Memories of a former Bond girl, Sussex in harmony and craft fun!
Actress and former Bond girl Madeline Smith will be discussing her career at East Grinstead Library in a free afternoon talk on Wednesday, June 5 , accompanied by music and poetry. From A Childhood In East Grinstead To Life On The Big Screen is a nostalgic look at life in Hartfield, East Grinstead and Forest Row in the late 1940s and early 1950s through Madeline’s memories and anecdotes, Born in Hartfield in 1949, Madeline will talk her audience through local life in the echoes of World War Two, her influential grandmother, memories of her father’s diary, her mother’s love of Flomaries Tea Shop biscuits, being christened at St Swithuns’ Church and how the family moved from the country to London where Madeline found a life of acting and modelling. One of the faces of late 1960s modelling, TV and films, Madeline appeared in The Two Ronnies, Steptoe and Son, Carry on Again Matron, the Hammer Horror films and became Roger Moore’s first 007 Bond Girl in 1973’s Live and Let Die. Accompanied by poems from Wendy Shutler and songs from Ivor Game, this talk recreates a world gone by with poignancy and humour, she promises, but a world that Madeline has never forgotten. East Grinstead Library, Wednesday, June 5, 1-2pm. Tickets free, but book in advance by contacting East Grinstead Library.
The Sussex Harmonisers are offering new names but the same enjoyment alongside plenty of opportunities to join in.
As David Waterhouse, chairman of The Sussex Harmonisers, explains: “Since it was founded nearly 15 years ago, The Sussex Harmonisers club has had an all-male chorus that has used that same name. In 2018 a ladies’ chorus was added to the club and, as part of a review of the organisation, new names for the choruses have recently been chosen. Both choruses sing a cappella (unaccompanied) in four-part harmony and have great fun doing it!
“Sussex Kings of Harmony is the new name for the male chorus. Sussex A Cappella is the new name for the female chorus which was formerly called The Harmony Corporation. After its launch in January 2018, the ladies’ chorus quickly developed a good quality sound, singing songs ranging in style from Adele to Disney. Recent additions to the Sussex Kings of Harmony repertoire include songs by Elton John and Billy Joel.
“Members of the club all recognise the health benefits – both physical and mental – derived from singing and in particular, from singing in a group. So they are now offering you the chance to sing with them during their rehearsals in June.
“Both choruses are running a series of Come and Sing in Harmony sessions where everyone will be taught a song in four-part harmony over a four-week period. The sessions are free and open to all singers; experienced, new and lapsed ie those who used to sing regularly but stopped for some reason.
“The rehearsals for women will be on Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 7.15-8.30pm at the King’s Centre, Victoria Road, Burgess Hill RH15 9LR. The men will be meeting on Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25 June, 7.15-8.30pm at St Paul’s College, Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill, RH15 8GA.
“Look out for members of the choruses singing in shopping centres in Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill on Saturdays in the coming weeks! And if you can’t attend the June sessions, you will be welcome to turn up on any other Monday or Tuesday.”
The West Dean Arts and Craft Festival offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at something new in a fun environment and go home saying “I made that!”
Taking place within the grounds of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation from Friday, May 31-Sunday, June 2, it costs £10.50 for adults in advance and £12.50 on the day, with children under 16 free. The festival is open each day from 10am5pm.
Spokeswoman Rachel Aked said: “With almost 1,000 places to have-a-go in workshops and classes, the festival offers the chance to get involved in free dropin demonstrations and summerhouse trails such as painting, large-scale weaving and even a river-powered kinetic art installation. Visitors can also buy unique crafted items, see the work of emerging artists, have a rare opportunity to step inside the historic house which houses the Mae West Lips Sofa and Lobster Telephone – Edward James’ iconic collaboration with Salvador Dali.
“For the first time, there will be a selection of dropin demonstrations from painting to tapestry where visitors can watch artists at work or join in. Still life artist George Popesco, who works in oil paints to form expressive and sculptural artworks, will be demonstrating on Friday.
“On Saturday, illustrator and portrait artist Paul Cox, will be sharing his 30 years of expertise, while on Sunday, practicing painter Andrew Fitchett will be there.
“Throughout the weekend, there will be a scaffolding tapestry drop-in where West Dean’s master weaver Phil Sanderson will be encouraging visitors of all ages to have a go! Throughout the weekend, artist and sculptor Dan Lobb, who has exhibited at Hampton Court Flower Show, will be asking visitors to get involved by contributing to a river-powered kinetic art installation using items from the natural surroundings such as leaves and twigs. There will also be a chance to chat to a variety of skilled craftspeople about their work and techniques.”