Clacton & North East Essex Arts & Literary Society - 2011 2012 season

Review / Comments on Monday Nights Performance

Piantel 20/2/2012

I must confess to being slightly apprehensive at the
combination of two percussive instrumentalists for this weeks
presentation of the `Arts and Lits`-I need not have been-
Annette and Dylan enchanted us right from the very first note!
Besides the charm, warmth and genuine humility of both these
artistes and their beautiful and endearing Welsh accents, they
quite obviously possess individual talent of a superior natureeach
a virtuoso in their own right(which allayed any
misgivings immediately)-the audience reaction throughout
supported this fact.

Whilst the pieces presented as a duo were lovely, the highlights
for me were when each played `solo`-their renditions were
breathtaking and sprinkled with magic that mirrored the
absolute dedication it must take to achieve such excellence.
Particularly poignant was when Annette announced that she
had been re-united after some time, with a cousin who lives in
East Anglia-the emotional break in her voice as she announced
that the next piece she would play for her(she was in the
audience) caused a united `gasp` –this is real theatreinteraction
between human beings.

Both during the interval and after the performance much
interest in the couple and their musical achievements was
reflected by the sheer numbers eager to talk to them or
purchase the new CD they had brought along(`Christmas is
just around the corner`-was the selling technique applied-
Hmmm-as if we need reminding how very quickly time flies,
especially if you are of the age of most of our patrons(me
included)) Yet again, another night of pure delight-it is
sometimes an effort to venture out on these cold, dark winter
evenings but the `team` never disappoint us and as soon as you
enter the theatre there is an excitement that makes it all
worthwhile.

 Jennifer Kersey (Painted lady)

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Ian Skelly Princes Theatre 13/1/2012

For years the media and some rather `unfunny` contemporary `comedians`
(most of them are pathetic and without expletives and hurtful humour would
have no act at all!!) have parodied and ridiculed Prince Charles for his
somewhat un-orthodox views on many and varied subjects.

I have most definitely not been one of those happy with this opinion expressed
and neither (I suspect) are the many others in the society, in attendance for the
talk given by his close associate and adviser-Ian Skelly.
This very articulate person proceeded to tell us with minute detail about how
we used to understand and conserve the planet’s `fruits` in all areas and how,
over recent years, much has been lost by those who would advocate that
because it`s `old fashioned` then it must be no good and therefore needs to be
pulled down or got rid of!

The `replacements`, in many and vast area, have created their own problems
for the environment and now we are reaping the results of this mass lunacy!
His very articulate and engrossing speech gave us an insight into the invaluable
work the Prince undertakes-he is not a man without vision, but very caring
and is genuinely interested in conservation.

He does not advocate that we go back to `living in caves` but that all our
actions should be well thought out beforehand and the results must outweigh
the initial input and be environmentally friendly-we, rightly, are being pressed
to think more about the waste and rape of this earth ,where we all are
`caretakers` for future generations.

Wanton wastage (whilst many can hardly survive on meagre daily
consumption) the cutting down of rain forests at alarming rate, the subsequent
damage they do to the soil (to say nothing of the loss of CO2 to O2 conversion
they do) bland architecture, that can have a devastating effect on communities,
and chemical treatment of the land-these are all part of the Prince’s plan to
obliterate or at least reduce this trend and he is trying desperately to get
`uncaring man` to realise this must now happen, regardless of the financial
cost!

The questions asked by the audience towards the end of the presentation were
answered economically, thoughtfully and truthfully.
Another thoroughly fascinating evening-just where will we go next-Cindy
Hardy has the answer to that question?

Jennifer Kersey(painted lady)

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Swing Moods 6/2/2012

The theatre had a very different `Monday night ambience` when `swing moods` came to town.

Just as we were all thinking how anything could ever even match the last presentation (Michael Portillo) this, musical outfit lifted our spirits (on a cold, miserable winter’s night) no end-I even noticed a bit of good humoured barracking from the audience as the very proficient male singer cheekily suggested to us that his musical director was a bit of a pl..ker!!

He invited us to sing along and clap-it really was quite refreshing, however, I must say, that I would not want this format on a regular basis.

With a tight big band sound, lots of musical `standards` from the male and female singers, this was yet another success story from our beloved `Arts and Lits` team` I listened somewhat disbelievingly as Sonia announced beforehand that the end of yet another season was nearly upon us-proving that when you really enjoy something, it ends far too soon!

Jennifer Kersey

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Michael Portillo 30/1/2012.

 The members of the Arts and Literary Society experienced an evening of delightful political nonsense as Michael Portillo portrayed his life in politics and after.There were non-stop jokes about various happenings in parliament to start his lecture, which was followed by his life history. This started with his father who escaped from Spain when General Franco won the civil war as he was on the opposite side whilst his brothers fought for General Franco. Apparently his father was impressed by British democracy.

Michael was an extremely interesting and lively speaker who told his life story in a very frank and amusing way. He answered many varied questions from the audience for nearly an hour, was never lost for words or honest answers to questions on politics, his various journeys on the railway for the BBC and almost anything else the members could throw at him.

The evening was attended by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Tendring District Council and was sponsored by Thompson, Smith and Puxon, Solicitors

Audrey Owens
Press Officer

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I wanted to write a report about our night spent in the company of multi talented and, lately, public raconteur extraordinaire - Michael Portillo superlatives like handsome, articulate, extremely well presented came to mind but the whole evening can be summed up by one word really -`stupendous.` With not a sign of notes this very well prepared programme was eagerly devoured by a packed theatre of enthusiastic members and also many who came just for the evening.

The first half was speckled with humorous anecdote and this man was not at all afraid to admit defeats along the very varied path of life he has so far trodden. From adviser and close confidant of one of the most famous prime ministers of all time - Margaret `Iron lady` Thatcher , to his many and varied documentaries and appearances on political programmes to his regular columns on many subjects in the news paper media.

In the second half he answered questions from the floor which again displayed his polished, yet never compromising, expert way of communication-his replies never too complicated but succinct in the extreme.

This was truly a spectacular coup for the society - Cindy Hardy continues to amaze us with the sheer calibre and variety of the artistes she manages to bring to Clacton throughout the winter period.

Jennifer Kersey.

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5th December-`A Christmas night at the Opera`

`What and absolutely thrilling evening`-this sentiment was
echoed by all, chattering away excitedly in the queue
afterwards for the traditional mulled wine and mince pie on
the last night of the season..

The vocal musical ensemble (London Festival Opera) was
very ably accompanied by Jenny Trew whose outstanding
contribution to the evening’s entertainment was commented
on by many in attendance to see/hear this seasonal feast.
We were magically transported from a rather cold and
unfriendly night outside into this enchanting world of light
operetta-many of the tunes instantly recognisable.

The stage backdrop-a massive multi-tiered opera house, was
complimented with sympathetic lightening and a decorated
Christmas tree, completed the atmosphere of this festive
season

For me, the real highlight of the night was their offering of
the extremely emotional Puccini`s `your tiny had is frozen`
(I looked around and there were many with tears in their
eyes-me included) and the encore of `O Holy night`-
it was all outstanding though.
We were invited to sing Carols in the second half.
You could not see a finer presentation anywhere for any
amount of money.

The society continues to go from strength to strengthtestimony
to the fact that the high standards in every area
that they proffer is like a `magnet` to those of us who feel
that current media in all forms is of very low content (unless
you are extremely discerning!!) and people of our generation
yearn for the days when politeness and courteousness was
the `norm (and not the exception) as it is here on Monday
nights.

All too soon the pre Christmas season is over and now we
eagerly await the New Year when Monday nights will again
be full of good fun, laughter with innocent and real talent
from the stage, appreciated by lovely, genuine people.

Jennifer Kersey

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The members of the Arts and Literary Society experienced a magical mystery tour of Botswana on Monday evening when David Edwards presented his slide lecture of 'Botswana and the Okavango Delta'. His pictures were delightful and very graphic. The magnificent elephants, hyenas. lions, etc. were brought to life as he described several adventures because of them. The most impressive was when he was charged by a very large bull elephant and escaped.

He started his lecture by describing how he lost his passport and luggage on Bulawayo station and yet managed to get into Botswana and set up camp with thirty young people. On their first night in the bush the camp was “attacked” by hyenas but they survived unscathed. That was the first of many adventures. The audience were enthralled by his stories and were very surprised to learn that there are only 43 lions in Botswana but 60,000 elephants.

During the second half of the programme, David told the story of Sir Seretse Khama and his wife, Ruth, and the problems their marriage caused among politicians as she was a white woman in southern Africa where this was not permitted.

The evening was sponsored by Mark Mobility Centre..

Audrey Owens Press Officer

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Stringfever-Arts and Lits-the Prices theatre November 21st 2011.
A thought occurred to me as I sat in the audience, enthralled (as, I`m
sure by the reaction after each individual piece, was everyone in the
theatre!) by this group of musicians and I could hardly wait to open
my dictionary when I got home.

`Bent`-bias, tendency , inclination, to one’s heart’s content…………
`Broad`-widely encompassing, extensive, of stated breadth,
manifest,bold……………

I think that aptly describes the outstanding talents of the Broadbent
family(three brothers and a cousin with the same surname) who,
in this instance, are together known as `Stringfever.`
Their lovely, smart, stage outfits, the humour (well balanced at all
times) superb playing of the modern string instruments(with their
multiple sounds and no wires anywhere to be seen)-each one a
`veritable virtuoso` in his own right!

No bad language needed, no judges’ panel, with their inane
comments, no jungle-……`oh, what a joy to share this magical
experience-I can easily see why they were voted as favourite artistes
last time they visited us!`

Of special note was the point where Cindy and Patricia(do they have
hidden musical talents?)were invited on to the stage for an incredible
rendition of Ravel`s Bolero, whereupon all four were playing on one
instrument-absolutely(and I’m always careful howI use that word)
unbelievable and as the Americans would have us credit every
movement in life-AWESOME!!!

This was a night of triumph-all who left were busy chattering about it
and I`m sure it will come into conversation in a wider context for
some time to come.

What else can one add to a perfect evening-Cindy and her team have
amazed us yet again.

Jennifer Kersey.

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The members of the Arts and Literary Society experienced again the truly remarkable skills of Stringfever on Monday evening when they appeared for the second time, the first being in 2008.

The Broadbents, Giles, Ralph and Neal together with their cousin, Graham, gave a scintillating evening of music on their five and six-stringed electric violins, viola and cello. Their energy was incredible and the music marvellous. They offered such contrasting music as Vivaldi, the Beatles, Brahms, Ravel and some of their own compositions. A great highlight was their Movie Themes Medley in which the audience had to guess the films from which the snippets came. The most spectacular item was Ravel's Bolero when all four of them played it on the cello – standing on chairs and sitting on the floor – the result a chaotic and evocative event. They completed their programme with the History of Music – in 5 minutes. This was a masterpiece of compilation which everyone loved. As an encore they played The Lark by Dinicu, changing instruments with each other. Fantastic!

The evening was sponsored by the West Cliff Theatre.

Audrey Owens Press Officer

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The members of the Arts and Literary Society spent a fascinating evening with Captain William Wells, a Trinity House licensed pilot in the Port of London.

Captain Wells was born in New Zealand but spent his working life in Great Britain and various places in the Middle East.

His lecture was divided into two parts, the first being a history of the Port of London from Roman times to the present day. This was a truly interesting picture of London especially when photographs were available to compare the great docks of the late 1800s to the present day use, such as Canary Wharf and the City Airport.
After the interval, Captain Williams told us many tales of his adventures in piloting ships in the Thames Estuary up to London illustrated with pictures of some of the enormous ships he had handled successfully and delightful anecdotes about awkward ships' captains who resented the pilot on the bridge. It was a truly happy evening which was enjoyed by everyone.

The evening was sponsored by Reader Offers Ltd of Colchester

Audrey Owens Press Officer

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Captain William Wells-the life and times of a ship`s pilot.

I must confess that I was one of the many, who must have thought to themselves,
”a chap talking for an evening about ship’s piloting-how interesting will that be?”
“Oh ye of little faith”, I can hear Cindy Hardy saying and knowing her expertise in obtaining something different for each of our Monday night presentations, I should have known better!!

The Captain himself stood tall and so handsome in his smart uniform in the foyer to greet us as we entered the theatre-I told him cheekily that if he expected me to be in the `crow`s nest` for the evening, he`d better `think on`-we laughed!
A fascinating evening presented by this master mariner and also a true master of oration-his speech impeccable at all times(and for me a real bonus that he didn`t use that dreadful American terminology once, that currently describes a human being of either sex-a `Guy`-ugh and double ugh!!)

Exciting and inspiring- a person who was happy in his chosen field, a person not afraid to laugh at himself-genuinely humble despite the great responsibility placed on him each time he berthed one of these huge vessels. And what praise when the captain of the worlds largest aircraft carrier (US Nimitz) announced over the ship`s tannoy that, ” the pilot now has control.”

A safe pair of hands indeed-even if his wife thought his most important task of the day was drying up the pots and pans after tea!
Yet another triumph-there is absolutely no comparison at all with this and some of the junk that passes as television entertainment these days!!

Jennifer Kersey

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Fiona Pitcher 31/10/2011.

I think it is good to be reminded that, when watching wildlife programmes, that va
st amounts of tedium and monotony are involved to capture `that` shot at the
precise moment when it happens!

Weeks of vigilance can, in lots of cases, result in nought!
A flower, from bud to opening, is a prime example-time lapse photography over
a very extended period is employed and yet the outcome may only take a
moment of television time .
The team turning up for an almost `watertight` wildlife event is further proof that
even the most organised trip cannot offer guaranteed outcome.

Unlike supposed `civlised` society, where humans do unto their fellow beings som
e debase and wicked things for gain of one sort or another, the animal
kingdom,in the main,is ruled by a need to kill or be killed just to survive!
Fiona Pitcher, in her very interesting and well thought out presentation, outlined
some of these events and showed us some quite humourous moments(the
evening started off with a leopard on top of a motor vehicle with the sun roof
opened and one of her collegues down below poised for the moment when the
animal, somewhat co-operatively,did her ablutions through the open roof, and
deflty caught the resultant `poo` in a cup-obviously for analysis at a later date! An
other thoroughly enjoyable evening in the company of others of a like mind who
enjoy the high standards of the productions.

Jennifer Kersey

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‘WILDEST DREAMS’
A Life in Wildlife Television

The Society's 3rd Presentation last Monday evening was entitled ‘Wildest Dreams’ and featured Fiona Pitcher, who until earlier this year had been Executive Producer with the BBC’s Natural History Unit in Bristol for the past twelve years.

Fiona is a trained journalist and following an apprenticeship on local newspapers she made the move into television after being accepted as a trainee. She has worked in various aspects of TV production and was appointed into the Natural History Unit in 1999. It was in this position that she was responsible for such well-known and critically acclaimed productions as ‘Springwatch’, ‘Autumnwatch’ and ‘Big Cat Diary’, these productions becoming hits at primetime on both BBC 1 and BBC 2. She also lead the global team that created ‘SOUTH PACIFIC’, a six part landmark TV series on this beautiful and vast region for BBC TWO which has won numerous awards, particularly for its risk-taking final environmental programme.
 
Fiona has a very natural style as a public speaker and she effortlessly linked the different segments of her talk with the use of video clips from the various productions that she was responsible for. This enabled her talk to develop and encompass a large portfolio of her work. We were thus transported from the parochial wildlife featured in ‘Springwatch’ and ‘Autumnwatch’ to the harsh and unforgiving environs of Kenya in ‘Big Cat Diary’ where we followed the accounts of lions, cheetahs, and leopard in a soap opera treatment which was aided by attributing human names to the individual cats. This innovative approach allowed the series to be appreciated by a wider audience allowing iconic TV wildlife moments into the living rooms of millions.

My personal highlight was the segment on ‘South Pacific – Big Waves’ where the awe-inspiring grandeur of immense Pacific breakers was captured in breath catching definition and the inclusion of footage from beneath the breakers emphasized the imposing power of this force of nature. Another highly entertaining and informative evening for society members.

The evening was sponsored by Michael and Julia Payne.

Robert Pearce Locum Press Officer

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Jill Morrell October 24th

The second presentation by the Arts and Literary Society brought Jill Morrell to the Princes Theatre to give us her side of the John McCarthy story. Members had heard from John, himself, last year and were anxious to know more.

The programme started with a film about John McCarthy ending with his release on 8 August 1991. Jill, then, related her very moving story of her feelings when he was kidnapped and of the many friends who helped her establish the Friends of John McCarthy and all the efforts they made to keep his name before the public despite the complete disapproval of the Foreign Office.

She spoke of her journeys to meet the various other hostages who had been released and learned that John was alive. However, the Foreign Office did not believe them. It was the release of Brian Keenan who had actually been with John in Beirut which got reaction from the Foreign Office and led to his eventual release.

It was not a story with a happy ending as the years of struggle led to the eventual parting of John and Jill in 1994 after they had written ‘Some Other Rainbow’ together. The parting was amicable and John later married. Jill now works for various charities including the Macmillan Cancer Support and with the British Lung Foundation.

The evening was sponsored by members of the Society,Mrs Freda Leech and her daughter and son-in-law, Meryl and Peter Brown.

Audrey Owens Press Officer

Jill Morrell-speaking about John Mc Carthy

Everyone thought that Jill Morrell`s moving account of her time before, during and after John Mc Carthy`s abduction and subsequent imprisonment for five years in Beirut, was superb.

She spoke with great conviction and is further proof that under tremendous pressure, the human spirit can survive-it was a shame that if finally resulted in them parting some time after being re-united.

Both their lives were irrevocably changed by this huge event and they were no longer the carefree couple they were before this happened.

Knowing her many connections within the media, I personally felt that the evening would have benefitted from some `stills` and a selection of the mass of video and television coverage given at the time-however, the evening was yet another very entertaining and tot ally engrossing event.

Jennifer Kersey 25-10-2011

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