Shakespeare's Stratford

Shakespeare's Birthplace Celebrates 25,000,000 Visitors

2010-03-02T14:08:00.006Z

Since William Shakespeare’s birthplace became a national memorial to our local lad back in 1847, huge numbers of people have visited his first home, which recently welcomed its twenty-five millionth visitor!

Now owned and cared for by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the house has been seen by interested parties from all over the world and from all walks of life. Back in the 1800s fellow writers such as Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy were among those wanting to see where it all began for the Bard.

An unsuspecting visitor from Sligo, Ireland had no idea what awaited her as she queued with her family for a ticket to the attraction. Alison Smith, the lucky recipient of the twenty-five millionth entry ticket, was treated to a warm welcome with her family by staff from the Trust. The family were given a very special visit, including a Lifetime Friend’s membership giving them free access to all the Shakespeare properties in the town, as well as a special performance from the Shakespeare Aloud acting company, gifts and flowers galore and to top it all off, a First Folio collectable facsimile.

The Shakespeare properties still hold as much interest for the public as ever and his popularity continues to soar across the globe (no pun intended!). The rebuilding of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre has drawn renewed attention to the town and when it is completed we can expected a flurry of incoming visitors to see how we are continuing to pay tribute to our most famous son of Stratford.

Pancake Day Race for Air Ambulance

2010-02-15T13:57:00.009Z

In aid of the local air ambulance the Stratford AGA shop is holding a pancake race!

The AGA Shop Stratford will be hosting a charity pancake race on Shrove Tuesday at 11am. It will be raising funds for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire air ambulance, a very worthy cause.

For those wishing to compete there will be a £1 donation in exchange for a pancake. If you are up for the challenge please remember to bring your own pan!

This has all been organised by the the Stratford AGA shop, which can be found at 7 Meer Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6QB.

After the race The AGA Shop welcomes you to taste homemade pancakes from the AGA.

Date: 16th February
Time: 11am
Place: The event takes place outside the Stratford library.

Orchestra of the Swan present Space Odyssey - an Intergalactic Opera

2010-01-25T09:52:00.012Z

A very special project is due to take place over the forthcoming Shakespeare Birthday weekend. On Friday 23 and Sat 24 April the Civic Hall will be transformed into a distant Galaxy for Orchestra of the Swan world premiere commission ‘A Space Odyssey’.

OOTS and the Welcombe Hills Special school have enjoyed a close partnership for several years and this new work has been commissioned to celebrate this relationship between one of the UK’s most innovative chamber orchestras and a school that is indeed Special in every respect.

OOTS are joined by David Bradley (Harry Potter’s ‘Filch’), leading singers from Opera North and Glyndebourne Matt Sharpe and Georgia Ginsberg, children from Welcombe Hills, Thomas Jollyffe and Wilmcote, please join us to make this a memorable event for all involved.

Where: Stratford Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU
When: Friday 23rd April at 4.30pm
Saturday 24th April at 4.00pm

The performance lasts one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Moonwalker Ticket: Adult - £5.00 Child - £2.50
Flight Lieutenant’s Ticket: (supports the creation of this
production and includes pre-performance drink) - £12.00

Box Office: 01789 207100

Book Online at: www.civichall.co.uk

If you would be interested in supporting this fantastic project please contact the orchestra office on 01789 267567

WI Lite Stratford Pin-up Calendar supporting The Shakespeare Hospice

2010-01-20T14:50:00.015Z

Please support both WI Lite Stratford and The Shakespeare Hospice by buying a calendar, for the discounted price of just £3.00!

We are proud to sponsor the Womens Institute Lite Stratford 2010 Pin-up Calendar!
This charming wall calendar features stunning colour photographs of members of the WI Lite. The daring WI Lite ladies pose with grace, sophistication and beauty - all in the name of charity!

The project gained a fantastic amount of support from a variety of local companies from the Stratford upon Avon area and continues the important tradition of charity fundraising within the Women's Institute. Proceeds from the sale of the WILS 2010 Pin-Up Calendars will go towards the continuous running of the WI Lite Stratford with £1 for every calendar sold being donated to The Shakespeare Hospice.

There is still time to get your hands on one of these glamorous 1940's style calendars. Please support both WILS and The Shakespeare Hospice by buying a calendar, for the reduced price of just £3.00!

WILS 2010 Pin-Up Calendars are on sale now in many local retailers, or are available to order through WI members.

For details of how to buy via mail order, please email Anne Marcantonio at stratfordwilite@hotmail.com (postage and packing costs apply).

The WI Lite meets every second Tuesday of the month, with a whole host of activities on offer from Belle Dancing to Book Club, Jewellery Making to Theatre Trips. To find out more about becoming a member please visit www.wilite.co.uk

Lloyd Webber Comes to Stratford upon Avon College

2010-01-15T10:39:00.005Z

Students on the BTEC National Diploma Music course will be unveiling an ambitious and exciting concert of ‘crossover’ music at the end of January.

‘Variations’ will feature a rock ensemble of 19 musicians playing alongside Nick Stringfellow, lead cellist from Stratford’s Orchestra of the Swan, in a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Variations (on a Theme of Paganini)’. This rarely performed work was released as an album in 1978 and featured Julian Lloyd Webber on cello, Gary Moore on guitar and various other luminaries from the rock scene at that time. The music is now best known as the theme tune of ‘The South Bank Show’.

The 45 minute piece features a wide range of styles and is a real showcase for Lloyd Webber’s melody writing and incentive arrangements as well as some blistering playing from the talented National Diploma Music students. If you love classical motifs and the energy of ‘rock and roll’, then you will find the performance exhilarating!

The show will also include duet performances by Nick Stringfellow, accompanied by Chris Long, project director, and arrangements for a vocal septet of music from Saint-Saens, Sting and Imogen Heap.
Performances are in the New Theatre at Stratford upon Avon College at 7:30pm on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th January. Tickets are available from the college box office on 01789 266245.

Stratford upon Avon in 2010

2010-01-05T16:02:00.009Z

In 2010 Stratford upon Avon mark's the start of a new decade, a newly refurbished RSC and plans of an exciting archaeological dig at New Place.

New Place Archaeological Dig Planned

It is hoped that during 2010 a full-scale archaeological excavation will uncover the remains of Shakespeare's final family home – 'New Place'.

Initial work to test the feasibility of an excavation project took place on Tuesday December 1st 2009. Experts from Birmingham Archaeology in the UK took part in a search for clues that may reveal more about his everyday life.

Dr. Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said,
“Plans for a ‘dig’ are still at a conceptual stage. However our purpose would be to create a modern record of New Place, providing us with a better understanding of the site, and potentially revealing new information about the house in which Shakespeare died and the way in which the family lived there. We hope that a project of this kind would present a unique opportunity for our visitors to watch – even join in - an excavation as it unfolds and ultimately advance our learning and thinking about Shakespeare”.
The Shakespearian Birthplace Trust are expected to provide information for a large archaeological project in 2010.

Find out more on Nash's House.

Transforming The RSC, Stratford upon Avon

The birthplace of the Bard is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC was founded by Peter Hall in 1960 and in 1961 the Memorial Theatre was renamed the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Fifty years on and the RSC has built a solid reputation as one of the best known theatre companies in the world and the company has continued to expand under a succession of visionary and creative Artistic Directors.

The RSC is currently in a state of change, now well into it's last year of construction and refurbishment 2010 will see the highly anticipated completion of the fully refurbished RSC.

During the refurbishment the company's work has continued across at over at the Courtyard Theatre where visitors can enjoy Shakespeare's Plays, touring theatre and the works of contemporary playwrights.

Find out more on the Shakespeare Theatre.

Collections and Displays Weekend at Stratford Armouries 12th and 13th of December

2009-12-07T15:08:00.004Z

As part of our series of Christmas Shows running on weekends all throughout December Stratford Armouries is pleased to announce our Collections and Displays Weekend. This indoor show at the Museum has exhibitors coming from far and wide displaying a wide range of items including a spoon and treen collection with over 200 pieces, with one collection being 122 years old! Other collections include a writing ephmera collection gathered from the last 200 years.

There will be an old time fun fair at the Armouries featuring a Haunted House, and a set of 'Swinging Gyms'.

Also on Sunday 13th Father Christmas will also be at the Armouries.

So come and enjoy a fantastic family day out at the Armouries this weekend! For more information please contact Keith Shakespeare on 07808173400

Christmas in Stratford upon Avon 2009

2009-12-04T14:41:00.009Z

Escape for a winter weekend break or have some festive fun in Shakespeare’s Stratford this Christmas! Winter is such a wonderful time to visit Stratford upon Avon; it is really beautiful at this time of year.

Stratford upon Avon Festive Market

Visitors and locals alike will be able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Christmas Market, underneath the spectacular Christmas light displays.
You will be able to find both traditional and continental stalls filled with all kinds of inspiring, tasteful and gorgeous gifts to please even the most discerning shopper.
The Christmas market hosts all kinds of delicious and interesting food and drink.
If that’s not enough - the shops on Bridge Street will also stay open late until 9pm on these dates!

There is free parking available on Arden Street, Church Street, Windsor Street as well as Riverside car parks.
(Stratford upon Avon Christmas Market will take place on Bridge Street every Thursday until December 17th).

Stratford upon Avon Christmas Lights

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of Stratford Christmas Lights. Stagecoach will operate their double-decker City Sightseeing Bus tour on the Late-night shopping evenings of the 3rd, 10th and 17th December.

Perfect for friends and family to enjoy the Christmas lights from a different angle and take some magical photographs. The FREE City Sightseeing Bus tour runs from the High Street (next to Debenhams) and is available at 17.00, 18.00 or 19.00 hrs www.citysightseeing-stratford.com

Stratford upon Avon Christmas Spirit

Visit Shakespeare’s Houses; Nash’s House, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft as they show us how Christmas was in Tudor Times. With a wide range of activities commencing on the 12rd December until 3rd January they are sure to get you in the seasonal spirit. Great fun for all the family with traditional Tudor games, mince pies, mulled wine, music, carols and storytelling there is something for everyone.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Dressed for a Tudor Christmas and lit by candlelight on the 3rd and 10th and 17th of December. The Tudor household comes to life with festive music and garden entertainment from Shakespeare Aloud! For more details visit www.shakespeare.org.uk
Santa, or 'Father Christmas' as he is often known, is always delighted to see you and your children in his beautiful Christmas grotto. Come and visit Santa's Grotto and Elve's Workshop in the run up to Christmas. Admission: £4 per child.

- Thursday 3rd December – Sunday 6th December
- Thursday 10th December – Sunday 13th December
- Thursday 17th – Wednesday 23rd December

(25 percent of all proceeds will be donated to The Stratford Christmas Lights, 25 percent to the Voluntary Association for Stratford-upon-Avon the and 50 percent towards Stratforward for organising the event)

Stratford Armouries Christmas Fayre 13th November 2009

2009-11-05T15:43:00.005Z

Come and enjoy an authentic Christmas Fayre at Stratford Armouries on Friday 13th November. Avoid the Christmas rush and purchase gifts to delight the whole family from a range of fantastic stalls including KB Bespoke Jewellery and Judibox Gift Boxes.

Enjoy a coffee or a lunch in our fantastic restaurant afterwards. All in aid of the the Theo Monk Gift of Hope Fund and the British Heart Foundation.

For further details please contact anna@theo-monk.co.uk or visit http://www.theo-monk.co.uk/events.htm

World-Renowned Record Producer Opens New Music Production Suite

2009-10-30T16:55:00.000Z

Robin Millar, one of Britain’s most successful record producers, is coming to Stratford upon Avon College to open a new music production suite.
On November 2nd 2009, Robin Millar will be officially opening the digital and analogue recording studios and a suite of music practice rooms at the college.

Robin Millar’s productions have sold over 55 million copies and have won most of the major global music awards including Brit and Grammy Awards. He has over 40 numbers 1s to his credit, produced Sade’s iconic ‘Diamond Life’ album and is the only British person to have produced an Olympic Games ceremony. Robin was awarded an Honorary Professor in 2007 at Thames Valley University and for the last 15 years has been a visiting lecturer and professor at The Royal Academy of Music, London College of Music, Surrey University and The University of Modena in Italy. www.robinmillar.org.uk

James Maiden, music lecturer at the college, commented, “The music department is thriving like never before and have recently introduced new Music Technology and Higher National Diploma courses. With growing student numbers and their success rates higher every year, these fantastic new facilities give us the opportunity to provide a higher level of teaching that gives our students the chance to really shine. We are all very proud to work as part of Stratford upon Avon College’s music team and to have such a highly respected and successful musical figure as Robin Millar coming in to open the new rooms and interact with our students. It is an honour and a great opportunity that both staff and students are all incredibly excited about.’

The ceremony will take place at Stratford-upon-Avon College on Monday 2nd November at midday.

If We Save One Life, It Will Be Worth It

2009-10-26T14:28:00.004Z

Last week Stratford upon Avon College held its annual week-long programme of events to emphasise the dangers of driving to young people. This was a hard-hitting campaign to encourage young people to take greater care on the roads.

The college's road safety awareness week ran from the 19th – 23rd October and included a variety of films, lectures and discussions in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service.

This year, a daily presentation was given covering issues such as: distraction, defensive driving, drinking and illegal substance use, general safety and speed. Undoubtedly the most powerful and influential element of the presentation was when relatives of young people (killed in a traffic incident) spoke of how the lives of the families and friends had been affected. On Thursday 22nd, Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service demonstrated how they would cut a victim from a crashed vehicle.

Road accidents in this country account for over 3,000 deaths per year – a third of these from the 17 – 25 age group. This group is at the greatest risk due to lack of experience, as well as other factors such as speeding, intoxication through drink or drugs, or recklessness. Becoming a good driver is not just a matter of learning how to control a car and pass a driving test, but about driving with the right attitude, gaining experience and recognising possible hazards or dangerous situations on the road.

Leading the campaign, Ian Lumley, Duty Officer at the College, said: “Isn’t it about time that the government introduced life-saving legislation? We are sadly lacking behind many other countries in this respect. There is no justification for the number of deaths and serious injuries that occur relentlessly, on our roads.”

Stratford upon Avon College Joins Studley High School Trust

2009-10-22T09:26:00.005+01:00

Stratford upon Avon College is proud to announce it is a member of the newly formed Studley High School Trust.

The Trust is a collaborative partnership between the college, Studley High School, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, New Century Theatre and Arrow Valley Brass Band. These links will provide tangible and exciting vocational career opportunities for the school’s students in the future, offering them ‘real world’ experiences and widening their awareness of further and higher education.

Ceri Cunningham, Head of Drama at the school said, “The rationale for acquiring the Trust is to create opportunities to maximise personal learning to enhance the experience and aspirations of learners, the expertise of teachers and thus raise standards and achievement. We also aim to strengthen the school’s specialisms, Humanities (English and Drama) and Music through formal links with a wide range of partners and positively develop the impact with all stakeholders.”

Martin Penny, Stratford upon Avon College Principal and Chair to the Trust commented, “We are proud to be working closely with Studley High School and the other Trust members. The Trust will enable us to work more closely with the local community and businesses to provide a unique opportunity of bringing together a variety of different organisations in the shared goal of creating a better future for our learners. In particular, students from the school will have access to the wealth of facilities here at the college for their performances and can tap in to the independent advice and guidance from college staff.”

The Trust will be launched on 21st October at Studley High School at the production, “Night at the Musicals” which is an evening of dance, drama and music, inspired by a range of musicals from different eras; musicals as diverse as the ever popular “My Fair Lady” and “Newsies” based on the strike by New York’s paper boys in the 1890s. Over 40 pupils from Years 7 to 11 are involved in the performance which will be preceded by a reception to launch the Studley High School Trust.

Studley High School, based in Studley, Warwickshire, is a Humanities (English and Drama) and Music Specialist School offering education for 11 to 16 year olds.

Royal Marines put Stratford upon Avon College Students through their Paces!

2009-09-28T11:42:00.012+01:00

Stratford upon Avon College’s Public Services students were recently visited by the Royal Marines Visibility Team.

Over 60 students on the BTEC First Diploma Public Services, National Certificate Public Services and National Diploma Public Services took part in the recent visit by the Royal Marines. The Royal Marine Visibility Team gave a presentation, explaining who the Royal Marines are, what they do and how rewarding being a Royal Marine can be. The day continued with a question and answer session allowing the students to gain as much information as they could from the serving marines. A variety of team-building and training sessions followed giving the students some physical exercise!

Andy Crossley, Public Services Lecturer, said, “I would like to thank the Visibility Team for taking time to visit us at Stratford upon Avon College. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the Royal Marines were very impressed with the calibre of our students. This event enhanced their learning experience and provided a unique opportunity for them to learn more about what the Royal Marines do.”

For more information visit the website: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk

Stratford upon Avon Gains Transition Status

2009-09-28T10:50:00.010+01:00

Joining major cities like Los Angeles, Berlin and Sydney, Stratford upon Avon has recently become a Transition Town, only the 210th to do so in the entire world!

This accolade is granted to communities who have actively demonstrated their commitment to reducing oil dependency and fighting man-made climate change. Here in Stratford we have made a huge step forward in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the town.

Transition Stratford's first meeting was held just eight months ago, and the whole team has worked tremendously hard in a very short space of time. Their achievement was applauded by Transition Network last week, in an email confirming that the town has met its strict criteria for official status.

So far, projects have focused on local food production, but the group will now review energy needs and the town’s economy. An energy ‘Open Space’ meeting at the Town Hall on 3rd October invites residents to take part in discussions on future energy needs. The meeting starts at 10am.

What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?
Tell us about your personal endeavours to fight global warming and boost the local economy!

Stratford upon Avon College - Sports and Freshers Fayre

2009-09-28T09:24:00.003+01:00

Stratford upon Avon College recently held two fayres welcoming new and returning students to the college.

The annual Freshers’ Fayre was held on Wednesday 16th September. Local organisations, businesses and charities from Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding area attended the event to welcome in new students. Organisations included Waterstones, Stratford Picture House, Stratford Community Radio, Aston Villa Football Club, People and Planet, Amnesty International, the National Trust and many more. Oxfam also attended and encouraged students to set up their own campaign group within the college.

“This year’s event was our biggest and busiest yet,” commented Holly Rawlings, the college’s student liaison officer. “There was a constant flow of visitors to the Fayre throughout the day. We received very positive feedback from all those who attended and we look forward to repeating the event next year.”

Following the Freshers’ Fayre, a Sports Fayre was held on 17th September. This was a new event for the college and provided staff and students with information on the many ways that they can get involved in sport within their local community. Organisations included Stratford Leisure and Visitor Centre, Stratford Hockey, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Wildmoor Spa and Adventure Sports from Warwick.

Commenting on the Sports Fayre, Helen Finlay, sports co-ordinator at the college said, “Feedback from the sports bodies involved, as well as staff and students who attended, shows that this was a successful and useful event. Many took the opportunity to kick start their physical activity through the rowing challenge and table tennis that was available on the day. I am looking forward to building on its success in future sports fayres.”

Money for Nothing

2009-09-24T14:10:00.002+01:00

A number of local organisations have been helped by grants handed out by Stratford Town Trust in the second round of payouts for 2009. More than £170,000 has been allocated to thirty community groups, where the priority has been to support projects improving the quality of life for local people.

Among those benefitting from the awards are the Stratford Stroke Support Group, who receives £2,500 to help fund their fortnightly meetings and Forum for sufferers and their families and friends.

A helpful £10,000 has gone to the Stratford Mediation Service, an organisation which helps local people resolve disputes. It also demonstrates to school children how to manage conflicts in a non-violent or abusive way.

The largest payout is given to the RSC; a £50,000 second instalment for the Transformation Project, the progress of which we can all see for ourselves as we pass by the ongoing work on Waterside.

Smaller grants include £1,500 to the 1st Annual Falstaff International Film Festival and £500 for Stratford-upon-Avon Cycling which encourages leisure, pleasure and utility cycling.

For a full list of recipients, please click here.

Has your organisation had an injection of funds from the Town Trust?

If so, please let us know what the grant will be used for and how people can get involved.

We’re waiting to hear from you….

The New Diploma at Stratford upon Avon College

2009-09-14T13:00:00.006+01:00

For the first time Stratford upon Avon College is running The Diploma in Society, Health and Development.

This week 16 students have enrolled on the Society, Health and Development Level 2 course. This will give them the opportunity to develop their skills and attitudes to enable them to successfully work with, and for, others in the community and society in general. The course, which is delivered in partnership with local schools, is designed to introduce young people to the society, health and development sector. This includes the NHS, one of the world’s largest employers, the children’s workforce, the community justice sector and adult social care.

Diplomas are designed to provide new and innovative qualifications for 14 to 19 year old students. They have been developed to support progression to further study, training and employment. Students will spend some time in the classroom but will also benefit from hands-on, practical experience in the world of work.

“While studying one of the new Diplomas, students have the opportunity to develop and practise work-related skills within their chosen employment sector,” commented Charles Anderson, Deputy Principal at Stratford upon Avon College. “Diplomas give students a comprehensive qualification that includes theoretical as well as practical skills including functional English, Mathematics and ICT.”

From 2010/2011 Stratford upon Avon College will be offering a wider range of Diplomas in a number of subject areas including Hospitality and Creative and Media. The Diplomas are available at Level 2 which is the equivalent of 7 GCSEs grade A*-C and at Level 3 which is the equivalent to 3 ½ A Levels.

Diplomas started this month in the South Warwickshire area and by 2013 all young people between the ages of 14 and 19 will be entitled to choose this exciting qualification as a route to success.

For more information please contact Stratford upon Avon College on:

Tel: 01789 266 245
Email: marketing@stratford.ac.uk
Website: www.stratford.ac.uk

Stratford upon Avon Food Festival

2009-09-02T14:04:00.004+01:00

I was very pleased to read about the forthcoming Stratford Food Festival, which takes place in the town from Friday 25th September to Sunday 27th September. The event will be preceded by a celebration of international food and drink, called Taste 09 starting on 21st September, and will involve themed streets in the town centre, featuring Americano, Indian, Italian, Chinese and British food, music and dance. There will be free food-tasting to whet the appetites of visitors and revellers.

On Monday 21st September, Sheep Street will become Little India, with Indian and Asian themed performances on the Corn Market, Bhangra dancers by the Swan fountain and free taste sessions from the Indian restaurants. Many bars, pubs and restaurants will be joining in the festivities with an Indian style theme to support the event.

On Tuesday, 22nd September, Rother Market and Greenhill Street will be turned into Chinatown, with Chinese and Asian themed performances, free taste sessions from Chinese & Asian restaurants, dragons and lanterns and a Loi Krathong type lantern launch.

Wednesday, 23rd September sees the High Street with an Americano theme. There will be wandering Western style dance, stretch limos, American Football, Elvis and ticker tape, all finished off with jazz, hot dogs, salsa and jive.

On Thursday, 24th September, Wood Street becomes Little Italy, with Italian style wandering serenaders and restaurant based free food tasters. Enjoy pizzas, pasta, violins and wine. Mama Mia!

And on Saturday, 25th September, as the Food Festival gets underway on the Recreation Ground, Henley Street re-lives Olde England. Step back in time to the Tudors with costumed knights and maidens, galliards, jigs and Morris dancing, Mary Arden’s Mummers, roast beef and ale.

Among other things taking place is the Taste Trail which promises to be very popular and an array of buskers across the town throughout the week.

For further information about the event, visit www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk – it’s likely to one of the high-spots of Stratford’s social calendar this year, so don’t miss it.

And don’t forget to come back and tell us what you thought about the Festival. What was your favourite bit? Has it increased your interest in food? Did you try anything to eat that you hadn’t tried before? Do write in and let us know.

Stratford upon Avon Community Radio Station

2009-09-01T10:49:00.004+01:00

When was the last time you listened to Stratford Community Radio?

The online radio station, which was officially launched in January 2009, is based in the heart of Stratford and exists for the benefit of the local community.

There has recently been a bit of a re-shuffle as the programme schedule is refined and improved, and Station Manager Adrian Styles also has plans to extend broadcasting from the current three days every week to four. At the moment listeners can enjoy live broadcasts on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but there are plans underway to transmit a full day of cultural shows on Thursdays.

Watch this space for details of when Thursdays’ Culture Day will begin.

Meanwhile, The Alternative Show continues to go from strength to strength on Fridays and can now be heard from 2-4pm, with Val Rainbow and Peter Keynton-Hook bringing you a variety of interesting guests and great music. Check out the blog for details of forthcoming guests, and add your comments.

Following on at 4pm every Friday is a new one-hour show called Happily Ever After, hosted by local writer Jacqui Alexander. The show has a literary feel and Jacqui is currently working to link up with local reading groups and writers’ groups, so that she can showcase local writing talent and review fiction as well as playing her favourite tunes.

And listen out for a brand new show that will become part of the schedule soon, featuring politics student and local resident, Sarah Brindle, who will be interviewing and probing our local councillors and politicians about the things that matter to the people of Stratford. More details about this very soon.

Don’t forget Stratford Community Radio is for you! To get involved or to contact any of the broadcasters at the station drop them an email via the MYSCR contact page - help to make this radio station what you want it to be!

The team look forward to hearing from you – www.myscr.co.uk

Gadzooks, who holdeth the quill?

2009-08-24T09:30:00.003+01:00

There was a story in one of the free papers last week which caught my eye. It was about calls for the exhumation of a tomb in Warwick, which is purported to contain manuscripts that can prove a link between William Shakespeare and the resident of the tomb, Fulke Greville, his 17th century contemporary – and that the Bard didn’t write all of the works which have been attributed to him!

Apparently there has been speculation for years that ancient manuscripts were buried with Greville, and recently scholars have been calling for the grave to be opened to answer the question once and for all. Claims have been made that the evidence could show that Greville wrote some of the work or parts of the work currently attributed to our town’s most famous son.

However, the tomb won’t be opened any time soon, as the Diocesan Advisory Committee has stated that there isn’t enough evidence to warrant disturbing Greville’s final resting place.

Of course, if the tomb was exhumed and these documents were discovered, it could raise the profile of the Church, which would benefit financially. But Canon Roberts from St Mary’s commented that they didn’t need to “resort to Da Vinci Code practices to bump up visitor numbers”, a reference to the recent film starring Tom Hanks which was based on Tom Brown’s best-selling novel.

Fulkes Greville was a well-known figure in the 17th century. He represented Warwickshire in parliament for four years and enjoyed a distinguished career under both Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. Knighted in 1597, he served as Treasurer of the Navy and was also Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 1621 he was created Baron Brooke, by King James and was bestowed with Knowle Park and Warwick Castle. His glittering life has a sad ending though, as in 1628 he was murdered by a servant who stabbed him and then turned the knife on himself.

What do you think? If Greville really did write some of Shakespeare’s work, would he really want to take all the evidence to his grave?

Interesting……

Stratford upon Avon Park and Ride

2009-08-20T12:23:00.009+01:00

Earlier this week I did something I haven’t done for a very long time – in fact I’ve only done it once before and that was several years ago! For at least the last nine years I have driven blindly past the signs for Stratford’s Park and Ride. From way back in time, when it was located at the Maybird Centre, but possibly even more so since it moved to Bishopton Road. Onward I would drive, only to get caught in traffic, then struggle to find a parking space and, nowadays, to be charged a ridiculous amount in parking charges to nip to the bank to pay in a cheque.

But no more! After months and months of resentment about the parking charges in the town, I finally decided to try the Park and Ride for a second time.

Don’t get me wrong – the one and only time I have used this service before wasn’t a disaster, I think I’d just picked the wrong day as I had too many bags of shopping and it was raining. But this time – what a treat! I had no problem parking in the free car park, which was only a quarter full. The bus arrived only a minute or two after I got to the stop, which was clearly marked – there’s one stop for getting on and another just around the corner for getting off. A mere £1.50 return fare was paid, and the journey to Wood Street took just a few minutes. I had a comfortable seat on a clean vehicle, and my fellow passengers and the driver were all very polite and friendly. Of course, I’m sure it helped that the sun was shining and it was a lovely warm day.

When it was time to come home, several hours later, I made my way to the return stop near to the Oxfam shop. As I crossed the road, the bus came into view and on I hopped. Not so good this time, as I had to stand on the way back! However, the trip only took a matter of minutes, and before I knew it I was back in my car and on my way home. Total saving on parking costs was £2.50 for a four hour visit. Excellent, I love saving money!

As a local, I have always disregarded the Park and Ride, believing it was meant for visitors to the town - after all, I know all the best streets to park in! But I think the introduction of parking charges has changed my perception, and I recommend that other locals should make better use of this service.

Like so many other things about Stratford, we sometimes don’t see what great things are just under our noses! So why not save money and hassle by traveling into the town centre on the bus? There is a range of tickets available and concessionary pass holders travel free. For regular users of the service, season tickets can be purchased weekly, monthly or annually.

I look forward to meeting you on the Park and Ride bus very soon… go on, give it a try.

Stratford upon Avon Town Hosts - Making Your Visit to Stratford Perfect!

2009-08-19T15:54:00.008+01:00

The introduction of Stratford upon Avon's Town Hosts represents the first major investment by the Stratfordward Business Improvement District. There are five of us (you'll see us around the Town Centre between 9am and 7pm, seven days a week) - all working to make Stratford upon Avon the UK's friendliest town!

Our main duties are to:

Act as friendly, reliable information guides.
Provide a link between shops, businesses and public services.
Offer extra support for the security and emergency services.

So whether you work in Stratford upon Avon or just visiting, we're here to help. If you're having trouble finding your way around. If you need a taxi. Or even if you can't remember where you parked your car! Just ask a Town Host.

If you run a business within the Business Improvement District, you'll be pleased to know that we'll be popping in regularly for a chat and to get your feedback on how you think we can help you with some of the issues your business faces.

You can contact the Town Hosts at:

Town Host HQ
Unit 16
Town Square
Stratford upon Avon
CV37 6JW

Tel: 01789 298 291
email: townhosts@stratford.co.uk
www.stratfordward.co.uk

Summer in Stratford upon Avon

2009-07-21T12:26:00.019+01:00

Looking outside the window, I see grey skies and pouring rain – a sure sign that the school summer holidays have begun! Just what we need in these days of rising unemployment and financial doom and gloom, more commonly referred to as ‘the credit crunch’ – when more and more families are choosing to holiday at home rather than risk the falling value of the pound and the growing chance of catching swine flu from a fellow airline passenger.

And so we see the return of that staple of the ‘holiday on the cheap’ which remains a big part of my summer holiday memories from yesteryear – the day out!

The good news is, that come rain or shine, everyone who visits Stratford will find a host of things to do and see, even if they are only coming for the day. Those on a tight budget can enjoy a great day simply walking along the river Avon (with an ice-cream if the funds will stretch) soaking up the history and beautiful scenery which the locals all seems to take for granted.

Boats trips are available; you can take a river cruise or hire a small craft and navigate yourself along the river. Look out for the Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare himself is buried, and you won’t fail to spot the site of the new theatre, currently being rebuilt on the site of the old one and due for completion in 2010.

The RSC is still in full swing, their operations are centre around the Courtyard Theatre while the building work is still in progress, and their standard is as high as ever, so theatre-lovers must take in one of the many performances.

Whilst on the subject of the Bard, there are, of course, all the Shakespeare properties to visit, three of them in the town itself within easy walking distance, and Mary Aden’s house in Wilmcote and Anne Hathaway’s cottage in Shottery are just a short bus-ride or drive away. If the weather improves, you might fancy taking the open-top tour bus which visits all the properties regularly through the day.

For young visitors Stratford offers the Butterfly Farm, located close to the river, and the Brass Rubbings Centre. Stratford is, of course, home to Ragdoll Productions, makers of the Teletubbies and Rosie and Jim, so make sure you visit them while you are here. And for children of all ages a great time awaits at the Falstaff’s Experience, Creaky Cauldron and Harvard House.

You might choose to browse the many shops in the town centre, or stop for a drink and bite to eat at one of the numerous pubs, tea-rooms and restaurants which can be found all over the town.

With so much to see and do in the town, many visitors want to stay for a few days to make the most of their trip. There are many places to stay, from campsites, caravan parks, B&Bs, guest houses and lovely hotels. And of course, Stratford is close to many other areas of interest, with the Cotswolds on our doorstep, Warwick Castle just a stone’s throw away and the city of Birmingham less than twenty miles away with all that you would expect from the country’s second city, including one of my personal favourite’s Cadbury World!

So what are you waiting for? Don’t worry about the weather, we’ve got lots of shops selling brollies if you forget to bring one, but likely as not, as soon as you get here the sun will come out. Have a lovely day!

Stratford upon Avon Festivals

2009-07-12T11:47:00.000+01:00

Stratford upon Avon may be a town steeped in history, but it is a world-class provider of both contemporary and traditional entertainment that it second to none. In recent weeks the town has hosted a number of festivals that have swelled visitor numbers and left the satisfied crowds wanting more.

While Stratford has much to offer the millions of visitors that pass through each year, one feature that is always a constant source of pleasure is the River Avon, gently meandering through the town and carrying rowing boats, river cruisers and canoes along the way.

Earlier this month the river was the setting for Stratford’s first River Festival for thirty-five years, which was one of the most successful events to be held on the Recreation Ground for some time. The event drew an additional twelve thousand visitors to the town over its three days, and a flotilla of more than 70 boats. On land there were a number of stalls both inside and outside the main marquee, featuring arts and crafts as well as ecological and environmental traders. The crowds were entertained by bands, boat races, concerts and kite flying, and when everyone had worked up a hearty appetite, there were plentiful food choices to suit all tastes.

The following weekend brought a different kind of festival, this time Midsummer Music, a pre-cursor to the Stratford-upon-Avon Music Festival 2009 which will take place from 3rd-10th October. The festival featured three concerts from outstanding musicians. British pianist Freddy Kempf, Solstice Quartet (winners of the Royal Overseas League 2009) and Duo Dorado delighted audiences with classical performances of Bach, Rachmaninov, chopin, Beethoven and Schumann in various venues across the town.

Of course now that summer is upon, it won’t be long before the good people of Stratford hear the familiar sound of motorbike engines revving as the Bulldog Bash gets under way again at Long Marston Airfield. The biker’s festival is sited a few miles outside of the town, but the revellers can always be seen snaking through the traffic on their way to, from and during the event in various parts of Stratford, most notably along Waterside by the river. That said, organisers this year are asking those attending not to gather on Waterside. This is in response to a request from the council who have advised that bikers flouting parking restrictions will be issued with fixed penalty tickets.

The Bulldog Bash takes place from the 6th-9th August.

Shops in Stratford upon Avon

2009-06-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

Stratford upon Avon boasts some truly great shopping with a mixture of old fashioned independent shops and modern trendy shops.

You could start at the River Avon and take a walk up the High Street to visit the major stores, then take in the antique shops by Shakespeare's house before ending up at the Maybird Shopping Centre for a touch more shopping and something to eat.

Whether you're after clothes, furnishings, souvenirs, antiques or fine art you can find it all within the clean and vibrant town of Stratford upon Avon.

View Stratford upon Avon Shops