Sunday Contrasts

Andy Fawthrop

It was a shame that England’s crushing defeat of Ireland Twickenham meant that the start of music at The Southgate got pushed back from its usual start at 4pm until 5pm, because it meant there were two live acoustic duos performing at two different pubs at exactly the same time.

I wanted to see both, as both acts were new to me, so the only tactic I could think of was to see the first half of one (CRC at The Southgate) and the second half of the other (Mule at The White Bear). I know, I know – it’s like waiting for buses – you wait for ages, then two come along at the same time.

First up was Celtic Roots Collective, a rather strange Irish-focussed musical outing for a duo whose members hail from Yorkshire and Italy. Both assured the audience that their “countries” bordered Ireland, so that was OK then. The music was basic, down-to-earth and (if I’m honest) slightly rough round the edges and a little nervously delivered. Featuring violin and guitar, they played plenty of singalong “Irish” and “English” crowd-pleasers such as Whiskey In The Jar, Wild Rover, Dirty Old Town, Leaving of Liverpool etc. which certainly got the crowd moving. It was all good knockabout stuff, but I felt that they needed more practice and more gigs to tighten up the act, particularly the vocals/ harmony. But it’s still very early in the band’s journey, so that’s only to be expected. CRC are what I’d call still a work-in-progress.

Then down to The White Bear to catch Mule, featuring Chris Goulding on guitar & vocals, and Sharon Lindo on violin & vocals. This was an altogether tighter, more practised and more confident duo, delivering a good variety of material, ranging from folky jigs and reels, through to some great covers of David Gray, The Doors and others. Their vocal harmony work was spot-on, and they exuded an easy-going, friendly rapport with the audience. And a good audience it was too, including a fair crowd from the Devizes Town Band, with whom Sharon plays a key role. So we had a great atmosphere, a full pub, and plenty of clapping and singing along. Excellent entertainment.

Yet another great Sunday afternoon where we, the audience, were spoilt for choice. But this is the fun of live music in our town!

Future gigs at The Southgate:

• Friday 28th February The Shudders
• Saturday 29th Feb Plus Friends
• Friday 6th March Barrelhouse
• Saturday 7th March Jon Pollard
• Friday 13th March Lewis Clark & The Essentials
• Saturday 14th March Lightnin’ Hobos

Future gigs at The White Bear:

• Sunday 8th March Phil Jinder Dewhurst
• Sunday 15th March Burbank
• Sunday 22nd March Mr. Love & Justice
• Sunday 29th March Matt Cook

© 2017-2020 Devizine (Andy Fawthrop)
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We held a surprise anniversary party for My Nan and Grandad when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. My Grandad was the straight man, my Nan the funny one in an unsurpassed comedy duo. Her sister called out while Grandad did the thank you spiel, “just like your wedding night, eh Carrie?!”

As spontaneously as the wit of the cockney comes my Nan replied, “no, there were bombs on my wedding night!” In an age where we’d go ballistic if a drop of rain appears on our special day, it’s a sentiment I’ll never forget, and I find myself wondering, how on earth do you joke about a thing like that?! Makes you ponder the spirit of the time, people coping through making light of the atrocity of the blitz, and that we would never fully appreciate what they had to endure.

Through my grandad on the other side’s photos and keepsakes I hold dear, I became quite fascinated by the era and therefore honoured to be asked to design not one, but two posters celebrating the 75th Anniversary of VE-Day. Firstly, Wayne Cherry and team helps Rowde mark the occasion on the small playing field on the afternoon of Friday 8th May, as I’m sure our other villages will do similar. We also have the Market Place being closed off in Devizes, as Jeanette Von Berg heads the organising of celebrations there.

I begun the journey to designing these as usual, on the book of face, enquiring if there were any photos of VE Day in Rowde or Devizes. This request remained unanswered, and with time pushing on I decided to use some national images of VE Day to incorporate in the design. Still, I think it came out rather special and I have to confess I’m rather chuffed with it!

But for Devizes I was determine to discover something more local, and thanks goes to Jane and the archives staff at the wonderful Wiltshire Museum for hunting for some amazing images and references. I’ve included some here I didn’t use for the poster.

It was here some years ago, when they held an exhibit of war memorabilia, I dragged my son along with the convenient timing that he was doing a school history project on the wold wars. He was particularly interested with the mock Anderson shelter they had, but I had to correct them when they claimed “everyone had an air raid shelter.” For my family in the poorest parts of the East End of London, gardens were hard to come by, and my Nan fondly recalled the songs and banter echoing through the underground station. We were never told of the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster of 1943, as we were never told of any hardships they faced daily.

I also came to realisation then, while untold dangers and misfortunes were wrought everywhere, there are subtle differences here in urban Wiltshire than the stories passed down to me from my London family, thus opening up a whole new avenue to explore. I knew of the bomb-holes in Savernake Forest, for example, always contemplated the worth of Nazis bombing a forest, but a helper at the exhibit, who was a police officer during the war, answered when I held to question a photo of the large gatehouse at the entrance to Grand Avenue. Ah, I see now, it was a bomb disposal area. He continued for some time, informing me about the prisoner of war camp on Horton Road, and how he had to round them up and chase them back in!

The concern I guess, is that relaying these stories second-hand doesn’t carry the same impact as coming from the horse’s mouth. So, I accept while these events may be geared towards the older generations, I think we owe it to attend if we can, as those who were alive then thin with every year, we have a duty not to forget the sacrifices they made. But the celebrations of VE Day must have been one great explosion of relief, you’d have thought. Yet a book found in the museum told, amazingly, that the Devizes Town Council were criticised for failing to organise anything to mark the occasion; and you thought they’re rather frumpy now!

Here then is the only photo found of VE Day in Devizes, but its slow aperture has blurred the image and therefore it wasn’t suitable to use in the design. The picture I did use was from a parade in 1944. For while the Council did nought, sporadic parties held by the pubs and hotels burst out into the Market Place. Today, The Devizes Lions have agreed to assist closing the road off for the event, and, at this stage, it’s unclear exactly what help the Town Council will offer. I’m quite chocked by this, having thought on this particular occasion, we all could unite to help however we can. Yet you can bet your bottom dollar Devizine’s upfront attitude will send a rocket up their butts to do something to help mark this monumental occasion; so, watch this space!

For now, though, I’m flattered to have been asked to contribute, by doing what I love, and look forward to seeing these posters around, and in attending. I’ll try swish between the two, eager to pick up some stories we can publish here, that’d be nice, wouldn’t it?

© 2017-2020 Devizine (Darren Worrow)
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Slow news week, our local rag The Gazelle & Herod decided to report on the country’s most vital subject, Philip Schofield’s sexual orientation, as if he lives in Burbage or somewhere, so why can’t I focus on something irrelevant too? Like the world’s most famous fences. Yeah, as you ponder daring to whisk across your lawn and rescue fence panels, pirouetting trampolines and low flying plant pots, I thought yeah, this is bound to cheer you up.

It might even inspire you for your new fence, after Storm Ciara has done her worst. After all, seems researching a topic such as the most world-famous fences, most of the data is provided by fencing companies. They generally begin by explaining the reasons for installing a fence, be it privacy, security, or decoration. But many of our best fences have other reasons for being; preventing wild animal invasions, cultural, political, or, and do not take off-fence (ba-boom) for hanging women’s undergarments on. So, for your reading pleasure, here’s my chart rundown of the world’s most famous fences; you don’t have to thank me. My sanity was on a hinge browsing “Fencebook” today, what with the perpetual OMG posts of people’s fallen fences.

1: The Great Wall of China

Such an obscure and bizarre subject cannot be comprehensive without some deviation from its limitations, so many cite The Great Wall of China, or the Wànlǐ Chángchéng, as the world’s most famous fence; yeah, I know, there’s a clue in its name, it’s not a fence. Cheating Ming Dynasty Chinese, but you’ve got to admit, it deserves to be top of the fences, for its age, history and simple fact it’s so mightily impressive you can see it from space, if you were in space, which you’re most probably not, so I don’t know why I mentioned it.

2: Hadrian’s Wall

If it’s good enough for the Chinese it’s good enough for us Brits. Again, the second on most lists is a wall, not a fence; what a rip off. Heck, you all know the story of Emperor Hadrian commissioning a coast-to-coast wall to keep out those pesky Scottish barbarians, I haven’t got the leather elbow patches to be any more of a history teacher than that. Let’s just thank our lucky stars it’s not happening today or Hadrian’s act might have been viewed as “Trumpish.” These days though, the wall has disintegrated and wouldn’t keep a haggis from leaping over it, as they regularly do.

3: The Berlin Wall

One last wall then, if we’re going to have walls, we cannot forget the Berlin Wall. It physically and ideologically separated Berlin from 1961 to 1989, protecting its population from fascist rudiments conspiring to avert the “will of the people” from building a socialist state in East Germany. The evening of the 9th November 1989 is known as the night the Wall came down, and marked the end of fascism in Germany; funny, we’re only just starting out with ours.

However, prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, other barriers were disposed of in the breaking of the Iron Curtain, and yay, they do include fences! A long one too, in Hungary, stretching 149 miles it bordered Austria. In April 1989, the Hungarian government ordered the electricity in the barbed-wire border fence turned off, and consequently it was removed shortly after.

4. Dingo Fence

But if you want length in your fence, as many do, consider South East Australia’s The Dingo Fence, for it’s the longest real fence in the world, in fact, at approximately 3,400 miles, it’s one of the longest structures in the world. This beaut will stretch from London to New York, and was constructed in the 1880s to protect sheep on southern Queensland ranches from attacks by wild dogs. Without wild dogs hunting though, the population of kangaroos and emus exploded on the south-eastern side of the fence. While us pommes have an affection for kangaroos, they can be a pest in Oz. Pass the burger relish and put another roo on the barbie, Shelia.

5. Buckingham Palace Fence

Gawd bless her, she’s got a lovely fence to help keep her safe, along with her five regiments of guards, who will bayonet you in the ribs for the slightest mickey-taking. Though many have climbed it, and few succeeded, its elegant cast-iron stakes, topped with extravagant gilded fleurs-de-lis symbolises the theme of our national anthem; she’s pretty safe in there, God. Yep, sure is one highly decorative set of railings, the envy of foreign tourists, especially our Yankie-doodle friends, whose rather plain White House security fence pales in comparison. In fact, unless you’re reading an American “World’s Most Famous Fences” website, it barely gets a mention.

6. Aquarium Fence

If you want to really show off though, and get one over on her majesty, and the neighbouring Jones’, here’s the ideal plan after Storm Ciara has taken it out on your fence. Leave it, let it go, and ping a message to Turkish billionaire Mehmet Ali Gökçeoğlu, ask him where he got his fence from, because it’s more likely Jollyes pet shop than B&Q. I’m not shitting you here, the guy’s got an aquarium of fish, eels and octopus for his 164-metre fence, attracting tourists from all over the world. Poachers watch out though, he’s had to put 17 security cameras around it.

7. Paris Lock Fence

Apparently, fastening a padlock to a fence and throwing away the key is popular symbolism of undying love; I’m not that romantic. Such a gesture is commonly done on the fence of the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, until the weight of thousands of padlocks caused a six and half section of it to collapse. The accident didn’t cause any physical injuries, just a few broken hearts. And?

8. Glastonbury Festival Security Fence

Quite honestly, I’m so shocked this one hasn’t been churned up through research, I felt the need to add it myself. Over the course of fifty years the festival felt the need to increase its security with a bigger fence. Ode to that corrugated fence, how many scaled its heights are incalculable, but it was all part of the Glastonbury experience. Saunter along the perimeter to find abandoned rope ladders, stalls, and Scousers willing to bunk you over for a tenner or couple of spliff-worths. One year in the mid-nineties, memory doesn’t serve me too well, it collapsed completely and no one battered an eyelid when campers set up temporary residence in the fields outside. It’s all history now, as 2002 saw the unveiling of a new £1m, five-mile perimeter fence with a second barrier that put an end to people jumping in. Probably for the best, festival goers now would only get caught, or least break their phone, as they attempt a live-stream or selfie whilst atop of it.

9: The Green Monster

Perhaps the most iconic fences in the USA are ones surrounding baseball fields. Take Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, dubbed the Green Monster, as it was painted green in 1947 to match the rest of the field; nothing escapes those Americans. Built to protect Fenway Park from gate crashers, it also protects outsiders from flyaway baseballs.

But the right field boundary at AT&T Park in California has a reputation as a “hitters’ ballpark,” due to the fact its shorter than most baseball fences, also means you can illegally watch the game from a boat from McCovey Cove, just the other side of the San Francisco fence.

10. Bra Fence

Save the best till last, at least the most titillating. Despite it not being the most renowned fence, it’s aptly quickly gathering attention. You should note, in acts of random fascination, fastening assortments of everyday objects to fences is a national obsession in New Zealand. But teapots, rubber boots and shoes have had their day, and the jewel in the Kiwi crown is the bra fence in Cardrona. There was no meaning as to why women starting whipping off their knocker lockers and attaching them to this fence in 1998, dubbed Bradrona, but this tourist attraction and obviously prime photo opportunity has raised over $40,000 for breast cancer research.

But if you think, only in Australia, interesting to note a bra fence has also taken off in the Eyjafjöll mountains of Iceland, where the climate is bound to raise more of a nip (in the air I mean.) Here’s a plan then, if you’ve said goodbye to your fence in the storm. I know it’s something I’m considering, but getting approval from the better half may be tricky, and it’s not the ideal season to sleep in the dog house.

© 2017-2020 Devizine (Darren Worrow)
Please seek permission from the Devizine site and any individual author, artist or photographer before using any content on this website. Unauthorised usage of any images or text is forbidden.

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Daydream Runaways are reflecting back to the start of their career together, even if it’s only a year ago! Still worthy to mention this live session recording of their debut single “Light the Spark,” which we glowingly reviewed on its release last April, here.

On their website it reads, “recorded and filmed in an intimate setting, this version of gives listeners a glimpse into Daydream Runaways performance style whilst showcasing the energy that the track is known for in their live sets.” I agree, it’s everything we been raving about. While this newer live version was released on Thursday, lets hope this upcoming young band are daydreaming of the future too, as I’m eagerly awaiting their next move and some new songs. This is not the time for a “greatest hits” album, guys, yet!

However, it’s a brilliant example if you’ve not taken heed of our previous praises and hooked in their songs, or witnessed them playing live. Come on people, see here! I’m grateful they blew the low roof of the Cellar Bar off at our fundraiser last month, and wish them all the best.

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Spoilt For Choice on a Sunday Afternoon

Andy Fawthrop

After the previous night’s blow-away gig by the Jack Grace Band, it was back to the Southgate first of all for some post Six Nations music.

The afternoon’s offering was Skedaddle, a local band mostly populated by the Witcomb family. With Southgate regular Eddie on acoustic bass, dad Chris on guitar, mum Jane on vocals and friend Chris Whant on guitar, the band gave us a gentle stroll through some great covers and soon had the pub singing along. Jane’s vocals, a little nervous at first, soon grew in confidence, and she was well supported by the rest of the team. Wonderful afternoon music.

Talking of singalongs, I got two for the (free) price of one when I wandered down the road to the Three Crowns, where Chris O’Leary was giving it large. I’d not seen Chris before, but was well impressed with his playing, singing and general energy level. Chris was playing covers and actively seeking suggestions from the friendly crowd. Effortlessly slipping from song to song and making good use of stomp-box and loop-pedals, Chris showed all the versatility of a human juke-box. By the end the whole pub was singing “Sweet Caroline” and a good Sunday afternoon was brought to a close. Really great atmosphere, and a great way to wrap up any weekend.

Great to see The Three Crowns offering itself as a music venue again. Roll on the summer when, hopefully, we can get outside in the courtyard again.

Future gigs at The Southgate:

• Friday 7th February Velvet Doonicans
• Saturday 8th February Navajo Dogs
• Friday 14th February Trevor Babajack Steger
• Saturday 15th February Mike Barham
• Friday 21st February Kent Duchaine
• Sunday 23rd February CRC
• Friday 28th February The Shudders

© 2017-2019 Devizine (Andy Fawthrop)
Please seek permission from the Devizine site and any individual author, artist or photographer before using any content on this website. Unauthorised usage of any images or text is forbidden.

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Word from the top, I’m always happy to receive a message from our mayor. Although, I might be remanded to the town gaols for my inexcusable misuse of photoshop. I think Judy Rose is a great choice, in my defence, yet I just like mayors in general, most likely from being a lifelong fan of Trumpton. Despite remaining anonymous, he’s the most reliable character in Gordon Murray’s stop motion masterpiece, along with his faithful chauffeur, Mr Philby. But hey, I’m nostalgically waffling now, please stop me.

From Trumpton to Devizes, Judy is keen to tell me about a couple of upcoming Mayoral Fundraising Events, so here’s the lowdown. Both being held to raise money for her three charities: Victim Support, Devizes and District Food-bank and Devizes Youth Football.

The first one is the Mayor’s Quiz Night with superb quizmaster, Don Jones, from just down the road in Camberwick Green I believe. It’s on Sat 8th February, 7 for 7.30pm in the Assembly Rooms of the Town Hall. Tickets are £3pp from the Town Hall or on the night at the door. Judy tells, “if you aren’t part of a team, just come along and we will set you up with others to create one. There will be a cash bar and a raffle.”

The second one is the Mayor’s Ceilidh on Sat 18th April, again 7 for 7.30 till 11.30pm. “I didn’t want to go for a formal ball as I sense that folk nowadays are reluctant to take on the cost of such an event,” Judy explained, “and I wanted a proper community knees-up if at all possible!”

It sounds like a plan, essentially it promises to be a party with dancing and food, in which all ages can participate, so families with children are welcome. There will be fantastic Ceilidh musicians: The Pack Horse Band, a finger buffet and cash bar, plus the usual raffle etc. “This is a money raising event after all!” Judy reminds us, and for some brilliant charities too I might add. “I’m hoping there will be other entertainment, but that is not confirmed yet. Tickets are £30ph, with Primary School and younger children free and secondary school children £15ph. I have used this band before for a similar private event, and they are terrific fun.”

So, save the dates in your diary. “Here is the clock, the Devizes clock. Telling the time, steadily, sensibly; never too quickly, never too slowly. Telling the time for Devizes.”

© 2017-2019 Devizine (Darren Worrow)
Please seek permission from the Devizine site and any individual author, artist or photographer before using any content on this website. Unauthorised usage of any images or text is forbidden.

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