Completely Fayre...

The beautiful Essex countryside near Colchester

At this time of year there are so many village Fayres, School fetes and other summer social events. They are not always advertised in the papers, or on social media, so look out for good old-fashioned posters, banners and billboards. While they are unlikely to keep you entertained for a whole day, why not pop in to one local to you. They are part of our communities here in  Colchester, raising a little money and getting people together. Here's a couple - it would be worth  booking for the Wrabness one.

Song - She moved through the Fair - a lovely version by Sinead O'Connor.

A Love Match...

Johanna Konta faces the cameras at the Nottingham Open

Heather Watson in Castle Park last year

With Wimbledon well underway it's interesting to see the pressures our top players are under - would you like to be constantly in the media spotlight? And yes, I know they are well-paid, but apart from the top few, not as well-paid as you'd think.
Anyway, don't forget you can drop by Castle Park to watch the action on the Big Screen. And there's a great selection of open-air films for all the family this weekend - you can see the schedule and get tickets here. See you there!
Song - Parklife - Blur. Did they nick the bike from Morrissey?

Football Crazy (not)...

With thanks to Beth Chatto and all her staff

So there's wall-to-wall footy on the telly and in the pubs. I'm afraid I fell out of love with the 'beautiful game' when players started falling over when opponents breathed near them, in the hope of winning a penalty. So if you're looking for a peaceful retreat why not spend an hour or two at the Beth Chatto gardens, just east of Colchester. Created by a wonderful plantswoman over 50 years ago, it also has a super nursery and nice tea-room. I know I'm biased, as I worked there for 15 years, but when I was there on Tuesday Evening it was just magical. This was helped by the beautiful sound of the Colchester Chamber Choir, rehearsing for their concert there this Sunday (19th June).

With thanks to Roderick Earle and the Choir

Doors open 6 pm, bring a picnic, music from 7 pm. Exclusive access to the Gardens until 9 pm.
The weather looks fine and tickets are available on-line here or on the door. This truly is a unique evening not to be missed! See you there!

Some music that the Choir will be singing -
The Nightingale by Felix Mendelssohn  a good effort by a school choir!

Beth's gardens look beautiful even with raindrops!

Come Sunday....

Let's Dance!



Yours truly at last year's event - yummy veggie pizza!

Yes it's time for Big Sunday with loads going on around Firstsite, the Waiting Room and The Minories, as well as the Queen Street Brewhouse and the Three Wise Monkeys. Music, Dance and much else, including Annie's Fantasies clog-dancing.  Food and Beer available in many locations, including the Waiting Room Beer Festival - see you there!

Song - Jennifer Holliday - her version of the Duke Ellington classic Come Sunday

 
 

Waiting for the action to start...



No, don't hang about - get down there this weekend!

At this time of year every comic in the land it seems is trying-out new material in preparation for the Edinburgh fringe (and if you haven't been, it is manic, with shows round the clock, so no wonder they need so many comedians). The wonderful Waiting Room has lots on this weekend, but Saturday evening brings comedy performers getting ready for Edinburgh - so you get in absolutely free! - too good to miss I say.

Song - The Smiths ..Stop Me if you think You've heard this one before.

In an English Country Garden...

The tranquil gardens at Elmstead Market

The world-famous Gravel Garden, never watered

I popped in to my old place of work (not a bad place to work!) at Beth Chatto Gardens a couple of days ago. It was as beautiful as ever so if you've never been.. June is a great month.
My old boss (Beth Chatto) celebrates her birthday this month - just three years older than the Queen! Happy Birthday Beth. They have great events there too - Colchester Chamber Choir sing on June 19th - Book Tickets here.
See you There!
Music - in an English Country Garden - a version by Nana Mouskouri! Rather nice.

Farming today...

Watch out for the sign at Fiveways - Guess what's for sale!

I know I've mentioned the tasty produce of the Fiveways Fruit farm before, but when I was in there this morning getting my weekly supply of asparagus I couldn't help noticing they have an open day this Sunday as part of Open Farm Sunday. So why not go along and see how the Asparagus, Strawberries, and all the other tasty fruits are grown? Sorry, I can't be there, but I will be eating Colchester Asparagus!
Song..Strawberry Fields Forever.....The Beatles

Practice makes Perfect....

Roderick leads the Choir at an open rehearsal at Firstsite last year

Choral apprentice Daniel

The Colchester Chamber Choir are very active in promoting choral music in and around town, and on Tuesday 7th June they have an Open Rehearsal at St Leonards church hall, Lexden CO3 4BL, starting at 7.30 pm. All are welcome to enjoy the beautiful sound they make and to learn a little more about the creative programme. But they are also recruiting, so if you are a singer then it's a great chance to find out more, and to witness the professionalism of the choir under the vastly skilled and experienced Roderick Earle. They also run a Choral apprenticeship scheme which helps young musicians gain experience and confidence. Two of the current young singers are appearing on BBC Radio Essex Tony Fisher show this afternoon at 3 pm. - so you can hear first-hand what's involved.  If you know anyone that might benefit from the scheme - the Choir would love to hear from you. From a purely selfish point of view, the combination of youthful energy, the experience of the other singers, and Roderick's desire to research an eclectic programme, make this the most enjoyable live music for miles around.
Some music - anyone who wants to hear just how beautiful an instrument the human voice is should try to catch the Sixteen - who are singing in Chelmsford Cathedral this Saturday - a few tickets left I think! Here they are rehearsing - practice makes perfect!

Choral apprentice Leonie

I'll drink to that....

Memories of the Lobster Inn Sheringham

The Arts Centre doors will be open for  Beer and Cider

Oh yes folks, put the two things pictured together and what have we got? It's Colchester Real Ale and Cider Festival time at the Arts Centre, from today until Saturday 4th June. From midday until 11 each day, entry free before 3 p.m., and at all times for CAMRA members. And as a special treat....Annie's Fantasies clog-dancers will be performing outside the Arts Centre at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Cheers!

Annie's Fantasies are naturally drawn towards beer and cider