spring summer 2013 free -...

Spring Summer 2013 FREE

All together now...

Watford’s big bid for big screen fameBy Grelle White

A film based on Watford, made in Watford and involving nearly 500 local people is about to get launched into the world-wide film festival circuit in search of a slot labeled “world premiere”. The Foggiest Ideal is a MewLab production, an animated short film inspired by Watford Live! and now just about ready to fly the nest. It all started one day when animated film producers Kim Noce and Shaun Clark of MewLab were discussing how they could contribute to and get involved with the community arts festival in their home town with its organiser, Margaret Cheal, and a few other people. Watford Live! organisers have no money, so the film had to be no budget. As a community project, it should involve a lot of people and in an ideal world, it should be based on Watford. The project caught the imagination and support of a lot of people, who chipped in with funding, loan of workshops - and time as well as a few professionals.

“We involved almost 500 people from age two to 90 in the making of the film; locals have been acting, drawing, animating, dancing, and also colouring in a staggering 5,700 frames for the animation!” said Shaun. The project was a huge challenge and the final product still under wraps, but a few weeks ago it reached the stage where the production team felt the time had come to share a “work in progress” Private View with some of those who had worked on or supported the project including the Mayor of Watford. As a total outsider, I felt very privileged to be allowed to sneak in for a sneak preview - be it on a strict understanding of not giving away the “plot”. We, in Watford will have to wait until, hopefully, the film has had its world premiere and done the festival circuit. There are plans to have a Watford Live! workshop and a screening back here in 2014/15. For the moment, suffice to say, as we got up from the screening, the Mayor and I exchanged rather big smiles ;-)

Scenes from The Foggiest Ideal

Grelle White applauds the appearance of a heritage guide to Watford

New heritage guide shows 41 landmarks in WatfordIt may come as a surprise for some cynics that Watford still boasts 41 landmarks worthy of inclusion in a special pictorial heritage guide to the town. Others will delight that at long last here is an official show of respect for what is left of classic architecture in Watford, be it an impressive or fascintation building with deep roots in history or a Coal Duty post (now used as a bollard) or a headstone marking the grave of a black slave who became a servant to the 5th Earl of Essex at Cassiobury House. The pocket-sized guide is bright, roughly follows a managable route around the town dipping in and out and stretching from Lower High Street (Watford Museum and Frogmore House) to the former Odham Press Hall in St Albans Road, built in1954-57 and all part of the town’s heritage. At the launch of the guide at Watford Museum, there were audible expressions of appreciation at some of the structures included in the guide, like Jackson’s Jeweller in The Parade. The building is believed to date from c.1500 and is the

oldest surviving domestic building in Watford. Another couple of popular “survivors” are The Sun Printers Clock Tower relatively young (1934), but extremely significant as a reminder of Watford’s historic past as an important print town. Frogmore House and Little Cassiobury are both still on the English Heritage Risk List, but seeing their images in the guide is like seeing a couple of relics from the attic being dusted down and put back in a prominent position for significance (Frogmore House) and in the case of Little Cassiobury for being the oldest surviving building from the Essex estate. Both now appear to have both official and popular support from a number of organisations and individuals keen to preserve precious bits of history still standing in Watford. The guide was funded by the Mayor’s Community Fund and produced by Watford Museum and the Friends of the museum. It could be the first of many, we were told by the enthusiastic Heritage guide trio,

Museum and Heritage Manager Sarah Priestley, Collections Manager Luke Clark and Chairman of the Friends of Watford Museum Mary Forsyth. The guide will be on sale from the museum (£3) and all profit will go towards creating future guides on different topics

The new handy pocket-sized heritage guide is available from Watford Museum at £3

The heritage trio from Watford Museum, who compiled the guide, (from left) Collections Officer Luke Clark, Sarah Priestley and Mary Forsyth, are already planning another guide - with income from the sale the the original

Scenes from The Foggiest Ideal

The Arts Forum magazine is published by Watford Area Arts Forum, c/o The Newton Price Centre, Grosvenor Road, Watford WD17 2QTwww.watfordareaartsforum.com

WAAF committee:

Chairman: John DowdleTel. 01923 [email protected]

Vicechairman/Treasurer: Ian ScleaterTel. 01923 [email protected]

Public relations: Grelle WhiteTel. 01923 [email protected]

Webmaster: Richard WilsonTel. 01923 442505

Frances Geraghty (visual arts)Tel. 01923 248174

Tom Parsons (music)Tel. 01923 [email protected]

Frances Kershaw (Watford Art Market)Tel. 07811 [email protected]

David Latham (exhibition co-ordinator)Tel. 01923 [email protected]

Editorial committee:Grelle White (Editor), Kay Horsfield, June Arnold, Rosy Moorhead.

Design by Jodi PhillipsTel. 01442 257226www.jodiphillips.com

Printed by:Metro Commercial Printing LtdUnit 7, Mowat Industrial EstateSandown RoadWatfordHerts WD24 7UYTel: 01923 252812www.metroprinting.co.uk

A Watford Artists Square? An open space event area is being created on The Parade, between The Pond and Rickmansworth Road. See http://whatifwatford.wordpress.com/consultation/ for details. The open space area and surrounds will accommodate up to 2,000 people, apparently, which opens up great opportunities for outdoor activities of an artistic and musical nature. Watford Council is requesting ideas from local people on how the space could be utilised. One idea we are considering is a Watford Artists Square, similar to the one which exists in the Artists’ Square at Place du Tertre in Montmartre, Paris. If you enter details into a search engine, you can find details and pictures of artists at work in the square, similar to the pictures here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn79BIcovyg shows what the space looks like during the day, when artists produce for sale on-the-spot pictures of visiting customers, even their pets! Below is a picture of the square when vacated at night. Might it be possible to use Little Cassiobury House for storage and for providing studio space for those artists wanting to produce art work under studio conditions for sale in the Artists Square? We want to know how local artists feel about these ideas – and if alternative ideas can be developed – and if you will get involved in making it happen? If you come to the WAAF Annual General Meeting, on June 12, and/or the Summer Garden Party at Cheslyn House, in July (more detail on the website) to let us know how you feel about this proposal. This will provide a very useful “steer” for the Forum to follow. We can arrange further meetings to develop additional ideas and suggestions. We look forward to all Forum members contributing towards – and benefiting from – this new initiative. John DowdleChairman

The square vacated at night.

‘Sorry’ note from the EditorSincere apologies for late publication of this issue of the Forum magazine. Can’t blame the gremlins. All my fault. The Autumn/Winter issue is now due for publication first week in November. Deadline for adverts and copy (including Who’s Who and What’s Where entries) is October 1.The editorial team will be working closely with webmaster, Richard Walker, to keep the website live with news from the local arts scene so, please, visit www.watfordareaartsforum regularly - and make use of the Guestbook to post your own comments and observations. www.watfordareaartsforum.com

Grelle WhiteEditor

Artists’ Square at Place du Tertre in Montmartre, Paris, with Sacre-Coeur Basilica Church in background.

Watf

ord A

rea A

rts Fo

rum

Front cover:Oryx at Sossuvleiby Bill Bain (WBAS)

The square vacated at night.

More to art society than affordable artA highly successful “Watford’s own Affordable Art Show” at the intu (Harlequin) gallery in May, naturally brought a smile to the face of Watford and Bushey Art Society’s new chairman, Ken Haslar. But Ken is keen for the oldest art society in the area not to been seen to rest on the laurels of its popular annual show. “There is so much more to the society,” he said. “If you have a passion for art and paint yourself why not come along to the monthly society meetings where you will find demonstrations and talks from professional artists and many other subjects of interest. “Could also be just the place for newcomers to meet other artists. You are welcome as a visitor to any meeting for just £3 payable on the door.” WBAS meet at Beechen Grove Church at 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month. Members can also join in with painting and sketching group which meets at the historic Frobisher Studio in Bushey and in good weather meets for ‘En Plein Air’ sessions. All details on the website, www.wbas.org WBAS show winner 2013: Snow Scene by David Latham

Returned to Watford with loveHappy memories from Watford in the form of two special paintings of West Herts Golf Club by local artist Simon Chalk were carefully packed and shipped when Don Bailey and his wife, Susan, moved to Petersfield in Hampshire two years ago. But two years later, Don had second thoughts and brought back the two works of art, he commissioned to celebrate his year as captain at West Herts in 1987. He presented the paintings of the first green with the club house and the tenth fairway to Watford Museum. Ultimately they should stay in Watford, he thought; local scenes by highly rated local artist and he decided to “follow through” by handing them over personally. The gesture reflects the donor, who moved to Watford in 1969 and over the

years involved himself in the town and charitable work, including charity golf days at West Herts with such personable dedication, it resulted in him being made an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list last year. “Watford is a great place to live. We enjoy coming back and it still feels like home,” said Don, who made the move to be close to the couple’s daughter and grandchildren. His gift was greeted with much appreciation by Museum and Heritage officer, Sarah Priestley. “A fantastic addition to our local collection especially as we do not have any pictures of West Herts Golf Club, which was part of the Cassiobury Estate,” she said.

Calling all artists:

‘Little Cassiobury needs you’

Friends of Little Cassiobury are planning a fund raising Art Sale in the grounds of Little Cassiobury on Saturday, September 14, and are

appealing to local artists to support the cause by donating a

piece of art work. “We need funds in order to carry out the restoration and conversion of this beautiful 17th century building into an Arts and Heritage Centre for the use of the people of Watford. Please try to support us,” said secretary of

FoLC, Doreen Meek. If you are willing to donate a piece

of your art work for sale at this event, please, contact Doreen at

[email protected] or telephone 01923 264367.

Further details of when and where to deliver your work will be sent

nearer the time, should you decide to participate in this exciting and

worthwhile project.

Collections officer Luke Clark gratefully received the present of two Watford paintings from Don Bailey.

Black and white postcardspaint a colourful pictureJune Arnold finds John Cooper’s A Postcard from Watford a fascinating and informative reflection on the town’s past

Since retiring in 2002, John Cooper has combined his interests in local history and deltiology (collecting postcards) by building up a collection of over 500 postcards focussing on Harpenden, where he was born, and Watford which became his home in 1969. John has published one book a year since 2007. His first book was about his childhood in Harpenden followed by a book titled Making Ends Meet, based on his working life. His next book, A Postcard from Harpenden, used his collection of postcards combined with his interest in photography. The result was a book about Harpenden showing its history using old postcards compared with photographs of those same scenes today. In 2011, he created a similar book on Watford Through Time. His latest book, A Postcard from Watford, was published in October. This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in the history of Watford. The old black and white picture postcards and photographs, many of which have not been seen for generations, show how Watford has changed over the years and include photographs found in the basement of Benskin’s Brewery, when it was demolished in the 1970’s. There is a saying that “a picture paints a

thousand words” and it certainly is proved true in this book. History is brought to life in an interesting and informative way. You can see how people dressed, how they travelled, where they worked and how they relaxed and enjoyed themselves. The written information beneath the pictures is factual and well researched and would be an ideal book for use in Watford schools for any local history study. I loved the old black and white picture postcards. They have an emotional impact which is somehow missing in modern colour photos. I also felt I wanted to take the book and go to see some of the places featured in the book and compare the differences, first hand. And I could not help a feeling of sadness that Watford had lost so many wonderful buildings, especially the Cassiobury Park Gates and the wonderful Cassiobury House. When you look through the book you may feel Watford has changed for the better or you may feel it has changed for the worse. But if you would like to know:- Which member of the royal family visited Watford and stayed at Grove House, - Where there was an open air public swimming pool in Watford- Where children went to school before the present Watford Boys and Watford Girls Grammar Schools were built

...then this book will provide the answers. John is now working on his next book, Harpenden Through TIme, which will be available in July. He then plans to take a break to organise all the material he has acquired over the years and to search for more picture postcards of local towns and villages, for a future book.

*A Postcard from Watford is available from The Pond Post Office, W.H.Smith, Watford Museum, Waterstones (Hemel Hempstead), the Chorleywood Bookshop or direct from the publishers, telephone 01453-847800 or email [email protected]

Historic event: The Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, with John Cooper at the launch of his book at Waterstone’s at the Harlequin shopping centre, one of the last events before the shop closed and left Watford without a bookshop.

Rixon Brothers

From blacksmith in Bushey to puppet maker in PinnerHarrow Open Studios has grown and branched out with new and established members putting on a truly textured and colourful event in June

By Jeremy Deacon

Harrow Open Studios is now a very well established art group and its members will be opening their studios at home to the public again in June this year. With more than 30 artists taking part, a wide range of work will be on show to view or to buy and the artists will be happy to talk to visitors and discuss any questions you might like to ask. This Open Studios event extends over Harrow and neighbouring boroughs, but our members in the Watford area alone demonstrate the diverse range of activities to be seen. Painter Janice Esterman who lives at Elstree has just joined the group and started her career at evening classes in Florida, USA. On returning to the UK, she continued evolving and exploring new techniques to apply to contemporary and traditional styles of painting. Her subjects include portrait and interiors as well as landscape. Another new member, Lindsay Rough, who lives in Watford, uses textures such as metal leaf in her abstract canvasses which have their roots in landscape or still life. Zalina Dewan makes pottery which she describes as ‘fun and functional’. Some of her pieces are firstly thrown on the wheel and then reshaped, others are press moulded. Her exhibition space at The

Stables in Harrow Weald is shared by other members taking part in the annual event. Blacksmith Steve Rook, whose, studio is based in Bushey, creates one-off forged metalwork commissions for private and public clients, using traditional and modern techniques. He uses the craftman’s passion, energy and skill that infuses the metal with a life and character of its own. There is a great deal more variety to see from the remaining artists, including jewellery, textiles, glass work, prints, puppets and wood turning in locations stretching from Northwood, Ruislip and Harrow Weald, to Elstree, Pinner and Watford . All family members are welcome. If children between the ages of four and 16 are inspired by a piece they have seen at any of the studios, they may enter a competition in which every entry will be shown at an exhibition at Pinner

library. For details about artists and opening times pick up a brochure which will be widely distributed in the area or visit the web site www.harrowopenstudios.com. Click Studio Locations for a clear guide to artists, times and places.**Harrow Open Studios 2013 takes place from Saturday, June 8, to Monday, June 10,

and Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16.

Vase by Zalina Dewan.

Bird Bath by Steve Rook. Portrait by Janice Esterman. Interior by Janice Esterman.

Fish by Zalina Dewan.

Eccentric story time for adults at the Coco Deli

Big book celebrationat small village hall

Shrug off your woes with master short story teller, Paul Eccentric

Kate Mosse

‘RRRANTANORY Little Stories’ comes to Croxley with a new monthlystorytelling event for adults at Coco Deli, 136 Watford Road CroxleyGreen!The RRRANTS Collective; (whose previous local promotions have includedthe poetry stage at The Rickmansworth Canal Festival and ‘RRRANTIN’ atThe Horns’, a regular poetry, comedy and music night at The Horns,Watford), have been running successful storytelling nights in bothCamden and Richmond for the past two years, along with an audioversion for MyWordRadio.com. The evenings comprise of three guestauthors, including regular host Paul Eccentric, telling a variety ofweird and wonderful original shorts, while listeners relax and shrugoff their woes with a coffee, a tea or a glass of wine. For dates visitwww.facebook.com/rantanory.littlestories/photos_stream

Independent Booksellers’ Week will be marked in style at Sarratt Village Hall with interntational best-selling author Kate Mosse launching the paperback version of the final title of her Languedoc trilogy, Citadel. The first two, Labyrinth and Sepulcher, were both No 1 best-sellers worldwide. Citadel is another powerful, action-packed mystery exploring the incredible history, legends and hidden secrets of Carcassonne and Languedoc. Set during World War II, Citadel is an action-packed mystery that reveals the secrets of the resistance under Nazi occupation - away from the trenches but deeply rooted in history, legend and astonishing secrets! The evening, Tuesday July 2, 7.30pm is hosted by Chorleywood Bookshop and Kate will be discussing as well as signing her book.

Tickets are £10 to include a copy of the book as well as refreshments. Available from Chorleywood Bookshop 01923 283566.

The Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, displayed both pleasure and pride when she joined Watford Area Arts Forum in welcoming the Royal Photographic Society to town for the launch of members’ biennial touring exhibition, on Sunday, February 3. The 100 images on show at the Harlequin gallery were selected from 9,000 entries from members worldwide and constitute a major event in the national arts calender. Two years ago, the RPS included Watford on the year-long exhibition tour for the first time at the invitation of the then chairman of Watford Area Arts Forum, Jaffer Bhimji, who is also a member of the country’s oldest and most prestigious photographic society. Watford and the bright and airy gallery space above the town’s busy shopping centre proved so ideal, it was decided to launch this year’s national tour at the Harlequin Gallery. President of the society, Roy Robertson, performed the official opening in front of a gallery packed with visitors from all over the country, who enjoyed viewing the show and meeting some of the winners including winner of the Silver Medal, Marc Aspland, who started his career as a photographer with the Watford Observer. The exhibition attracted more than 1,360 visitors from all over the country. By invitation, local schools and colleges also brought their art/photographic students to tour the show Exhibition co-ordinator, Jaffer Bhimji, commented after the show which attracted a lot of attention and admiration for top quality photography: “The exhibition has been a great success. We have offered to host the 2015 exhibition as well.”

Royal Photographic focus on Watford

Marc Aspland, who started his career in photography at the Watford Observer,

won silver for his Olympic underwater picture of the

Team GB synchronised swimming team.

WAAF open shows at the Harlequin gallery

The dates for this year’s WAAF Summer and Autumn exhibitions are

July 6 to July 14 and October 19 to October 27.

Both are open exhibition with reduced hanging fees for members of WAAF.

For details and entry forms visit www.watfordareaartsforum.com

WELCOME TO WATFORD: The Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, flanked by hosts Jaffer Bhimji (left) and chairman of WAAF John Dowdle reflects pleasure in welcoming a large crowd of guests to the opening of the prestigious art event in the town centre.

A sparkling creative oasis in the depth of Watford Old TownFor her second visit to a local artist’s studio, Kay Horsfield has chosen to meet stained glass artist Angela TownsendIt was a grey, shivery Saturday morning, when I picked my way through what to me is the “old town” part of Watford. With art on my mind this part always reminds me of happy art student days spent at the old Callowland studios which have gone but still left their mark in so many people’s memories. My destination was the bright, modern home of stained glass artist Angela Townsend and the morning was off to a warm start with music being played by Angela’s musician husband, a cappuccino and the vision of an inviting studio at the end of her garden. The studio, a gift from her husband, is full of light, well organised with neatly stored sheets of coloured glass, a kiln and a large desk with the tools and paints she uses for her art. Some of the glass she was working on was laid on the light box on the desk and she demonstrated how she put her work together. It is the beauty of rich red and blues which create a sensuous and exciting image with the added sparkle of the material. Angela is a friendly and open and clearly very passionate and enthusiastic about her work. She would love to spend most of her time in her studio but bills need paying so she works part-time at the Institute of Physics. Originally she started as an engineering apprentice, which she has found useful as she finds the practical elements and skills needed to create her pieces inspiring. She enjoys following the process of cutting, soldering, firing and experimenting with

materials and keeping a careful record of the kiln settings used for each piece. She also loves the creative and imaginative elements of the designs she creates. Not only is she meticulous in following the process she has many sketchbooks which she showed me back at te house where I also I had the pleasure of meeting her elderly cat, Tess. Cats, birds, flowers and hens are popular images but she also makes abstract pieces and does commissions. All her pieces are unique and beautiful. She loves the luminosity and vibrancy of early painted glass and is inspired to use these techniques. The surface of the glass is painted with a lead based paint which is mixed with water and gum Arabic so it sticks like glue on the glass. She then scratches out the design. Her work is full of details which give the pieces character and life. Angela calls her business Red Hen Glass and I was curious how that came about. She tells that when she was a teenager she had a pet chicken called Clucky which she loved. Later when her brother, who lives on Skye asked her to portray some of his chickens painted on glass it seemed natural to her to name her business Red Hen Glass. Her distinctive logo emerged after her first attempts of working with stained glass in 1996. Angela aims to continue developing and experimenting with different ways of working in glass and to have time to make many more pieces of work . Working in glass enables her to combine and apply her craft skills with her imaginative and creative self to produce works of art. She currently sells some of her work through online shops including Folksy but wants

Angela has found early training as an engineer useful in the process of creasing stained glass works of art.

to expand and become better known. Her closing remark is that she gets withdrawal symptoms when she is away from her studio. If you want to find out more about Angela’s work her website is www.redhenglass.co.uk and email address [email protected]

Two festivals take to the streets of Watford

June is wall to wall fun and festival time in Watford with the community event Watford Live! already in action and showing signs, it will be bigger and livelier and the officially funded Imagine Watford even more spectacular than ever this year. Both festivals have proved extremely popular and after a couple of years appear to have settled into the combined role of one big Summer Sizzler stretching from beginning to end of the month of June. From Charter Place to the Bandstand by the Town Hall, the Pump House in “lower” Watford to the Grand Union Canal in Cassiobury Park, all manner of performances and participation offers will be buzzing around - and mostly all free. From hoop dance, to tea dance, folk and barn dancing, you can just watch or have a go. Singing, too, with choirs both open air and inside. On the Imagine front, the Palace Theatre has chosen world-class acts of “extraordinary open air moments”. If you miss one, you will catch another. The surprise element is half the fun of a festival month, but it is worth checking the programmes and mark your diary if you want to be sure not to miss your fevourite thing. Trawling through the programme is one thing, popping into Watford to do the shopping and finding yourself wanting to sing and dance quite another. West Herts College plays a strong, supportive role in the festival with young talent going to work on many aspects, from design to printing, and a welcoming venue for several events including the Summer Exhibition, June 12-14.

Festival cafe and ‘engine room’

(text) Cafe on the Corner in Queen’s Road is the “engine room” for this year’s Watford Live! It is also an active partner and venue in the festival. This is where the tiny team of three, Margaret Cheal, Fran Kershaw and Alan Bannister, have regularly shared ideas and plans with local artists, supporters and volunteers over snacks, drinks and endless cups of tea. It was here, early on, music master Tom Craven punched the air as he shared the news, The Flag had agreed (by text) to host the growing number of bands, who wanted to play a part in the community festival. “I was surprised by the number of bands, who wanted to play, when we invited musicians to perform in Charter Place,” said Tom. Music in Charter Place in the middle of the shopping centre is restricted to acoustic, so for a “moment”, Tom had the positive problem of too big a response. He approached The Flag with the result, Watford Live! presents live music in Charter Place by day and at the pub by Junction Station by night on two Sundays. Charter Place is centre stage for a variety of entertainment including two dance days choreographed by Vicki Shepherd, theatre managed by Karen Bell and an Open Mic and Choirs extravaganza organised by dedicated community artist, Fran Kershaw, rounds off Watford Live! 2013 on Saturday, June 29.

One big Summer Sizzler

Watford Live! Art and Literature competitions(The Richard Harrington Challenge Cups)

Cafe on the Corner - Watford Live! festival cafe

Music Man 2013: After organising music for

Watford Live!, Tom Craven

will be back to play at WAAF’s

garden party at Cheslyn

Gardens on Sunday, July 28.

One big Summer SizzlerPick the ‘Paint a Poem’ winnerThis year’s title, Paint a Poem, attracted a “full house” of artwork for the annual Watford Live! competition and exhibition staged jointly by Watford Area Arts Forum and Watford Museum. The amazing display is filling up all available space in the museum foyer and visitors have been keen to join in the “pick the winner” invitation. The winner will be announced when the ballot papers are counted on Thursday, June 20, when both Watford’s Mayor, Dorothy Thornhill, and MP, Richard Harrington, will be present for the presentation and prize giving.

Top ‘blogs’ display on bus sheltersThis year, the second challenge cup, the other half of a pair of Art Deco vases donated by Mr Harrington, will be presented to the winner of the new Literature competition, which also attracted an impressive number of entries. The new competition was organised jointly by Watford Writers and WAAF and the top ten will appear in print on bus shelters around the town in July, sponsored by Watford Council. A selection is also due to appear on the Watford Observer website. This competition was judged by the Editor of the Watford Observer, Peter Wilson-Leary and Grelle White, editor of the WAAF magazine as well as Dorothy Thornhill and Richard Harrington.

The winners will be announced on the Watford Writers, Watford Museum and WAAF websites.

Le Sacre du Printempts by Dennis Parker

Painting to music Now you see her, now you don’t. But when you do see Helen Halliday, it’s worth paying attention. Back in Rickmansworth for a few days around Easter, Helen sent out a rather novel email, the kind we would probably ignore had it come from just anyone. The message simply said: “Hi, have a look at this video – I am painting Start Bay in Devon to some beautiful music by the flautist Simeon Wood”. It came with the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FutENVsPxl0&list=UUVQWk1mijxjW-tF20Xl0WGw&index=1 Try it. We loved it and wonder if it will inspire similar from other artists ;-) PS from Helen, when we called her: Latest destination for her painting holidays abroad is Paxos. A bit warmer than Dorset and not quite as hot as India (some of her previous destinations). The Paxos Autumn Painting Week is from September 30 to October 7. For details visit http://www.paxoslife.co.uk/painting_autumn.htm, or contact Margaret Longes by phone (01444 258048) or email ([email protected]).

Painting to music, latest artwork from Helen Halliday.

Poetry in motion Poetry in Motion: The Ballerina, is the tempting title for a series of classes organised by Dennis Parker with real dancers performing the modeling. “We will have as models a male and a female prima ballerina,” said Dennis, who ran a similar course locally last year, which was very well received. Dennis will give the class a chance to capture pre-performance moments, eg tying shoes etc. The ballerinas will also hold certain positions at the barre. For the performance the ballerinas will dance to evocative ballet music and various post-performance moments will be staged. “From these the class will create ‘quickie’ sketches’,” said Dennis. “They will also take shots from various angles and perspective exploring line, contour, shape, form, light and shade, anatomy, proportion and energy. “These will give the students all the raw materials to create their own compositions.” The course, in late July-August, offers a choice of three week-long classes (people can go on one, two or three), drawing, photography, painting. Intermediate, advanced and beyond. Exact location has yet to be announced. For details and to enroll visit www.dennisart.co.uk Rhapsody in Blue by Dennis Parker.

Young artist is drawn tothe buzz to save our beesNine-year-old, Hertfordshire school girl, Caroline Sherlock, chose a perceptive topic and went on to win this year’s Global Canvas Art and Poetry Competition. Her 3D piece of work displays bees carrying the message “Our future is hanging by a thread” went on to be displayed at the National History Museum along with a selection of entries. The competition was judged by wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd and attracted over 1,500 entries from around the world including Caroline’s school, Beechwood Park in Markyate. Mr Shepherd commented: “Once again children from all over the world have demonstrated not only great artistic flair but a real empathy for wildlife conservation. “It never ceases to amaze me how astute children are. They have a real grasp of conservation issues and what really matters if we are to save this amazing planet of ours. It’s heart-warming to know that the next generation may be passionate enough to make a difference.”

Caroline Sherlock and her winning artwork with David Shepherd.

Pimms in the garden before lunch and talk about Paris!

From Covent Gardento Watford PalaceThe Watford Palace Theatre is the second home of The Dial Up Open Mic Night, which is based at the Seven Dials Club, Covent Garden. Hosted by Watford vocalist Alex Williams and pianist Gilly Spencer, The Dial Up is all about enjoying live music and performance. In the first half Alex and Gilly, along with a varied list of special guests, perform some of their favourite songs from the jazz repertoire and beyond. Then in the second half members of the audience are invited to participate in the Open Mic. “All forms of creativity are allowed and indeed encouraged. Alongside singers of every style and genre, from rock and pop to funk and soul, we regularly welcome instrumentalists, authors and poets,” said Alex, adding: “Singers are welcome to browse our vast selection of songbooks or bring sheet music, if they wish to be accompanied by Andy, sing a cappella or accompany themselves.” The Dial Up at Watford Palace Theatre is from 5-7.30pm on the first Sunday of the month. Tickets, £5, are available on the door. For further information email: [email protected]

Tudor manor setting forcity author’s lunch talkEdward Rutherfurd, author of epic historical novels, including Sarum, London and New York, has turned to Paris for his latest book and English country house charm for the launch. Chorleywood Bookshop will be hosting a literary lunch at Chenies Manor for Edward Rutherfurd’s talk about the novel which spans four centuries and involves four families bound by secret loves and marriages for convenience. The event takes place on Monday, July 1, and a copy of the book is included in the price, £35, which also covers a two-course lunch and a glass of wine. An added attraction is an opportunity for guests to take a walk round the famous Tudor gardens with a glass of Pimms before lunch. Tickets are available from Chorleywood Bookshop, tel. 01923 283566.

Dates for your diaryThis year’s Herts Opens Studios takes place between September 7 and 29. For details, visit www.hvaf.org.uk

Watford by the WaterAround 400 boats and thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Watford for The Waterways Festival

alongside the Grand Union Canal in Cassiobury Park, from Friday to Sunday, July 19 - 21.

In the last issue of the WAAF magazine, we showed a picture of the kind of kiosk seen in towns on the continent with an appeal to readers to snap pictures of similar on their travels. This followed years of gentle campaigning by Watford Area Arts Forum for a similar structure to be used as a What’s On notice board for artistic events, from concerts, theatre and film shows to workshops and exhibitions. The reaction from the Town Hall has been positive with the “worth looking into” sort of response, so the idea was to help the council imagine how and where a kiosk could work. The main moan in town is, no matter how hard you try, it is difficult to find out what

Digital transplant: French kioskmoves to Watford town centre

is on in various venues. Why not make it easy as well as a point where people would naturally stop, look and possibly talk to each other. Geoff Dodd, who lives close to the town centre, decided to do it the other way round by offering a view how such a structure would fit into the townscape. With a little digital manipulation, he planted the kiosk from Calais in three different locations in the town centre and, voila, take your pick. We do envisage a rather more imaginative design, six or eight-sided, maybe with an elegant roof. Maybe a competition for design ideas could help further this cause and help bridge the town’s communication gap. Just a thought....

Take your pick...from four locations

Sharif liberates spoons from logsGrelle White is bowled over by woodcarver at work

“I liberate spoons and bowls from logs,” is the way, Sharif Adams describes his work. Woodcarver may be his official title, but watching Sharif at work in his traditional woodland workshop on the edge of Whippndell Woods, you have to agree, there is more to his creations than plain carving. An almost poetic affinity between the craftsman, his tools, his creations and the environment around him is spell-binding. But Sharif is not a showman. He is a caring, sharing artist and craftsman and, before you know it, you have been offered a chance to have a go. This is living history and archaic methods! Sharif works in the open using a treadle lathe, he has built himself from natural materials. Before setting to work on a bowl, he cuts the logs - sideways! The whole process for both bowls and spoons is structured to the point where you have to work with the wood, accepting it has a will and a way of its own. Sharif originally studied violin making at London Guildhall University and went on to work as an antique furniture restorer in High Wycombe. “... and then I discovered the joy and creative freedom of working with greenwood.” A question, about what happened to violins and antique furniture, melts into insignificance as Sharif’s devotion to carving spoons and turning bowls the traditional way has got under his skin in a way that makes him one person, who truly appears at ease with himself, the work and his surroundings. “I’m very heavily influenced by the Swedish spoon carving tradition and have been taught by master carver Fritioff Runhall who came from Sweden to teach a masterclass in the Pennines, hosted by Robin Wood, who is chairman of the Heritage Crafts Association, who has been a great inspiration to me. Sharif himself is inspirational and shares his knowledge, skill and his hand and home made workshop with small groups of people, who sign up for one day courses either here or in Dartmoor National Park. Since we met, Sharif has started a trial period living and working at a low impact woodland community, Steward Wood, with a view to become a permanent resident. He has also moved his “pitch” in

Hertfordshire to Latimer, still demonstrates in this area and can be seen at local markets. Sharif’s art and craft may be archaic, but his up-to-date website ensures, he can work in two locations. As well as dates and courses posted on the site, he is always open to running courses on one-to-one sessions to suit people. “I’m very flexible and do my best to accommodate.” Coming from Sharif, it sounds sincere. On June 16, he will be demonstrating green wood carving techniques at an open day for Ronnie Sunshine, supplier of bushcraft and outdoor pursuits in Berkhamsted. www.sharifadams.co.uk

From rough log to smooth spoons and bowls... Sharif at work in the wood.

Pictures by Laura Wyld

June Arnold finds out how retirement opened the door for Myrtle Paterson to focus full-time on her dream to become an artist

A time to turn dreams into reality - and successMyrtle Paterson has always had a talent for art I realised when, during my visit, she showed me an exercise book in which she had produced a school topic based on British Wild Birds at the age of ten. There are some lovely pastel drawings of many birds, including several types of finches and blue tits. She still has a love of birds shown by the number of bird feeders on her patio. Myrtle worked part time at John Lewis and spent her weekends using her creative ability at flower arranging. During this time in her own words, she “dabbled at painting”. When she retired 15 years ago, Myrtle, like many people, found retirement liberating and a time when she could pursue the things she was really interested in. She decided to concentrate on her painting and she produced many pictures which sold well in Clements department store. She also started designing greetings cards based on her nature paintings and Cassiobury Park scenes. They have been on sale at Cha Cha Cha art cafe since

2000 and have sold thousands over the years. Myrtle has generously donated all the proceeds to the Hope Trust in Watford. She has used her free time to help other aspiring painters by running classes in water colour painting for the U3A at Chiswell Green. She also takes other painting classes in the area. One day when she and her sister, Linda Wilton, were walking in Cassiobury Park, Myrtle had an Eureka moment. She decided to do a series of paintings based on the park and to produce them in a book. Her sister wrote a series of poems based on the paintings, which resulted in On Watford’s Wild Side which was printed in 2007 and proved in instant success. In fact, I was given a signed copy of the book when I finished my year as Lady Captain at West Herts Golf Club. It was reprinted in 2010. Her second book, Enchanting Brownsea, was published in 2010 by The John Lewis Partnership. Myrtle and her husband visited Poole and Brownsea Island every year which inspired Mytle to do another joint venture with Linda of paintings and poems. Her husband, Walter, provided some sepia images adding to the reflection of the beauty and tranquillity of this island. The book is on sale at the National Trust on Brownsea. At present she is working on an updated version entitled Brownsea Inspirations. Myrtle’s third book, A Leisure Journal, was another collaboration with her sister. However this time, it started with Linda’s poems. Over three years, Myrtle illustrated 36 poems based on leisure activities, 12

paintings depicting each month and many charming small vignettes of the animals and plants associated with each month. The book was published in 2012. A Leisure Journal is an interesting combination of a diary (without a particular year) in which you can keep a record of favourite moments, a poetry book and an artistic journal. The promise, which Myrtle showed at the age of ten, has been realised and perfected in her retirement years. She has pursued her dream to paint full time, publish books and cards and to pass on her expertise in water colour painting to others.* A Leisure Journal is available at Storehouse in Watford High Street and The Chorleywood Book Shop On Watford’s Wild Side is available from Storehouse, Watford Museum and Cha Cha Cha.

Bird sketches by Myrtle Patterson, aged 10.

Myrtle, the artist, living and working he dream.

Branching out in BusheyPlenty of variety on offer at Bushey Museum

Little is known about the artist, who created the portrait of Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael, which is on show at Bushey Museum as part of the exhibition Bushey Art Since 1980. The title of the picture, Wham, sketched by a young girl, Rachel Marie Harding, who lived at Bushey Heath at the time,1984, is enough to earn it a place on a wall of fame in their hometown. The object of this exhibition is to show the continuing art heritage of Bushey, a tradition kept alive by the Meadow Studio, the Frobisher Art School and the Lucy Kemp-Welch Gallery and, since its opening in 1994, Bushey Museum. The Bushey Museum Trust was formed in 1983 and the policy from the very beginning was to encourage the showing of contemporary work, as well as earlier works of art and to acquire contemporary artwork for its growing collection. The availability of exhibition space in the museum building attracted artists to submit for exhibition and sale their various works of art and, as a result, the museum has a growing collection of post-1980 work as well as historic and classic art by famous artists like Hubert van Herkomer and Lucy Kemp-Welch. The current exhibition includes an eclectic collection of styles, subjects, sizes and media by 42 artists, reflecting modern artistic trends.

With several gallery spaces, Bushey Museum offers good variety. Also showing now is Bushey Then & Now, early 20th century “gems” from the Greville collection, with photos from same viewpoints today. Both exhibitions continue until June 23. From April 20 until June 9, Harrow Marquetry Group will be showing examples of the craft and art of making pictures, decorative designs and patterns by skilful use of veneers of wood. From June 29 the Museum will celebrate the Trust’s 20th and Bushey Festival’s 30th anniversary with a joint photographic competition exhibition. And for something completely different, Shopping in Bushey, a survey of the shops and shopping in Bushey, takes centre stage in the Art Gallery from June 15.*Bushey Museum in Rudolph Road is open Thursdays to Sundays 11am to 4pm. Admission free.

Bushey Hall Golf Club - then.

Bushey Hall Golf Club - now.

Wham - sketched by young artist in 1984.

Name. (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss)

Address

Email

Telephoen number

Please, complete in capital letters

Entries in our guide to Who’s Who & What’s Where are £5 each, but free to members of the Watford Area Arts Forum. To be included in the next issue, please complete the coupon and return to: WAAF magazine c/o The Newton Price Centre, Grosvenor Road, Watford WD17 2QT, including £5. Members’ free entries can be sent by email to [email protected] should be received no later than Aug 15, 2013

Membership Form List Your BusinessMembership of the Watford Area Arts Forum is open to anyone, who supports the arts in the Watford area. Application for membership should be made by completing this form and reurning it to:Ian Scleater, Treasurer, Allways, 23 Shepherds Road, Watford WD18 7HUtogether with a cheque/postal order made payable to Watford Area Arts Forum.Membership fees are: Affiliated group or organisation £20. Individual membership £15. Family membership (individual and spouse or partner living at the same address) £20.

Artists

SHARIF ADAMS - Rustic wooden bowls

turned on a pole lathe. Hand carved greenwood

spoons. Courses/tuition; see website for details; www.sharifadams.

co.uk or call 07964 225 064/email [email protected]

BRIAN & EVA COWAN - Modern paintings and metal sculpture for home, hotel, restaurant or commercial venue for sale or rental. E-mail: [email protected]

SIAN FENWICK, BA (Hons) Vintage inspired collage, jewellery and textiles. Resident artist at Watford Grammar School for Girls, workshops, children and adult community projects. www.sianfenwick.co.uk

KATHY FOSTER - Oil paintings based on ordinary places or objects that are worn or overlooked including old shoes, books, chairs and fences. www.kathrynfosterart.com

CHERYL GOULD A.R.B.S. - Tutor for Printaking, 10am-12.30pm, Wednesdays and 1-4pm Life Drawing at the Frobisher Studio (Bushey Museum). Booking and info: 07956 809772. www.cheryl.gould.com

WENDY HOW - Unique everyday usable, colourful ceramics at affordable prices. Handmade greeting cards, special occasion commissions, small artworks. Studio appointments. Tel. 0781 4878829. Email: [email protected]

DOUGLAS JACKSON: Grew up in Edinburgh. Has lived in Watford

since 1974. Painter in Watercolour and Acrylic. Landscapes, still life and portraits. Email: [email protected]

MARTIN JENNINGS - Acrylic painter of portraits located near Watford. Please, email your requirements to [email protected]

ANN KOPKA - Contemporary acrylic paintings, tactile wall reliefs, 3D work and digital art www.artcontemporary.co.uk

JAN LANGTON - Bold, bright, colourful, textured acrylic paintings. Email: [email protected]

GERRY LANGTON - Portraits, still life and landscapes in pastel and acrylic. Email: [email protected]

DENNIS PARKER Structured thematic courses in: drawing, watercolour, pastel, acrylic, oil, mixed media and calligraphy. Specialist life classes for artists and photographers including ‘Poetry in Motion: The Ballerina’ (female and male). Tel. 0208 381 2392 www.dennisart.co.uk

JODI PHILLIPS ART: Giclee printing service by professional artist. Your work can be reproduced onto canvas, paper, silk, cotton, tiles, metal and mugs. Please call 01442 257226 for details. www.jodiphillips.com

LUCIENNE PSZENICA-MORRISON - Artist and Fine Art printmaker. www.lucienne-art.co.uk

CAROL ROGERS UA - Themed Spring, Summer & Autumn workshops in studio and garden. Spring & Autumn are ‘Paint-Along’ style. All abilities welcome.

Tel. 01923 228970 Email: [email protected]

ROY RODGERS - Artist specialising in Landscape Painting in Oils: introductory lectures and tuition given at Harrow Arts Centre. Info: 0208 385 7735; [email protected]

JOY TRPKOVIC - Painter, Ceramicist & Photographer; work primarily inspired by landscape, rocks, boes and shells. Works in paint and porcelain. Tuition given; www.joytrpkovic.co.uk

ANTHONY WILDIG - Landscape, architecture, still life and gardens in watercolour. View his gallery/shop, a former bakery in Bushey, by appointment 020 8950 6498. Email [email protected]

Art materials and tuition

KATRINA DARKING, ART THERAPY, PSYCHO THERAPY -For more information, please visit website: www.darking.co.uk

Music, Dance and Drama

SALSA MISH - Salsa for all levelswww.salsamish.co.uk

THE GUITAR PROJECT - A guitars in ensemble project for all ages, all types of guitar and all genres of music. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at the Clarendon Muse. Contact; Tom Parsons. Tel. 01923 245559.www.hertfordshireguitarorchestra.com

SARRATT FESTIVAL OF MUSIC - An annual classical music festival held on the last two weekends in September. International artists. www.sarrattfestivalofmusic.co.uk

THE WATFORD FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, SPEECH & DRAMA (founded 1947):

Peter Waters MA FRSA (honorary secretary), 7 Priory Lodge, Nightingale Place, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 7DG. Tel. 01923 775505.

Groups and societies

ART RESOURCE CENTRE (ARC) - A lively group, meeting every Tuesday at the Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, in Lower High Street. It provides visual art practical sessions in an open, creative space, where ideas and skills are exchanged. We cater for all levels. We will be holding our Summer Art Exhibition, which is free entry, in the Pump House at the end of June.Contact: Francis Smith [email protected] Tel 01923 210639.

POULTON ART GROUP - Portrait and life classes in drawing, paintig and printing. All year round on Thursday and Friday at Frobisher Studio behind Bushey Museum. Contact: Ian Poulton 07779 159963 or Esther Heglen 07828 064586. www.poultonartgroup.

WATFORD & BUSHEY ART SOCIETY: The Society meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at Beechen Grove Baptist Church, Watford. Website: www.wbas.org

WATFORD WRITERS is a weekly group that hopes to inspire, encourage and support writers through workshops, manuscript evenings, guest speakers and group competitions. We run every Monday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at ChaChaCha café, Watford, on a drop-in basis at £3 a session. www.watfordwriters.co.uk

XRR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: Take photography to a new level. Regular meetings on Wednesday evening at the Stanborough Centre, St Albans Road, Garston. Visitors always welcome. Explore www.xrrphoto.org.uk for details.

Summer cocktail time at Watford ColosseumWatford Colosseum is not best placed for casual footfall and people dropping in because they happen to be strolling by. But the venue, famed for its acoustics and making an impressive comeback after major refurbishment, is steadily gaining a reputation for a great variety of entertainment as if really trying to appeal to all tastes. We have picked a couple of ingredients from the busy, fizzy cocktail of a programme served up this summer. The sort, you mean to make a note of but might have forgotten.First on this programme “picky” list is Dreamboats and Petticoats The Musical. Following a successful West End season, “the ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll party” will be rocking the Colosseum for a whole week, from July 22 to 27. Spot a little summer treat in the small print for The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show on Thursday, June 27. The show is “free for accompanied children in £17 seats. The Colosseum is also actively supporting Watford Live! by staging local band Late Day Breakers, winners of the Colosseum Battle of the Bands competition earlier this year. The popular reggae-rock band will be supported by Specifics and Cries Wolf at the gig on Friday, June 14.

Catch up on classics at the Pump House Flicking through the Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre’s Spring programme, it was quite striking how many “classics” featured, both by the resident company and brought to the small theatre with the big stage by guest players. Now a few months into the season, we have missed Rent, A Midsummer’s Dream, California Suite and Calendar Girsl as well the Rickmansworth Players’ The Crucible and Blag Theatre company’s Life Imitating Arts. But no doubt there will be equally tempting offers on the autumn “menu”. For information visit the website or - even better- pop in and get a feel for the atmosphere as well as the many individual activities including art exhibitions on offer at the old pumping station so well tuned in and suited to the local arts scene

Late Day Breakers

Week-long visit by Dreamboats & Petticoats The Musical.

Appeal of BellsAfter compiling acrostics on Jane Austen, PG Wodehouse and Charles Dickens, I decided to write one on the Bronte sisters. Whilst I had every book by Austen, Wodehouse and Dickens, I had only two books of the Brontes, the ones the majority of people have read, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. So I bought and borrowed, Shirley, The Professor and Vilette by Charlotte, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. Agnes Grey was a pleasant surprise. It has a wit and irony that is not in the other Bronte books. In its time, it was compared to Jane Austen and I would thoroughly recommend it. I also discovered that it was the first Bronte book to be completed, although it was printed at the same time as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Her second book The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is thought to be the first feminist work. All the Bronte sisters died young. Anne at 29, Emily at 30 and Charlotte at 38 when pregnant. In their short lives, they produced literary works which are still popular and have been the inspiration for TV series and films. The Bronte Museum in Haworth, is a wonderful place to visit, if you want to see where they lived and worked. (They also have copies of my book!) If you would like to order a copy of Appeal of Bells, send a cheque for £5.50 made payable to June Arnold and send it, with your name, address and telephone number, to 89 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Herts WD18 7JB.

Compiled by June Arnold

Despite growing success with her literary Acrostics booklets, June Arnold still takes time to

play her popular part in the Arts Forum magazine with an original arts related Crossword in every issue.

On this page, June also shares her thoughts around her latest publication, Appeal of Bells.

A bottle of Champagne is on chill for the winner of this puzzle. Please send solutions with name, address and telephone number,

marked Watford Area Arts Forum magazine, c/o The Newton Price Centre, Grosvenor Road, Watford WD17 2QT, before July 15, 2013.

ACROSS1. Poet Laureate who wrote Summoned by Bells (4.8)9. ___ Eco, author of The Name of the Rose (7)10. A Long Days Journey into ___ by Eugene O’Neill (5)11. ___ of the Flies by William Golding (4)12 ___ is Golden, sung by The Tremeloes (7)15. King of the Fairies in A Midsummers Night’s Dream (7)16. Dawn ___ author of A Tiny Bit Marvellous (6)19.” ___ is such sweet sorrow” Romeo and Juliet (7)21 ___ of the Dump, by Clive King (4)24. Subsequently, afterward (5)25 One of King Lear’s daughters (7)26. Artist who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (12)

DOWN2. John ___, author of Look Back in Anger (7)3. ___ Batty, character in Last of the Summer Wine (4)4. The Best___ Marigold Hotel, novel and film (6)5. Novel by Charlotte Bronte (4.4)6. The ___ Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton (5)7. ___ in May, TV film by Mike Leigh (4)8. ___ Drummond, detective novel by Sapper. (7)13. A piece of music that is inspired by the night (8)14. Marc ___ , 20th century Russian artist (7)17. A note which is neither sharp or flat (7)18. The ___ Variations by Elgar (6)20. 14th -16th century Mexican civilisation (5)22. Nickname for PG Wodehouse (4)23. ___ the Joiner, a character in Midsummer’s Night Dream. (4)

Solution to last issue’s Crossword:

ACROSS1. Barnaby Rudge 9. Infancy 10. Twist 11. Yell 12. Jubilee 15. Idylls 16. Barrie19. Squeers 21. Even 24. Bride 25 Diamond 26. Little Dorrit

DOWN2. Awfully 3. Nine 4. Bayeux 5. Rattigan 6. Drive 7. Erte 8. Tiny Tim 13. Bluebell14. Kennedy 18. Graded 20. Quiet 22 Abel 23 Fair.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9

10

1112

1314

1516 17

18

19 2021

2223

2425

26

David Latham warmed to the challenge of keeping the show exciting for young visitors on chilly days.

Watford artists ring the changes at Chenies Manor art galleryThe season at the Pavilion Gallery at Chenies Manor was off to a cheerful start despite, or maybe because of, the weather. Frost and snow were still in the air, when the the Manor opened to the public on Easter Monday (April 1) with a family feast of egg-related fun, a long-standing tradition to celebrate the fact, the first known reference to Easter eggs in England is from Chenies. Records from 1285 describe the boiling and distribution of 130 eggs to the villagers on Easter Day during a visit by Edward I, who used Chenies as a hunting lodge. The MacLeod Matthews family, who have lived at Chenies Manor since the 1950s created the family fun day on Easter Monday and the event always attracts a good crowd, come rain or shine. With a lot of children about, the artist David Latham, who opened the Pavilion Gallery season with a show of watercolours, decided to do “a bit of a demonstration to amuse the kids”. This proved so popular with both children and adults, David carried on demonstrating throughout the show whenever possible.

Back by popular demand: caricatures by Graham Lawder-Stone.

Green Woman plaque by Pauline Cannings.

Spring Fling just the thing for (from left) Pauline Cannings, Doreen Meek and Kay Horsfield.

David is a member of Watford Area Arts Forum and co-ordinator of the Forum’s open exhibitions at the Harlequin gallery, where he has been known to demonstrate as well. In July, another WAAF member, Graham Lawder-Stone, has been invited back to show his latest local landscape paintings as well as “whimisical” caricatures. He will repeat the offer to do caricatures on the spot at the Chenies Manor Plant & Garden Fair, on Sunday, July 21. During May, three friends from the Watford area, Doreen Meek, Pauline Cannings and Kay Horsfield are staging a Spring Fling involving a lot of bold colour. Doreen has just had two successful shows in Dundee with an invitation to return next year and Pauline’s romantic Green Woman plaques, which proved an instant success. This trio will be followed by a show of new prints and paintings and the odd sculpture by Lynn Brunt and Krys Kelly and August sees the return of members of Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild showing their latest ware. Photographer Peter Cain from Wembley rounds off the season with striking images on the theme, Town and Country.

spring summer 2013 free -...

Documents