It is now six months since the Didcot Film Club was started. The Club meets at Cornerstone in Didcot at 8 pm on a Wednesday evening (it does not clash with our wine club nights).

It shows the sort of films you won’t see in mainstream cinemas including Hollywood Classics, Foreign Language films and British Independent films.

Annual Membership costs £5 and is available from Cornerstone and Didcot Civic Hall. After that, film tickets cost £5 each and members can buy tickets for themselves and a guest (so no need for both of a couple to join). Tickets can be bought through the normal Cornerstone booking system in person or on line.

Forthcoming films: 27^th March Argo, 1^st May Untouchable and 22^nd May Rebel Without a Cause.

Mike Collins

On Sunday, 7 April, The Friends of the Ridgeway are holding an Open Day at the Court Hill Centre near Wantage. Why not take a walk on The Ridgeway, and enjoy one of Britain’s finest views. Visit nearby Segsbury Castle hillfort, and spot wildlife and spring flowers. Drop in to the Court Hill Centre any time between 10.30am and 3.30pm and find out more about the trail and how you can help to keep it special. Have a snack at the Barn Café.  Meet the volunteers who help to preserve the ancient track, and join in a discussion about the future of the National Trails.  With exhibitions of art inspired by the Ridgeway landscape and a birds of prey display, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

To get to the Court Hill Centre, take the A338 south from Wantage for 2 miles. Turn right into The Centre just before the crest of Court Hill.

We have been warned about a “phishing” scam, where recipients get an email saying they have been awarded a tax rebate by Post Office Ltd, from one of our savings accounts etc, they ask for your bank details in order to be paid back, please do not do this, if you have overpaid, you will receive a letter, I have also had these from allegedly my bank, HMRC, Nationwide & Nat West (who I don’t have accounts with!), please report to either your bank or internet provider!

Blewbury Garden Market producers are continuing bringing freshly baked bread & cakes on Saturday mornings, and there a few jars of preserves and some seeds during the week too.

Please note that all post needs to be in the office by 4.30pm for an afternoon collection, and 10am on a Wednesday or Saturday when we close at 12, please also note that we close at 5pm, bringing in post at 5 minutes before closing will not make you very popular!

Love from Karen & Angela

CORNERSTONE

25 Station Road, Didcot, OX11 7NE

Box Office: 01235 515144 Tickets online: www.cornerstone-arts.org

PERFORMANCE

Sat 2 Sink Or Swim: Comedy Theatre 7.30pm Ages 12+

The 18^th century bedlam houses are full and so the ‘ships of fools’ are born. An insanely comic tale of three men’s maddening struggles at sea.

Sun 3 James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids: Children’s Comedy Stand-Up 2pm Ages 6+

For children ages 6 and up, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. James recently taught Helen Skelton on Blue Peter how to do stand-up!

Thu 7 mapdance 2013: Dance 7.30pm Ages 11+

Dance theatre with intricate lyrical choreography and fast-paced athletics from mapdance. Firmly established as one of the most exciting companies of young, dynamic, dancers recruited nationally and internationally.

Fri 8 The Carrivick Sisters & Blair Dunlop Double Header: Folk Music 8pm

The 21 year-old twin Carrivick sisters’ bluegrass sound is enriched by English folk tunes. Blair Dunlop is the son of Ashley Hutchings and is hailed as the new Richard Thompson.

Sat 9 Barbara Nice: Housewife Superstar: Character Comedy 8pm Ages 16+

The comic creation of Janice Connolly who played Holy Mary in Peter Kay’s acclaimed Phoenix Nights. An international ‘fun smuggler’ and mother of five dealing in the naturally occurring comedic highs of daily life!

Thur 14 Orchestra of St John’s: Flute Quartet: Classical Music 11am, 2pm, 7.30pm

Classical music right here on your doorstep.

Sat 16 Beware of Young Girls: The Dory Previn Story: Musical Theatre 8pm

Told through Dory’s songs, with the wonderful jazz singer Kate Dimbleby accompanied by pianist Naadia Sheriff, this is a theatrical recreation of key elements in Previn’s life and a snap-shot of a vibrant time.

Sun 17 Blown Away: Children’s Theatre 11am & 2pm Ages 3+

Whisked up by a little girl who says she’s the wind, a young boy flies through the air, feeling so big with the world so small down below. Beautiful and engaging with live music, shadow puppetry and lots of movement.

Fri 22 Tom McConville Duo: Folk Music 8pm

BBC Folk Musician of the Year 2009, Tom plays fiddle and blends traditional sounds from his home town of Newcastle with Irish, American and Scottish influences. With David Newey on guitar the duo have a lively, melodic sound.

Sat 23 The Importance of Being Earnest: Theatre 7.30pm Ages 12+

Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece in which Jack is in love with Gwendolen and Algernon with Cecily, but, when an identity crisis spirals out of control, worlds collide. Delicious mayhem ensues with Lady Bracknell.

Sun 24 Sunday Afternoon Tiffin Concert: Berkeley Ensemble: Classical Music 2pm

The ensemble play clarinet, cello and piano and comprise John Slack, Gemma Wareham and Elizabeth Burgess. The group is formed from the Southbank Sinfonia and will play superb pieces by Beethoven, Hugh Wood and Brahms.

Sun 30 Josh Widdicombe: The Further Adventures Of…: Stand-Up Comedy 8pm Ages 16+

Josh’s 2011 solo show was highly acclaimed and he comes to Cornerstone with its follow-up. One of the hottest new comedy stars.

BAR GIG

Fri 15 Jess Morgan: Folk Music 8pm FREE

Jess returns to Cornerstone with songs from her new album ‘Aye Me’. Support from Mew, Wooster, Boon.

GALLERY

7 Mar Royal Microscopical Society: Seeing Is Believing

– 7 Apr An exhibition of stunning images from the Royal Microscopical Society’s biennial Micrograph Competition features light and electron micrographs. Check the website for information about workshops, talks and interactive opportunities.

ONE-OFF WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS

Sat 16 Life Drawing 10.30am-4.30pm

Spend a whole day exploring new techniques in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike. All materials are included in the price.

CORNERSTONE – SPRING SEASON – FEBRUARY 2013 LISTINGS

25 Station Road, Didcot, OX11 7NE

Box Office: 01235 515144 Tickets online: www.cornerstone-arts.org

PERFORMANCE

Fri 1 Shappi Khorsandi Comedy: Stand Up 8pm

In her youth Shappi dreamed impossibly romantic dreams. She still does. Sharp, playful and funny. Expect strong language.

Sat 2 Romeo & Juliet Family Theatre 6pm

Bold storytelling, imaginative staging, music and the power and beauty of the adapted original text. High calibre theatre from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Fri 8 London Community Gospel Choir Music: Gospel 8pm

Touring their new album ‘Glorious’, recorded at the Abbey Road Studios, the Choir bring a mix of gospel, soul, R’n’B and swingbeat.

Sat 9 Silly Songs Of Shakespeare Music: Comedy 7pm

Instructive and fun for the whole family to enjoy, Fearg and the Sonnettes serenade with ‘synopsongs’ of Will’s most famous works.

Sun 10 Cushion Concert: The Koto Music: Children 11am

The Koto is the national instrument of Japan. Come and see how it’s played, and bring your cushions!

Sat 16 Four New Poofs and a Piano Comedy: Music 8pm

A new line-up of this irreverent four piece vocal group includes the legendary Bobby Crush at the piano. High octane and camp this show features audience participation and adult humour.

Sun 17 Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Theatre: Children 2pm

Biff is a dog who likes moonlight, music and walking on his tiptoes. Biff thinks he’s a ballerina.

Thu 21 Orchestra of St John String Quartet Music: Classical 11am, 2pm, 7.30pm

Exquisite music from top-class professional musicians

Sat 23 Owen O’Neill: Struck By Lightning Comedy: Theatre 8pm

Owen is a star of several hit Edinburgh Fringe productions and is probably the finest comedy storyteller working today.

Sun 24 Tiffin Concert: Viola and Percussion Music: Classical 2pm

American violinist Stephen Upshaw is a noted interpreter of contemporary classical music. Callie Hough, on percussion, has performed with countless orchestras and won Outstanding Soloist at the National Youth Jazz Championships.

Wed 27 Didcot Film Club 8pm

BAR GIG

Fri 22 Phil McMinn 8pm (FREE)

Soaring vocals, tortured lyrics and beautiful melodies. With support from Duchess.

GALLERY

Thurs 7 Feb- Miranda Creswell: The Didcot Dog Mile

Sunday 3 Mar Miranda made a detailed landscape drawing on a path overlooking an excavation by Oxford Archaeologists in summer 2012. The result is a collaborative exhibition of Miranda’s sketches, archaeological working drawings, historical photographs and artwork by local artists.

REGULAR CLASSES & WORKSHOPS STARTING IN FEBRUARY 2013

(Half term break for all classes from 11 – 17 February)

Tues 19 Feb Youth Theatre

6-10 years 4.30-5.30pm

11-15 years 5.45-7.15pm

Street Dance Adults 15+ 6-7pm

Book Group Adult monthly 7-8.30pm

West End Dance Adult 7.15-8.15pm

Creative Writing Adult 7.30-9pm

Tap – Beginners/Improvers Adult 8.30-9.30pm

Cabaret Dance Adult, ladies only 8.30-9.30pm

Weds 20 Feb Mature Movement Adults 50+ 11.30am-12.30pm

Baby Boogie Parent & tot 0-18 months 1-1.30pm

Parent & Toddler Ballet

18-30 months 1.45-2.15pm

2-3 years 2.30-3pm

Ballet

3-4 years 3.15-3.45pm

4-6 years 4-4.45pm

Youth Hip Hop 7-11 years 5-5.45pm

Contemporary Dance Adult 6-7.15pm

Ballet – Beginners Adult 7.30-8.30pm

Privately run class: Pilates Matwork – All Levels 6-7pm

Privately run class: Daisy Birthing Classes – For A Relaxed Active Birth

7.30-8.45pm

Thurs 21 Feb Parent & Toddler Ballet 18 months – 3 years 11.45am-12.15pm

Ballet – New Starters 3-4 years 1.15-1.45pm

Ballet

3-4 years 3.15-3.45pm

4-6 years 4-4.45pm

6-9 years 6-6.45pm

Youth Dance 4-6 years 5-5.45pm

Yoga Adult 7-8.15pm

Privately run class: Camino Del Flamenco – Spanish Flamenco dance classes for children and adults. Various from 4pm

Fri 22 Feb Ballroom

Intermediate Adult 7.30-8.30pm

Beginners Adult 8.30-9.30pm

N.B. Some evenings include an extra hour for social dancing (both levels) – check with the tutor!

Privately run class: Music & Movement for under 5s 10-11am

Every Friday during term time

Privately run class: Phoenix Tae Kwon Do (every Friday)

4-6 years 6.30-7pm

6+ years 7-8pm

Sat 23 Feb Street Dance (10 week course)

8-10 years 10-10.45am

11-12 years 11am-12noon

12-14 years 12.15-1.15pm

Sundays Privately run class: Phoenix Flutes

2^nd Sunday of every month 2-4pm

Privately run class: Crescendo Mixed A Cappella Singers

Sundays during term time from Sunday 6 January 2-4pm

ONE OFF WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS

Sat 23 Feb Sing Into Spring 10.30am-1.30pm

An uplifting day of harmony singing lead by Janet Stansfield of ‘Joined Up Singing’. Raise your energy and warm your heart by joining with others to learn songs from a variety of traditions. All material will be taught by ear – no music reading skills required. All abilities welcome.

HALF TERM FUN

Tues 12 – Animal Nonsense! 10am-4pm FREE DROP-IN ACTIVITY

Fri 15 Show us your maddest ideas of animals doing silly things using sculpture and drawings. All ages.

Tues 12 Feb Clay Sculpture Ages 5-10 years 1.30-3.30pm

Adult goes free when accompanied by a child.

Thurs 14 Feb Make A Mask

Learn to create a mask with different materials and methods, and let your imagination run loose.

Fri 15 Feb Mask Theatre 7-11 years 10.30am-3pm

Use a mask to develop your own unique characters, and find fun and entertaining ways to tell their stories in a brand new play, performed for parents and friends. A range of masks and props will be provided and you can bring your own mask from the ‘Make A Mask’ workshop.

Featuring the magical comedy of Tracie Hughes and the outstanding vocals of Jennifer Bentley, Spellbound is a fabulous mix of comedy, illusion and song.

For over 25 years – ever since his successful appearance on television’s Opportunity Knocks as an 18 year old – Tracie has been entertaining and mesmerising audiences at home and abroad. His breathtaking illusions and wonderfully timed comic delivery have made him one of the most sought after stage magicians of his generation.

The beautiful Jennifer Bentley is a perfect foil, partner and accomplice to Tracie. She has been gracing the stage since she was 8 years old and considers her appearance at The Albert Hall alongside Sir Cliff Richard as a high point.

This two act show is perfect family entertainment. Ideal for lifting the gloom from the economic situation gripping the country.

Corn Exchange Wallingford

Saturday 16^th March 2013 at 7.45pm

Box office 01491 825000

The first meeting of the Didcot & District University of the Third Age held on 15^th January was a tremendous success with over 150 people attending. 115 people joined and wanted to take part in at least 30 interest groups.

Didcot & District U3A meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 2pm at Didcot Civic Hall. Visitors are welcome to come to one meeting as a taster before joining.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 19 February at 2pm at Didcot Civic Hall and its topic will be May Day to Mummers: Oxfordshire Seasonal Customs.

Didcot & District U3A is a democratic, self-funded and self-managed organisation which exists to provide educational and leisure activities at minimal cost. It draws upon the knowledge, experience, skills and enthusiasms of its members to organise interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership.

U3A is a dynamic, outward looking organisation which has a positive and creative approach to life after full-time work. It is unique because everything is done by its members. The U3A in the UK was founded in 1982. There are currently more than 870 U3As with over 295,000 individual members and growing daily.

One in four of the population is in the third age! The first age refers to childhood and dependence, the second age to full-time employment and parental responsibilities and the third age is that which follows where one is retired or partially retired. Didcot & District U3A believes that the third age should be one of creativity, fulfilment and friendship.

Anyone in the third age can join Didcot & District U3A and this includes people who are working part time. No qualifications are required, and none are given. There is no lower or upper age limit for membership. Its national representative body is the Third Age Trust (Registered Charity No 288007).

For further information contact:

Anne Hales, Chairperson D&D U3A on 07804 159993

Email: didcotdistrictu3a@virgin media.com

The 2013 summer production, with performances on 24-27th July, will be a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations being written for the Blewbury Players by the well-known children’s author Julia Golding and directed by Laura Baggaley, who directed The Winter’s Tale for us in 2007 and Twelfth Night in 2009.

This will be a great opportunity for anyone, of any age, experienced or not, to be involved in a splendid large cast play, with roles big and (very!) small.

Anyone who would like to act in Great Expectations is invited to a workshop, to be run by Laura in the Methodist Church, Blewbury, from 10 -12 on Sunday 3rd March, followed by auditions from 1pm onwards. People who are only interested in a small walk-on part, with very few or even no lines, will only need to come to the workshop, others please phone Peter Saunders (850245) to book an audition or for further information about the production and what is likely to be involved. We can arrange further auditions, if needed, for anyone away on 3 March.

Do look at the Blewbury Players website for information about past productions.

1^st February – ‘Writing Music for Film – an evening in conversation with Richard Blackford.

This event is for the Friends of Blewbury Players. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Friend of the Players please visit our website or contact Tracy Silverthorne on 851649.

Royal Mail has announced new restrictions for International mail, basically anything that could pose a danger to Aircraft or people, so no aerosols, alcohol, batteries (unless Lithium ones already installed in an item and packed securely, and no more than 2), corrosives, electronic devices, flammable liquids (which include perfume and nail varnish) and a whole lot more! If you are sending something abroad, you will be asked what is in your parcel! Leaflets are available in the Post Office, or go to www.royalmail.com/restrictedgoods for the complete guide.

Blewbury Garden Market producers are continuing bringing freshly baked bread & cakes on Saturday mornings, and there a few jars of preserves during the week too.

Karen and Angela