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Headliner Andy Hamilton Issue 29 July 2013 In this issue Georgia’s got talent 2 Reviews 3 Update on Jason 4 Beyond the brochure 5 Business Club 6 Support us 8 Fundraising 9 Photo gallery 11 Competition 12 National Youth Theatre success T he Courtyard’s Friends & Patrons have recently given £600 to two talented Youth Theatre students - Megan Lewis and Will Keetch - who are joining National Youth Theatre. Selected from over 4,000 aspiring young actors from across the country, Will and Megan are among 500 students who will take part in the intensive course during the summer. Currently studying for her ‘A’ levels at Hereford Sixth Form College, Megan has also passed her Trinity Grade 8 exam in acting, something which she attributes to her experience in Youth Theatre. Megan commented: ‘I am absolutely stunned, extremely excited and honoured to be part of the National Youth Theatre. The Courtyard’s support will make a huge difference to my future.’ Megan will also play a lead role in the upcoming Senior Youth Theatre production of Comedy of Errors which opens on 25th July at The Courtyard. Will has been a member of Youth Theatre since the age of 15, and has taken part in several productions including Our Country’s Good. He will play the part of Antipholus of Syracuse in Comedy of Errors. Will said: ‘The Courtyard has been an important source of development for my techniques as an actor. I owe my success this year to the venue and particularly to David Durant (Youth Theatre Director) who first got me interested in National Youth Theatre.’ Courtyard benefits from Arts Council capital award Friends Focus Excellence in design & print. Sorry, no drama. & 01432 356965 [email protected] www.impactprint.co.uk Studio seating will be replaced with the primary aim of improving comfort. The new seats have a full back and feature a deeper and more comfortable seat pad. The seating rake is also being replaced. Carpeting will reduce noise and the steps will feature discreet lighting to help guide people in low light levels. The current handrail provision will be retained. Toilets in the foyer will also receive a makeover after 15 years of service. These will be given a fresh, modern feel at the same time as being eco-friendly. As we all know, the foyer can get a little chilly in winter, especially when the wind blows in through the doors. We are now planning to add porch extensions to both entrances to reduce draughts and improve heat retention pending a planning application. We are hopeful that this work will be complete before the onset of winter, since it will considerably improve comfort in the Café Bar. Other works planned for this summer and autumn include the replacement and upgrading of the sound system in the Main Auditorium and the creation of an open access digital media suite in the foyer. We are also replacing the old 35mm cinema projector in the main auditorium with a top quality 4K digital projector. 35mm film prints are becoming increasingly harder to obtain and this new facility will ensure we can continue to show film in this space while dramatically improving the picture and sound quality. Less obvious but equally important works planned for the coming months include refurbishment of backstage dressing rooms and repairs to the building fabric. The Courtyard will close for the traditional August ‘dark week’ from Sunday 4th August (although Box Office will remain open), but there will inevitably be some disruption during the improvement works. Please bear with us as we strive to make The Courtyard an even better place to be and enjoy. Further work is planned for 2014, including the refurbishment of Main House seating. We still need to raise funds to fulfil this aspiration, so if you would like to help, please contact us. Also look out for the re-launch of our sponsor-a-seat programme in September. A rts Council England invited bids for Small Capital Projects last Autumn and we are very pleased to confirm that we were successful. With match funding raised from other sources including Herefordshire Council, we have a total of almost £690,000 to spend on improvements to Courtyard facilities over the next two years. This is great news since many of our facilities are now fifteen years old! Most of the match funding will be spent on essential improvements including repairs to the roof, insulation and replacement of some of the timber cladding. Arts Council funding will be spent on improving the customer experience, including new or upgraded seating in the Main House and Studio, and a refurbishment of all toilets. As much of this work will involve disruption, it has been planned for the quieter August period. This funding is purely for the building and will not help support any project work in the community, where funding continues to be needed. New seats for old Off to London...
12

Friends Focus July 2013

Mar 30, 2016

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Page 1: Friends Focus July 2013

Friends Focus

Headliner Andy Hamilton

Issue 29 July 2013

In this issueGeorgia’s got talent 2

Reviews 3Update on Jason 4

Beyond the brochure 5Business Club 6

Support us 8Fundraising 9

Photo gallery 11Competition 12

National Youth Theatre success

The Courtyard’s Friends & Patrons have recently given £600 to two

talented Youth Theatre students - Megan Lewis and Will Keetch - who are joining National Youth Theatre. Selected from over 4,000 aspiring young actors from across the country, Will and Megan are among 500 students who will take part in the intensive course during the summer.

Currently studying for her ‘A’ levels at Hereford Sixth Form College, Megan has also passed her Trinity Grade 8 exam in acting, something which she attributes to her experience in Youth Theatre. Megan commented: ‘I am absolutely stunned, extremely excited and honoured to be part of the National Youth Theatre. The Courtyard’s support will make a huge difference to my future.’ Megan will also play a lead role in the upcoming Senior Youth Theatre production of Comedy of Errors which opens on 25th July at The Courtyard.

Will has been a member of Youth Theatre since the age of 15, and has taken part in several productions including Our Country’s Good. He will play the part of Antipholus of Syracuse in Comedy of Errors. Will said: ‘The Courtyard has been an important source of development for my techniques as an actor. I owe my success this year to the venue and particularly to David Durant (Youth Theatre Director) who first got me interested in National Youth Theatre.’

Courtyard benefits from Arts Council capital award

Friends Focus

Excellence in design & print. Sorry, no drama.

&01432 356965 [email protected] www.impactprint.co.uk

Studio seating will be replaced with the primary aim of improving comfort. The new seats have a full back and feature a deeper and more comfortable seat pad. The seating rake is also being replaced. Carpeting will reduce noise and the steps will feature discreet lighting to help guide people in low light levels. The current handrail provision will be retained. Toilets in the foyer will also receive a makeover after 15 years of service. These will be given a fresh, modern feel at the same time as being eco-friendly.

As we all know, the foyer can get a little chilly in winter, especially when the wind blows in through

the doors. We are now planning to add porch extensions to both entrances to reduce draughts and improve heat retention pending a planning application. We are hopeful that this work will be complete before the onset of winter, since it will considerably improve comfort in the Café Bar.

Other works planned for this summer and autumn include the replacement and upgrading of the sound system in the Main Auditorium and the creation of an open access digital media suite in the foyer. We are also replacing the old 35mm cinema projector in the main auditorium with a top quality 4K digital projector.

35mm film prints are becoming increasingly harder to obtain and this new facility will ensure we can continue to show film in this space while dramatically improving the picture and sound quality.

Less obvious but equally important works planned for the coming months include refurbishment of backstage dressing rooms and repairs to the building fabric.

The Courtyard will close for the traditional August ‘dark week’ from Sunday 4th August (although Box Office will remain open), but there will inevitably be some disruption during the improvement works. Please bear with us as we strive to make The Courtyard an even better place to be and enjoy.

Further work is planned for 2014, including the refurbishment of Main House seating. We still need to raise funds to fulfil this aspiration, so if you would like to help, please contact us. Also look out for the re-launch of our sponsor-a-seat programme in September.

Arts Council England invited bids for Small Capital Projects last Autumn and we are very pleased to confirm that we were successful. With match funding raised from other sources including Herefordshire

Council, we have a total of almost £690,000 to spend on improvements to Courtyard facilities over the next two years. This is great news since many of our facilities are now fifteen years old! Most of the match funding will be spent on essential improvements including repairs to the roof, insulation and replacement of some of the timber cladding. Arts Council funding will be spent on improving the customer experience, including new or upgraded seating in the Main House and Studio, and a refurbishment of all toilets. As much of this work will involve disruption, it has been planned for the quieter August period. This funding is purely for the building and will not help support any project work in the community, where funding continues to be needed.

New seats for old

Off to London...

Page 2: Friends Focus July 2013

Six years ago my life took a rather unexpected

turn. I was diagnosed with a malignant and terminal brain tumour. It made me take a long, hard look at everything I was doing and ask myself what I really wanted out of life. I took as my motto ‘Carpe Diem’, ‘Seize the Day’. I was convinced life was still there to be lived and be positive about. It was up to me to squeeze as much out of each day I had left as I possibly could. I linked up with Brainstrust, a brain tumour charity providing invaluable support to patients and their carers. I wanted to support others in a similar position to myself and raise awareness of this largely unknown but deadly cancer.

I now travel round the UK attending Brainstrust events, encouraging and supporting those who need it most.

When I moved back to Hereford last year after 20 years away I gravitated towards The Courtyard. I love the arts, in all their various guises, especially music (I learnt to play a musical instrument at the age of four and have been hooked ever since). I discovered The Courtyard was far more than just a place to go and watch a play, see a film, listen to great music, laugh at star comedians, although it IS all those things. No, The Courtyard is a living, breathing organism within the cultural life of Herefordshire determined to provide for the artistic tastes

of the whole community. But far from inviting us to sit back and enjoy, it invites us to stand up and become part of its life. The educative and creative programmes it runs both at The Courtyard and within the community are unrivalled outside the arts provisions of the major cities. It caters for every age group and every taste within our community. But this can only happen with the support of those it seeks to serve. That is why I was so eager to get involved and become a Patron. It is the heartbeat of the community and we are its life-blood. Without us, it cannot survive. Please consider joining me and becoming a part of The Courtyard family.

Because of my involvement with The Courtyard and Brainstrust I feel more alive now than I have ever done and have a new found zest for life. Carpe Diem!

Shaun SkinnerPatron

Shaun Skinner

GUEST COMMENT

2

Georgia’s got talent

Georgia sings

When did you first realise that you could sing?In primary school my teacher said I had a lovely voice and gave me all the singing parts!

What is your background? Do you come from a musical/arty family?My great grandad and grandad (on my mum’s side) sing and play accordion. My great grandad used to play the music to the silent movies in the local theatre in Belfast. My mum also sings (but keeps it to the car and shower)…. so does my dad but he pretends he can’t! We all love music and singing!

Tell us about your charity in Colombia, and what your involvement is there.It’s called Pintando Caminos (Painting Paths) and it was founded by my step gran and her friend to support the poor children in the barrios of Bogotá.

Without aid they wouldn’t get schooling, wouldn’t wash, wouldn’t get fed….it’s so sad to see them live in tin shacks. You can go to my dad’s website for the full story and photos: www.thackwayandcadwallader.co.uk

What have been your main music influences and what are your favourite types of song to sing?I love Jessie J, Katy Perry, Adele, Emelie Sandé, all strong female singers. When I was younger I loved Miley Cyrus….. I love all music but mostly pop.

You won Herefordshire’s got Talent in 2012. Was this a factor in your success now with Teenstar?HGT helped me with my vocal technique and confidence. My singing coach Roger Langford has played a huge role in my vocal performances, and also my mum and dad work really hard to support me and help me prepare.

Local school girl and aspiring singer Georgia Nixon Cadwallader, who is 12, won Herefordshire’s Got Talent at The Courtyard in 2012. She has now been selected from over 9,000 young people

throughout the country to take part in the final of national singing contest Teenstar, and will perform in the final at the O2 Stadium in London on 7th July. We asked Georgia about what has led to her reaching the final of this prestigious competition and what are her hopes for the future...

What are your other hobbies and interests (if you have time for any!)?I play football for Bartestree Harriers, and love watching football with my dad who also manages Bartestree Seniors. Our family are all keen Man United supporters. I love surfing and watersports with my Dad. I’m also learning to skateboard but haven’t cracked it yet!

What are your hopes and dreams with your singing for the future?I hope I can perform to my best and win teenstar, and then would love singing to play a large part in my life from then on. Who knows if it will be my career, but if I can sing and make people smile then that is all I want!! Whether it’s at a friend’s party or on stage, I just want people to like what I do.

You can follow Georgia’s progress on Twitter @cadgeorgia or @teenstarcomp

Page 3: Friends Focus July 2013

GUEST COMMENT

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REVIEWMoonfleetAt our latest Patrons evening,

we invited our Patron supporters to see Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s latest production of Moonfleet. Each year their unique summer production showcases emerging new talent, as the actors cut their teeth on the professional stage and deliver a fun, engaging and technically exhilarating performance. This year’s swashbuckling adventure was no exception.

Based on the book by J. Meade Faulkner and set on the Dorset coastline, Moonfleet spun a tale of devilish smugglers, enduring romance, rowdy tavern folk and a longing nostalgia for home. Picked for its South Westerly connections, Bristol Old Vic produced a traditional adaptation

3

of the story set to a haunting original score from Tim Laycock.

The cast incorporated song, movement and character acting to powerful and effective ends showcasing the actors’ broad range of abilities, which provided many talking points to chat over in the interval over drinks and nibbles. We watched on as the characters battled in the face of adversity and as the tragic storm and shipwreck was brought to life in front of us. The drowning scene almost swallowed the audience whole as drums banged, ‘submerged’ bodies moved in slow motion and wooden boat panes fractured, flying off at different angles. The sight was most impressive and gave us - as the audience - a great opportunity to see new and diverse ways of

staging from a talented group of upcoming individuals.

I left the theatre wondering if I’d just seen the ‘next big thing’ onstage and felt a tremendous sense of pride that I could one

A review by Eleanor Teasdale, Fundraising and Development Officer.

day say ‘I saw them at The Courtyard first!’

If you would like to upgrade to Patron level please contact Box Office on 01432 340555 or go to www.courtyard.org.uk

I Was A Rat! Review by Tony Johnston, Box Office Sales & Marketing Assistant

On a suitably dark and stormy night, a young boy dressed smartly in a footman’s uniform appears at the door of an elderly couple

named Bob and Joan. ‘I was a rat!’ he insists, as he leaps over chairs, tears up newspapers and chews on Joan’s dressing gown.

With this chance encounter begins an exciting, moving and darkly comic tale that takes Bob, Joan and their adopted rat-boy son (whom they name Roger) on an adventure through a surreal and macabre universe that has more than a touch of the carnival about it.

Phillip Pullman’s literary creation is brought to life thanks to the vivid and imaginative costume design of Luigi Spezzacatene; this is a world populated by beak-nosed policemen, circus performers in brightly painted masks and, adding a touch of festivity to the proceedings, a few characters in wonderfully over-the-top panto dame dresses.

But it is the outstanding work of the cast of eight who really add personality and depth to the play. Making use of a very minimalistic set, they are able to create an entire universe through their mesmerising and energetic physical performances (at times it feels like you are watching professional gymnasts!) and their quick, witty delivery of the script.

A special mention must also go to the fabulous music score by composer Frank Moon, whose Yiddish-inspired tunes really add to the carnivalesque atmostphere of the play as their melodies bounce and skip along. The supremely talented cast also play a variety of live instruments (I counted a cello, trombone, accordian and violin) during the performance, giving a real touch of showmanship to the proceedings.

And for the parents, there are a few topical jokes about alcohol prices and government spending cuts tucked away in the script too! However, this isn’t to say that I Was A Rat! is mainly for the kids; it’s a fantastic stage adaption of a well-loved story that will appeal to the young, old and everyone in between.

Page 4: Friends Focus July 2013

4

Those that have had a long association with The

Courtyard will remember the days when we commissioned and produced theatre of all genres; from classic to contemporary texts and from musicals to children’s theatre. Sadly, due to financial reasons we have had to claw back the number that we produced, leaving us with our annual pantomime and Youth Theatre productions. While these are artistically satisfying productions we have always had the hunger to do more. We know that we can produce high quality work but we just haven’t had the resources. Until now.

After a successful plea to our Patrons (to whom we will

Update on JasonNEWS

forever be grateful) we raised the money to commission Mark Williams to write the first draft of the script. Jason will open at The Courtyard on Friday 27th September and will tour to the Playhouse Theatre (Whitley Bay), Mitchell Arts Centre (Stoke-on-Trent), Octagon Theatre (Yeovil), Forum Theatre (Barrow-in-Furness), Palace Theatre (Redditch) and the Roses Theatre (Tewkesbury).

Meanwhile David Durant, our Youth Theatre Director who will direct this piece, and Mark have worked on various drafts of the script to ensure it has the depth and spirit of adventure that audiences will expect. The four-strong cast are really going to have their work cut out playing multiple roles but we are sure

it will be a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. We’ve already cast Gareth Warren as Jason, Madeleine MacMahon as Medea, Ben Harrison as Orpheus and Matt Neal as Hercules. Both Madeleine and Matt are no strangers to The Courtyard; Madeleine has appeared in our last two pantomimes (in Dick Whittington she played the cat/fairy) and Matt came up through Youth

Theatre to become a successful professional actor.

We really hope that you get chance to see the production and be involved in the next chapter of our producing work. The arts are going through a tough time at the moment but we continue to strive to produce and stage the best productions we can for our audiences for now and for the future.

Harpy-ing on

By Grant Brisland,Learning Participation & Programming Manager

Youth Theatre Awards launch

We are delighted to announce the return of The Courtyard Youth Theatre Awards this year. We have set up three

brand new categories - Outstanding Youth Theatre Member, Excellence in Acting and Most Committed Member. Each award is being named for Courtyard Honorary Patrons Sir Derek Jacobi, Jo Brand and Lorraine Kelly, who will also sign copies of Shakespeare plays as prizes and send a letter of commendation to each respective winner. They will also receive a beautiful glass trophy.

Youth Theatre Director David Durant commented: ‘The re-launch of the Awards will be very exciting for our Youth Theatre, and the fact they are being endorsed by celebrities in the arts and media world will be inspirational for the winners.’ The awards will be formally presented on the Ignite Youth Theatre Day on 7th July.

Honorary Patrons Jo Brand and Lorraine Kelly

Page 5: Friends Focus July 2013

BEYOND THE BROCHURE

5

Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th July, 7.30pm The Courtyard’s Senior Youth Theatre present William Shakespeare’s classic comedy but deliver it with a modern twist. When two sets of identical twins end up in the same town of Ephesus and encounter the friends, spouses and enemies of the other – things start to get out of hand. The play is riddled with dramatic irony and after sitting in on the rehearsals, our Senior Youth Theatre really emphasise the ridiculous and absurd in the play. Wrongful beatings, near seductions and mistaken identities are just a couple of things explored in this wonderful piece, which is given a unique Courtyard stamp by transferring the Elizabethan text in to the superficial modern day. Set on a Californian coast, the play not only executes Shakespeare’s comic happenings brilliantly, but also examines more complex themes of vanity, greed, pride and skin-deep prejudices.

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Comedy of Errors

The Courtyard’s autumn season welcomes two fabulous in-house productions, riveting drama and girly giggles for all to enjoy.

Friday 27th September – Tuesday 1st October, times vary A very exciting production is formed in Jason & The Argonauts. Based on the mythical legend, a four member cast act out Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. This interactive performance will take the whole family on an adventure as they battle against different forces, and join together with other mythical Gods. It is not only a great adventure for Jason, but also for The Courtyard, as this in-house production will go on to tour nationally at six other venues, meaning the stunning piece we are creating here will be on display across the UK! Directed by The Courtyard’s own David Durant, this professional ensemble is not to be missed this autumn.

Jason & The Argonauts

Tuesday 5th & Wednesday 6th November, 7.30pmLondon Classic Theatre Company return to The Courtyard with Harold Pinter’s riveting drama. Betrayal begins after the end of the affair, and pursues an intricate, gripping journey back to its very beginning. In a brilliant device, time is turned upside down as the play charts significant events in reverse. A ruthless exploration of the complexity of the human heart, Betrayal is Pinter’s most accessible work, enthralling and provocatively layered. From the same company that brought us The Importance of Being Earnest and Equus, a non-missable theatrical treat from a mighty fine playwright.

Betrayal

Thursday 24th October, 8pmFor all the comedy fans out there, Vikki Stone is an emerging comedy gem that has now shut up shop in the City and moved to Herefordshire. Vikki recently helped us launch the #Courtlaughing Comedy Festival and offers something different on the comedy circuit, as rather than standing up and spilling jokes on the mic, she delivers them with her piano. A clever writer of witty ditties, Vikki’s songs of celebrity lust, John Barry themed love songs and life as a single female are sure to have you rolling with laughter.

Vikki Stone

Win ticketson page 12!

Page 6: Friends Focus July 2013

BUSINESS CLUBSnacks away...Here’s Tom, Dale and

Christian from the Café Bar tasting the delicious new range of snacks from Tyrrells Crisps, who’ve just joined us as Platinum Business Club member. This new partnership has enabled us to trial a wider range of Tyrrells products with our customers including Habas Fritas, Thai Chilli Rice Crackers, Aristo Crackling, TorTyrrells and Proper Popcorn. www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk

6

Staff from Claridge Nursing Homes (pictured)

brought a host of wonderful props including a traditional sweet shop to the Dementia Awareness Day. The nursing homes group is supporting a range of our older people’s work as well as selected live screenings (Met Opera, NT Live, Bolshoi Ballet and Royal Opera House) and classical music concerts into the Autumn season and beyond. www.claridgenursinghomes.co.uk

New membersWe’re really pleased

to announce a new partnership with South Hereford Garages which is supporting a range of work into the Autumn and beyond. The VW side of the dealership is sponsoring Jactito Theatre’s production of Rapunzel, our younger children’s Christmas show in the Studio in December while Audi is supporting the recently announced RSC live screenings. The RSC series kicks off with the massively popular David Tennant as Richard II on 13th November. South Hereford Garages has also joined our Business Club as Platinum members. www.southherefordgarages.co.uk

Dementia day draws crowds

Bringing the Bard to Hereford

Guests enjoyed a delicious glass of organic rosé

wine, thanks to new Business Club member Nothing But The Grape, at our recent fundraising garden party kindly hosted by Jesse Norman MP. ‘The business came about from our enjoyment of seeking out really good organic wines, from vineyards we admire and of course, whose wine we take pleasure in,’ says Managing Director Rupert Birch. Plans are afoot to re-launch the Friends & Patrons Wine Club with a wine tasting this autumn, hosted by Nothing But The Grape, so look out for further information or check out their website www.nothingbutthegrape.com

Wine not!

Taste test

F is for fun in the sun...Thanks to great audiences, brilliant comedians, musicians and

a mightily well-run festival, The Courtyard saw a whopping 18% increase in footfall over the previous year’s #CourtLaughing Comedy Festival last month. This included our highest ever Café Bar sales on the Saturday which was aided by great weather, gorgeous BBQ food and some scrumptious real ales, courtesy of headline sponsor Wye Valley Brewery. The Open Mike Competition in the marquee attracted an even greater range of talent this year with Staines-based Pete Beckley carrying off the first prize of some well deserved real ales and a slot at a future CourtLaughing Comedy Club in the Studio.

Courtyard CEO Ian Archer meets Charles Richards

Rupert with his wines

Claridge staff; dementia expertise

Winner Pete Beckley

Page 7: Friends Focus July 2013

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Page 8: Friends Focus July 2013

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Double your money!The launch of The

Courtyard’s fifteenth anniversary took place on Sunday 14th April, with a presentation including a new video which was very well received. The Fifteen Fund is now up and running with the aim of raising £50,000 during this special anniversary year

to support our range of arts work, including in-house producing and community work with younger and older people.

This sum will help to cover the funding we are losing from our two main funders, The Council and Arts Council, this year and beyond. Now is a great time to give because every donation will be doubled pound for pound by the Arts Council Catalyst programme. This means that a donation of £1 becomes a total of £2.25 if gift aided. We are already receiving donations from generous supporters but still have a long way to go to hit our ambitious target! If you feel you can contribute to make this appeal a success, please make cheques out to The Courtyard Trust and leave at Box Office or mail to The Courtyard marked for the attention of Lucy Wells. Alternatively, you can donate online at www.courtyard.org.uk (look out for our whizzy new Donate Now Button!) THANK YOU!

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No need for a phone line

Variety of packages available

Local business, local people

Fast and reliable broadbandfor your community

[email protected]

0844 557 8322

Broadband

FUNDRAISINGCalling all book wormsThe next Friends Book Fair will take place during October half

term, opening on Friday 18th October until approximately 3rd November. Please can you bring in your high quality books from Monday 14th October and leave them at Box Office. There will be a sorting and pricing session on the morning of 18th October -

so if you can join us to help with this, please contact Rachel Entwisle on 01432 346526 or

[email protected]

Page 9: Friends Focus July 2013

FUNDRAISING

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That necklace...The 2013 Grand Draw raised more than £2000! Thank you

to everyone who supported it by buying tickets and to our business partners who donated prizes. The winner of the beautiful necklace and earrings designed by the talented Mike Gell was Kate Renshall, who is a Patron.

Can you help?We are planning to relaunch our Friends Fundraising Committee

from the autumn, with more members and ideas. We meet approximately every six weeks to discuss and put into practice money-making ideas for The Courtyard. Come and join us! If you would like information on joining up please contact Lucy on 01432 346505 / [email protected]

Mike and Kate

Patrons (only)!Join us for a coffee!We look forward to welcoming our Patrons to autumn Coffee Mornings. These are the dates:Friday 13th September, Thursday 10th October, Wednesday 6th November. There will be a special Christmas Coffee Morning with backstage tour and opportunity to meet the panto cast - date tbc.

Patrons nightA large group of Patrons attended our special summer event on Tuesday 21st May. Following Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s lively presentation of Moonfleet (see Review on p.3), we enjoyed a buffet and wine on the Mezzanine - and as always lots of entertaining conversation!

As we go to press, Patrons have recently also enjoyed a Garden Party at Jesse Norman’s house.

To upgrade to Patron level membership to enjoy regular events like these please contact the Box Office.

Wine ClubFrom the autumn we are looking to

re-launch the Courtyard Wine Club from the autumn with local supplier and new Business Club Member Nothing but the Grape. The Whitchurch-based company is led by wine guru Rupert Birch, who enjoys the accolade of having actually been a wine producer with his own French vineyard for 10 years. Rupert specialises in importing a range of delicious organic wines, and is delighted to be joining forces with The Courtyard. Watch this space for further details on the Club and how to join, and a launch Wine Tasting in the autumn! Every case sold will support The Courtyard, so it will be well worth joining up. www.nothingbutthegrape.com

at Castle HouseSummer

To book call us on 01432 356321www.castlehse.co.uk

Come and soak up the friendly atmosphere at Hereford’s family-owned boutique hotel and award-winning restaurant

Enjoy Al Fresco Lunches in the hotel’s pretty terraced garden, with seasonal menus using the freshest local ingredients.

Join your friends for a Castle House Afternoon Tea with a glass of champagne and fresh Herefordshire strawberries.

Book now for our Jazz and BBQ Lunch on Saturday, 24 August from 12pm – 3pm and listen to the sounds of The David Price Trio with a glass of Pimm’s or a cold Summer wine.

Follow us… Like us…

Our annual get-together took place on Monday 24th June - for the first time in the Main House. Around 65 Friends &

Patrons attended a range of presentations from different Courtyard departments, followed by strawberries (kindly donated by S&A Group and cream and Pimms on the Mezzanine. It was a lovely night and we received very positive feedback. Thank you for coming!

Friends & Patrons social

Page 10: Friends Focus July 2013

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Lynhales HallLyonshall Herefordshire HR5 3LNTel: 01544 340238 / 01544 [email protected]

Hampton Grange48–50 Hampton Park Road

Hereford HR1 1THTel: 01432 272418

[email protected]

Situated on the banks of theRiver Wye approximately 1 mile

out of Hereford.

Set in 7 acres of beautiful grounds, award winning Lynhales provides:• Specialised dementia care for 67 elderly residents• Fully trained, kind, caring staff• Long term and short term nursing care• End of Life Care• John Sperry Memorial Unit offering state of the art dementia care• Beautifully appointed en-suite accommodation• Locally sourced, freshly prepared food

• Full-time, convalescent, residential and end of life care• Homely environment with fully trained, kind, caring staff

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR RETIREMENTCONSIDERED EQUITY RELEASE TO HELP FUND

• IncreasingRetirementIncome• RepayExistingMortgage• HomeImprovements• DebtConsolidation• LuxuryPurchases• HelpTheFamily• HealthCare

ThencontactyourLocalIndependentEquityReleaseSpecialists

ABACUS EQUITY RELEASE104-106WidemarshStreet,Hereford.HR49HG.Tel: 01432 378145 or 07790 543630www.abacusadvisers.co.uk

AbacusAssociatesFinancialServicesLtdareauthorisedandregulatedbytheFinancialServicesAuthority

Page 11: Friends Focus July 2013

PHOTO GALLERY

11

Courtyard staff enjoy the entertainment

Ales on tapThousands of comedy lovers converged on The Courtyard on a gloriously sunny weekend for our second #Courtlaughing Comedy Festival...

Fred’s House

Enjoying the sun

Ed flips his burgers

Flatworld performing

Hereford Soul Choir The Courtyard’s very own Jen Booton

Page 12: Friends Focus July 2013

Working in partnership with the Courtyard Trust and their employees to provide financial security for their retirement

We provide Independent Financial Advice in the following areas:-

1. Pre & Post Retirement Planning2. Protecting your Family3. Mortgages*4. Equity Release*5. Savings and Investments

For a free initial consultation please contact Nicola Nash

Tel: 01989 550272 or 07715 734382 Email: [email protected]

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

A fee of £295.00 will be payable when you apply for a mortgage.

We will also be paid commission from the Lender.

*This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

Stephen L. Atwell Independent Financial Advisers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. FSA number 568420

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Friends Committee:Julia YoullRita FordLesley HepworthJenny SeamanVicki DuffainJane Cadbury

Friends’ Business Development Contact:Lucy Wells01432 346505Email: [email protected]

Friends’ Coordinator:Jackie SebbageT: 01432 346509 F: 01432 [email protected]

Focus advertising contact:Melanie Denning01432 [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Box Office: 01432 340555

The CourtyardEdgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JR

The Courtyard charity number: 1067869

Who are we?Win two tickets to The Courtyard’s exciting and action packed new production JASON & THE ARGONAUTS, which opens here on September 27th before embarking on a national tour.All you have to do is answer the following question:

Where did Jason finally find the Golden Fleece?

Please send your answer to [email protected] or bring to Box Office in clearly marked envelope by Friday 9th August.

HEREFORDBUTCHERSLocally sourced, high quality meat• Christmas meat orders & fresh turkeys• Delicious sausages, lots of flavours• Freezer packs & ready-made meals• Suppliers of beef for The Courtyard’s Steak

& Ale Pie, nominated in the Flavours of Herefordshire Awards 2013

Tel: (01432) 272357

Suppliers toThe CourtyardCafé Bar