perspectives CHELTENHAMARTSCULTURE

Cheltenham Arts Council: awards_funding_publicity_events listings

June – September 2019

Every One a Winner • Gloucestershire Boys’ Choir Photographic Exhibitions • Women in Aviation PERSPECTIVES JUNE /SEPTEMBER 2019 Issue Advertising Charges Dear Readers HALF PAGE ADVERT Welcome to another bumper edition £25 for CAC members or £75 for non-members of Perspectives, where the theme of FULL PAGE ADVERT enthusing and encouraging the next generation of musicians and artists £50 for CAC members or £150 for non-members is very much in evidence. We start Please contact [email protected] for more information. with a report on the highlight of Submissions must be with us by the following dates for consideration Arts Council’s year – the AnnuaI Awards Ceremony held at for the next issue: The Playhouse Theatre in March. End of November deadline for Feb/May Issue This is always a highly enjoyable End of March deadline for June/Sept Issue occasion where we recognise and End of July deadline for Oct/Jan Issue celebrate – along with friends, family and fellow members – the excellence, achievements and commitment of

the award winners across a wide SHARON LARKIN spectrum of artistic and cultural COVER IMAGE: abigail waddell, COS 2019 CONTENTS – SEE LISTINGS activity in Cheltenham. The report Every One a Winner 3 gives information about the awards Gloucestershire Boys’ Choir 6 and award winners this year, complete With the younger generation of singers with photographs taken by Martin Fry. in mind, a special mention should also Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra, 1969 – 2019 7 We were delighted that The Mayor of be made of Eleanor O’Driscoll, who was Cheltenham Camera Club and Gloucestershire Cheltenham, Bernard Fisher, attended presented with the Elizabeth Webster Young Photographer of the Year Exhibition 9 the ceremony, presenting the awards, Cup – awarded specifically to a young Listings 12-14 celebrating the winners and speaking person under 18 who has excelled in the Cheltenham Silver Band remembers 15 on the importance of the arts to the arts. town. Women in Aviation Exhibition at the Jet Age Museum 16 Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra’s Remembering Graham Lockwood 18 The Joyner Cup, for the year’s most conductor, David Curtis, tells

lee crew, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS outstanding award winner, was Perspectives of his pleasure as the presented to Ben Sawyer, nominated orchestra marks its 50th anniversary by the Oriel Singers. Ben does an (1969 – 1919). The orchestra also places enormous amount to encourage and great value on nurturing the next promote choral singing in the town generation of musical talent, offering and wider afield. Please read Ben’s a concert platform to the winner of Perspectives is produced three times a year. The next issue article about his new initiative – the the Gloucestershire Young Musicians will span October 2019 – January 2020. Cheltenham Arts Council Gloucestershire Boys' Choir – aimed Competition, and also instigating the Submission (ads and events) must be with us by the end of JULY for at encouraging more boys to sing in Young Composer Competition. PERSPECTIVES TEAM choirs, and hence encouraging the consideration for the next issue. Please email event details to For another great source of EDITOR Sharon Larkin/Rachel Tedd tenors and basses of the future. [email protected] LISTINGS Alice Hodsdon encouragement for young practitioners TEMPLATE DESIGN Chantal Freeman 2 awards 3 EVERY ONE A WINNER in the arts, please read Martin Fry’s Regrettably this is my last ‘performance’ report on the Gloucestershire Young as Perspectives editor which I have SHARON LARKIN LOOKS BACK AT THE ANNUAL AWARDS Photographer of the Year Exhibition, been proud to lead into the ‘e-zine era’ held alongside Cheltenham Camera along with Alice Hodsdon who compiles he Cheltenham Arts Council Awards The Joyner Cup, for the most outstanding Club’s Annual Exhibition, at Chapel the Listings, together with Chantal Ceremony is the highlight of CAC’s of the year’s award winners, was won Arts in May. As always, the standard Freeman of Diva Arts who formats T year, when we join together with by Ben Sawyer in recognition of his of photography in these collocated Perspectives for reading on-line. I am outstanding artists, musicians, exceptional contribution to the cultural exhibitions was extremely high. now handing over editorship to CAC’s performers and practitioners across a life of Cheltenham, developing skills Honorary Secretary, Rachel Tedd, who, wide spectrum of the arts in Cheltenham through inspirational teaching, directing Cheltenham Silver Band also spans I know, will take the magazine forward to recognise and celebrate excellence, local choirs, including The Oriel the generations, from 8 to 80, and with enthusiasm and flair. I also vacate achievement and commitment. Singers, establishing new initiatives and has had a tremendous year, with its partnerships, championing local musicians the Chair of Cheltenham Arts Council first-ever tour – a memorable visit to and composers, nurturing young talent, at the AGM at the end of May, and Belgium last summer. This included and encouraging adult singers. In the wish my successor, Sue Silcock, every a moving performance of ‘In Flanders next article in this edition of Perspectives, success and satisfaction in the role. Fields’ by Gavin Somerset, marking Ben outlines his initiative to encourage Sue, in turn, hands over her position as 100 years since the end of World War more young boys to sing, hoping to attract CAC Treasurer to Dr Steve Steinhardt, and retain their talent, enthusiasm and I.. This highlight was followed, in the whom we welcome to Cheltenham Arts commitment, as the tenors and basses of autumn, by the Silver Band playing in Council, with our appreciation and good tomorrow.. Cheltenham’s own remembrance parade wishes. and service in November, this year made BEN SAWYER, WINNER OF THE even more special by a performance in Thank you to everyone who has JOYNER CUP, WITH The Everyman Theatre, marking the inspired, supported and encouraged THE MAYOR OF Seven award-winners were celebrated at CHELTENHAM Centenary of the Armistice. me in leading the CAC Executive this year’s ceremony, held as in previous Committee over the last three years, With the World Wars in mind, Sally years, at The Playhouse Theatre. The and especially to Sue Silcock who led Ferrers takes us on a visit to the Women auditorium was filled with family, friends on essential constitutional changes and representatives of CAC’s member in Aviation Exhibition at The Jet Age and the establishment of the Trustees. organizations, and the lounge bar was Museum, featuring Gloucestershire’s CAC has consequently been re-set on abuzz beforehand as award winners, guests own Amy Johnson, Mary Ellis and firmer foundations in terms of Charity and nominators gathered for a celebratory Joy Lofthouse, whose contribution Commission-compliant policies and reception. to aviation we salute. This exciting The Elizabeth Webster Cup – awarded procedures, all thanks to Sue. I hand CAC President, Edward Gillespie, exhibition tells the wider story about the to a young person excelling in the arts – over to her, certain that CAC cannot be welcomed The Mayor of Cheltenham, exploits of female pilots and pioneers, was won this year by Eleanor O’Driscoll in better hands. It just remains for me to Bernard Fisher, who presented each of bringing us right up to date, with the (pictured overleaf) for her dedication the awards to the winners, following applaud every member of the Executive and outstanding contribution to music women jet pilots of the present day. the reading of their citations. After Committee for their time, commitment and theatre in Cheltenham. Eleanor was presenting the awards, The Mayor spoke Perspectives is also honoured to include and brilliant ideas, and to thank CAC congratulated for her many achievements in recognition of their achievement and in this edition a tribute to our former President Edward Gillespie and Vice and accomplishments. Highly active in the of the importance of the arts and culture President, Graham Lockwood, provided field of music, Eleanor sings in a number President Terry Moore-Scott for their in the life of Cheltenham. The following of choirs, performs on stage and in by Christopher Cook, former Chair of guidance and wise counsel. awards, including cups and framed festivals, and has excelled in examinations. The Music Festival. certificates, were conferred this year. Sharon Larkin, FORMER CHAIR AND PERSPECTIVES EDITOR perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 4 awards awards 5

DES WARD AFIAP, ELEANOR The Charles Irving Sponsorship Award was Manager, Paul Scott, and staff for hosting PRESENTED WITH O’DRISCOLL, WINNER again won by Helene Hewett of The Suffolk the Arts Awards Ceremony again this THE VISUAL ARTS OF THE ELIZABETH CUP BY THE MAYOR Anthology Bookshop in recognition of the year. The auditorium is the perfect setting WEBSTER CUP, OF CHELTENHAM many ways in which the bookshop supports for the occasion and the lounge bar ideal WITH THE MAYOR OF CHELTENHAM the arts in Cheltenham, acting as a hub for for a celebratory reception beforehand. A writers and artists, including The Writers particular ‘Thank you’ also goes to CAC and Directors Workshop, supporting Treasurer, Sue Silcock, and Executive local authors and hosting workshops, Committee Member, Martin Fry. Sue masterclasses, talks, seminars and book arranged for all the cups to be engraved, launches. The Bookshop had already won including the new Visual Arts Cup, the award in 2017 but the CAC Awards sponsored by Martin who also designed Sub-Committee were unanimous that the and ordered the banner which provided an Charles Irving award should go to Helene excellent point of focus on-stage. CAC also and The Suffolk Anthology Bookshop again thanks Martin for the photographs taken The Cheltenham Opera Group Cup Jonathan Cardale received an Arts Award in the form of a framed certificate for his in 2019. at the event, including those in this report. for 2019 was awarded to David Crown Niki Whitfield is also due CAC’s thanks for for his outstanding contribution as unstinting support to Cheltenham Bach Choir, as a member, concert manager and HELENE HEWETT preparing the award certificates, and Martin Music Director of Cheltenham Bach AND THE SUFFOLK – again – for expertly printing them. Choir, raising standards and improving ambassador, visiting venues in advance, ANTHOLOGY advising conductor and members about BOOKSHOP performance, extending the choir’s Finally, many congratulations to all the stage positions, arrangements and timings RECEIVED THE repertoire, substantially increasing CHARLES IRVING award winners and a huge ‘Thank you’ of rehearsals and performances, and membership, and leading a highly SPONSORSHIP to everyone who attended the ceremony, ensuring that concerts run smoothly. AWARD FOR THE successful twin-town visit by the choir to SECOND TIME. ensuring that this year’s event was a Göttingen, Germany. JONATHAN CARDALE successful – and most enjoyable – occasion. PRESENTED WITH DAVID CROWN, HIS ARTS AWARD WINNER OF THE BY THE MAYOR OF OPERA GROUP CUP, CHELTENHAM WITH THE MAYOR OF CHELTENHAM CAC would like to thank Bernard Fisher, The Mayor of Cheltenham, for presenting the awards and speaking at the event. CAC is also indebted to The Playhouse Theatre’s CAC CHAIR, SHARON LARKIN (LEFT), BERNARD FISHER – THE MAYOR OF CHELTENHAM, AND CAC PRESIDENT EDWARD GILLESPIE (RIGHT) WITH ALL THE AWARD WINNERS AT THE CEREMONY

The Visual Arts Cup, new for 2019, Dr Frances Wilson-Copp was unable to was awarded to Des Ward AFIAP attend the ceremony but was awarded an in recognition of his outstanding Arts Award, a framed certificate, for her contribution to Cheltenham Camera knowledge and enthusiasm, benefitting Club, as a former Chairman, using students at school, college and university, his exceptional skills to modernise and supporting Cheltenham Art Club and innovate, playing a major part in for many years, serving as its President, establishing the Cheltenham International inspiring members to develop their art and Salon of Photography and supporting enhancing their awareness of art history members in achieving success nationally and the wider world of the visual arts. THE CAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WITH THE MAYOR OF CHELTENHAM and internationally. perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 6 MUSIC MUSIC 7

GLOUCESTERSHIRE BOYS’ CHOIR CHELTENHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, 1969 – 2019 ENCOURAGING THE TENORS AND BASSES OF TOMORROW 50 YEARS OF WONDERFUL MUSIC

en Sawyer writes: It is no secret encouraging number. conductor David Curtis The strength of the CSO lies in its origins that amateur choirs are finding the With so many different commitments records key developments in – the Cheltenham Sunday Players, formed B recruitment of tenors and basses a affecting family life, I made the decision to CSO the history of the Orchestra. by Douglas Smith, with the intention challenge. I conduct three amateur start with periodical rehearsals as opposed A symphony orchestra is an of performing Mozart Piano Concertos, choirs of varying abilities and styles to weekly ones. Of the 35 that attended extraordinary creation, representing one of purely for the pleasure of rehearsing and and this is a perennial issue. I co-direct the Taster Day, 18 continued to our next humanity’s crowning achievements, and the performing as friends. The Sunday Players Gloucestershire Youth Choir and the ratio session on 3rd March. This was particularly Cheltenham Symphony (CSO) is, I believe, evolved into the CSO under its first regular is heavily weighted towards girls. This got special as it included the choir’s first public an exemplar of the tradition of the non- conductor, Mark Foster, giving its first me thinking of ways to encourage more performance in the form of their entry professional orchestral sector in the UK. concert in January 1969. Mark retired in boys to join the Youth Choir, and create a 1999 and passed the baton to me, and I for ‘Music For Youth’, a youth event held Just imagine suggesting that 70 or so line from unchanged voices, through voice hope and believe that we have stayed true annually and the biggest event of its kind people from diverse backgrounds, ages, change and into singing tenor and bass in to the origins of this remarkable group, in the world. The boys performed two of income, interests, jobs and technical ability this choir and through to adulthood. making music purely for pleasure – for our their three songs from memory, and sang should meet once a week to rehearse and own, our fine soloists’ and a growing and This is where Gloucestershire Boys’ Choir with great character and energy. We have then perform some of the most demanding enthusiastic audience’s enjoyment. It is comes in. Inspired by a visit to a concert just had the third session, in preparation for repertoire composed; to attract some of a testament to their founder that we still given by the National Youth Boys’ Choir a planned inaugural concert at the end of our finest soloists and to give occasional have some original Sunday Players with us of Great Britain in Banbury in April 2018, June. 23 boys were in attendance. tours abroad. It would seem an impossible today! I decided to create a new choir just for This new initiative has been greeted with task, yet that is the achievement of the boys, starting with boys aged between great enthusiasm. It comes at a time when 8 and 13, with unchanged voices. The there is much discussion in the cathedral reasoning behind this was to start with world about Girls’ and Mixed ‘front rows’ a base of young singers from which the in Cathedral Choirs. However, this choir whole choir could grow. With the practical stands alone, singing a range of music, help of Gloucester Academy of Music largely non-religious, with the overall and Gloucestershire Music, and financial aim to engage more boys with singing, support from the Brimpsfield Music to see them through voice change, and to Society, I was able to hold a Taster Day in encourage them to continue singing, at any January 2019. This was a free event and level, into adulthood. was attended by around 35 boys, a very

BEN SAWYER CONDUCTS THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BOYS’ CHOIR

CHELTENHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT THE TOWN HALL: PHOTOGRAPH – PHIL HARRISON

Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra, which Since I have been principal conductor, the I have been privileged and delighted to orchestra has continued to go from strength conduct since October 1999. So, I am now to strength and credit must be given to the approaching my 20th anniversary which CSO Committee. A programme of eight itself seems barely credible. or so concerts every season, co-ordinating For more information, visit www.bensawyermusic.co.uk/boys-choir, or follow the with venues and soloists, sourcing music dedicated Facebook page. perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 8 MUSIC ARTS 9 CHELTENHAM CAMERA CLUB & YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR RECENT EXHIBITIONS

artin Fry, Chair of Cheltenham the eminent Dr. Wilson, and is the sixth Camera Club reporting … oldest camera club in the UK. Today, it is M acknowledged as one of the leading clubs in the country, with many members receiving The Cheltenham Camera Club Exhibition awards in international exhibitions around was held at Chapel Arts in May. This the world. This year’s CCC Exhibition was annual event brought together over 200 judged by Richard Speirs from Cumberland, prints by members, covering all aspects who commented on the high standard of of photography from Street Photography the work, assessing many images as very to Portraiture, Nature to Creative. The powerful. They challenged, inspired and club was formed over 150 years ago, in engaged the viewer, which made for an the pioneering days of photography, by CHELTENHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT THE TOWN HALL: PHOTOGRAPH – PHIL HARRISON excellent exhibition.

COTSWOLD RURAL SCENE. FIRST PRIZE: and planning tours doesn’t ‘just happen’ … The CSO also places great value on MISTS FROM COALEY PEAK BY MARTIN FRY and the CSO Committee is dedicated and nurturing the next generation of musical highly professional. talent and I’m delighted that the orchestra Since 1999, there have been so many offers a concert platform to the winner highlights that it is difficult to choose just a of the Gloucestershire Young Musicians few. Performing Britten’s War Requiem was Competition, and has now instigated the certainly one of the most moving musical Young Composer Competition. experiences, and working with soloists of The CSO is a true ‘amateur’ orchestra – the calibre of Peter Donohoe, Julian Lloyd- musicians who meet to share their mutual Webber, Tamsin Waley-Cohen and Michael love of music-making – and it’s a constant Foyle has been wonderful for the orchestra delight for me to be able to rehearse and and our audiences. It is extraordinary that perform with such a talented and generous the orchestra has players of the calibre of group. Long may they continue to delight Peter Kerr and Janet McKechnie who can us all with such fine and committed NATURE. FIRST PRIZE: BEE EATER DISPUTE perform as soloists … and three members – performances. BY KARIN WILSON Jessica Philips, Andrew Chapman and Tom Kane – have composed for the orchestra. That is quite an achievement!

CAROLE BURY, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 10 ARTS ARTS 11

SECONDARY. FIRST PRIZE: FORBIDDEN FRUIT BY DERI WATKINS OF BOURNSIDE SCHOOL TRIPTYCH PRINTS. FIRST PRIZE: THE EYES HAVE IT BY NORMAN EVANS

Cheltenham Camera Club meets on Bournside School winning the major award Thursdays at Holy Apostles Church Hall, in the Secondary section with ‘Forbidden . Fruit’ and Zakariya Khan from Junior winning the Primary section with New members are always welcome. ‘Get the washing in quick!’ Bournside also For further info contact: chair@ won the Best Secondary School entry, with cheltenhamcameraclub.co.uk John Moore Primary School, Tewkesbury, receiving the Best Primary School entry. Alongside members’ work, over 100 selected prints by pupils from Gloucestershire Linda Kirkhope, who oversees the Schools were also on display. Organized by competition, observed “I am always amazed Cheltenham Camera Club, the 16th annual how pupils capture the world; they are so Gloucestershire Young Photographer creative.” Competition attracted nearly 1,000 entries from 50 schools across Gloucestershire. The GYP exhibition is supported by This year, Cheltenham schools took the Cheltenham Arts Council. major honours, with Deri Watkins from

PRIMARY. FIRST PRIZE: GET THE WASHING IN QUICK! BY ZAKARIYA KHAN

perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 12 EVENTS 12 EVENTS EVENTS 13

LISTINGS: EVENTS DIRECTORY JUNE SEPTEMBER 2019 Events for JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2019 7.30pm, £12, u18 free, St Cheltenham German Club VISUAL ARTS Cotswold Art Club Mary’s Church, Prestbury, Daytime Conversation dir. David Dewar. Elgar, , first Thursday of the Cheltenham Open Studios Summer Exhibition, Wed Group Parry, Vaughan Williams, month, Everyman, details: COS19, Sat 8- Sun 16 Jun, a 18- Sun 22 Sep, members’ celebration of the visual art work including that of local Gurney, Holst, Brewer. Info: hazelphanson@googlemail. being made in our area, see amateur and professional musicavera.eu com the work of 200+ artists on an artists. Work is in a variety Gotherington Singers Guten Montag German open-door-to-door trail of 79 of mediums, sizes and Summer Concert, Sat 13 Discussion Group, venues. Meet the artists, view prices with all works for Jul, 7.30pm, £8 , St Nicolas’ Mondays, 11am-12.30pm, their work, learn about their sale. The club has been Church, Swindon Lane, £7 , Global Footsteps practice. See Tourist Info or established since 1931 supporting FOCUS cancer Café, Portland Street, cheltenhamopenstudios.org.uk and we encourage new PJ CROOK, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS support, tickets 01242 cheltenhamgermanclub. DINNY POCOCK, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS for venue guide. members to our monthly 620775. webs.com/events.htm meetings. cotswoldartclub. Cheltenham Philharmonic Cotswold Art Club : Leanne STAGE & DANCE Regency Cheltenham Wild and Abstract com Orchestra: Animal Magic, Sun Demonstration: Phil Madley, Courtney-Crowe, Sue 30 Jun, 3pm, £12/£6/£3, Town Cheltenham Operatic & Tour and tea with Captain contemporary encaustic wax Skillicorne, Tue 4 Jun, Jolley, Patricia Courtney, MUSIC Hall, John Williams: Suite Dramatic Society: The artist, Sat 15 Jun, 2.30-4.30pm Wed 10- Tue 16 Jul, various from Jaws, Hans Zimmer: Producers, Tue 4- Sat 8 2pm, £16, members £14 , The Pavilion, Hatherley mediums including acrylics, Cheltenham Choral Suite from The Lion King, Jun, 7.30pm + 2pm Sat, from Parmoor House, take a , Lane, info and updates: oils, coloured pencil, Society Choral Classics music from The Jungle Book, Everyman, codsonline.co.uk leisurely promenade around Sat 22 Jun, 1pm Gloucester Regency Cheltenham Spa cotswoldartclub.com watercolour and mixed Stravinsky: Circus Polka, Promenade Productions: Cathedral, admission free, with Henry Skillicorne, the media. Mancini: Theme from The A Funny Thing Happened Cotswold Art Club with retiring collection. man who put Cheltenham Demonstration: Mike The Wednesday Group, Pink Panther, Coates: The on the Way to the Forum, Cheltenham Bach Choir: on the map. Details: Duckering, architecturally Wed 17 - Tue 23 Jul, an Three Bears, Patterson: Red Wed 17- Sat 20 Jul, Cool Classics for a cheltenhamcivicsociety. influenced acrylic artist, Sat exhibition of work by a Riding Hood. 7.30pm + 2pm Sat mat., Summer Night, Sun 23 Jun, org.uk 21 Sep, 2.30-4.30pm local group of watercolour Cheltenham Music Festival, £16, Playhouse, there’s 6pm, Pump Room, artists. Fri 5- Sun 14 Jul, major world ‘Something for Everyone’ The Arts Society The Pavilion, Hatherley info: cheltbachchoir.com, Cheltenham: Canal History Nick Sargeant premieres, world-leading and ‘Comedy Tonight’ in Lane, info and updates: and Heritage, Tue 11 Jun, cotswoldartclub.com, Wed 24 - Tue 30 Jul Cheltenham Symphony ensembles, Festival debuts Sondheim’s fast-paced Orchestra 50th romp through ancient 7.40pm, guests £6, Sacred Feymer Designs and and much-loved regulars. AT THE GARDENS Anniversary Concert, Sat Rome. Tickets 01242 522852, Hearts Hall, with Roger Friends cheltenhamfestivals.com/ GALLERY, MONTPELLIER 29 Jun, 7.30pm, £17/£14, cheltplayhouse.org.uk Butler, preceded by AGM. Wed 31 Jul - Tue 6 Aug music GARDENS: students 50%, u15 free, Guests please book via Cleeve Chorale Summer 10am - 5pm daily, as listed: Vivien Townsend Town Hall, Wagner: Prelude LECTURES & MEETINGS Mary Wright 01242 582202. Concert, Sat 6 Jul, 5pm, Wed 7 - Tue 13 Aug to Act 1 of Lohengrin, theartssocietycheltenham. £5, inc. refreshments, u16 WEA Walking Book Cheltenham Open Studios Mozart: Piano concerto org.uk Douglas Forbes free, Grangefield School, Group, monthly, 2-4pm, COS19, Wed 5 - Tue 18 Jun No.19 in F K459 (played Wed 14 - Tue 20 Aug Bishop’s Cleeve, performed Pittville Park, info: Cheltenham Poetry Society by the founder, Douglas cheltenhamopenstudios. Tony Davie with Grangefield pupils: The marketingsouthwest@wea. Reading Group Meeting, Smith, at the orchestra’s org.uk Wed 21 - Tue 27 Aug Bard & Beyond, with Songs org.uk Tue 18 Jun, 7-10pm, £3 inc. first concert in 1969), refreshments, Rosalind Luba Arnold Susan Durbin and Sonnets by jazz legend soloist Daniel Lebhardt, Cheltenham German Club Room, Parmoor House, Wed 19 - Tue 25 Jun Wed 28 Aug - Tue 3 Sep George Shearing, Elizabethan , twice a month Rachmaninov: Symphony Stammtisch Lypiatt Terrace, further Paul Ayres madrigals, and songs inspired Carolyn Sibbald No.2 in E minor. the Bank House by poets. Tickets from George info: 07540 329389, Wed 26 Jun - Tue 2 Jul Wed 4 - Tue 10 Sep pub, for details: Lewis Footwear, on the door or cheltenhampoetrysociety@ Derek Harrison cheltenhamgermanclub. Cheltenham Art Club 01242 674114. gmail.com Wed 3 - Tue 9 Jul webs.com or Greg Arnold Wed 11 - Tue 17 Sep Civic Day, Sat 22 Jun, Musica Vera: Music from 01684 772966. the West Country, Sat 6 Jul, celebrating where perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 14 EVENTS EVENTS 13 MUSIC 15 Events for JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2019 CHELTENHAM SILVER BAND REMEMBERS we live. For events, see IMOGEN HARVEY LEWIS, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS cheltenhamcivicsociety.org.uk NICOLA WEBB LOOKS BACK ON A MEMORABLE YEAR Prestbury Local History Society, Mon 24 Jun, 7.30pm, heltenham Silver Band began life as Rhapsody to Mr Sandman – with many Prestbury W.I. Hall, Prestbury the works band of the Dowty company other pieces in between, including several Policing, with Mark Williams. C in 1937, and in the ensuing 80 years by the band’s composer, Adrian Jowett. has remained a vibrant contributor Members were relieved and delighted by Cheltenham Poetry Society to the music scene in the Cheltenham the overwhelming welcome they received Members’ Writing Group area. Despite a national downturn in the for their first concert of the tour, in the Meeting, Tue 25 Jun, LO COLE, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS further info: 07540 329389, popularity of brass bands, Cheltenham Market Square, Oostende. Silver Band has continued to experience cheltenhampoetrysociety@ With confidence running high, the band as much success as ever, with 2018 gmail.com cheltenhampoetry Cercle Français: Charles began their second concert on the sea front standing out as an exceptional year in the [email protected] Aznavour, Mon 16 in Nieuwport. They were thrilled at how Cheltenham Poetry Society band's history. Workshop, Tue 2 Jul, Cheltenham Italian Sep, 7pm, St Luke’s many people put their Sunday morning 7-10pm, £4 inc. refreshments, Society: La Cena Annuale, Hall, opening meeting With members aged from 8 to 80, many of plans on hold to stop and listen to the Rosalind Room, Parmoor Mon 2 Sep, 7pm, Annual begins with a glass of whom had been playing with the band for whole concert, and grateful to those who House, Lypiatt Terrace, Dinner, not only for wine, talk by Vincent many years, CSB were riding high following took time to come over and give such further info: 07540 329389, members, guests will be Raymond-Barker starts at a promotion to Second Section, and positive feedback. The band’s afternoon in cheltenhampoetrysociety@ most welcome. Details tbc, 7.30pm. cercle-francais- celebration of their 80th anniversary. And Bruges, enjoying the architecture, beer and cheltenham.webs.com gmail.com info: cheltenhamitalian so it was that one Friday morning last July, chocolate, was a well-deserved reward. society.org.uk or Penny Cheltenham Local a coach left Cheltenham with over 50 band Holst Birthplace Museum: A The next day, Monday, will surely stay McCracken 01242 321497. History Society, members, all their instruments, including Victorian Childhood, from Sat in the memory of everyone on the Cheltenham Poetry Tue 17 Sep, 7.30pm, full percussion, and a not insignificant 20 Jul, 10.30am-4pm Tue-Sat, tour for years to come. The band had Society Workshop, Tue Municipal Offices, A number of family supporters. glimpse young 19th century been granted permission to play at the 3 Sep, 7-10pm, £4 inc. History of Policing in lives through objects from the Belgium was the destination for this Tyne Cot War Cemetery and the piece time, including those from refreshments, Rosalind Gloucestershire, with first-ever tour by Cheltenham Silver Band. chosen was In Flanders Fields by Gavin Gustav Holst’s own childhood. Room, Parmoor House, Tim Brain. The programme ranged from Bohemian Somerset. Members of the band report holstmuseum.org.uk Lypiatt Terrace, further info: Prestbury Local History Cheltenham Poetry Society 07540 329389, cheltenham Society, Mon 23 Sep, CHELTENHAM SILVER BAND IN YPRES, JULY 2018 Members’ Writing Group [email protected] 7.30pm, Prestbury Meeting, Tue 30 Jul, The Arts Society W.I. Hall, Rosehill and further info: 07540 329389, Cheltenham: New Lights, neighbours, with Val cheltenhampoetry British Stained Glass 1918- Porter. [email protected] 2018, Tue 10 Sep, 7.30 for Cheltenham Poetry Cheltenham Poetry Society 7.55pm, guests £6, Sacred Society Members’ Reading Group Meeting, Hearts Hall, with Adrian Writing Group Meeting, Tue 20 Aug, 7-10pm, £3 inc. Barlow. Guests please book Tue 24 Sep, further refreshments, Rosalind Room, via Mary Wright 01242 info: 07540 329389, Parmoor House, Lypiatt 582202. theartssociety cheltenhampoetry Terrace, further info: 07540 cheltenham.org.uk [email protected], 329389,cheltenhampoetry Cheltenham Heritage Charlton Kings Local & [email protected] Open Days, Fri Family History Society, Cheltenham Poetry Society 13- Sun 22 Sep, see Tue 24 Sep, 7.30pm, Members’ Writing Group cheltenhamcivicsociety.org. Baptist Church, Charlton Meeting, Tue 27 Aug, uk and heritageopendays. Kings, The Glosters at further info: 07540 329389, org.uk Waterloo, with Andy Mellor. perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 16 MUSIC MUSIC 17

TYNE COT WAR the remembrance service, as well as As 2018 drew to a close, CSB enjoyed an CEMETERY performing at the Everyman Theatre as outstanding Christmas season, with two part of a music and drama spectacular, full-band concerts which were unique, not marking 100 years since the guns fell silent. least because their Musical Director was This was a ‘Maining Band’ event, the term dressed as a zebra during the first half of CSB use for when their two sections come the concerts! If readers are intrigued, please together. It was a long day – but rewarding, note that Cheltenham Silver Band are thought-provoking, and humbling on many already making plans for the 2019 winter levels – and the band were grateful for the season! exceptional feedback they received.

that it is a tough call trying to play a brass instrument while becoming choked with emotion; as the band played, the youngest and oldest players laid poppy wreaths. There was then an opportunity for members of the band to spend some time walking between the rows of white headstones, in bright sunlight.

From there, it was a quiet coach trip to Ypres, where CSB played their final concert of the tour – with another exceptional audience.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying Ypres and visiting the In Flanders Fields museum. After the evening meal, band members were again moved, witnessing PETER GARRARD, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS KIERA HARMER, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS The Last Post played at the Menin Gate. The first-ever CSB tour was a success on every level, cementing bonds between players of all ages.

Reunited for the autumn season, the band began preparing for their second Showcase, held in October. This event gave members the opportunity to play a piece – as a solo, or in small groups – in front of an appreciative audience, rather than before a panel of judges. Hence, no competition pressure – simply fun, applause and lots of cakes!

For many years, CSB has led the remembrance parade outside the Municipal Offices in The Promenade. In 2018 the band was also asked to play during REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE AND SERVICE, PROMENADE, CHELTENHAM CAROLE BURY, MEDIEVAL FIGHT FEATHERS – SEE LISTINGS perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK 18 HISTORY solo flight to Australia in 1930. WOMEN IN AVIATION EXHIBITION AT THE JET AGE MUSEUM Heroic maybe, but it could also be described as sheer madness! A REPORT BY SALLY FERRERS She flew 11,000 miles in an open cockpit aircraft, 9,000 of which s a volunteer at the Jet Age Museum JOY LOFTHOUSE, LIVED IN were over virtually uncharted (on the boundary of Gloucestershire GLOUCESTERSHIRE territory, using a series of maps AAirport), Sally Ferrers was Exhibition on her lap. She was extremely Lead for a unique event held there in lucky to survive. However, May – ‘Women in Aviation’. Here, Sally her luck ran out in 1941 when, reports on the outstanding role of women flying an Airspeed Oxford from in aviation, from World War I to the Blackpool to Kidlington, she present day, including three remarkable crashed into the Thames estuary. women from Gloucestershire. An officer from a nearby naval vessel attempted to save her but It is perhaps surprising to know that sadly both died. women were heavily involved in the fledgling aviation industry during WW1. what has historically been a man’s world. They covered the airframes with special Sacha Dench worked with Slimbridge linen fabric sewn with huge Singer sewing Wildfowl Trust on the decline of Bewick machines, then used highly flammable Swans. She flew 5,000 miles across ‘dope’ to stiffen and protect the fabric. Russia following their migration route. ‘Dope’ was a serious risk to their health Using a paramotor, and slung under an and required two weekly health checks. aerodynamic parachute, she was open to all Later in WW2 women became pilots with weathers and nearly froze. Bewick swans the Air Transport Auxiliary, delivering had been found with shot in their bodies so, Spitfires, Hurricanes and bombers from each time Sacha had the opportunity, she factory to squadron. They used a single asked if shooting them could be stopped. book containing instructions for all types of There is already good news that the decline aircraft! Mary Ellis and Joy Lofthouse lived might be slowing, if only because, as she in Gloucestershire and both died recently was told, ‘they don’t taste very good’. aged over 100. But sadly 10% of the women A static exhibition was an important part MIKE DUCKERING, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS lost their lives as ATA pilots. of ‘Women in Aviation’ with 24 storyboards In 1991 the first woman flew with the RAF illustrating all their achievements. One and today they are welcomed into the forces focus was on Amy Johnson who lived as pilots of fast jets and helicopters. Now, in locally in Stoke Orchard and made an epic the 21st century, one female pilot has flown with the Red Arrows and is part of The Blades aerobatic team. The May exhibition ‘Women in Aviation’ had many wonderful speakers. A front-line fast jet Typhoon pilot, a civil airline pilot, a woman who flew with Bewick swans to study their decline, a Schneider Trophy winner, an Army Air Corps military helicopter pilot – and many more. I was amazed at how willing all

these women were to give their time for AMY JOHNSON LIVED IN RACHAEL THOROGOOD, COS 2019 – SEE LISTINGS these presentations – but undoubtedly they STOKE ORCHARD wanted to tell the story of their success in perspectives 20 OBITUARY MUSIC 21 REMEMBERING GRAHAM LOCKWOOD agenda. The Festival was losing money and rose to our feet as one. I was embarrassed FORMER PRESIDENT OF CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL common sense suggested that it was time that so many people had made their excuses to call it a day, to stop pouring good money and left, but Graham was in his element, after bad. Quietly but with great passion beaming with delight. This was great music- hristopher Cook, former Chair of Graham defended the Festival, not as ‘his’ making and what mattered was that it had Cheltenham Music Festival, paid festival but as an essential part of what been heard at Cheltenham. If festivals didn’t tribute to Graham Lockwood, C Cheltenham offered its citizens and visitors. take risks then what were they for? And as former President of Cheltenham Inch by inch, he coaxed the board back from an actuary, Graham knew more about risks Arts Council, at an event at Pittville what he surely saw as the brink. For him the than most people. Pump Room in March to commemorate Jazz Festival mattered – he believed in it – Graham’s life. Perspectives is pleased to As evolved, Graham and it complemented everything else that be able to repeat the greater part of that was concerned for the future of the Music was on offer in the three other festivals that tribute here. Festival. He was no longer a trustee, but the he was responsible for. Of course history Chair of the greatly revived Friends of the When I first met Graham I was holding a has proved Graham right, with Jazz now a Cheltenham Music Festival. And here he cup of tea in one hand and a generous slice jewel in Cheltenham Festivals’ crown. displayed great vision, firstly by turning the of cake in the other. It was a tea party to He cared equally strongly about the Music Friends into a charity. But Graham’s vision celebrate the start of the 2003 . Indeed, if Eileen was his right hand for the Festival was more than strategic. He Literature Festival. This was not the most close to his and to Eileen’s hearts, and the staff and rod through a well-lived life, then persuaded his committee to support Meurig elegant way to be introduced to the man third was a commitment to the community. music took his other hand. And above all, Bowen when he commissioned new music, who had effectively entrusted me with it was music in performance that delighted knowing that this was the lifeblood of any running the Literature Festival for a year It was a while before I understood how deep him. He was modest about his own skills festival worth its reputation. And I recall his while Sarah Smythe was on maternity leave; these passions ran in Graham’s life. My first as a pianist, but when you asked him what saying after one meeting, that Cheltenham but, without a word, Graham took my cup of impression of him, after he had saved me he had been playing, it was an unnecessary had a reputation to live up to, offering its tea and shook my hand, welcoming me to from the perils of the tea table, was as the modesty. But he delighted in other people’s citizens and its visitors the best of the past Cheltenham. Chair of Cheltenham Festivals. I marvelled at the good humoured way in which he virtuosity. and the best of the present. Once again, it Graham had an unrivalled knack for was the idea of serving the community that managed what was then an ‘elephant’ I recall an afternoon in the Pump Room – a turning what might have been a social underpinned Graham’s thinking. of a meeting with not only the Festival Sunday, I seem to remember. The Canadian disaster into a success. And it was in great trustees, but also the local council officers pianist Marc-André Hamelin played Charles Off-hand, I cannot think of a better homage measure because he possessed that rare gift and good many former chairs of festivals, Ives Concord Sonata in the first half. A to that idea of a town and its people in love of being able to put himself into another and the board, in attendance – and then performance that laid bare the bones of that with good music as an essential part of their person’s shoes. He could see at a glance the men and women who were currently extraordinary piece of music. Graham was lives, than Graham’s last book Concordant where you were coming from, and how to programming and selling Music, Literature, positively bouncing with pleasure at the Cheltenham: the making of a musical town, make you comfortable. And when he had Science and Jazz. Graham, courteous and interval. 1716-1944. Handel, who came here in 1744, worked his sympathetic magic, there was concerned to the last, was determined that would surely have agreed. Indeed I rather always that broad conspiratorial grin that However, when we returned for a everyone who had something to contribute like the idea of Graham Lockwood and encouraged you to feel that you were a performance of another pianistic should have their say. Meetings could be George Friedrich Handel talking together privileged insider. juggernaut, Alkan’s Symphony for Piano, long – indeed I soon lost count how often about music at Cheltenham. Maybe they are the audience had quite simply melted Appearances can be deceptive. Graham’s the Chair had to request an extension of indeed seated together at a pair of celestial away. I think we were probably only just easy kindness with strangers masked time to complete the business in hand. But harpsichords as we celebrate a very special into double figures. But it was a bravura three deep passions within him that everyone was heard, and for Graham the Cheltenham life. performance and ‘we few, we happy few’ characterised his Cheltenham years, once meek and humble were as important as the he had retired from the hurly burly of a mighty. hugely successful business life. The first As for understanding what he really cared was a passion for the arts, the second a about, I remember a board meeting when deep love of music, which meant that the the future of the Jazz Festival, which Cheltenham Music Festival was always very Graham had helped to create, was on the perspectives CHELTENHAM ARTS COUNCIL.CO.UK