Official Programme of Events Wellington Festival 2016 All events A celebration of Arts, admission
FREE ticketed Culture and Literature for capacity purposes
Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Olympian & national treasure – Opens the festival
Eddie the Eagle in 1986. Photograph: Steve Wood/Rex Features
ARTS & CULTURE
COMEDY
ENTERTAINMENT
POETRY www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 DISCOVER
WREKIN COLLEGE the OLD HALL SCHOOL
The Old Hall School for boys and girls aged 4 - 11 E: [email protected] T: 01952 2 23117 Wrekin College co-educational 11 - 18 day and boarding E: [email protected] T: 01952 265603 www.wrekincollege.com І www.oldhall.co.uk Welcome and Foreword by Cllr Cindy Mason-Morris Chair of the Wellington Festival Committee
We are delighted to launch the 2016 Wellington Festival – a spectacular three week celebration of The following day will see a Comedy Club night arts and culture. The Festival takes place in the with the award winning and nationally acclaimed vibrant market town of Wellington, Shropshire comedian Hannah Sylvester, ‘English Comedian of and aims to showcase artistes of local, national the year 2016’ Josh Pugh and four further acts who and international renown. have been delighting audiences across the country After the great success of last year’s Festival, we have with their observational insight and cutting satire; been working throughout the winter to put together this will be an evening to savour. Another major an amazing programme of events and activities for highlight of this year’s programme is our guest Tom the whole family. Watt, who was the Ghost Writer for David Beckham’s In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, the Festival biography. He is also an actor, broadcaster and film promises a fantastic line up of comedy, photography, maker and he returns to the Festival following a dance, culture and all aspects of literature including successful appearance in 2015. travel writing workshops, poetry and performance These are just a few of the unique experiences writing. We hope that you are inspired to have a go that the Wellington Festival has to offer and all are at some of the workshops on offer: try something FREE of charge. To bring a varied, high quality and new, visit more places on your doorstep, bring family entertaining mix of performers to our town every and friends and encourage tourists and visitors to year is a notable achievement, but we could not discover all that Wellington has to offer. do it alone. Wellington Town Council, sponsors, Opening the Festival will be the Olympian (and advertisers and loyal audiences all contribute to national treasure) – Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards – who the Festival’s continuing success and on behalf of will be talking about his escapades as he became the the Committee, I would like to thank them for their first competitor to represent Great invaluable support. Britain in Olympic ski jumping As the proud hosts of what is now one of the in 1988. This year, his story foremost free-access Festivals of its kind in the West was told in the biographical Midlands, we encourage you to spread the word film Eddie the Eagle, starring through either shouting it from the roof-tops or Hugh Jackman, which sharing it on Facebook and Twitter! So, please read showed his perseverance and on to find out what is taking place and do not delay achievements, all without in getting your tickets. Also, please keep in touch via funding. the website, Facebook, Twitter or face to face. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival’s events and enjoying all that our fantastic town, Wellington, has to offer. www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 3 Mayor of Important Wellington Information Councillor Phil About attending Morris-Jones MBE an event
All of the Wellington Festival events are FREE, associated independent events carry a small charge. On behalf of Wellington Town Council, may I welcome you to our 20th Festival.
Those more observant amongst you will To attend any of the festival events please reserve notice I have missed out the word LITERARY. your seat via www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk. We This is because our Committee under its use the eventbrite ticketing system so that we can new Chair Councillor Cindy Mason-Morris gauge audience attendance levels. has chosen to expand further in the field of All our events are all FREE. If you do not have the Arts and Culture and provide a far more internet access you can still simply turn up on the diverse programme to encompass that aim. evening of the event but we would encourage you I should at this stage pay tribute to our to pre-book to avoid disappointment. retiring Chair Councillor Pat Fairclough for If you would like a ticket again please visit www. the excellent way in which she has led the eventbrite.co.uk If you are unable to do so please call committee over the last 10 years. 01952 567696, email [email protected] Special thanks must go to our event’s or pop into Wellington Town Council’s Civic Offices organiser Caroline Mulvihill for her hard on Larkin Way, Tan Bank, Wellington TF1 1LX and a work all year round in the preparation of this ticket can be obtained on your behalf. schedule. We have an excellent programme, so please join me and Remembrance let’s enjoy these Service events thoroughly. Fri 11 Nov Remembrance Parade If you have a business that you Sun 13 Nov Switching on of Christmas would like to promote, Lights and Victorian Market advertising space in next years programme Sat 26 Nov Carols in the Square is available at a minimum cost. Sat 17 Dec
4 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Wellington Town Council Celebrates its 20th Literary Festival by expanding into The Wellington Festival!
Twenty years ago, Wellington Town Council The Wellington Festival Committee consists formed a working group of literary-minded people of the following volunteers: who initiated the first week of literary events, Chair: Councillor Cindy Mason-Morris, headed by Simon Brett the crime writer. Deputy Chair: Councillor John Alvey, Guiding principles were agreed by the group which were as follows: Councillors: Joan Gorse, Sherrel Fikeis, Pat Fairclough, Denis Allen, Phil Morris-Jones −−To promote a wide range of literature to all ages; and Ralph Perkins. Richard Bifield, Mollie Bolt, −−To encourage local budding authors/playwrights/ Kevin Tanner, Rev John Grice, Annie Savage, poets by providing a platform for their work; John and Joy Clayton, Geoff Harrison, −−To be accessible to all; John Sweetland, Howard Perkins, Fay Easton −−To work in partnership with all sections of the and Rebecca Dove. community. Communication and Events Manager: The Council agreed to give administrative and Caroline Mulvihill – who also manages the Festival financial support and that all events should be FREE and keeps the Committee focused. of charge unless organised by an outside body. After time, demand to extend the Festival grew It was with deep regret that we lost two of our culminating in the current format of three weeks of long-standing and most valued Committee Members planned events throughout the month of October. over the last year – Mr Chris Lewis and In 2016, the Festival has been re-branded and Mr Alan Cooper. Both Chris and Alan were extended, to increase the audience and to appeal to instrumental in the Festival being expanded to Remembrance a more diverse range of people. appeal to a greater range of people and they have been sadly missed. Service It has been our great pleasure to welcome the Fri 11 Nov Finally, the Committee welcomes new members Remembrance Parade following personalities in past years: Kate Adie MBE, and if you would like to get involved, in any capacity, Martin Bell MBE , Henry Blofeld, Colin Dexter, poet Sun 13 Nov please email [email protected] Switching on of Christmas laureate Andrew Motion, Ned Sherrin CBE, Lights and Victorian Market The Rt. Hon David Blunkett MP, poet laureate or write or call into Wellington Town Council’s Civic Offices on Larkin Way, Tan Bank, Wellington, Carol Ann Duffy, George Alagiah, Germaine Greer, Sat 26 Nov TF1 1LX. Carols in the Square Alexie Sayle, Fay Weldon and Ian McMillan. These are all but a few of the well-known authors/artistes Sat 17 Dec who have enthralled packed audiences with their literary prowess over the years.
www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 5 Become a friend The Wellington Festival is largely run by If you would like to volunteers and enthusiasts. We rely on get actively involved funding from Wellington Town Council and with the Festival, public donations. The Festival Committee is always looking for your help would be extra volunteers to assist with the smooth greatly received. running of the events. To find out more please contact: [email protected] or call 01952 567696.
Acknowledgements
The Wellington Festival Committee wish to Music, a new string to the Festival’s bow this year, thank the following, in no particular order, for the was co-ordinated with the help of Joanna Deacon constant support and loan of venues each year, for which we are very grateful. without which the Wellington Festival would not Special thanks must go to: take place. Wrekin College, The Old Orleton, Wellington Library, Our dedicated website, www.wellingtonartsfest. The Telford Arena and Live Lounge, All Saints Church, co.uk, has been created and maintained by a local Wellington Methodist Church, New College Telford, Wellington man – Martyn Haynes – on a purely The Old Wrekin Tap, The Pheasant, The Belmont voluntary basis. Our sincere thanks go to him for all Hall, The Belfrey Theatre and Wellington Register his hard word. Office. Thanks also to the Shropshire Star; Telford FM; Beacon Radio and BBC Radio Shropshire for the generous time and space allocated to help promote Thanks to TELFORD the Festival events. Thanks too, to the many traders TOILETS for supplying throughout Wellington and Telford, who have disabled toilet facilities distributed the Festival programme so consistently at the The Telford Arena throughout the summer and early autumn months. and Live Lounge. You have all helped communicate the message and we will be forever grateful. www.telfordtoilets.com Phone: 01952 613436 E-mail: [email protected]
6 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues WELLINGTON WALKING FESTIVAL Monday 12th – Sunday 18th September 2016
The week long festival comprises 27 events plus a photographic competition. Themed walks include Geology of the area around Little Wenlock on Tuesday 13th; Nordic Walking on The Wrekin on Wednesday 14th; Industrial Archaeology visiting Limekiln Woods, Maddocks Quarry and the Ercall on Friday 16th; Bird Life of the Weald Moors on Saturday 17th and a Fungus Foray on Sunday 18th· There are visits to Attingham Park, Dothill Local Nature Reserve, Wappenshall Wharf, Wheat Leasowes Solar Farm along with story walks for children, an evening talk, a quiz night and much more. Booking is essential for many of the themed events which, as far as possible, are free. Walks range from short & easy through to all-day rambles so there is literally something for everyone from 8 years to 80 and beyond.
Further information: www.wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk/Festival.html
Artisans, crafters, vintage sellers & bakers: Trade for a Tenner on Fridays & Saturdays at our PopUp Pitch in Wellington Market (only 10 stands available) email for more information. WELLINGTON POPUP PITCH www.popuppitch.uk [email protected] PROFESSIONAL GUTTER CLEARING SHOPPERS! Come along to see Phone 01952 457 395 For more informationthis new trade spaceor to place a Text or call booking: and have a coffee in 07548 179 001 our PopUp Barista Email [email protected] Bar open Tues/Thurs/ Online www.gutterpro.co.uk Fri/Sat … it’s fab! Programme of Events overview To avoid disappointment book your tickets in advance. Events carrying fee’s are independently run.
Festival Film Comedy Music Poetry & Literacy Children’s Events History Talks
Event Date Time Place Page Charge
Festival Launch Autumn sizzle – Food and fun Sat 24 Sept Wellington Market 10 Charge
Oktoberfest A month of drink and food Further details www.wellingtontowncentre.com 11 Charge
The Clifton Film Series Eye in the Sky (2015) Sat 1 Oct 7.30pm Belmont Hall 11 Charge An evening in the company of Wrekin College Fri 7 Oct 7.30pm 12 Free Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards Memorial Hall Looking around Sunnycroft Fri 7 – 10.30am – 5pm Sunnycroft 12 Charge Open Doors & Drawers Mon 10 Oct last entry 4pm The Clifton Film Series Eddie the Eagle (2016) Sat 8 Oct 7.30pm Belmont Hall 13 Charge The Telford Arena and Award winning Comedy Night Sat 8 Oct 8pm 12-13 Free Live Lounge The Endings Foot tapping, thigh slapping, folk, The Park, Whitchurch Sat 8 Oct 9pm 14 Free rock with a Irish twist Road Destination Wellington Sun 9 Oct 11am – 2pm Wellington Library 14 Free Travel-writing workshop with Marie Kreft Sidekix Sun 9 Oct 4pm – 7pm Railway Inn, Mill Bank 15 Free Singing songs from the obscure to the classics The Nailmaker’s Daughters Mon 10 Oct 7.30pm New College Telford 15 Free Three poets from the Black Country Dance like a Tudor Wellington Methodist Tue 11 Oct 7.30pm 15 Free Gloriana Living History workshop Church A talk by poet Moniza Alvi Wed 12 Oct 7.30pm New College Telford 16 Free Gloriana Living History explores Sixteenth Century Apparel Thu 13 Oct 1pm New College Telford 16 Free A talk by actor, presenter and broadcaster The Telford Arena and Thu 13 Oct 7.30pm 17 Free Tom Watt Live Lounge Rolls Royce Bruce Lawson talks on Charles Rolls All Saints Parish Fri 14 Oct 7.30pm 17 Free the most fascinating of characters Centre The Clifton Film Series Spotlight (2015) Sat 8 Oct 7.30pm Belmont Hall 18 Charge
Writing West Midlands Children’s writing group Sat 15 Oct 2pm – 4pm Wellington Library 18-19 Free Wrekin Writer’s Workshop Wellington Civic Sat 15 Oct 10am & 1.30pm 19 Charge For anyone with an interest in writing Offices Indoor Outdoor Arts and Music Festival Sat 15 & The Telford Arena and Various 20 Free A truly immersive experience in arts culture Sun 16 Oct Live Lounge Doug Richards Running Hot and Cold with Wellington Methodist BBC Radio Shropshire’s James Bond. A belated Sun 16 Oct 7.30pm 20 Free Church introduction to running Sue Crampton – A talk introducing Edith Picton- Mon 17 Oct 7.30pm Wellington Library 21 Free Turbervill the first female MP for the Wrekin
8 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See back cover for venue directions Event Date Time Place Page Charge Poems and Pints Published Author Tony Stringfellow hosts this Tue 18 Oct 7.30pm Old Wrekin Tap 21 Free informal celebration of poetry Wellington History Group. Allan Frost presents Birdseye Views of Wellington and The Wrekin Wed 19 Oct 7.30pm Wellington Library 22 Free Hill Shropshire’s young poet laureate Wed 19 Oct 2pm New College Telford 22 Free Mia Cunningham – INVITATION ONLY Thu 20 – Sat The Belfrey Theatre presents ‘Roses of Eyam’ 7.30pm The Belfrey Theatre 23 Charge 22 Oct Flowers of all Cities. London from Prison to Palace. Colin Pinney narrates an off–beat tour of Thu 20 Oct 7.30pm Wellington Library 23 Free the capital from Prison to Palace Royal Shakespeare Association. Fri 21 Oct 7.30pm All Saints Church 24 Free Richard III – A lecture by Peter Smith Wayne Martin Band Fri 21 Oct 9pm The Wrekin Pub 24 Free Four very skilled pro musicians The Clifton Film Series Bridge of Spies (2015) Sat 22 Oct 7.30pm Belmont Hall 25 Charge Wrekin Arts Photographic Club presents an Audio All Saints Parish Visual Show of International Photography from Sat 22 Oct 7.30pm 25 Free Centre their 2015 Salon Meet the Authors Sat 22 Oct 10am – 4pm Wellington Library 26 Free Bug Hotel Making 10.30am – 5pm How to encourage friendly insects into Sat 22 Oct last entry Sunnycroft 26 Charge your garden 4.30pm Wellington Market Come along and have fun at Leo’s Loco Circus Tue 25 Oct 11am – 3pm 27 Free Square John Sam Jones. LGB Activist talks about the The Telford Arena and Tue 25 Oct 7.30pm 27 Free lives of gay men in Wales Live Lounge Festival Reading Group Wed 26 Oct 11.00am The Old Orleton 27 Free Bronte Dr Jonathon Shears and Kimberley Wellington Register Braxton from Keele University explore Charlotte Wed 26 Oct 7.30pm 28 Free Office Brontë’s novels England’s greatest love affair Katherine Swynford was John of Gaunt’s mistress and Centenary Theatre – Thu 27 Oct 7.30pm 28 Free wife. Lesley Smith speaks in the year 1399 as the Wrekin College Duchess of Lancaster The Clifton Film Series Sat 29 Oct 7.30pm Belmont Hall 29 Charge Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) Cultural Evening An evening of Asian and Polish Sat 29 Oct 7.30pm New College Telford 29 Free music, culture and dance 10.30am – 5pm, Halloween Activity Day Calling all little witches Sat 29 Oct last entry Sunnycroft 29 Charge and wizards! 4.30pm The Art of Paper Making Learn how to create Wellington Methodist handmade paper with the thoughts of famous Sat 29 Oct 12-4pm 30 Free Church writer with Jonathan Korejko The Devils Ball The Haygate’s annual fancy dress Sat 29 Oct 7pm The Haygate 30 Charge Halloween party Come and meet Michael McCarthy Sun 30 Oct 12pm – 2pm Wellington Library 30 Free Children’s Author www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 9 Programme of Events
PLEASE DONATE
All the Festival events are FREE to attend. Donation buckets will be present at each event. Any contribution to support the future work of the Wellington Festival will be gratefully received. You can also donate online by visiting www.crowdfunder.co.uk and searching for Festival Launch Wellington Festival. Autumn Sizzle – Food and fun
Saturday 24th September Wellington Market Food and fun extravaganza in Wellington Town Centre with Scarecrow windows, welly trails and more…. look out for details at www.wellingtontowncentre.com
Wellington Town Centre
10 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Oktoberfest A month of drink and food
Dates, venues and times will be available soon from www.wellingtontowncentre.com A month long Oktoberfest is coming to Wellington, planned to coincide with the annual Arts Festival and with special appearances by The Ceremonial Ale Taster of Wellington. Locally brewed beers with German ingredients will be available alongside traditional German beers and local food at 10 public houses and at the Pop Up Pitch at Wellington Market. Venues and dates will be available at www.wellingtontowncentre. com and for more information contact Wellington’s own Ale Taster: [email protected]
The Clifton Film Series Eye in the Sky (2015)
Saturday 1st October 7.30pm Belmont Hall Certificate: 15 Length : 102 minutes Starring: Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman Col. Katherine Powell, a military officer in command of an operation to capture terrorists in Kenya, sees her mission escalate when a girl enters the kill zone triggering an international dispute over the implications of modern warfare.
Director: Gavin Hood Screenplay: Guy Hibbert TICKETS £5 Released 1st August on line at www. theclifton.org or at Wellington Market stall on Saturday mornings before 12 mid-day. (Unreserved seating) Doors open half an hour prior to showing for all films. Tickets purchased are non-refundable and the Clifton management reserve the right to change the programme if there are any distribution issues. www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 11 An evening in the company of Looking around Sunnycroft Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Open Doors Edwards & Drawers
Friday 7th October Friday 7th – Monday 10th October 7.30pm 10.30am – 5.00pm last entry 4.00pm Wrekin College Sunnycroft Memorial Hall An opportunity to take a look Enjoy an evening in the at some of the 8000 items company of Eddie ‘the tucked away in the drawers and Eagle’ Edwards – one of the cupboards of Sunnycroft. UK’s most truly inspirational and well-loved Eddie Edwards Olympians. Eddie was the first competitor to represent the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team in Olympic Ski jumping. Despite little skill for his sport, Eddie’s heroic failures at the Calgary Olympics in 1988 won the hearts and minds of the public around the world. The odds were stacked against him: he was self-taught, he lacked financial support Sunnycroft for training and was totally self-funded. He was also scared of heights and he needed to wear his glasses at all times, which fogged up to such an extent while competing that he could not see. He eventually finished last in both the 70m and 90m events however his lack of success (and personality) endeared him to people all across the globe. Award winning Earlier this year, he was portrayed in the biographical film Eddie the Eagle which starred Taron Egerton and Comedy Night Hugh Jackman. The film was hugely successful, both in the UK and the USA, and marked the biggest opening of Saturday 8th October a British film since the James Bond movie Spectre in the 8.00pm previous year. The Telford Arena and Live Lounge In the words of the President Enjoy a laugh? Then you are in for a real Festival of the 1988 Calgary Olympics: treat with a night of first class comedy. “some competitors have won gold, some have broken Headlining is Hannah Silvester, who after records and one has even landing the Midlands Comedy Breakthrough Act flown like an eagle”.
12 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues The Clifton Film Series Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Saturday 8th October 7.30pm Belmont Hall Certificate: PG Length : 106 minutes (Biopic) Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tom Costello. The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Director: Dexter Fletcher Screenplay: Sean Macaulay, Simon Kelton TICKETS £5 Released 1st August on line at www. theclifton.org or at Wellington Market stall on Saturday mornings before 12 mid-day. (Unreserved seating) Doors open half an hour prior to showing for all films. Tickets purchased are non-refundable and the Clifton management reserve the right to change the programme if there are any distribution issues.
Hannah Silvester Aaron Twitchen
Winner 2014 Award has gone on to cement her reputation for being ‘joyously hilarious’. MC is Aaron Twitchen; ‘seriously talented, energetic and keenly in tune with the spirit of live comedy’ Add to this five acts (Stu Woodings, Josh Pugh ‘English Comedian of the Year 2106’, Wizzy Janew, Martin Huburn and Marshal Anderson) who have been delighting audiences across the country with their observational insight, social comment, cutting satire, general fun and verbal mayhem and you have something to savour!
www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 13 Destination Wellington Travel-writing workshop with Marie Kreft
Sunday 9th October 11.00am – 2.00pm The Endings Wellington Library Foot tapping, thigh slapping, folk, In this half-day workshop, award-winning rock with an Irish twist travel writer Marie Kreft challenges the idea that you need to travel to far-flung places for an interesting story. You will look at travel-writing techniques and conventions Saturday 8th October before venturing into Wellington Town 9.00pm Centre with all five senses primed to gather material for your own travel article. No The Park, Whitchurch Road experience is necessary but you should bring a piece of travel writing you admire to The Endings, hailing from Telford play up tempo, share with the group. foot tapping, thigh slapping, folk, rock with an Irish twist (Verna) Drums/Vocals, (Paul) Mandolin/ Please book early: to Banjo/Vocals, (Ciaran) Guitar/Fiddle Lead Vocalist, allow every attendee to (Jim) Bass/Vocals and (Sophie) Fiddle/Vocals. High receive feedback on energy, full on good time music with covers from The their writing, spaces Pogues, The Levellers, The Waterboys, Steve Earl, on this workshop original tracks from our new CD AON and traditional are limited to 12. Irish music. Marie Kreft is the author of Slow Travel: Shropshire for Bradt Travel Guides and a former winner of the Independent on Sunday travel-writing competition.
Marie Kreft
14 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Sidekix The Nailmaker’s Singing songs from the obscure to the classics Daughters Three poets from the Black Country
Sunday 9th October Gaz n Rob 4.00pm – 7.00pm n Acer Monday 10th Railway Inn, Mill October Bank 7.30pm Singing songs from the New College obscure to the classics Telford this duo perform great songs in their own The Nailmaker’s Daughters are three poets from the Black Country: Emma Purshouse, Iris Rhodes and unique style. Marion Cockin. Their poetry, deftly edited by Jane From 60s to the present, Seabourne, is deeply rooted in the history of the it’s just Great music and area and will challenge and delight by turns. They a lot of Fun when The have been widely praised for their writing and have Sidekix are in Town. delighted audiences across the region.
Tuesday 11th October Dance like a 7.30pm Wellington Methodist Church Tudor A practical workshop with costumed Gloriana Living demonstrations by Gloriana Living History. History workshop This beginners’ session will give an overview of dance in the 15th and 16th centuries, covering the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Dances studied will be those popular at court and in the country and come from sources in England, France and Italy – farandole, branle, pavan, almain... This course will be tutored by Simon Haskew who has over 35 years experience of teaching Early Dance and performing with groups such as Gloriana, Caprettie and The Warwick Courtiers. Suitable for all ages. No experience necessary! Please wear soft-soled, flexible shoes and comfortable clothing.
www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 15 A talk by poet Moniza Alvi
Wednesday 12th October 7.30pm New College Telford Moniza Alvi was born in Pakistan and grew up in Hertfordshire. Her first two collections were published by Oxford University Press: The Country at My Shoulder (1993), shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot and Whitbread poetry prizes and A Bowl of Warm Air (1996). Her later poetry titles have all been published by Bloodaxe and include Split World: Poems 1990-2005 (2008), Europa (2008) and At the Time of Partition (2013). Both these last two books were Poetry Book Society Choices shortlisted for a T.S. Eliot Prize. Moniza Alvi Gloriana Living History explores Sixteenth Century Apparel
Thursday 13th October 1.00pm New College Telford ‘An Anatomy of Abuses’, the title is taken from the book of the same name published in 1583 by the puritan writer Philip Stubbs. Exploring apparel in 16th century England will include: −−Dressing a high status lady and gentleman, from their underpinnings to outer wear. −−Discovering details about the fashion and fabrics of the different levels in 16th century society. −−Charting the changes in fashion styles from late 15th century to early 17th century. −−Trying on costumes and accessories.
16 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Thursday 13th October 7.30pm The Telford Arena and Live Lounge As well as enjoying a career as an actor, presenter and broadcaster, Tom Watt has worked as a writer across a full range of media: plays for a small-scale touring company, treatments for documentaries and feature films, ghosted autobiographies, official histories, football match reports for national newspapers and opinion pieces for Chinese sports websites. And those are just a small selection! Tom will discuss the challenges and the fun to be had in A talk by actor, presenter adapting work to suit very different audiences, and broadcaster highlighting the differences between each medium but, at the same time, trying to settle on Tom Watt one or two immutable writing laws.
Bruce Lawson Rolls Royce Bruce Lawson talks on Charles Rolls the most fascinating of characters
Friday 14th October 7.30pm All Saints Parish Centre In Andrew Marr’s ‘The making of Modern Britain’ he describes Charles Stuart Rolls as a “London driving instructor and all round petrol age adventurer”, a description that proved irresistible to Bruce and inspired him to start research on this most fascinating of characters – particularly so since no prose biography had been written of Rolls for forty- seven years. It proved to be a fascinating voyage of researched, and should prove equally so to readers discovery, often through papers never previously and Rolls Royce enthusiasts who acquire his book. www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 17 The Clifton Film Series Spotlight (2015)
Saturday 8th October 7.30pm Belmont Hall Certificate : 15 Length : 128 minutes (Biopic) Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover- up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to the core.
Director : Tom McCarthy Writers : Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy Kelton TICKETS £5 Released 1st August on line at www. theclifton.org or at Wellington Market stall on Saturday mornings before 12 mid-day. (Unreserved seating) Doors open half an hour prior to showing for all films. Tickets purchased are non-refundable and the Clifton management reserve the right to change the programme if there are any distribution issues.
Writing West Midlands Children’s writing group
Saturday 15th October 2.00pm – 4.00pm Wellington Library
18 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues history at TCAT and her work at the Ironbridge Wrekin Writers Gorge Museums, this workshop will show Workshop writers how to research For anyone with an interest in local history for their writing own writing projects. Afternoon – 1.30pm to 4.00pm The Cabinet of Janet Doody Saturday 15th October Curiosities with 10.00am and 1.30pm Jean Atkin Wellington Civic Offices Jean Atkin is an award-winning poet, writer and experienced educator, based in Shropshire. She was Wrekin Writers are thrilled to present two wonderful Poet in Residence for Wenlock Poetry Festival in workshops this year. Anyone with an interest in 2015. This Cabinet of Curiosities workshop draws writing is welcome to attend one or both. Please upon a selection of strange objects to inspire poetry bring a pen and paper. Each workshop is available for through the wonder of curiosity. www.jeanatkin.com just £5 and this figure is reduced to £4.50 if booked in advance. You can reserve places on either or both of these workshops by email: [email protected] or phone Darren Bailey on 01952 405 178. Morning – 10.00am to 12.30pm Local history research for writers with Janet Doody Janet Doody is the author of ‘Shropshire – Remembering 1914-18’, published by The History Press. Drawing upon her experience teaching family
Come and celebrate the region’s up and coming young writers with this event featuring new poetry, prose, flash fiction and performance writing. Performers will be members of Writing West Midlands’ Spark Young Writers’ Groups from Telford and the local area (aged 8 to 16), and this showcase promises a selection of wild and wonderful stories. If you’re a budding young writer yourself, or know of a young writer, come along to find out about the UK’s largest network of young writers, and how you can join in. More information about the Spark Young Writers’ programme can be found at www.writingwestmidlands.org. Photo by Lee Allen Jean Atkin
www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 19 Indoor Outdoor Arts and Music Festival A truly immersive experience in Doug Richards arts culture receives award for Running Hot and Cold Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th October The Telford Arena and Live Lounge An indoor/outdoor multi genre music and creative arts festival including dance, graffiti and DJ workshops. Live performances, artwork commissions, street food, local arts & crafts traders and stalls. A truly immersive experience in arts culture, smell and taste. Event is dependent on a grant being successful. For more information go to Doug Richards www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk Running Hot and Cold with BBC Radio Shropshire’s James Bond. A belated introduction to running
Sunday 16th October 7.30pm Wellington Methodist Church Running Hot & Cold is the story of Doug’s belated introduction to running – it’s hard to believe Doug is 67 – and his subsequent adventures around the world in places as extreme as the Sahara and Gobi Deserts, Siberia and the ice-cap of the Arctic Circle. It also documents how running has helped him through some of the more challenging episodes in his life, including bouts of anxiety and depression, Doug has recently been appointed as a local Mental Health Ambassador by England Athletics as well as having a role as a Run England Group leader with local running groups. He is also involved being an active runner and volunteer for parkrun.
20 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Sue Crampton A talk introducing Edith Picton- Turbervill the first female MP for the Wrekin
Monday 17th October 7.30pm Wellington Library Forgotten by Wellington and left out of the history books, ‘A Head Above Others’ about the amazing life of Edith Picton Turbervill was my attempt to set the record straight. Now on Wikipedia, the Town’s first female Member of Parliament can no longer be ignored. A Head Above Others – Published by Perigord Press Available on Amazon and as an e book. 978-0-9573977-8-1 ISBN Sue Crampton
Poems and Pints Published Author Tony Stringfellow hosts this informal celebration of poetry
Tuesday 18th October 7.30pm Old Wrekin Tap Published Author and Poet Tony Stringfellow hosts this informal celebration of poetry in all its forms. This is an evening where you can read your own poems, your favourites by others, or simply listen to what’s being read. A very relaxed gathering of writers, readers and listeners down the pub!
www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 21 Wellington History Group Allan Frost presents – Birdseye Views of Wellington and The Wrekin Hill
Wednesday 19th October Ariel view of Wellington 7.30pm Copyright Allan Frost Wellington Library Free admissions His talks for schools, societies and public audiences donations invited are always popular, made all the more interesting Allan specialises with illustrations from the massive collection he has in researching the acquired over the last fifty years. history of Wellington On this occasion, he will show how Wellington and and The Wrekin and our enthralling nearby hills have changed over the has written over 30 last 100 years or so, using a selection of aerial and books and countless high-vantage-point photographs which have rarely, if articles on the area. ever, been seen before. As a bonus, the latest edition of the Group’s informative and entertaining magazine ‘Wellingtonia’ Allan Frost will also be available.
Shropshire’s young poet laureate Mia Cunningham Mia Cunningham Wednesday 19th October 2.00pm New College Telford Shropshire’s Young Poet laureate performing her powerful poetry to inspire other young people. INVITATION ONLY.
22 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues The Belfrey Theatre presents Roses of Eyam
Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd October 7.30pm The Belfrey Theatre Colin This is the true story of a village in Derbyshire Pinney set in 1665 . There is tension in the air due to the presence in the village of rectors from opposing factions. The local tailor takes delivery of a box of wet clothes from London which he dries in front of the fire. The next day he’s dead from a mysterious, unsightly disease. Over the next few months many more people die, and it is a while before anybody realizes that this disease is the dreaded plague. The severity of the outbreak calls for the two rectors to come together and in the end, the village voluntarily isolates itself for fourteen months to stop the plague from spreading around the countryside. Flowers of all Cities [email protected] or 01952 222277 London from Prison to Palace Colin Pinney narrates an off–beat tour of the capital from Prison to Palace
Thursday 20th October 7.30pm Wellington Library Colin Pinney narrates an off–beat tour of the capital from Prison to Palace, via a few bridges, several disastrous fires, four thousand tons of gold, seven ravens and two cats. The programme springs a few surprises, even for locals. For ex-Londoners it should evoke fond memories, and for would-be visitors it is an entertaining travelogue. At Wellington, Colin has previously presented shows Eyam is a village in the Derbyshire Dales on the Brontes, Dylan Thomas and W B Yeats. www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 23 Royal Shakespeare Association Richard III A lecture by Peter Smith
Friday 21st October 7.30pm Peter Smith All Saints Church skewed version), whether it is free-standing or part of a larger history cycle and its status as a virtuoso ‘History has many cunning passages’ (T S Eliot): vehicle (Olivier, McKellen, Pacino, Cumberbatch) RICHARD III and its Pluralities will be addressed. The lecture will move on to This lecture/talk is consider the ways in which the play has been read designed to illustrate the in myriad ways. For Dr Johnson, the play exhibited variety of ways in which ‘trifling and improbable’ events while Freud treated Shakespeare’s history Richard as a case study in jealousy and alienation. play has been received For Jan Kott writing during the period of the great and interpreted since dictator – Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin – Shakespeare’s its early performances. stage represents the Grand Mechanism: ‘The names Initial questions about of the kings may change, but it is always a Henry the play’s theatrical who pushes Richard down, or the other way round.’ genre (morality vs The lecture will conclude by noting that this variety chronicle), sources of readings is entirely appropriate to a sceptical, (Thomas More’s postmodern culture but, more importantly, to a play own politically that insists on the hypocrisy of acting.
Wayne Martin Band Four very skilled pro musicians
Friday 21st October 9.00pm The Wrekin Pub ‘One of the most highly sought after and high energy The line up: Wayne Martin – guitar/vocals, Geoff bands in Shropshire. From rock ‘n’ roll to blues to Grimes keys/vocals, Geoff Ockenden – bass, Mick funk the Wayne Martin Band are four very skilled pro Barker – Drums. musicians.’ For more information: Its no surprise the band has headlined Farmer Phil’s Phone or text 07747 877011 festival for the last 6 years. e-mail [email protected]
24 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues The Clifton Film Series Bridge of Spies (2015)
Saturday 22nd October 7.30pm Belmont Hall Certificate: 12A Length: 142 minutes Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda During the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plan pilot, Francis Gary Powers. Saturday mornings before 12 mid-day. (Unreserved Director : Steven Spielberg seating) Doors open half an hour prior to showing for Writers : Matt Charman, Ethan Coen all films. Tickets purchased are non-refundable and TICKETS £5 Released 1st August on line at www. the Clifton management reserve the right to change theclifton.org or at Wellington Market stall on the programme if there are any distribution issues.
Wrekin Arts Photographic Club presents an Audio Visual Show of International Photography from their 2015 Salon
Saturday 22nd October 7.30pm All Saints Parish Centre Wrekin Arts Photographic Club has been running an International Salon of Photography since 2011. It has grown in popularity over the years and last year we received 6806 images for judging from photographers in 61 different countries. Tonight’s presentation shows a selection of those images from the Nature, Colour and Mono sections of the Salon. www.wrekinartspc.com Leopards by Ian Whiston Copyright Ian Whiston DPAGB, BPE4*, EFIAP www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 25 Music Every Sunday Meet the Authors Afternoon from 4pm Saturday 22nd October 10.00am – 4.00pm Wellington Library 44 Mill Bank, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1SD Guests include: Christopher Owen Simon Whaley Bryan Vaughan Julie Phillips Dorothy Nicolle Diane Perry Janet Johnstone Phyllis Blakemore Catherine Cooper Mollie Bolt Allan Frost Christopher Smith Phil and Jacqui Lovesey
Telephone 2016 Camra 01952 259 212 Good Beer Guide www.facebook.com/railwayinnwellington Bug Hotel Making How to encourage friendly insects into your garden THE Saturday 22nd October 10.30am – 5.00pm last ParkTelephone 01952 255810 entry 4.30pm Lisa and Jason welcome you Sunnycroft to a traditional pub atmosphere. As the year comes to a close, • Real ales, fine lagers & wines discover how to make a hotel for • Beer garden bugs to encourage these friendly insects into your garden. • Family and dog friendly • Darts, pool and dominoes THE ENDINGS Live Entertainment Saturday 8th October
Whitchurch Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3AG.
26 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Come along and have fun John Sam Jones LGB Activist talks about the lives Leo’s Loco Circus of gay men in Wales
Tuesday 25th October Tuesday 25th 11.00am – 3.00pm October Wellington Market Square 7.30pm Ever wondered what it would be like to join a The Telford Arena circus? Well at Leo’s Loco Circus teaching is fun. and Live Lounge Learn cool tricks that will build confidence in a colourful environment. Entertainment also John Sam Jones has includes Stilt walkers, Fire been writing about breathing and a walkabout the lives of gay men in John Sam Jones Shakespeare comedy duo! Wales for two decades. Until his first collection of short stories, Welsh Boys Too, published in 2000, gay characters were largely absent from literature in Wales... and without stories, he believes, it is difficult for gay men to make sense of their lives. Another collection of short stories, Fishboys of Vernazza, followed in 2003 and then two novels, With Angels and Furies and Crawling Through Thorns. He lives in Barmouth, where, in semi-retirement, he runs a small B&B with Firestarter his husband. Leo’s Loco Circus
Festival Reading Group Discussing the book ‘Jane Eyre’
Wednesday 26th October 11.00am The Old Orleton A friendly, informal reading group.
www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 27 Bronte Dr Jonathon Shears and Kimberley Braxton from Keele University explore Charlotte Brontë’s novels
Wednesday 26th October Charlotte 7.30pm Bronte Wellington Register Office Charlotte Brontë at 200 – 2016 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain’s greatest writers, Charlotte Brontë. The country has been awash with celebrations to mark the bicentenary ‘Brontë-esque’ was not produced. Dr Jonathon including a birthday party for Charlotte in her village Shears and Brontë scholar Kimberley Braxton from of Haworth, numerous documentaries, plays and Keele University will explore the contemporary exhibits, even a re-enactment of Charlotte’s wedding. reception and influence of Charlotte Brontë’s novels, It does not come as any surprise that Charlotte looking at a range of reviews, films, documentaries, should encourage such degrees of celebration. There comedy sketches and even erotic retellings! It will be does not seem to be a year that has gone by since a true celebration of Brontë and what she has come the publication of Jane Eyre in 1847 when something to mean to us all in the past 200 years.
England’s greatest love affair Katherine Swynford was John of Gaunt’s mistress and wife. Lesley Smith speaks in the year 1399 as the Duchess of Lancaster
Thursday 27th October 7.30pm Centenary Theatre – Wrekin College ‘Katherine Swynford was John of Gaunt’s mistress and wife. Lesley speaks in the year 1399 as Duchess of Lancaster in a spectacular costume of the period. The Katherine and John story is one of the greatest love affairs recorded in English history. Their descendants would go on to be every monarch of Scotland and England up to the current day, including her Majesty, The Queen.’
28 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Cultural Evening An evening of Asian and Polish music, culture and dance
Saturday 29th October 7.30pm New College Telford To celebrate the ethnic diversity of Wellington, New College Telford will be hosting an evening of Asian and Polish music, culture and dance. There will also be the opportunity The Clifton Film of sampling food from both cultures. Series Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) Halloween Saturday 29th October 7.30pm Activity Day Calling all little witches Belmont Hall and wizards! Certificate: PG Length : 110 minutes (Biopic) Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant The story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York Saturday 29th heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, October despite having a terrible singing voice. 10.30am – 5.00pm, Director : Stephen Frears last entry 4.30pm Writer : Nicholas Martin Sunnycroft TICKETS £5 Released 1st August on line at www. Calling all little witches and theclifton.org or at Wellington Market stall on wizards! Come dressed in Saturday mornings before 12 mid-day. (Unreserved your Halloween costume seating) Doors open half an hour prior to showing for and take part in our all films. Tickets purchased are non-refundable and Halloween activities. the Clifton management reserve the right to change the programme if there are any distribution issues. www.wellingtonartsfest.co.uk T: 01952 567697 l@litfest2016 29 The Art of Paper The Devils Ball The Haygate’s annual fancy dress Making Halloween party Learn how to create handmade paper with the thoughts of famous writer with Jonathan Korejko Saturday 29th October Saturday 29th 7.00pm October The Haygate 12.00-4.00pm Saturday 29th October Wellington sets the stage for The Haygate’s annual fancy Methodist Church dress Halloween party Words, books, nursery rhymes, ‘The Devils Ball’. songs and recycling are the Now in its 12th year and still going strong, the event themes for this short course: participants will learn is, by far, The Haygate’s busiest night of the year. how to create handmade paper with the thoughts of famous writers, characters and creatures. We’ll combine Each year, The Haygate is decorated to suit the images from Alice in Wonderland, Peter Rabbit and theme of the evening, be it zombie apocalypse, Oliver Twist with ideas from Wordsworth, Tennyson circus or this year’s theme ‘Mexican day of the dead’. and Shakespeare, plus bunches of flowers, rope, old The venue also includes a number of themed drinks books and lots of words to create exciting papers. The to make things that little bit more authentic. goal? To teach everyone that every Paper Tells a Story! The evening’s entertainment consists of live bands, Jonathan Korejko is an experienced papermaker of which the headline band will be Envy Of The State who teaches people all over the country about hand (formerly Newbreed). Envy Of The State has been papermaking in schools, colleges, National Trust and the only band to have performed at the Devils Balls RHS properties, botanic gardens, museums, craft, for the last 11 years. The bands are then followed by fairs. His “Papermaking with Literature” programme a DJ to keep everyone in the party mood. has appeared at many UK Book Festivals over the You wouldn’t want to be seen dead anywhere else. last few years.
Sunday 30th October 12.00pm – 2.00pm Come and meet Wellington Library Michael Michael McCarthy aged 8 suffered a serious accident. McCarthy His recovery was slow and painful but never Children’s Author did he stop working towards his next goal. His achievements vary from completing the London Marathon, climbing mountains and becoming a children’s author having had 5 books published.
30 Wellington Festival events are FREE – See programme overview page 8 and back cover for venues Locations
Wrekin College Memorial Hall and Centenary Theatre (TF1 3BH): Sutherland Avenue, Wellington. Park full length of Sutherland D. E. BALL & CO. Avenue or on the Wrekin College car park. LIMITED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Civic Centre, Library and Register Office (TF1 AND BUSINESS ADVISORS 1LX): Tan Bank, Wellington. Park on Civic Centre car park. Old Wrekin Tap (TF1 2HA): 148a Holyhead Rd, Wellington. Park to the rear of the pub. We are pleased to support All Saints Church and Parish Centre (TF1 3HA): the Wellington Festival Church Street, Wellington. Park on the Railway Station or Ten Tree Croft car parks. TELEPHONE Belmont Hall (TF1 1LT): Tan Bank, Wellington. Park on the Civic Centre, Victoria Road South or 01952 261016 Belmont/Tan Bank car parks. 15 Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Wellington Methodist Church (TF1 1LU): Shropshire TF1 1EB New Street, Wellington. Park on Nailor’s Row or Victoria Road North car park. www.deball.co.uk The Pheasant Pub and Brew House (TF1 1DT): 54 Market St, Wellington. Park on any of Wellington’s car parks. The Telford Arena and Live Lounge (TF1 1HJ): Tan Bank, Wellington. No Disabled access to upper floor. Park on the Belmont/Tan Bank car park. Sunnycroft (TF1 2DR): 200 Holyhead Road, Wellington. Parking onsite. New College Telford ( TF1 1NY): King Street, Wellington. Parking onsite. The Belfrey Theatre (TF1 1JG): Prince’s Street, Wellington. Parking on site. Quality Secondhand Furniture The Railway Inn ( TF1 1SD): Mill Bank, with the Occasional Antique Wellington. Park on any of Wellington’s car parks. The Wrekin Pub (TF1 1RH): Wrekin Road, Wellington. Parking onsite or on the Wrekin Road car park. The Park (TF1 3AG): Whitchurch Road, Wellington. Parking available on site. The Haygate Pub (TF1 1QA): Haygate Road, Tel: 01952 259722 or 0790 6812130 Wellington. Parking available on site. [email protected] The Old Orleton (TF1 2HA): Holyhead Road, Wellington Parking available on site. 106 Watling, Street, Wellington, TF1 2NH PRH # 4Me What future for services at PRH?
The future of hospital services in shared stories of what the PRH Telford and Shrewsbury is under means to them. review. We know that the full A&E Please join them and pledge your service is planned to be on one support to keep our services at site only. the PRH. We want to show decision makers how much we value our Pledge Princess Royal Hospital and your what it would mean if services support are moved away. today Our #PRH4Me campaign shows your support for the PRH. Over 5,500 people have already pledged their support and www.prh4me.co.uk
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