Friday, October 22, 2010

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Notice of cancellation

The away day to the Concorde Experience is no longer available as it is to be closed down this September.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

September update

Theatre Group
Julie Horsman 80862704 & Chris Farleigh 8086 2882


Forthcoming Theatre Visits
The Bacchae Nuffield Theatre Hampshire Youth Theatre
Thursday 9th September 7.30pm Tickets £7.00

Hampshire Youth Theatre, in their twelfth year, present a seductive retelling of Euripides’ searing and vibrant play that has endured through millennia.

THE BACCHAE explores the battle between the wild and the tame that rages in every human heart and lies at the core of every choice we make. By putting music, movement and poetry at its anarchic heart, this production reconnects with the elemental nature of a story that has captured imaginations both ancient and modern.

Henry IV Part two The Globe Theatre, London
Thursday 23rd September 2pm Tickets £29.+ Coach £13.00


Macbeth The Point Theatre Teatr Pies´n Kozła’s
7th October 7.30pm- Tickets £10.00

Shakespeare’s tragedy retold in a powerful new production the award-winning Polish company Teatr Pieśń Kozła (Song of theGoat Theatre).

Beginning its life during the RSC’s complete works season in Stratford upon Avon and created over two years, this ground-breaking production of Macbeth re-imagines Shakespeare’s tale of murder and madness through an intricately crafted combination of text, movement and polyphonic song.

Presented by an international ensemble of eight extraordinary performers, the production explores the musicality and muscularity of Shakespeare’s poetry and the colours and sounds of his extraordinary language. The story is there, the characters are there, but in witnessing the drama realized through a uniquely imaginative physical and vocal language we understand the story anew.

For The Record Hanger Farm Arts Centre Forest Forge Theatre
Thursday 14th October 7.30pm Tickets £7.50
A new play written especially for Forest Forge Theatre Company.

For The Record is a play about contrasting melodies, conflicting memories and our instinct to create a soundtrack for our lives. A witty and tender examination of relationships defined by music… and what happens when the needle gets stuck in the groove...

The Madness of George 111 Theatre Royal Winchester
Thursday 4th November 1.30pm Tickets £12.00

From the hand of national treasure Alan Bennett, author of The History Boys and Talking Heads, The Madness of George III is a brilliant exploration of duty and kingship, an epic play about the ties that bind us together as family, as a society and as a nation. Gripping drama, dangerous politics and irreverent comedy collide in a rollercoaster ride where the health of the nation is at the mercy of the mental health of one man.

Please note that there is a half hour pre-show discussion on the making of the show for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes processes involved in bringing it to the stage. All welcome.

The Missionary’s Position Nuffield Theatre
Saturday 13th November 7.30pm Tickets £10.00

THE MISSIONARY’S POSITION is the real life story of the Rector of Stiffkey - the original Dirty Vicar and great English eccentric of the 1930’s.

A vaudeville comic turned clergyman, it was Reverend Harold Davidson’s mission to save the countless young women working on the notorious Soho streets from a life of sin. So why was he up in court on 5 counts of immoral conduct? Flamboyant, music hall style with comic routines, saucy dances and heartwarming songs, telling the incredible true story of one of England’s great eccentrics!

Christmas Cracker Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Cadogan Hall
Tuesday December 21st 3pm Tickets £29.50, Coach £12.50 – total cost £42.00


Theatre of a different sort!
The Magic Circle Magic Circle Headquarters London
Tuesday 15th February 7.30pm Tickets and coach £44.00
Leaving Totton at 4.30pm and arriving back approximately 12.30am

The Magic Circle runs a regular evening of mystery and laughter as provided by some of the club's top magicians for members of the public. "Meet The Magic Circle" happens throughout the year and lasts for about 3 hours.

You are welcomed with either a glass of sherry or a soft drink before watching close-up magic. You will hear a short entertaining talk on the history of mystery, starting from 4,000 BC, but then bringing you right up to date with what's happening in the world of magic today. During the interval you will be served a round of Sandwiches and coffee whilst magicians perform their tricks in front of you. Then its take your seat in the theatre for the stage show

Those attending firstly see performances of close-up magic where miracles are brought about right under your nose, and sometimes even in your own hands. Most onlookers have difficulty in believing their eyes as to what they see. Our expert magicians achieve their results using immaculate sleight-of-hand.


Please contact Chris to book your seats email Christine.farleigh@ntlworld.com

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Great trip to the New London Theatre

Christine took a party of fifty to a show at New London Theatre. It was WAR HORSE. The story is based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo How can I begin to tell you about it. There are times, when words are not enough, To say BRILLANT, Magnificent, Splendid, Impressive, would be an understatement.
If you only see one show a year , I beg you to go and see this play. it is at times- dramatic- funny-sad.
There was not a dry eye in the packed house, in some scenes, many a quivering lower lip was below the stiff upper one.
There was A well deserved standing ovation at the end.
The show is due to run until February 2011.
THANK YOU Christine.
Brian

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum

Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum
We had been talking about it for so long and suddenly the day had arrived.

Nine of us set off on a beautiful sunny morning from Totton to meet up at Sudbury Hall – a National Trust Property in Ashborne. - a highly individual 17th-century house containing some fabulous interiors including the superb Great Staircase plus the National Trust Museum of Childhood where many toys that I had enjoyed in my childhood were on display (It did say there was a mixture of old & modern!). We all arrived safely. John being the fastest driver, had a pinic lunch and enjoyed the house, gardens & museum for a few hours then continued to The Premier Inn in Derby where we were staying for the 3 nights. After having driven almost 200 miles we decided to sample the food on site especially as there was a ‘two for a tenner offer’.



Friday dawned bright & sunny and we made an early (well early for me) start to the National Memorial Arboretum. A quick photo at the entrance then we all went our separate ways around the 150 acre immaculate grounds with tributes to all our armed services as well as many other organisations, charities and individuals – 431 in total and more being added all the time.

At the BLESMA Association (Service men who have lost limbs) there were rows of dwarf fruit trees enabling the service men to reach and pick the fruit.

The Trefoil Guild had created tunnels of shrubs for young people to enjoy - there was so much to see and most poignantly of all was the Armed Forces Memorial Walls with their thousands of names and still more being added almost every week. Why can’t we learn from the past and live in peace with one another? So many memorials and all teaching us a little more of our history. For those who just wanted to stroll and enjoy the peace there were woodland paths to enjoy and riverside walks with some very interesting birds on view. So pleased we came and would recommend it to everyone.

From the Arboretum we went on to Lichfield and a quick look at the Catherdral and the town.

The bonus of that short visit was seeing a coot and duck sitting on their newly hatched chicks by the side of the river. The Cathedral was excellent as well plus we saw the Lichfield Angel and the Chads Gospels. A full day – we returned to the Inn weary but content and then enjoyed some more ‘two for a tenner’ this time with cheese!!!

Crich Tramway Village was our destination for Saturday. Fortunately for us we managed to procure 2 more OAP’s at the entrance and with 11 people we got in for group rates – always a good way to start the day! A nostalgic day riding on a London tram and admiring the Southampton number 45 tram Swaythling to Bassett. Lots to look at and you could ride the trams all day long (shame there was only one route!).

For Ken & me it was a quick wash & change back at the inn then off to The Brewhouse Arts Centre at Burton on Trent for the finals of The All England One Act Theatre Festival. We were there to support Oasis Youth Theatre with their production of ‘One Million to STOP THE TRAFFIK’ and they won! – a great finish to a very enjoyable visit to Derby.

Sunday morning saw us all on the homeward journey stopping off at The Vine for Sunday lunch.

A good few days and we would definitely recommend a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum





Saturday, May 08, 2010

May update

Theatre Group

Julie Horsman 80862704 & Chris Farleigh 8086 2882

TORO TORO

It was well worth the visit to the Salberg Studio at the Salisbury Playhouse to see the superb production of Toro Toro by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Simon Reade. Virtually a one man show Gary Turner does a splendid job of capturing the drama and passion of the bullring and the Spanish Civil War. With very little set and a few basic props he transported us back to his childhood, to the bull ring and the destruction of war. A powerful and spell binding performance enjoyed by everyone- now we are all looking forward to War Horse – another Michael Morpurgo story.

Forthcoming Theatre Visits

Biggles & Co Sarah Siddons Fan Club Solent Sky Museum
Tues, Wed & Thurs 25th, 26th & 27th May 7.30pm Tickets £6 Seated, £5 promenade
Tel 023 8083 3333

The Essence of Love Hanger Farm Arts Centre
Thursday June 10th 7.30pm Tickets £7.00

The War Horse New London Theatre Drury Lane, London
Thursday June 17th 2.30pm Tickets £29.50, Coach £12.50 – total cost £42.00

The Servant of Two Masters Hamptworth Lodge Maskers Theatre
Sunday 18th July 3pm Tickets £8.00 OPEN AIR PERFORMANCE

Henry IV The Globe Theatre, London
Thursday 23rd September 2pm Tickets £29.+ Coach £13.00

Christmas Cracker Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Cadogan Hall
Tuesday December 21st 3pm Tickets £29.50, Coach £12.50 – total cost £42.00


Please contact Chris to book your seats email Christine.farleigh&ntlworld.com

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

April update

Theatre Group
Julie Horsman 80862704 & Chris Farleigh 8086 2882
Forthcoming Theatre Visits


13 members went to see Free Folk at Hanger Farm Arts Centre on the 30th March and everyone agreed it was a superb production by Forest Forge Theatre. Staged very simply they transported us into the scenes they create and into the lives of all the characters – a excellent evening of Theatre.


Harbour Lights ‘The Habit of Art’ a new play by Alan Bennett
National Theatre broadcast live via satellite to cinema screens around the world
Thursday April 22nd Tickets £10.00

Salisbury Playhouse Salberg Studio Toro! Toro!’ Tuesday 4th May 7.45pm Tickets £10.00
At that age I had no real idea why we kept them. They were just out there, grazing, part of the landscape of my life – And life seems simple enough when you’re five years old. Then, he came – and nothing was ever to be simple again”
Antonito lives an idyllic life on his parents’ bull farm in Spain. But the peace is shattered when he realises that his calf, Paco, is destined for the bullring. What can he do? He has a daring plan, but it will take enormous courage to see it through – because this is 1936, and the drums of war are echoing across the Spanish plains…
Michael Morpurgo’s books are enjoyed by children and adults alike. Several have been adapted for the stage, including Why the Whales Came and War Horse.


The War Horse New London Theatre Drury Lane, London
Thursday June 17th 2.30pm Tickets £29.50, Coach £12.50 – total cost £42.00


Henry IV The Globe Theatre, London
Thursday 23rd September 2pm Tickets £29.+ Coach £13.00

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

February update

Theatre Group
Julie Horsman 80862704 & Chris Farleigh 8086 2882
Forthcoming Theatre Visits


Salisbury Playhouse
Noel Coward’s Private Lives
Thursday 11th February 2.30pm £12.00 (travelling by mini bus)

Hanger Farm Arts Centre
‘Free Folk’ by Forest Forge Theatre
Friday 12th March 7.30pm
Tickets £9/£7.Cons
A play about living in a free country and never being able to do what you really want to…
A joyful and witty exploration of what it is to live in rural Britain today

Totton Festival of Drama
25th – 27th of March
Programme below
Thursday, 25 Mar 10
Hardley School Be My Baby by Amanda Whittingdon
Southampton University Players The Last Bread Pudding by Nick Warburton
Maskers Theatre Company Cage Birds by David Campton

Friday, 26 Mar 10
Chameleon Theatre Company September in the Rain (Act 2) by John Godber
Brockenhurst Youth Theatre Group The Restaurant by The Cast
Bench Theatre Company The Party Guest by Jacquie Penrose

Saturday, 27 Mar 10
Oasis Youth Theatre One Million to STOP THE TRAFFIK by Mark Wheeller
Maskers Theatre Company Her Tongue by Henry Arthur Jones
The Playmakers The Last Munro by Dave Watson

Harbour Lights ‘The Habit of Art’ a new play by Alan Bennett
National Theatre broadcast live via satellite to cinema screens around the world
Tickets £10.00

Salisbury Playhouse ‘Toro! Toro!’ Tuesday 4th May 7.45pm (travelling by mini bus) Tickets £14.00
At that age I had no real idea why we kept them. They were just out there, grazing, part of the landscape of my life – And life seems simple enough when you’re five years old. Then, he came – and nothing was ever to be simple again”
Antonito lives an idyllic life on his parents’ bull farm in Spain. But the peace is shattered when he realises that his calf, Paco, is destined for the bullring. What can he do? He has a daring plan, but it will take enormous courage to see it through – because this is 1936, and the drums of war are echoing across the Spanish plains…
Michael Morpurgo’s books are enjoyed by children and adults alike. Several have been adapted for the stage, including Why the Whales Came and War Horse.

Booking soon Macbeth at The Globe Theatre and The War Horse in London
Cost for each performance will be approx £45 which includes transport – let us know if you are interested. Chris email Christine.farleigh@ntlworld.com

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Chelsea Flower Show

Waterside U3A are running a trip to the Chelsea Flower Show for two days 26/27 May, including a visit to Chartwell, (The family home of Winston Churchill)

The trip includes Bed, Breakfast & evening meal at the Thistle Brands Hotel and the entrance to the Flower Show. The entrance to Chartwell is not included. Price £134.00

There are spaces for a small group or individuals to join them.

The contact for the Waterside U3A is Mrs Shirley Elmes Tel. 023 8086 4019.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

January 27th Update

Theatre Group

Julie Horsman 80862704 & Chris Farleigh 8086 2882

Forthcoming Theatre Visits



Salisbury Playhouse

Noel Coward’s Private Lives

Thursday 11th February 2.30pm £12.00 (travelling by mini bus)



Hanger Farm Arts Centre

‘Free Folk’ by Forest Forge Theatre

Friday 12th March 7.30pm

Tickets £9/£7.Cons

A play about living in a free country and never being able to do what you really want to…

A joyful and witty exploration of what it is to live in rural Britain today



Totton Festival of Drama

25th – 27th of March

Programme below

Thursday, 25 Mar 10

Hardley School Be My Baby by Amanda Whittingdon

Southampton University Players The Last Bread Pudding by Nick Warburton

Maskers Theatre Company Cage Birds by David Campton



Friday, 26 Mar 10

Chameleon Theatre Company September in the Rain (Act 2) by John Godber

Brockenhurst Youth Theatre Group The Restaurant by The Cast

Bench Theatre Company The Party Guest by Jacquie Penrose



Saturday, 27 Mar 10

Oasis Youth Theatre One Million to STOP THE TRAFFIK by Mark Wheeller

Maskers Theatre Company Her Tongue by Henry Arthur Jones

The Playmakers The Last Munro by Dave Watson

Salisbury Playhouse

Toro! Toro!

Tuesday 4th May 7.45pm (travelling by mini bus)

Tickets £14.00

At that age I had no real idea why we kept them. They were just out there, grazing, part of the landscape of my life – And life seems simple enough when you’re five years old. Then, he came – and nothing was ever to be simple again”

Antonito lives an idyllic life on his parents’ bull farm in Spain. But the peace is shattered when he realises that his calf, Paco, is destined for the bullring. What can he do? He has a daring plan, but it will take enormous courage to see it through – because this is 1936, and the drums of war are echoing across the Spanish plains…

Michael Morpurgo’s books are enjoyed by children and adults alike. Several have been adapted for the stage, including Why the Whales Came and War Horse.



Booking soon Macbeth at The Globe Theatre and The War Horse in London

Cost for each performance will be approx £45 which includes transport – let us know if you are interested. Chris email Christine.farleigh@ntlworld.com