BatcombeLive Mini Festival 8th – 11th May
Over this long weekend in May, BatcombeLive, has arranged four evening events. Their varied nature is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests.
To start with we have The Royal British Legion & Rifles - Annual Batcombe Lecture.
This year we are pleased to have Peter Snow CBE, the ever ebullient TV journalist, broadcaster and historian. He will be telling us what happened "When Britain burned the White House". Exactly two centuries ago Britain, now the US's closest friend, set Washington ablaze. The British Army had defeated the Americans outside Washington, leaving the President and his wife just enough time to pack their bags and jump into an awaiting carriage! So hasty was their departure that dinner was left on the table for the enjoyment of the British officers! President GW Bush said "9/11 was the first time the heart of the US has been struck a blow by an invader". Well this is not exactly true. Come and hear the full story.
Proceeds from the evening will be divided between the Batcombe Branch of the Royal British Legion and Care for Casualties, the Rifles Charity.
Next on the list is Adam's Apple. This is a local jazz quintet with enormous international experience. The five are:
- Adam Biggs who plays piano, leads the group. He is a music graduate of Adelaide University, majoring in jazz, he is also an accomplished organist advising the Diocese on Music Planning!
- Ben Groenevelt plays double bass and is a jazz and classical soloist in the West End, Europe and the US. He also teaches music at Clifton College.
- Rob Brian on percussion has played literally all over the world. He has appeared with Jools Holland and even Jonathan Ross! In the UK and Europe he specialises in music clinics.
- Finally there are the two regular guest musicians Mike Daniels (trumpet) and Simon Marsh (saxophone).
The style of jazz they will play is very different in that they interpret well known hymn tunes in a jazz idiom.
"Reflective, stimulating and exciting" - Sunday Times
Proceeds to Batcombe church.
On Saturday we have The Spring Lecture of the Friends of Batcombe.
The financial support from the Friends of Batcombe enables the maintenance and improvement of the Church fabric to continue. Recently they have funded the new lighting system in the Church which is being used for the first time for these events. The Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary in Batcombe is an outstanding example of ecclesiastical architecture that has evolved over hundreds of years.
The speaker for this evening is Jerry Sampson, a "Buildings Archaeologist" giving a talk on 'Masons' Marks, Daisy Wheels and Frowned Upon Ball Games in and around Batcombe Church!' Jerry has specialist knowledge of Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Abbey and just about every ancient church in Somerset! An excellent opportunity for everyone to gain an insight into our religious buildings!
To finish the Festival Weekend we have from St Petersburg The Hermitage Ensemble.
This special concert will give an intimate performance of spine-tingling music from the Orthodox and Folk traditions of Russia. The singers are selected from leading performers in St Petersburg's Opera Houses, Musical Theatres and Churches. Each one has an extensive repertoire of not only Russian but also Western European composers. The Ensemble first came to England in 1998 and since then they have toured the US, Canada, South Africa and Europe. This should finish off the weekend in great style!
Proceeds to Batcombe Church.
All the information you need regarding tickets, timing and locations can be found on our poster.
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