Our Country's Good
Half a Sixpence

Related events

Sunday 14th March 2010
Thornbury Arts Festival Eisteddfod
12th-22nd March
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury_a...
Thornbury Castle Band
12-3pm, Wyevale Garden Centre, Milbury Heath, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 8QH

Manager Paul Hodges said: “We are delighted that the Thornbury Castle Band will be joining us at the garden centre. We hope the band makes Mother’s Day extra special for mums.”

Thornbury Castle Band is a brass band, which was first established in 1980 when it formed as the Thornbury Junior Band. In 1990 it changed its name to Thornbury Castle Band allowing children and adults to join.

The band has 25 members and plays a wide range of music including pop songs, classic brass band numbers and film music.

For more information, please call Wyevale Thornbury Garden Centre on 01454 412 247.
www.thornburygardencentre.co.uk


Tuesday 16th March 2010
Boot Camp Summer School Open Days for Auditions
Tues 16th and Weds 17th March, and Tues 20th and Weds 21st April – booking required, ngm Academy, Caedmon Complex, Thornbury

Who is it for? Singers, dancers, DJs, musicians, presenters/communicators and engineers

What is it? Performance development, studio recording, biblical studies, understanding culture, live performances, mission opportunities to the poor plus much more!

How long is it for? One year, beginning in October 2010

Who are the tutors? Artists and producers including ngm’s dance crew, Luv Esther cast and DJ Studious. Also masterclasses from Sacred, Wigwam, Andy Hunter, David Reidy (Hillsong) and other music industry artists.

Where is it? ngm’s Caedmon Complex. A £3 million state of the art centre including 2 recording studios, dance studio, performance venue, sound proofed rehearsal rooms and more, all set in amazing grounds.

For more details and an application pack: 01454 414880 or email below.
Email:


Saturday 20th March 2010
Rockhampton Village Hall presents RO:TORO from Estonia, promoted by Razzle
7.30pm, Rockhampton Village Hall

RO:TORO play traditional bagpipes, played in Estonia since the 14th Century, that blend with contemporary jazz saxophone and percussion on bowls and basins(!) to create a unique fusion of ancient and modern. Presented with style and wit, wild, earthy and great fun. The only place in S.Glos they can be seen.

Concert with supper. Tickets £10 from Roger Watkins on 01454 260530.
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Sunday 28th March 2010
Get Singing!
2–3.30pm, Alveston Methodist Hall

Community Singing Workshop for all from 8 to 80+ years. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. All abilities welcome – relaxed atmosphere - No music to read.

£3 (£1.50 concessions), no need to book. FFI contact Philippa on 01454 852705 or by email.
www.getsinging.co.uk
Email:


Wednesday 31st March 2010
Half A Sixpence
Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 3 April, with evening performances at 7.30 pm [Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday], plus an afternoon performance only on Good Friday at 3pm, Armstrong Hall, Thornbury

Set in the same era as last year's successful version of Fiddler on the Roof, yet demonstrating such a different picture of life on the other side of the world, more than 50 young people, who together make up the Northavon Youth Theatre Company, are proud to display their versatility by staging a brand new version of an old favourite: Half A Sixpence, this Easter.

This is the musical that gave star status to a young Tommy Steele, in the rôle of Arthur Kipps, both on stage and screen and NYTC is delighted to be one of the first groups in the country to bring this exciting revival to audiences.

Seats will once again be at a premium for this celebrated group, which is now in its 34th year of bringing high quality youth productions to Thornbury, and has an impressive list of theatrical awards, plus more than 40 successful productions to its credit.

Half A Sixpence is based on the novel Kipps by HG Wells and tells the story of a young man who meets eccentric actor Harry Chitterlow and suddenly finds himself unexpectedly rich. He is consequently transported from a poor existence and a seemingly everlasting draper's apprenticeship, 'All In The Cause of Economy', to becoming 'A Proper Gentleman'. Arthur has three soul mates and close friends in Sid, Pearce and Buggins, plus their female counterparts: Kate, Victoria and Flo and a childhood sweetheart named Ann, but they are all quickly forgotten when he befriends the Walsingham family, especially the beautiful Helen, although he sings that 'She's Too Far Above Me'. He wins her over, however, and in spite of exchanging a lover's token with Ann ('Half A Sixpence') plans to marry Helen! He comes to his senses and realises Ann is the girl for him and they enjoy a blissful wedding ~ 'Flash, Bang, Wallop! with their friends, but then Artie's big plans cause a rift when Ann tells us: 'I Know What I Am'.

To find out whether money does bring happiness to this young man, or if he learns a different lesson, join NYTC for a musical comedy that will appeal to all ages, with an eleven-piece orchestra bringing nearly 30 numbers to life, including some great song and dance classics! With special party rates and Family Tickets available on Good Friday, demand for seats will be high, so to avoid disappointment, either ring: 01454 613172, call into our Box Office at Wildings, Thornbury High Street from 15 March, or post your booking to: NYTC, c/o Jarvis Woodhouse Events Ltd, 19 High Street, Thornbury, South Glos BS35 2AE.
www.nytc.org.uk


Monday 5th April 2010
Open Mic Night
8.30pm, The White Hart, Olveston

Open Mic nights for folk and blues continue at the White Hart in Olveston on the first Monday of every month. New players are given a warm welcome. Come and listen to some first class players.


Saturday 10th April 2010
Thornbury Country Music Club
8pm, Armstrong Hall, Thornbury

A good crowd attended the first show of the year. As the previous month evening had to be cancelled due to the bad weather. Good news is the duo Spur will now make an appearance at our Christmas show instead in December. We welcomed many new faces to the club and hope to see you all again very soon.

Our act for February was the local duo McCoy Country (Mike & Tim), they have a lot of followers in the surrounding areas. Mike on the vocals sang the old & new classics such as Cattle Call, Okie from Muskogee, Crazy Little Thing Called Love. With the song Auctioneer Mike rattles of all of the bids, as if you were in an auction sale room.

Tim showed his talent with his guitar instrumentals tunes on the guitar, playing the tunes such as Apache. Even the crowd had chance to sing along too, joining in the tunes like can’t help falling in love by Elvis, and them to howl along to the turn of Ghost riders in the sky. To end the night we ended with favourites songs of the club, ‘Where are we going to live when we get home’ and Happy Trails. Dance floor was kept full for most of the evening.

If you have not been to this club, it is worth a visit. A friendly atmosphere will await you.

Come along and join us for our next evening on Saturday 10th April when we will have three artists on one evening. We will have Steve Chase and Middy & Dean Austin all from the north and midland area of the country. It will be one evening’s entertainment not to be missed. An evening of pure Country Music to enjoy.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/a...


Saturday 17th April 2010
Thornbury's Got Talent 2010; The Auditions
Saturday April 17th and Sunday April 18th, 10.15am-5pm, Christ The King Club, Castle Street, Thornbury

The Prize is £250 and a place to show off the talent at The Christmas Light Switch On.

To apply click below to visit our website, follow the links and post the form back to J&N’s. We will then contact you by Email or Text Message to confirm your audition time and date.

Please ensure you bring with you any music you may require. We can supply karaoke versions of songs. Please check that we have the song you require before your audition. If you are planning to wear an outfit during your audition the only place to change is in the toilets. Please don’t wear anything that will cause problems with your act. Health and safety is important for everyone during the day. If you are under 16 please bring an adult with you.

We welcome your friends and family to support your audition in the main hall. If your friends and family wish to watch your act, all we ask is that they make a donation per person towards our Charity “The Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal”. We will also be holding a Raffle during the weekend.

You will need to bring with you a packed lunch - you may be in the holding room for some time depending on the numbers of acts, soft drinks and small snacks are available from the Club Bar during the day.
www.jngroup.biz


Tuesday 20th April 2010
Boot Camp Summer School Open Days for Auditions
Tues 20th and Weds 21st April – booking required, ngm Academy, Caedmon Complex, Thornbury

Who is it for? Singers, dancers, DJs, musicians, presenters/communicators and engineers

What is it? Performance development, studio recording, biblical studies, understanding culture, live performances, mission opportunities to the poor plus much more!

How long is it for? One year, beginning in October 2010

Who are the tutors? Artists and producers including ngm’s dance crew, Luv Esther cast and DJ Studious. Also masterclasses from Sacred, Wigwam, Andy Hunter, David Reidy (Hillsong) and other music industry artists.

Where is it? ngm’s Caedmon Complex. A £3 million state of the art centre including 2 recording studios, dance studio, performance venue, sound proofed rehearsal rooms and more, all set in amazing grounds.

For more details and an application pack: 01454 414880 or email below.
Email:


Wednesday 21st April 2010
Thornbury Arts Festival Eisteddfod Concert
www.thornburyartsfestival.com

Thursday 22nd April 2010
Thornbury Theatregoers: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Colston Hall, Bristol, leaving from outside Gillingstool School, Thornbury

What with Mendelssohn’s atmospheric seascape and Bruch’s meditation on popular folk melodies, the first half of the programme offers a double Scotch! And more “Northern Lights” illuminate the second half as Sibelius’ majestic fifth symphony fills the air– a breathtaking voyage that culminates in a resplendent brass driven finale.
www.thornburytheatregoers.org.uk
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Friday 23rd April 2010
Thornbury Arts Festival 2010
Various events - see the calendar for more details
www.thornburyartsfestival.com

Saturday 24th April 2010
The Ian McMillan Orchestra
8pm, Armstrong Hall
Reserved seating, Tickets £12

Words and music complementing each other in a scintillating night of stories, poems, music, comedy and improvisation. Presented in association with UK Touring agency.
www.thornburyartsfestival.com


Sunday 25th April 2010
Get Singing!
2–3.30pm, Alveston Methodist Hall

Community Singing Workshop for all from 8 to 80+ years. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. All abilities welcome – relaxed atmosphere - No music to read.

£3 (£1.50 concessions), no need to book. FFI contact Philippa on 01454 852705 or by email.
www.getsinging.co.uk
Email:

An Afternoon of Music with The Thornbury Orchestra
3pm, Armstrong Hall
Tickets £8.00 (concessions £6)

Conductor Christopher Hill, Leader Janet Lewis. A welcome return to the Festival for the local group of orchestral musicians playing a varied programme featuring soloist Rosemary Stoner playing Edward Lalo's Cello Concerto.
www.thornburyartsfestival.com


Wednesday 28th April 2010
"Musica Mundi" - Clare Griffel, Heather Gibbard and David Griffel
1pm, Cossham Hall
Tickets £5

The Baroque Chamber Music group playing music from the Sixteenth to the Eightenth Centuries.
www.thornburyartsfestival.com

Acoustic Jazz and Vocalist
8pm, Mezze at the Royal George
Free entry

Come along and listen to some cool jazz at the Mezze.
www.thornburyartsfestival.com


Thursday 29th April 2010
Folk Music Jam session
8pm, The Anchor, Gloucester Road, Morton
Free entry

Come along, listen and join in at The Anchor.
www.thornburyartsfestival.com


Saturday 1st May 2010
""Claire Martin and her Musicians" with Laurence Cottle (Bass), Chris Dagley (Drums) Gareth Williams (Piano)
8pm, Armstrong Hall
Reserved seating, Tickets £18

Returning to Thornbury following her 2006 appearance with Girl Talk, Claire has been voted the Best Vocalist in the British Jazz Awards for the sixth time. A quality evening of cool jazz is guaranteed. Presented in association with The John Boddy Agency.
www.thornburyartsfestival.com


Monday 3rd May 2010
Open Mic Night
8.30pm, The White Hart, Olveston

Open Mic nights for folk and blues continue at the White Hart in Olveston on the first Monday of every month. New players are given a warm welcome. Come and listen to some first class players.


Saturday 8th May 2010
Bristol Pituitary Support Group present: An evening with The Dursley Male Voice Choirg
7.30pm, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall

With soloist Madeline Crosbee. Tickets, priced £10, are available from Jenny West on 01453 843497 or Mike James 07817 406774.


Thursday 13th May 2010
The Harald Haugaard Quartet (violin, guitar and percussion)
St George's Church, Falfield

TICKETS FOR THE HARALD HAUGAARD CONCERT ARE NOW AVAILABLE: Adults £8, Children £6, Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children: £25)

Contact Kay Rea on 01454 260364 or email below for further details.

This event is being staged in association with “Razzle”.

2010 marks the 150th anniversary of St George’s Church in Falfield. Please come and help us celebrate this landmark occasion by joining in with our special events during the year.
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Sunday 23rd May 2010
Get Singing!
2–3.30pm, Alveston Methodist Hall

Community Singing Workshop for all from 8 to 80+ years. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. All abilities welcome – relaxed atmosphere - No music to read.

£3 (£1.50 concessions), no need to book. FFI contact Philippa on 01454 852705 or by email.
www.getsinging.co.uk
Email:

Music

We'd like to list all of Thornbury's live music events in this section; if you know of a forthcoming event, or especially if you're in a band and are planning a local gig, please contact us and let us know about it.



Fascinating Rhythm
Fascinating Rhythm is one of the UK's top female close harmony singing groups. We love to sing together and entertain audiences in all kinds of venues including concerts, social evenings, charity events, competitions and festivals. Singing unaccompanied in 4 part harmony, we perform a wide range of songs such as Come Fly With Me, Sweet Dreams, One Moment In Time, One Fine Day, Raining Men and I Have Dreamed.
We rehearse every Thursday from 7.30pm - 10pm at King George Memorial Hall, Rangeworthy.
Click below if you would like further information about joining us or hiring us for your event.
www.fascinating-rhythm.co.uk
Email:

Get Singing Community Choir
Alveston Methodist Church Hall, Greenhill, Alveston BS35 3QY
01454 852705

Inspire Arts Trust
The Inspire Arts Trust is a national charity that aims to reach children and young people through music, inspiring them to realise their potential, be creative and live their dream.
Based at NGM’s purpose-built £3 million arts complex on Bristol Road, we offer fun and accessible arts activities including Popschool and Pop Academy for budding young performers, The Tweak DJ School, and Rockschool musician workshops.
We also work with disadvantaged young people to bring about positive change in their lives through music through one-to-one mentoring and pupil referral, arts workshops in schools, work with youth groups, Social Services, and in young offenders institutions.

Caedmon Complex, Bristol Road, BS35 3JA
Tel: 01454 414880

www.inspiretrust.org.uk
Email:

Judy's Music
Although her illness and disability makes regular live work difficult, Thornbury's Judy Cockwell has extensive experience as a recording musician and songwriter. Writing, playing and recording her own and other peoples material, she delights in blending traditional and innovative sounds. For more information, please visit her website.
www.judysmusic.co.uk

Music in the Church at Aust
We promote music you won't hear anywhere else around here - early music, mostly mediaeval, traditional music from throughout Europe and beyond, and the occasional contemporary surprise. Regular concerts, workshops and other events.
For more information call Peter on 01454 632306.
www.aust.music.btinternet.co.uk
Email:

Music lessons
01454 414711

OCTAVES
THE OCTAVES is a singing group for girls and boys aged 7 to 11, open to children from all schools and churches.
They are available to sing at functions in and around Thornbury. OCTAVES stands for Our Children in Thornbury Are Very Enthusiastic Singers!
If that sounds like you or a child you know, come and join us at St Mary’s Church. Further information from 01454 411253 or by email below.
Email:

Phil Hobbis
Phil Hobbis is a Thornbury based professional singer providing music and entertainment for weddings, corporate and special occasions. His repertoire is wide and varied including swing, soul and motown, from Roy Orbison to Robbie Williams.

Drawing on over 20 years' experience Phil will ensure that the entertainment is exactly what you require through a tailor-made programme including live sets, background music and disco dance.

For more information view his website which includes playlist, audio and video clips or you may request a free CD without obligation.

01454 411450 or 07973 488863

www.philhobbis.co.uk
Email:

Razzle
Razzle is the Rural & Community Arts Touring Scheme for South Gloucestershire. It aims to provide a choice of high quality arts events for people in communities within South Gloucestershire. These include performances by professional companies, workshops and films, usually held in village halls, schools, community centres and even cricket pavilions.

If you would like to know more about the work we do or are interested in putting on shows in your local community, please ring Janine McCretton on 0117 944 5207 or email below.

Tickets are sold locally for each event by the village or community promoter. Tickets can also be reserved by emailing name of show, venue and date to the address below, along with your name, contact details and number of tickets required. They will be available for payment and collection before the show at the venue.

If you would like to receive our programme by email or post, please send your contact details to the email address below.

Email:

Sharpness & District Silver Band
The Band meets in Slimbridge once a week. We also have a Learner band who work each year towards one or two main concerts. We are a non-competing band and our members play purely for pleasure. Some of the players do perform with other competing bands in the area.
www.sharpnessband.org
Email:

Thornbury Arts Festival
A series of lunchtime and evening arts events for all ages to enjoy in Thornbury.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury_a...

Thornbury Castle Band
We are a well established brass band, playing a wide range of music at a variety of events throughout the year. The band is enthusiastically supported and has around 25 members, the age range is (approx.) 12 to 65. We raise money for charities, including several Churches and a local music group. In 2010 we plan to compete in 4th section contests and undertake many more concerts. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays 7-9pm at the Sea Cadet Centre, Thornbury. Please contact Geraint Barnes (Conductor) on 0780 0728326 or Colette Hall (Secretary) via e-mail below for more details.
www.thornburycastleband.webs.com
Email:

Thornbury Choral Society
Thornbury Choral Society's main concerts, usually with full orchestra, are held in May and November. Performances have included works by composers as varied as Bach, Elgar, Orff, Mozart, Tippett and Verdi.
Competent singers - particularly tenors - are always welcome to join the Society and the usual membership is between 100 and 120. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at the Thornbury United Reformed Church between September and May.
The venue for the Thornbury Choral Society concerts and workshop is the Castle School, Thornbury.
If you would like to try us out at a couple of rehearsals or would like more information please ring either the Chairman, Su Joyce on 01454-260542 or the Secretary Jos Gregson on 01454-613150. There are no auditions required.
www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk/
Email:

Thornbury Community Choir
01453 845193

Thornbury Country Music Club
We meet once a month to appreciate entertainment by British Country Music Artists, either as a listener or dancer (couples/line dancing/or just freestyle). We guarantee a good night out with a friendly atmosphere. Come dressed or casual. There is a large dance floor with a bar, raffle and food for sale. All shows start at 8pm, admission £5.50. For more information, contact Nancy on 01454 632135 or by email.
Email:

Thornbury Musical Theatre Group
We are an amateur group which performs a pantomine, concert and a main show every year at Thornbury's Armstrong Hall. We are a dedicated, close knit group and also organise regular social activities. New members are always welcome, as well as backstage crew.
All enquiries 01454 853947 or look at our website.
www.tmtg.org.uk
Email:

Thornbury Orchestra
Founded in 2002, the orchestra has grown rapidly and now performs large symphonic works. While aiming for high standards, we remain a fun, friendly and enthusiastic group. Players need to be of a good standard and wishing to improve. Recent works played by the orchestra include Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and excerpts from Holst’s The Planets.
Rehearsals are at 19:45 on alternate Wednesdays at the United Reform Church, Thornbury, plus some sectional rehearsals on the other Wednesdays.
The orchestra welcomes membership and booking enquiries. Please visit our website for contact details.
www.thornburyorchestra.org.uk
Email:

Thornbury Swing Band
Thanks to MyThornbury.co.uk the band has now got a rhythm guitarist. We had a very successful sell-out Christmas Concert/dance and raised a good sum for our chosen charity - Hammer Out.
We have vacancies for a baritone saxophone, trumpet and trombone players. We would also love to have an occasional musical director to ensure the band plays to the highest standard.
The band has a number of bookings this year starting with a 1940s ball in March and terminating with our Christmas dance in the Armstrong Hall.
If you would like to join us please phone Richard Gulliver on 01454 416979. We are a friendly bunch and you will be made welcome. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings in our dedicated music studio.
www.thornburyswingband.pwp.blueyo...
Email:

Thornbury Theatregoers
Thornbury Theatregoers helps you enjoy the theatre without the worry of driving or parking at night. We organise around ten coach trips a year to see plays, classical concerts, ballets and light operas.
We book accessible seats and regularly visit Theatre Royal Bath, Everyman at Cheltenham, Bristol Old Vic, Hippodrome and Colston Hall.
If you are interested in joining, please visit our website or email for more information.
www.thornburytheatregoers.org.uk
Email:


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