years, trumpet and vibes star Geoff Nichols turns song led by popular folk and traditional to the Swing music of the 1930s and 40s to present his Good entertainers Tom and Barbara Brown. Vibes band for the discerning jazz fan. Singers and musicians are welcome to bring their voices and instruments – audience also Admission £10 welcome, but expect to join in the choruses! For information and booking telephone the Free admission Exmoor Forest Inn on 01643 831341 or visit the website For information telephone the Exmoor Forest Inn on www.exmoorforestinn.co.uk 01643 831341 or visit the website www.exmoorforestinn.co.uk

Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 25 Simonsbath Festival Simonsbath House Hotel and Outdoor Centre Art Exhibition Simonsbath House is a historic building and the oldest house in Simonsbath. Monday 4 May – Friday 19 June It was built in the mid-17th century by Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition is held throughout the festival in the merchant, lawyer and philosopher Boevey’s Tea Rooms, the converted linhay of Simonsbath House on the James Boevey (1622-1696), the turning into the hotel. Organised by Sandy Schott, the exhibition features warden of the Royal Forest of Exmoor, a wide range of local artwork created by artists living in the Parish of and for 150 years his was the only Exmoor, and some from a little further afield to the fringes of Dartmoor. house in the forest The artwork is mainly Exmoor themed and includes paintings in oil, For information and bookings telephone watercolour and pastel as well as printmaking and photography. 01643 831259 or visit the websites Admission to the exhibition is free www.simonsbathhouse.co.uk during Boevey’s summer opening or www.shoc.info hours, from 10.30am to 5pm daily.

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1. Brendan Common at Dawn by Chris Howe 2. Photograph by Nick Simpson 3. Dartmoor Greyface Ewe by Lucy Pearn 3

For more information on the Art Exhibition telephone Sandy Schott on 01643 831844 or email [email protected]

26 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June Friday 19 June – 2pm Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross Midsummer family and community concert Simonsbath Festival celebrates Midsummer and marks the end of Simonsbath Festival 2015 with a family and community concert, featuring the popular folk and traditional entertainers Tom and Barbara Brown, and continuing its project ‘Songs from the Exmoor Forest’. As part of the festival’s broader activities in the community, Tom and Barbara Brown are running a series of workshops throughout the period of the festival in Exford, Cutcombe and Timberscombe first schools to teach children the traditional music and songs of Exmoor, ‘Songs from the Exmoor Forest’, working towards their performance at this afternoon’s concert. ADMISSION FREE Refreshments available. For information and tickets telephone Marian Lloyd on 01643 831451 or visit the festival website.

Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 27 Wheddon Cross, , TA24 7DR TEL: 01643 841222 Email: [email protected] Web: www.restandbethankful.co.uk

Superb Range of Bar and Restaurant Meals, 7 Days a week, Traditional Carvery Meals on Wednesdays and Sundays Luxury en-suite Accommodation Warm and friendly local atmosphere CAZ BAR – Outside Bar Facility, Parties and Weddings Eric, Julie and Caroline Norman look forward to welcoming you

28 Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June Date Event

May 4–June 19 Simonsbath Festival Art Exhibition FESTIVAL EVENTS DIARY AT A GLANCE May 4 May Day celebrations May 9 The George Kypreos Band - Greek music May 9-10 National Mills Weekend May 13 Mining and Mystery at Wheal Eliza – walk May 13 Forest Walkers’ Lunchtime Special May 13 Birdie Johnson – talk May 16 Njabulo Madlala – concert May 19 The History/Landscape of Simonsbath – walk May 20 Tracey Elliot-Reep – illustrated talk May 22 Geoff Nichols andGood Vibes May 23 Michael Bochmann/David Watkins – concert COU WEST NTRY May 27 Picnic, Paddle and Pootle – family activity BLACKSMITHS May 29 The Source of the River Exe – walk At Forge Blacksmithing Welding & May 29 Wine Tasting Fabrications service working May 30 Kausary – Andean music workshop/concert with all forms of metal. June 3 Rob Wilson-North – illustrated talk Artistic, Architectural & June 5 Quiz night Restoration Specialists June 6 Le Jazz – concert To view a full selection of June 10 Tom and Barbara Brown – open music session work visit: westcountryblacksmiths.co.uk June 13 Pop-up Opera – The Italian Girl in Algiers Phone: June 16 Flowers and Footpaths in Simonsbath – walk 01643 863339 or 07548 212289 Email: June 17 Fiona Benson – Poetry workshop and reading [email protected] June 19 Midsummer family and community concert

Simonsbath Festival 4 May – 19 June www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk 29 4 May – 19 June Simonsbath Festival 2015

Sponsoring Simonsbath Festival

farming feed timber & fencing equine garden pet household diy clothing & footwear food & drink Pathfi elds Business Park, South Molton EX36 3LH www.molevalleyfarmers.com T: 01769 574477

With financial support from the Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund Festival programme produced and the Moorland Landscape Partnership’s Heart of Exmoor which is and edited by Victoria Thomas pleased to be supporting the Simonsbath Festival through its lottery Designed by Maggie Lyddiatt Advertisement sales – Philip Hull funding. Please visit our website to discover and enjoy even more about Exmoor’s moorland – www.heartofexmoor.org.uk. Photography: landscapes courtesy Nicola Friedrich; Simonsbath Festival logo (left) illustrated by Lucy Pearn Telephone 01643 831343 Email: [email protected] www.simonsbathfestival.co.uk Printed by Brightsea Press When the world comes to Simonsbath in the of Exmoor