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Michelle Donelan Out of the Chicken Run for New Devizes-Melksham Constituency, But What Difference Will These Changes Mean?

So, the Boundary Commission for England’s final recommendations for new Parliamentary constituencies, which carves the Devizes constituency into three unequal parts, was submitted to the House of Commons for their perusal in June, and it’s time for MPs to scramble for the safest seats, which Westminster dubs “the chicken run.” But what, at great taxpayer’s cost, will these changes really mean for us? 

Not much to be honest, other than confusion as to who your MP is. And as a majority in the Devizes area will come under the newly formed Devizes-Melksham constituency, which Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan wants her claws in, less chauvinistic attitudes and using parliamentary persuasion to indoctrinate antiquated evangelist beliefs, perhaps. Though looking into Donelan’s backstory, she’s hardly an advocate for equality, not the personification of Amnesty International, unfortunately.

But if ol’ Danny K signed his own death warrant by segregating and offending half the population of his constituency according to gender, time is a healer. Here comes the Tory girls; it stands that our existing constituency is the safest Conservative seat in the area, and they’ll fight tooth and nail for the shards of it.

It makes sense with depleting support for the Tories nationally, that constituencies like Devizes will split to shoulder neighbouring constituencies which might possibly be lost to the opposition otherwise. Donelan’s Chippenham constituency would lose Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham, gaining the thinner ice of Royal Wootton Bassett and Calne, so it makes sense to jump ship.

Hence why Michelle is keen to abandon Chippenham and defect to Devizes-Melksham. This Westminster parlance, or  โ€œchicken runโ€ is no new thing. The phrase was coined in the years leading up to New Labourโ€™s 1997 landslide, when several Conservative MPs, fearing a tricky contest on home soil fled for greener pastures.

Question is, what’s Michelle Donelan like as an MP? Well, although a Christian too, her online persona doesn’t preach like our Danny K, rather is filled with feelgood shares of constituents raising funds for worthy charities; as if the corruption of the current government she supports hasn’t been kingpin as to why we need such charities and now is the time for us all to dig deeper and fundraise, because we’re all so affluent, aren’t we?!

Online Donelan comes across as hard working and responsive to pleas from her constituents, but against her hardlined Conservative voting record this feels like a facade, and with a previous career in media marketing she would be of a professional standard to sell ice to Eskimos.

Currently serving as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, she’s also had her mitts in the Johnson government as Minister of State for Higher and Further Education, but under Truss bunked off after less than 36 hours in her new role, resigning, writing Johnson had, “put us in an impossible position.” No shit, Sherlock, you certainly took the long route around to unearth this revelation of subterfuge!

Michelle is no stranger to debunking after a devastating loss. In her first, the 2010 general election, the safe Labour seat of Wentworth and Dearne in South Yorkshire, she took only 17.6%, to Labour MP John Healey’s 50.6%, shoved her tail between her legs and headed for the gold-paved streets of Chippenham!

Hardly Amazonian demigoddess Princess Diana of Themyscira here to save us from, erm, though Wonder Woman had no arch-nemesis, Cheetah was a popular supervillain, so let’s call Danny K it, for the purpose of this analogy! Donelan’s voting record (TheyWorkForYou) doesn’t convey the people-person connoted passionately on her Facebook page, sadly. 

This shows a militant xenophobic, homophobic Brexiteer, always voting against a right to remain for EU nationals already living in the UK, against more EU integration, against UK membership of the EU, and consistently voting for military action against ISIL, and against investigations into the Iraq war. 

It shows Michelle as utterly reprehensible on asylum seekers, and mistrusts the more general population, consistently voting for requiring the mass retention of information about communications.

A general running theme through her voting record reveals the common Conservative thread of giving large corporations a leg-up and down-treading the working class, voting for increasing the rate of VAT, reducing capital gains tax, and for restricting regulation of trade union activity. She voted for a reduction in spending on welfare benefits, and against paying higher benefits over longer periods for those unable to work due to illness or disability.

Selling off the NHS to the highest bidder is something she also appears passionate about, and voted against allowing the terminally ill to be given assistance to end their life; Michelle likes to see you squirm in pain from beginning till the very end.

Hardly the people-person she makes out locally, voting against equal gay rights, and against laws to promote equality and human rights. You try to find me media coverage of Chippenham’s first openly gay mayor Declan Baseley’s MP observing the etiquette of welcoming a new mayor to the position, I challenge you!

And, fracking hell, don’t even get me started on her appalling stance on environmental issues, we may as well abandon the planet now, as she will with Chippenham!

But, why, why all this hostile ethos to the important matters, besides making sure businesses profit? Okay, what if I told you Michelle Donelan’s partner is Tom Turner, Commercial Head of Stronghold Global, exposed by the Good Law Project for involvement in the PPE procurement scandal? Does it ring any alarms? Or, his father Benjamin Turner, who has also landed lucrative Government PPE deals, as director at Toffeln Ltd, a shoe-making firm which landed a ยฃ1.1m contract from the DHSC in April 2020 to suddenly supply visors despite no previous experience. Ah, noย conflict of interest there, nothing to see here, move along and accept your hopeful new MP, Devizes.

What the hell, Devizine, she’s wearing a blue rosette?! Sigh; it’s like talking to a brick wall. You’d vote for a 4×4 plinth of plywood scrawled with Satanic worshipping slogans if it was wearing one of those; the very reason she’s coming our way. What would it take to change the minds of a majority, to think away from their traditional blind voting agenda? Because a government whose incompetence drastically increased deaths during a pandemic and partied while you watched granny snuff it on video call doesn’t seem to have had any impact at all.

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Dulcet Tones Rock Back to Bassett!

You’re a teenage Tom Cruise, at least you wish you were, but stay with me on this! Your parents are away, you’re home alone withโ€ฆ

Junkyard Dogs are Let off Their Leashes

If I’ve spent some days now, highlighting a wealth of local talented teenagers, forming new bands, and creating a blossoming scene, this isn’t one of those days. And if I’ve reviewed musical releases breaking new ground, this isn’t it either. This is about the Junkyard Dogs, a popular Trowbridge based blues band who kindly posted their CD, Off The Leash, through my letterboxโ€ฆ..

It’s nice to receive something other than bills from Pat, and I’m mature enough to recall a day pre-spotty-fly and Deezer-not-a-geezer, when all music for reviewing was sent via this antiquated method; it’s nice to have something to hold too, something physical. And if I convey ageism I’m hypocritically in the same boat, but on the grounds they’ve a self-penned song titled Too Fat, too Old, Too Bald, Iโ€™d imagine and pray they don’t mind; old enough to know better, too old to care, they are Junkyard Dogs, after all.

For I was wondering, when they announced they had an album coming out if they’d polished their pub circuit act and glossed it with a studio makeover, and I furthered it with intrigue but also with concern that this route may not have had the same dynamic blast of their live show. Which is justified, it can and has happened to others.

But it hasn’t here, they’ve rightfully opted to give us a disc recorded live, at The Mason Arms in Warminster last year, only mastered at Sonic Temple, and this simply works, as I don’t believe it’s the kind of groundbreaking CD to be rushing off the HMV shelves, rather the kind of keepsake you pick up after being blown away by a stupendous show, and can happily take a little piece of it back home with you; a secret treasure.

So, if you do catch these guys live, do also beg them for this CD, it has a cover parodying Tarintino film Reservoir Dogs, despite this being a blessing on the ear rather than the slicing of one as seen in the film, and you will love it!

I trust myself to divulge this fact, as many readers are Devizes based, and Devizes is a blues town, I’ve mentioned before what I call the Mel Bush Effect. But personally, I love it because I love my blues rooted, and though the Dogs are electrically amplified their style is deeply rooted too; harmonicas aplenty.

The opening song proving my point, the 1955 prototypical rocker Flip, Flop and Fly, Big Joe Turner’s similar follow-up arrangement to Shake, Rattle and Roll, a tune covered by Bill Haley which essentially spurred a musical revolution, but quintessentially was originally deemed jump blues.

And I favour that term above the later coined rhythm and blues, as it defines it, it encourages a jump rather than melancholic contemplation of delta blues, and it makes for a massive percent of the Dog’s set, it’s lively, itโ€™s carefree, itโ€™s songs about long-legged women, ambiguous usage of the term jelly roll, and flying by the seat of oneโ€™s pants; I rest my case. 

Off the Leash is the kind of truckload of fun which could instantly turn a reading room into a juke joint! This said, there’s a fair quantity of this on our circuit, I accept the point, but few do it with the gusto, proficiency and authenticity of Junkyard Dogs.

Mostly self-penned nuggets of blissful blues, other covers include Dale Hawkinsโ€™ Susie Q, definably from the golden age of rockabilly, and Robert Parkerโ€™s rhythm and blues signature Barefootinโ€™, but the most adroit is the finale of the gospel classic Jesus on the Mainline, originally recorded by Rev. Gatemouth Moore, but covered extensively by the likes of Ry Cooper and Fairport Convention. The tune features Cindy Wilson on vocal harmonies with Jonboy, Craig and Danny, and it highlights a certain diversity in Americana the Dogs will stretch too, making a poignant finale. 

But for the most part, this CD is about letting the good times roll, and for this it works a treat. Who, who, who, whoever lets these dogs out, need walkies themselves, to go see them live, this album only stands a testament to why. 

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Whatever Happened to Pancake Races in Devizes?

It seems Shrove Tuesday celebrations in Devizes have fallen as flat as aโ€ฆ.well, you get the gagโ€ฆ Traditionally organised by Age Concern Wiltshire, and oftenโ€ฆ

Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!

Drizzly Sundayโ€ฆagain. Iโ€™ve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up aโ€ฆ

ยกViva La Devizes Salsa; Eso!

Looking back over the years of Devizine, Iโ€™ve engaged myself with more ‘loco’ undertakings than I care to count, things I wouldn’t have otherwise considered attempting; all part of the fun. More often than not I come away thinking it was alright, but seldom follow it up with a burning desire to continue, itโ€™s sadly onto the next story. Today though was incendio; Iโ€™m enthralled by a trip to the Muck & Dundar to meet the Devizes Salsa Group, only kidding myself to assume Iโ€™ll be sitting there taking notesโ€ฆ..

Fantasy Radio DJ Michael Linford twisted my arm to give it a try, still naturally I was apprehensive, sauntering in. Though I love to dance, itโ€™s best defined freestyle dad-dancing, and Iโ€™ve never taken so much as a single instructed step. Not forgoing, whenever I see those salsa dancing champs at any Latino styled Devizes Arts Festival events my two left feet plod feels upstaged; I just nod in awe; wowzers, they look so cool, as I shamefully retreat from the dancefloor! Though when I left today I can hardly profess to being Jim Carreyโ€™s The Mask, I certainly had a lot of fun!

Upon expressing my initial anxiety to Karen, who runs the group, she reassured me, โ€œwe want everyone to come and have fun, we don’t want it to be strictly for people who can do all the moves, itโ€™s not about that, we do a bit of freestyle, but itโ€™s mostly about new people to come and give it a go.โ€

Now, if you know me youโ€™ll hazard a fair guess I tried to hinge myself to the rum bar, but was hoisted front and centre from the off, next to instructor Phil, who makes it look childsplay, and me like Mr Blobby on a bender, yet took us all through the basic steps timed perfectly, and more importantly, gradually! Up here for thinking, down there for dancing, pal; lo and behold I was side-to-side, backstepping, occasionally doing it to the rhythm too!

Am I here to promote the group, are they desperate for new members? While there was no indication of flailing appeal, the group could do with a few more masculine dancers; can I say men, without getting in trouble with the PC brigade?! Sometimes the ‘masculine dancers’ need to take two partners to compensate, (if thatโ€™s not an incentive enough, guys.) I should stress having a partner is something, but you’ll be equally welcome not having one.

As a whole, an ensemble gathered to chat, but they’re bustling, and eager to break out some moves on the floor. Unlike a more formal dance workshop, salsa is not ballet, only subtly ballroom related, the structure is paced to suit all ages and experience, and the ethos is to enjoy yourselfโ€ฆ which I did, thank you, thoroughly!

Karen tells me it’s been running for seven years, โ€œbut it was a different group, I wasnโ€™t running it then. We started up again, after lockdown, in Market Lavington.โ€ The group meets on Wednesdays at the Old School on Church Street in Market Lavington, today at the Muck & Dundar was a drop-in session for newcomers to get a taster. On a previous taster session such as this they broke out of the Muck and swamped the Brittox with an improv Fame moment of dancing in the street, a video of which captured the attention of Devizes Facebook users.

While thereโ€™s no membership fees, it usually costs a fiver to cover hall hire costs. Karen was keen for me to note her involvement was purely for the love of it, โ€œI just want the world to throw off their cares and dance,โ€ she expressed; yeah, me too but you do with it style, Karen, I usually just bob up and down like a buoy in a stormy sea!

Men versus multitasking argument away, getting to grips with the basics wasnโ€™t so simple, and when I thought I clinched it, it was but a warm-up! Encouragement was plentiful, though, with no pretence, the members made me feel so very welcome; I didnโ€™t step on any of their feet! Karen underlined the importance of it being a social group, and it certainly was this.

Salsa is this though, cool fun. An American coined blanket term for all Latino style dances, so we danced mambo, pachanga, and rumba, at least I think we did! โ€œWe cover all basic salsa,โ€ Karen explained, โ€œLA salsa, and there will be Bachata, which we all love because it slows it right down, so, you know, we canโ€™t keep it going all night, and then, towards the end we go into full flight and all hell lets loose, going into merengue, and even reggaetรณn.โ€

Bachata is typified by a slow, sensual beat, similar to Cuban bolero, which meant my two left feet could keep up while concentrating on the choreography, just; it was the changes which threw my sieve-for-a-brain, but something about old dogs and new tricks, I enjoyed learning something new today, and it’s Sunday! Yet as described, the pace picked up a bit as the session progressed; while freestyling, to a degree, least it wasnโ€™t so regimental to keep to the steps, and never did I fear I’d be told off Lydia Grant style (Google her, whippersnappers!) the exuberance gave flavour to the overall enjoyment of it all. Reggaetรณn I can improvise!

And dammit, it was fun, and addictively engaging, on watching Phil, Karen and other senior members go for it, all of whom were so helpful and non-judgemental, I felt if I could perfect this enough, you know, to get over those initial first steps, the enjoyment would be multiplied, friendships here will be made, even if I never make it to Patrick Swayze level, least I’ve had the time of my life-ish!

If you fancy being the next salsero or salsera of Devizes, hereโ€™s a link to the Facebook Group with all the info on it. Might even see you there, though, not wishing to put you off the idea, you donโ€™t have to dance with me! Oh, those poor Devizes Salsa Group dancers, theyโ€™ll be wearing steel toe-caps if they know Iโ€™m coming back!!

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Agricultural Appropriation with Monkey Bizzle

There’s no sophomore slump for Monkey Bizzle; prolific in their art, these rural chav-choppers return with a second album, Agricultural Appropriation, only five years andโ€ฆ

Doctor Faustus Sells His Soulโ€ฆ. in Devizes!

Featured Image:@jenimeadephotography Just another rainy Saturday afternoon in Devizes, whereby I watched a profound fellow dramatically sacrifice himself to the devil, then popped to Morrisonsโ€ฆ

Chandra Finds Heaven on Earth

Usually I just write what I think, but if I had a point-scoring system this new single from Bristol-based indie-pop outfit Chandra would tick everyโ€ฆ

Atari Pilot New Single

A drifting retrospection of sonic electronica new wave from Swindon’s purveyors of cool, Atari Pilot, is out today. A single with a Peter Pan fashioned postulation anyone within their target audience would surely identify with, despite the title sounds a bit too mathematical!

If 4x /22 equals 88 back in class, rather this tune refers to the immature wishes of a forty something supposing they’re going on twenty-two; in your dreams, pal! But in most middle age dreams, Iโ€™d imagine.

Going by the song that’d pitch me at the mental age of early thirties and I can shrug, mentally I’d wish younger still, but not so much that I’d be back at school, no, thank you. About twenty-five would suit me, please, Atari Pilot, make it so. Failing that, just continue prodding my time travelling reverie with your catchy tunes!

Even if I’d consequently be but a Sega Megadrive gamer at that era, with a blue mohican, collecting golden rings with gusto, rather than an Atari pilot per-say, it’s still a nice thought to plant in my mind, and done nicely with a beguiling grower of a track.

It’s up as a name-your-price download on Bandcamp, give it a whirl, you big kid, you!ย 

Trending…..

Devizes Issues Wants You!

Dubiously biased and ruled with an iron fist, the mighty admin of the once popular Devizes Facebook group, Devizes Issues, is using the iconic Greatโ€ฆ

Who Broke into Joyrobberโ€™s Car?!

Poor Joyrobber, got his car broken into, on his birthday too, but avenged them in song! Requiem for my Car Window is this mysterious characterโ€™sโ€ฆ

Lady Nade; Sober!

Dry January, anyone? Well, Lady Nade just plunged into an outdoor 4ยฐC eucalyptus sauna for a social media reel. But whilst I’d require a stiffโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 2nd – 8th August 2023

August already, Christmas before you know it. I bet youโ€™ve done your Christmas shopping already, havenโ€™t you?! Me? I canโ€™t remember what I had for dinner yesterday. But I do have whatโ€™s happening across wonderful Wiltshire this coming week, and here it isโ€ฆ..

Usual gubbing, all the info and ticket links are on our jam packed event calendar, HERE, and you can plan ahead too. Any updates after today will also be put on there, so do check in later in the week too, as this is not exhaustive or comprehensive, or other such long words like that!

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed here.

Wednesday 2nd:

The regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Blackberry Wood at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 3rd:

It is the annual Lawrence Art Society Exhibition at Devizes Town Hall, and congratulations to them, for it is their 70th year. Running until Saturday 5th August.

Emergency Awareness Training from Wiltshire Air Ambulance at Hillworth Park, Devizes.

Wilderness Festival near Chipping Norton opens, likewise does the Outcider Festival near Bristol.

Friday 4th:

Sound Affects are at The Pelican, Devizes.

Open Mic at the Barge, Honey Street.

Post 12 at the Queenโ€™s Tap, Swindon.

A paw-fect open-air theatre show for all the family, Dr Dolittle is at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, followed by The Great Gatsby in the evening.

Whitesnake UK is at The Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 5th:

Curious Kids at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes

Womenโ€™s World Cup โ€“ Girls Football Tournament at Wiltshire FA Green Lane, Devizes

6 Oโ€™clock Circus at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Chaz Thorogood Trio at The Southgate, Devizes.

People Like Us at The Lamb, Marlborough.

Cooperโ€™s Creek at the Crown, Aldbourne.

Jive Talkin Perform The Bee-Gees at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week, The Embrace All Festival at Old Town Bowl, Swindon, a festival open to all, but designed especially for people with disabilities. See the poster, previewed HERE, theyโ€™ve got some great acts and wow, it is such a wonderful idea too!

Rotten Aces at Queenโ€™s Tap, Swindon.

Fall From Ruin plus Our Last Goodbye at  the New Inn, Stratton, Swindon.

Rave Against The Regime at the Woodland Edge, Swindon.

The Dung Beatles at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Sunday 6th:

Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate, Devizes

Flats & Sharps at The Bell, Bath.

Courting Ghosts at The Electric Bar, Bath.

Monday 7th:

Devising Drama workshop at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, and a Rock The Tots Summer Party too!

Summer at Queenโ€™s Park, Swindon has The Jabberwocky & Other Nonsense! From 2:00 pm โ€“ 4:00 pm.

Lady Noir at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 8th:

Fidgety Feet Dance & Drama at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Robin Hood at Old Town Bowl, Swindon.

The Kim Cypher Quartet are atJazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon.

And thatโ€™s all I have so far, folks, but more will be added to the calendar throughout the week, Iโ€™m sure; have a great week!

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Ha! Let’s Laugh at Hunt Supporters!

Christmas has come early for foxes and normal humans with any slither of compassion remaining, as the government announced the righteous move to ban trailโ€ฆ

Rooks; New Single From M3G

Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward โ€œEโ€) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunesโ€ฆ

Burning the Midday Oil at The Muck

Highest season of goodwill praises must go to Chrissy Chapman today, who raised over ยฃ500 (at the last count) for His Grace Childrenโ€™s Centre inโ€ฆ

St John’s Choir Christmas Concert in Devizes

Join the St Johnโ€™s Choir and talented soloists for a heart-warming evening of festive favourites, carols, and candlelit Christmas atmosphere this Friday 12 th Decemberโ€ฆ

Weekly New Songs Roundup

Ah, let us have a shiny new feature, being Iโ€™m trying to keep up with all the lovely new songs coming out, and failing because Iโ€™m putting them as individual articles when I could be rolling them into one, maximising my productivity and giving me some breathing space! Hereโ€™s a selection of tracks recently out or forthcoming from our bank of local talent!

Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue: 10-31

Staggering new track from Ruzz and the Blues Revue, featuring Chris Smith and Brian Fahey. Available worldwide on all download and streaming services from June 10th.

The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show: I’m So Angry I Could Vote

Punky folky bluegrass shenanigans โ€ฆ hereโ€™s the new single, from Dorset’s finest, The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show; I’m So Angry I Could Vote! Available from Weds 16th August.

Deadlight Dance: Infectious

Infectious is the third single from Deadlight Dance, a Wiltshire, UK-based ’80s alternative/goth duo compromised of Nick Fletcher and Tim Emery. The song was written by Deadlight Dance, and produced by Nick Beere and Deadlight Dance at Mooncalf Studios. The video was made by Haunting The Atom. The zombie shots in the news report were produced by Cottonbro Studio.

William The Conqueror: Shots Fired (From Heaven) 

Okay you got me, not local, but coming to Marlbrough tomorrow, via Sound Knowledge, preview here. From the album ‘Excuse Me While I Vanish’ – out now https://wtc.lnk.to/EMWIVID

The Sunnies: Relapse

Just out, and added last minute, Melksham’s finest indie-punkers, The Sunnies have dropped Relapse, check it out!

https://open.spotify.com/album/1tw2mRSt5nAsVxyCoV1ELK

If we missed one, please send it to us and it will make the next Weekly New Songs Roundup, pinky promise… today’s was just a little experimental prototype and besides, I’m off out in a minute, honest guv!!

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Devizes Assize Court Saved; A New Home for Wiltshire Museum

This afternoon I find myself contemplating what the future holds for historical discovery and learning for all ages, fun and educational exhibits and events in Wiltshire; and it looks positive! Devizes is blessed to have Wiltshire Museum already, but the future looks even better, the future isโ€ฆ. Assizes! Wiltshire Museum announced today, The National Lotteryโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

For Now, Anyway; Gus White’s Debut Album

Featured Image: Barbora Mrazkova My apologies, for Marlboroughโ€™s singer-songwriter Gus Whiteโ€™s debut album For Now, Anyway has been sitting on the backburner, and itโ€™s more than worth a quick mentionโ€ฆ.. Gus White is a respected folk musician, record producer, festival organiser, and community maker with a deep love for the rooted and the heartfelt. Hisโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Pet Shop Boys, Actually with Talk in Code at the Tree House

Having to unfortunately miss Devizesโ€™ blues extravaganza on Friday, I crossed the borderline on Saturday to get my prescribed dosage of Talk in Codeโ€ฆwith a Pet Shop Boys tribute thrown in for good measureโ€ฆ.. Two classic tracks into their set at Frome’s little sister venue to the Cheese & Grain, The Tree House, Pet Shopโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Going on a Michael Rosen Hunt at The Cheese & Grain!

By Florence Lee

To be able to capture the attention of an age group from little children and grumpy teens to parents and even grandparents is not something that everyone can do. But Michael Rosen is not just everyone.….

He was completely charismatic and had the audience in stitches for his whole show. He grew up surrounded by education, learning, and books, as his parents were primary and secondary school teachers. As he told the audience, when he was younger, he had โ€˜three parents.โ€™ His mum, dad, and then his older brother, Brian. Brian is older than him by four years, and liked to tell him about his day at school, but also teach him everything he had learnt. Rosen shared the memory of sitting in their shared room whilst his brother would imitate their father at the breakfast table. Within seconds, the whole room was lit up with laughter.

No one was sat without a smile on their face. His impression was animated and came to life as soon as his mouth opened. Everyone was transported into a world of childhood memories.

Michael was born in London and came from a family that was filled with love. He was always interested in writing. He wrote poems for his mother to help her when he came back home from university, and these poems were collected to make his first book. His father was always a bit of a performer, but Michael only found out that he was a performer after writing his first book: โ€˜Mind Your Own Business.โ€™ He was put in front of around 300 children and completely changed his way of thinking while these 300 kids sang his poem in rhythms and sounds; it was a new way of writing poems.

It was clear to see that as soon as Michael stepped out onto the stage, he wanted to get to know his audience and fans. He instantly pointed out people eating โ€˜Hariboโ€™sโ€™ in the front row and got to know โ€˜Henry,โ€™ a young fan eagerly watching for his next joke. Rosen then introduced himself as Michael Raisin and asked the audience questions about their opinions on raisins. Everyone, once again, was laughing as soon as he made a joke.

Michael talked about how he named his books and told stories about people asking him what it was called and having to reply, โ€˜Mind Your Own Business.โ€™ This caused an eruption in the hall, but he continued to when people asked him about his second book. This time, he would say โ€˜Wouldnโ€™t You Like To Know,โ€™ and getting the response: โ€˜Yes, I would like to know.โ€™
Not only did he interact by talking to the audience, but he also made the audience speak and act out his poems with simple movements. Even โ€˜the dads.โ€™

His captivating poems had everyone doing exactly as he said. As I said earlier, capturing everyoneโ€™s attention is a very hard thing to do, but it seems to me that Michael did it with ease. Had Michael not gone into writing, stand-up comedy would have suited him perfectly. If anyone has the chance to spend an hour with this enthralling author, donโ€™t hesitate to go. You will not regret it.

Box Rocks; Spend August Bank Holiday Monday in Box?

Not a typo, even if my irritating grammar check says it’s so, and not ruling out some might like to spend bank holiday Monday “in a box;” each to their own. But Box Rocks, at the Queen’s Head, in Box is an institution, and this year is looking decidedly temptingโ€ฆ..

Forever a bank holiday Monday thing, Box Rocks actually started on Whitsun in 1994. The idea, concocted over a few drinks between like-minded musicians, was to perform a charity gig on the roof overlooking the gardens and car park at The Queens Head in Box; their very own Apple HQ, Savile Row!  

The First Box Rocks, 1994!

โ€œAfter the first few years,โ€ they tell, โ€œwe were advised that putting musicians and alcohol eight feet in the air was not the best idea, so we moved the stage into the garden at ground level!โ€

In 2002, due to the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, it was shifted to the August Bank Holiday, and due to its blossoming attraction, moved to the carpark, where it remains to this day, with the slogan โ€œ8 bands over 8 hours.โ€

Over the years Box Rocks has raised thousands of pounds for the RUH Forever Friends appeal and other local charities, the past couple raising over ยฃ7,000 for Dorothy House. 

Danni W

But enough of the history, Box Rocks goes ahead come rain or shine, on Monday 28th August this year, itโ€™s a fiver or more donation to the Dorothy House on the gate, no animals except guide dogs, only food and drink purchased on the grounds and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange

And the lineup is looking a little something like this: from 2pm the Phoenix River Band kick off, 3pm is Danni W, whose album we recently fondly reviewed but yet to catch live, Tom Petty homage, Petty Minded from 4pm, a fine choice, sirs, Nothing Rhymes With Orange take the 5pm slot, followed by The Sunnies, indie-punkers similarly taking the Sham by storm, and From Jovi at 7pm, which may/may not be a tribute act!

The Sunnies

After dinner, those fantastic Bristolian new wavers The Radio Makers at 8pm, still got their forthcoming album to review, Iโ€™m getting to it, honest! And a finale of Fleetwood Mac, with Fleetwoodโ€™s Back. So, yeah, might catch you there, if they let me out of my box.

Trending….

Butane Skies Not Releasing a Christmas Song!

No, I didnโ€™t imagine for a second they would, but upcoming Take the Stage winners, alt-rock emo four-piece, Butane Skies have released their second song,โ€ฆ

One Of Us; New Single From Lady Nade

Featured Image by Giulia Spadafora Ooo, a handclap uncomplicated chorus is the hook in Lady Ladeโ€™s latest offering of soulful pop. Itโ€™s timelessly cool andโ€ฆ

Large Unlicensed Music Event Alert!

On the first day of advent, a time of peace and joy to the world et al, Devizes Police report on a โ€œlarge unlicenced musicโ€ฆ

Winter Festival/Christmas/Whatever!

This is why I love you, my readers, see?! At the beginning of the week I put out an article highlighting DOCAโ€™s Winter Festival, andโ€ฆ

Devizes Winter Festival This Friday and More!

Whoโ€™s ready for walking in the winter wonderland?! Devizes sets to magically transform into a winter wonderland this Friday when The Winter Festival and Lanternโ€ฆ

Snow White Delight: Panto at The Wharf

Treated to a sneaky dress rehearsal of this year’s pantomime at Devizesโ€™ one and only Wharf Theatre last night, if forced to sum it upโ€ฆ

The Future Sound of Trowbridge; The Pump Calls for Young Talent

The Pump in Trowbridge, is a music venue called such because it is a renovated pump room, but I always like to think the pump disambiguation should also be a metaphor for the heart, for it is the heart of live music in our county town, and it sure has a lot of love to give!

Iโ€™m delighted today to be able to announce the Pumpโ€™s search for the next generation of Trowbridge’s best and brightest musical stars, and theyโ€™re naming it The Future Sound of Trowbridge!

Already renowned for their unrivalled and at times blistering live music experience, The Pump is hoping to continue to inspire and educate the next generation of music stars, by offering our venue and platform. Giving young people the agency and opportunity to present and perform their music and art to their peers, in a professional environment.

Skill level and performance length arenโ€™t an issue; But the desire to get upย and perform is essential! The Pump will provide an exceptionally safe space for people to perform in, with expert help at hand to assist any musician through their technicalย requirements to be in the best possible position to perform their music live!

Now, I always figured if any local venue has done most to encourage youth already, itโ€™s been The Pump. Sheer Musicโ€™s promoter, Kieran Moore, tells me, โ€œbe that as it may, we want to formalise it in the shape of a project, and here it is!โ€

โ€œThere are no limits on the style, type or size of the music,โ€ he continued, โ€œwe aim to unearth what latent talent we have in Trowbridge and offer the opportunity to SHINE!โ€

You could be the next pioneer of the spoons, an aspiring violinist or an Avantgarde psych rock, pedal noodler. You could even be a rapper or DJ. The options are limitless, but the opportunity is here and now!

You must be aged between 14 and 25, and not already in an established* band. 

Pre-existing local musicians will be able to perform.

There are also opportunities for those who wish to be involved with the delivery of the events. Aspiring sound engineers or lighting engineers are welcome to contact The Pump.

You may be a photographer, or zine writer or blogger. You may be a graphic designer. All of these skills are valued and can be explored and developed with your peers, to gain experience and contribute to your community! 

More information can be found at;

http://www.thepumptrowbridge.co.uk/ or you can email:ย 

thepumptrowbridge@gmail.com

The first event has already been confirmed, with young indie hopefuls Nothing Rhymes With Orange set to perform on Friday 1st September, with a line up including more young musicians from the area.

The Future of Rock and Roll is in your hands, the future of Music is YOU!

Trending……

Chatting With Burn The Midnight Oil

Itโ€™s nice to hear when our features attract attention. Salisburyโ€™s Radio Odstock ย picked up on our interview with Devizes band Burn the Midnight Oil andโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 19th – 25th July 2023

Is thisโ€ฆ..is thisโ€ฆ.summer, pray tell?! Hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found to be doing locally this coming weekโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Hereโ€™s a thing, all the info and ticket links are on our jam packed event calendar, HERE, and you can plan ahead too. Any updates after today will also be put on there, so do check in later in the week too, as this is not exhaustive or comprehensive, or other such long words like that!

Ongoing through the month, Marlborough Open Studios, countywide artist open studios, where you can invite yourself  into many artistโ€™s homes for free to see their work and what biscuits they have! Open Studios runs on the first four weekends in July between 11am and 5pm.

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed here.

Ongoing until Sunday, the Westbury Festival continues until Sunday, with lots going on there.

Wednesday 19th:

The regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre screening Goodnight, Mr. Tom, this for anyone who suffers dementia, and their carers. Tea & Tour of Wyvernโ€™s Spotlight Room in Swindon.

A Craig Crofton Quartet at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 20th:

Girls Like That opens at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, The Wharf Youth Theatre presents this, directed by Lou Cox and running until Saturday 22nd. If Iโ€™m rushing out this weekโ€™s roundup, it is because Iโ€™m off to the dress rehearsal, so please look for a review of it tomorrow!

Amadeus Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Peter and the Test Tube Babies at the Tree House, Frome, The Bluetones at the Cheese & Grain.

Shades of Silver at The Tuppenny, Swindon, and Do You Believe In Ghosts at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 21st:

Summer BBQ with Plan of Action at Seend Community Hall.

Just Jinny at The Pelican, Devizes, Sour Apple at The Three Crowns.

The Korgis with The Lost Trades and Rachel Hill at The Laverton in Westbury.

IGGZ Create My Own Lane EP Launch Party Ft Wordlife And Friends at The Pump, Trowbridge.

Highly recommended, Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute Painted Bird with Ian Dury tribute Dury Duty at The Vic, Swindon, Andrew Lawrenceโ€™s I Forgive You at Swindon Arts Centre.

Scott Lavene at Pound Arts, Corsham, highly recommended from us!

Bite The Hand at The Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon.

Rory McLeod at The Bell in, Bath and This Flight Tonight โ€“ A Tribute to Joni Mitchell at Chapel Arts.

The Guns N Roses Experience at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 22nd:

Arty Kids at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Match Box Mutiny, newly formed duo of Ben Borrill & Pat Ward at The Southgate.

Marlborough Festival has been postponed until 2024, but find Static Moves at The Lamb, Marlborough. 

Rave Against the Regime at The Barge on Honey-Street.

The Accidents at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.

Twist of Rock at The Pewsham, Chippenham.

Dr Zebo at Victoria Garden, Westbury, Junkyard Dogs at The Angel.

Cider, Reggae & Rum Festival in Trowbridge. Trowbridge Repair Cafรฉ at the Town Hall.

The Brackish at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Westward Plus! at The Boathouse in Bradford-on-Avon.

Mutter Slater Band at The Bell, Bath, The Jake Leg Jug Band at Chapel Arts.

But all eyes on Swindon this Saturday, for Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week: My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival at the Old Town Bowl.ย ย 

Plus, Coopers Creek at The Moonrakers, The Flashback Band at The New Inn, Dragoneye at The Queens Tap, and Mean As Custard at The Woodland Edge. The Kirsty Farrow Dance Academyโ€™s This Is Me at The Wyvern Theatre, and Prime Theatre Showcase presents Dreamland at Swindon Arts Centre.

Sunday 23rd:

Sound Affects are doing an afternoon at The Southgate, Devizes, from 5pm, usually.

Coopers Creek at The Electric Bar, Bath.

Revolution Performing Arts โ€“ The Golden Ticket Spotlight Show! at Swindon Arts Centre, and Kitty Langan Studio โ€“ Oh What A Night! at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 24th:

Radio Banska at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 25th:

Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon has Chris Cobbsonโ€™s African Jazz Project, and 

Bridesmaids of Britain at The Wyvern Theatre.

And thatโ€™s your lot, unless you know different? Listings are free, get in touch!

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 6th – 11th July 2023

Bit drizzley innit? Usually waits until after the kids break up from school, so maybe the sun will put his hat on then, or perhaps this will just continue until the rainy season in autumn; who can tell? One thing we can tell you though, thereโ€™s lots to occupy yourselves around these backwaters with this coming week, and here it all isโ€ฆ..

Donโ€™t forget nothing is comprehensive, other events might well be added during the week as and when we discover them, so check in on our event calendar, for more info and links on these, updates and planning ahead.

Ongoing through the month, Marlborough Open Studios, countywide artist open studios, where you can invite yourself  into many artistโ€™s homes for free to see their work and what biscuits they have! Open Studios runs on the first four weekends in July between 11am and 5pm.

Running until the 8th July, Bradfordiansโ€™ Amadeus at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Wednesday 5th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Christ Church Primary School Summer Concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Starting today, running until Saturday 8th July, Henry VI at the Rondo Theatre in Bath; two Devizes actors in this, Lucy Upward and Ian Diddams, break a leg, guys!

Starting today, running until Friday 7th July, Wilkes Academy showcase at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Thursday 6th:

Live music every Thursday at The Tuppenny in Swindon, this week itโ€™s The Rigmarollers.

The Nell Bryden Trio, plus support from Isabella Coulstock at Chapel Arts, Bath.

And hip hoppers fav, the Nass Festival kicks off all weekend at Shepton Mallet.

Friday 7th:

Alexander Kai exhibition at St Marys, Devizes runs until Sunday. Hope to have a preview piece up by Thursday on this, see poster.

DOCA Carnival Quiz at The Shambles in Devizes.

Innes Sibun is at The Southgate, Devizes.

Find a Music Weekender at The Barge, Honey-Street.

Shot by Both Sides at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Moscow Drug Club at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Sefrial at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Moving Pictures (Rush Tribute) at The Vic, Swindon.

Funke and the Two-Tone Baby @ The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 8th:

Lacock Scarecrow Trail begins.

Wessex Airscapes, an exhibit from the unique Anna Dillon at Wiltshire Museum starts,and runs until October.

But we hope to be at Editorโ€™s Pick of Week, CrownFest at The Crown in Bishops Cannings. Be quick in getting a ticket for this, it may already be sold out. Preview HERE.

Chaos Brothers play The Three Crowns in Devizes.

Howlin Matt is at The Southgate, Devizes.

Thereโ€™s a Family Festival at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough, with Ann Liu Cannon, The Zoots, Crystal Tides, The Vooz, Hip Route and Nothing Rhymes With Orange.

Chippenham Food & Drink Festival

Wilton Carnival

@Fest at The White Hart, Atworth. Plan of Action headline a Dorothy House Hospice Care fundraiser there.

Lunchtime Piano Recital with Andrew McCormack at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Hugh Pascall Quintet at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Bath Minerva Choir presents Feasts and Fables at  Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Dreamwave plays The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Miss Kelโ€™s Academyโ€™s The Best of British at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Chocolate Theatreโ€™s Grease at Swindon Arts Centre.

Shepherd’s Pie play The Vic, Swindon.

Thresholdโ€™s Party In The Park at Old Town Gardens, Swindon, with an Abba tribute.

I Canโ€™t Believe itโ€™s not Buddy, Buddy Holly show at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Straighten Out, Stranglers Tribute at The Tree House, Frome.

Sunday 9th:

Model Folk plays The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Wiltshire Young Musicians Summer Festival from 1.30PM at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Tanwood Performing Artsโ€™ Dancing On Sunshine at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 10th:

Wizard of Oz Drawing Event at The Little Hop, Swindon.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Frome Festival begins, with Raghu Dixit at the Cheese & Grain.

Tuesday 11th:

Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak in Swindon has Gethin Liddington and the Dave Jones Quartet 

Rhythm of the Dance at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

And thatโ€™s all we have so far, do check into our event calendar for updates, and have a great week!

Trending……

The Lost Trades Float on New Single

Iโ€™ve got some gorgeous vocal harmonies currently floating into my ears, as The Lost Trades release their first single since the replacement of Tamsin Quinโ€ฆ

Barrelhouse are Open for Business with New Album

Rolling out a Barrelhouse of fun, you can have blues on the run, tomorrow (7th November) when Marlborough’s finest groovy vintage blues virtuosos Barrelhouse releaseโ€ฆ

Ruzz Guitar Swings With The Dirty Boogie

Bristolโ€™s regular Johnny B Goode, Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue goes full on swing with a new single, a take on The Brian Setzer Orchestraโ€™s 1998โ€ฆ

Joyrobber Didn’t Want Your Stupid Job Anyway

A second track from local anonymous songwriter Joyrobber has mysteriously appeared online, and heโ€™s bitter about not getting his dream jobโ€ฆ.. If this mysterious dudeโ€™sโ€ฆ

Ooh Ah, Shuffling to My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad…

If you fancy having a whole heap of fun while helping raise some funds for Prospect Hospice, who have provided end of life care to the people of Swindon and north east Wiltshire for over 40 years, you have two exciting festival options.…..

Firstly lands in your lap on Saturday 22nd July, when Swindonโ€™s Old Town Gardens plays host to My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival. Bit long-winded name for a festival, but it’s certainly original and stands out, provided the idea of primary playground sayings for festivals doesn’t trend on the back of it and we have The My Dad’s a Blackbelt in Karate Festival, or even worse, The Ooh Ah Lost my Bra in my Boyfriendโ€™s Car Festival!

In its third year the festival is a tribute to Dave Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar who died in early June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle against cancer. The festival has raised over ยฃ24,000 for Prospect Hospice in its first two years.

Headline sponsor this year will be Future Planning, an independent financialย planners and mortgage advisers based in Swindon. Acts include countywide favourite rockers, The Ukey Dukes, Kova Me Badd, The Vooz, and Splat the Rat, ska and reggae cover giants Train to Skaville, sonic indie darlings Atari Pilot, upcoming indie post punk favourites Viduals, The Pop-Punk Revolution Tour, crazy rappers Imperial Leisure, and in a comedy rock subgenre of their very own, we can never forget the Real Cheesemakers. Plus thereโ€™s acoustic goodness from Hip Routeโ€™s Jim Blair, Drew Byrant, Joel Rose, Meg, Jules Hill, Shedric.

If this isnโ€™t enough for you, Swindon Paint Fest will be hosting an area of creativity with six fantastic local artists demonstrating their talents by live painting in the Sunken Garden. There will also be a guided spray paint and acrylic pen workshop led by Emma from Old Townโ€™s Mams gallery where  participants will be able to have a go with using the spray paint and acrylic pens onto a canvas board creating an artwork which they are able to take home. 

Caryn Koh from Swindon Paint Fest said, “We at Swindon Paint Fest are excited to collaborate with My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad event which is a great initiative raising money for Swindon’s Prospect Hospice.โ€

Food and drink vendors, including Gurt Wings, have been brought in to keep revellers fed and watered, as well as an independent business market and a funfair area for children.

Adult tickets are a purple one, ยฃ20 from their website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad.co.uk . Paper tickets are also available from Holmes Music, The Tuppenny and The Castle Inn.

Second option is in September when, from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th, Swindonโ€™s Old Town comes alive with locally-sourced live music in a pub stroller type fashion with Swindon Shuffle. The lineups at five music venue boozers, The Victoria, The Hop Inn, The Beehive, The Tuppenny, and the Castle basically reads like a whoโ€™s who of local music, and itโ€™s all free, provided you spare a little cash for Prospect Hospice buckets scattered around the venues. Fringe events are also to be found at Baristocats and the Prospect Hospice Books & Media shop.

โ€œThis yearโ€™s event is shaping up to be the biggest ever and includes something for pretty much everyone out there,โ€ The shufflers say, and theyโ€™re not telling fibs. Swindon Link, Sheer Music, Swindon Folk Club, and many others all muck in to help create the enormous homage to David Young and raise funds for Prospect. I made it down last year for just Saturday. I’m thinking I might need to find a B&B this year and a sudden attack of skivalitis from work this time around!

From alt-rock of All Ears Avow and Modern Evils, to the sludge doom of Phantom Droid. The likes of Stay Lunar, Moon UK, Viduals and Chasing Dolls keep the indie-kids dancing and there are first shuffle experiences for up and coming bands Trippy Kicks, I See Orange, and  Mirrored Faces UK.

If something rootsier is more your thing, you are also well-catered for with the widescreen americana of Matt Owens Music & The Delusional Vanity Project and Concrete Prairie headlining stages, along with folkier offerings from the likes of Fly Yeti Fly, Canute’s Plastic Army and Splat The Rat.

Subject A bring a touch of Ska and Reggae to proceedings and there is creative and impossible to pigeonhole music from Will Lawton and the Alchemists, Richard Wileman / Karda Estra & Amy Fry Music and new band The Wheel 2!, who feature many of the faces behind the amazing and much missed Diagonal People. Thud and Bone Chapel bring some blues to proceedings and Swindon Folk Club again curates a stage.

With over sixty acts on the main bill you need to put this in your diary, but for now, whether your Dad is bigger than my Dad, or not, all eyes are focussed on 22nd July, when the wonderful park venue of the Old Town Bowl comes aliveโ€ฆ.and to think, thereโ€™s some wonky folk who groan Swindon is a cultural void, same ones still probably trying to get their bra back from their boyfriendโ€™s car, ooh ah!

Trending….

Devizes Chamber Choir Christmas Concert

Itโ€™s not Christmas until the choir sings, and Devizes Chamber Choir intend to do precisely this by announcing their Christmas Concert, as they have doneโ€ฆ

Steatopygous go Septic

If you believe AI, TikTok and the rest of it all suppress Gen Zโ€™s outlets to convey anger and rage, resulting in a generation ofโ€ฆ

The Wurzels To Play At FullTone 2026!

If Devizesโ€™ celebrated FullTone Festival is to relocate to Whistley Roadโ€™s Park Farm for next summerโ€™s extravaganza, what better way to give it the rusticโ€ฆ

DOCAโ€™s Young Urban Digitals

In association with PF Events, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts introduces a Young Urban Digitals course in video mapping and projection mapping for sixteen to twentyโ€ฆ

Jol Roseโ€™s Ragged Stories

Thereโ€™s albums Iโ€™ll go in blind and either be pleasantly surprised, or not. Then thereโ€™s ones which I know Iโ€™m going to love before theโ€ฆ

Devizes New Chair to Area Board of Wiltshire Councilโ€ฆGuess Who?!

Last night Wiltshire Councillors voted in Councillor Iain Wallis as the Chair to the Area Board for Devizes. Meaning any grants to community groups, youth organisations, sports clubs and local charities, have to go through him.

Much as I would like to offer my congratulations to councillor Wallis, I feel it is imperative to question many aspects to this with regards to community led projects, other town councillors, youth project workers and the many various other residents who he seems to neglect the opinions of by silencing them and banning them from his Facebook group, the local legendarily biassed, Devizes Issues.

Part of his new job description reads thus: “to provide a local platform for local engagement and conversation.” Will the Devizes Issues be this platform, if he doesn’t allow any opinion differing from his own? Let’s make no mistake here, opposition councillor’s election campaigns have been slandered on this Facebook group, the independent PCC and all of his supporters were barred from posting, a Devizes-based Covid support group was banned from the group, all by this councillor’s hand.

Wiltshire Council’s website explains “area boards exist to work alongside other organisations to make things happen in the community. These groups can include town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups, youth organisations, sports clubs and local charities,” groups as such which he has attempted to silence, including a residents committee set out to solve issues regarding the Crammer.

The description of what the Area Boards do continues, “An important role of the Area Boards is to provide grants to community groups. There are three main funding streams, which include community capital grants, youth grants, and older and vulnerable adult grants.” Yet we know faithful local youth worker Steve Dewar, who works tirelessly school mentoring, liasoning with Devizes Police, Wiltshire FA, RW Football School and Wiltshire YFC and has independently setup a youth pop-up cafe providing free facilities for local youth, also received the honorary ban from Mr Wallis’s “local platform for local engagement and conversation.”

You are within your rights to complain about this decision, but being he is also on the standards committee, you will most likely be better off talking to a brick wall.

Let’s go through what the Wiltshire Council website says about the overall focus of the tasks of the Area Boards:

“Develop a strong, well established and highly functioning network of local partners, organisations, and residents. Generate an in-depth understanding of our local communities, including the demographics and the issues faced by the residents. Empower and facilitate community led action. Recognise the talents, expertise, and knowledge of our communities, trusting and supporting them to co-deliver local services. Ensure decisions are taken in consultation with and close to the residents that they affect.
Effectively share data and intelligence at a local level. Provide a local platform for local engagement and conversation.
Deliver an opportunity for residents to gain an understanding of the way the council works. Finally, help deliver the Wiltshire Council business plan at a local level with the involvement of communities.”

Now, I ask you, does any of these match with the manner in which he has conducted himself on his Facebook group? Suggesting that time, he would go ahead and continue publishing town council matters regardless of if the council voted individual councillors should refrain from posting such information or not; remember that ickle controversy?!

We will continue to question the suitability of Mr Wallis in this position, given the factors expressed in the opinion piece, and I see this as justified criticism, not, as he himself has stressed on more than one occasion, as “harassing and bullying” him, for that is both not our intention, and indeed, an outright lie. In order to undergo this task effectively, as clearly stated on the website, engaging with the community would, in my opinion, mean everyone within that community and not only the ones who agree with him personally, otherwise that is most certainly not impartial to political and social sway, as proved by the governing of his social media group.

We publish this as a concerning development which seriously risks the future of community led events, organisations and schemes within the Devizes area, as any councillor who seems only focused on pushing the agenda of one national political party will endeavour to allow only those who back them too, and agree with his opinion. This we have discovered by the manner in which he controls his social media group, which would be totally his prerogative to do so, of course, if he wasn’t in such a conflicting position of power.

It does seem such a shame, that this essentially hardworking and proactive councillor cannot seem to overcome this issue of allowing an entire community to communicate freely without the threat of being silenced for simply disagreeing on a particular issue. We too face this terrible predicament, any good work we do at Devizine, whether it be charity, promotion of events, schools and community groups, they will always remain blocked and heavily criticised in order to make way for some grand pipedream of creating an “official’ council run website which basically rests under his control but steals our ideas and input, and you, the council taxpayer will fork out for. God bless us all, for we are going to need it!!

Drag Queen Story Time in Swindon Sparks Counter Protest

By T.B.D Rose

The LGBTQIA+ community bravely showed their support for Drag Queen Story Hour at the Wyvern Theatre yesterday, by staging a counter protest to the fascists who were blasting bigoted lies accusing drag performers of being groomers and of sexualising children, when in fact, pantomime dames and drag queens have been a staple of family entertainment for decades.….

Attacking drag queen events is clearly camouflage for a campaign of homophobia (according to Swindon Advertiser, one fascist could be heard saying that: “It’s against the natural order for a man to be with another manโ€) directed at all LGBTQ friendly venues and spaces, and fascist scapegoating of minority groups is always a Trojan horse to normalise violent political repression.

The discrimination LGBTQIA+ people experience in society and even from their own families is endemic and a truth those comfortable with heteronormative privilege such as myself can never fully understand, which is exactly why we all need to do what we can to allow people
to live their lives and be themselves unencumbered by prejudice or bullying of any kind.

Businesses and supermarkets putting up rainbow flags, nice as it is to see, is not enough when the government, media, and extremist groups are expressly targeting anything and everything LGBTQ.

Pride is a protest and a wonderful expression of community, let’s keep it that way until homophobia is history and love is the order of the day on a fair and free planet. This article is dedicated to my loved ones in the LGBTQIA community.

For more information on Swindon Pride click HERE.

41 Fords Park Up at The Southgateย 

With the happenings at the Arts Festival taken care of, and twenty/thirty something’s pilgrimage to The Three Crowns for the delights of our most famed cover band, People Like Us, I’m in Devizes for the wildcard; Trowbridge trio of nutty rockabilly/skabilly 41 Fords are playing The Southgate; arm twisted for a cider or three.….

Currently camped at some festival or another as they accidentally double-booked, they hot-footed it from the site delighted to be here. Told me of their love for the Gate, not the only thing we have in common. Though they regularly play our hospitable and stalwart, offbeat live music pub, it was never intentional that I missed them, but going on the strength of their debut album, Not Dead Yet, which we fondly reviewed back in April, 41 Fords were understandably on my must-see list.

Job ticked off and far from disappointed, they shook the rafters with high-energy rockabilly adaptations of a wide selection of pop hits. A guitar, drums and double-bass trio, it’s a simple template to stamp their own style on everything and anything from Adam Ant’s Goody Two Shoes to Green Day, and The Primitives’ Crash to Hall & Oates, but dammit if it doesn’t work like a charm. Rousing the slight audience with lively upbeat versions, the fun simply doesn’t stop, other than for a twanged guitar string; they couldn’t even cover Ben E King’s Stax classic Stand By Me without a frenzied rise of tempo!

To be niggly, I looked forward to some originals from said album, but they felt it best to do covers, a trusted judgement paid off, and besides, Deborah had chalked them up as such on the board. If flat-caps worn with anything other than country-gent attire usually connotes the cheekiness of a cockney sparrow, and there were a lot of them floating about tonight, similarly does a double-bass without it being an orchestra. Given said instrument is adorned with second gen ska’s checkerboard black & white tiles and a slogan reading “get lucky” in friendly font, you get the general gist this is punk-fused rockabilly, yet without the grave characteristics associated with psychobilly. It is, simply, as much fun as you could possibly squeeze into a gig, the result was precisely that.

Unusual their trump card, as the drummer tended to vocal the cheesy eighties pop covers, aforementioned Adam Ant, but Tracey Ulman’s Breakaway being particularly amusing, whereas the guitarist vocalising on the earlier or more apt classics, from the Jam to Tears of a Clown bending on The Special’s version, and probably the golden nugget tonight, Dion’s Runaround Sue. The double-bass player simply displayed the cheeky grin of Jason Statham as Bacon in Lock Stock, but anyone spinning a double-bass wins, they don’t got to say anything!

By the time the second half of this frenzied show of confident and proficient uniqueness played out, it really didn’t matter what they covered, they could’ve done Save All Your Kisses for Me for all it mattered, though I don’t believe they did. Everything was fantastic, 41 Fords are undiluted footstompin’ goodness and bring the party with them as standard issue. What a lively fun-filled night at The Southgate, as ever!

Don’t forget, it’s the monthly Jon Amor at the Southgate today at 5pm, and you can find 41 Fords at Devizes Scooter Rally.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 31st May –ย  6th June 2023

Moving swiftly into June, with bank hols and street festival done and dusted in Devizes town, this weekend is all about arts and organs; let’s see what’s going down in our hood over the next week shall we?

Bearing in mind, this list is never comprehensive and events will come to our attention  throughout the week, which is why you need to check in with our updating event calendar HERE, to get ahead of the game and also for more info and links.

Ongoing: Hail the Curious at The Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham. Do check this out, previewed here.

Wednesday 31st:

The regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes; bring your instrument.

Seas of Mirth at The Bell Inn, Bath and The Rabbitts at Chapel Arts, and Jack & Jordan’s Sketch Show is at the Rondo Theatre.

Zoo Co: Bossy at Pound Arts in Corsham.

Thursday 1st:

Another fabulous booking at The Tuppenny in Swindon where The Blue Highways go back-to-back with one our favourites, Concrete Prairie. Alternatively, Swindon’s mind-blowing guitar virtuoso, Webb is at the Vic, with Them Bloody Kids and Land Captains, which you can also catch at the Pump in Trowbridge on Friday. TJ Klune is in conversation with Bertโ€™s Books at Swindon Arts Centre.

David Gibbs-Family-Jukebox at Pound Arts, Corsham.

SuRieโ€™s Cover Me tour comes to Chapel Arts, Milo Edwards is at the Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Friday 2nd:

The popular open mic night at the Exchange in Devizes, plus it is time for Devizes Arts Festival to open its doors; our editor’s pick of the week. Running until 17th June, today starts off with An Evening of Tango Calor, 8pm at the Assembly Room of the Town Hall. Tickets are ยฃ12, Tango Calor is one of the most exciting tango bands performing in the UK. The trio was started by bandoneon player Mirek Salmon in Bristol in 2016 with jazz pianist and film composer Daan Temmink and Cuban vocal sensation Indira Roman.

Tom Davies & the Bluebirds pull into the Barge on HoneyStreet. As I said Webb is with Them Bloody Kids at the Pump, Trowbridge. Find Illingworth at Brown Street, Salisbury.

Jack Macโ€™s Funk Pac at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon; love the name! Will Dugganโ€™s Iceberg comes to the Rondo Theatre, Bath, while Chapel Arts has Cool Britannia – a ride through the swinging sixties.

Find Cooper’s Creek at The Queens Tap, Swindon, and Enjoy the Silence UK at the Vic.

Saturday 3rd:

Itโ€™s the annual Southern Organ Festival on the Green, Devizes on Saturday and Sunday, and Canon House have a summer fete.

Devizes Arts Festival presents polar adventurer and motivational speaker Sue Stockdale โ€“ A Life of Adventure, 1pm at St John’s Church, and An Evening with Sir Willard White with the Kymaera Duo at the Corn Exchange at 8pm; one of the best-loved and most versatile opera stars of the last 40 years, Sir Willard Whiteโ€™s illustrious career has taken him to the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls throughout the world.

People Like Us are at The Three Crowns, and the 41 Fords at The Southgate; spoiled or choice again Devizes!

The Boot Hill All Stars play The Barge, Honey-Street, Static Moves are The Bear, Marlborough, with Barrelhouse at The Lamb, and the Elcot Festival at Marlborough Town FC.

Great Free Live Music Festival at Lamb Yard in Bradford-on-Avon, with Concrete Prairie and others, see the poster below. LP Swing Orchestraโ€™s 100 Years of Big Band at Wiltshire Music Centre, and Mikey Ace & The Wild Cards in the evening.

Patrick Duff at Rondo Theatre, Bath, The Fleetwood Mac Songbook at Chapel Arts, and Roots Reggae Culture night at the Weston Hub.

Wilkes Academy Under 16s at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, We Are What We Overcome at Swindon Arts Centre. Old Friends play the Woodlands Edge, Shepherd’s Pie at The Queens Tap, and Midlife Krisis have Diversify 23 at The Vic; rave on.

Picnic the Park at Alderbury in Salisbury, with Train to Skaville headlining.

Sunday 4th:

Devizes Arts Festival have a Festival Walk across Roundway Down, and two free fringe events, Texas Tick Fever, 2pm at Three Crowns, and one Iโ€™m looking forward to, Ajay Srivastav, 7pm at the Cellar Bar, of the Bear Hotel.

Having said this, itโ€™s also time for the Jon Amor Trio โ€˜s monthly residency at The Southgate, and heโ€™s doubling up the guestlist this time around.

It is Calne Pride and Castlefields Park, and a Cherished Vehicle and Family Fun Day, from 11am in the fields at Meadow Farm Nurseries, Langley Burrell, Chippenham.

Kavus Torabi at The Vic, Swindon, with The Blackheart Orchestra at Swindon Arts Centre.

Monday 5th:

Devizes Arts Festival presents Graham Short: My life as a Micro-Artist, 8pm at the Assembly Room. Graham Short is the world’s most talented living micro-artist. His pieces take between three and nine months to make, and the work is so tiny, itโ€™s indiscernible to the naked eye.

The Longplayer Monthly Album Listening Club at The Vic, Swindon.

Airbourne at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Tuesday 6th:

Devizes Arts Festival presents Onarole Theatre: Jesus, My Boy! 8pm at the Merchant Suite, Corn Exchange. This is the story of Jesus seen through the eyes of Joseph, an ordinary and down-to-earth man, dismayed about how his image is later portrayed in Christian art work! Both humorous and moving, it is a beautifully-written one-man one-act play originally performed by Tom Conti.

We have weeks of Devizes Arts Festival, so please take a look at our calendar where itโ€™s all listed, and/or their website, and get ahead of the game, some great stuff on offer there. 

What with Pride Month and just well, well, being June, we are going to be busy but will try to keep up with all thatโ€™s going on. If you can help pen a preview of review of something, please do, thanks and have a great week!

Trending……

Vince Bell in the 21st Century!

Unlike Buck Rogers, who made it to the 25th century six hundred years early, Devizesโ€™ most modest acoustic virtuoso arrives at the 21st just shortโ€ฆ

Deadlight Dance New Single: Gloss

You go cover yourself in hormone messing phthalates, toxic formaldehyde, or even I Can’t Believe It’s Not Body Butter, if you wish, but it’s allโ€ฆ

Things to Do During Halloween Half Term

The spookiest of half terms is nearly upon us again; kids excited, parents not quite so much! But hey, as well as Halloween, here’s whatโ€ฆ

CrownFest is Back!

Yay! You read it right. After a two year break, CrownFest is back at the Crown in Bishop’s Cannings. So put a big tick ontoโ€ฆ

Alex Roberts and Fly Yeti Fly @ The Barge Honeystreet

Ben Niamorย 

First time for me in the barn venue, itโ€™s a great space. Alex is no stranger to this place, and it feels like a really relaxed gig among friends. Alex played a good bit of material from his most recent release for us, Meridians and superpowers, the title track among the very best. And a mix of older songs and the odd cover.ย 

I love One More Miracle, inspired by terrorist legislation changes a little way back and how Jesus,  should he of come back at that time, could have been mistaken for a terrorist.. as usual some deeper thinking with wry humour infused to keep it positive and the lyrics flowing. 

โ€œHe said he couldnโ€™t walk on water, I said he should learn to surf like me..!?โ€ Understated and reflective as we have come to expect. 

Hacking back to the wild – about the peregrine falcon, words reflecting on the beauty and majesty of wild birds of prey. 

Love too strong, a sincere note of adulation to his wife. Sharing such a heartfelt song whilst his muse is in the room is a wonderfully inclusive thing to offer the rest of us, and always feels special somehow. 

I have highlighted but a few of the wonderful songs in this set, enough for any curious mind to look into this incredible musician, an artist I share with many looking for music thatโ€™s meaningful and well considered.ย 

Gorgeous harmonious three piece tonight, Fly Yeti Fly, with a cello alongside. Relatively new to me, but well known in the folk scene, and playing some great venues. A light hearted and delicate touch with the audience, some great songs with a running thread of nostalgia and positivity.ย 

They sang songs about his dad, his old man a hippy soul, who they quipped if he had visited Honeystreet would most likely never of left, and Blue yonder – a fun ode to the thoughts of our dogsโ€ฆ rousing and I think accurate musing in the mindset of dogs and their wanderlust and passion for adventure and new friends. Something reflected in the lives of many folk fans I think. 

Songs of mischievous mermaids luring Cornish choir boys to the icy depths in an incredibly harmonious manner โ€ฆ

Firewood – about the harder aspects of life on the cut. The cold and the worries of being iced in.

Thankfully most of us will not experience tough times on the water, that result in burning our furniture for warmth. 

But it makes for a bloody good folk song. 

I could ramble on about this lovely band, but this is just a snapshot of a good evenings live music, a fix of the kind of music that helps balance all our daily concerns and strife with some free thinking and perspective often with an historical context. Surely thatโ€™s a definition of the folk tradition? And one pleasingly well upheld by these artists and this well established venue. Thank you all.

Exploring Frome at Night; Does Every Town Need a Cheese and Grain?

Finally crawled out of my Hobbit-hole this weekend after a shilly-shallying period of making do with BGT on the telebox, and what better way to kick my sorry-ass back into gear than to finally pop my Cheese and Grain cherry?

Hold your gasp, I know, mate, inspecting the South West’s flagship venue was still surprisingly on my Devizine roadshow to-do-list, and a little tour of Frome’s back streets on a Saturday night with a former resident to direct me off the tourist track was also on the cards. For I’ve mindfully put Frome, particularly the Cheese, on a pedestal, and was eager to see if it lived up to expectations.

Firstly, the invite was for a sellout night with eighties premier Scottish rockers, Big Country, of whom I could only cite one hit from memory, conveniently self-titled, but if far from their biggest fan, the support came from another eighties band, who had minor chart success with a post-punk synth type style, Spear of Destiny, and I’d never heard of them. Neither, I confess, were my cuppa, but the opportunity to cross the border and see Frome in all its heavenly glory was my motivation.

Frome conveys a happening liberal, alternative arty and counterculture reputation, its hipster value far outweighing any Wiltshire market town, something which has developed fairly recently, and can be likened to Somerset’s own Brighton, pebbly beach converts to cobbled streets, and the Cheese effectively their Pavilion. But should we bow in envy at its proud accomplishments? Perhaps.

Our initial pitstop was a necessity burrito calling, placing me with pleasant first impressions. As a train pulled into Frome Station and people offloaded, we took to a renovated hanger nearby, called the Station, where various street food outlets surrounded an alternative art gallery. It was no issue Burrito Boi was the only one open, as per guide’s recommendation, it was what we were here for.

Burritto Boi, you boss!

Even with a view of the gigantic B&M sign, your gaze is ever-easily diverted from commercialisation in Frome, it’s colourfully aesthetic. We met a chatty musician type, of the acoustic punk covers band Raggedy Men, a Frome band, it was told, which rarely gigs further than they can effectively crawl home from, amidst folk gathered alfresco on benches, under a casual reggae beat! Burrito Boi’s bar and eatery wasn’t exactly cheap, but damn, that was one tasty burrito, as worthy of your attention as any beef and rice wrap can possibly be.

And there it is with a general nutshell of Frome, like Italy, to suggest it’s cool and hip is no fib, but whatever you do is hefty on the wallet; shrug, sign of the times.

The ticket stub for The Cheese and Grain tonight stood at a sizable thirty-five notes, a pint has reached the inevitable fiver as standard, but dammit, it bears its wires as to where your dollar goes, and you have to hand it to the place, it’s the kind of wonderful to leave you contemplating if every town needs a Cheese and Grain.

While immersed in an adequate free overnight car park, one vocal regular with khaki shorts and floppy pink and silver mohican informed me she had never seen it so full, only to be further confirmed Big Country attained a devoted fanbase in meeting a couple who’d travelled from London, and delighted to shock us that there’s “nothing quite like this in the capital.”

Such is the reputation of this big cheese, the kind of venue to host the Foo Fighters, or a spontaneous pitstop for Sir Paul McCartney to drop in for a gig on his way to Glasto, and frequently too, The Pretenders graced this grand hall last Friday. It is a comparable rural answer to a city venue, such as Bristol’s O2. Though you may find a ticket stub at a smidgen less at the latter, supposing because it has a larger capacity, the further fuel and parking fees will far tipple over the price for the Cheese.

So, if you like your live music bold and with celebrity or legendary status, The Cheese and Grain is the choicest thirty-five minute drive away, as it’s the only venue here so majestically respected to host such big names. As at an eight hundred capacity, the mechanics of any larger venue are unavoidably bound by regulations, to make you feel like herded cattle, at the Cheese you’re relatively of the organic free-range variety. The hall is a huge open space with a grand purpose-built stage and marvellous acoustics, as the sound reverberates like a bass bin, the effect is awesome. But the surroundings are equally appeasing, the outside area is bustling, with an aroma of freshly-cooked pizza; it is, just, nice.

The slim age demographic inside reflected the double bill of acts popularised in the eighties, and thus an older crowd appeared spaciously divided, so late comers were standing watching beyond the fire doors for want not to be ageing sardines, and thus I felt little atmosphere developing. Both bands accomplished yet hardly groundbreaking now, and with little knowledge of their works for me it lacked the retrospective appeal it clearly did for the fans; I was a tender thirteen in 1983, and favoured Grandmaster Flash!

Though I will say, if a post-punk support felt unmatched for the aficionados of this harder rock band, even if of the same era, Spear of Destiny where equally as great, expressively vocal and perhaps closer to the general rock sound of Big Country than I’d bargained they would be.

Big Country though, were only partially the real McCoy. With former Skids original frontman Stuart Adamson passed away in 2001, Simon Hough made for a great alternative, as they worked through their magnum opus album, The Crossing, on its forty anniversary. As for the fans, well, they lapped it up.

Of course, on another evening, with a different line-up I’m gathering The Cheese & Grain converts to suit the punters, ergo given when Ruzz Guitar plays there, or when Dreadzone pays a visit, the crowd will relate appropriately to the tenet of the act. See, to me, June 16th-17th’s Frome ska and reggae weekender has my name all over it, and you should browse their website or our event calendar to find something to fill your boots too, because I know you will!

With the pull of acts to play the Cheese, such as Big Country far greater than our humble blog, it’s futile to provide you with a detailed analysis of them, as also as suggested, I appreciate they played well to the fans but it wasn’t my cuppa. I ask myself, would I have preferred to be in one of our cosier, grassroots venues, backing an upcoming act, like at The Pump, or down the trusty Southgate back in Devizes? Actually, being not one to chase the big names, yeah, I believe I would have.

With that box ticked then, it was decided to do a bunk; I was keen to see what else was on offer in Frome on an typical night. Yet, it was surprisingly quiet elsewhere, as if the Cheese has the gravitational pull of Jupiter and anything else surrounding it was merely a moon.

I didn’t think at this point to check the sister venue, the Tree House, who had a Muse tribute, rather we sauntered the town, mostly upwards cobbly streets. While told to avoid The Blue Boar, and some class and glass fronted wine bar, Eight Stony Street, which looked city-like and not within the character of the town, we wandered through the partial club-bar 32 Bath Street, which catered for a younger, perhaps less affluent, and with drum n bass playing out, young at heart, I loved it there!

Of course, the busiest was a taste of home, Wadworth’s grand George Hotel, and we passed by The Sun, which appeared welcoming, and had some locally sourced live music on, to the cobbled legendary Lamb & Fountain, which I was told was the best pub in town. Yet it was an acquired taste, uniquely appropriate, akin to said Southgate, or Swindon’s Beehive, it has its independent feel which wouldn’t change on request, a local of locals, it was sawdust-on-the-floor welcoming. Nought Wetherspoons about any of them!

I left feeling sometimes, perhaps, less is more. Clearly Frome attracts more lively characters, bohemians and oddities than any neighbouring towns, but overloaded with options of things to do, I fear, aside the outside pull of The Cheese, if it has the population to sustain them all, as the biggest niggler was, unlike cities like Brighton, the streets felt comparatively void of activity.

Maybe we could attribute this to being a weekend before a bank holiday, or a general sign of these hard times which all towns are experiencing. I don’t know, just felt, though it was an adventurous evening exploring a town I know little about, and only had time to scratch the surface of, while Frome has this city-sized event programme feel to it, it only weighs in approximately eight thousand larger in population to Devizes, and less than half the size of Chippenham.

I’m kinda thinking, if I lived there, with all this on my doorstep, would I simply take it for granted and rarely engage as much as I assume I would? And would my wallet allow me to?

Ah, it’s debatable for sure, but take Devizes on a Saturday night, where options are comparably limited, at least plenty will gather at what beauties we do have, I’d wager great nights were had, as ever, at the Three Crowns and The Southgate. So even without a regular Cheese and Grain on our doorstep, we make do with what we do have, and use them more regularly. And on those special occasions like next week’s Street Festival, Devizes will put on the amazingly colourful parade we know it to be, and all will join and rejoice there, freely.

Or I could just be on a grumpy Sunday rant cos you can’t get a burrito that tasty for love nor money in Devizes; you decide, but yeah, Frome, don’t go changing just to please me!

Trending…..

Six Reasons to Rock in Market Lavington

Alright yeah, itโ€™s a play on band names and thereโ€™s only really two reasons to rock on Friday 17th October at Market Lavington Community Hall;โ€ฆ

Oh Danny Boy!

Oh Danny Boy, oh, Danny Boy, they loved your boyish Eton looks so, but when ye was voted in, an all democracy wasnโ€™t quite dying,โ€ฆ

Devizes Town Council Welcomes New Councillor

Since the recent byelection for Devizes East, Guardian Vanessa Tanner was welcomed to The Town Council this month; Guardians of the Galaxy ensemble, or, maybe just Guardians of the Devizes, but you get the general gist! 

โ€œNot everyone would stand in an election,โ€ Vanessa said, which is a good start because I wouldnโ€™t want to; I could sit in one, maybe slouch a bit and snooze until it was time to hit the pub, but thatโ€™s about it!

Apologies, ignore my silly edits to bulk this out; Vanessa continued, โ€œby putting yourself forward as a representative for your community, you may open yourself up for criticism along with praise. We are hard-wired to remember the bad over the good so for your own self-preservation, you need to develop a tough skin and constantly remind yourself why it is important.โ€

โ€œSo why was it important for me to stand as a candidate in the recent by-election? I wanted to really engage in Devizes and be part of the community. Iโ€™m not a local born and bred, but Devizes has become my home and I love living here. Shortly after moving in, I met a group of people who are passionate about ensuring this little part of England remains beautiful and thriving. Those people are The Devizes Guardians. Each one of them with a story to tell about why they wanted to become Town Councillors.โ€

โ€œMy story is simple. I want to represent the people in my local area, to bring issues to the table and hopefully find solutions. Also, Iโ€™m already involved in a number of community groups, (Sustainable Devizes, CUDS, Devizes in Bloom, Dorothy House) so I wanted to represent them on the Town Council, to ensure their voices are heard. All that remains now is to do what I promised to do. Be a decent, honest and effective Councillor. Roll on the next couple of years.โ€

Roll on indeed, in our pre-election interview, well, I called it an interview, was more of a nice chinwag, I genuinely came away positively knowing Vanessa would make the perfect town councillor. Leader of the Guardians Jonathan Hunter commented, โ€œwe are grateful for the magnificent support shown by constituents in East Ward, along with the superb encouragement from those across the wider community who supported Vanessa Tannerโ€™s positive election campaign.โ€

โ€œIt was a hard fought campaign between the Conservatives, Labour and Devizes Guardians but despite lacking the resources of a national party, Vanessa won the election with an impressive 44% of the vote. The postal vote was incredibly strong, as was the strength of support for Vanessa on the doorstep.โ€ 

It was a testament to what can be achieved; though for the Guardians to have lost this seat, it still would not have tipped the balance to a Conservative majority. Local councils do not need persuasion from national political parties. They should be about what is best for the town. The Guardians are a conglomerate of independents. Jonathan touched on this point too, noting, โ€œresidents expressed their dissatisfaction with national and county politics and were keen to back an energetic and community-focused candidate from a party that champions local issues and campaigns for a better deal for Devizes and the local community.โ€

โ€œDevizes Guardians recognise the selfless public service from former Devizes Guardian and Town Councillor, the late Jane Burton, whose sad passing triggered this by-election.

Standing in an election isnโ€™t an easy decision and I would like to thank the other candidates for their efforts and support.โ€

We wish Vanessa all the best with her new role! 

Trending….

A Quick Shuffle to Swindon

Milkman hours with grandkids visiting it was inevitable a five hour day shift was all I was physically able to put into this year’s Swindonโ€ฆ

Swindon Branch of Your Party is Growing

Following the excitement and success of the first meeting of โ€˜Your Partyโ€™ in Swindon, a second meeting has been arranged for 18th September 7.30 -โ€ฆ

No Rest For JP Oldfield, New Single Out Today

It’s been six months since Devizes-based young blues crooner JP Oldfield released his poignant kazoo-blowing debut EP Bouffon. He’s made numerous appearances across the circuitโ€ฆ

DOCA’s Early Lantern Workshops

Is it too early for the C word?! Of course not, Grinch! With DOCA’S Winter Festival confirmed for Friday 28th November this year, there willโ€ฆ

Devizes Gearing Up For Street Festival

Less than a month away now until the best day out in Devizes, our International Street Festival; whoโ€™s overexcited, who wants to know whatโ€™s happening there, and who just wants to get bladdered?! Previous DOCA artistic director Loz Samuals set the bar pretty high, the new DOCA team have a lot to live up to, and I know theyโ€™ve been hard at work to get this show on the road, or better, on the Green and in the Market Place!

Dates, before I waffle, is Saturday 27th May, which will take place on the Green, and Sunday 28th at the Market Place, if youโ€™re new or travelling through, this is our mardi gras, Devizes style crop-over and itโ€™s all free! Details of the many acts coming to our town can be found on the DOCA website HERE, Iโ€™ve had a browse and I must say itโ€™s just as ever before, mighty impressive and inviting.

Some highlights of this mega meld of international street theatre, music, circus, arts, dance, puppetry, comedy, workshops, environmental talks, food, drink and crafts market, and of course bars, this year is the thirty foot Willow Sanctuary on the Green, designed by artist Sarah Jane and built by the people of Devizes, so you can guarantee it will be as strong as a horse! This temporary event space will be used throughout the whole festival, for acoustic music, a series of environmental talks and a space to relax and reflect; in my eraโ€™s slang call a spade a spade, itโ€™s a chill-out space!

But the beauty here is itโ€™s a 100% recyclable chill out zone, and after the event the willow will be, and DOCA invites anyone to take some home for their own gardens and allotments. Really though? I envision this and it tickles me pink to think of those who usually have difficulty navigating themselves home; view carrying a hoard of willow over your shoulder as a challenge! The kind of Itโ€™s a Knockout finale which might yet be the icing on the cake!

Or perhaps leave the circus acts to the professionals, DOCA certainly have them in abundance this year, as ever, but it doesnโ€™t end there, you could be flying the trapeze yourself with Above and Beyond, who as well as performing both days will be providing free lessons; here, hold my jesters hat and Black Rat!

Another unique most brilliant concept is The Actual Reality Arcade in which video-games will be interpreted into life sized interactive activities, so you could be shooting space invaders, dodging barrels like Mario, building Tetris walls, and running from ghosts like Pac-Man; are DOCA trying to tell us they intend to encourage gamers to divert their eyes from their consoles and interact with reality? This I have to see!!

With a socially charged exciting reggae-ish voyage laced with messages of peace, love & unity, we see live music from Mischa & His Merry Men, and global underground Balkan reggae and ska from The Cabarats. An award-winning UK folk duo, called Good Habits who seemed none too fussed to be stranded in New Zealand during the pandemic, where they  forged their style, and are bringing it back for us. Thereโ€™s also the protocol brassy goodness with Tuba Libres. But one thing not on their program which concerns me, and one which I urge you to help me with here, is Devizineโ€™s suggestion for a local upcoming band to be featured on the main stage.

Iโ€™m so glad DOCA have taken heed of this, this year. Amidst this wonderful array of international performances, which I truly welcome, for while I wouldnโ€™t want this event to turn insular and simply run with our standard circuit, I do believe some space should be made available on the roster to also highlight some of the talent we have at home. Is it just me, just an age thing?! I genuinely welcome your feedback on this, as I push it to DOCA every year as I believe it is important, and I intend to continue to do so. Hopefully our suggestion for the one local upcoming band who I think deserves to be up on the main stage will become an annual occurrence.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange Image by Gail Foster

So, your help is needed, as we presented Nothing Rhymes With Orange to DOCA and they stand to play at 1pm on the Sunday in the Market Place, despite unfortunately not being listed on the DOCA website. I really donโ€™t know the reason for this, but whatever it is, I need you, good people of Devizes, the followers of Devizine, and the fanbase of Nothing Rhymes With Orange to gather en masse at the Market Place at 1pm, and really show DOCA the worth of introducing this fantastic bunch of local youngsters, and the idea we support local live music. This will not only prove to be a fantastic set by the band, but hallmark a new era whereby upcoming local bands have the opportunity to play on the main stage at our Street Festival.

Okay, said my piece, must jog on, but yeah, DOCA, it looks fantastic yet again, a mahoosive well done from me. From a man and a woman hanging from rusty steel springs to a giant Octopus atop of a tricycle, and from a theatre full of theatrical surprises appearing from under the petticoats of an enormous women’s skirts to the weaving and flowing patterns of traditional Welsh folk-dancing, combined with the pulsating energy of queer nightlife, is erm, not something you see everyday in Devizes Market Place, usually just the 49 bus pulling in and the odd market stall selling ham!ย 

Trending…..

I See Orangeโ€ฆ.And Doll Guts!

There was a time not so long ago when I See Orange was the most exciting new band in Swindon. Their latest offering released atโ€ฆ

Talk in Code Down The Gate!

What, again?! Another article about Talk in Code?! Haven’t they had enough Devizine-styled publicity?! Are their heads swelling?!ย  Didn’t that crazy toothless editor catch themโ€ฆ

Recommendations for when Swindon gets Shuffling

Swindon’s annual colossal fundraising event The Shuffle is a testament to local live music, which raises funds for Prospect Hospice. If you’re ever going toโ€ฆ

Girls Like That: Wharf Youth Theatre Group in Bold Reality-Driven Drama

As part of our ongoing series exploring youths in our area doing good, to backwash this current trend by local media to sensationalise only the wayward minority for clickbait, I wanted to draw your attention to the final performance on the summer season programme at the fabulous Wharf Theatre in Devizes, โ€œGirls Like That.โ€

Under the direction of Lou Cox, who is finishing her masters degree in Theatre from Guildford School of Acting, graduated Bath Spa University with a BA(Hons) in performing arts and has a ACTL teaching diploma from Trinity College London, this is a performance by the Youth Wharf Theatreโ€™s senior acting company of teenagers aged between ten and fourteen.

What I think is really great about this is they donโ€™t mention the Youth Theatre element on their website, and it stands as Wharf Theatre production as much as any other. Nothing is condescending here because this is not the sort of play you might be expecting. Speaking to Lou, she joked, โ€œthey couldโ€™ve done James & The Giant Peach, or something like that, but we wanted something they could relate to!โ€

Girls Like That is written by Canadian-British playwright Evan Placey and was named Best Play for Young Audiences at the Writersโ€™ Guild of Great Britain Awards 2015. A phenomenal, contemporary play, depicting the social pressures, digital impact, and gender double standards; Iโ€™ve read this and it is intelligently gritty, reality-driven stuff. Exploring the pressures on young people today in the wake of advancing technology, the synopsis being protagonist, Scarlett, finds her naked photograph going viral and becomes the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons. But while rumours run wild and everyone forms an opinion, Scarlett just stays silent.ย 

You can also help the youth group by voting for this performance at this TicketSource Community Event. Please vote HERE.

The Youth programme at the Wharf has been running for just under two years now, this play will really show its worth, giving young people in our area something to inspire them, something they can relate to, as this is not so uncommon today, as well as a stark warning to take care when online. It is running from July 20th to 22nd, tickets are just ยฃ10-14, available now. โ€œThe girls in the group have been working really hard towards this,โ€ Lou explained.

A freelance drama teacher at various schools in the area and a LAMDA examiner, Lou Cox has recently started exciting projects with Banardos adoption agency, using drama as a training tool for adoptive parents and a refugee charity in Swindon. She is notable for singing professionally at Glastonbury festival and stand-up comedy, and should you want a taste of the latter, you can find her one-woman not for the faint-hearted self-penned and performed show, โ€œHaving a Baby and the S**t They Donโ€™t Tell You,โ€ at The Wharf on May 26th and 27th.

This comedic and brutally honest show takes the audience on an emotional and, at times, highly entertaining rollercoaster. From morning sickness to hypno-birthing classes to labour, you wonโ€™t find this stuff in the pregnancy books! No holds barred; get ready for a whirlwind of witty anecdotes and graphic storytelling with an ending no mother could ever imagineโ€ฆ. (editorโ€™s note: of course, none of this is as bad as man-flu!)

Trending…..

A Busy Week For Lunch Box Buddy!

It was great to bump into Lunch Box Buddy in Devizes today. Last week was hectic for him; first BBC Wiltshire stopped by his standโ€ฆ

Wither; Debut Single From Butane Skies

Whilst dispersing highly flammable hydrocarbon gases into the atmosphere is not advisory,  Butane Skies is a name increasingly exploding on local circuits. The young andโ€ฆ

Bournemouth Writing Festival 2023

A festival goerโ€™s perspective

Helen Edwardsย 

A first. A first for Bournemouth and a first for me.ย  The event, brain (and heart) child of Ildiko SpinFisher and Dominic Wong ran from last Friday 21st April to Sunday 23rd April (aptly Shakespeareโ€™s birthday)….

Amongst the team of organisers was Anna Farthing who used her prior experience, of promoting Creative Arts across NHS trustsโ€™ in the South West of England, to help collaborate and coordinate writers, illustrators, editors, agents, academics, volunteers (and many more) to put on the festival.  Anna expertly compรจred and facilitated the talks, workshops and panels running at the Palace Court Theatre (PCT) – the main site – with her professional and warm delivery whilst wearing what became her trademark bright blue Greatest-Showman-esque blazer.  She, to me, became synonymous with the festival.

I arrived at the event with no expectation other than the knowledge that I was going to have a wonderful time away from the responsibilities and roles of home.ย  Thank you Bournemouth Writing Festival for putting on your inaugural event the day after my birthday. By choosing this date you gave me permission to allow myself to shed my mum-ing, wife-ing and life-ing skin to inhabit a new identity for three days. I.e. to ditch the homestead and have a mini break. On. My. Own. And by choosing this date I am now left with a creative fizz deep inside that feels sustainable. With a belief that one day I too may be able to call myself โ€˜a writerโ€™.ย 

Navigating the golden triangle of the main venues (the PCT, the Avenue and ThisWorkspace) with my head in Google Maps, I was transported back to university days.  I was ready and eager to learn.  The fees to attend were extremely low (much less than other, comparable events) yet the line up was first class. I had FOMO before I even booked with clashes between talks, which meant I couldnโ€™t get enough of the sessions on offer. Therefore I found myself on a tight schedule to get around the 16 events that I did attend (and eat)โ€ฆ(and sleep).  Constantly weighing up the opportunity cost of going to one talk over another was my overriding festival dilemma. A bit like that scrambling feeling at Glastonbury whilst power wading from stage-to-tent-to-stage in a heightened state of excitement and creeping exhaustion. 

I can only talk in detail of what I went to at the festival and for that reason I wonโ€™t.  It wouldnโ€™t be fair to all those speakers I missed.  There were c.70 events in total.  However I will shout out a few.  Sue Cheung author of โ€˜Chinglishโ€™, thank you for your energised, riveting and humorous talk and for giving me your dog-eared copy of โ€˜Chinglishโ€™ afterwards because I couldnโ€™t be a**ed to walk across town to pick up a copy.  That was above and beyond.  Maxine Gee, your enthusiasm and positivity about A.I. and using it as a tool to create bigger and better was inspiring. Jeannie Duncanson and Diane Hull, what an inclusive and interactive workshop on childrenโ€™s book writing – your sparkly eyes revealed the joy your chosen profession brings you (and made me want a bit of the same please ;). Tim Clague and Danny Stack, the screenwriting collaborators, spoke my language – I loved how straight talking and commercially minded both were. I only went to this talk because I thought โ€˜why not?โ€™ and I left thinking โ€˜yeah, I want some of that too!โ€™.

How generous all the speakers and panelistโ€™s were to share so many of their tips with us all. A true abundance mentality pervaded. Non-existent was my previous (albeit limited) experience of the pomposity and condescension that can come from some established writers/academics.  You have refreshed my view of the industry (and made me want to disrupt some areas too).  Iโ€™m honestly not sure if an MA or an Undergrad degree would have given us as much in three months, or even a year, as we had in three days.  Except the actual writing bit of course! Pah, thatโ€™ll come right?!

The festival has given me a dip-dive insight into many things writing. From novels to memoirs, screenwriting to kids books media, marketing, publishing and poetry and a fantastic exploration into artificial intelligence, plus all the stuff I missed.  It was all there. I am still trying to slow my mind down and meditate my heart post the event.  A creative fizz is a lovely feeling but if itโ€™s going to stay it will have to be of the gentler Berocca varietal rather than a Lush bath bomb explosion.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the additional festival highlights:
Obsidian, local creative pub/events venue, for making a pop-up refreshments cafรฉ in the PCT with always a smile and a chat at the breaks.

The volunteers at the event who were brilliant. And who all had a passion for writing with often impressive experience.

The other festival-goers, my peers, who were varied, interesting, international (from Peru-to-Iran-to Oz), collaborative and friendly.ย  Iโ€™m sure a lot of fledgling and future connections have been made.ย 

Sitting by the blue-skied beach on the Sunday evening as the festival drew to a close I reflected.  But before that I considered (for perhaps a beat too long) whether I should do a โ€˜Shirley Valentineโ€™ to prolong the amazing escapism Iโ€™d been afforded over the weekend. I feel as though Iโ€™ve had a holiday. An exciting, exhausting, mind altering and fully immersive trip – like skiing on acid.  And now Iโ€™m on the comedown. Now I actually need to write!

I will be back in 2024 and predict the audiences to swell off the back of this yearโ€™s success.  Thank you Bournemouth Writing Festival and the amazing team of volunteers. 

I left to journey back to Wiltshire in my ancient car with an entirely new skin in place. One that whispered: โ€˜I am a writer, I am a writer, I am a writerโ€™ as I bumped over Salisbury plain.

Trending…..

FullTone Festival 2026: A New Home

It’s been a wonderful summer’s weekend, in which I endeavoured to at least poke my nose into the fabulous FullTone Festival, despite being invited toโ€ฆ

Gen-Z Party; Nothing Rhymes with Orange and Guests In Lavington

Images by Gail Foster

I could’ve guaranteed myself a great night with peers and those purveyors of space rock, Cracked Machine down the trusty Gate, or danced socks off with twenty/thirty-somethings at the Three Crowns to the unique take on covers of the ever-entertaining People Like Us. But, oddly if not in the know, I opted for a Saturday night at West Lavington village hall, nodding my approval as frontman Elijah Easton mingled with a gen z frenzied crowd singing back to him their beguiling magnum opus, to-date, Manipulation, for an encore the fans will forever cherishโ€ฆ..

For if it’s Devizine’s intention to highlight all that’s great about our music scene, it’s surely a priority to point out what’s upcoming, and Nothing Rhymes With Orange are the freshest squeezed fruit on that tree right now. I’ve been singing their praises since reviewing their EP Midsummer, unseasonably released last November, and now I can tick catching them live off my must-do-list I’m only going to enforce my words on how astoundingly awesome these youngsters are.

With blow-up orange segments bouncing between them on stage and their enthused blossoming fanbase, I figure I’m witness to a burgeoning local phenomenon akin to the roots of any mainstream band, left pondering the pensioners once screaming teenagers at Liverpool’s Cavern Club, when Beatlemania was imminent. If you consider that’s a tall order for comparison, I’d shrug, but while NRWO can clearly rouse the crowd, it feels like the building hysteria is a newfound blessing for them and they’re unsure how to react. This is a wonderful inaugural experience for a blossoming band, exposing them to reactions to the hard work they’ve clearly put in, and digesting those streams are from real kids, appreciating their sound.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange

For the fanbase so young in our rural zone, it’s not so simple just to rock up to venues, particularly pubs, and if the village hall is kinda “village hall like,” it’s because it is, but it’s an adequate space with a hospitable outlook. The band and their families have self-organised this sell-out gig with the intention of making this a homecoming atmosphere for a local band venturing to Bristol, Bath and Trowbridge’s Pump, and who will undoubtedly take that road a lot further in the near future. 

For the time being, they are here and they are now. If seeing Springsteen in the eighties was an amazing experience, seeing Springsteen play New Jersey was another ballpark, ergo in this case, Lavington is those Badlands.

The sound is frenzied indie-pop, but not all-out ferociously punk, they find the perfect middle-ground; easy on the palate for any age demographic. Precisely why they’re subject to my highest acclaim, homing in on what the kids want, is, historically, the recipe for success. They did this with bells on, belting out their known EP tracks, a couple of defined Arctic Monkeys covers, their latest release Lidl Shoes, and treated the crowd to a sneak at the forthcoming two singles.

But not before a triple bill of support they’re introducing to home fans. First up Dauntsys own Paradigm, who, though I only caught the final couple I’d suggest are a promisingly tight young band to watch out for.

Paradigm

Secondly Frankcastre from Portsmouth with a frontman originating locally, even penning a song named after Great Cheverall, which has to be a first! Perhaps as oddly as their name, to generation X a band attired in Fred Perrys and skinheads might connote mod influences, but the confident frontman was looking decidedly teddy-boy!

Frankcastre

Trivial is the significance of the uniforms of youth cultures of yore to this era, their originals came fiery and skater-punk; they refined the contemporary noise with brewing confidence and it was welcomed by the NRWO fanbase, particularly the girls. Two covers either side of their set though revealed a penchant for sixties blues-rock, covering firstly The Doors’ Break on Through, and The Animals’ version of House of the Rising Sun, with gritty vocals and devine accuracy. Something for the parents to acknowledge, perhaps, though the frontman delighted to elucidate his fondness for the era to me and I had nothing but to accept his knowledge on the subject. Their sudden usage of a keyboard, for example, to replicate The Animals classic was different, tilting it to one side while playing was beyond Jerry Lee Lewis; put him in your Google search bar!

Arguably the more accomplished of the two, Bath’s StoneFace produced lengthier original compositions, evoking mood with pitch and tempo alterations. With an air of neo-emo Stooges, interestingly with saxophone, damn they looked the part of Iggy Pop to envy!

Though sounding as good as they looked, this volatile style didn’t seem to wash down quite as well with the teenagers as Frankcastre, who, like punk, seem to favour the frenzied three-minute hero, though I personally fished with their hook. Introducing a new track Blue for You, and a particularly adroit one called Cave, the downtempo was plodding indie of perhaps a previous generation, but they did it exceptionally.

StoneFace

To conclude, those in local media sensationalising a minority of hooliganism for click-bait would’ve had their tails between their legs if they’d bother to attend this last night, for all I saw was the new generation, clean-cut by comparison of formers, thoroughly enjoying themselves and causing no issues in the slightest. Just in awe of four of their own, who’ve worked tirelessly to perfect a cooperative brand and inspire others. The forthcoming single Rishi speaks volumes for a current tongue-in-cheek satire they’re intelligent self-penned anthems extend to, though for the most part politics are avoided in favour of topics relative to gen z, like romantic interludes breaking down, and for this Nothing Rhymes With Orange prove their diversity.

It was an astounding achievement, bringing some class acts to Lavington’s youth, and onwards for NRWO I’m pleased to say in collaboration with DOCA, Devizine is proud to now annually suggest a best upcoming local act to feature on the main stage at the Devizes Street Festival, and you can bet your bottom dollar they are the chosen ones to get that ball rolling on Sunday 28th May.

You can also catch them next Saturday, 29th, at the Pump in Trowbridge, Bathโ€™s Party in the City at St Jamesโ€™ Vaults on 12th May, at Corsham Rugby Clubโ€™s CorrFest on Sunday 17th June, The Barge on Honey-Street on Saturday 1st July, Marlborough Festival July 8th, and Urchfontโ€™s Boundary Bash on the 15th Julyโ€ฆ. The future is bright, and doesnโ€™t rhyme with orange!

Trending……

Devizes Dilemma: FullTone or Scooter Rally?!

Contemplated headlining this โ€œClash of the Titans,โ€ but that evokes the idea of a dramatic power struggle with fierce consequences rather than proof Devizes canโ€ฆ

Goodbye to The Beanery but Hollychocs Lives On

Popular award-winning artisan chocolate business Hollychocs has announced that its Beanery Cafรฉ will close on Saturday 23rd August, marking exactly two years since its openingโ€ฆ

Wiltshire Save The King! Local Coronation Celebrations in May

Apparently, some bloke is doing the Queen’s old job; well, that’s wokeism gone crazy if ever I’ve seen it!

But whatever your opinions are about royalty, every town and village is gearing up for The Coronation celebrations and that’s all good for our local entertainers and food purveyors, as the drive to put on a great show feels like it’s getting somewhat competitive…pass the cucumber sandwiches, there’s a good chap.

So, with social media looking rather cluttered as each town and parish council frantically post their events, let’s try our best to collate them, and see who’s performing where and when.

Some places get the ball rolling on Friday 5th May.

Hilperton: at their village hall, from 6pm, have free inflatables for children, the bar will be open and a barbecue from We Meat Again, or bring your own picnic.

Marlborough’s weekend starts with a school art exhibition at St Peter’s, which runs all weekend.

Hats off to Bromham, who have the awesome Junkyard Dogs playing their event in a marquee on the Jubilee Field, and promise some special guests, raffle and ask you to bring your own drinks. This one is a fiver, the Dogs are at 8pm.

Saturday 6th May.

Urchfont: 10am screening at the village hall. Free to attend but ticketed to determine numbers for catering. At 2pm there will be a family fun afternoon in the paddock behind the village hall with entertainment, a family dog show followed by an “Urchfont’s got talent a talent show,” and at 7pm Bandoke will be providing entertainment in a collection of hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

Seend: the Community Centre goes for a bar, hog roast and bouncy castle combo, highlights are magician and balloon modeller Dave Hickory, and from 7pm, music from Ian Rayney and the awesome rock covers band, Siren. All free.

Pewsey: Looking good at the Cooper’s Field, screening followed by traditional fairground stalls, tugs of war and kid’s football. Pablo & Teos and The Good Food Van at this, with a great musical lineup from Static Moves, Hooch, and Humdinger.

Marlborough: Screening at the Parade Cinema, a prom at St Mary’s and street party in Manton.

Melksham: Picnic in Park at St George’s Playing Fields from 10:30am, sees a confetti battle at their extravaganza, which will feel a bit of plagiarism for Devizes folk! But lots more going on, fairground rides, and live music promised, we’ve not yet been tipped off as to who is playing.

Chippenham: Screening at John Coles Park, picnic and The Derek Nash Band will play live from the bandstand afterwards, with a showing of Disneyโ€™s Lion King (2019 live-action version) for everyone to enjoy.

Trowbridge: Yet to hear that the town council are doing anything other than supplying shops with bunty and floral displays to create a “Highgrove on the High Street!” Though Paxcroft Mead are having a street party and barbecue, and those Junkyard Dogs are at it again, at Ben & Tom’s Coronation party at the Wiltshire Yeoman on Chilmark Road at midday.

Calne: town council have really pulled it out the bag, with a picnic at Recreation Ground with a great lineup of music, with Six O’clock Circus, Rave Against the Regime, Operation 77, and the Chaos Brothers. Prior they’ve lots of street food, and entertainment, with stilt walkers, illusionists, balloon modeller and a bubbleologist, including the Lynham Military Wives Choir and a dance performance by 45 Star Dance.

Devizes: town council have there’s in the Market Place from 10am to 4pm, but are quite vague about what we can expect, promises a screening on a large screen, live music, food and drink and children’s activities, but it’s as of yet any details is a mystery, which may be not bad thing; surprises are nice! And besides, if it all goes Pete Tong rather than Charles Windsor, Leon Daye Band play The Southgate later and Kyla Brox Band are at Long Street Blues Club.

Sunday 7th May.

Marlborough: Big Lunch on the High Street with a street party.

Rowde: has a fete from 12:30 at the small playing field, with Chris Ashburn and the fantastic People Like Us – great booking Rowde Parish Council! Plus morris dancing, children’s fancy dress, a circus workshop, barbecue and more.

All Cannings: have also got a great sounding event at the village green, with a children’s circus and cooking competition, and the highlight there is a great newly formed band we’ve been excited about hearing more from, Alfred’s Tower.

Monday 8th May.

Bishop’s Cannings wait until Monday for a celebration at the Crown, dog show, duck race tugs of war, and lots more!

There are more events going up on our event calendar all the time, so keep checking in, today was supposed to be a sneaky taster at those towns and villages really pulling a rabbit from their hats for the king! 

Did we miss out your village or town’s do? Do let us know.

It does seem at present, akin to jubilee celebrations, everyone is fighting for the best event as if Charlie himself will be cruising around to judge them! And in this, many local villages have bettered the market towns. When what really should be occurring is town and parish councils working together, so free transport can be provided for those in smaller villages and housing estates a distance from town centres can unite in a bigger and better celebration in the larger villages and towns, because surely this should a coming together of people, rather than them segregated into small communities. But hey, that’s just my opinion!

Age of the Liar; The Burner Band

Okay, so it’s been a little over two years since I fondly reviewed the debut album, Signs & Wonders, from Leeds’ alt-country come Americana outfit, The Burner Band, when I labelled it “foot-tapping bluegrass fun” with, unusually, added elements of punk. This new seven track album Age of the Liar takes a massive step forward in poignancy…..

This said, I cannot now recall how we became acquainted, but lucky for us we did. Because while, Age of the Liar kicks off pretty much where Signs & Wonders left us, and waits for no man with insatiable foot-tapping bluegrass, there’s an underlying notion intelligent prose is at work here, as the lyrics, concerning the unquestionable loyalty to militancy rides this track like a trooper.

If the opener came as no surprise to me, the second track, Living in Fear certainly did, as while continuing the Americana roots forefront, it rides an offbeat like reggae, lowering the tempo, and taking an ecological topic, a “state of the world today,” it’s akin to the subject matter of punk and reggae too.

The mechanics of Living in Fear is also a hint towards the title track seven tunes in, which positively beams back reggae’s influence over punk; if the Clash did Americana, this is what it would probably sound like. Greatly overlooked in today’s mainstream, the social and political commentary of the era, once a prominent feature in both punk and reggae is put on the line here, satirically mocking the ludicrously of misinformation and propaganda of right-wing leaders, be it Trump or Bojo, it could go either way.

Throughout the album the desperation of contemporary issues is a running theme, even if it best works with these two offbeat songs. Dark and Lonesome Street takes us back to what the Burners do best, still as the title suggests there’s darker undertones. Even if the immediately lovable Hot Dog King has a rockabilly swing, the carefree mood isn’t all it seems, relaying a true story of New York hot dog vendor Dan Rossi, who fought against unjust licencing laws.

I love this concept, that the Burner Band aren’t afraid to explore and break confines of subgenre and pigeonholing, and it blends pleasantly on the ear. There’s elements of early Springsteen on the Asbury Park scene, often breezing into soul and blues, but never straying from the country backbeat.

This is truly is a modern take on roots and Americana, at times the definitive article, twangy geetars, or referencing American culture, but teetering the edge, there’s so many nods to a British roots scene, the punk, rockabilly and reggae movements of the early eighties, even down to the three-minute hero ideal, no tune tries to rule the album, all staying at the statutory running time. If the debut album touched on these influences too, it was subtle at best, this time the balance is perfected.

Social commentary continues to cover prejudices, immigration, stereotyping disabilities, yet no matter how complex the subject, tracks like Big Hole don’t baffle you in riddles, the messages are simple and direct, creating a beguiling and enjoyable ride with poignancy. I’ve yet to dive deeper into this, but suspect as I do more backstory and hidden gems will jump out at me, but I’m overdue mentioning it, as it came out the end of March, so presenting it to now is a honour; great foot-stomping stuff with the perfect balance of contemporary thoughtful prose and subject matter; yee-ha, it’s a keeper!

Website – Facebook – Bandcamp

Song of the Week: ร…lesund

Back-tracking a week for this, as it was two great tunes came along simultaneously; like buses, in another county, don’t get me started on the bus service around these backwaters!

Ah, and relax, save that for another time; ร…lesund‘s emotive and immersive soundscapes will do the trick. New single from, as I suggested, lat week, Never Enough, and it’s dreamy and drifting, with those driving vocals and rolling drumbeats, the ambient-indie of the post-triphop Bristol scene, harking back to Portishead, peppered with Evanescene’s drench of neo-gothic yet carrying contemporary freshness.

ร…lesund first came to my attention when Kieran Moore was at Trowbridge Town Hall, a few years ago, playing with similar fashioned band Agata. This single proves I wasn’t imagining how wonderful this collective are.

Link-Tree to the track HERE

Website – Facebook – Bandcamp – YouTube

Trending….

Park Farm; Mantonfest Came to Devizes!

The first Park Farm Festival happened Saturday, it was fabulouso, and in some way Mantonfest came to Devizes; conveniently for me as I had toโ€ฆ

Ann Liu Cannon’s Clever Rabbits

Ann Liu Cannon is the Marlborough success story I hadn’t heard of until yesterday; thanks to local promoter and frontman of the Vooz, Lee Mathewsโ€ฆ

Live in Pewsey, at the First Oak-Fest

Amidst another packed summer weekend’s schedule laid that lovable large village Pewseyโ€™s turn to shine; always a law unto itself, things went off; if itโ€™sโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire 17th -24th April 2023

Things are all a bit upsidey-down as Devizine catches up with the 21st century. Something about old dogs and new tricks, I’ve streamlined with a new computer, which roughly translates to I don’t what the heck I’m doing! So, bear with me as I pretend everything is running as smooth as a baby’s bottom and bring you all the stuff weโ€™ve found to do over the coming week here in wonderful Wiltshire…..

Still the same ballpark though, donโ€™t take this as final, updates will come through and all that and links to the stuff listed here can be found on our event calendar, HERE.

Monday 17th April then:

You can sit back in the comfort of your own home and enjoy a live stream from those professors of video technology Visual Radio Arts, as they bring you a set from the fantastic Strange Folk

Tuesday 18th:

Nadiya and Kai โ€“ Once Upon a Time at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, and opening at Swindon Arts Centre is the Swindon G & S Societyโ€™s Lolanthe, running until the 22nd.

Wednesday 19th:

Devizes Books Presentsโ€ฆ โ€˜Veniceโ€™ The play of light at a canalโ€™s curve, the slap of water against the hull of a gondola, the all pervading smell of the sea. This is Venice. Liz Light will shed light on its glories, its children, its history and its future. At Wiltshire Museum, Long Street, Devizes. Tickets ยฃ6.00 available from Devizes books, or book by phoning 01380 725944, or pay cash on the door.

Staying in Devizes, donโ€™t forget itโ€™s the regular Wednesday evening acoustic jam at The Southgate, bring an instrument.

And Tony Blackburn is still at it! Sounds of the 60s Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Thursday 20th:

Amazing Thursday night in Swindon when The Sarah C Ryan Band play The Vic, with Atari Pilot in support, and Fly Yeti Fly are at The Tuppenny. Also, Russell Kaneโ€™s The Essex Variant comes to The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 21st:

KenAvon Quiz Night at the Rennie Room, on Devizes Wharf, see poster for details. White Horse Opera at Devizes Town Hall.

The Roughcut Rebels play The Pack Horse, Chippenham

Wrong Jovi at The Vic, Swindon.

Gluehorse at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, while youโ€™ll find Shadows of Santana at The Boathouse.

LGBTQ+ Poetry night at Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Dreadzoneโ€™s 30th Anniversary tour at the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 22nd:

Wonderful, People Like Us at The Three Crowns, Devizes, Cracked Machine play The Southgate.

Spoiled for choice enough if it wasnโ€™t for Nothing Rhymes with Orange at the West Lavington Hall, with Stoneface, Paradigm and Frankastre; the guys have put this event on themselves to appease their young fanbase, and I think thatโ€™s a real special effort. Iโ€™m tipping these best upcoming act of year, ergo it has to be Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week; this was your opportunity to check them out, I told you about it ages ago, but tickets are all gone, now; soz.

The White Horse Opera moves across to St Peterโ€™s at Great Cheverell.

A bold 21st century reimagining of Homerโ€™s Odyssey by Wiltshire writer Florence Espeut-Nickless, developed with and performed by the local community, at Trowbridge Town Hall, with The Four Winds.

Tom Jenkins with Luke De-Sisco and Hannah Rose-Platt at The Pump in Trowbridge.

Hillbillies  up for a barn dance, The Barge at HoneyStreet style!

Fireballs UK play Melksham Rock N Roll Club.

รMAR atย  Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, Strange Folk for real this time, at The Three Horseshoes.

Tankus The Henge at Chapel Arts, Bath

My Secret Sister at Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Maximum Output at Prestbury Sports Club, Warminster.

Ion Maiden at The Vic, Swindon.

Rising Aspirations Academy Of Performing Arts presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Vintage Bazaar at The Cheese & Grain, Frome, with The Inspiral Carpets in the evening, and Just Radiohead tribute at The Lime House.

Sunday 23rd:

Melksham Record Fair at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Two Man Ting at The Southgate, Devizes.

Snake Snake Snake at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Have a great weekend!

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IDLES’ at Block Party

With their only UK shows of the year quickly approaching, the 1st and 2nd August will see IDLESโ€™ and music festival Block Party take overโ€ฆ

REVIEW โ€“ Billy Walton Band @ LSBC, Con Club, Devizes โ€“ Saturday 15th April 2023

A Trip To New Jersey

Andy Fawthrop


Tonight weโ€˜re in the land of Springsteen, Van Zandt and Southside Johnny. Weโ€™re on the New Jersey shore, swinging with the band. Itโ€™s late, itโ€™s hot, the room is absolutely rammed and The Billy Walton Band are in town. Well, only just, after a late-afternoon scare when their van broke down on the way to the gig. But, hey, thatโ€™s rock nโ€™ roll, thatโ€™s life on the road. Unfazed, the band played on, and what a show they gave us….

But first things first. Support act for the evening, all the way up from that there London were new (to me) Interstellar Duo. Consisting of sisters Charlotte and Heather Sterland on every combination of piano, viola, violin and vocals, the pair presented something very different indeed. Finalists for UK Country Duo 2022, the two girls gave us some absolutely beautiful, haunting and delicate harmonies. Both vocals and instrumentation were precise and stripped back, reducing the massive crowd to a hushed and respectful silence during the performance, and loud applause as they finished. A hot, noisy blues club may not be the best platform for their brand of vocal harmony, but they absolutely nailed it anyway. Nearest thing I could compare them to was early Kate & Anna McGarrigle, but that might slightly undersell the beauty and ethereal quality of a great performance. Hats off!

Billy Walton is described on his website as โ€œan accomplished guitar master from the vibrant New Jersey Shore music scene. He earned his stripes in the rock & roll trenches, playing lead guitar for many years with Jersey icon, Southside Johnny. He has also shared the stage with music legends; Little Steven, Gary US Bonds and Steven Tyler, to name a fewโ€. Well – wow! Thatโ€™s a huge reputation to live up to, but there was nothing for us to worry about. The man turned up with a five-piece band behind him and simply let rip with his winning brand of bluesy rock nโ€™ roll.

On stage with him were bassist William Paris, Tom Petraccaro on sax, Eric Safka on Hammond B3, Shane Luckenbough on drums, and vocalist extraordinaire Destinee Monroe. As a unit they were tight, musically adept and extremely powerful, helping Billy to drive forward through a great show.

With his musical background it would have been all too easy to fall back on the old Southside Johnny classics, but instead were treated to a lot more recent material. Yes there were a couple of covers (I Canโ€™t Stand The Rain and I Feel Good), but these blended seamlessly into a near two-hour set of sheer entertainment and showmanship. There was plenty of chat, lots of humour, and great audience interaction. There were deliberate false intros โ€“ Stairway To Heaven, Smoke On The Water, Kashmir and even (unbelievably) Puff The Magic Dragon โ€“ just to pull the laughs and the applause. We even had a couple of rounds of Happy Birthday! But whilst these guys sure knew how to fool around, they sure as hell knew how to be serious and to deliver a truly great set.

Destinee shrieking high-octane vocals, answered note for note by a wailing keyboard was one of the highlights for me, but this was no one-trick pony. Whilst there were always the wham-bam-thank-you-mam numbers, the band also displayed a lot of depth and texture, mixing up the slower tempos with faster, driving boogie-woogie rhythms.

Lots of applause, dancing, a standing ovation, and an almost psychedelic encore. What more could you possibly want? Yet another great gig at Long Street Blues Club, and what live music is all about.

Future Long Street Blues Club gigs: (but more to be announced/ confirmed next month โ€“ watch social media!)

Saturday 6th May 2023 Kyla Brox Band
Saturday 27th May 2023 Gerry Jablonski Band
Saturday 10th June 2023 Eric Bell Band
Friday 13th October 2023 Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia band
Saturday 28th October 2023 Susan Santos

Trending….

King Alfred’s Tower Charity Abseil

This summer SOS Africa will host a 160ft charity abseil fundraising event from King Alfredโ€™s Tower at Stourhead in celebration of the organisation’s 20th birthday! Taking place on the 9th, 10th 16th & 17th September 2023, the abseil event will be the charityโ€™s highest to date and the first time that this iconic historical venue will be open to public abseiling courtesy of the National Trust.

King Alfred's Tower Charity Abseil Fundraising Event for National Trust & SOS Africa

Throughout this highly anticipated 4-day charity abseil, brave fundraisers from across the Southwest and beyond will climb the towerโ€™s 205 steps and descend from the top of this iconic monument dressed as their favourite historical figures. Before touching down at the base of the tower they will be able to savour breath-taking views across the surrounding counties.

Built by Stourhead Estate Owner Henry Hoare II in 1772, the folly was constructed at the site of Egbertโ€™s Stone, the folkloric landmark where Alfred the Great rallied his Saxon troops in 878AD to hold off a Saxon invasion. Constructed with over a million red bricks, the tower has become the pride of the 2650-acre Stourhead Estate.

Children Sponsored by the SOS Africa Children's Charity

Since it was first founded by Shepton Mallet student Dr Matt Crowcombe in 2003, each year the SOS Africa Childrenโ€™s Charity and experienced instructor Aardvark Endeavours have hosted fundraising challenges from iconic venues from across the southwest of England including Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage, Shepton Mallet Prison and Wells Cathedral, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to educate disadvantaged children across South Africa.

โ€œSOS Africaโ€™s Alfredโ€™s Tower event will be the charityโ€™s most challenging abseil to date from one of the most well-known monuments in the southwest. Growing up in Shepton Mallet and Bruton, there were few moments when I could not see the tower standing proudly on the horizon. We are extremely grateful to the National Trust for embracing this exciting event and we cannot wait to start raising funds for 2 very important causes.โ€ Dr Matt Crowcombe (CEO/Founder, SOS Africa)

Alfred's Tower Charity Abseil: SOS Africa and National Trust Volunteers

Stourhead General Manager Philip Niemand has supported the event from its inception and cannot wait to welcome the brave abseilers to Alfredโ€™s Tower this September:

โ€œAlfredโ€™s Tower was built 250 years ago, reputedly marking the spot where King Alfred raised his standard and rallied his troops before setting off to defeat the Vikings at the battle of Eddington. This moment in time started our societal journey of freedom and democracy. We now have an exciting opportunity to raise valuable awareness of and funds for communities that are not as fortunate. The SOS Africa Abseil from the Tower is itself a unique call to action, an opportunity to join the charityโ€™s most challenging event to date from one of the most iconic monuments in the Southwest, raising funds for two very important causes.โ€ Philip Niemand (General Manager, Stourhead)

Charity Abseil Fundraising Event from King's Alfred's Tower, Stourhead

To participate, each abseiler is required to pay a ยฃ20 deposit to cover Aardvark Endeavours Instructors fees and raise ยฃ100 per person. To enter as an individual or team, please contact Event Organiser Matt Crowcombe by email (matt@sosafrica.com) with the following details:

Matt will then confirm your abseil date/time, set up your online fundraising page and add it to our Event Fundraising Page where you will be able to track the progress of your fellow abseilers and event fundraising total. No previous abseil experience is required, fancy-dress is optional and all abseilers must be age 9 or over (under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian). Although plenty of time will be allowed for abseilers to climb the 205 steps to the top of the tower, a reasonable level of fitness will be required.

This is likely to be a popular event and places will be limited so we recommend signing up and sending your deposit as soon as possible to avoid missing out. Thank you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you to the top of King Alfredโ€™s Tower in Septemberโ€ฆ

For more information, check HERE

Trending…

Clock Radio Turf Out The Maniacs

The first full album by Wiltshireโ€™s finest purveyors of psychedelic indie shenanigans, Clock Radio, was knocked out to an unsuspecting world last week. Itโ€™s calledโ€ฆ

Thirty Years in the Dreadzone

Dreadzone, the Phoenix rising from the ashes of Big Audio Dynamiteโ€™s success, when drummer Greg Roberts and keyboardist Dan Donovan teamed with Julian Copeโ€™s sound engineer Tim Bran, were the prolific electronic dance triumph of post-raveโ€ฆ.

Owing their accomplishment to the fine blend of reggae into the contemporary melting pot of dance culture, harking back to Two-Tone yet too encompassed the burgeoning breakbeat house scene which in turn would fuel drum and bass. But Dreadzone never went there, the final piece of the jigsaw was bringing in vocalist Earl 16, and they stuck to their guns producing memorable anthems of techno-reggae dub bliss, particularly unforgettable being Little Britain sampling Carl Orffโ€™s Auf Dem Anger.

But if you, like me, were bouncing around a muddy field like Zebedee on a day out from the magic garden to a 1937 classical symphony you might not appreciate me reminding you, Dreadzone celebrate their thirtieth anniversary this year; but it might cushion the blow by letting you know you can join the party at Fromeโ€™s Cheese & Grain on Friday 21st April.

Still in the forefront of the festival scene, in 2022, Dreadzone refocussed their show after MC Spee was forced to step back from touring and they explored different aspects of their history and catalogue ahead of their 30th anniversary this year. With a reconfigured line-up for 2023, the bandโ€™s live shows will feature core members Greg Dread and original bassmaster Leo Williams, plus legendary reggae vocalist Earl 16, as well as Bazil on technology and Blake Robert (Gregโ€™s son) on guitar.

They have been releasing albums and progressively bettering, refining, and perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub since their inception in 1993. Dreadzone opened the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 1994, though if memories of that are hazy at best, I fondly recall a night at Shepardโ€™s Bush Empire in 1995 when I was still dancing to an imaginary dubplate in the cloakroom queue!

With plans for their 30th Anniversary firmly underway, standby for a new studio album later in the year too.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at ยฃ25.00+BF, available here.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 12th – 18th April 2023

Speeding through April come sunshine, rain or a little bit unpredictable changing between the two, such is the season.…..

Said it before, Iโ€™ll say it again, more stuff will be added, this is published on Mondays so youโ€™ve time to grab any tickets for ticketed events, but live music in pubs and things like this will no doubt come to our attention through the week, so please keep in the loop with our event calendar as itโ€™d be impossible if not very cluttered to post individual events onto our social media pages.

The one link you need is here, our event calendar, for planning ahead, more info and ticket links.

Tuesday 11th wildlife presenter Gordon Buchananโ€™s 30 Years in The Wild at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Opening night Wednesday 12th and running until 13th April, An Evening Shared with Jasper Carrott & Alistair McGowan at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Also Wednesday, The Rondo Theatre, Bath has something for the easter holidays, Top Secret: The Magic of Science childrenโ€™s show matinee, and BBCโ€™s Live at the Apollo North London comedian Emmanuel Sonubi in the evening with his tour Emancipated.

Never forget though, itโ€™s the regular acoustic jam at the Southgate in Devizes every Wednesday.

Thursday 13th incredible bluesman Eddie Martin plays a special set at the church in Bromham, for a fundraiser for social centre rebuild which burnt down a couple of years ago.

One to watch out for, The Blackheart Orchestra plays Chapel Arts in Bath, while Tatty Macleod, better known as, โ€˜That French TikTok Lady,โ€™ tours Fudge (WIP) at the Rondo Theatre.

And choir Ten in Bar start a three nightery at Swindon Arts Centre, running until Saturday 15th.

Friday 14th sees Hadrianโ€™s Union at The Southgate, Devizes. Trash Panda at the Coopers, Pewsey. Phil Cooper & Jamie R Hawkins Get Schwifty at The Bear in Marlborough.

Quiz Night from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust at The Neeld in Chippenham.

Brakelight play The Poplars in Wingfield near Trowbridge.

Fire, Rain & American Pie at Chapel Arts, Bath, with Sophies Dukerโ€™s Hag tour at the Rondo Theatre

Hairy MacLary Adventures with Weyo, sees conductor Tim Redmond and his brother Tom Redmond, who together present the Royal Albert Hallโ€™s My Great Orchestral Adventure series, join the West of England Youth Orchestra for a fun-filled interactive family concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Find Bully Bones at The Three Horseshoes, also in Bradford-on-Avon.

Sour Apple play The Crown in Westbury.

Green Day tribute, Green Haze at The Vic in Swindon, while Tanwood Youth Theatre presents Musical Mayhem at The Wyvern Theatre.

But focus your eyes on this treat, Editorโ€™s Pick of The Week, itโ€™s Jazz Knightsโ€™ third Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival at the Christ Church in Old Town. Friday night is soul night headlined by OMAR and QCBA with elements of Jazz, also featuring sessions from Eric Mylod-Okafo, Jack Baldus, Marvin Muonekรฉ Duo. The fun continues Saturday.

Saturday 15th The Wharf Theatre, Devizes will be Walking Back to Happiness, with Kevin Deanโ€™s Hot Band, who will breathe new life in the wonderful sounds of The Shadows and The Tornadoes.

Staying in Devizes, Billy Walton Band play Long Street Blues Club, Triple JD Band at The Southgate, Funked Up at The Three Crowns, and Ben Borrill at the Moonrakers.

Ska-punk at The Lamb in Marlborough with Operation 77.

The Will Blake Band with Junkyard Dogs in support at The Landsdowne Hall in Derry Hill.

Wiltshire Police Bandโ€™s Spring Concert at Seend Community Hall, Helena Softley @ The Barge, Honey-Street.

Eco-Future Fest at The Neeld in Chippenham.

Kova Me Bad play The Vic in Swindon, One Chord Wonders at The Queenโ€™s Tap, Francis Rossi has Tunes & Chat at The Wyvern Theatre.

And Editorโ€™s Pick of The Week, Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival continues at The Christ Church with a whole day and night of live jazz from across the genres, and African themed live music featuring artists from Zimbabwe, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Caribbean artists from Dominica and Trinidad.

The Clare Teal Four at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, The Butt Monkeys at The Three Horseshoes.

Two Beatles play Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.

Folk Rock Experience Tour- The Songs of Sandy Denny at Chapel Arts, Bath, while Garrett Millerickโ€™s Just Trying to Help show comes to the Rondo Theatre.

Sunday 16th sees Devizes Lionsโ€™ Sponsored Walk, and some amazing music around the countyโ€ฆ.

A gothic acoustic matinee with the fantastic Deadlight Dance at The Blue Boar in Aldbourne.

Another unmissable, John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett at The Pump, Trowbridge.

The Worried Men play The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, and thatโ€™s awesome too!

Axel Blakeโ€™s In Style at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, while Long For The Coast & Drew Bryant play The Tuppenny.

And Monday 17th, I got nought!

Tuesday 18th sees Nadiya and Kaiโ€™s Once Upon a Time at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, and the opening night of the Swindon G & S Societyโ€™s Lolanthe, which runs until 22n April at Swindon Arts Centre.

But you know, Iโ€™m sure thereโ€™s more to come so keep your eye on the event calendar!

Gorillas and the Pissed in Bishops Cannings!

A minority of disgruntled villagers falsely accuse a pub of stealing a gorilla statue from Scotland to use as a memorial to a lost friend in order to sabotage their businessโ€ฆ.you can’t write comedy this goldโ€ฆ

Something fast becoming a legendary Bishop’s Cannings village vendetta, with a small minority of widely dispersed residents and others who simply like to whinge against the alleged evil of creating a lively community and often fundraising hub at their only public house, The Crown Inn, stooped to a new level of low this morning, as valuable police time was wasted when they reported a gorilla statue erected in the pub’s beer garden as a memorial was stolenโ€ฆ.

The gorilla was hailed by most as a “wonderful gesture to remember their great friend, loyal customer and all round good egg Kevin Wilson who sadly passed away last year.” Kevin was a founder of the inaugural CrownFest last year but sadly passed away from cancer prior to the event; an emotional tribute to him was made by landlady Judith Macfarlane.

The critical few knew no bounds or respect for the significance of the gorilla when they set about slamming its presence in the beer garden as “inappropriate” on a local Facebook group. Yet no one could elucidate exactly why they found it so offensive, only that it was within the vicinity of the renowned St Mary the Virgin Church.

Whilst many a village pub in the county is suffering financial issues and forcibly being closed down, The Crown at Bishop’s Cannings has for the past two years enjoyed a lively community-driven ethos, with camping available and has become a flagship fully supported by a majority of villagers. But the handful opposed to new landlords, Judith and Gary, have attempted to sabotage their efforts since they took over the Crown.

They systematically complained about noise, a building application for an outside bar, and caused the pub to restrict its live music licence to the bare minimum. But last night, as the pub welcomed back celebrated acoustic duo Illingworth, who play with guitar and cajon combo, hardly executing a deafening noise, they rallied against the pub, digging up a BBC article about a similar gorilla statue stolen from a garden centre in Scotland, in March, tenaciously linked it to the pub’s statue and called the police to report it as the stolen artefact!

As if the idea of driving a giant gorilla statue all the way from Scotland to publicly display in a pub 500 miles away isn’t ludicrous enough, and a massive waste of police resources, landlady Judith explained the gorilla “has been here for over two months, just not out on display. We paid for him in December.” Three months prior to the mass-produced statue being stolen!

They bought him from a garden centre in Surrey, Judith told us, “The police needed to see the receipt.”

The Crown is to hold a second annual CrownFest on 8th July, after last year’s huge success. One resident told us, “The pub has had the busiest weekend of the year so far, and they want to ruin it for everyone.”

We’re of the opinion that it is a crying shame a minority wishes to spoil what little entertainment the village has, by consistently attempting to sabotage it, and they should count their lucky stars they have such a dedicated team behind their local pub, for it’s a rarity in our villages.

The level they will stoop to apparently knows no bounds when it subjects falsely reporting a memorial to police. But the pub shrugged the incident off as laughable, and with the insane allegation, they drove a stolen gorilla statue from Scotland to place in their beer garden, we tend to agree! It’s a King Kong cockup!!

41 Fords are Not Dead Yet!

Damp morning, about 3:30am Iโ€™m descending Pelch Lane in Seend, like a sack of potatoes dropping. If you donโ€™t know the track itโ€™s a steep one, with a bend which keeps on giving; not the ideal place to whip out your phone and change the tune when youโ€™re pinning down a heavily-ladened milkfloat! So, first taster of the debut album from Trowbridgeโ€™s 41 Fords, Not Dead Yet goes on loop, and I shrug, as itโ€™s no hardship, โ€œlet it roll for another round.โ€

I wasnโ€™t sure what to listen to next anyway, and to be honest, this took me by pleasant surprise. Sure, weโ€™ve registered their name on our gig list several occasions, regulars down the trusty Southgate (next date is Saturday 3rd June), but Iโ€™ve not had the opportunity to pay them a visit. I see now theyโ€™re on the roster for Devizes Scooter Clubโ€™s annual rally in July, which if I had of noticed before it mightโ€™ve given me a closer inkling what to assume.

coincidently, wristbands have just gone on sale for this!

But psychobilly was unexpected, neither is it a subgenre which usually floats my boat. Akin to heavy metal, the late-eighties fusion of rockabilly and punk is characterised with negative symbolism; itโ€™s all ultraviolence, death, B-movie horror pastiches, and other delinquent and discouraging subject matters, and I like to think Iโ€™m optimistic, least too old, to relish in morbidity.

But if I am to pigeonhole the 41 Fords, itโ€™s unlike the wrecking of The Meteors, or the all-out hellish nature of Demented Are Go, and not as offbeat as the skabilly of Roddy Radiation; this is matured psychobilly with all the negativity stripped away. It retains the lively rockabilly stance, the foot-tapping upright double-bass, the nods to western swing, jump blues and boogie-woogie, and breathing fresh air into it with punkโ€™s insolence, and gypsy folk goodness.

Yet their themes tend on maturing romantic affairs, often generation X mod-pop in nature. And for this blend, itโ€™s truly unique, beguiling and for want of sitting down, youโ€™ll be incapable; my highest point-scoring goes on the sheer energy these guys never seem to let up on.

Recorded at Nine Volt Leap studio in Melksham, Not Dead Yet is out on 1st May, and you really need to look out for this, I bloody love it! To break down exactly why isnโ€™t simple. The album kicks off mod, think hillbilly The Jam with double-bass, perhaps. A girl-infatuation themed Emily, opens, and from the off itโ€™s got me hook, line and sinker. For itโ€™s upbeat throughout, captivating, and optimistic; this is The Housemartins do psychobilly, and I mean this in the best possible taste, for you cannot prevent foot-tapping to Happy Hour, surely?!

The subject of reunion with a former partner is slam-dunked next, F. Scott Fitzgeraldโ€™s Daisy Buchanan style, The Great Gatsby offers nothing more than Emily in topic, only the literatural reference. Yet while romance is a running-theme, ballad doesnโ€™t appear in their vocabulary; 41 Fords do not come up for air. Marriage problems raises its ugly head, against a penchant for nightlife in the following track, and another girlโ€™s name title, Tabitha continues this sunny side of the street mood. ย 

If it goes on this leitmotif for a staggering twelve tunes, it all hinges on their magnum-opus for pop catchiness, the fifth tune, Peaky Blinders. Surely anthemic, it takes the humorous route of Del-boy lovable rouges; Chas & Dave does the Cockney Rejects!

Through this three-minute hero, you might wonder if cockney musical hall will continue being cited, but while Not Dead Yet maintains everything which has so far made this album sheer brilliance, 41 Fords swerve gradually into a more Anglo-Irish folk feel, like Shane MacGowan finished his pint and jammed with these Housemartins, doing psychobilly, with an overall Merton Parkas type fusion.

Ah, see now Iโ€™m worried Iโ€™ve given the impression this is all sounds cluttered, like thereโ€™s too much going on, but na, me old China plate, this is flows, smoothly operated with such individuality itโ€™s a tricky one to pin down. If, like me, youโ€™re willing to take onboard the Cramps, and be done with psychobilly, this offers a maturity in themes, wrapped in addictive danceable congeniality.

The Wonder of The Sky is perhaps the standout track towards the finale, for it encompasses everything great about the 41 Fords, who know precisely what buttons to press to write and deliver a pop song with retrospective wow, but refuses commercialisation. It doesnโ€™t verve to create a Stairway to Heaven or a dub-lampoon either, each tune is kept at the three-minute proximity, and each one does what you expect it to do; charges 240 volts into your blue suede shoes!

A Christmas Song, titled thus, finishes, and yeah, it has a Fairy-tale of New York feel, really bringing out the folk oblique which I believe breathes something local into it too, like Somersetโ€™s proclivity for Scrumpy & Western. In all, you could fit 41 Fords into a scooter rally bill, but equally into a Somerset cider brawl with the Boot Hills. And in that, if pigeonholing matters not when youโ€™re in the moment and the music takes you on a dancing voyage, 41 Fords are seamless. This album truly is a must-have.

Bung them a like on Facebook, for updates, and Iโ€™ll thread this review with links when the album comes out in May; youโ€™re in for a treat!

Recent Posts…..

Thieves Debut EP

Adam Woodhouse, Rory Coleman-Smith, Jo Deacon and Matt Hughes, aka Thieves, the wonderful local folk vocal harmony quartet of uplifting bluegrass into country-blues hasโ€ฆ

Wharf-ing Back To Happiness!

Do you remember the wonderful sounds of The Shadows and The Tornadoes beaming across the airwaves from Radio Caroline with their spellbinding instrumentals; Apache, Foot Tapper and Riders in the Sky?

If you do then you will not want to miss the star guest at Devizes’ Wharf Theatre on 15th April, Kevin Dean, who recreates those nostalgic guitar sounds of swinging Britain which have since become the sound track to many peopleโ€™s lives.ย The show takes its title from the Helen Shaprio classic, Waking Back to Happiness, and, woopah oh yeah yeah; we could all do with a little of that!

Accompanied by The Hot Band, this wonderful show also features talented musical entertainer, impressionist, guitarist and banjo virtuoso Warren James, in company with your chirpy, musical host Mike Martin, who himself has spent a life time in show business including part of Wharf favourites, London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra.ย 

This light-hearted and foot-tapping show features the fabulous songs of Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, The Everly Brothers, Lonnie Donegan, Joe Brown, The Seekers, Tommy Steele and many more hit parade heroes.

There’s two show times on Saturday 15th April, evening starts at 7:30pm, and a matinee at 2:30pm. Tickets are between ยฃ10 and ยฃ14, with a booking fee, from HERE.

Trending……

You; Lucas Hardy Teams With Rosie Jay

One of Salisburyโ€™s most celebrated acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriters Lucas Hardy teams up with the Wiltshire cityโ€™s upcoming talent who’s name is on everyoneโ€™s lips, Rosieโ€ฆ

Bands At The Bridge

Organised by Kingston Media – to raise money for Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance – the 3rd of May saw Bands At The Bridgeโ€ฆ

Phil Cooper is Playing Solitaire

Trowbridge singer-songwriter and one third of The Lost Trades, Phil Cooper has actually been doing more than playing solitaire, heโ€™s released a new solo albumโ€ฆ

REVIEW โ€“ Thomas Atlas @ LSBC, Con Club, Devizes โ€“ Saturday 25th March 2023

Bestriding The Stage

By Andy Fawthrop

Seems like an absolute bloody age since the last run-out for the Long Street Blues Club, but here weย were back on the old stomping ground again. ย So good to be back and see some familiar faces. ย 

What a shame to have to choose between LSBC and the Southgate (who had Concrete Prairieย playing at the same time) but thatโ€™s perhaps just a reflection of D-Townโ€™s vibrant live music scene atย the moment. ย In fact, it was at one of The Gateโ€™s recent Jon Amor Sunday residences that I first ranย into Mr. Atlas. ย His performance with Jon that afternoon was the very thing that inspired me to buy aย ticket for this gig.ย Hey, ho.

First up in the support slot was the returning local favouriteย Ben Borrill. ย Benโ€™s been working hardย recently, plying his trade in some of our local pubs, and tonight he was rewarded with a larger moreย attentive audience than he might usually get in the pub. ย Heโ€™s a singer/ songwriter whoโ€™s not afraidย of hard work. ย Here he seemed to struggle over his first couple of numbers, but then hit his strideย with some great covers. ย Numbers from Tom Petty, Chris Isaak, The Killers, Radiohead, Wheatus andย Ronan Keating were delivered with increasing confidence. ย Personally I wish someone would finallyย put Mr. Brightside out of its misery (mainly by just not playing it), but thatโ€™s just my personal taste.

Then on to the main fare of the evening โ€“ two sets from the returning Brummieย Thomas Atlas.ย ย Heย was back with a great young band (Andre Masine on keyboards, Jack Bowles on drums, and Samย Rogers on saxophone). ย Thomas was on lead guitar, of course, and also handled all of the vocals. ย ย Right from the off Thomasโ€™s sparkling guitar work set the scene with some wonderful funky stuff,ย with the band filling in some nice textures. ย There was no flash, no histrionics, just some solid down-to-earth hard work from a band that was tight on the set passages, but equally comfortableย loosening up for the jazzier solos.

Thomas himself was clearly very happy to be there. ย Apart from repeatedly telling us that he wasย really enjoying playing for us (they all say that, donโ€™t they?), his face was the proof of the pudding,ย constantly lit up by one long beaming smile.

There was plenty of original material, leavened with occasional covers/ reinterpretations. ย The twoย that stood out for me were Bob Marleyโ€™s Stir It Up, and The Stonesโ€™ Miss You. ย The guitar work wasย faultless, often reminding me of Clapton on the more flamboyant pieces and Robin Trower on someย of the more languid solos.

And, of course, in one of the worst-kept secrets of the night, Jon Amor was not only in the room, butย also up on stage, jamming and repaying the favour from The Southgate gig a couple of months back.

All in all a cracking gig, and a return to form for LSBC after a long lay-off.

Future Long Street Blues Club gigs:ย (but more to be announced/ confirmed next month โ€“ watchย social media!)

Saturday 15th April 2023 ย Billy Walton Band

Saturday 6th May 2023 ย  Kyla Brox Band

Saturday 27th May 2023 ย  Gerry Jablonski Band

Saturday 10th June 2023 ย  Eric Bell Band

Friday 13th October 2023 ย Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia band

Saturday 28th October 2023 ย Susan Santo

See Behind the Scenes: Open Day at The Wharf Theatre

Saturday April 1st, between 10am and 2pm The Wharf Theatre in Devizes are holding their second ever open day, itโ€™s free and open to all. Whether youโ€™ve been in the theatre before, or not, everyone is welcome to come and see what goes on at the Theatre and what goes into putting on a show…..

There will be a collection of costumes, and guided theatre tours – even to darkest depths of the Wharf visitors donโ€™t usually see, like the tech box and green room.

An entirely free event which will be offering refreshments. If youโ€™re interested in joining the theatre groups, either on the stage or behind the scenes, people will be on hand to chat about the various roles, but even if you fancy popping in for a cuppa and a look around, theyโ€™re welcome.

Publicity director Karen said, โ€œfollowing the lockdowns, when it looked for a while that we might not survive, we were saved with the help of the lovely local people who donated to our Just Giving Page, we would like to think that we are the little theatre who the town took to its heart and helped to save.โ€

Next show at The Wharf is hidden Shakespearean gem, Measure for Measure, running from March 27th to the open day on April 1st. See our preview here.

Trending….

No Alarms No Devizes, Aptly in Devizes!

If I’ve been galavanting recently, gorging on other local townโ€™s live music scenes, what better way to return to Devizes than a visit to theโ€ฆ

Wiltshire Music Awards Website Goes Live

Last month we were pleased to announce our involvement with the new Wiltshire Music Awards in conjunction with Wiltshire Events UK, details of which areโ€ฆ

Soupchick in the Park

And there was me thinking nothing good comes out of a Monday! Today local bistro Soupchick, popular in the Devizesโ€™ Shambles opened their second branch,โ€ฆ

Danny, Champion of the Food Bank

Featured Image: Bob Naylor/WaterMarx Media

While The Trussell Trust created the first food banks in 2000, under Tony Blair, usage of them rose by a staggering 2,612% during David Cameronโ€™s term as Prime Minister. It didnโ€™t stop him barefacedly posing for a Tweet mucking in with Chipping Nortonโ€™s โ€œChippy Larder.โ€

Devizes MP Danny Kruger joined the food poverty hypocrisy voting against Marcus Rashfordโ€™s campaign to extend free school meals over lockdown. Speaking in defence of ministersโ€™ continuing refusal to U-turn the policy, he reasoned in the Gazette & Herald, โ€œthe problem is generous, unconditional, universal benefit entitlements trap people in dependency on the state and rightly enrage people who are working hard for themselves. Thatโ€™s why I believe in a more flexible, community-led approach to welfare.โ€

To address local causes of financial hardship, community organiser at Devizes and District Foodbank, Alex Montegriffo, arranged a meeting with Danny Kruger last month, with members of Devizes community, and representatives from local charities; letโ€™s see these โ€œgenerous, unconditional, universal benefit entitlements,โ€ panning out in the real world, shall we?

One hot topic was people living on houseboats, whoโ€™ve not had access to the ยฃ400 Energy Bills Support Scheme since it began. Out of the estimated 550 people living in houseboats in Wiltshire, only houseboats with a permanent residential mooring are now able to access the fund, leaving regulations for those in non-residential moorings, like marinas, in the dark, literally.

Danny Kruger agreed to write to the Canal and River Trust about using their database of houseboat license fees to distribute the ยฃ400 payment, by taking it off license fees, and potentially using their offices as permanent addresses for those with continuous cruising licenses.

Another topic was the insufficiency and lack of flexibility of the social security system, with benefits like Universal Credit often leaving applicants below destitution level. A member of Devizes community spoke, โ€œevery day I see my husband come back from work exhausted. He counts all the bills and has said, if prices rise again, he doesnโ€™t know what to do. He uses some of my disability benefit to pay his bills, and then pays me back when he gets paid. That shouldnโ€™t be right in this day and age.โ€

If claimants get into debt, even more money is taken away from their Universal Credit allowance, leaving sometimes just ยฃ100 a month or less for food and electricity.

Long and complicated application processes, even for small amounts of money or basic support, causes barriers for those who need help but are unable to fill out forms, or feel stigmatised by the process. As a result, thereโ€™s ยฃ10 million of unclaimed Pension Credit in Wiltshire, a benefit which unlocks Cost of Living Payments. Attendees heard Wiltshire Council are currently in discussion with the community organiser of Devizes and District Foodbank to simplify the application process of one of their support schemes, the Local Welfare Provision, to alleviate this issue.

A couple from Devizes described their frustration at not being encouraged to work, and feeling judged as โ€˜lesserโ€™ for not being able to work. Volunteering is not counted as work, despite the attendees contributing significantly to their community, spurring a discussion on the topic of the impact of part-time work versus full-time work versus volunteering on benefits, where the taper rate for Universal Credit discourages part-time work, and leaves some people better off not working if they cannot work full-time due to health conditions or disability.

Localising the social security system, so thereโ€™s more human contact and agency for recipients, as well as better advertising of support through local trusted individuals, was also discussed. Proposing how schemes such as The Homes and Money Hubs of Barking and Dagenham could be adapted to Devizes, as the Integrated Care Alliance already brings together some departments of Wiltshire Council with social prescribers.

If those with second homes have received their Energy Bills Support Scheme payments, but people living in houseboats are struggling, if people need more support than ever in the current cost-of-living crisis, if people feel theyโ€™ve no one to talk to, or are unable to get through on the phone for help with applications, clearly thereโ€™s lots of work to do; the food bank isnโ€™t just about giving out tins of beans.

Suggestions were made of a community hub in Devizes, with support for applying for and receiving benefits, or developing the several organisations existing at the St James Centre further. Hereโ€™s a group conversing specific topics and looking for solutions to this cost-of-living crisis in Devizes. They meet again on Thursday 30th March, 2:30-3:30pm at the Cheese Hall in Devizes Town Hall to plan and implement a project in Devizes addressing issues raised, which might be adopted in the rest of Wiltshire; if you feel you can assist, please attend.

โ€œIt would be great to get more people there to plan a project, and also be consulted on uses of the Community Fridge in the Shambles,โ€ Alex explained, โ€œalthough Danny agreed to do one action, which I’m not sure has been done or not, we agreed that sometimes it was quicker to do things ourselves.โ€

Attendees agreed to act, as they can quicker than local authorities and government. Cameronโ€™s defunct socio-political soundbite โ€œbig society,โ€ in action during these trying times, I could scoff, but tip my hat to all involved with this, for their enthusiasm and dedication. Not only Alex, but Suzanne Wigmore of Citizens Advice Wiltshire, Richard Oliver of Devizes Opendoors, Graham Martin of Sustainable Devizes, Martin Elliott of Warm Spaces Devizes and Devizes Community Fridge, Kate Brooks, Sarah Cardy and Rachel Clarke of Age UK Wiltshire, and those active members of Devizes community, thank you.

Day-to-day, though, we can all help, supporting Devizes & District Food Bank. Currently supporting an average 220 people per month, over 1,980 meals per month are supplied, which wouldnโ€™t happen without donations. You can download a BanktheFood app to keep up to date with their shortages while shopping, and drop off points for items can be found here.

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Family Easter Holiday Events

Devizine isn’t only about music and gigs for grownups, y’know? It’s about events for everyone. This Easter we’ve lots of things to do over theโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 15th- 21st March 2023

Windy but warm, no, not me, the weather, I mind my manners, I thank you! Hereโ€™s whatโ€™s going down this coming week across our green and (mostly) pleasant landโ€ฆ…

You should know the score by now, adding links here, ainโ€™t nobody got time fer dat! You can find all that, details, links for tickets and stuff over on our main event calendar, and you can use it to plan ahead, good huh?

Wednesday 15th Memory Cinema, wonderful idea, dementia friendly film screenings, at Swindon Arts Centre, this one is Dad’s Army.

New Yorkโ€™s musician and writer Franz Nicolay, member of cabaret-punk orchestra World/Inferno Friendship Society, the Hold Steady, Balkan-jazz quartet Guignol, and co-founder of Anti-Social Music, comes to the Pump, Trowbridge with Aimless Arrows in support.

Acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Original music at The Bell, Bath with world-folk into jazz artist Solana.

Thursday 16th is comedy night at Trowbridgeโ€™s Civic.

Dirty Sound Magnet at The Vic, Swindon, while the The Rosellys play The Tupenny.

Will Page plays Chapel Arts in Bath.

Friday 17th find Sour Apple at the Condado Lounge in Devizes, and The Truzzy Boys play The Bridge Inn, Horton.

Damn! at The Bear in Marlborough, with Al Jenkins at The Green Dragon.

Melksham Assembly Hall prepares for Giants of Rock.

Sound Affects play for St Patrickโ€™s Day at The Talbot in Calne.

Junkyard Dogs at Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Upcoming local punk-based Foxymoron are at the Pump, Trowbridge; you need to see these guys rock, and theyโ€™re with The Easy Peelers and Lonely Daughter. Be Like Will play the West Wilts Conservative Club in Trowbridge.

Hacksaw & Hot Pink Sewage & Altermoderns at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, while Karport Collective are at The Boathouse, and Ineza Womenโ€™s Words, Sisters Stories is whatโ€™s in store at Wiltshire Music Centre.

House Above the Sun at Chapel Arts, Bath, and our Full Tone Orchestra are at Bath Abbey Churchyard with Karl Jenkins Adiemus.

The Unravelling Wilburys at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Come What May is the play at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. The Pre-Fab Four Beatles tribute at the Vic.

Saturday 18th is the opportunity for families to see what the fabulous Calne River Warriors get up to, and join in raft making and a woodland hunt, see poster below. In the evening, Six O’clock Circus take over The Rec Club in Calne.

The Hoodoos are at The Southgate, Devizes, with Rev at The Three Crowns, Ben Borrill at The Moonrakers, and Southern Ruin at The Dolphin. Smackdown at The Corn Exchange with CSF Superstar Wrestling, and DJ Flash is in the mix at the Exchange.

Pink Floyd night at The Barge on Honey-Street.

Songwriterโ€™s Circle at the Pump in Trowbridge provides us with Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week; with Annie Dresser, Lucy Grubb, Dan Wilde, and Luke James Williams.

Find Custyard Pye at Stallards, also in Trowbridge.

Orange Skies Theatre offer some riotous, narrative cabaret with Wild Onion at Swindon Arts Centre, while the musical theatre concert tour of Beyond The Barricade is at the Wyvern Theatre.

The awesome Barrelhouse play the Queens Tap in Swindon, Chop Suey bring nu-metal vibes to the Vic.

Some Indian classical music with Pooja Angraโ€™s new project Creative Unity, with vocalist Karan Rana, sitar player Baluji Shrivastav OBE, and tabla player Mitel Purohit, at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Ragged Union play The Three Horseshoes.

Jenny Colquitt plays Chapel Arts in Bath.

Blur tribute Blurd at The Tree House in Frome, with Hayseed Dixie at The Cheese & Grain, and Be Like Will at the Artisan Pub & Kitchen on Christchurch Street.

Sunday 19th sees Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra play Wiltshire Music Centre, in Bradford-on-Avon, and find Bob Bowles at The Three Horseshoes.

The FOS Brothers play The Bell in Bath.

Arch Garrison at The Vic, Swindon.

And a record fair at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Monday 20th and Sue Harding & Gabriel Morenoโ€™s Troubadour Bandits play The Bell in Bath.

Tuesday 21st and the regular spoken-word open-mic Poetika is on at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury, every third Tuesday of the month. This session with guest poet, Claire H has a Through The Looking Glass theme.

Thatโ€™s all folks, but remember do check ahead for those ticketed events, keep on scrollinโ€™ our event calendar and watch out for updates. Have a fantastic weekend. Tell us if we missed anything, it’s free to list here, but you must send me some details, I’m not mystic Meg.

Trending……

Situationships With Chloe Hepburn

A second single from Swindon Diva Chloe Hepburn, Situationships was released this week. With a deep rolling bassline, finger-click rhythm and silky soulful vocals,โ€ฆ

Devizes to Host New County-Wide Music Awards

I’m delighted to announce Devizine will be actively assisting to organise a new county-wide music awards administration, in conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK.โ€ฆ

Ruby, Sunday at the Gate

It’s a rarity that I should drag myself off the sofa on a Sunday these days, one usually reserved for the monthly Jon Amorโ€ฆ

๐€ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐Œ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐œ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ž๐š๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ญ๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐Ž๐ซ๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š ๐š๐ญ ๐“๐ž๐ฐ๐ค๐ž๐ฌ๐›๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐€๐›๐›๐ž๐ฒ

Review by Pip Aldridge Last week, I had the privilege of seeing the Fulltone Orchestra perform at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey beneath the Peaceโ€ฆ

Here Comes the Girls; Celebrating International Womenโ€™s Day with our Local Musicians

Opps, it didnโ€™t occur to me until afterwards, we only had the lads play for us at my birthday celebration at the Three Crowns on Saturday. Not intentional, just the way the cookie crumbled, but itโ€™s no coincidence that today, my actual birthday, falls on International Womenโ€™s Day!

Like any other industry, the history of the music bizโ€™s treatment of women may be questionable, but itโ€™s fair to say as far as creative output goes, girls have been at the forefront since pop begun. There are so many talented females on our local circuit, so boys, go vegetate with your X-Box for a moment while we give a deserved roll-call to as many of our favourite girls on the scene as I can think of…โ€ฆ (in alphabetical order so there’s no arguments or hair-pulling!)

Annalise

Oh, for the haunting vocals of Annalise, fronting Salisburyโ€™s purveyors of folk-gothic rock, Strange Folk. So captivating, so evocative; think Amy Lee of Evanescence, and youโ€™re not far off the mark.

Becca Maule

Promising Salisbury teenager Becca is an acoustic singer-songwriter who has been known to occasionally strap a band of friends together. Coming from a post-punk angle, thereโ€™s some chatty punk-rock Kate Nash-fashioned vocals on some astutely self-penned songs and covers. Themes include contemporary teenage anguish, climate change and mental health.

Becky Lawrence

Drifted from the shores of the Isle of Man to anchor in Wiltshire, I first heard country singer-songwriter Becky Lawrence supporting the annual Female of The Species fundraiser. A young Becky started out in musical theatre, then trekked to London to attend London School of Musical Theatre. This training shows in her confident and accomplished solo show, and within powerful original compositions. Again, themes of maturing and relationships are key, and if you think this is somewhat clichรฉ, Becky puts her stamp on them with poise and exquisiteness. Her first single You Say reached the number 1 spot in the UK Country Music Charts on iTunes, her second gained over 90K streams on Spotify, but her latest my favourite, Loud and 17 is what kept me in awe of her performance.

Belinda Lee

Fronting Bristol soul four-piece Belle Day, this is a new one on me though theyโ€™ve been on the southwest circuit for some years, and Iโ€™m happy to report being blown away by these breath-takingly powerful vocals, of the classic Stax-Motown era. Itโ€™s smooth blues flavour is ballroom jazzy with a hint of R&B.

Charmaigne Andrews

Melkshamโ€™s premier rock soloist, tattoo artist, and one-fifth of The Female of the Species, Charmaigne is a force to be reckoned with. Powerful, soulful vocals enrich either solo performances or her newfound rock covers four-piece, Siren.

Chole Jordan

Perhaps the odd one out amidst these pop performers, but when you hear music teacher and classically trained soprano Chloe sing, angels will come down from the heavens to listen, officially!

Claire Connor

Show me a female-fronted Muse trump card, and Iโ€™ll raise you Trowbridge based acoustic trio Be Like Will. Popular on our pub circuit, theyโ€™ve already got some originals under their belt, as well as their popular rock covers. Claire controls the lads, and will hold you captivated too! Book these guys.

Claire Grist

Formerly of People Like Us, Claire now performs with six-piece function band LiveWired.

Claire Perry

Self-described as โ€œbarking!…daft…loyal…technophobic…achey chunk!โ€ we love Claire, for her outrageous onstage banter, and her contribution to Female of the Species. Find this devilish diva fronting Melkshamโ€™s most popular cover band, Big Mammaโ€™s Banned.

Evie Halpin

Iโ€™m yet to catch Evie play live. Pewseyโ€™s resident Joss Stone, she brings soulful vocals to her solo show, the like you wouldnโ€™t believe; ergo, Evie is on top of my must-see-list. A singer-songwriter citing Billy Holiday and Nina Simone as influences, so expect some blue soul. You can find Evie regularly at the open mic nights at The Exchange in Devizes, often playing the Moonrakers in Pewsey.

Harmony Asia

Folk with a touch of soul for this knockout singer-songwriter and acoustic musician from Chippenham, look Iโ€™ll leave you a YouTube link from Mr Mooreโ€™s days at Trowbridge Town Hall, and you can make your own mind up, but we think Harmony Asia is really something special!

Helen Carter

One half of husband and wife Devizes blues trio, 12 Bars Later, this wonderful couple can hold the kind of crowd spellbound which would usually take a six piece supergroup of legends!

Julia Hanratty

Frome-based Julia Greenwood is probably the vocalist of the Female of the Species Iโ€™m least familiar with, but through her soul ballads she wows me every year. Lead singer from Soulville Express, it is as it says, Julia can hold the note of Aretha Franklin with remarkable ease.

Julie Morton

Ah, our Jules, jewel in the ska crown of Wilsthire. Train to Skaville is the longest-running, chugging along since 2011, bestest ska and reggae cover band in the county, and let the lord Walt Jabsco strike me down if it isnโ€™t so. Also, key member of charity fundraising supergroup, Female of the Species, Jules skanks and we love her for it!

Katie Mills

Be it as a solo performer or with acoustic guitarist Sue in the duo Sour Apple, Katie commands any generation-spanning cover with all the power and finesse of the original. Breath-taking to think Katie will attribute a Whitney Houston set with certain ease, and her powerful vocal range I liken to Alison Moyet. Yet through her work in Sour Apple, the duo has set about creating many a sublime original, and works them into a set with equal passion. Prolifically gigging locally theyโ€™re the up-coming name which can accommodate any kind of venue or pub, and bring their shine to the punters.

Listen to their recent interview with Peggy-Sue of Swindon 105, here.

Kirsty Clinch

What can we say about Westburyโ€™s finest musical export, Kirsty Clinch that we havenโ€™t already? Concentrating on her childrenโ€™s music school First Melodies primarily these days, on the rare occasion our wonderful country singer-songwriter and music teacher is performing, you need to be there when she does. Kirsty is prolific in releasing some of most beautiful songs to bless my ears, and is astute with her business plans, self-managed, self-promoter and recently launching her own brand of clothing and merchandise.

Lorraine

Chippenham based duo, David and Lorraine take tribute acts to the next level. Lorraine makes the perfect Blondie, but theyโ€™ll add popular two-tone ska covers in too, making for a highly entertaining show. Blondie and Ska will liven your pub up, and get everyone up dancing.

Lucianne Worthy

Plan of Action are the Wiltshire rock, blues and alternative band which pack a punch. Itโ€™s loud and proud, and for every loud and proud rock band you need a killer bassist, the only girl in the group, Lucianne is the personification of rock bass!

Naomi

Lead singer with Salisburyโ€™s nu-cool indie sovereigns, Timid Deer. Arguably the most underrated local band, Timid Deerโ€™s unique sound is enchanting, Naomiโ€™s vocals are stunning, and this band does to indie-rock as Morcheeba did to trip hop.

Nicky Davis

Last but by no means least, we come to our final contributor to fundraising supergroup Female of the Species, Nicky Davis. Whether upfront vocalist or behind her landmark red keyboard, Nicky is a powerhouse. Fronting function band The Reason and lifetime member of our celebrated covers band, People Like Us, entertaining our pubs since 2016, Nicky, we love you!

Sally Dobson

Havenโ€™t heard from Sally for a while, I know she moves about a bit and believe she resides closer to Oxford. Still her wonderful acoustic sets a few years ago justify her presence on this here hall of fame, and her work with the gothic duo Strange Tales, which seems a little inactive of recent. Still, I never forget a talented musical lady when I meet one!

Sarah C Ryan

The Sarah C Ryan Band describe themselves as โ€œmelodic low slung rock pop with a country/folk tinge,โ€ and I always feel they sell themselves down, unaware of how completely mind-blowingly fantastic they are. This, if you perchance to see them at a gig adds a delightful element of surprise. If the name comes over a tad โ€œfunction bandโ€ too, you should take heed, theyโ€™re far from run-of-the-mill. Recently did one of the best Visual Radio Arts features Iโ€™ve seen, I see if I can drop the link to it……

Sara Vian

Frome based Welsh hippy-chick singer/songwriter Sara Vian is in her element singing jazz, soul and blues with a fabulous sunny vibe which charms and disarms with a distinction all her own, and she rides this with bells on.

Collaborating with the Graham Dent Trio, Sara has also released a number of singles over the Lockdown, and wonderfully acoustic goodness they are too!

Sienna Wileman

Daughter to Swindonโ€™s answer to Mike Oldfield, Richard Wileman, an incredibly prolific composer of pre-symphonic rock band Karda Estra, where there is nothing vertical or frenetic about his musical approach, the apple doesnโ€™t fall far from the tree. Though where singer-songwriter Sienna differs is theme, we hear topics of adolescence, youthful relationships, and perhaps their collapses, in this angelic voice of reason. Siennaโ€™s music is experimental too, easy-going, and ambient, and I predict great things from one the most promising young artists locally.

Sophia Bovell

Sophia & Soul Rebels

Swindonโ€™s astounding and versatile singer of soul, Sophia has many guises, as lively five-piece soul, Motown, disco, and reggae band, Sophia & The Soul Bothers, formerly Soul Rebels, and more recently a jazz ensemble simply called Sophia Bovell โ€“ Jazz. Sophia can hold that note like the great soul divas, and with skilled backing can put the funk into any event.

Sue Harding

I first met Sue as an interviewer at the now based in Devizes, Visual Arts Radio, but soon came to realise she is a magnificent Celtic and Americana acoustic folk singer-songwriter too, of the Wilts-Somerset border.

Tamsin Quin

Last in our alphabetical hall of fame, but certainly not least! One third of our beloved acoustic modern country vocal harmony trio, The Lost Trades, Tamsin is the stalwart female acoustic singer-songwriter on our circuit, and her flair partly the reason for me starting Devizine as this voyage of discovery into the mostly undocumented wealth of local talent we have here. It should be pointed out the combo was created out of their many collaborations with each other in the past, and each of them, Phil, Jamie, and Tamsin, have had and continue to pursue solo careers aside The Lost Trades. Since highlighting all the individuals of this fantastic trio, The Trades continue to go from strength-to-strength, and are bonded so specially I cannot now visualise life without their wonderful harmonies in it! And Tamsin is the connecting link between the guys, and long may be so.

I do ask Tammy about a second solo album, since the amazing Gypsy Blood debut, and while she never brushes off the notion, her dedication to the Trades is paramount; yeah, I totally get that!

Thatโ€™s about all I think of, and I like thinking about girls! But I know a few are going to say, hey, you missed me out! Iโ€™m sorry if I did, and can edit it if you let me know! Have a great International Womenโ€™s Day, and to everyone listed on this โ€œhall of fameโ€ just keep it up, girls, continue the amazing contributions to our music circuit, for without you the guys would probably just be hanging around a kebab van wondering if theyโ€™re on yet, and asking where is the gig anyway!

What Passes for Entertainment in Seend, Rolling Naked in Muck Heaps?!

Got to be the most bizarre village group Facebook post of the week, when Seend resident Amy Plumb caught a fellow rolling in her neighbourโ€™s muck heap on Sunday evening, stark naked!

Theyโ€™ve got their community centre and two great pubs, is this what passes for entertainment in Seend, or just in the Cleeve, I wonder, or was he just trying to keep warm?! More worryingly, could this become something of a trend? Are you contemplating a liberating naked roll in a muck heap anytime soon, and now youโ€™re gutted because this guy beat you to it?! Provided it’s not a satanic worship sort of thing, weโ€™d love to hear from you, after a shower, that is. This is Wiltshire street theatre gold.

After his solo romp in the steaming heap, Ms Plumb told the Facebook Seend Village Group, โ€œhe jumped in the car covered in it!โ€ Probably made him late for work at county hall!   

Noted residents didnโ€™t recognise the vehicle sounds like an attempt to divert any media coverage from suggesting itโ€™s exclusively a Seend kind of pastime to me, they’ve probably been at it for centuries! While Seend village is considered sophisticated, itโ€™s those Cleeve lot youโ€™ve got to watch out for! Some residents said they were glad theyโ€™ve spread theirs, others pointed out itโ€™s where you find the best eggs!

โ€œKeep an eye on your muck heaps,โ€ is the worthy advice given, for who knows when or where this mysterious naked muck heap rolling prankster will strike next! What a mucky imp.

Trending…..

Hells Bells! AC/DC tribute in Devizes

With our roads being the state theyโ€™re in, is it any wonder on the 5th April Hells Bells, rated as the UKโ€™s top AC/DC tribute,โ€ฆ

Cracked Machine at The Southgate

If many space-rock acts have more band member changes than most other musicians change their socks, Hawkwind are the exemplar of the tendency. There mightโ€ฆ

Geckoโ€™s Big Picture

In 1998 a pair of pigs escaped while being unloaded off a lorry at an abattoir in Malmesbury and were on the run for aโ€ฆ

Park Farm; New Music Festival in Devizes

A new music festival is coming to Devizes this July. Organisers of the long-running Marlborough based festival MantonFest are shifting west across the downs andโ€ฆ

Results of Salisbury Music Awards

All images: ยฉ๏ธ JS Terry Photography An awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding musical talent within the city, aptly titled The 2024 Salisbury Music Awards,โ€ฆ

Song of the Week: Sara Vian

Normally Wednesday, Song of The Week, but I was having one of those Wednesday days, you know the sort, too middley arenโ€™t they, bit gloomy? Couldnโ€™t find a recent single release, whinged about it on Facebook, no one helped, then remembered I had this beauty from Frome folk singer-songwriter Sara Vian, out last week. Itโ€™s called Brighter Days, and what could be a more perfect fit?

Save it on Spotify here, it features David Setterfield guitarist from Strange Folk, itโ€™s very spring, wonderful.

Trending…

Static Moves at The Three Crowns Devizes

Bussing into Devizes Saturday evening, a gaggle (I believe is the appropriate collective noun) of twenty-something girls from Bath already on-board, disembark at The Marketโ€ฆ

The Emporium in Devizes to Close

If Devizes boasts an abundance of independent gift shops of unique and exquisite or often novelty items in the face of a national pandemic ofโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 22nd โ€“ 28th February 2023

Last week of February, then; winter, do one! Lots going on as ever, so letโ€™s not beat around the bush, because left to my devises I know I tend to waffle, and no one ever just stops me and gives it, โ€œjust get on with telling whatโ€™s happening, for crying out loud, man!โ€

I do need to say this though, as usual, more information and ticket links can be found at our ever-updating event calendar. If your event is not on there you didnโ€™t tell us about it, no fault of mine! I do this shit for free, but I ainโ€™t going to chase you up! Tell us about it next time, bring cake.

Wednesday 22nd and Visual Radio Arts stream one of our favourite bands on the circuit, Concrete Prairie, into the comfort of your own front room. If youโ€™ve not seen this band before, do not miss this. Meanwhile itโ€™ll be the regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Theatre Accord in association with The Production Exchange Ltd. Presents She at Swindon Arts Centre, charting the experiences of different women from childhood to old age, these stories, each with an intriguing twist, are visceral, poignant, and laced with humour.

Prue Leithโ€™s Nothing in Moderation is at Bath Forum, with Grace Campbellโ€™s A Show About Me(n) at Komedia.

Thursday 23rd sees an open mic at Stallards in Trowbridge.

National Theatre Live with Othello at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Concrete Prairieโ€™s name crops up again, theyโ€™re with Cooperโ€™s Creek at The Tuppenny, Swindon, while Kotonic and Failstate play the Vic, with a debut tour for comedian Chloe Petts at Swindon Arts Centre.

Tribute Local Cohen play the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, while Eleanor McEvoy is at Chapel Arts, Bath, โ€œSwiftogeddon,โ€ Taylor Swift club night at Komedia, and Michael Jackson tribute show at Bath Forum.

Regular childrenโ€™s Music 4 Fun session at Brown Street, Salisbury.

Friday 24th Always a great night with the Celtic Roots Collective, who play The Pelican in Devizes.

Over in Trowbridge, chap-hopper Thomas Benjamin is at the Pump.

Native Harrow: Old Magic Tour at Pound Arts, Corsham.

The Jerry Lee Lewis Story at Chapel Arts, Bath, while The Fleetwood Mac Story is at Bath Forum, and cabaret night at Komedia with The Ministry Of Burlesque.

Riot Ensemble at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Gary Delaneyโ€™s Gary in Punderland comes to the Wyvern, Swindon, while tribute Dire Streets play Swindon Arts Centre, and Rush tribute Moving Pictures are at The Vic.

AC/DC tribute Livewire at The Cheese & Grain, Frome, and an intimate evening with Will Varley at The Tree House.

Saturday 25th and itโ€™s Devizes Lionsโ€™ Fashion Show at the Devizes Conservative Club, Gardna arrives at The Muck & Dunder, Bone Chapel are at The Southgate, Scott Browne is at The Three Crowns, and Sour Apple play at The Lamb. The Wharf Theatre hosts the Apollo Theatre Companyโ€™s Ode to Joyce, about the songs and monologues of Joyce Grenfell.

As if there wasnโ€™t enough to choose from in Devizes, Iโ€™m out of town for our Editorโ€™s Pick of Week; Will Lawton and the Alchemists are at The Pump in Trowbridge, and itโ€™s a double-whammy if Iโ€™ve correctly sussed the anagram of the support act; โ€œSlotted Hearts!โ€

Hairy Stars at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Mickey Ace & The Wildcards play Melksham Rock n Roll Club, and Mixed Bag play The Pilot.

Phoenix River Band play Chapel Arts, Bath, while Suzanne Vega is at Bath Forum.

Ravers head for The Vic, Swindon, where Midlife Krisis crew are in effect, with a Diversify night.The Blind Lemon Experience play The Swiss Chalet.

Salisbury Arts Centre have Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood.

And a Retro Electro night at The Cheese & Grain, Frome completes our Saturday.

Sunday 26th sees Ronnie Scottโ€™s Jazz Club at the Wyvern, Swindon, while thereโ€™s a secret session at the Vic, with Mickelson.

Simon Brodkinโ€™s Screwed Up is at Komedia, Bath.

Monday 27th sees Gigspanner Big Band play Swindon Arts Centre.

Tuesday 28th and KT Tunstall is at Bath Forum.

Thatโ€™s all I got folks, tell us about anything we missed and Iโ€™ll slip it in! Donโ€™t forget Iโ€™m getting close to 50, and that might mean it takes a little longer, but youโ€™re all invited to laugh at me at the Three Crowns in Devizes on March 4th; oh yeah, weโ€™ve got some amazing live music too, naturally.

Trending…..

Mental Rot; New I See Orange Single

Hold on tight, the new single from I See Orange, Mental Rot embodies everything I love about this Swindon grunge trio, and takes no prisonersโ€ฆ..โ€ฆ

RowdeFest 2025!

Okay, I canโ€™t keep the secret any longer or Iโ€™ll pop! While all the hard work is being organised by a lovely committee, because theyโ€ฆ

Events This Weekend; January Into February!

If weโ€™re nearly out of the prolonged gloom of January, note itโ€™s still winter but weโ€™ve climatised and are ready to party. February this yearโ€ฆ

Brave New Broken Hearts Club at St Johns, Devizes

by Helen Edwards

Picking our way around the back of St Johnโ€™s church in the dark, unsure where the gig was being held, I was reminded about how Iโ€™d walked down that long aisle years earlier. About my childrenโ€™s christening there and the more recent funeral of my father-in-law. So, as we entered the grand churchโ€™s side door, despite my quip about having โ€˜the blood of Christโ€™ as my BYO drink, I was feeling deeply reflective. I was open to what was to come.

After making ourselves comfortable in the pew, pouring our drinks and looking around at the congregation, faces lit by trails of fairy lights, the music began.

First, came the singer/songwriter, Pearl Fish. Now that I write that name I wonder if this is her given name or a performance muse [Editorโ€™s note; yes, she told me it was her real name!] Either way it is very apt. Pearl exudes a coy, bouncy, and ever-so-slightly ethereal energy.ย  She shines but in a subtle and gentle way. When introducing her songs, she seems to have an intriguing mix of shyness and self-assuredness. And when she sang these qualities, showing vulnerability with an undercurrent of solid confidence filled the church. Her words, many of which escape me now, reflected this feeling and as an initial doubter (to explain; I gravitate towards a more rock-ier vibe) I was converted. Pearlโ€™s voice is floaty and soft and helped take you away to reveries within yourself. I especially liked one song which changed tempo and sang like a cross between a folksy ancient tale with a sea-shanty beat.ย  I will be downloading Pearlโ€™s album and feel delighted that my open mind allowed my heart to consume Pearlโ€™s creative output.ย  I do think the church ambience helped with that.

A little more unholy wine later and Neil of Brave New Broken Hearts Club (I so want to write โ€˜Bandโ€™ at the end of that!) took the space of Pearl and the vicarโ€™s usual spot.ย  The church was growing colder in the February night but Neilโ€™s warmth, his fun and gentle manner and his evident kindness filled the atmosphere.ย  His conversational chat between songs bought smiles to all of us watching and gave an insight into this seemingly self-deprecating but obviously deep thinking and amusing guy. I bet heโ€™s a great crack to sit and have a drink with.ย  Anyway, on to the music….

Neil is an accomplished songwriter.ย  He tells a story with each of his tunes and touches a chord in his audience with themes that we can all relate to.ย  I spoke to him afterwards to say it was lovely to hear the personal journey he is on, that he showed through his songs. As with Pearl and one of Neilโ€™s favourite thinkers, Brene Brown, he has exposed his vulnerability and in doing so has produced some magnificent music.ย  His tunes are catchy, melodic, and chilled and his voice is awesome; clear and engaging with (my favourite bit) a heart-warming London accent.

An unexpected night and one of unearthed pearls (sorry bad pun) and catchy thoughtful songs.  Who knew the power of the-gig-in-the-church.  I will be part of their secret promoting crew when they are next in town by persuading my friends to join me.

Trending….

Devizes Town Council Reject Proposal for a Safety Sign on The Crammer

In the same week Corsham Town Councillor Ruth Hopkinson unveiled a sign, warning drivers to slow down for their peacocks, designed by a schoolgirl via a competition, a swan on Devizes Crammer flew into a passing car and died. Residents called upon Devizes Town Council for signage warning of the dangers, but the idea was doggedly rejected by councillors at a meeting on Tuesdayโ€ฆ.

Friends of The Crammer campaign group thanked members of the public for attending the meeting. The application was discussed at great length, often meandering. Campaigner Sally Noseda said โ€œit got off to a good start with one Councillor [Cllr Bridewell] saying she thought it was a good idea and proposing it. Then, there was a barrage of objections from several councillors – too much signage there already, warning signs never work, too distracting, swans die all over the town, its people’s fault for feeding them, too expensive, etc., etc.โ€

Councillor Iain Wallis said that whilst he believed the whole council supported making the area safer, he did not think that signs were the way to do this. Making one wonder what hairbrained invention would be deemed suitable, perhaps training swans to push the traffic-light button with their beaks?!

He felt that signs would not work as drivers should already be alert in this area; well, duh, alertness is best while driving anywhere! They also questioned the need (the need for basic road safety, duh again?!) and warned about overloading the area with signage, when itโ€™s no more overloaded with pointless signage than any other area of the town centre. So, he poo-pooed the idea, which is what he said he would do on his bias Facebook group, therefore meeting about it was a complete waste of oxygen, as his proposal was seconded by Councillor Hoult, supported by Councillor Nash, who raised the financial pressure on a council who recently forked out far more for some oversized flower pots in the Market Place!

A member of Friends of Crammer group contacted Barefoot Signs for a quote, which pushed the boat out to a staggering ยฃ30 plus VAT! But Sally explained, โ€œthe council were mostly thinking about formal Ministry of Transport wildfowl signs and the costs attached to those. I couldn’t really put in an official application for “unofficial” signs – they would need to be done afterwards. So, the discussion was based on official signs. Having said that, all the nonsense about costs, history, swan behaviour, swans dying in other areas of the town, too many signs… They threw everything at it, aided and abetted by the mentioned member of the public.โ€

Cllr Giraud-Saunders felt that feeding the swans by the road may be making the issue worse so suggested that maybe feeding could take place in another area, which is, with all due respect, total piffle; with the railings in place, the larger birds only have one exit-entrance from the water to the land, and that is at the roadside so to get to another area would still mean travelling along the roadside! Now, Iโ€™m no expert, unlike others Iโ€™m not pretending to be, but you only must go and look at it to work that out!

Cllr Greenwood, who was Charing, (not charming!) felt this was something that could be looked at under Cllr Wallisโ€™ proposal. Well quite; ideas have been put before via Crammer Watch that, ideally, the Crammer needs to be swizzled around, so the wildfowlโ€™s access to the water is on the grass rather than direct onto the road, but this would obviously need a huge investment, and being the council are doing everything in their power to reject a simple signpost might suggest anyone with the slightest faith this will happen is not living in Devizes, but cloud cuckoo-land!

The minutes then go onto say, โ€œthe member of the public who brought the item forward said they understood the councilโ€™s position, but was concerned that the crammer working party may not deal with the issue in a timely fashion.โ€ Now, at this stage we need to point out, if youโ€™ve not already guessed whatโ€™s coming, this crammer working party set up Devizes Town Council consists ofโ€ฆ. wait for itโ€ฆ. councillors Iain Wallis and Chris Greenwood!!

Cilla Black level of surprise, surprise; the very oneโ€™s campaigning against every proposal put by any member of the public concerned about recent happenings at The Crammer, the two who blatantly lied about the suspected bird flu outbreak and DEFRAโ€™s imaginary collection of the dead swans on their Facebook groups. Facebook groups which have seen anyone disagreeing with Mr Wallis outright banned from the group, even the Crammer Watch page set up to support the Crammer! The councillor who encouraged the public take matters into their own hands and reprimand anyone feeding the swans, knowing full well without a natural food source they wouldโ€™ve died anyway, bird flu or not! You canโ€™t make bureaucratic gobbledygook like this up!

And, sigh, the minutes conclude: Following the public statements Cllr Wallis amended his proposal to add a timeline to the working parties brief with a first report due in six weeksโ€™ time at the next Recreation & Properties meeting. This was passed with two abstentions. In other words, although the proposal for the most proactive doable solution was squashed, theyโ€™d all sit around and talk about it at later date, which is what I thought they were doing there and then?!

It feels like โ€œCrammerโ€ is a swearword at Devizes Town Council, any mere mention of it, for some unexplained reason breathes fire from the mouths of certain councillors, and their apathy towards any issue arising from the Crammer is questionable. How councillors can outright lie leaves me beyond hope for a simple solution, and I believe they should be held accountable for their dishonesty. As Sally expressed to the Friends of the Crammer group, โ€œI was looking at a circle of rather disinterested faces. I did accept Iain Wallis’s offer to bring it into the WP remit – but stressed that this was an urgent matter and I was unhappy at how long they’d taken to get this far with the Working Party.โ€

Working party, indeed, shirking party I think youโ€™ll find! One of the best responses from The Friends of the Crammer Facebook group stated, โ€œI think DTC need to show some interest and love for the Crammer. They give the impression that they don’t care about this special, historic, and beautiful spot of nature right in the centre of the town. Everything that has been asked for (which is very little and low cost as far as I can see) they appear to have resisted or turned down or gone very slow. This group has gathered 210 members in a very short space of time in a small town and I’m sure there are a lot of others who are equally concerned. DTC are the servants of the town. Surely these little things being asked for aren’t a big deal and would be of some help in protecting the wildlife on the Crammer. It is worth a try and would certainly go some way to alleviate this problem. Just put up a few small signs what harm would it do?โ€

But perhaps the best comment came from neither the group nor council, but from the unrestricted local page, Devizes Issues (but better) in which someone added something along the lines of, โ€œitโ€™s just swans on a pond fffs!โ€ adding there were more important issues, and I agree, after feeling driven to type a thousand words on it, for if they can pass off public ideas of such a simple notion as a signpost, what poppycock will they make of the bigger issues?!

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Discovering Swindon Story Shed

With Dad’s taxi on call in Swindon and a few hours to kill whilst her majesty is at the flicks, it was fortunate local authorโ€ฆ

My Dadโ€™s Wackier Than Your Dad โ€“ a night of nostalgia and karaoke at The Castle Inn, Old Town

The team behind My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival are hosting a night of karaoke at The Castle Inn, Old Town on Saturday 4th March as part of their efforts to raise funds for Prospect Hospice.

My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, organised in association with South Swindon Parish Council, is held in tribute to Dave Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar who died in early June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle against cancer.  

During his tenure at The Victoria, Daveโ€™s Wacky Wednesday fast became one of the most popular nights of the week amongst Swindon revellers, with Dave regularly coming up with themes such as โ€˜Christmas in Julyโ€™ and โ€˜Barnyard Fancy Dressโ€™, much to chagrin of his staff who had to tidy up the next day.

Festival co-organiser and ex-employee of Dave and his wife Anna, Gemma Denley-Doswell said โ€œWacky Wednesdays came up in a lot of peopleโ€™s fondest memories of Dave when he passed away and so we knew we had to recreate it at some point for the people who used to attend back then. Weโ€™re all sadly much older now and not quite brave enough to attempt it midweek anymore so picked a Saturday and luckily Audrey and the team at The Castle volunteered to host us!โ€*

My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festivalโ€™s Raffle is also being launched at the event, after last yearโ€™s raffle of a guitar clock made and donated by Holmes Music raised nearly ยฃ1000 for Prospect Hospice.

This year there are several prizes to be bagged including another guitar clock from Holmes Music plus a haul of other fantastic gifts kindly donated by local businesses.  

One lucky winner will net a yearโ€™s free membership to Anytime Fitness in Hooperโ€™s Place, Old Town, with the gym generously providing another two three-month memberships to add to the prize list.

Also up for grabs is a Photoshoot Experience Day from Marlborough based Imagine Photography and a spa voucher from the newly-refurbished Sorella Spa located in the Swindon Marriott Hotel.

Other prizes are yet to be announced, with the final draw being held in July after the festival. Tickets are ยฃ1 each and will also be available at Holmes Music, The Tuppenny and The Castle after the 4th March.

My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival 2023 is being held on Saturday 22nd July in The Town Gardens, Old Town. Already announced on the line up is Imperial Leisure, True Strays and The Real Cheesemakers. Follow the festivalโ€™s social media pages for regular updates.

Get your My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival 2023 tickets now by visiting the website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad.co.uk  

Prospect Hospice, based in Wroughton, provides palliative and end of life care for people across the region and has to raise the majority of its costs through fundraising. My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival has raised over ยฃ24,000 for Prospect Hospice in its first two years.

*Gemma added โ€œFor those who can still handle staying up late on a school night, The Victoria is still proudly flying the flag for Wacky Wednesday to this day!โ€

Painting With Sound; Will Lawton & The Alchemists New EP

Perhaps youโ€™ve noticed of recent, my overuse of the word โ€œsublime?โ€ I could apologise, and worry abusing a word lessens its clout, despite happening to like it, but I ask you humour me; Iโ€™m going to use it again today, in a thoroughly slamming-my-fist-on-the-desk-like-I-really-mean-it type way! Malmesburyโ€™s purveyors of cool, Will Lawton & The Alchemists have an EP due for release on 3rd March, and yes, Iโ€™ll confirm now without thesaurus, itโ€™s erm, sublime!

Theyโ€™ve contributed to both our Juliaโ€™s House compilations and though I shouldnโ€™t pick favouritesโ€ฆ. ahem, and to note our roving reporter Andy has had the pleasure of fondly reviewing these guys live. I confess it remains on my to-do-list, but via Alchemy, this new three-track EP, Iโ€™ve knocked it up in priority to top of the list, above the heading.

Our given press release enlightens the EPโ€™s title Alchemy โ€œis a reference to the alchemical process of creativity with this EP being a fusing of Will’s masterful song-craft and the band’s dextrous flair for instrumental flourishes and lush, subtly evolving arrangements,โ€ and I couldnโ€™t put it better myself. Not for weird explosions in fogs of coloured smoke, but for the tentative and inventive melodious architecture, this is a Sagrada Famรญlia of sound.

 It opens with haunting piano and Willโ€™s sonorously equable vocals. An eight-minute masterwork called Daughter, will invoke imaginings of the most memorable parental occasions, the unconditional love, as subtle drumbeats roll over this drifting euphoric sonic soundscape, akin to Pink Floydโ€™s finest hour.

Alchemic as in experimental, naturally, as the texture of drum timings fragment from piano for the second tune, then conjoin to a fix. The single pre-release out now, Black Bricks, rolls into something exceptional, an unsolidified musical edifice, overlapping layers and smooth vocals on social commentary of the ordinary, bad day. The discomforting, yet almost satirised theme perhaps makes this the standout tune, this is rich and creative genius.

Cast Iron is the final tune, cryptic and abstract, it evokes the quest to fulfil dreams and ambitions and the sense of powerlessness that emerges from this questing. The only downside is it ends, for this is incredibly morish, and leaves you dripping to dry, but quality above quantity is key, and again, this is as smooth as a well-oiled boob! Weโ€™re treated to Eastern promise through subtle tabla in the introduction to the finale, amidst these gorgeous established layers of electric guitar, rolling drumbeats, both male and female uplifting vocals, and simple beguiling keys. But what becomes in this song, as best example for the EP, is of no standalone individual element or instrument, rather the composition, for this is the musical equivalent to Da Vinci.

Seriously, Will’s profession as a music therapist means he has a high degree of self-awareness when it comes to the cathartic, healing power of creativity. Ergo, if art students are taught the eight pillars of composition are balance, contrast, focus, motion, pattern, proportion, unity and rhythm, the only images this EP will blissfully summon in your mindโ€™s eye would be BA standard and youโ€™d be exhibiting in the Louvre in no time! This is how to do it; this is painting with sound.

Will Lawton & The Alchemists have steadily built a solid live following with shows across the South West of England, and garnered support from Scala Radio, BBC Radio Wiltshire, BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Gloucestershire, BBC Radio Somerset, and BBC Introducing for the West. They recently supported Brit-pop legends Space to great acclaim.

The EP is produced by Patrick Phillips at Play Pen Studios, Bristol, mastered by Pete Maher at Top Floor Productions, and released via Supermarine Music. It will be supported with a tour, dates below.

Alchemy EP Tour Feb/March 2023

16th Feb: The Old Stables, Cricklade

25th Feb: The Pump, Trowbridge

27 Feb: The Prince Albert, Stroud

2nd March: The Railway Inn, Winchester

4th March:The Hop Inn, Swindon

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The Rise of Winter Festivals

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In Retrospect With Gary Martian

So yeah, not only has Cracked Machine and Clock Radio drummer Gary Martin added a letter A to his name to make it sound moreโ€ฆ

Song of the Week: Sienna Wileman

Okay, I admit it, our Song of the Day feature was too optimistic, and failing every day to post a tune meant it fell by the wayside.

Song of the Week, think I can manage that, just! Let’s reintroduce it now, every Wednesday without fail, pinky promise, and do the first one right about now! Swindon Songstress and actor Sienna Wileman released this gorgeous song, For Nobody Else, this week.

And bonus, the video has some shots of Devizes in it, which doesn’t give her extra points, but then again, it doesn’t need them, it’s a hauntingily angelic song, as is Sienna’s style. You can find her first single, Petals, opening our Julia’s House compilation album, volume 2.

This one echoes that beauty and improves on it, too. Keep up the great work, Sienna!

Marlboroughโ€™s Lamb Landlord Farewell Gig Will Be Pants!

Marlborough News reported โ€œin the Seventies, Marlborough boasted well over twenty pubs. Now there are just six,โ€ in an article about the retirement of longstanding landlords of The Lamb, Vyv and Jackie. Marlborough being Marlborough, most of these remaining pubs are aesthetically pleasing, least thatโ€™s my apprehensive hypothesis! But for the 100 billion years, or 43 to be more accurate, their stay at the helm of the Lamb is surely a testament to the notion the landlord maketh the pubโ€ฆ.

Being local rock comedy band Pants will be playing their farewell gig at this historic testament on to how run a great pub, on Saturday 4th February, I asked their blickum Dan Tozer, and guitarist and paediatric first aider, Fal Carmichael, who is criticised by the other band members as a โ€œthoughtless bastard,โ€ for never trimming the ends of his strings, and leaving them โ€œdangling about like a bunch of sentients, malicious, jangly antennae ready to take someone’s fucking eye out or stab someone in the neck,โ€ if they agreed; I think you can imagine where this interview is heading!

โ€œI would,โ€ Dan replied, adding, โ€œwe have had other good landlords in Marlborough, well, when they let us play there! Trevor Stannard was a hero too in that respect. But for longevity, Vyv tops the lot, and never moaned when we trashed the gaff with confetti cannons and other explosive toys! And he still paid us!โ€

It takes me back to my days in Marlborough, when the Lamb was the choice of watering holes, and in those hazy recollections, I seemed to remember Pants thrashing out a heavy metal version of the Mr Blobby single. For this is their panache and ethos, if they own them; covering cheesy pop songs in a metal fashion. And the result is, while accomplished, highly amusing. They didnโ€™t seem to recall covering Mr Blobby, โ€œalthough we did once play Bob The Builder,โ€ and thus my diluted memory stands corrected. โ€œApparently, our first โ€˜performanceโ€™ was 1996……. but we did drink a bit in those days so it might have been earlier.โ€

Recently the band have covered Boney Mโ€™s Rasputin, Cliffโ€™s Devil Woman, and the BBC Snooker theme, I wondered if anything was off limits. โ€œNobody will let me play the Jim’ll Fix It Theme,โ€ Fal expressed, โ€œbunch of squares!โ€

To wonder if Pants are more Spinal Tap than Barron Knights, conversant Dan informed, โ€œwe try to be a combination of the two. A few old favourites and some new stuff, all bolted together by TV themes and poor-quality heavy metal, plus the occasional Christmas Carol.โ€

If Scott Garcia recorded speed garage track, โ€œitโ€™s a London thing,โ€ Pants are the Marlborough equivalent; strictly a Marlborough thing. I asked them if anyone else ever booked them, other than the Lamb and the football club, and if so, did they regret it?!

โ€œWe did gig outside Marlborough in our earlier years when we had a mate with a van. We’re lucky if we play twice a year these days and, as we all suffer from acute travel sickness, prefer to stay local. And I think anyone who booked us would have regrets!โ€

As well as Fal and Dan, the band consists of Sean, โ€œsometimes Steve,โ€ with the bonus of Moose Harris, former bassist with New Model Army and The Damned. When the focus of the article centred on Moose, as โ€œMooseโ€™s band,โ€ the exasperated reaction of the band was priceless, so I figured Iโ€™d add salt to the wound, enhancing โ€œaccording to a recent Marlborough News article, it was all Mooseโ€™s doing and you others just came along for the ride!โ€ But they didnโ€™t take the bait!

โ€œThat’s a little harsh on Moose!โ€ Dan gasped, โ€œI’m sure he wouldn’t want to take the blame! I seem to remember that Fal, Moose and myself were having a quiet lemonade, and decided it might be a laugh. We stole Sean from some other crummy old band that he was wasting his time in.โ€

See, Pants come across how I promoted my books, this self-mockery banter. If I remember Mr Blobby so vividly, but it was Bob the Builder, it can mean only one thing; theyโ€™re a bunch of liars, and essentially, they rock!  

Itโ€™s a fashion questioned by an American book reviewer who commented on a cover sticker saying in small letters โ€œthis will never be aโ€ and in much larger letters โ€œmajor motion picture.โ€ Their argument was I was deliberately selling myself down, suggesting I was actually a pretty good writer and only using this kind of twisted irony as self-promotion, which I think is a similar ethos to Pants. So, I put this in a two-part question, if Dan and Fal think this reflects Pantโ€™s tenet too, and if they, like me, think twats like that should fuck off?!

โ€œWe always think we’re crap,โ€ was the revelation, โ€œbut people seem to like it! Well, we can play I suppose, and all of us have for years. We do subscribe to the “by the seat of our collective pants” ethos, and so things do go wrong. I suspect that adds to the enjoyment for the audience as much as us. And I speak for all of us when I say โ€˜Yes! Fuck Off Twats!โ€™ – which at my age pretty much includes everyone.โ€

It goes without saying, we wish Vyv and Jackie all the best for their retirement, and thank them sincerely for the wonderful times at The Lamb. Though we hope this will not leave Marlborough pantless, and some nutter will book them. This is legacy weโ€™re talking about here, a very serious issue. So, as a final reflection on the future, I ended noting thereโ€™s a trend of all-female tribute acts doing the rounds, wondering if they could you foresee โ€œKnickers,โ€ and if so, what colour would they be, but I believe they got the wrong idea; the knobs.

โ€œWe rock like navvies in a cradle using pneumatic drills. It’s dangerous but in a slightly unstable comfortable setting. And we’re bound to have an accident,โ€ Dan expressed creatively, with emojis and everything. โ€œBy all means, throw your scanties our way. But only if they’re clean! The only skid marks on our Pants will be ours! (Preferably red!) See you all at the Lamb on Feb 4th.โ€

Safe to bet, taking all this seriousness on board, the farewell gig will be historical and hysterical in equal measure, as the members in Pants signed off with, โ€œwhen I said red, I meant the pants, not the skid marks!โ€

Note they’ve even got merchandise, HERE is their online shop with the slogan “either buy something or fuck off.”

Truly was a class and memorable interview!

Trending….

Christmas Greetings From Devizine!

Here’s our Christmas video Greeting, ho-ho-ho! Filmed on location at DOCA Winter Festival, Devizes, 2024 by Jess Worrow. Merry Christmas everyone!

Chapters, New Single From Kirsty Clinch

Okay, so, Iโ€™m aย  little behind, recently opting to perfect my couch potato posture and consider hibernation, meaning Iโ€™ve not yet mentioned Kirsty Clinchโ€™s newโ€ฆ

Old Wharf Cafรฉ to Become Meeting Room

The Kennet & Avon Trust today revealed plans to convert the old cafรฉ on Devizes Wharf, Couch Lane, into a meeting facility; how exciting!

It is now available as a meeting facility, charged out at competitive rates. It also offers the opportunity to service light refreshments.

More specific details on availability and charge-out rates can be obtained from Carolyn Calder at devizes.chair@katrust.org.uk and on 07739 330159. Thereโ€™s plentiful pay carparking, but personally Iโ€™d like to think the beautiful space could be better used for arts, events, or charity purposes, but we all need a nice meeting every now and then, donโ€™t we?!

Argh, I’m so excited about this I simply don’t think I can contain myself and Iโ€™ve come over all management speak; moving forward to some blue-sky thinking, thenโ€ฆ.

Trending….

Devizes Writers Group Win Silver Award

Congratulations to Rosalind Ambler and Paul Snook from Devizes Writers Group… At the National Community Radio Awards held in Cardiff on 16th November Together!, theโ€ฆ

Hansel & Gretel: Panto at the Wharf!

Images: Chris Watkins Media It was lovely to spend Sunday afternoon at Devizesโ€™ Wharf Theatre, to see how this yearโ€™s pantomime Hansel & Gretel, isโ€ฆ

No Worries; Worried Men at The Pump

Long overdue a visit to the Pump in Trowbridge, Jamie Thyer, frontman of the Worried Men twisted my arm Friday night and there I was,โ€ฆ

Delicate, Like A Psychedelicat

What is a psychedelicat, a tin of magic mushroom flavoured Felix?! His picture on the tin certainly displays some suspiciously dilated pupils, but this exaggeration maybe just artistic licence for commercial purposes. In any case, theyโ€™re not as dilated as the kitty on the cover of a new album by Marvin B Naylor and Rebsie Fairholm, a Gloucestershire-Hants duo who operate under the pseudonym Psychedelicat; justice sufficient to take a listenโ€ฆ…bring out the lava lampโ€ฆ…

Because, a kindly Manchester chap who was always sending me seriously outrageous noises he dubbed โ€œpsychedelicโ€ has finally got the message. I donโ€™t mean to be unfair, but music, whether it be as described, a mess of every known subgenre since rock n roll, or not, it must have harmony and melody, or it is borderline industrial noise. Seriously, listen to it under the influence of a single aspirin will likely find you gripping onto the sofa suffering a psychotic episode!

I felt he lacked the concept of psychedelia, for it is surely supposed to be benign, calming and mellowed, inducing a positive karma, rather than a full-blown Cheech and Chong fashioned freak out. On the other hand, when Marvin sent us the opening track of this album, Like a Delicate Psychedelicat, called Ark, as a submission for our Juliaโ€™s House compilation, while I was impressed, I wouldn’t have branded it psychedelic; mellowed and beautiful, but nothing particularly Sgt Pepper about it.

So, in the dark wee hours in a village on my milk round, I wedged the air-pods in with the illusion it wouldnโ€™t be half as psychedelic as it said on the tin, especially with this Anthony Burgess approved cat on the cover, the pet of Alex or his droogs. But the glorious Mike Oldfield chimes and reeling soft vocals of Marvin and Rebsie of Ark are merely characteristics of the anticipation of an LSD trip, and before long I was beginning to suspect another milkman had dropped some liberty caps into my travel-mug of tea!

By track two, Steer by the Stars, you begin to obtain the illusion that you might not be in total control of your own mind, as you would if indulging in hallucinogens, without actually having to. Thatโ€™s the exquisiteness of this, itโ€™s a beautiful journey, to Itchycoo Park. Unlike the excruciating juxtaposition of random noises of our Manchester friend, this just flows gorgeously, like the perfect mellowed trip. If I go AWOL now, theyโ€™ll likely find me swaying cross-legged on the village green with flowers in my hair like it was some 1969 San Francisco love-in! โ€œOi, whereโ€™s my pint of semi-skimmed?โ€

โ€œLike, hey, man, just, like swirling among the milky way, tee-hee; come, sit, can you see it?!โ€

A pipes and acoustic guitar instrumental flows for the next couple of minutes, then the soothing vocals of Rebsie returns for Green Adieu, to make The Byrds sound like death metal! โ€œDonโ€™t be deceived by the opening track-Ark,โ€ Marvin messaged me far too late, Iโ€™m horizontal now, โ€œthere are several different styles!โ€

With a delicate beating drum, Icy Window is trippy, as we move positively from beatnik to hippy, to the sounds of the renaissance. Itโ€™s the little chimes and swirly effects amidst the tunes which exhales this impression of underground counter culture of yore, yet still there’s more going on. Sixteenth century triple-time dance shanty unexpectedly comes into play, with a version of John Dowlandโ€™s Captain Digorie Piper His Galliard, which Marvin describes as โ€œcomplete with a psychedelic freak-out, and lots of harmony singing throughout,โ€ akin to what The Horses of the Gods are putting out.

This is an accomplished eleven track strong album in which Marvin and Rebsie are clear on their approach, and if itโ€™s lost in time against everything since the rise of punk, I suspect that is precisely the aim. As Like a Delicate Psychedelicat settles to a conclusion, you are immersed in its gorgeous portrayals of pliable soundscapes, lost in its forest of musical delights. Of harpsichords, twanging guitar on Promenading to the ambient finale, Bright Hucclecote, the only issue with this superb album for the counterculture bohemian of yore, is what to listen to afterwards.

Drained of inspiration, thereโ€™s a comedown on the horizon; abruptly you cannot connect the dots of your modest explanation for the meaning of life involving a dreamcatcher and some leftover twigs, and hey, who dumped that milk-float in the middle of Stonehenge?!

Trending…

Ian Siegal at Long Street Blues Club

Devizes is often spoiled for choice when it comes to live music. Swindon folk ensemble SGO at the Gate would’ve been an excellent decision forโ€ฆ

Wiltshire Music Centre Announces New Joint Leadership

Wiltshire Music Centre is delighted to announce the new appointments ofย Danielย Clark as Artistic Director, andย Sarahย Robertson as Executive Director.ย Danielย andย Sarahย join Wiltshire Music Centre in a new co-leadershipโ€ฆ

What’s Happening During November in Devizes?

Remember, remember, weโ€™re moving into November; leaves, loads of โ€˜em! Being as we are no longer doing weekly roundups, hereโ€™s some highlights of events inโ€ฆ

Devizes School; We Will Rock You Review

By Bill Green

Devizes School excelled during the week of 05 December 2022, putting on a spectacular rendition of the West End show โ€˜We Will Rock Youโ€™...

The Main Hall thrummed with expectation as the compere announced some housekeeping rules, including flash lighting and actors moving amongst the crowd, which had the audience murmuring with anticipation, then silenced as the lights dimmed.

The show then opened in a dystopian world, three hundred years into the future, where music has been banned, and all records (pun intended) deleted by the evil Globalsoft corporation, headed by the sinister Killer Queen played by Ella Petherick.

A chorus of students across all year groups burst onto the stage for the opening song, which set the pace for a break neck ride through a set list of Queen songs, which narrated the tale of our protagonists Galileo and Scaramouche searching for hidden instruments, heralded by lyrics heard in Galileoโ€™s dreams. The Killer Queen instructs her Chief of Police โ€“ Khashoggi played by Imogen Newcombe โ€“ to find the โ€˜Dreamerโ€™ and stop his quest. Galileo and Scaramouche search for the instruments with the help of a group of outlaws, and on the way find an unexpected love for each other, despite their opposing characters.

And itโ€™s this juxtaposition which carries the plot with wit and warmth, with Izzy Lane and Ella Phillips delivering note perfect and emotional renditions of both upbeat Queens songs โ€“ bringing the audience to their feet, arms in the air – and reducing the assembly to silence and tears during the more introspective tracks. Both leads have incredible and complementary voices, chiming perfect harmonies, a real accomplishment given the complexity of Queenโ€™s songbook. The ensemble cast were all on cue and on song, whip crack humour delivered by the cast, not in the least due to the underlying in joke of the contrasting characters named after unexpected real-life stars, Ozzy, Britney etc. The show ends with a full-on singalong of โ€˜We Will Rock Youโ€™, everyone on their feet, and sheer joy showing in all the castโ€™s faces โ€“ above all these kids had a ball, as did the audience.

The production was a fantastic interpretation of a technically complex show, delivered with ease, belying the work behind the scenes in the intense rehearsals leading up to the opening night, balancing studies and home life. The aim of entertainment is to lose the audience for a couple of hours, take them out of the routine and transport them to a place of joy, and all the players and team delivered note perfectly.

Trending….

YEA Devizes: DOCA New Youth Project

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts announced their upcoming project, YEA Devizes today. Made possible by a grant from National Grid Electricity Transmissionโ€™s Community Grant Programme, theโ€ฆ

The Mist; New Single from Meg

Chippenhamโ€™s young folk singer-songwriter Meg, or M3G if you want to get numeric, will release her 6th single The Mist on Friday 18th October, andโ€ฆ

Gastard’s Billionaire’s Tax Free Mine

I thought it’d be nice to have a localised “did you know” type article today, during this era where everyday folk die on our streets waiting for an ambulance, nurses cannot afford the petrol to get them to work, pensioners huddle together in community-led halls to keep warm, and a government which blames everything from a pandemic through to gas prices, Russians, and unions rather than its own incompetence that there’s “systems in place to help,” so, on a completely unrelated note, here goes…..

Did you know between the villages of Whitley and Gastard, on the Melksham to Corsham road, there’s what looks like a modest warehouse with a sizable office atop called Cert Octavian?

From ground up it looks like any other small business premises, other than the high security fence and gatehouse, but inside there’s a goods train which decends into a mine, of over a million square feet.

During the war the mine was used to store munitions, today, because of its constant ambient temperature it’s the perfect environment to store wine. Cert Octavian are a logicistics company, storing bonded wine from worldwide collectors and traders. Their collections are recorded, photographed and documents are sent to the clinet. Then it’s stored underground, millions of pallets of it. Anything from twenty to fifty pallets can arrive there daily, from every corner of the globe but mostly, obviously, from the Chรขteaus of Bourdeaux. Pallets of eight crates a layer, seven high, each crate with twelve bottles inside, ranging an average of ยฃ1,000 a bottle and gaining value with every second that passes.

The owners of the wine rarely see any of it, let alone drink it. A tiny fraction of their collection might be called on for a special occasion, but more likely its traded with another collector, so it will be bought to the surface, sent to the clinet, or to Sotherbys, Christie’s in New York, or similar auction and sent back to Cert Octavian to restore by a different customer, or more generally, simply bought to the surface, relabelled with the new clinet’s details, and sent back down again.

Traders usually buy in yen and sell in US dollar to achieve maximum profit, but why you may ask. Why have all this wine, so much wine they or their conceited bum chums couldn’t possibly drink it all in their lifetimes?

Because they are not wine conissours at all, and have no intention of ever taking so much as a sip. If they pose as them it’s a smokescreen. They’re worldwide investors, and as wine is a liquid assest they pay no tax on it; not a stitch, not a single penny. Billions upon billions of untaxable stock, just sitting down there, collecting profit and dust. Dust, sitting atop more money than you or I could possibly imagine.

The only people who will ever see it are the warehouse staff. Ask me how I know; I was, for a short peroid, one of those staff members; even honoured to drive the train once, choo-choo, which wasn’t as much fun as it sounds!

I saw it with my own eyes, saw the millionaire contracts from a single crate, and when I left they asked I return the polo shirt workwear they gave me!

Not that it’s for me to suggest the sickening inequality, a tenacious link between this economic recession and the greed of billionaires, simply because they, quite literally, want the shirt off my back. Neither is it for me to suggest how much revenue taxing this vast stock would procure, or the effects if a government had the balls to demand it’s now taxable, or even weighing it up against the NHS or the ยฃ2,436.7 billion national deficit, though I’m sure it’d cover both with enough spare to throw a party or twenty.

Or further still, not that it’s for me to suggest the billionaires could engage in what us peasants are asked of us; to “pull together for the good of the country.”

No, of course not, it’s not for me to suggest at all, anymore than the notion the trillions of untaxed pounds stored under Gastard is but a small player in the global untaxed wealth stashed in offshore accounting, tax loopholes, bogus company money laundering and illegal trades of drugs or weapons, but, you know, just thought it was an interesting bit of local historical information, that’s all. You have a good day now, you hear? Work on, pay your taxes,ย  choose between heating your home or feeding your kids, and be bloody grateful!

Former Devizes Resident Brings His Broken Hearts Club to St Johns Church

Brave New Broken Hearts Club is the acoustic folk-indie project of Neil Phillimore, who might sound as cockney as Ray Winstone singing Any Old Iron on his Facebook videos, but says he’s a former Devizes resident, and he’s returning for a one-off gig at St Johns, Friday 10th February…..

With his trademark brand of “engaging storytelling and warm, affecting songwriting,” he brings waterways London folk poet-singer Pearl Fish with him too.

Promising “an intimate evening of beautiful songwriting and human connection,” tickets are a tenner, HERE.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 4th -11th January 2023

Well, as you could probably imagine, after yule celebrations the start to the new year is kind of quiet. At least, thatโ€™s what weโ€™re seeing; itโ€™s all broken, all over, only empty wrappers and toffee pennies left in the Quality Street tin, your Lynx Africa deodorant set is in the cupboard, Christmas cracker hat left on the floor of the bedroom where it fell, red wine-stained glasses on the side but no refill. You might just as well go back to workโ€ฆ…

Wednesday 4th, Thursday 5th I got nothing for you, Iโ€™m afraid, enter sad face emoji.

Friday 6th and thereโ€™s open mic at the Barge on Honey-Street, while Shades of Seattleโ€™s MTV Unplugged set featuring Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and more at the Vic, Swindon.

Saturday 7th and you’ll find the talented Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

The Beat play MECA, Swindon, which must be Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week, told I was going, but still no official invite! What the hell is that all about?! January blues really kicking in now!

Meanwhile, The Bowie Experience play the Vic, and thereโ€™s magical comedy at the Wyvern with The Mind Manglerโ€™s Member of the Tragic Circle show.

Sunday and Monday, I got nothing to report, but Tuesday 10th thereโ€™s a lunchtime piano recital at Pound Arts, Corsham with Emma Abbate & Julian Perkins.

Wednesday 11th and being the Southgate reopens on the Monday, the usual acoustic jam will be on.

However, after this first week, things are really beginning to look up, so keep in the loop, check out our event calendar, itโ€™s a noticeboard of upcoming fun!

Tally-Ho for Boxing Day; Avon Vale Hunt Ride Again Admist Protests

Here we go again, Lacock’s Boxing Day incongruous pageant of corruption and barbarism plans to go ahead this year, despite protests, as The Avon Vale Hunt will gather in showy and shameless glory.….

Safe in the knowledge the single patrolling WPC, Laura Hughes was a member of the hunt, and it was suggested did little to remain impartial, last year’s Boxing Day fiasco turned nasty, with violent clashes between hunt supporters and protesters. The protesters intend to be in attendance again, for peaceful intent as always, but hoping for safety in numbers.

While you’d like to think Wiltshire Police have learned a lesson, and this year’s event will be more efficiently manned, no charges or disciplinary was deemed necessary for the officer in question, despite publicly stating “we do accept a potential conflict of interests should have been declared,” and claiming they were unaware of her association with the hunt. Well, they’re aware now, only time will tell.

We also hope Wiltshire PCC Phillip Wilkinson’s recent crackdown on rural crime strategies, which has seen recent arrests for hare coursing, will extend to hunting, but he has shown little respect for hunt protesters in the past, apparently calling anti-hunt individuals, โ€œbalaclava wearing thugs.” In similar logic as Nelson Mandela was a deemed terrorist, no doubt.

With Conservative MP James Gray accused of being in attendance last year, in support of the hunt, sonething he later denied although photographed there, it would seem there’s a clear aborehence of the Hunting Act within many powers that be, resulting in these clashes, which sadly takes costly lawsuits to justifiably resolve. Something avoidable with proactive policing, me thinks; or is that a tad too bleeding obvious?!

In April, three hunt supporters were convicted after pleading guilty to using “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause unlawful violence.โ€ In September though, the anti-hunt individuals were acquitted. Judge Dickens said, โ€œultimately, the evidence is pretty thin, wafer thinโ€ฆWhile there is just about a case to answer, the evidence is wafer thin and it wonโ€™t get any better, and for those reasons I wonโ€™t be able to be sure they were not acting in self-defence.โ€

What is becoming clearer through this, is the wheels of the ‘trail hunting’ smokescreen are coming off, as the populous accept it’s a charade, and leaving hunters frustrated, and aggressive. I can understand this, they’ve taken their toys away, and in the name of tradition it would seem a shame, if the activity wasn’t a completely unnecessary bloodthirsty and barbaric activity which has been democratically deemed unwanted and unlawful in today’s society.

It now falls on town and parish councils, landowners and pub landlords to accept the majority’s appeal on this matter, and outright ban all hunting meets and activities on their land, regardless of these petty bogus claims of lawfulness, until such a time they can prove no acts of animal welfare have been breached. Which, and let’s be frank, they can’t, ergo they react in force of vengeance. For if they could, there would be no valid reason to behave with this thuggish mentality.

So, I cannot advise you attend, for your own safety, but the Boxing Day meet will start at 10am in Lacock, but doing so at your own risk will show support for the rising campaign against this, and, as I said, it is the responsibility of Wiltshire Police to ensure the event runs more smoothly this time. Here’s to a peaceful protest, then, and also to those risking themselves to protect our wildlife, not just on Boxing Day, but throughout the year.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 7th-14th December 2022

Itโ€™s beginning to look a lot likeโ€ฆ. another week in early December; bar humbug! Therefore, hereโ€™s whatโ€™s doing in and around Wiltshire, all of which can be found on our event calendar, with further info and ticket links.….

If we missed your event, did you tell us about it? Itโ€™s free to be listed on Devizine, just drop us a message.

Ongoing, is Sustainable Devizesโ€™ Advent{ure} Reuse Christmas on The Little Green, Devizes, where you can be part of a living Advent Calendar! So many organisations have gathered for this, itโ€™s all very festive, and running until Christmas Eve.

Wednesday 7th is the regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes, while White Horse Opera hold their Christmas Concert at St Johnโ€™s.

Thursday 8th, thereโ€™s Craft and Chat at Chippenham Library, and the 14th Annual Pound Arts Open Exhibition at Pound Arts in Corsham.

Find a Vocation Naughty & Nice Drink-a-Long at The Snuffbox, Devizes, Oxbowlake & Shedric play The Tuppenny, Swindon, while Boo Hewerdineโ€™s Understudy Tour happens at Chapel Arts, Bath, with The Wurzelsโ€™ Christmas Tour comes to Komedia.

Friday 9th Southbroom St James Academy in Devizes have a Christmas Fayre from 5-7pm.

Little Red Riding Hood โ€“ The Panto opens at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, running until December 17th, sorry, this has sold out.

Elsewhere in Devizes though, find a Christmas Celebration Concert with Devizes Good Afternoon Choir at St Andrews, and itโ€™s the grand evening for Longcroft Productions with Lachy Doley at The Corn Exchange. Sour Apple play The Three Crowns, and The Muck & Dunder have a Ten Hides Distillery Tasting session.

Sandi Thom plays Pound Arts in Corsham, Courtney Pineโ€™s Spirituality is at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, while Severance plays The Three Horseshoes there. The Super Skas at Chapel Arts, Bath. On my must-see list, Ant Trouble, Adam & His Ants tribute plays The Tree House, Frome.

The Guns & Roses Experience at The Vic, Swindon, while The Britpop Boys takes Level III, Behind Bars at The Rolleston, and the Tuppeny has The Electric Kool-Aid Audio Test. Night one of The Great Gatsby at MECA.

Saturday 10th, regular Lego Club at Chippenham Library from 3-4pm.

Mark Smallman plays The Southgate, Devizes, while Illingworth are at The Crown, Bishops Cannings.

Be Like Will play The Talbot, Calne, while Old Friends are at The Wheatsheaf.

Homer plays The Lamb, Marlborough, while its sound system night at The Barge on Honeystreet, with the Jah Lion Movement Sound System, a fiver on the door.

Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood by The Cabaret Geek at Pound Arts, Corsham, while The Choir of Clare College Cambridge are at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Untamed Burlesque at Chapel Arts, Bath.

While The Great Gatsby continues at MECA in Swindon, ZambaLando are live at Baristocats, and ravers flock to Level III for the Midlife Krisis Crew will be in effect.

Sunday 11th Devizes Town Band have a Christmas Party at The Corn Exchange.

Wiltshire Young Musicians Christmas Festival at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, while Cydernide & Tharsis play The Three Horseshoes.

A Winter Union at Chapel Arts, Bath, and Frome Vegan Fair at the Cheese & Grain.

Monday 12th and Saint Michael and All Angels in Hilperton have a concert; Follow the Star โ€“ Doves Peace Choir & Ebonite. And thereโ€™s the Rock the Tots Christmas Show at Pound Arts, Corsham

Tuesday 13th and find Beer & Carols at The Southgate, Devizes, and some Christmas Memories at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Wednesday 14th regular acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes, a lunchtime harp recital by Lise Vandermissen at Pound Arts, Corsham, and Chuckles Comedy Club at MECA in Swindon.

And thatโ€™s all I got so far, folks, but we do update regularly, so keep one eye on our event calendar. Itโ€™s also good for future planning, just keep on scrollinโ€™, dude!

Things you need to be thinking about for the following weeks ahead: starter for ten, the Butch Hopkins Memorial Gig at The Corn Exchange, Devizes Friday 16th and youโ€™ll be hard pressed for tickets to Bublรฉ at MECA or The Sweet at the Cheese & Grain on that day.

Breathtakingly amazing local soprano Chole Jordanโ€™s Classical Christmas on Saturday 17th at Devizes Town Hall, in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, but Iโ€™m planning be at Marlborough Memorial Hall for MantonFest are having a Christmas party with Barrelhouse and Slade tribute Slyde, and you know itโ€™s not Christmas until Noddy calls it! Do join me for that one.

Have a great weekend but behave; he knows if youโ€™ve been bad or good!

Trending….

Illingworth Celebrate Their 100th Gig!

Salisbury-based acoustic rock duo John Illingworth Smith and Jolyon Dixon play The High Post Golf Club, between Amesbury and Salisbury this Friday 2nd December, and celebrate that it’s their 100 gig.

Although the duo had been collaborating musically for over three decades, gigs dried out proir to 2019, and they stopped, as Jolyon vaguely explained, “for one reason or another!”

He told of how around the Christmas peroid of that year, “John and I were chatting about how we missed doing gigs, wondering if we should maybe get a set together and have go at performing again as a duo.”

“We wasn’t certain if anyone would want to listen,” Jolyon continued, “if we could actually get any gigs at all, or even how to get the songs working with just the two of us playing.” Today it’s still a wonder to us how they manage such a gorgeous sound as a duo, but they do! At Bishop’s Cannings’ CrownFest this summer they stole the stage following two heavy rocks bands, and to see Illingworth stamp their mark on a cover as technical as Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, or The Beatles’ Hey Jude, is something really special.

To maintain a pub circuit, Illingworth have mastered the cover scene with a plethora of memorable and sing-along rock classics, but neither are they strangers to creating originals, knocking out two breathtaking albums to date. This is where their relationship with Salisbury’s Tunnel Rat studio producer, Eddie Prestidge, comes in handy.

“Our good friend Eddie encouraged us to give it a try,” Jolyon said, “offered to become our manager and handle the bookings. So, we gladly accepted and sure enough we got our first booking in February 2020, with several more following soon after. Of course, early in March the lockdowns started and we couldn’t go out and play. We were gutted, but, undeterred we used the time to make a new album of original songs and we did gigs whenever the restrictions allowed.”

“Well, this weekend will be our 100th gig, So we would just like to say thank you so so much to all the excellent venues that have booked us, the weddings, parties, festivals, celebrations and absolutely everyone who has come to see us along the way! It’s been an absolute blast getting to this point. We still love doing what we do, and hope to make it to our 200th gig!”

With the trajectory these guys are flying on, I estimate that’ll be around spring! What more of an apt venue name, then, for their 100th gig than the High Post?! But seriously, these guys could bring joy to punters and provide a cracking night to any pub. I’d wager they could even raise the morale of the Queen Vic in Eastenders given half a chance!

Congratulations to John, Jolyon and Eddie, and hope to catch you again soon, guys.

Devizes Girl Wins Vernon Kay’s Talent Nation

A huge congratulations to Jess Self, 13, from Devizes, who has won Vernon Kay’s Talent Nation…..

Presented by Park Dean Resorts, Talent Nation had over 2,500 applications and  ran at 52 holiday parks across the UK.

Jess travelled to Skegness where she made the final twelve, and was then crowned the overall winner by judges, including Alison Hammond and Strictly star AJ Pritchard. She performed a medley from Hairspray The Musical.

Jess said, “it’s like a dream come true. It was such an amazing experience and was a great opportunity.”

You can see Jess, performing as Red Riding Hood at the Wharf Theatre’s pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood, running from 9th to 17th December. Tickets HERE.

Jess, who loves performing, and is currently at Stagecoach performing arts school in Trowbridge, added she “can’t wait” to perform in the Wharf Pantomime and is excited to see everyone’s hard work come together. She says she’s extremely grateful for every opportunity that comes her way.

Well done, Jess; keep up the amazing work, fingers crossed, next stop, Broadway!

Town Council Register Warm Spaces Devizes

Like a descriptive paragraph from a Dicken’s novel, as similar across the UK this season, Devizes Town Council has provided information about a local “warm spaces” initiative, of which you need to resigter your venue or activity, if you can help.

Register HERE.

They will be adding a downloadable list of all registered warm space venues to their website soon. I hope we can replicate it here to spread word of this saddening yet essential service. Feel free to contact us if we can help in any orher way too.

Warm Spaces Devizes is a local community provision of safe, welcoming warm spaces that are free and open to all in Devizes and nearby villages. The spaces will provide a warm location, refreshments, companionship and information on how to weather the cost of living crisis. You do not need to freeze this winter.

This follows a similar pattern across the county, Wiltshire Council has created an online interactive community directory to help people find warm spaces and community food providers in the county to support them.

Access this HERE, to find what support is available nearby and across the county. Go to the directory and select your postcode area, this will automatically generate a list of what is available, as well as a host of other useful features.

Those in other locations, can find their nearest warm space HERE.

Naturally, they all suggest attending can help to reduce your heating bills. In this “starve or freeze” coming winter, make no mistake, this is a disheartening article to have to publish, particularly in an area assumed to be affluent.

While I’m pleased to hear such schemes are being created, it is clearly symbolic of the absolute failure of this government, and while county councils like Wiltshire continue to tow the Conservative line, I’m of the honest opinion they are duty bound to attend to this crisis. We will not thank them here, but we will acknowledge their efforts.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 10th โ€“ 16th November 2022

Deliberating if these weekly roundups are worthwhile, being itโ€™s already on the event calendar came up with some helpful feedback, not much, but some! Seems some donโ€™t like to scroll through the entire month and the roundups work better for them. In that, I could do as I once did before the calendar was set out monthly, and delete past dates so the current week is always at the top. What do you think, good idea? Why not stick a broom up my arse too, and Iโ€™ll sweep the floor while doing it?!

Only kidding, if I didnโ€™t love it, I wouldnโ€™t do it, probably be playing squash or something stupidly energetic like that; ha, imagine! So here, for all you lovely people is what weโ€™ve found to do this week. I would still encourage you to scroll through the months as the bigger events need tickets and youโ€™ve got to get in there fast these days, early bird, and something about a worm, and all that, and where was I anyway? Ah, yesโ€ฆ…

Details on remembrance service and parade in Devizes, HERE, for all other places youโ€™ll need to resort to relevant local Facebook pages, thereโ€™s too much to get down here.

Thursday 10th November then, and the usual Craft and Chat at Chippenham Library.

Keith James Performing the songs of Nick Drake at Chapel Arts in Bath. Meanwhile, tribute over in Swindon, Clearwater Creedence Reviva at Meca, but, and this is a big but, a contender for editorโ€™s pick of the week, if it wasnโ€™t for the fact itโ€™s a Thursday, and I canโ€™t make it, which isnโ€™t fair but gammons tell me life isnโ€™t fair, likely because they make it unfair, and Iโ€™m getting tetchy now, but one of most favourite-most reggae bands in the UK, Captain Accident & The Disasters play The Vic, and theyโ€™ve toured regularly supporting Toots & The Maytals, thatโ€™s how amazing they are!

Friday 11th running until Sunday, is the Terrace Soul, Jazz & Funk Winter Weekender in Swindon, and Friday night also sees our pick of the week, which Iโ€™m also gutted to have to miss, especially being Long Street Blues Clubโ€™s usually run Saturdays. Still, at the Corn Exchange, Devizes, theyโ€™ve the homecoming gig for guitarist Robin Davy, but otherwise all the way from California, Beaux Gris Gris & the Apocalypse, that one will go off, guaranteed.

Sheer Music is down the Pump, Trowbridge with Katie Malco, and the other prize gig this Friday, Harmer Jays with Chasing Kites and one of our new favourites, Nothing Rhymes With Orange at St James Vaults, Bath, has sold out. Mik Artistikโ€™s Ego Trip is at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Travelling Wilburys tribute, The Unravelling Wilburys at The Melksham Assembly Hall. Sour Apple play The Mason Arms, Warminster, Taunts & Arizona Law at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, Michael Hennessy at The Wellington Arms, Marlborough.

No Middle Ground over in Swindon at The Vic, The People Versus & Tamsin Quin at The Hop Inn, and the Beverly Maye Band@ The Sun Inn, Coate.

Rob Newman is at Salisbury Arts Centre, The Scribes at The Winchester Gate. Sex Pistols Expose at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 12th and thereโ€™s the regular Lego Club from 3-4pm at Chippenham Museum. St Andrewโ€™s Devizes Christmas Fayre from 10am-12pm. Saturday night in Devizes and highly recommended Clock Radio supports Cracked Machine at The Southgate. Rockhoppaz play Condado Lounge.

Sour Apple play The Brewery Inn, Seend Cleeve, and Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats are at Seend Community Centre.

Siren are at The Pilot, Melksham. Junkyard Dogs at The Somerset Arms, Trowbridge, while The Sylvertones play Stallards. Americana at the Pump, with Truckstop Honeymoon and the Shudders in support.

2 Tone All Skas play Chippenhamโ€™s Consti Club.

Wiltshire Police Band play a Remembrance service at the Bouverie Hall, Pewsey. Back to the 80s party at The Lamb, Marlborough with Rubixโ€™s Groove, and a punky reggae party at The Barge HoneyStreet with Cara Means Friend.

Gaz Brookfield is at The Hop Inn, Swindon, with 12 Bars Later at The Manor Farm.

Bill Lawrence is at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon, Emily Breeze & Leathers at The Three Horseshoes. Tony Christie & Ranagri โ€“ The Great Irish Songbook Tour at Chapel Arts, Bath.

And thereโ€™s The Hooten Hallers at Salisbury Arts Centre, Wishbone Ashโ€™s โ€œArgus 50th Anniversary show at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

For a lively Sunday afternoon on the 13th, Plan of Action are at The Foresters Arms, Melksham from 5pm. For a mellower one, try Cantamus Chamber Choir at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

TITCOโ€™s Dinner Party opening night on Monday 14th at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, and running until Saturday 19th. And other than our acoustic jam at the Southgate on Wednesday, thatโ€™s all I got for now; have a groovy weekend in a groovy kind of way.

Trending….

Autumn-Winter Comedy in Devizes

Comedy in Devizes is a rare thing, unless you count visitors turning right at the Shaneโ€™s Castle junction, reading opinions on the Devizes Issues (butโ€ฆ

Forestry Operations Due to Start at West Woods

Featured Photo: Forestry England/Crown copyright Planned timber harvesting is set to begin at popular walking destination, West Woods, from the end of September until Marchโ€ฆ

Swindon Gets Shuffling!

Despite the population of Devizes throwing confetti and paint at each other in their most celebrated annual ritual, I believe I picked the right weekendโ€ฆ

Billy Green Threeโ€™s Endless Scrolling

That Bill Green and his trio are back, WhatsApping me and spreading the news via social media about his new sardonic rap tune, condemning overuse of social media! Though any hypocrisy in that is forgiven, and not only because itโ€™s an upbeat beguiling track, teetering with Geordie banter and end of the day, pertinent; course we all spend too much time on our phones, but if you didnโ€™t you mightโ€™ve missed this nugget of brilliance.

It did get me contemplating days of yore, when there was always a book in my bathroom, but now, provided you donโ€™t drop your phone down the u-bend, the book vanished along with those dolly toilet-roll holders, weโ€™re Endless Scrolling, the very title of said satirical outpouring. The minefield maybe partially solvable through filtering; easier said than done, you want to remain Facebook friends with granny. Yet the perpetual stream of peopleโ€™s dinner, dumbed opinion, cute cats, and FitBit stats and so on and so forth, is, as Bill rightly states here, boring.

A dilemma often commented on, and usually on social media, though the angle here isnโ€™t thoroughly condemning internet surfing in general, or labelling anyone, just suggesting, itโ€™s addictive conundrum and place in society in accordance with basic manners. Neither is the song clichรฉ, as itโ€™s accepting people will do it, rather than outright lambasting the whole habit, itโ€™s about finding the right time and place; I might yet get let off for surfing on the loo.

At the dawn of smart phones there was an etiquette the popularity of has greatly reduced, so now it seems perfectly acceptable behaviour to scroll away while someone is addressing you in the antiquated fashion of face-to-face verbal communication, like thereโ€™s a more important world online than whatever it is they were going to tell you, which there might well be, but come on, manners! Thatโ€™s where Billy Green Three are coming from with this delightful ditty, take a listen.

I get where youโ€™re coming from Bill, though totally guilty as charged; hold on, just got to check my likes on our last post, then yeah, I get where youโ€™re coming from, mate! Wey aye, man, canny toon.

Trending…..

The Juggernaut Delivers Back at The Southgate

If there’s been welcomed stand-ins for the monthly Jon Amor Trio residency at the Southgate in Devizes recently, Ruzz Evans and Eddie Martin, Jon โ€œtheโ€ฆ

Deadlight Dance New EP Chapter & Verse

Marlborough gothic duo Deadlight Dance are due to release an EP of new material. Itโ€™s called Chapter & Verse and itโ€™ll be out on Rayโ€ฆ

Fox Hunting Suppoter Ploughs into Sab with Car

Just a quick one from me this morning, as I’m at a total loss for words. A video has emerged on Facebook from the Herefordshire Hunt Saboteurs of a host and hunt supporter on the Ladywood Estate, home of the Cottesmore Hunt, running over a sab at high speed. The Sab organisation claim it was deliberate, I personally cannot see how you can possibly deny it anything less.

https://fb.watch/goKC1eWnhd/

Another example of the outrageous behaviour of hunt supporters in an ongoing national series of violent backlashes against groups only protecting wildlife in accordance of the law. Though I know, this is a little outside our area, it is the like we’ve seen at Lacock last Boxing Day, but so off the scale, it needs coverage, to highlight the extreme lengths hunt supporters are willing to go to; it is nothing short of attempted murder.

Aside the obvious that this aggressor should be bought to justice via the compelling evidence, it should stand as a testament to what the sabs have to endure, whether it is verbal abuse and harassment on a daily basis, or bouts of violence. Even if it were true, that the smokescreen of trail hunting are carried out legally, this should be used as a reason to outright ban the whole filthy charade, before someone is killed.

Our thoughts and hearts go out to victim and hope she makes a speedy recovery.

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts; A New Chapter

Threw my cards on the table, and pitched being Father Christmas at Devizes Winter Festival, but was informed that was arranged by the Town Council…. so, that’s that idea well and truly quashed! It was great, though, to meet Annabel, one half of the new management team of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, to chat on changes and new visions for carnival and the various other annual town events they organise……

It’s been an autumn since I quizzed former DOCA artistic director, Loz, on whether she had a say on choosing people for the role. I was glad her reply confirmed this, through fear fond events like the street festival might get all ‘village fete.’ Make no mistake, keyboard warriors on social media were quick to sound negativity on decisions taken by DOCA recently, but I’d argue Loz justified these rightfully, did an outstanding job stamping her own mark on DOCA. This came to an apex at this year’s street festival, with the mind-blowing Ceres display telling the Ruth Pearce story, something I’d dub Loz’s farewell gift to Devizes. Annabel was due to be production manager on the project, but caught covid, though she praised Baseline Circus who staged it, explaining sheโ€™d worked with them before and would use them again for DOCA.

Photo: Simon Folkard Photography

And thatโ€™s where we open said episode, continuing from Lozโ€™s input. Iโ€™m partly aware of Annabel’s past experience on the festival circuit, I was as pleased as punch to hear she’s taken on the role, and I came away from our chat at New Society positive this opens a new chapter for DOCA. If one reaction to changes made, such as moving the dates of summer events to spread the workload and effort, not forgoing allowing time for schools to participate better, was this rather insular notion Loz was not from the area. Rather I liked this aspect, Loz bought in acts we otherwise may never have known. Put your pitchforks away, Annabel really is Devizes born and bred. The role though has been split into two, as Bristol-based Ashley takes the artistic side responsible for booking acts; best of both worlds.

“Ashley and I really love that she split the job between us,” Annabel began, “you’ve still got the element of someone who’s got their finger on the pulse of the artists, and I’m from Devizes. But though I’m based here, I’ve got the experience of twenty years of doing different festivals!”

I asked her what festivals, Boomtown, Glastonbury, I knew of. “All of them really,” she responded, “Secret Garden Party, Leeds Festival, and over winter I’ve been working in Edinburgh, so, Hogmanay and their street party. So, quite a lot of variety, but I always come back here.”

Not beating about the bush, my first question was on Street Festival, because personally it’s my favourite! I love that we get these colourful and lively carnival type bands full of brass and blend of gypsy ska-folk type shenanigans, but I’m also keen to suggest the event also highlights local musicians too. I’ve also heard criticism of lengthy changeovers on the stage, where Loz expressed it was to allow for the circus sideshows, of which the sound of would be drained out by bands on stage.

This idea was met in 2019 when Vinyl Realm funded and organised a fantastic second stage, my vision is now driven towards getting local acts on the main stage, rather than it being a ‘bolt-on.’ My pitch suggests if we host a number of acoustic acts between main bands, it wouldn’t drown out the circus acts, would satisfy bar loiterers, and it would highlight our local circuit to an audience who perhaps doesn’t make it out to our pub-venues. Iโ€™m pleased she made a note of this, though it was perhaps better put to Ashley, who wasn’t present. “Ashley’s got some great ideas on that,” Annabel replied, “about bringing in different types of acts from different places, and also keeping it accessible locally as well.“

She toyed with this word, โ€˜accessibleโ€™ extending it to what’s important to her, โ€œparticularly in participation, whatever form that takes, whether it’s volunteering, attending, or performing, I want to make it accessible, finding out what will make it easier for people to enjoy it and in taking part as well.” Fire in the hole, golden opportunity for my summary on people’s, often passionate, feelings about the events, is it’s that delicate balance of pleasing everyone. โ€œThat’s the difficult bit,โ€ Annabel confessed, โ€œunfortunately you’re never going to please all the people all of the time, however I think by listening to people and communicating, would really help.โ€

And in fact, they’ve done precisely this, an online “carnival consultation” survey, which is still open, so too early to analyse results. Based solely on carnival, โ€œbecause,โ€ she explained, โ€œI think there’s a particularly strong feeling DOCA wasn’t always listening to the people of Devizes, which they were to a certain extent, but maybe the communication wasn’t there, so we’re trying to make it as clear as possible, by opening it up and allowing people to have their say.โ€ Annabel moved onto lower participation levels recently, due to difficulties of the pandemic era being โ€œsomething we’d really like to address, and find out how we can make it easier for everyone.โ€ A meeting about the results of the survey will follow, and really, you cannot ask for a better response than this, in my humble opinion!

There was one Facebook rant recently, comparing Devizes carnival with Pewseyโ€™s, something I felt a tad unfair as Pewseyโ€™s renowned reputation has taken decades to build, and a carnival is formed by people, Pewsey works because everyone comes out to play. โ€œIt takes an awful lot to get it to that level and keep it continuing,โ€ Annabel mused, โ€œitโ€™s not a straight forward thing to do, and throwing in the spanner of a couple of years of nothing happening, and, yeahโ€ฆโ€ I trailed back to the tricky subject of satisfying everyone.

โ€œThe way we want to move forward is taking away the concept of us and them,โ€ she expressed, โ€œitโ€™s all of us together, and that collates what you said as well, it needs to be something that everyone can feel they can get onboard with and get involved with, whether itโ€™s something theyโ€™re already familiar with, or shared love of something new.โ€

If only those so quick to criticise could see, what I described as an iceberg, whereby itโ€™s equal in size underwater as it is above, the inner-working of what it takes to stage these huge town events, theyโ€™d not, as dubious they do, take it somewhat for granted. Volunteering at this yearโ€™s street festival, which mightโ€™ve ended with me just clearing bins, opened my eyes to the mammoth task.

โ€œYes,โ€ Annabel agreed, โ€œand when youโ€™re doing a good job, itโ€™s when people donโ€™t realise whatโ€™s going on behind the scenes, the amount of pre-planning, private funding, all of that sort of thing to bring it together, itโ€™s a huge amount, especially these days when youโ€™ve got all the red tape, but we trying to open it up, find out whatโ€™s going to make it easier for people to get involved, and do something about it. Thereโ€™re a few different ideas weโ€™ve outlined in the consolation, one idea was a โ€˜makers week,โ€™ which could be weeks prior to carnival, where people who want to make something for carnival can come together and learn different skills.โ€

โ€˜Togetherโ€™ was becoming a word of the day, Annabel talking a lot on widening the volunteer spectrum to an almost โ€˜festival training coreโ€™ concept, and between this and her parenthood reasons for wishing to reduce her, what she described as โ€œnomadicโ€ festival life and be based here, โ€œbecause I just love it,โ€ is whyI came away positive from our chat.

The Winter Festival will be the proof in the pudding, Annabel and Ashleyโ€™s first DOCA event; had to wonder if this was possibly the most difficult of them to find a balance. โ€œItโ€™s all systems go,โ€ she replied, โ€œbut Iโ€™m really excited about it already,โ€ then told of the anticipation surrounding schoolโ€™s lantern workshops, adding methods for creating similar enthusiasm for carnival.

For some unexplainable reasoning, I commenced waffling about Glastonbury festivals of yore, the different the weather makes, and we settled returning the conversation back to the beginning; changes, after Annabel spoke of Winter Festivalโ€™s indoor craft markets. โ€œitโ€™s difficult,โ€ she responded, โ€œbut times do change. Thereโ€™s a lot to be said for tradition, but a lot also to be said for new experiences; itโ€™s about finding the right balance between the two, and making it work for as many people as possible, for the right reasons.โ€

As I said, I came away from our chat at New Society positive this opens a new chapter for DOCA, and I sincerely wish Ashly and Annabel the very best with their roles in our delightful carnival committee.

Trending….

Fulltone Confirmed For 2025 in Devizes

The Fulltone Orchestra has confirmed today that their annual festival will take place on The Green in Devizes from 25th โ€“ 27th July 2025โ€ฆ. โ€œItโ€™sโ€ฆ

Get ‘Lifted’ by Chandra

Chandra, Hindu God of the Moon, with his own NASA X-ray observatory named after him, and also frontman of a self-named friendly Bristol-based four-piece pop-punkโ€ฆ

Local Book Review: Dadโ€™s New Dress

Spent most of Pride month, and the following month too (what? Iโ€™m a slow reader and a busy chap!) reading an apt book, given toโ€ฆ

Some Days with Paul Lappin

Paul’s self-made cover to his latest single, Some Days depicts a fellow sitting under a tree pondering life, while an autumn zephyr blows leaves aroundโ€ฆ

Excelsior and Some Worried Men

Patiently awaiting the school run to take a listen to Excelsior, this new album by The Worried Men, after witnessing them at a blinder down Devizesโ€™ live music ever-faithful, The Southgate, as I strongly suspected it’d be best designated as โ€œdriving music.โ€ You know the Eye of the Tiger, Holding out for a Hero sort, of which those two classics have probably been the cause of many a speed awareness course.

Thus, suspicions confirmed; Iโ€™m bossing the school run with shades, and right arm causally hanging from window like a cool rocking daddy! Careful to keep the speedometer to restrictions, mostly so I’d get enough time to digest as much of this timeless nugget of rock n roll as I could; my daughter will immediately switch the car’s Bluetooth for her own phone, and brand of contemporary pop……rock n roll philistine!

I couldn’t rightly keep the engine running so the music will continue pumping, through fear groupie-like MILFs might piggyback each other, waving their band T-shirts above their heads, and no kid need see that; their topless mum posted on TikToc outside their school gates. But it certainly hits that spot. I managed to get to six tracks in, an emotive and paced instrumental called Dangerous Vision, after a fairly eighties raunchy-rock inspired, mullet-feel first couple of tunes, which was unexpected. You know the sort, where the โ€œsoft metalโ€ pigeonhole revitalised chart success for harder bands, to leave their stage makeup on the dresser and comeback commercially, yet full force. The foundational Aces & Eights does it with bells on, feelgood air-punching, riding an AC-DC wave from โ€˜86.

Despite they do this with certain finesse, going on the live performance I was expecting something more seventies prog, least electric blues, the latter of which I got the very next song, Blodwyn and three songs in, Meadow Stone is where it really kicks, frenzied ZZ Top fashion meets surf-rock. Two awesome instrumentals ticked, Manacle Alley stands out, again exemplifying the ZZ Top feel, it’s vocally superior and most experimental to-date.

But the further we descend into this showcase of frontman Jamie Tyler’s sublime guitar work, the deeper the rabbit hole goes. Oddly grammatical, The Cat That Walks By Themself notches towards the electric blues I was expecting, Gershwin-esque, with some breath-takingly soulful female guest vocals from Julie Richards. Nova is a nugget of wonderful, an almost flamenco guitar intro drifts into something heavier afterwards, as if Santana recorded Floydโ€™s The Wall.

Two more tunes in this tenfold treasure, and we are truly rocking again, the first comes like a sonic Quo at their finest hour, the finale mellows you, leaving your air-guitar moment aside, youโ€™re mystified and inspired as the journey comes to an end. An end you can follow-up though, since formation in 1994, The Worried Men gig relentlessly on our local circuit, and the wealth of experience and talent is something to behold. I believe I said this of the Southgate gig, โ€œJamie holds an expression of concentration, occasionally looking up at you through these spellbinding Hendrix fashioned excursions, as if to ask โ€˜is that alright for you?โ€™ Like a dentist with his tools stuck in your gum, you feel like responding, โ€˜yes, fine, thank you doctor.โ€™โ€ Well, this album does everything to compliment the live show, itโ€™s a musical anaesthetic.

Though Iโ€™m unsure where to pick the album up from, usual Amazon and iTunes I believe, their website is here, theyโ€™re busy on Facebook, but I think as timeless as their music is, so too is their antiquated ethos, and the best place to pick this up is to ask them at a gig!

Trending…

Imberbus is running this Saturday !

Following on from last monthโ€™s email, this is a final reminder that yearโ€™s Imberbus service will be running this coming Saturday โ€“ 17th August 2024.โ€ฆ

Marlborough, I’ve Seen Your Pants

โ€œWe can’t stop here. This is Tory country,โ€ I chuckled while fiercely yanking the handbrake, as if Dr Gonzo was in the car. We canโ€ฆ

SoupChick’s Georgian Feast Got me Contemplating Usage of The Shambles

Spud-gun is an amusing epithet underutilised as much as the Shambles often is in ol’ Devizes town, in my honest opinion. Spudgun, best describes the far removed from reality councillor who suggested a mezzanine floor is what’s needed to ensure the longevity of The Shambles. Is there even room for a second floor? I gazed upward to answer my own question, with a sigh of possibility, but would enough traders come and fill new units, if they did would it compensate for the cost of adding a second floor, and would shoppers even accend it to explore? Not forgoing lessening the aesthetic value of the building’s glorious height, it sounds like an impractical soultion focussed only on unachievable profit.

Having a feast in the Shambles casted a whole new perspective on the hidden beauty of this building, for me, and its possible usages too. SoupChick hosted a knockout supper there last night for near-on forty guests, celebrating owner Anya’s Georgian roots with an inspiring presentation from her artist mother, followed by a banquet of Georgian cuisine, but somehow, in that wonderfully tall hall, akin to a feast in the great hall of Vaulhalla!

I haven’t enough flowery shirts to be Jay Rayner, but I know what I like, and this was an experience my tastebuds will love me forevermore for! Pampered with a consistent stream of wine and gorgeous dishes, no expense was spared to show off the skills of Anya and her team in a unit the size of a bedsit kitchenette, and confirmed SoupChick is about as close to dishing out a mug of Cup-a-Soup as a daytrip to Canvey Island constituents a tropical holiday!

I feel for you if you missed this exclusive dinner, but keep abreast of their Facebook page or posters, as this was inaugural with future events planned, a Greek one, followed by an Italian, Anya’s partner Marc informed me.

Aside the continuing Devizes Food & Drink Festival, which coincidentally kicked off yesterday too, we’re somewhat limited for world cuisine here, like many rural areas, so this is a welcomed additional option, and just like the art show they organised back in November, it goes a long way in making perfect use of The Shambles.

Proof, I believe, that surely we should keep our feet on the ground, concentrate on what we have got? Starter whinge for ten, the entrance from the Market Place is hardly whetting the appetite, hardly screams come in here and take a look around; just some tables and chairs in a dank hall, occasionally occupied by a trader or two on market days. I accept an open space is practical and convenient, but this needs to occupy the rear end of it while those fantastic units in the middle and rear-end should greet passers-by at the beginning, much less it needs a lick of paint and some decoration.

Vibrant market halls of yore send me on a memory bliss, of sauntering Camden Lock, or the Lanes of Brighton. But this isn’t the nineties, and it’s Devizes, certainly not Brighton or Camden. And with that a chilling thought comes to me, of a couple of weeks ago, decending into the once bustling indoor market in Trowbridge town centre, to find it 99.9% desolate, my daughter reminding me it’s the after effects of the pandemic. By comparison with this, and not a bustling bygone city market, The Shambles is a wonderful market hall, and we shouldn’t take it for granted.

I’m guilty myself, I rush through it on my way elsewhere, but to add lively communal events, to welcome, as it once did, community groups like Devizes Living Room, and the addition of a piano were real positive moves. I’d like to suggest extending this, to welcome buskers, put some acoustic musicians in there, Devizes has plenty to offer.

I say they should encourage a flow of foot traffic through the Shambles by concentrating on adding arts, entertainment and street food, make it colourful and lively, add events such as book or record fairs, the possibilities are endless, let’s have a self-publishing zine convention with affordable tables, let’s have a creche, play area, and things to do for our younger generations, let’s go for it, and visting folk will bookmark Devizes as an even more fantastic day out than previously anticipated.

But hey, you know me, just a thought! For the best part of this is to thank SoupChick for a wonderful meal, it was interesting and an experience, I know now about Georgia, it’s culture and art, and certainly had the best possible taste of its food. All in good company, here’s a local event with a difference, truly tantalising the tastebuds, so much so I took to donning my modest gladrags, much to the shock of regulars at the Southgate, where I bee-lined afterwards for the contrasting headbanging thunder of Plan of Action!

The band were fantastic, though I wasn’t there for long enough to fairly justify a fuller review this time, mentioning it here it is only a method of expressing what a wonderfully diverse calendar of events we have in Devizes, and after last weekendโ€™s gig excursion to Swindon, it was great to return. If buildings like the Shambles can be used as an addition for events, I believe we should make full use of it, diversify and celebrate the talent we have here inside it; go figure, miss-firing spudgun!

Weekly Roundup of Events 21st-27th September 2022

Apologies, I missed publishing last weekโ€™s roundup, one thing gets on another and so on and so forth; Iโ€™ve really no excuse, but you know you donโ€™t have to wait for it, itโ€™s all listed on the frequently updated event calendar, where if youโ€™re new here, youโ€™ll find ticket and info links to everything I will waffle on about here.

Those paying particular attention will find the calendar has been extended to December 2023, if anyone is still alive by then, but I wouldnโ€™t bother too much browsing too far in the future just yet, as Iโ€™ve not added much stuff onto it; one stage at a time people!

So, back to this week and weekend. I was delighted to attend a dress rehearsal of a play called Hedda Gabler at The Wharf Theatre in Devizes last week. This show is running until Saturday and is very worthy of your attention.

ย Wednesday 21st, then, and The Temperance Seven play tuneful jazz classics and original numbers with a Pythonesque, deadpan tomfoolery at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Don’t forget the regular acoustic jam down the Southgate, Devizes.

Thursday 22nd and Chris Wood plays Pound Arts in Corsham. Chris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English-speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables.

Grand Slam headline and Sons of Liberty in support at The Vic in Swindon, while the Buddy Holly story is told at the Wyvern Theatre with Thatโ€™ll Be The Day.

Oh, and The Seth Lakeman Band play The Cheese & Grain, Frome; nice.

Friday 23rd sees the opening of Bath Childrenโ€™s Literature Festival, running until Sunday 2nd October, it is Europeโ€™s largest dedicated childrenโ€™s literature festival with a vibrant array of talks and activities for children.

Iโ€™m sorry I cannot be at this one, but the long-awaited new album from Swindonโ€™s indie-pop favourites, Talk in Code gets a launch night at The Vic, with Riviera Arcade and Tom Moore.

Also, The Ultimate Boy Band Party Show at Wyvern Theatre, is not really for me, truth be told, but I thought Iโ€™d mention it.

Salisbury Arts Centre announced a gig called Ukraine a Go Go!! But Iโ€™m having trouble with that link, sorry, it mayโ€™ve been cancelled.

Dreamwave at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, Dirt Road at The Bear.

Humdinger are playing The Lamb, Marlborough.

At the Cheese & Grain, Bon Gioviโ€ฆ. quite; no prizes for guessing.

Saturday 24th and my tummy is rumbling already; yea-ha, barbeque my ham-hocks! The Devizes Food & Drink Festival kicks off with the Grand Market in the erm, Market Place. Running until Sunday 2nd October, itโ€™s not just about this freebie, thereโ€™s a fantastic, super-sized programme of events happening, do check the website.

Once stuffed, Devizes, youโ€™ll find Plan of Action at The Southgate, highly recommended, I am due to stuff my face, again, at SoupChickโ€™s Georgian feast in the Shambles, but I firmly believe I might yet be able to fit all these in, weโ€™ll see.

Due to the obvious, Pewsey Carnivalโ€™s legendary illuminated procession has been moved to this Saturday, 24th, and find the funfair running and Humdinger at an afterparty on Cooperโ€™s Field.

The Pump has folk-rockโ€™s Merry Hell, part of Trowbridge Festival, tickets are ยฃ16 from the Trowbridge Festival site. The Reservoir Hogs play The Dursley Arms and find Junkyard Dogs at The Wiltshire Yeoman on Chilmark Road. ย 

Another recommendation, 12 Bars Later, play the Talbot Inn, Calne. The Setbacks headline a triple bill at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, with Bottlekids and Prison Wives.

Cliff Richard tribute at Neeld, Chippenham; Simon Goodall and the Bourne Again Shadows.

This Ukraine a Go Go!! at Salisbury Arts Centre crops up again, I must have got this news from somewhere! But if in the spire, Ed Gamble plays Salisbury Playhouse.

The Wedding Present commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of their album Seamonsters, at The Cheese & Grain. Recorded in just twelve days during 1991, the record reached No. 13 in the Official Album Chart, hailed by many as a true classic. Meanwhile, Iโ€™d thoroughly recommend Bathโ€™s indie-pop sensation Longcoats, playing at the Cheeseโ€™s sister venue, The Treehouse.

That just leaves Swindon, where Al Murrayโ€™s Gig For Victory tour is at the Wyvern Theatre, thereโ€™s a rave, up at The Vic, when Midlife Krisis drop their milk-float round; thereโ€™s always a rave when that happens.

But also, onto our Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week, where I dream of doing anything I wanted, VIP access and all gubbings, even if itโ€™s not true! The Jazz Knightโ€™s daring extraordinaire on Saturday, Swindon Folk & Blues Festival at Christ Church in Old Town. Line-up is truly grand, Ruzz Guitar, Lost Trades, Fly Yeti Fly, Joel Rose; did a half-preview with the Shuffle, here.

Sunday, 25th September, and thereโ€™s a record fair at The Cheese & Grain, Frome, Hip Route are at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon and Wyvern Theatre in Swindon presents Dave Gorman: Powerpoint To The People.

And thatโ€™s about all Iโ€™ve found for the weekend, unless you know different; have a good one. The Best of Queen at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon on Monday, 26th, and When Darkness Falls at Salisbury Playhouse on Tuesday, with Crimes On Centre Court at the Wyvern. From then on in, you know what to do, check the event calendar! But thereโ€™s two things you need to know about in Devizes on Wednesday 28th, Iโ€™ll drop the posters below, cos Iโ€™m fed up with typing now!

Trending….

Ruzz Up The Gate!

I was intending to start this along the lines of โ€œyou don’t need me to provide another reason why I love The Southgate,โ€ but thisโ€ฆ

Sing Another Love Song with Rosie Jay

Second impressive single from young Salisbury singer-songwriter Rosie Jay is released today. Sing Another Love Song; a sound of the summerโ€ฆ.. Her debut breakup trackโ€ฆ

Cotswold Water Park to be Renamed

Here’s a prime example as to why I could never be a councillor….. Cotswold District Council will vote on changing the name of Cotswold Waterโ€ฆ

Devizes Scooter Rally Rules, OK?!

If it’s been a fantastic weekend on Devizes Green with the orchestral Full-Tone Festival, further out of town scooterists, mods, skins and anyone else withโ€ฆ

Furlong Close Celebration

Residents of Furlong Close in Rowde mingled with staff, the new owners, villagers, councillors, and many of the campaigners which made up the Familes and Friends of Furlong Close steering group, at a party to celebrate the saving of the Close from closure….

It has been a drawn-out battle with former owners HFT, since October 2020, when, in the midst of the pandemic, the residents of Furlong Close, their families and friends were thrown into a state of anxiety and despair at the news Furlong Close was to close, and its thirty vulnerable residents forced to leave their happy and settled homes.

In July, the group were delighted to announce Furlong Close had been saved. The site had been acquired by a new owner, Specialised Supported Housing, and new care provider, Agincare, took over the provision of care to the residents.

Chair of the campaign group, FAFF, Antonia Field gave a heartwarming speech, thanking everyone for their efforts, and MP Danny Kruger reflected on the national mourning, suggesting this occasion was “what England is all about.” For me, personally, getting the chance to meet and talk with some of the residents put all the sterling efforts of the group and villagers into perspective.

The residents of Furlong Close are a welcomed part of the village community, always have been, the gathering today proved this, a truly monumental occasion for Rowde.

The ribbon was cut, symbolic of a new, brighter era for Furlong Close, and a marvellous example of how people-power can turn a negative into a positive.

I tried to chat with a representative of Agincare, but she was preoccupied talking to a resident about the Marvel film “Thor, Love and Thunder!” Along with the sunny autumn afternoon, this said it all for the occasion, giving me faith in the new owners and thier relationship with the residents.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 8th-14th September 2022

Slight seasonal changes, wetter but still warm, slight Prime Minister changes, dryer but still a narcissistic numpty; ah well, letโ€™s see, a day later than usual I know and apologise, whatโ€™s happening in Wiltshire over the next weekโ€ฆ…

The one link you need as usual, is our event calendar, where itโ€™s all listed with ticket and info links, and itโ€™s updated (fairly) regularly, so bookmark the beast and remain as you will be after reading this; in the know. ย 

Thursday 8th and thereโ€™s the Swindon Comedy Club at Kioki, with headliner Abi Clarke.

Friday 9th Hedda Gabler begins at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes and runs until 24th September. Hedda Gabler is recognised as one of the worldโ€™s great plays written by one of the worldโ€™s great playwrights and is generally regarded as Ibsenโ€™s masterpiece. Hedda, on the face of it, is not your archetypal tragic heroine. Starting quietly, and quite humorously, the drama builds to its terrifying and riveting climax, involving the presentation set of pistols that Hedda inherited from her father.

One to watch, Sour Apple play the Pelican in Devizes on Friday, and look out for a new music program called Vamos, at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham, theyโ€™ve got the wonderful Harmony Asia supporting Hoggs Bison. And find Illingworth at The Royal Oak in Marlborough, all free gigs.

โ€œHurrah, they are back to Schoolโ€ runs the tagline of the end of summer barbeque at Seend Community Centre.

Our renowned house DJ, George G Force is at Marston Park, Frome, while tribute The Smyths play The Cheese & Grain. Festival season hasnโ€™t quite closed yet, itโ€™s The Mucky Weekender Festival at the Winchester Bowl.

Meanwhile, In Swindon, Dangerous Kitchen play The Vic, The Salts at Swindon Arts Centre, and A Country Night in Nashville at the Wyvern Theatre.

Saturday 10th and back by popular demand, the start of the legendary Pewsey Carnival, yay! Procession is next Saturday 17th, with the Wheelbeero race on Thursday 15th, but this Saturday is Pewsey Carnival Wine Race.

Our editorโ€™s pick of the week; Party for Life, Melksham

A world suicide prevention day fundraiser in the Sky Bar at Melksham Town FC. The Soul Strutters, Blind Lemon Experience and Roughcut Rebels play this big one, with DJs and pizza and others; sounds fantastic, we did preview it a while back, and I believe a few tickets are still up for grabs, follow their Facebook page for more details.

Staying in the Sham, The Pilot has a Family fun day with music and, fundraising for MIND, see the poster for details.

Crafts, stalls and entertainment are promised at Devizes Rotary Clubโ€™s Health & Wellbeing Showcase on the Small Green from 11am-3pm on Saturday, and for a musical evening in Devizes, rock covers band Black Nasty are at The Southgate, while People Like Us do their awesome thing at the Three Crowns.

Time also, for the Burbage Beer, Cider & Music Festival.

Another upcoming local band to watch is Salisbury indie-kids Carsick, who plan to blow the lid off of Trowbridge Town Hall.

Contrasts in Swindon as Rage Against the Regime play The Vic, while Shape Of You brings the music of Ed Sheeran to the Wyvern Theatre.

You might have caught him at Devizes Arts Festival this summer, Alfie Mooreโ€™s show Fair Cop Unleashed comes to Salisbury Arts Centre.

No prizes for guessing who Motorheadache is attributing, theyโ€™re at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, while Dana Gavanski plays their sister venue the Tree House, with Cornelia Murr in support.

And unfortunately, The International Comics Expo, ICE in Birmingham which Iโ€™ve still got listed, has been cancelled, Iโ€™m just being too lazy to delete it!   

Sunday 11th, after terrible weather last Sunday postponed Devizes Town Bandโ€™s Childrenโ€™s Proms in the Park at Hillworth, it will be combined this week with the planned main Proms in the Park.  

And save a Recital Series at Swindon Arts Centre, also on Sunday, that about wraps it up for the weekend, unless you know different? Unless you dare to tell me that I missed something?! Please do, I donโ€™t bite, at least only a nip, on the bum; itโ€™s free to list stuff on Devizine, just message us, weโ€™re in it for the love.

Through the week Iโ€™ve not got much, but you know updates of the event calendar occasionally happens, though Iโ€™m currently undergoing the arduous task of getting next yearโ€™s calendar up and running, so bear with, bear with.

Tuesday 13th, Iโ€™ve got Kaleidoscopic at Salisbury Arts Centre and a RSPB: A Victorian Birderโ€™s Wiltshire at the same venue.

Next week though you can look forward to Pewsey carnival, Swindon Shuffle, and the White Horse Opera is back too, along with lots more events to get your teeth into; Iโ€™ll catch you around at one sometime, maybe? What else are you going to do, โ€œSimpsoniseโ€ yourself with a phone app; get real?!!

Trending…

The Next Season at the Wharf Theatre

Featured image byย Chris Watkins Autumn, finish your ice lolly, as we need to to start thinking about it! Our wonderful, one and only, theatre inโ€ฆ

A Perfect Picnic in the Park

A perfect sunny(ish) Sunday at Hillworth Park in Devizes, if not to overcome one’s fear of public speaking while dressed in a giraffe onesie andโ€ฆ

Devizes Rotary: Support for Ukrainian Families

https://wp.me/p4BT9k-1pw

Sour Apple’s Kate Goes Diva at The Pelican

Safe to say, I’m reckoning, we’re now back to full velocity for live music and entertainment in Devizes post-lockdown, and once again, for a small town it’s punching well above its weight for choice.…

Rare for me to be out on the tiles on a Friday due to real work commitments, but I’m off the hook and starting my adventure in a pub I also rarely frequent, Wadworth’s The Pelican Inn.

An historic stalwart in the Market Place, The Pelican reliably never changes its spots because it needn’t. It’s that testament to the community-led tavern you’d usually find in villages, housing estates or hidden away in a city alley, but in the centre of our market town. It’s welcomingly local, with a maze of decorative and comfy cubby holes, if you’d favour privacy from the lively communal area.

Kate stands close to the bar, singing along to well-known backing tracks, a practical method that while common and not really my cuppa, is a far, far stretch from Karaoke, with such a powerful and soulful voice at the helm. One half of acoustic duo Sour Apple, Kate can deliver a note crisp as if Alison Moyet came after Celine Dion, and affirmed regulars on the circuit, Sour Apple, onto my must-see hitlist.

Power ballads of era-spanning exceptional divas proved no challenge for Kate, and engaged the crowd to join in.

Friday is live music night at The Pelican, as landlady Sarah explained Saturday is a no-go, preventing a rude awakening Sunday morning to prep the kingpin of The Pelican’s agenda, the popular Sunday roast. With a takeaway option, capped under a tenner and with vegan alternative, the Sunday roast maybe the icing on the cake at the Pelican, but weekday specials make for a tantalising tradtional pub grub menu.

Considering comedy, but revealling their live music lineup up till Christmas, there’s a good variety of worthy local talent at The Pelican. On Karaoke, Confetti Battle night, 3rd September, sees the regular and ever popular Krazee Devil Karaoke, but not before Bran and Mirko’s unmissable Irish-folk duo, The Celtic Roots Collective play the bank holiday weekend, on Friday 26th August.

Kate returns as the aforementioned duo Sour Apple on September 9th, and master of all trades, the amazing Adam Woodhouse, regular support act at Long Street Blues Club, pays the Pelican a vist on 30th September.

Saxy local elders, Funked Up arrive on 14th October, followed by Krazee Devil’s Halloween Karaoke on the spooky 29th, again on Lantern Parade night, 25th November, and Funked Up provide a Christmas party on 25th December.

Though the real beauty for my personal tastes comes on Friday 18th November, when Chippenham duo Blondie & Ska play the Pelly. Part Blondie tribute, part classic Two-Tone covers with a hint of Blondie makeover, it’s orginal, progressivly acomplished, but more importantly, a whopping chunk of fun. Throughout lockdown this wonderful duo kept fans entertained prolifically live streaming, and for that alone, I bloomin’ love ’em!

With offerings as good as this, The Pelican is a welcomed return to the live music circuit, aside it’s cracking menu and cheery hospitality.

Weelky Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 11th-16th August

The heat is on, as Glen Frey once said. Whatever did happen to Glen? You don’t have to answer that, we’re here to find out what’s going on in the wonderful wilds of Wiltshire, not to discuss the heroes of eghities power-pop.

Thursday 11th, then, and James Kirkby plays Chapel Arts in Bath, ans Lone Bear is at The Beehive, Swindon.

School still out, and Aston Court have the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, on Friday 12th. Something on my bucket list, a hot air balloon, just so you know.

There’s a very interesting Lego stop-frame animation workshop at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, also on Friday, and it’s got later dates available should you not get in on Friday.

In Devizes those ever-popular mod covers band, The Roughcut Rebels play The Three Crowns, up against Peppa Pig in Hillworth Park, they are! Not sure about you, but I know which one I’d prefer to visit…. Roughcut Rebels, without doubt, need to be jumping in more muddy puddles, for point of reference, guys!!

Update, due to hot weather, Peppa Pig has been postponed until Monday, to prevent the event turning into an upsetting hog roast!

For more live music in Devizes, try a night of power and soul, with Kate at the Pelican.

The Reason do their thing at the Green Dragon in Market Lavington, and great to see Illingworth appearing at the Barge on Honeystreet; both highly come recommended from us here at Devizine.

Libre Stone play Komedia in Bath, and if you’re down that way, check out an earlier session from Devizine’s favourite singer-songwriter school teacher, N/SH in the bar.

And find a triple punk bill at The Vic, Swindon, with Riot City Radio, Street Outlaws & Two Sick Monkeys.

Saturday 13th, and there’s a soy candle workshop at Chippenham Museum, and The Trowbridge Weaver’s Market at the Town Hall.

Always one of the best village fetes around these parts, Seend Fete on the green Saturday 13th.

The Duskers play the Southgate, Devizes, and there’s the Unlock Reset festival #2 at the Consti Club in Chippenham.

Open Mic at 23 Bath Street, Frome, and The Dung Beatles play Chapel Arts, Bath.

Not a great deal listed this Saturday, to be honest, all eyes on Swindon, where my Editor’s Choice this week is Swindon Pride.

Arrive at H&M in Swindon Centre for 11, as the march starts at 11:30am.

We also wish Darren Simons all the best, as he stands down from The Rolleston and Level III, to concentrate efforts more The Vic. That said, you know it’s going to go off at both venues on Saturday, as Level III presents The Chaos Brothers, and there’s another loud and proud triple bill at the Vic, with Here Come the Crows, NervEndings & Something Underneath.

The Woodlands Edge in another venue worth venturing out to, Swindon direction, and Mark Colton will be entertaining there, with Ska , Punk , New Wave covers.

On Sunday 14th August, Fantasy Radio are back in Hillworth Park, 2-5pm. The lowdown on this is, despite me having a moan last week about not announcing who was booked, meaning I missed Phil Cooper play, because I wasn’t informed, I’m glad to have wandered through Hillworth, on my way to the Gate, and overhear them say another third of the Lost Trades, Jamie R Hawkins is playing this Sunday. Even if Fantasy want to keep these things quiet, for whatever reasoning, I believe it’s important for the artists and visitors to know, so I’m telling you now!

And breath; Luke De-Sciscio plays Komedia, Bath on Sunday too.

Monday 15th, and it’s the postponed arrival of Peppa Pig at Hillworth Park, Devizes, and Rock the Tots Summer Party at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. They have a Name that Bunting session on, on Tuesday, a singing day and Fidgety Feet will br there too, with a children’s play, The Little Tin Soldier.

The new season on Jazz Knights starts on Tuesday, and they have The Alan Barnes Quartet, at their usual venue, The Royal Oak, Swindon.

And that’s your blooming lot! That said, our event calendar is forever being updated, at least when I’m not chained to the sink by Mrs Devizine, doing the washing up, picking my nose or asleep, probably dreaming about being chained to the sink by Mrs Devizine, or picking my nose.

Oh yeah, and, while we’re here; you got your ticket for The Full-Tone Festival yet? Get a jog on if not, it’s probably going to be last great summer blow-out in Devizes this year.

Have a great weekend ahead, apply sunscreen, and if we missed your event, we apologise, but ask yourself this; did you tell us about it? Did you? Really?!

It’s free to get listed here, we’re in it for the love, and cake, and maybe for the love of cake too, so either message us or don’t moan if I missed it!

Jon Amor in Residency – August 7th 2022 โ€“ The Southgate Inn

By Ian Diddams

After eight months of being other engaged on the first Sunday of each month, with run throughs of self-authored radio plays, Rugby weekends to Edinburgh, and rehearsals for Pirates of Penzance and Macbeth, I finally had a spare slot to come and see Jon Amor in residency at The Southgate Inn, Devizes.

Given this was Jon’s EIGHTH appearance this year at the venue itโ€™s a somewhat daunting task to review him following in the footsteps of Messrs Worrow and Fawthrop .. but here I am in an attempt to not regurgitate the same old cliches and fawning sycophancy.

Errrโ€ฆ ummmโ€ฆ hmmmโ€ฆ ahhhโ€ฆ
So much for that attempt then! So leaving that aside โ€ฆ

Jon – the lanky piece of piss from the Hoax according to Jeff Beck – was as ever at his ease in his manor. Joining him were his constant companions (at least at the Southgate!) the incomparable Jerry Soffe on bass and Tom Gilkes on drums – more of them later. And after a couple of shoulder loosening openers of superb class this monthโ€™s guest โ€ฆ Muddy Manninen of Wishbone Ash, Patsy Gamble and Black Pearl fame. And even with the superb introduction to the gig, the class rose yet again as Muddy strummed his way through the first joint number.

And the evening just got better and better and better. Swapping between themselves on rhythm and lead, Jon and Muddy led us through raucous numbers to classic blues over and over again. And no sooner had it seemed they’d just begun โ€ฆ it was half time and a chance to replenish glasses and take a breather from the heady atmosphere outside in the delightful beer garden of the Southgate.

Soon it was however time for more of the same, and what a second half. How anybody can say they donโ€™t like blues always defeats me and the guys took us all to even more stratospheric delights. Aside from the phenomenal talents of our two strummers, the backing boys shone though. Jerry every bit the standard bassist with t shirt, shorts and trainers had his own moment to shine with sublime solos and interjections, the coolest member of the quartet (well, he IS a basis ๐Ÿ˜Š ). And Tomโ€ฆ wellโ€ฆ BLOODY HELL! I recall the first ever drum solo I saw aged about twelve maybe, at the Chatham Central Halls of the Dutch Swing College Band – the rest of the band left the stage – no doubt to toke and drink up – and the drummer did his thing for several minutes. I was mesmerised. I’ve loved a good drum solo since and I wasnโ€™t disappointed as Tom got his chance to demonstrate his sublime skillset for many minutes until he finally begged for release from his band mates as he tired, to a standing ovation.

A chum I grew up with a million years ago is no mean drummer himself, and runs a recording studio in Southern California now; I sent him a video of Tom’s work and he replied “Heโ€™s a very good drummer. Those little grace notes heโ€™s playing on the hi hat in that last clip is classy.” So there you have it – not only a brilliant drummer but also a Devizine review from San Diego!

All good things eventually come to an and we said farewell to Jon and Muddy and – of course! Tom and Jerry! The connection between all four of them was palpable and the joy palpable. Jon has always come across as a genial easy-going guy of course, but I commented to him afterwards that he looked really happy on set. Broad grins and smiles all round. Muddy was a total delight to see and hear play, true class again. We are so fortunate to be able to draw upon Jon’s circle of friends in the business in this manner, and itโ€™s no small kudos to Dave and Debs at the Southgate for the residency slot and the concept of “And Friends”.

As a final world then, itโ€™s only fair to quote my chum from SoCal once again โ€ฆ

“Itโ€™s a good day when you stumble upon players of this calibre down the pub!”

Isn’t it just?

Steeple Ashton Summer Spectacular Fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association and Others

Steeple Ashton’s Summer Spectacular at the church paddock on Saturday 10th September promises a three-course street food feast, with an auction from Paul Martin of TV’s Flog It, a casino, and entertainment from a magician and Abba tribute, Angels.

Tickets are ยฃ45 from the Steeple Ashton village shop, or online here, and proceeds go to a number of chosen and worthy charities.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance needs no introduction, but you should be aware it relies entirely on fundraising.

The organisers are keen to add the event is also supporting Motor Neurone Disease Association, which focuses on improving access to care for those people and their families living with or affected by this fatal disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

And Evieโ€™s Gift too, which was set up by Bryan & Patsy Clover after their 13 year old daughter, Evie, tragically died of an aggressive brain tumour. During the time she was in hospital they saw tired and anxious parents of very sick children sleeping on chairs, or even in their cars, as they couldnโ€™t afford hotel accommodation.

The charity pays for accommodation and help for parents in these stressful situations. All very worthy causes for what sounds like an awesome party; tickets are on sale now.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 3rd-10th August 2022

Bit cloudy, still hot, what have we got, for the coming week, quite a lot! Welcome to August one and all, nights slowly closing in, apples taking an early dive off trees, make the most of summer, though thereโ€™s no links, you can find more details and ticket links on our event calendar, plus of course you can skip ahead, early bird and all that; you know how it works by now!

Schools out, but thereโ€™s another art session, or play days at the Cause, Chippenham on Wednesday 3rd. Meanwhile Devizes kids can build their own bird box at Hillworth Park; costs ยฃ7.50 but lunch is included at the Cafรฉ. Older Devizes artists need join The Lawrence Society of Art, who are at Marden, thatching harvest and stooks.

Thursday 4th and thereโ€™s a talk at Chippenham Museum on Robin Tanner & the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Three emerging local indie bands play the Vic in Swindon, Thursday, Kayble, which features Ben Kay, formally of Kaleido Bay, I See Orange and PX.Music; free entry.

And the Outcider Festival 2022 kicks off near Mendip. Still a few tickets, be quick, Dreadnought headline this awesome festie which promotes itself with the slogan โ€œno tribute bands. No X-Factor. No Carling lager. No tossers!โ€ Love it!

Closer to home Purtonโ€™s Festival on the Farm begins the next day, Friday 5th, with Queen tribute Flash headlining, other acts include a generous handful of local acts; Shades of Seattle, Rude Mood, Sebastian and Me, Rave Against the Regime, Get Carter, Groove Club Collective, Blind Lemon Experience. Tickets still up for grabs, an adult weekender is ยฃ50.

Meanwhile, Swindon legends, Penfold appear at The Vic, and hereโ€™s an artist on my must see hitlist, appearing at the Pump in Trowbridge, Lille Rode, also on Friday.

Marlborough College Summer School presents The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Sir Elton John, and over the Wellington Arms find popular folk acoustic duo, Bodge it and Scarper.

Thereโ€™s Beatroot Jazz at The Bear, Bradford-on-Avon, and contemporary blues guitarist Aynsley Lister at Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 6th August then, thereโ€™s tours of Trowbridge Town Hall, and Braeside House, Devizes have a Summer Fair and Family Open Day. And don’t forget I mentioned earlier this week, if you were paying attention! Bromham’s fundraising Family Fun Fete, see here for details.

Salisburyโ€™s, highly recommended by us, Strange Folk return to The Southgate Devizes, while the wonderful People Like Us go up against Smooth at the wonderful Crown in Bishopโ€™s Cannings; just a whole lotta wonderful in that village at the moment!

Editors Pick of the Week!

Best of luck to Marlborough Town Football Club, holding their inaugural festival, Elcot Festival on Saturday, FREE ENTRY, with a great line-up, so good, so free, Iโ€™m making it my pick of week, an honour only bestowed to the best!!

Party parody band Kova Me Bad headline, with Marlboroughโ€™s finest ironic metallers, Pants. Ska-punkers Slagerij, and punk-indie The Vooz, alt-rock with Meeking, and Navajo Dogs, and Young Vintage. Whatโ€™s surprising is to see The Dirty Smooth at bottom of the listing, maybe they’re unaware of what a brilliant Malmsbury band theyโ€™ve booked, yet, truth be told, there’s some great acts there.

The Barge at HoneyStreet pay homage to popular boater Beatrice, and theyโ€™ve Dub The Earth, Drop The Gun and True Earthers.

Thereโ€™s a โ€œsupersonic Saturdayโ€ at the Neeld in Chippenham with The Britpop Boys, while the Consti Club clash a little with a Blondie tribute, Call me Blondie.

The Pump in Trowbridge is unusually open Saturday, with Steve Wickham of The Waterboys, and support from Joe Chester, and thereโ€™s local grunge at Stallards with The Black Hole Sons.

Spoiled for choice, Swindon, with a female-fronted ska, mod, new wave covers band Reboot at the Queenโ€™s Tap, highly recommended The Worried Men play The Rolleston Arms, and hereโ€™s something which sound interesting; Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute Painted Bird at The Vic.

Devizes Fantasy Radio start their first annual Lark in the Park on Sunday 7th, ongoing for the next three Sundays, free music starts 2pm. A great picnicy afternoon in Devizes, but I do wish Fantasy would tell all about who theyโ€™ve booked; itโ€™s pot luck Iโ€™m afraid. If you wish to promote and support local live music, you would surely announce the performers so people can earmark them in the future. Sigh, maybe itโ€™s just me on a bad hair day, but I have to question, are the bands even getting paid for this?!

Nevertheless, you can be sure of one thing, the first Sunday of the month will never be the same again. Those who know, know; get down the Southgate at 5pm, for itโ€™s the Jon Amor residency, and heโ€™s bringing Muddy Manninen as guest. This is NOT a recommendation; this is a direct order!!

And thatโ€™s your weekend wrapped up, have a good one. In the week you can find some piano concerto with the Graham Dent Trio at il Fiume, Italian restaurant in Bradford-on-Avon on Tuesday 9th, and the following weekend starts early if youโ€™re off Boomtown on Wednesday. But our list is never stagnant, constantly updating, so please check in regularly.

The coming month is packed, the big events to plan ahead for are Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Friday 12th, Swindon Pride, Unlock Reset Festival at Chippenhamโ€™s Consti Club, and Seend Fete on 13th. Bath Comic & Gaming Festival on 20th, and the start of the new season for the Long Street Blues Club, Honey Fest at the Barge from Thursday 25th, and bank holiday treats such as GoatFest, Reading Festival and of course, our very own Fulltone Music Festival 2022, Great Cheverall Soap Box Derby, Potterne Festival, Chippenham River Festival, and great mini-fests at Calneโ€™s Talbot, and Bradford-on-Avonโ€™s The Lamb. Top up your sunscreen!

Trending….

The Pleasure was all Minety!

Broke my Minety Music Festival cherry, and it was gurt lush! When it comes to live music and festivals, I initially set a high bar.โ€ฆ

DOCA Picnicing in the Park!

With the unfortunate cancellation of Devizes International Street Festival this year due to Arts Council cuts, all eyes are on our wonderful Hillworth Park nextโ€ฆ

Michelle Gonelan Makes History

Last political rant from me for a while, given all that happened today, pinky promise! Hitler shot himself, then, as requested, he was doused inโ€ฆ

MantonFest Magic, Again

With the danceable penultimate act attracting a packed crowd, I observed a young teenager, who, on spotting a disregarded beer bottle, picked it up andโ€ฆ

Devizes Food & Drink Festival, Back for 2022

Later than usual, the Devizes Food & Drink Festival is quite possibly the last major summer event in Devizes; their programme of events has gone live online now, the box office opens on August 12th; fill your boots, at least your tummy! ย 

The scrumptious proceedings run from Saturday 24th September to Sunday 2nd October, which, if youโ€™ve not been before, operates as a vast series of both free and paid events, obviously food and drink related. So not to distract your browsing pleasure from their website, letโ€™s just breeze over the goodies, summarise and send you in their direction, shall we?

The biggie is on the opening day; Saturday 24th September, 10am to 4pm, Devizes Market Place comes alive with the Street Food & Artisan Producer Market. Wadworth sponsored, with bar and pub game, itโ€™s a bustling market of self-produce, where you can gas all you like, with purveyors of fine foods, blag a taster, buy a jar or two. Music comes from The Decades.

From there on afterwards, thereโ€™s a number of interesting and varied side-events, a movable feast at Winkworths, a meet with Rowdefield Farmโ€™s beekeepers, a teddy bearโ€™s picnic for ten years and under at Hillworth on Sunday 25th, dinner at the Wiltshire Shooting Centre, in the railway tunnel. The usual great foodie quiz is at The Literary & Scientific Institute on the Monday, entomologist, author, academic, television presenter and explorer George McGavin will be talking insects, and how we should be incorporating them into our diet, theyโ€™ll be reliving school dinners, Guardianโ€™s creator of the How to Cook the Perfect column, Felicity Cloake will be in the house, and the Gourmet Brownie Kitchen gets in on the act on Thursday 29th September, with an expert from Hilperton based coffee company Dusty Ape.

Of all events from a murder mystery dinner, foraging, loitering in allotments, Come Dine With Us, dog food dinner for your four legged friend at The fox and Hounds, and pig welfare farm visit, the most un-foody has to be Wadworth signwriting workshop; not quite sure how that irrelevant one popped in there! But one of the best new comers to the usual goings-on, The World Food event sees the festivalโ€™s closure on Saturday 2nd October at the Corn Exchange, where for 50p a taste, you can sample flavours of the world, from Austria to Zimbabwe, exploring real home cooking from local residents who have far flung roots. New countries cooking this year include the Philippines, Guatemala and Mexico.

See, my belly is rumbling already now! Writing food festival previews should be likened to going to the supermarket, neither should you attempt on an empty stomach!

For more info, click here!

Trending…..

Devizes Arts Festival Rules, OK?!

Alas, it’s been a long week since the Devizes Arts Festival called time. It feels a little like when my Dad would take the Christmasโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 27th July โ€“ 3rd August 2022

Fire up those Vespas and Lambrettas, because weโ€™re revving into August scooter style! If last weekend in Devizes was all about beer, this oneโ€™s all about scootersโ€ฆ.and beer! See our editorโ€™s picks section for more details about that, otherwise, hereโ€™s the lowdown on everything weโ€™ve found to do this coming week and weekend.….

As usual Iโ€™ve left links out, the one link you need for further details on all events is our event calendar, here for July, here for August. School holiday activates are building up, Iโ€™ll add some new ones on this article, as this list needs updating, but thereโ€™s still lots of great ideas to keep those nippers from nipping at your patience levels, HERE for godโ€™s sake, pass the wine!

Wednesday 27th

ย The Wiltshire Air Ambulance Roadshow comes to Hillworth Park, Devizes on Wednesday 27th, from 10-2pm, suitable for ages 7 and up; ha, 7-Up! No? Lost you now, have I? Itโ€™s been a long morning. Updated: sorry, event has been cancelled.

Staying with kidโ€™s activities; Wednesday & Thursday also sees a Devizes Tennis Club Summer Camp session, the ongoing Multi Sports Programme at Hardenhuish School also starts, thereโ€™s art and play summer sessions at the Cause, Chippenham. And you can learn how to produce your own mini-movie, with an Introduction to Stop Motion Animation at Pound Arts, Corsham with resident artist and animator Caroline Rudge.

For grownups, thereโ€™s also a Lunchtime Recital with Matthew Taylor (violin) & Peter French (piano) at Pound Arts on Wednesday.

Thursday 28th

Of course, itโ€™s Womad’s 40th weekend, and we wish all you lucky ticketholders a great time there. STOP THE PRESS, there are still tickets

And itโ€™s a family day in space at the Weston Hub, Bath; see poster!

We say happy 1st anniversary to the Condado Lounge in Devizes, where youโ€™ll find Mr Finley Trusler handling the entertainment.

For outdoor theatre picnic, try The Sensory Garden, just behind Trowbridge Town Hall, where the Apricity Theatre presents As You Like It, a rollicking romp through the Forest of Arden, celebrating love, life, and human nature. Staying in Trowbridge, but more fiery, post-punk, find duo Deux Furieuses hitting the Pump!

TaleGate Theatre Productions, producers of โ€˜Father Christmas Needs A Wee!โ€™ and โ€˜The Giantโ€™s Loo Rollโ€™ comes to Swindon Arts Centre for another childrenโ€™s musical full of songs and silliness, and a corgi or two, with The Queenโ€™s Knickers! Older Swindon comedy seekers need to head for MECA for a Chuckles Comedy Club night.

Friday 29th

Film Club night at Melksham Assembly Hall, theyโ€™re showing John Carpenterโ€™s The Thing. Meanwhile itโ€™s going to steam your glasses up at The Vic, Swindon, with The Soap Girls, and Krooked Tongue in support. More causally, thereโ€™s the Bowie Experience at The Wyvern. Another tribute in the other direction, Guns & Roses Experience play The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Clubbers head for Club Nomah, Bath, where the Shindig Festival head inside for the evening; see poster.

But bikers are left very much outside, which is likely how they like it, as itโ€™s both Calne Bike Meet Weekend, where Siren play The Talbot, and of course, if we’ve had the rockers we also need the mods, our pick of the weekโ€ฆ.

Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week: Devizes Scooter Rally 2022

Over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, yeah, get your cherry-red dockers and trilbies on, snap those braces, itโ€™s time for Devizes Scooter Rally 2022. Iโ€™m not going to repeat myself, itโ€™s all gone Blue Peter; hereโ€™s a preview I prepared earlier!

Saturday 30th

It was a shame to hear M for 2022 at Lydiard Park, was cancelled due to โ€œthe cost-of-living crisisโ€ they claim. Paul Jones Live in Concert at Christ Church, in Swindon, though, Sack Sabbath play The Vic, and break a leg, students of Fitzgraham, on a journey into Wonderland at The Wyvern, where children as young as four years old through to adults will perform ballet, modern, tap, contemporary, lyrical, acro and musical theatre.

If you loved the reggae at Devizes Beer Festival last weekend, and noted I did, and may/may not have attained a small bruise to the elbow by falling backwards into the flower bed, youโ€™ll only need to travel the A4 east, where Knati and Nick have a Reggae Garden Party at the Pelican near Froxfield; again, see the poster below.

Further Pewsey way, find another Bottfest Hog Roast session at the Seven Stars, Bottlesford, where Mick Oโ€™Toole provides the music. In Marlborough town, expect vintage blues with a hard-edged groove; yes, Barrelhouse play The Lamb.

Siren move across to Melksham, to play the Pilot.

Non-scooterists in Devizes, choose between the sublime sound of Illingworth, who plays The Three Crowns, or the more punker, Navajo Dogs, who do their thing at The Southgate Inn; both more than worthy, my jury is out on this and I remain undecided at the time of going to press!

For the horizontal, nineties ambient dub masters, The Orb celebrate the 30th Anniversary of UF-Orb at The Cheese & Grain, and oh, like, what a blissful trip that was!

Sunday 31st

Trowbridge Rugby Football Club Summer Camps go off every Sunday from now, with girlsโ€™ and boysโ€™ teams for all ages. Great club, needing some players!

Calne Biker Weekend continues, with The Voodoo Penguins at The Bug & Spider, and The Cheese & Grain have Frome Record Fair.

Monday 1st August

Pinch, punch; maybe take the little ones to the Rock the Tots Seaside Show at Trowbridge Town Hall, perhaps?

Wednesday 3rd

Wednesday sees the start of a series of Crafty Kids in the Cafรฉ at Hillworth Park, Devizes, and a second art and play summer session at the Cause, Chippenham. For grownup artists, The Lawrence Society of Art are in Marden, thatching harvest and stooks.

Thatโ€™s all Iโ€™ve got for you, but keep updated via our event calendar, as more may well be added soon; have a great weekend, Iโ€™m soooo out of hereโ€ฆ.as soon as I grow up!

Trending….

Talk in Code are All In for New Single

Swindon indie pop virtuosos Talk in Code released their brand new single, All In, Yesterday, via Regent Street Records. And We. Love. Talk in Codeโ€ฆ

Ten Lost Characters Funko Pop Forgot

If Forbidden Planet is, as I suspect, owned by Dick Turpin, I report those nauseatingly cute figurines, Funko Pops, have escaped and now they’re every-bloody-where. I even saw some in the Shambles market in Devizes; and there was me assuming I could saunter through with my offspring, without the need to dust cobwebs off my wallet; no siree Bob Kane, I’m not taking her in there!

If I whinge materialistic mutterings, in my youth once, a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Danish consumerism swallowed me whole, and so did the George Lucas franchise. All’s fair in love and war; if I’d seen Lego Star Wars products back then I think I’d have had a seizure.

For those without geek kids, asking what the devil’s new haircut a Funko pop is, it’s an overpriced bobblehead figurine, an amusingly oversized headed icon or totem to a fictional character or celebrity. Bobbleheads have come a long way since the nodding dog, hence why they’ve not made a Kier Starmer one.

So, in the name of investigative journalism I’m out to out-nerd the nerds and prove my daughter wrong when she claimed, “they’ve made a Funko pop out of everything, Dad!”

Agreed, on searching for the weirdest or rarest Funko pops, I was shocked to note just how deep the rabbit hole goes. Seems the rarest come exclusively from The San Diego Comic Cons, Ozzie’s Collectables state the rarest is a silver Mickey Mouse from the 2011 con, and can fetch $1,130! Shut the front door Uncle Walt, it’s a malleable flipping dolly?

On the weirdest, oh, there’s plenty, from Laura Palmer of Twin Peaks to Hindu gods, and from Chris Oram from Alien: Covenant, unfortunately for him being attacked by a face hugger, to seventies afro-sporting painter Bob Ross. But, ah, there must be some characters this fledgling craze failed to recognise the importance of in popular culture….

Bob Ross Funko Popped

So, casting my aged mind back to the most obscure, yet strangely memorable to me, characters from my youth, sticking them in Google with the term “Funko pop,” to see, for no other reason than to satisfy myself, if they’ve indeed made a Funko pop out of them. Here be the lost legends, the ones Funko Pop seem to have either missed, or deemed to “Weird Al” Yankovic to produce; shame on them, because they’ve even managed a “Weird Al” Yankovic one. On that thought, a tear dropped to my cheek.

But so chuffed am I with my futile research, I thought I’d bore you stupid with it, on this slow news day; no one wants me to slag off local councils every day of the week, do they?

1. Hartley Hare

Pre-school psychiatristโ€™s dream come true, Pipkins’ well-spoken west-country hare, was first to spring to mind. Though ATV never even made any Pipkins merchandise during its run, it begs a Funko pop in the weirdest category.

Unusual, even for the seventies, not to have sold toys of the characters, perhaps such absence of familiarity is partially why it’s so creepy in our mind, looking back on it. That, and the fact Hartley was the dictatorial egomaniac Mr Krabs needs to take lessons from. A pawky, manipulating creep, the kind who’ll slime over your girlfriend the moment you turn your back.

Always on about “being naughty,” it’s a wonder why Operation Yew Tree didn’t pick this straggling suspect up on its radar, least cockney monkey Topov should’ve knee-capped the carrot-juice-injecting bastard, if, of course, he wasn’t just a hand puppet and therefore had no knees to cap.

2. Miner Willy

Strangely, except for retro-gamers, you can buy 2D figures of the unfortunately named Miner Willy (I said miner, not minor) online, but alas, no Funko pop. Despite holding a soulless persona, I personally believe he was a vastly misunderstood labourer. All he asked was to get some kip, but a foot-tapping madam with the touch-of-death prevented him until such a time he collected all the gems from the mansion, which was fucking impossible due to Software Projects’ programming incompetence; you needed a “poke,” apparently.

I’d favour, it was them who needed a poke, a poke back into reality. It’s Thatcher’s England, 1983, how many miners lived in a mansion?

Though just because the infuriating attic bug caused every Spectrum gamer a meltdown, with Fiddler on the Roof’s If I Were a Rich Man perpetually lingering in their nightmares, doesn’t mean the precursor to Minecraft’s Steve, who’ll have millennials and gen Z asking Siri what the heck I’m on about, Miner Willy deserves a Funko pop of his own, surely? He’s an icon, at least to everything that was shit about gaming in the eighties.

3. Servalan

Nearly failed by fanboy default, as, like an anorak’s wet dream of The Island of Doctor Moreau, some sad individual actually spliced two Funko pops to create their own Servalan Funko pop. I ask you, isn’t that the genius of a perv with a feathery evil fetish far greater than my own? Made me feel somewhat inadequate by comparison.

Still, I confess an unnatural obsession for Blake’s Seven’s arch-nemesis. Is this the same strain of sexual attraction which would, post-pubescent, morph into magnetism for goth girls, or perhaps Servalan is to blame, the raging hussy?

You don’t gotta answer that, unless your name is Sigmund Freud, but you have to agree, if Servalan appeared in the Star Wars reboot, she’d head the First Order fashion task force, with or without shoulder pads, and for that alone she’d make a better Funko pop tart than Avon, who only ever had a door-to-door beauty product brand named after him, or any other Bee-Gees hairdo crew member of the Liberator.

4. Bubblegum Bert

Anyone who can trap the legendary man of peel in a bubblegum bubble deserves his own Funko pop too. But, being they’ve not even created one out of Steve Bright and John Geering’s iconic DC Thompson superhero, Bananaman, or his arch-nemesis Appleman, I doubt poor ol’ Bert, a mere passing enemy, is sadly anywhere on their hitlist.

Shame, really, because Bert is unlike your average, pretentious supervillain, who never knows when they’re beaten. You know the score; every supervillain is an egomaniac, left for dead at the final scene, perhaps whirling out of control in a half-demolished spacecraft, or some other lethal scenario, yet still they seek vengeance in a relentless fashion, episode after episode. Bert, on the other, as far as my comic budget allowed me to be aware, gave it his all in a Beano comic library, was shamefully defeated, but accepted his failure and never tried again, not even at their home in Nutty. The true Homer Simpson logic here has to be respected, and Funko should acknowledge that, or be damned.

5. Goober

I want a full inquiry into this one, because I accept up till now, I’ve only provided British suggestions, whereas Funko is as American as the golden arches, still no joy. And I dare not Google the other gang’s great Dane; Scooby-Doo is bound to have multiple Funko pops. Yet Hanna Barbara’s greyish blue, poor pastiche of their own creation, Goober, who’s only upgrades were to articulate, but only when breaking the fourth wall, and involuntary invisibility, save for his bobble-hat, and for reasons of samey, his Ghost Chasers seems unjustly to be condemned to lost archives.

Why an invisible dog needs a bobble-hat aside, at least this gang occasionally found real ghosts, and in doing so encouraged to help them catch the hoaxes; far more effectively than the cowardly Scooby’s gang; chew on that Scooby snack fact, Funko!

6. Limahl

Pop star pops, makes sense, really, and is a reality, for both contemporary and legends at any rate. But what about mediocre eighties new wave ensemble, Kajagoogoo frontman, Limahl? Huh?

And if you think, for sardonic effect, I’ve erratically selected him from a catalogue of eighties throwbacks, you’d be surprised to note there’s logic in my madness. Predominately popular are superheroes in Funko popland, aren’t they? Well, just like a fan in a hairdresser asking for his idol’s style, X-Men character Longshot demanded a “Limahl cut” from his stylist, artist Arthur Adams, least the hair-do was the inspiration; Howard Jones must’ve been livid!

Either that, or I totally picked on Limahl at random and just happened to spot this pointless bit of trivia on Wikipedia.ย 

7. Tufty Fluffytail

It’s not a widely publicised fact, that young children in the seventies learned how to cross the road, thanks to Bernard Cribbins and a red squirrel in yellow joggers and a denim jacket. Tufty was on tele, and he came to your playschool, and gave you a badge, your inauguration into his exclusive club. I liked badges; it was a simpler time.

Nowadays cars have better safety technology, like seatbelts. Attitudes to driving has tended to steer away from the once standard notion you must drink ten pints in your lunch hour and drive back to the office as like a headless chicken, unless you’re a politician. And councils have improved roads by failing to repair potholes, forcing drivers to slow. But it’s offset by the quantity of vehicles on the road, the complete incompetence of parking with consideration for others and the necessity of text messages on the go.

But regardless of if roads are safer or not, kids now aren’t content with a badge, they need a Funko pop, but Tufty’s replacement has already been done. Unfortunately, road safety was shouted at the next generation by Darth Vader in white and mint green spandex. Hayden Christensen might not have been born, and we nothing of him slaying Jedi younglings, but we knew when he vapourised into reprimand children disobeying the green cross code, he was of an evil disposition Tufty could never be. Hence why that extinct squirrel needs a reboot, if not for conservation.

8. Smash Martians

Smash Martians, for me, are more than fictional wok-headed robot alien characters advertising a popular brand of instant mash potato. They’re symbolic of how times have changed.

Because, you see, the idea was to place the unusual, robots, in an everyday scenario, a family sitting for an evening meal. Whereas today while robots are everywhere, the idea of a family meal is the unusual, in this just-eat TV dinner era, where Dad works a continental shift pattern, and did a runner in 2011 anyway, the kids only communicate through WhatsApp and mum is a full-time blogger who has lost the basic knowledge of how to make a shepherd’s pie.

I deliberate, if a Conservative thinktank really wanted us to return to a golden era of yore, they’d be better electing a leader from the Smash Martian family rather than their crooked politicians. Then again, they were the ones promoting the use of instant mash, an abomination of a shepherd’s pie. So, maybe the fault lies with them, maybe they were the start of this throwaway, impatient fast-food culture. Therefore, I’ve retracted my pitch the Smash Martians should be Funko popped on the basis the deceiving wankers are no better than Tories.

9. Dempsey and Makepeace

In LWT’s attempts to bring seventies gritty back into British TV cop shows a cleaner decade later, it merged UK upper class pomposity with hard-edged New York rouge police type drama, and failed on all parts, save the eye candy element.

Dempsey and Makepeace were never The Sweeny, neither Kojak or Starsky and Hutch, but man, Dempsey was cool, and Makepeace, well, eighties school sex education at best, I wasn’t precisely sure what it was I wanted to do with Glynis Barber, but I knew enough never to tell my mum.

Lucky bugger, Michael Brandon married his co-star and they’re still together, the kind of relationship Cilla Black yearned for on her show, but in turn, their off-screen romance killed the “will-they-won’t-they” element of the show by blatantly flirting as their characters, so, neither was it Moonlighting either. Of course, none of this justifies why they should make Funko pop characters out of them, I just think it’s a shame they haven’t, being they have made one out of the teapot and cup from the 2017 live-action version of Beauty and the Beast, and Michael and Glynis rank just above them in my book.

10. 7 Zark-7

If I rejected the Smash Martians for being right wing, this abomination was truly the Mary Whitehouse of robots, but hear my pledge; it wasn’t his fault. Like Boris Johnson, per say, his clowning was a facade to a darker philosophy of conservatism, but unlike Bojo, he was a robot, and was programmed rather than nurtured to be a gammon.

Both American and UK kids wet themselves over Battle of the Planets, and was likely their introduction to Japanese anime before the term was popularised. But everyone was dubious of this bizarre droid, ripped off the back of the Star Wars craze, visually akin to R2D2 but with arms and cloak, yet with the pedantic camp persona of C3PO, and couldn’t quite figure why he was such a boring bastard.

It’s because he was never a part of G-Force at all, he was a fraud, poorly drafted in by Sandy Frank, to fill in the gaps of his heavily edited American version. Every time we saw this pathetic dustbin, acting like a school teacher trying to be amusing but failing abysmally, something deemed too extreme for US kids was going on behind the scenes.

The original, Science Ninja Team Gatchaman was chockful of reality; naughty words, scenes of death, violence, nudity, and of a sexual nature, but if you lived in the western world, you witnessed none of it, just this cover-up dumb-ass droid, being a twat. Tackling transgender issues, for example, simply wouldn’t do. Alien nemesis Zoltar never had a sister, it was hermaphrodite.

7 Zark-7 was a prostitute to censorship, symbolically wrapping kids in cotton wool, and now they know, every fanboy wants his head on a platter. But just how every market town in the UK without a railway station blames Dr Richard Beeching, when his hand was forced to make cuts, perhaps we should show a little sympathy for this misunderstood droid; because, while you can rebel from your upbringing, a robot cannot break its programing. 7 Zark-7 cannot be held accountable for his suppressive algorithms. And maybe a Funko pop might be the perfect way to exonerate him in honour.

Events in Wiltshire; Weekly Roundup: 21st to 27th July 2022

Here we are again, a tad hot and bothered, but happy as can be. And hereโ€™s whatโ€™s happening across the Badlands of Wiltshire this coming week, which youโ€™d already know about anyway if you regularly check our event calendar. Thatโ€™s the only link you need, right there; itโ€™ll provide you with outside links of further details and tickets. I donโ€™t have the time to add individual links twice, on this here roundup; excuse me, but Iโ€™ve got ice-pops to devour.

But before the impending brain-freeze, Iโ€™m here to tell you about, Wednesday 20th July, when Devizes Flower Club will be at the Town Hall from 7pm, with a floral demonstration, flower raffle and refreshments. Two of a Kind is a fiver entry.

Further afield on Wednesday, lunchtime, find the amazing Daisy Chapman pair up with Amelia Wise at Wiltshire Rural Music Centre in Trowbridge for a Tune @ Noon session. And Sarah Millicanโ€™s tour Bobby Dazzler at The Wyvern, Swindon.

Onto Thursday 21st, and I ainโ€™t got much, unless you know different, know-it-all! Anton & Giovanni: Him & Me at The Wyvern, Swindon, and thatโ€™s your lot to-date.

Friday 22nd and The Lawrence Society of Art have a Plein Air outing to The Gallops, and Seend Community Centre has a Summer BBQ with music from the fantastic Day-Breakers.

Swindon Arts Centre has a comedy play with your name all over it, itโ€™s called #Undateable!!

Punkers, Navajo Dogs play Marlborough Town Football Club, kick off at 7:30pm, free entry there.

Two editorโ€™s picks up for option this weekend, the first is Not Trowbridge Festival, but as near as damnit!

In the absence of a Trowbridge Festival this year, organisers have sorted a rather special musical do over this weekend, at the Pump.  There are weekend tickets available, giving access to all concerts with a discount. Tickets are here: www.trowbridgefestival.co.uk/online-ticket-shop/

The event opens at 7.00pm from Friday 22nd July followed by day and evening concerts, continuing across the whole weekend. There will be five main concerts in The Pump venue plus other concerts, and open mic sessions in the pub skittle alley.

Concerts in The Pump venue as follows:

Fri 22nd, Doors @ 7.00pm โ€“ Johnny Morris / Phil King / Rob Lear Band (Over the Bridge Album Launch)

Sat 23rd, Doors @ 1.30pm โ€“ Merv Grist / Edwina Hayes / Harp and a Monkey

Sat 23rd, Doors @7.00pm โ€“ Phil Cooper / Ben Walker & Kirsty Merryn / The Model Folk

Sun 24th, Doors @1.30pm โ€“ Paul Hutchinson / Suthering / Rob Lear

Sun 24th, Doors @7.00pm โ€“ Lodestone / The Lost Trades / Greenman Rising

Other artists appearing in the skittle alley will be:

SATURDAY โ€“ Sandy & Graham Ball, Gerry Cooper, Bertie Wright, Phil King, Kate & Richard Harris, Andrew Bazeley and Jackie & Felix Byrne

SUNDAY โ€“ Issy & David Emeney, Merv Grist, Rosie Upton & Pete MacGregor, Iain Spence, and Ray Bradfield

Open mic artists are also welcome to bring an instrument and perform.

Okay, onto Saturday, the 23rd July, in Swindon, ravers Midlife Krisis are at Level III, Pink Mac at The Vic, Voodoo Room play the Old Town Bowl, and the Beehive have their regular World Music Club, but this time itโ€™s a Hawaiian Shirt Edition. And Charlotte Johnsons School of Dance perform at The Wyvern.

Outdoor Theatre at Trowbridge Town Hall with Catch That Beast! And happy 5th anniversary to the Cider, Reggae & Rum Festival, happening at Rood Ashton Lake. It’s going off at The Barge on HoneyStreet, but I do believe camping has sold out. Melksham Rock n Roll Club’s next dance is Saturday, see the poster below.

The Glory Of Gershwin at St Francis School, Pewsey, and onto Devizes for aside a Vinyl Realm Listening Session at The Literary Club, and the crackling good Corinthian Casuals at the Southgate, last but by no means least, drumroll….

….Our second pick of week; they were both too good to choose between! Devizes Beer & Cider Festival

Yeah, I think you guessed it, if youโ€™re from Devizes, and you like beer, which is one and the same thing, it is Devizes Beer & Cider Festival, which should need no introduction!

Tickets HERE, Beer List HERE, Cider List HERE and thatโ€™s about enough to go on huh? Music comes from Devizes Town Band, “How else could we open Devizes Beer & Cider festival…?” Tom & Claire, Vince Bell, Dr Zeboโ€™s Wheezy Club, Celtic Roots Collective, and Triple JD. Word on the grapevine is, the night will end on a reggae tip when Nick and Knati of the Skenga Sound System come to nice-up the session!  

And thatโ€™s about all Iโ€™ve got, I confess I need to bash on and update the event calendar, this heatwave is slowing me down, and thatโ€™s the best excuse I can come up with; phew, itโ€™s a scorcher! Donโ€™t forget to check our SKOOL HOLIDAY activity listings, and tell me if what Iโ€™ve missed; we have the technology to edit the beast! One thing on the calendar in the coming week, I need to add to my skool holidays is happening Tuesday 26th, a Chippenham Kidsโ€™ Comic Club at Neeld, which sounds pretty cool, at least up my street!

Oh, and before I love you and leave you, Hillworth Park, Devizes, Wednesday 27th; Wiltshire Air Ambulance Roadshow from 10am to 2pm, do parachute into that.

 Have a good weekend, stay hydrated and apply sunscreen!

Trending…..

Party For Life Organises Suicide Prevention Gig in Melksham

Over 6,000 suicides were reported in 2020 in the UK, while marginally less than the previous year, statistics are based on suicide registration, which can take a year or more for statistical agencies to register them. Therefore, 2020 suicide data doesn’t necessarily reflect suicides during the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless of the maths, as that was never my forte, I know one thing; it’s too many.…..

World Suicide Prevention Day is annually recognised on 10th September, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

Today I spoke with Clare from Trowbridge, who lost her brother to suicide. “I want to do something super positive in Wiltshire that brings communities together through live music,” she explained, “in a bid to get people talking about prevention of future suicide. With my awareness, passion and commitment I will campaign locally and promote the series of events as a celebration of life.”

Tickets have gone on sale for Clare’s event, at the Sky Bar of Melksham Town’s Football Stadium, for 10th September. Under the banner Party For Life, Liam Bennett, aka DJ Rocks kicks off the party at 5pm. Our good friends The Roughcut Rebels play the first set, Wiltshire’s popular blues-rock and sometimes a bit of reggae covers band Blind Lemon Experience follow, and Bristol’s funky soul collective The Soul Strutters headline this extravaganza.

No stranger to organising fundraising events, Clare started Party For Life in 2009, raising funds for Cancer Research and the RUH Bath Cancer Care Centre. And it was revived in 2015 supporting the same charities. This time around the focus is understandably on suicide prevention, and we wish them all the best for what sounds like a great night, for a great cause.

Using the hashtag #STAY, Party For Life is hoping to make this a series of events, “because,” Clare explained, “those impacted by suicide have one big wish…that their loved ones #STAY another day.” Like their Facebook page for details. Tickets are ยฃ25, book via email to: tickets@partyforlife.co.uk or by Text: 07786 344 553.

Trending….

Lady Nade at Devizes Arts Festival

If the opening Friday evening of Devizes Arts Festival was amazing for lively pirate-punk craziness, Saturday night was too for precisely opposite reasons. Bristol’s soulstressโ€ฆ

LilyPetals Debut EP

One of many young indie bands which impressed me at Bradford Roots Festival, and proof thereโ€™s more than the name suggests at The Wiltshire Musicโ€ฆ

Courting Ghosts Debut Album: Falling My Friend

Images used with kind permission of Pacific Curd Photography West Wilts and Somerset folk-rock collective Courting Ghosts are about to release their debut album, Fallingโ€ฆ

The Rondo Theatre does Macbeth

Review by Mick Brian

Photos by Gail Foster

โ€œIt will have blood, they say; blood will have blood.โ€ So says Macbeth to Lady Macbeth following his vision of Banquoโ€™s ghost….

And audiences at the Rondo Theatre Companyโ€™s performances of the titular show last week were not deprived of that substance. From slit throats, gory locks and shirts, to bloodied faces, neckerchiefs and a finale of a trail of blood as Macbethโ€™s body is unceremoniously dragged from his home, there was no letting up of the blood (pun intended) throughout the riveting two hours of the show.

Directors Matt Nation and Will Jesmond de Clermontโ€™s vision of a 1920s London organised crime gang setting delivered โ€“ Peaky Blinders meets William Shakespeare with a gritty, no holds barred presentation of violence inherent in the struggles for supremacy, whether over rival gangs, traitorous turncoats or internal seizure of power and the retributions to maintain power. But this was no pastiche of Tommy Shelby and Co. โ€“ this was full Shakespearian tragedy brought into the 20th century brilliantly. Chrissy Fryerโ€™s costumery sublimely captured the era with tweeds, caps, flapper dresses and the ubiquitous used of orange gang colours throughout as neckers, ties, hair ribbons and pocket handkerchief. And no more so that the thoroughly perfect witches, played by Sophie Kerr, Tasha Bye and Anna McGrail, as drug addled opium den management resplendent in flapper dresses, overseen by the powerful Maria Finlay as Hecate.

Set design was simplistically excellent. Duncanโ€™s gangland headquarters a timber merchantsโ€™ front โ€“ the Birnam Wood Co. of course โ€“ and a gauze separated backstage area for the opium den. Which brings further praise for the lighting from Andy Cork, with the dark, sombre mood of the play enhanced by subtle changesโ€ฆ accompanied by the brightness of the opium den to display the rich colours of the silks and drapes therein.

And so to the rest of the cast. Not a single weak member โ€“ all thoroughly convincing and believable, fronted by the perfect pairing as Sam Fynn as Macbeth, and Alice Grace as his scheming, power hungry wife. We all looked to the lady as she ensnared her uncertain husband, then dealt with the lecherous and seedy Duncan in turn and tidied up the mess left by Macbeth. Sam Fynn portrayed the slide into madness perfectly as his world collapsed around him, culminating in his torment when Lady M kills herself. I challenge anyone to find a more harrowing depiction of these power crazed lovers, one coldly calculating, the other increasingly crazed.

Rob Finlay played the jovial Banquo who realises oh too late that he is on the hitlist, then the battle hardened and focussed Siward โ€“ once he had shaken his gory locks and broken the good mirth at the banquet of course. Maria Finlay as well as Hecate provided wonderful comic relief as the porter cum cleaner โ€“ and invented a whole new scene as an epilogue swabbing the floor of Macbethโ€™s blood. To complete the family set, Freddie Finlay in classic casting style played Fleance, Banquoโ€™s son, as a no mean wielder of a razor himself.

More double up casting saw Steve Brookes as the contemplative, pipe smoking Menteith and a murderer, enacting Macbethโ€™s violent requests with his fellow despatcher, Ian Diddams. Praise is needed here especially โ€“ the fight scene between these two, Banquo and Fleance left no holds barred with stabbings, slicing, punches, and the razored throat cutting. As well as murdering at the drop of a surly hat, Ian Diddams opened the play as Duncan โ€“ far from the oft played kindly benevolent leader, this was a nasty, lecherous characterisation fully deserving of losing his life โ€“ and fully fitting the gritty vision of the directors.

Thence to Ross, played by Becky Waters, and Lennox , Natalie Prescott, two increasingly disillusioned gang members, And Jack Strawbridge as Malcom, whose journey moved from uncertain, shy son of Duncan to assertive, and even nastier eventual victor, his metamorphosis highlighted by the wash of red light in his victory speechโ€ฆ all that was needed was unfurled swastikas to finalise the image portrayed. Lady Macbethโ€™s doctor was elegantly and eloquently portrayed by Julia Marshall-Wessendorfโ€ฆ all crisp and professional demeanour, not totally supressing the disquiet and concern beneath. Two further younger cast members joined Freddie Finlay in the show also โ€“ Dilan Minto as the brave but doomed Young Siward, hatred for Macbeth pouring from his every pore, and Scarlett Nation, the youngest cast member effortlessly working her way through servant, messenger and slaughtered pretty chicken of Macduff.

And speaking of Macduffโ€ฆ Lucy Upward played the angry Lady MacDuff, remonstrating against the ills of the world as an abandoned wifeโ€ฆ and screaming her way to her death before brilliantly appearing as a west country maid to the Lady of the house. Which leaves the hero of the hourโ€ฆ MacDuff himself, silkily played by Chris Constantine exacting revenge for his familyโ€™s slaughter by seeing off the chief protagonist in a slashed throat and streak of blood left on set.

Two hours of non stop action delivered at a frenetic pace. Two hours of truly class acting and technical presentation โ€“ the piece de resistance being the genius portrayal of Banquoโ€™s lineage of kings presented to Macbeth by the witches. And this is โ€œamateurโ€ theatre โ€“ some bloody amateur production that was I say (NOT!) โ€ฆ and bloody they were indeed by the end.

โ€œIt will have blood, they say; blood will have blood.โ€

And they did.

Macbeth, by The Rondo Theatre company, at the Rondo Theatre, Larkhall, Bath, July 6th โ€“ 9th 2022.

Boots & Braces; All Set For Devizes Scooter Rally?

If Market Lavington hold their Vintage Meet next weekend, thereโ€™s another slice of retrospection a fortnight after, on the other side of town, as Devizes Scooter Club tie their boots, affix their braces and hope to replicate the absolute magic of their first Devizes Scooter Rally, post-lockdownโ€ฆ…

The 2019 rally attracted scooter enthusiasts and adherents of mod culture from afar as well as appeasing locals with a different kind of musical event from the norm. In chatting to many attendees there, at the time, it seemed while aside the large-scale scooter rallies, most tend to waiver dedication to their music program, simply booking the odd local mod cover band and concentrating more on the aspect of standing around admiring each otherโ€™s hairdryers, much like caravan clubs do! ย 

And yeah, you know when a bunch of enthusiasts get together thereโ€™s going to be a little bit of that, but Devizes Scooter Rally last year was so much more than an appreciative window-shop of these flashy bikes. For a debut event it offered quality entertainment, market and food stalls of festival proportions, and was hailed a great success. A ton or ten of hard work from members of the Devizes Scooter Club has gone into replicating this success and providing our area with our own scooter rally, returning, but to a different venue near Whistley Road on the 29th โ€“ 31st July weekend.

To make doubly sure you donโ€™t miss the news Devizes Scooter Rally is returning at the end of July, The Scooter Club team put up noticeboards on the edges of town, and even plastered their poster on side of refuse lorries; a mightily impressive bolt of marketing, I must say, but also, being scooter aficionados from afar wonโ€™t see them, it surely is a testament to the clubโ€™s wishes to welcome locals from outside of the niche market.

But weโ€™re not here to discuss graphics, weโ€™re here, hopeful Devizes Scooter Club can pull off another rally as outstanding as their debut, and to look at whatโ€™s on offer musically too. Because if there was one thing great about 2019โ€™s, it was that the line-up had taken high priority. Good to note then, likewise, bands this coming rally have been tried and tested either at past Devizes Scooter Club events, or members bore witness to them performing at other events they attended. Saturdayโ€™s headliners Orange Street, for example, took the 2019 rally by storm, and Iโ€™d go out on limb to suggest they were undoubtedly the highlight of the event. My reasoning thus, while thereโ€™s handfuls of UK bands experimenting by merging electronica or punk into ska, few remain faithful to that original sound, and, as the name suggests, Orange Street really punch above their weight with this tenet.

Similarly, Bedfordshireโ€™s All That Soul, playing on the Friday, made a welcomed visit to Devizes Scooter Club way back in 2018. Though principally โ€œfunction band,โ€ if they played your function, I swear itโ€™d be the one function you remember for the rest of your life. Their perfect pitch and tight backing band perfectly replicates classic Motown and Atlantic soul of yore, and are not averse to slipping in funk and disco too, making them a delight to dance and sing-a-long to.

Iโ€™m unsure if the Dorset-based Specials tribute headlining the Friday night, The Specialised have graced our backwaters in the past, but being the Scooter Club have close connections with other clubs in that area, just like the wildcard, Slade tribute, Sladest on Saturday, who Iโ€™m told by Lauren, (first lady of Devizes Scooter Club!) sheโ€™s seen them and theyโ€™re lots of fun, Iโ€™m sure theyโ€™ve been tried and tested too! This said, any Specials tribute is alright by me; canโ€™t go wrong really!

And of course, last but by no means least, Iโ€™m glad to see our own mod-Britpop-ensemble, the fantastic Roughcut Rebels on that line-up too, a band who always bring the party with them.

Between bands thereโ€™s DJs, including renowned Northern soul disc jockey Terry Hendrick, the customary ride-out and whoโ€™s got the flashiest scooter competitions, along with traders and, it goes without saying, licensed bar. But perhaps the most alluring aspect is the ticket stub. Weโ€™re looking at a more than reasonable tenner maximum for a day pass, and while a weekend ticket is ยฃ25, it includes camping, and campervans are a snip at an extra tenner.

This lack of the usual hidden extras in price, gives the undeniable impression Devizes Scooter Club is thoroughly out for the love of it rather than the profiteering, to go โ€œone step beyondโ€ and provide an inexpensive showdown of memorable proportions, and do it, unlike many others, without punters getting that sinking feeling theyโ€™ve been ripped off. Aside the great line-up, then, itโ€™s a whopping incentive to lip up fatty, find Devizes Scooter Club on Facebook, which Iโ€™ve done for you already, HERE, and get yourself equipped with a wristband before they sell out.

Trending….

Lord Lieutenant Helps Devizes Resident Celebrate Jubilee Award

Her Majestyโ€™s Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire has come to a Devizes church to help a Devizes resident celebrate a locally unique Jubilee award.…

Sarah Troughton came to St Johnโ€™s Church in Devizes to congratulate Alice Boyd, who worships at the church, on being Wiltshireโ€™s only winner of the special Platinum Champion Award, which have been granted in honour of Her Majesty The Queen and the great example she has set in her 70 years of service. 

Alice has volunteered for Wiltshire Sight and The Talking Newspaper for 20 years, as a magistrate for 18 years, and more recently has been a marshal at Devizesโ€™ COVID19 vaccination centre. 

Sarah Troughton, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Wiltshire, said:ย โ€œI am delighted Alice has been specially honoured as the only person in Wiltshire to receive a Platinum Champion Award, an initiative started by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall. Only 490 awards were made across the whole of the UK, so this deserved honour is a very select one.

โ€œShe was nominated by another Alice, Alice Cleland, a former national Vice Chairman of the Womenโ€™s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS). The contribution of both Alice’s to life in Wiltshire over many years has been exemplary.โ€ย 

From left-to-right, the Revโ€™d Jonathan Poston, Rector of St Johnโ€™s, Devizes; Sarah Troughton, HM Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire; Alice Boyd, recipient of the Platinum Champion Award; Alice Cleland, who made the nomination. Credit: Gerry Lynch.ย 

Award recipient Alice Boyd said:ย โ€œI am humbled and very, very, honoured to receive this award. I volunteer to contribute to the community in which I live and make it a better place. I know that I am very fortunate to be able to do so.โ€ย 

Alice Cleland, who made the nomination, said:ย โ€œI know how much volunteering Alice has done over the years and I was reminded of this when I saw her outside the Corn Exchange in Devizes on so many cold winter days helping with the vaccination programme. When I saw nominations being sought for this award, I knew of nobody more deserving.โ€ย 

The Revโ€™d Jonathan Poston, Rector of St Johnโ€™s in Devizes where Alice worships, said:ย โ€œWe are so proud of Alice who works so hard in our church and our community.โ€ย 

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Poppy Rose, Ready Nowโ€ฆ.

Not being able to hold a note myself, I tip my hat to any musician in a band. Yet thereโ€™s something so much more valiant,โ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Stuff to Do: 7th-14th June

Heatwave on its way, Iโ€™m led to believe; itโ€™s the first full week of July, hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found to do in and around Wiltshire, unless you know of something we missed? Details and links HERE… let’s go out to play….

Ongoing is the opportunity to have a nose around artistโ€™s studios, yes, itโ€™s the marvellous Marlborough Open Studios time, running until 24th July. On Wednesday Macbeth at the Rondo Theatre, as we mentioned last week, with a couple of Devizes actors in! The New Forest Folk Festival kicks off Wednesday too.

Thereโ€™s an exciting 2-hour trip through hundreds of years of Irish dance and music at The Wyvern, Swindon on Thursday 7th, called Rhythm of The Dance, and thatโ€™s all Iโ€™ve got for Thursday!

Rest of the weekend, however, youโ€™re spoiled rotten, Readipop Festival and Cornbury Festival start Friday 8th July. Closer to home, Devizes Good Afternoon Choir and Pewsey Belles Ladies Choir meet at Devizes School for a Fundraising Concert. Angela Jones plays The Wellington, Marlborough, thereโ€™s a silent disco at The Neeld, and Once Upon a Musical is performed at St Peters, Chippenham. Melksham Assembly Hall has December ’63: O What a Night!

And what a night it will be if you like your folk, but tickets have sold out now for Fly Yeti Fly, with Tamsin Quin in support at The Pump, Trowbridge. Black Rose at The Vic, Swindon, or a Steve Harley Acoustic Band at The Wyvern. But all tribute act eyes on the Legends Festival at Lydiard Park, happening Friday and Saturday, where tribute acts come thick and fast, including Queen, Take That, Robbie Williams, Oasis and Madness; I can tell youโ€™re interested! Ah, and breathe, Kris Barras Band play The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 9th is carnival day, in Bath, look out for our favourite rappers, The Scribes, on 13:45, and, of course, itโ€™s carnival day here in Devizes too. What to do in Devizes for after carnival? Well, Noahโ€™s Ark has a fundraiser summer after party at the Conservative Club, promising DJs and live music, the Pelican promises a โ€œCaribbean Karaoke,โ€ the Truzzy Boys play The Three Crowns, Ben Borrill is at the Southgate, and thereโ€™s even the return of Vinyl Realmโ€™s Vinyl Listening Session at Devizes Literary Club.

Editor’s Choice

But editorโ€™s choice for this week has to be over a few hills yonder, The Crown at Bishops Cannings, host their debut festival, CrownFest on Saturday. Thereโ€™s a great line-up here, but hurry up to grab your tickets. Everyoneโ€™s favourite teacher, N/SH kicks off the mini-fest at 11:45, followed by Becca Maule, Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats, George Wilding, Paradox, Isobel Thatcher, Illingworth, Humdinger and a Queen tribute Queen Real Magic headline at 9pm. I hope to be there, but donโ€™t let that put you off, you only have to talk to me if you want to!

Elsewhere, theyโ€™ll be racing to the stones at Avebury, on a scarecrow trail at Cepen Park South, Chippenham, which is running until 17th, while thereโ€™s a Family Fun Day with the Shire Horses at The Pheasant.

In Trowbridge itโ€™s ParkFest, Active Trowbridge have their Active Festival, and Mickelson with Concrete Prairie in support at Trowbridge Town Hall.

Dolly Parton: the rags to rhinestones story at Melksham Assembly Hall.

We Are Unsupervised plays The Lamb, Marlborough, and the Merchants House has an Ask The Expert session on How Does Your Garden Grow? I can answer that, with lots of damn weeds, thatโ€™s how!

If in Swindon, the wonderful mod band Peloton are at The Vic, Julie Scott’s Dance Academy at The Wyvern, and The Tom Petty Legacy at Swindon Arts Centre. Wilko Johnson at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

On Sunday 10th, Nursteed Community Centre in Devizes has a craft fair in aid of Juliaโ€™s House from 10-2pm, and find the brilliant Essex-based country rock outfit, Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective at The Southgate.

Itโ€™s Chippenham Town Bandโ€™s 30th Anniversary, and they have a concert, as well as the Band Stand Concert in John Coles Park, and a Little Pickles Markets at Sheldon School, Chippenham.

Sunday and itโ€™s Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama this time at The Wyvern, Swindon.

Thatโ€™s your weekend wrapped up, if you survive all that you are truly punk rock, maybe check out Stiff Little Fingers playing the Cheese & Grain on Monday 11th. Other than Ray Cooper playing Marlborough Folk Roots, the following week is a tad slow so far. Iโ€™m sure weโ€™ll find something, because hereโ€™s the thing, our event calendar is constantly updating, so do not take this as comprehensive and keep up-to-date here.

Things to be thinking about breaking out your wallet for in the near future, though, looks a little something like thisโ€ฆ. Devizes Beer Festival, obviously, got a great local lineup there, and thatโ€™s on 23rd July. The Salsa night at The Muck & Dundar, next Friday 15th, The second My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad at the Old Town Bowl, Swindon on Saturday 16th as well as Market Lavingtonโ€™s Vintage Meet festival. Devizes Scooter rally the following weekend, along with the Soap Girls at the Vic that Saturday too, bound to sell out fast that one.

Not to mention, Full-Tone Festival in Devizes, naturally. It may not be till August but itโ€™ll be here before you know it; donโ€™t get left behind! Have a great week, might see you at CrownFest, if they let me out of here?!

Trending…..

Timid Deer; back with more Melodies for the Nocturnal

Salisbury may be a grey area for us, we donโ€™t get to hear a great deal about the music scene there. I guess they have their own media, magazines and blogs covering it, but it is something I realise I must work on. For all I know, Timid Deer could be huge there, but they should be widely known, everywhere, in my honest opinion. So even if this is erroneous, I stand my ground when Iโ€™ve said in the past, theyโ€™re one of the most underrated bands around these parts, and this follow-up EP to vol one of Melodies for the Nocturnal proves their worthโ€ฆโ€ฆ.

If, like me, you find it hard to come to terms with the notion the melodic Bristol-led trip hop scene for the matured raver is a generation past, and cannot get over how luscious Portishead, Massive Attack and, particularly, Morcheeba were, or if your indie side still relishes in the mellowed ambient soundscapes of Celtic goth, of Clannad, or All About Eve, this sits comfortably, somewhere in the middle, yet, for all the random comparisons Iโ€™m flinging, itโ€™s unique for not applying the electronica โ€œdope beatsโ€ of trip hop or the often gloomy outlook of goth. It is, in essence, uplifting indie.

Uplifting because Timid Deer captures your mood and whisks it away on a smooth airborne expedition across a fantasy realm, akin to Enya or Evanescence, or which seems to be trending recently, Kate Bushโ€™s Running Up That Hill.

Unsure quite why every kid is listening and every mainstream radio station is playing Running up that Hill at the moment, but Iโ€™m happy it has, going on the grounds it makes those little hairs on the back of your neck stand up, Timid Deer has the same effect.

Iโ€™ve fondly reviewed the first two tracks, Crossed Wires and Run upon their single release in March and December last year, respectively, but the EP contains two more beautiful songs, Wrapped Around Your Heart, and Promises. I said of Run, at the time; โ€œa grand piano opening, their evocative part-indie-part-trip hop ambience is accomplished to a new standard here, with Naomi Henstridgeโ€™s both soothing yet haunting vocals embracing howling strings and, wow, this rolling piano. Itโ€™s reflective of nineties nu-cool, the brilliance of Morcheeba or Portishead, yet without so much inspired of acid jazz or trip hop to make it clichรฉ, rather itโ€™s owning this refreshing edge to appeal to the more guitar-laced indie fans, too.โ€

And I described Crossed Wires as, โ€œAn uplifting piano three-minute masterwork, engulfing your soul and building layers with smooth electronic beats. Evocative as Enya without the orchestrated strings, as expressive as Clannad without the folk roots, and closer to Yazoo via electronica, rather than the aforementioned influences of Portishead and Morcheeba. Ticks all my boxes.โ€

These two new tunes follow suit. The rolling piano, is blissful and lyrics beguiling, Wrapped Around your Heart is another winner, perhaps a smidgen more marketable than the previous two. The four-track EP ends with the ballad Promises, exemplifying everything thatโ€™s gorgeous about the sound theyโ€™ve captured, the strings and piano work in harmony, entreat the euphoric mellifluousness. Itโ€™s the standing motionless mouth aghast kind of music which reaches the soul.

I discovered Timid Deer supporting the Lost Tradesโ€™ launch night at Trowbridgeโ€™s Pump, a gig I unfortunately had to miss but despatched a roving reporter to in my absence, and upon checking out their slight recorded output I was shocked as to why Timid Deer doesnโ€™t have greater recognition. Perhaps a clue in the band name, they play Swindon Shuffle but rarely we see them gig otherwise; itโ€™s a sound to relish, a sound for home comforts, for โ€œchilling in your crib,โ€ and Melodies for the Nocturnal Pt. 2, showcases that brilliance. Absolutely enrapturing…..

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A View to a Thrill

“The Thrill of Love” at the Wharf Theatre by Ian Diddamsimages by Chris Watkins Media Just over a year ago, the Wharf theatre performed aโ€ฆ

The World Under the Wood Will Put a Smile on Your Face

A dollop of Lewis Carroll, shards of C. S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, and perhaps even nicer elements of Tolkien, The World Under the Wood will put a smile on your face and bring out the inner child in you.…..

Being honest, it doesn’t take too much to bring out the inner child out in this grumpy old man, but more to cheer me up, and this did both, delightfully!

Running until Sunday, with matinees and evening performances at Devizes’ Wharf Theatre, this simply charming hour-long play, written and directed by Helen Langford is so whimsical, such a delight, you will be captivated by its magical cross-realms. Ideally you need a child aged six plus, but anyone into fairytales you can drag along, I suggest you do. Break out some glitter!

Yet while citing the obvious influences of classic children’s literature combines the settings and themes, it overlooks the subject, a contemporary feel of industry versus nature, the environmental angle on everyone’s lips, especially children. And it presents it in such an easy, fantastical way, without complication or ‘rubbing your face in it’ any age will be absorbed by the moral. Anymore synopsis and I’m verging on spoliers!

All homegrown talent, The World Under the Wood is an unmissable Wharf exclusive. The protagonist, Jodie, a kind of Dorothy-Dora hybrid is played confidently and spectacularly by Georgina Claridge, and her interactions with archetypal characters manage to retain the charm of those they pastiche, a talking tree, played gracefully by Chris Smith, pet dog by Carolynn Coomer, and Louise Peak as the queen-like Great Leader of an industrial underworld of robotic oompa loompa-like humans adds pantomime humour to the show.

Yet, it is not pantomime, in so much its zany or sing-along element is slight above the morals, but it is partially musical, with simple but effective original songs. If I’m honest, I huffed at the thought of going to see a “family” show, but I came out the other end chuffed, sprinkled with psychological fairy dust and mused with an emotion of sustainability on equal terms.

Your kids will love it, you might love it more! The World Under the Wood is running now, ending Sunday 26th June at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes. Tickets HERE.

What to Do; Weekend Roundup for 24th-27th June

Okay, here we go for our weekend rodeo roundup, for those who itโ€™s too much energy to scroll our event calendar for. No time for links, Iโ€™m a busy bee, find the links on the aforementioned event calendar, forcing you scrolling, and also updates as they come bounding in…..

Build-up to the weekendโ€ฆ.

Another week of Devizes Arts Festival events prior to the finale at the weekend. Wednesday 22nd sees the Darius Brubeck Quartet at the Corn Exchange. Meanwhile, local legend Nick Harper showcases Phantastes at Marlborough Town Hall, thereโ€™s The Carpenters Story at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, and many will start making their way to Glastonbury, hopefully not relying on the railway.

Thursdayโ€™s Devizes Arts Festival offering is Liz Grand at The Merchant Suite with a frank, humorous and revealing monologue about Shakespeare and Hathawayโ€™s bed. While over at the Wharf Theatre thereโ€™s the opening night of the family play, The World under the Wood, directed by Helen Langford, where I hope to meet a talking tree and report back my findings. This one will close Saturday night, and is ideal for everyone aged six plus.

Electric Ladies of the 80s at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Thursday, YouTube weekly That Pedal Show comes to The Tree House, Frome, with Andy Timmons, and Playgroup Open Mic sessions at The Bell, Bath, takes us neatly to Friday.

Friday

The 24th day of June is a Friday, and youโ€™ll find Finley Trusler at The Condado Lounge, while Radio 4 cop-comedian Alfie Moore presents his stand-up show at the Corn Exchange Devizes, as part of the Arts Festival. On comedy, thereโ€™s a stage show of Keeping Up Appearances at Neeld, Chippenham, running over the weekend.

Band of Pilgrims with Sour Apple in support at The Pump, Trowbridge, Death is a Girl at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon and Alex Rex & Mighty One at The Tree House, Frome.

Marlborough Town FC have an open mic night, and psychic medium Craig Morris is at Swindon Arts Centre, Monastries & Creek & Chasing Dolls at The Vic, but if in Swindon, I recommend the Ruzz Guitar Trio at The Rolleston Arms, obviously!

Oh yeah, and Simply Red play Longleat, if you want to cough up a small fortune and be charged extra for a seat; camping chairs are not allowed at these gigs, go figure. Taste my deckchair Hucknall!

Saturday

Anyways, Saturday 25th June, is MantonFest Day, yay! Get your ticket, hope to see you there at this brilliantly professionally organised yet exceptionally welcoming festival near Marlborough, got to be highlight of the weekend. Firstly though, Iโ€™ve got to nip over to Trowbridgeโ€™s Carnival Fair in the town park, lots going on there, see the poster.

Bromham Carnivalโ€™s Teddy Bear Trail starts Saturday, and continues Sunday, with the theme โ€˜Someone Beginning with B.โ€™ Forty-plus teddies around the village, created and generously sponsored by local businesses and individuals. See how many you can guess, and enjoy a walk round their beautiful village at the same time.

The wonderful Swindon Hub has their Monthly Craft Market, and the Spotlight Rooms hosts a Mamma Mia & More Dinner Dance. Elsewhere in Swindon, check Down & Dirty at The Queenโ€™s Tap, Myra DuBois at Swindon Arts Centre, Italia Conti Newbury at The Wyvern Theatre or A Night At The Opera at the Old Town Gardens Bowl.

Letโ€™s get the 49 to Devizes then, I know you want to! Because Devizes Arts Festival has an afternoon Organ Recital by Claudia Grinnell at St Johns Church, followed by their grand finale, a Celtic party night with a band called Absolute at the Corn Exchange.

Spoiled for choice again you are though, The Sarah C Ryan Band comes highly recommended by yours truly, and they play The Southgate. Over in the Sham, the monthly Melksham Rock n Roll Club have Shane & The Korrados.

Life in Mono come to Trowbridge Town Hall, and with one our fav Bath indie-pop bands, Longcoats in support, itโ€™s guaranteed to be great. Martyโ€™s Fake Family at Stallards, Biaritz at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, and Siren at The Rose & Crown, Warminster; all good, good stuff.

Sunday

Come on back to Devizes Sunday, and find Vince Bell and Tamsin Quin live at The Southgate, but donโ€™t forget, The FullTone pre-festival warm up at the Town Hall, presents Vivaldiโ€™s The Four Seasons, or Riding Lights Theatre Company comes to St Marys with a play called My Place.

Heading slightly westwards to the Owl Lodge near Lacock, and the exclusive Wiltshire Blues and Soul Club celebrate their first anniversary with what they do best, a jam; happy anniversary, guys! Oh, and watch out for the Lacock Road Races while youโ€™re there!

To end our weekend with a blowout, Below the Salt play The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon

Aftermath

A quiet week follows, at the moment, but you should be browsing July on our calendar, and looking to grab up tickets for Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s Musical Fortunes at the Wharf on Thursday and Friday, and Iโ€™m delighted to say the Devizes LGBTQ+ group has sold out Thursdayโ€™s Drag Queen Bingo Night at the Exchange already; that is fantastic guys, well done!

That’s all folks, have a great weekend.

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Devizes School Summer Concert – Celebrating our Local School Community

Devizes School students will be showcasing their artistic and creative abilities at the school’s first public concert since the end of the Covid-19 lockdowns on Friday July 1st from 7:30pm.

With performances and pieces from across the arts, the student community of Devizes welcomes local people back to their school with an evening to remember. A mix of dramatic excerpts, dance recitals across multiple disciplines and a mix of musical styles will be sure to engage and enthral attendees, as well as celebrate the young creatives ushering in the next generation of the arts in our local area and possibly beyond. The stars of the future could very well be born on the Devizes School stage!

Tickets are available now via Devizes School or alternatively on the door on July 1st. 

Adults – ยฃ3

Children – ยฃ2

Under 5s – FREE

Any further information can be found by emailing Devizes School – devizes_school@devizes.wilts.sch.uk. Or by calling 01380 724886

What to Do; Weekend Roundup for 16th-19th June

Ah, the Ashes, about the only international sporting event where England can get a second place! Itโ€™s gonna be another scorcher weekend, folks, so hereโ€™s your sunscreen-advised roundupโ€ฆ.

Donโ€™t forget, details and links and stuff like that can be found on the only link you need, our event calendar, and be advised this post is NOT comprehensive, more stuff is added all the time, try to keep up. And if youโ€™re way ahead of us and thereโ€™s something we missed all you got to do is tell us about it.

Now, I donโ€™t want to get political, letโ€™s leave whether itโ€™s deliberate or coincidence at the door, just to note everyoneโ€™s trying to do their thing over the summer months and perhaps itโ€™s no bad thing to have options. Options, people, options, yeah, thereโ€™s three โ€œfestivalsโ€ happening in the market town of Devizes, incredibly. Ongoing Devizes Arts Festival has been going well, and continues over the next week (more on that as we go through.) Meanwhile over at Devizes Sports Club thereโ€™s the welcome return of Saddleback. Yes, itโ€™s back, Ruzz Guitar, Jon Amor and plenty of others will be there, with an added โ€œLottieFest,โ€ meaning some seriously top-notch DJs will take you through the night. Weโ€™ve previewed this one already, which is HERE.

Now, if anyone can organise a piss-up in a brewery, Wadworth is your safest bet around these parts, and theyโ€™ve a free festival ingeniously titled โ€œWadFestโ€ on Saturday from midday, in the brewery tap shop carpark. The Woodland Pizza Kitchen and Wiltshire Hog Roast are serving, and if you join the โ€œWaddies Waddleโ€ as soon as possible, youโ€™ll receive a free t-shirt and entry in the free raffle to win a pair of tickets to an Autumn international rugby game in Cardiff.

Acoustic folk opens the show at midday, with the wonderful Susan Harding. Jamie R Hawkins takes over at 1pm, Vince Bell follows at 2pm, and Ben Borrill at 3. Then Wadworthโ€™s own RockHoppaz are the first band, on at 4pm, The RoughCut Rebels headline from 6pm till an early close at 8. There is not one single act playing this that I wouldnโ€™t thoroughly recommend, and I praise Wadworthโ€™s for their local circuit support on this one.

Ongoing this weekโ€ฆ.

But whoa there, weโ€™re getting ahead of ourselves here. Letโ€™s build this weekend up with a drumroll of ongoing stuff. Have you been to Chippenham yet, to check out the Art Heist exhibit of alternative art? I suggest you do, itโ€™s running until 21st June, review HERE.

For the kids, The Wyvern has an ongoing interactive family Jurassic adventure, Dinosaur World Live runs up till tomorrow, Wednesday, so be quick on this. Also, running Wednesday till Friday, Darkroom Theatre Company are at The Wyvern with a play called Cougar, while thereโ€™s a Western Players domestic comedy a comedy by Eric Chappell and directed by Karen Evans at Swindon Arts Centre, called Haywire, running until Saturday.

Wednesday 15th

Wednesday then, and a solo show for Devizes Arts Festival, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope has toured the UK ever since it was first previewed in Edinburgh in 2014. Quentin surveys a lifetime of degradation and rejection for being flamboyantly gay, from his filthy Chelsea flat, to a transition in NY where Quentin is finally embraced by society. Naked Hope is a glorious, truthful and uplifting celebration of a genuinely unique human being, and of the urgent necessity to be yourself.

On a similar note, well done to Melksham Proud, who raised ยฃ1782 with their first Pride in Melksham on Sunday, we didnโ€™t hear about this until late, please keep Devizine in the loop, guys.

Patron of Autistic Inclusive Meets London, professional author and five-star Edinburgh Fringe act, Aida H Dee is at Pound Artsโ€™ The Green Sky Festival in Corsham, reading her own childrenโ€™s LGBT books.

Thursday 16th

Two Devizes Arts Festival events today, Borealis Saxophone Quartet at St Andrews Church, midday, and The Scummy Mummies Show at the Corn Exchange in the evening; break out the wine, mums, that will go off like a nappy change.

Then, okay, I did tell you about George Ezra, but now, if you want a ticket youโ€™ll have to resort to murder; it is a terrible time to be alive if you’re prone to overthinking and under planning anyway. Courtesy of Sound Knowledge, Marlborough, he plays The Civic, Trowbridge, the only venue big enough around here for him, in a matinee and an evening CD-flogging exercise where youโ€™ll be lucky to be riding shotgun for a mere half-hour set. For an easier evening, join the Playgroup Open Mic sessions at the Bell in Bath.

Friday 17th

The Yate & Sodbury Scooter Club โ€œBack to Bedrockโ€ Scooter Rally begins, while thereโ€™s an alt-country revival with The Homing, part of Devizes Arts Festival, at Devizes Conservative Club on Friday, meanwhile happy anniversary to Debs, landlady at Market Lavingtonโ€™s Green Dragon, theyโ€™ve got People Like Us playing.

Rock covers done in style, with @59 at Marlboroughโ€™s Green Dragon, while Mollys Chambers is recommended at The Rose & Crown, Warminster. All Trowbridge eyes on the Pump, where Sheer have Hit Like a Girl, support from I Feel Fine and Start the Sirens. We like Start the Sirens, but if you need a heavy cover instead, Metallica Reloaded at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

A Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde play maybe at Neeld, Chippenham, but for the little children, try Catch That Beast at the Corsham Almshouses; FREE, a magical, deliciously silly show exploring how we interact with wild things. Itโ€™s full of offbeat humour, live music, inventive puppetry, and audience participation. Staying in Corsham, Ellie Gowers plays Pound Arts.

Saturday 18th

Happy anniversary to Trowbridge Museum, theyโ€™ve got free cake, music, crafts & demos during the afternoon, when they launch of their summer exhibition. Or stroll through the streets of Chippenham town centre at your leisure and find local art in local venues, yes, Chippenham Art Trail is on Saturday.

If Devizes folk can recall the fantastic Buddy Holly Lives show from a few years back, a tribute to Bruce Hopkins, theyโ€™ll be aware of how fantastic Asa Murphy is, and heโ€™s ferrying across the Mersey to return to town, as part of Devizes Arts Festival; expect a night of swing with his The Song-Writing Years at The Corn Exchange. Then thereโ€™s our aforementioned Saddleback Music Festival and Wadfest happening Saturday. If you canโ€™t pick or choose, the brilliant Hip Route frontman Jim Blair is at The Southgate.Sharon Lazibird plays the Pump, and the Boot Hill All Stars boot up The Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon. Papa Shango at The Vic, Swindon, Good Times at The Queenโ€™s Tap.

Whitney Houston tribute Iโ€™m Every Whitney at Neeld, Chippenham, and Pound Arts in Corsham continue their Green Sky Festival with a Southampton Ukulele Jam, Corsham Windband, a Silent Disco and comedy from Sarah Smout & Natalie Holmes.

Check this out though, are you ready? Eighties two-tone The Beat play the Cheese & Grain, Frome; Full Stop!

Sunday 19th

Devizes Arts Festival go for a walk, then onto Three Crowns for a free fringe event, Florian Felcitta; what a way to end the weekend.

Tell Tale Twit with Gav Cross at Pound Arts, Connor McLeod plays the Grapes in Bath, but never to be missed, Strange Folk are at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Then itโ€™s Monday, back to work!

There are more Arts Festival events ongoing through the week, An Audience with Adam Frost on Monday, Simon Calder on Tuesday, Darius Brubeck Quartet on Wednesday.

Our โ€œwhere everyone mattersโ€ county council have already been aggressively unaccommodating to the disabled and alternative tourism, arriving at Avebury for Tuesdayโ€™s solstice, by blocking every byway and carpark to campervans, and if youโ€™re going to Glastonbury, you need not read on.

Things to book, The World under the Wood starts at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, Thursday, runs until Sunday. Bromham Carnivalโ€™s Teddy Bear Trail starts next Saturday, and it is Manton-Fest time in Marlborough, get your tickets for that. Also coming soon, check the posters, always check the posters! And have yourself a great weekend.  

Trending….

The Tap at The Peppermill to Host Open Mic

Two local musicians have joined forces as Nightingale Sounds to host their first Open Mic Night at the new Tap at the Peppermill in Devizesโ€ฆ.โ€ฆ

Baila La Cumbia; Devizes Arts Festival Brings Columbia to the Corn Exchange

Well, Devizes Arts Festival pulled it out of the bag at the Corn Exchange last night with something entirely new and different from usual musical offerings in Devizesโ€ฆ…

If Ry Cooder popularised the Cuban styles of son and bolero in the nineties with the Buena Vista Social Club project, since English New Yorker Will Holland, aka Quantic, spent twelve years in Colombia, he’s doing similar with cumbia.

But if Quantic’s Flowering Inferno was my avenue into this infectious genre, via fusions of dub and global beats, I never imagined I’d be listening to cumbia at Devizes’ Corn Exchange!

It was an unmissable rare opportunity, provided by Devizes Arts Festival, absolutely sparkling their opening weekend. A six-piece version of Bristol-based Baila La Cumbia expertly transported the Ceres Hall to South America last night with the colourful sounds of a more traditional cumbia.

The hall was adequately filled, many I’d imagine curious of what they were to hear, others perhaps lucky enough to have travelled. Salsa Club dancers immediately took to dancefloor, yet this is a completely different rhythm. Something I’m merely teetering on the edge of.

Though contagiously danceable, this contemporary sound of Columbia is a blend of traditional Latino, Afro and native American folk, and Baila La Cumbia export it as gospel, not deviating from the style. In a word, it was gorgeous.

Folkloric, and spreading to neighbouring countries since recorded sound in the 1940s, the African influence of cumbia is a subject often open to debate. Baila La Cumbia though, used double drummers, with a selection of caja, used like djembes, and a set of metal snares, to keep a consistent percussion. I quizzed the frontman and electric guitarist afterwards, suggesting I thought they’d up the tempo, as common in Caribbean styles. But a Colombian himself, the reply was interesting, that the Afro-American slaves working on the railroads worked consistently to a steady pace, the music stridden to suit, so he clearly cited the African influence.

And that’s how it was, not frenzied, rising or falling, more comparable in western fashion to trance than samba and salsa, in so much as it was a hypnotic sound, as completely absorbing as African drumming. And akin to modern dance music, vocals were sparse, some more single word shout-outs, while other songs adopted some Latino narrative. In fact, the spread of cumbia to Mexico has seen a contemporary subgenre, tecnocumbia, rise, using electronica, though tonight felt strictly traditional Colombian.

Yet more conventional by our expectations, instruments such as trumpet (by Joe Longridge), keys and double-bass were heavily involved, providing a sound wholly original to our untrained ears, almost jazz, tropical flavoured, and it made for a memorably disparate evening; you don’t hear much world music on our local circuit, cumbia, erm, ever!

I imagine these were original compositions, perhaps Iโ€™m wrong and they played traditional songs, it was one question I forgot to ask, being spellbound by the moment, and maybe the odd cider!

So, a massive thank you and congratulations go to Devizes Arts Festival, for putting on such a rarity around these parts, it was a most infectious musical experience. Though we’re only the edge of the fortnight of an amazing array of diversity; the Arts Festival have more up their sleeve. Most prominently this coming week, musically speaking, is Tuesday night when groovy Soho heavy rock and New Orleans swing fusion Tankus the Henge stop by on their way to Glastonbury. But check their website for details of the amazingly diverse programme of talks, country-rock, saxophone quartets, comedy, jazz and swing, lots more.

Trending….

The Wiltshire Gothic; Deadlight Dance

With howling, coarse baritones Nick Fletcher, the main vocalist of Marlboroughโ€™s gothic duo, Deadlight Dance chants, โ€œhere comes the rain, and I love the rain,โ€ฆ

Weekend Roundup 9th-12th June 2022

Despite all you have to do is scroll our event calendar, I thought Iโ€™d make it even easier for you, with a new weekly regular feature rounding up the forthcoming weekends; youโ€™ve never had it so good. Well, you might have, if youโ€™re on Facebook, as I usually post a roundup there, but I figure not everyone does Facebook, so this will transcend your favourite social media sites.

Although the queenโ€™s jubilee mayโ€™ve passed and this โ€œcost of living crisisโ€ was slumped to the backburner while we all bought bunting and got sloshed as per Bojoโ€™s order, this following weekend is burgeoning with stuff to do. So, letโ€™s all forget about the overkill of last weekend and get on with whatโ€™s going on this one, shall we?!

Quick note though, Iโ€™ve not the time to add links here, so if you see something that fancies your tickle, nip to the event calendar for more details and ticket links; Iโ€™m a busy fellow yโ€™know.

Firstly, Iโ€™d advise you pay a visit to the Yelde Hall in Chippenham or the Art Heist show of alternative art, hereโ€™s my review of it from Monday. Itโ€™s running until 21st June.

Also currently running is four nights of amazing comedians appearing at Pound Arts, Corsham, with their new work before heading up to the Edinburgh Festival. Simon Brodkin tomorrow, Thursday, and Bella Hull & Glenn Moore on Saturday.

Thursday 9th June sees Keith James play the songs of Leonard Cohen at The Pump, Trowbridge, The Zoots at Swindon Arts Centre, and Giant Walker at The Vic, Swindon.

Friday 10th June is the opening night of two weeks of fantastic events from Devizes Arts Festival, Iโ€™ve got them all listed on the calendar, check them out. It starts with A Diva and a Piano with Lesley Garrett at Devizes Corn Exchange, Friday, Agatha, Poirot & Me โ€“ Sophie Hannah at Devizes Town Hall on Saturday, and Saturday night thereโ€™s cumbia at Devizes Corn Exchange with Baila La Cumbia, which I did have to explain to someone the other day, is the music of Colombia, and not Cumbria. Why must Wiltshire folk add an R into every word is beyond me!

Hanging on Friday, those Truzzy Boys are at The Barge Inn, Seend, Greg โ€œthe Axemanโ€ Winters plays The Wellington Arms, Marlborough, Ben Osborn with Ravetank, and Follow The Sun at the Pump, Trowbridge, The Junkyard Dogs at The Rose & Crown, Warminster, or musical comedy at Pound Arts, Corsham with Thereโ€™s Jonny & The Baptists: Dance Like It Never Happened

In Swindon, check out Barrelhouse & Lonely Road Band at The Vic, โ€œZambaLandoโ€ at โ€œFiesta de Cuba,โ€ or Steve Bugeja at Swindon Arts Centre. T-Rextasy play The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 11th then, here we go; free entry for a two-day festival at The Lamb, Marlborough with an awesome line up there, and thereโ€™s also a Family Festival at St Katherines, Marlborough.

Sustainable Devizes will be in the Shambles for a Sustainability Day from 10pm until 2pm, Vinyl Realm are at the Devizes Literary Club with another Vinyl Listening Session. The Daybreakers play The Southgate, which is always a great fixture.

Party on the Pitch at Calne FC, Perry Grantโ€™s โ€œItโ€™s great to be 30โ€ Celebration Birthday Concert at Neeld, and the North Wiltshire Symphony Orchestra have their Summer 2022 concert at St Andrewโ€™s Church, also in Chippenham.

One of favourite bands on the local circuit, Daydream Runaways play Trowbridge Town Hall, while The Cheese & Grain, Frome have only gone and got The Feeling; good luck finding a ticket for that!

Aside the Wiltshire Steam & Vintage Rally at Lydiard Park, Swindon also has a massive Ukraine fundraiser at Level III, with Talk in Code, SexJazz, the Celtic ska-punk Liddington Hill and others, while    AC/DC tribute Whole Lotta DC play The Vic, The Roughcut Rebels are at The Castle, and The Wyvern Theatre has Hits Out Of Hell โ€“ The Meat Loaf Songbook, while Sam Avery: Role Model is at Swindon Arts Centre.

Sunday 12th, and Thereโ€™s a Chocolate Experience at Vaughanโ€™s Kitchen Cookery School, Open Farm Sunday at The Gourmet Goat Farmer near Avebury, and Kitty Langan Studio โ€“ Unstoppable at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Devizes Lions will be on the Green with their fantastic car show plus from 10am-4pm; always a great family day. Devizes Arts Festival go for a Festival Walk, and itโ€™s all down to the British Lion for a free fringe event, where Rockin Billy will rip It up.

Other music this Sunday, check out Lazy Sunday Afternoon with Mr Love & Justice & Friends at Eastcott Studios Arts Courtyard, Swindon, and Chris Murphy at The Tupenny.

Thatโ€™s all folks! See our calendar for whatโ€™s happening over the week, as itโ€™s a busy week in Devizes with the Arts Festival happening, and lots of great stuff to book, including Tankus the Hedge on Tuesday; wow! Yes, showing off, I will be going to see George Ezra on Thursday, gigging with daughter and her friends; wish me luck!

Things in the near future you need to be considering wiping the cobwebs off your wallet for; Sheerโ€™s Hit Like A Girl at the Pump, Friday 17th, Saddleback, Saturday 18th June, Pound Artsโ€™ Green Sky Festival, and The Beat at The Cheese & Grain, The World under the Wood at Wharf Theatre, MantonFest too; I swear, it never stops!!

Chippenham Art Heist

If Devizine was a voyage of discovery to begin with, I still manage to find talented folk hiding in this rural county, but often it’s nice to return to recurring events we’ve featured before….

Like yesterday, I put up a preview for the annual Female of the Species fundraiser, today I paid a worthwhile trip to the Yelde Hall in Chippenham, where a group of local artists have annually exhibited their wares since 2019, in what can be best described as “alternative art.” It’s become something of a fixture on our calendar.

Art Heist is this year’s title, Breakout was last years, and while there’s one new artist, Rae Melody from Trowbridge, exhibiting her colourful typographical graffiti-fashioned pieces, the returning artists have some spectacular new works too, you really need to see firsthand to get the full impact of.



A worthwhile visit then, particularly if you’re a fan of either pop art, graffiti, underground comix, or just desire a contemporary and thought-provoking experience from a gallery. The show opened today Tuesday 7th, and runs until 21st June, open from 10am-4pm daily, except Sundays.



So, totalling eight artists now, the Yelde Hall is chockful of some impressive art for those thinking outside the box. Expressionist Emma Sally, clown themed underground comix styled Si Griffiths, the weird and wonderful world of Montague Tott, the pop art meets Chagall of Mike Long, the impressive and poignant paintings of Clifton Powell, the awesome masks of Helen Osbourne-Swann, aforementioned Rae Melody and the only artist here not local, US’s amazing Jimmer Willmott, with his obsession for donut-headed cops!


At times amusing, at times poignant and thought-provoking, there’s meaning and depth to everything on display, sometimes clear to comprehend with a powerful message, or open to the viewer’s interpretation, it’s the stimulating ride through art you rarely get with average portraits and landscapes. Think 3D masks protruding from the canvas, think explosions of cultural references, think social comment, think of a serial killer Charlie Brown, or psychedelic swirls of reading a 3D comix without the specs, and you’re only teetering on the edge of what you’ll find there.


If you’re feeling wealthly bring a cheque book, as pieces are reasonably priced, but window shoppers are encouraged, and it simply refuses to come off as the hoity toity confines of an archetypal gallery. Here’s a group of exceptional local artists cutting out the middle man, high-fiving the DIY ethos of counterculture and putting on their own show for the love of it; which ticks all my boxes.

I’m keeping it brief to avoid spoilers, but have to say, this is a free art show worthy of your attention even if you’ve only a passing interest in art. To be honest, I’ve not got the tits to be what social media defines as “an influencer” but I know what I like, and I like telling you about it! So, do yourself a favour and pay it a visit.

Female of the Species Back For Halloween

The annual all-female local supergroup get-together is annouced for the Halloween weekend, at a new venue, Seend Community Centre.…

Nicky Davis from People Like Us and The Reason, Julia Greenland from Soulville Express & Delta Swing, Claire Perry from Big Mamma & The Misfitz, solo artist Charmaigne Andrews, and Julie Moreton from Trowbridgeโ€™s Train to Skaville and Jules & The Odd Men, form the Civic Award-winning supergroup The Female of the Species. I’ll let you in on a secret if you’ve not been to one of their six annual gigs, it’s a party not to be missed.

Halloween costumes optional, but you can guarantee the girls will be dressed up for their annual fundraising extravaganza.

Last year’s event raised a staggering ยฃ1,763 for the Therapy Fund of Devizine’s other superheroine, Carmela Chillery-Watson. This time around the girls said, “it’s so difficult to choose from all the incredible charities that apply to us every year, but this year, with the way mental health has been such a huge topic, particularly amongst our younger generations, we have gone with TeenTalk.”

TeenTalk is the early help and support service, run by Young Melksham. TeenTalk’s mission is to reduce and relieve the suffering and distress, and to improve the emotional wellbeing, of young people and their families throughout North and West Wiltshire.

The date for this seventh spectacular is set for Saturday 29th October 2022, now moved to Seend Community Centre, famous for their epic beer festivals.There will be a support act, yet to be confirmed, but doors open at 7pm for drinks, and Female of the Species take to the stage at 8:30pm. Get your tickets here.

Is Devizes Ready for The Strong Lady?!

Featured Photo Credit: Sean Longmore

How strong is strong lady Charmaine Childs? Strong enough to be a circus strong-lady of Strong Lady Productions, and that sounds strong enough for me not to dispute the claim. The good folk of Devizes have the opportunity to find out for themselves, this Thursday, 26th May when Charmaine brings her latest work, Power to St Andrews Church, courtesy of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts.…..

Australian-British artist Charmaine has internationally toured her solo, highly physical circus shows for over twenty years, describing her show as โ€œa playful mix of muscle, comedy, optimism and elegance that invites audiences to reflect on their own strength.โ€ I can confirm now, mine just so happens to be, smell!

โ€œI am passionate about the development of physical, mental and emotional strength,โ€ her bio, which exhausts me just to read, explains, โ€œand the ways they impact on each other.  All my work is dedicated to uplifting and empowering people, creating connection and celebrating diversity.  This has led me to a delightfully wide-ranging arts practice that also includes: creative engagement projects (Stories of Strength), event speaking, teaching and workshop facilitating and producing.โ€

Yet, intriguingly Power sounds more than circus act, through voice-over soundtrack it has narrative, stories recorded by people talking about their experiences of feeling strong and powerful. These stories are the heart of the work. Their stories intersect with the autobiography of a Strong Lady wrestling with uncertainty.

Initially striving to feel powerful, by being invincible and in control, the show finds its way to accepting the mess of uncertainty and finding strength in the places where we wobble. Trading invincibility for resilience, it celebrates the power we have to choose the next step through the mess. Apparently, this leaves the audience โ€œenergised and hopeful,โ€ which is just as well, as I have work early next morning!

Power starts at 7pm and runs without an interval until 8:10pm, giving you twenty minutes to arm-wrestle any gorillas which may be passing by St Johns Street, before a post-show conversation at the Lamb Inn commences at 8:30pm. Tickets are just ยฃ5, online, or cash only on the door. See you there, if you think youโ€™re hard enough!

Trending…..

The Drum n Bass Huntr/s of Old Devizes Town

In true Royston Vasey style, unfortunately due to time and resources we donโ€™t review international music as we did during lockdown, choosing to focus moreโ€ฆ

Let’s Clean up Devizes!

You’ve got to love our CUDS, the Clean up Devizes Squad, hardworking volunteers who make the town look tidy and presentable. Here’s your chance toโ€ฆ

Ashes of Memory; New Single From M3G

The fifth single coming out from Chippenham singer-songwriter M3g on Friday, Ashes of Memory, and if Iโ€™ve said in the past what separates Meg fromโ€ฆ

Wiltshire Council Leader Richard Clewer Condemns Election Results as โ€œVery Concerning.โ€

Ever wondered if our county council actually gives a hoot about you? Hereโ€™s window into the philosophy of Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer, his comments to the Gazette & Herald this week reveal his want for Conservative totalitarianism and his abhorrence at democracy; perhaps why they dropped the slogan where everybody matters in 2019, because clearly to Mr Clewer, only Tories do.…..

In the article he slams the local election results as โ€œnot good,โ€ and โ€œvery concerning,โ€ as elsewhere in the country, including some key conservative strongholds, Tories have lost control of eleven councils in total, and almost 500 councillors. Though Conservatives held onto our closest council, Swindon Borough, by the skin of its teeth, they lost four wards to Labour, and the Liberal Democrats took Somerset.

Snubbing the political etiquette of impartially congratulating new councillors, like Trumpโ€™s final hour of shame, Clewer whimpered on Friday, โ€œthey are not a good set of results, and are very concerning, especially in somewhere like Somerset.โ€

I beg to differ, thereโ€™s only two things โ€œvery concerningโ€ to all of this, firstly is that our next elections arenโ€™t scheduled until 2025; plenty of time to brush the daily newsfeed of scandal, nation neglect and barefaced fabrications under the carpet and uphold this Tory safe seat, if they can prevent the cabinet from acting like teenage delinquents for more than twenty-four hours.

Secondly, it is โ€œvery concerningโ€ the leader of our county councilโ€™s vision is so utterly polarised and indoctrinated, he cannot see other people might just have a differing opinion to him.

The article goes onto suggest โ€œCllr Clewer added that it must be “heart-breaking” for those Tory councillors who have lost their seats in places such as Wandsworth – which has been a Conservative stronghold since 1978.โ€

Bless, my heart bleeds for them, no, really. Maybe they shouldโ€™ve thought about this while their precious clown prime minster trudged us through the economic suicide of Brexit, the horrific impact of which is only now being revealed through hyperinflation, border control, and the breaking apart of the United Kingdom.

Maybe it should have crossed their minds when their precious prime minister failed to attend Cobra meetings, ignored the World Health Organisationโ€™s advice to lockdown prior to certain money-making sports events, causing the virus to spread and made us the worst affected country in Europe. Then insisted on partying through lockdown while all around us families were dying.

Maybe there couldโ€™ve been an inkling something was amiss every time their precious prime minster failed, on every single count, and while I could go on with the perpetual cycle of car-crashes this government has dragged us through. The threadbare reality of this constant shit-show is becoming visible to even the knuckle draggers; “A hungry man is an angry Man.”

Change is certain; I bet your bottom dollar Wiltshire will be at the back of that queue.

Cllr Clewer also said that he was relieved that Wiltshire Council was not holding an election this year, as โ€œit would have been very tough.โ€ No shit, Sherlock. In a word; good. It is a good thing to have a council of varying opinions, one which can present answers in response to the public, rather than one blindly following arrogant crooks. The opposition is just an opposition, it may vary from your insufferable judgements, but it doesnโ€™t make them wrong, or some demonic uprising, or even something to be concerned about. It just means โ€œYour old road is rapidly agin’โ€ฆโ€ฆโ€

โ€œPlease get out of the new one,

If you can’t lend your hand

For the times they are a-changin’,โ€ and you better like it or lump it!

Trending…..

Never Changing the Rules With Atari Pilot

Swindonโ€™s sonic indie popsters Atari Pilot are a prolific bunch, and have a new single out called The Rules Never Changeโ€ฆ. And, they donโ€™t. Thereโ€™sโ€ฆ

Peace, Love, Americana and Jol Rose

I trouble procrastinating upon being gifted a previously released CD from an artist for review, unfortunately they land on the backburner, prioritising upcoming news items.โ€ฆ

The Big Ones; Forthcoming Summer Events in the Devizes Area

Woe is me; tis a fortnight did pass since the beloved Devizes Street Festival. I did happen to saunter through the market lodging Saturday, peered ov’r to whither the main stage once gallantly did stand, but ‘t wast just parked cars and a bank faรงade; insert depress’d visage emoji…..     

Because thatโ€™s it, folks, thatโ€™s your bloominโ€™ lot; there is nothing else happening in Devizes this summer, nought, nadaโ€ฆ.

Okay, that probably didnโ€™t work, youโ€™re nobodyโ€™s fool, and you probably know these already, but hereโ€™s a quick guide to the BIG events in Devizes and surrounding villages over the summer months; you know, so bods donโ€™t whinge on social media, โ€œI didnโ€™t hear about this, I took my dog out for a poo and ka-blamo, without so much as a warning some kind of social event hit me square in the chops.โ€

Oh, and before I commence the proceedings be aware thereโ€™s always something on, some little events here and there, like free music at The Southgate every Saturday for instance, do keep in tune with our event calendar, but for this particular outing, weโ€™re thinking BIG (ooh, matron.)

Sunday 15th May: Devizes Town Bandโ€™s Fantastic Journey at the Corn Exchange.

Their first outing of the year, Devizes Town Band plan to get all Phileas Fogg and beyond, taking the Corn Exchange on a fantastic journey from the depths of the ocean into space and everything in between, and you could onboard! Tickets are ยฃ10 here: http://devizestownband.com/

Saturday 21st May: Indecisionโ€™s Last Hoorah Tour at the Corn Exchange.

Popular covers band on the local circuit and beyond, Indecision, has indeed made a mutual decision to split up, but not without going out with a bang; theyโ€™re hosting a โ€œLast Hoorahโ€ gig at Devizes Corn Exchange. Proceeds go to Wiltshire Search and Rescue and the Fatboys Charity.

Monday 23rd May: Lovesong @ Wharf Theatre, Devizes

Running till May 28th, Lovesong is the story of one couple, told from two different points in their lives, as young lovers in their 20s and as worldly companions looking back on their relationship. Their past & present selves collide onstage as we witness the optimism of youth becoming the wisdom of experience | Love is a leap of faith. Freddie Underwood brought Things I Know To Be True to the Wharf stage in 2019. Movement has become Freddieโ€™s personal stamp within her productions and Lovesong will be similar to her previous work which fuses movement & music, partnering within the work of the text.

Saturday 28th May: Hardyโ€™s Wessex: The Landscape Which Inspired a Writer, Exhibition at Wiltshire Museum

Running until 30th October, this exhibition opens 28th May, and will explore how Hardyโ€™s writing merged his present with the past. Within this ancient landscape, old beliefs died hard and Hardyโ€™s plots are set against a background of superstition. Hardy felt that these past ways of life were important, helping us understand ourselves and our relationship with the environment; he also made a film outside the Bear Hotel, like a TikTok-obsessed teenager up for a rumble. Okay, that last bit isnโ€™t strictly true!

Note: The first week of June is the Jubilee, where thereโ€™s so many village or town street parties to list here, so check your village magazines and social media sites for archetypical clipart bunting posters, and gawd bless โ€˜er, guvnor.

Thursday 2nd โ€“ Monday 6th June: Honey Folk Festival @ The Barge Inn, HoneyStreet

Bit of prequel to Julyโ€™s HoneyFest, as you might expect from the trusty Barge, itโ€™s a folk fest with a difference. Acts here range globally and incorporates the loose pigeonhole world music too, so much so itโ€™s like a mini-Womad!  

Saturday 4th June: Bromham Carnival

Friday 10th – Sunday 26th June: Devizes Arts Festival

A fortnight long arts festival on your doorstep! Including Baila La Cumbia, Rockin Billy, Tankus the Henge, The Scummy Mummies Show, Asa Murphy and so, so much more; we do love Devizes Arts Festival. Do check our preview, and links to The Devizes Arts Festival for more details of separate events and tickets.

Saturday 11th June: Sustainability Fair

Arranged by Sustainable Devizes, there will be a day celebrating all things sustainable in the Market Place and Shambles; letโ€™s get green.

Sunday 12th June: Lions on the Green

Talking of green, itโ€™s always a fantastic free day out with the Devizes Lions, on the Devizes Green, with a car show, beer tent, and whole lot more.

Sat 18th June: Saddleback Music Festival with LottieFEST

Yes, Saddleback is erm, back! This one stealthily popped up out of nowhere, which is good if youโ€™re a Shaolin assassin but not if you want people to come to your festival; a little bit of notice on this wouldnโ€™t go amiss, guys, like a marketing strategy and erm, telling your friendly neighbourhood Spider-event guide!

So, you may not have heard; Devizes Sports Club in full force with a blues extravaganza. Jon Amor & King Street Turnaround, Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue, Joe Hicks, No Manz Land, Carolyn McGoldrick & Friends, Matt Peach, Public Eye and The Best of Ratcat feature, with DJs until the early hours, which is different but I guess thatโ€™s where the Saddleback incorporates LottieFEST too, a celebration of the life of Lottie Rapson, who sadly passed away aged just 27 from Friedreichโ€™s Ataxia. Tickets are ยฃ30, with ยฃ5 donated to Ataxia UK & the Lily Foundation.

Thurs 23rd June: The World under the Wood @ Wharf Theatre, Devizes

Running until June 26th; Jodie meets a magical talking Tree, as you do, who asks for her help, as they often do. The wood seems to be dying and Tree thinks the incredible World under the Wood may hold the answerโ€ฆ Jodie is whisked away to a super-world where life moves super-fast. But she discovers that this world is failing too; the super-humans have been collapsing and productivity is down. Jodie and Harley the dog must now journey between worlds to find an answer. Can the mega-multiplier plants restore the wood? And what is the mysterious โ€˜Sourceโ€™?

A magical story of courage, friendship & unity to inspire a greener generation โ€“ For everyone 6+; of which I fall into this age-group, just.

Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th June: Bromham Teddy Bear Trail

Always a lovely carnival in a lovely village, that’s on the 4th June, but bonโ€™t forget their Teddy Bear Trail from 25th โ€“ 26th June, this yearโ€™s theme will be โ€˜Someone Beginning With B,โ€™ with 40+ Teddies around the village, created and generously sponsored by local businesses and individuals. See how many you can guess!

Saturday 25th June: MantonFest

A tad further out, this side of Marlborough, but always worth a big mention, cos itโ€™s such a well-organised community-driven yet professional one day music festival; certain I did a preview about it, here, and yeah, I might be going too but donโ€™t let that put you off; you donโ€™t have to talk to me if you donโ€™t want to.

Saturday 3rd July: DOCA Picnic in the Park @ Hillworth Park

Picnic in the Park is DOCAโ€™s traditional start to the festival week. Itโ€™s a chance for the community to get together in the beautiful surroundings of Hillworth Park. Thereโ€™s top quality music, stalls and a bar. You can also buy snacks, ice-creams and hot drinks from the cafรฉ on the park. Bring your friends and a picnic, for the perfect Sunday afternoon.

Acts include a travelling duo of a Dubliner and a songwriter in the vein of Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen, called The โ€œGraveโ€ Diggers, bluegrass Americana with The Stemville Ramblers and Bristol based trio Boogaloo String Band.

Artist and performer Boogaloo Stu, too, while weโ€™re on boogaloo, who promises to gets up-close and personal with Puppet Paramour, a one-to-one session of craft activity and psychic surgery to create your ideal partner in sock-puppet form.

And resident artist Libertine, a free-motion embroider who specialises in social commentary and out of the box thinking which is reflected in her work. She will take up residence at the Picnic and gather your musings on the last year, the year โ€˜weโ€™ missed, she will commit them to fabric and thread.

Saturday 9th July: Devizes Carnival

Devizes comes alive carnival day, need I say more?

Saturday 9th July: CrownFest @ the Crown, Bishops Cannings

Queen tribute Real Magic headline this mini-festival with serious clout, not so far from carnival, in Bishops Cannings. Some awesome acts, check the poster, Including Illingworth, George Wilding, Humdinger and local legend Pete Lamb & the Heartbeats. This is such a nice setting; it has to be done.

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July: Market Lavington Vintage Meet Family Fun Weekend

Ah, big steam engines, proper job!

Saturday 23rd July: Devizes Beer & Cider Festival

Details of this still in the pipeline, but thatโ€™s no excuse for not putting the date in your diary for this historic wharf-side beer fest; Iโ€™ve still got my half-pint glasses from the early noughties!

Friday 29th, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July: Devizes Scooter Rally

The Devizes Scooter Club have worked tirelessly through lockdown postponements and beyond to recapture the magic of their first scooter rally in 2019, which went way beyond the archetypical scooter rally and border-lined festival with the supreme acts it booked; hereโ€™s hoping they achieve this again, but I can pre-empt it will just by the line-up, most of which have been tried and tested at former Devizes Scooter Club gigs, the poignant Motown covers band All That Soul, Orange Street, who were the pivotal act at the last rally, The Specialized Specials tribute, local sure-things, The Roughcut Rebels, and a wildcard; Slade tribute Sladest!

Saturday 13th July: Seend Fete 2022

Always a real community-feel to Seendโ€™s fete, a great family out!

Thursday 25th till Sunday 28th July Honey Fest @ The Barge Inn, HoneyStreet

Again, the annual kingpin at a campsite, wharf and pub which is like a mini-festival all year around! You can guarantee this will be amazing.

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August: Fulltone Music Festival

OMG Super-Proms….Can they do it again? Go compare, I think they can! The funding and effort put into last yearโ€™s Full Tone Festival on the Green was truly the jewel in Devizesโ€™ event calendar, a memorable history in the making. To help replicate the magic thereโ€™s a bigger line-up of other acts as well as the Full Tone Orchestra. Including our favourite country solo singer Kirsty Clinch, Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats again, DJ James Threfall and itโ€™s great to see local piano virtuoso, young Will Foustone heading the bill.

Also note my pun above, as an opera section with a host of guests including local music school owner, the breath-taking Chloe Jordan and Welsh soprano Wayne Evans, better-known to gogglebox slouchers as the Go Compare man!

Saturday 3rd September: Devizes Confetti Battle and Colour Rush

If you donโ€™t know what this most bizarre event of Devizes calendar consists of, youโ€™re not from Devizes!

For those who arenโ€™t, please come and see what itโ€™s all about: This year the Confetti Battle continues to grow and the colourful chaos has been added to with the introduction of the Colour Rush, an amazing 5 km mixed terrain fun run โ€“ what better way to arrive at a Confetti Battle than covered in multi-coloured powder!

There is no โ€˜battleโ€™ as such, just a very silly half-hour during which a lot of fun is had, and a lot of confetti is thrown about. Expect to get โ€˜attackedโ€™ by complete strangers throwing paper!  The Battle continues to gain popularity and 2017 saw over 3500 people take part. The event takes place at the finish line of our new Colour Rush 5k run so expect to see some exceptionally colourful visitors in the crowd.

Enjoy yourself on Jennings funfair in the Market Place on both Saturday 31st of August and Sunday 1st of September operating between 5.30 pm until 11.00 pm.

Buy tokens to exchange for the confetti before the event โ€“ look out for our stand and get your tokens in advance to reduce queuing time during the event. Youโ€™ll still need to line up to collect your confetti prior to the 8pm kick-off.

Keep your eyes peeled when collecting your confetti as one lucky person will receive a Golden Ticket in a confetti bag, info about the prize will be announced soon.

Saturday 24th September 2nd October: Devizes Food & Drink Festival

More food than I can reasonably stuff into my oversized cakehole, and trousers for afterwards, and thatโ€™s really saying something more than Bananarama. Saturday 24th kicks straight off with the free market in the Market Place, and thereโ€™s a packed lunch full show of events, including designing a sandwich fit for the Queen, workshops, talks, meals, foraging, Come Dine with Us, and a Teddy Bearโ€™s picnic; details of which are on their website.

And thatโ€™s about it, summer over, batten down the hatches for autumn; unless you know any different? Something we missed? Why didnโ€™t you tell us about it? Too late nowโ€ฆ..unless you twist my arm, editing on this article is strictly and unashamedly governed on favouritism!  

Trending….

Date Set for Devizes Pride

Hear ye, oh, hear ye, with much yet to plan for the event, we’re pleased to announce the date of Saturday June 29th has beenโ€ฆ

Hip Hop Hooray; The Scribes Rock Trowbridge Town Hall

Pleased as Punch I’ve managed to tick three Bristol-based musical acts off my must-see list in as many weeks; Boom Boom Racoon, Mr Tea and the Minions, and this Saturday night saw me boom-bap bouncing to The Scribes in the most unusual of places to find hip hop, Trowbridge Town Hall…

And bouncy it certainly is, an irresistible, partially old skool sound which embraces all the positives of UK hip hop, and none of the negative stereotypes. If we were the other side of the pond, it’d be classed east coast rap, surely(?) as the Scribes find the perfect balance between carefree and enjoyable, the like of De La Soul, the concentrated harmonising of A Tribe Called Quest, and the tongue-twisting proficiency of The Fu-Schnickens.

It’s poignantly layered with denotation, when it needs to be, yet it remains without the pretentious bravado and bling; there wasn’t a gold bikini-clad hoard of chicks sprawled across a white stretch limo (partly a shame), there wasn’t a single baseball cap on back-to-front, or a gold chain large enough to anchor a cruise ship. In chatting with Ill Literate outside, he was keen to cast off those preconceptions for his trio, and UK hip hop in general.

In fact, he was tremendously outgoing, sociable and articulate, this common association of a chip on shoulder was non-existent. What there was where truckloads of intelligent lyrics, executed so incredibly intricately, precise and with a skill way, way beyond the average; dope is the appropriate term, apparently!

But from listening to their tracks, I gathered this long before the show, I’ve been waffling about their talent for some time now, trying to get the message out there; the Scribes are the most promising hip hop act currently on the UK circuit; Iโ€™ll call it.

Though if last night proved my point, the crowd at the Town Hall was minimal and disappointing, but one talent I hadn’t predicted was their stage presence. The Scribes have a natural ability to entice, encourage and involve the crowd; it was virtually holiday camp entertainment fashioned at one point, where they divided the room in two for heckling humour, but if this was clichรฉ, they united the sides again in harmony; nicely done.

There could be many factors as to why numbers were down, perhaps the Town Hall has a stigma for younger local hip hop fans, perhaps the publicity didn’t reach the required audience, maybe, it was pointed out by an attendee that the scaffolding obscures the wealth of events happening inside. I’d favour some marketing brainstorming might be an idea, the poster designs are rather formulated, this one hardly spelt out the awesome hip hop gig it was. Outside, a popular nearby bar’s DJ blasted out Wham’s Wake me up Before you Go-Go to a busy crowd; you can’t train stupid!

What Trowbridge and neighbouring villages need to twist their melon around is the venue is offering a vast variety of affordable events, and with the incredibly motivated Sheer Music promoter, Kieran Moore at the helm, it’s quality not quantity. Twist to the predictable preconception is, Trowbridge Town Hall is a wonderfully welcoming and aesthetically pleasing venue, pushing the boundaries. And in this notion, The Scribes were in fact the perfect act, as they too clearly push boundaries.

The Scribes are booked to many festivals, from Shindig to Boomtown, and are popular regulars at Salisbury’s Winchester Gate. As I peered inward and ignored the lack of audience, I could imagine they’d handle a huge crowd with similar ease, and the whole house would be jumping like House of Pain on trampolines in zero G.

Support came from Salisbury-based Mac Lloyd, a solo artist impossible to pigeonhole. With a sensationally emotive voice he cast some original compositions to the crowd, using ambient and breaks backing tracks, but at times incorporating electric guitar and sporadically rapping. I could suppose it’s intelligent hip hop, at base level, but it’s too unique to categorise and played out with such skill and passion, let’s roughly liken him to what Pewsey’s Cutsmith is putting out, and open a whole new pigeonhole for them; now that’s experimentally creative and interesting. Keep your eye on Mac Lloyd.

But look, it’s Sunday; permission granted for me to go out on a whim, get a little rant off my chest?! Concerning today, not for The Scribes’ sake, more so for the general misconception of this genre, quintessentially the new rock n roll? And for it we need to go back, way back, back into time, back to legwarmers and BMXโ€ฆ.

I grew up in dog-turd-paved suburbia, bin bag mountains on the streets, where binmen were on strike, hardly anyone under the age of 25 had a job, and a frustrated generation hostage to a Conservative regime caused white to blame black and only unite to bash the Asians. Yet gradually, Skinhead and teddy-boy gangs dwindled as we joined hands in primary school, and body-popped; I was too chubby to breakdance!

Just as a decade prior in New Yorkโ€™s ghettos, racially segregated warfare came to an end through the invention of block parties heralding a mixture of musical genres to appease them all. Just as rock n roll united black and white, hip hop dragged everything into its melting pot.

Now, exported to Britain a short-lived fad arrived, quickly as ever commercialised. It was carefree party vibes; Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel’s The Message was the exception to the rule, ground-breaking it displayed conscious prose, just as Gill Scott Heron, which warped into a freedom of expression ethos whereby frustrations of ghetto life could be voiced; enter Public Enemy and NWA.

Consequently, it became aggressive, angry and as it spread across the States rivalry got heated. It took us to the late eighties whereby the backlash returned us to a carefree offshoot. The likes of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Arrested Development put the hippy back into hip hop.

The genre ruled the day, but the commercialism only resisted and what rebelled was slackness in lyrics, this polarised philosophy of do or die; gold, guns and hoes; that sort of macho bullshit.

Afraid it is so, but so too does rock and ska have their extremities, and we don’t single them out with a narrow-minded preconception, we accept there’s that part to them but it doesn’t represent a majority, why do we do it with hip hop?

The roots of hip hop are not lost, just obscured like a flower in bracken. The original ethos was more akin to the carefree spirit of early rave, a generation on, than it is to a modern commercial hip hop market. We see this now through the later ninetiesโ€™ association with the big beat sound of Skint and Wall of Sound, using breakbeat to throw jazz, blues, rock, and reggae into a melting point; what-cha gonna do when the fat boy’s trippin; that kinda Brighton rock!

One good reason why The Scribes are ahead of their game, they can fit into this, and unlike the nonsensical chanting of an MC, they lyrically supply something sublime.

This may play off well in the cities and festivals, but by the end of the night I tried to convince Ill Literate not to give up prompting The Scribes to the smaller, more rural backwaters, as there are pockets of resistance; there are hip hoppers doing crazy legs in the fields! Secret is, they come to Devizes via our tropical holiday-at-home rum bar, The Muck & Dundar in November; I’d sincerely hope we can show them some serious support, because believe me, the Scribes, and Mac Lloyd rocked da house, aka, Trowbridge Town Hall last night, and this thoroughly deserves our attention.

The Scribes

Trending….

Mantonfest 2024

Images: Gail Foster Whilst festivals around us come and go Mantonfest has been a constant of the Wiltshire music calendar since 2009….. The 29th ofโ€ฆ

Swindon Palestine Solidarity Hold Charity Dinner

On Saturday, people from across Swindon came to Swindon Palestine Solidarityโ€™s charity dinner to raise funds for Medical Aid Palestine and raise awareness of theโ€ฆ

Bird is the Word; Birdmens at Long Street Blues Club

See, you know I ain’t gonna bullshit you, too hungover for that. To hell with advertorials; we’re the review equivalent of Catchphrase, we don’t abide by them here, we say what we see. Be warned, being Iโ€™ve bunked the morning off work, youโ€™ve got me to cast my punitive opinion the Birdmens night at Long Street Blues Club, our usual Long Street reporter and part of the furniture there, Andy, Iโ€™ve demoted to photographer just for this occasion.….

Of course, itโ€™s nice to return to any venue Iโ€™ve not poked my bulbous snout into for a while, and yeah, I was tipped off by the one band guitarist, Dave Doherty, there would be no holding back at this here gig, but nah, no money changed hands for me to plug it, other than they’d be space on the dancefloor for me to shake my scraggly rump, obscuring the view of members of the blues appreciation society that is Devizes’ Long Street Blues Club. Which I did so, cos the Birdmens gig was everything they said it would be, and a little bit more.

We could ask for Howlin Wolf meets Jimi Hendrix, but a Birdmens in the hand is worth two in the bush; when isn’t Long Street Blues Club a safe bet? For crying out loud, that town councillor is bring Errol Linton to town next occasion, 4th June: is Liz Debbie McGee, cos that’s magic?!

In fair exchange for said honesty, if you did attend, you’ll know where I’m coming from; it was simply a sublime night. Birdmens was a lockdown project, a potential supergroup trapped indoors with nought else but to produce a beguiling album, but, quite clearly by last nightโ€™s performance, aching to get out and play together, despite various collaborations in the past, in this new official guise; I get that.

Something of an exclusive then; they came, saw, kicked into touch the most blinding set of authentic sixties-fashioned swampy delta blues to have ever graced my widening eardrums, and left the spellbound Devizesโ€™ blues aficionados to trek onto Holland for the Moulin Blues Ospel festival, their only other date to erm, date; show offs!

Long Street signifies everything crucial to punching a Devizes pushpin into the global blues map. Yet rather than hosting an established name as usual, the Birdsmen gig was a risk, if a bulletin wasnโ€™t spread of its legendary line-up. Anyone with a slight acquaintance of the local blues scene will know any one of these musicians could give a breath-taking performance solo, armed with just a xylophone. Absent off the Birdmens roster were guitarist Joel Fisk, keyboardist Bob Fridzema and Giles King on harmonica. The remaining crew of lead & rhythm guitarists, Ian Siegal, Jon Amor, and Dave Doherty, with bassist Rob Barry and Jonny Henderson pushing the keys was more than plentiful.

With more pizazz than 007, Ian Siegal is the spark and definitive frontman, he is to UK blues as Ray Winstone is to UK gangster movies; just naturally fits like a glove. Though fronting was divided between him and Jon Amor, who needs no introduction. Iโ€™m supposing its professionalism and comradeship which allows them to slot into routine so superlatively, rather than time to perfect this live act, which theyโ€™ve not really had much of.

They started as is their album, with โ€œCat Drugged Up,โ€ and must have featured most of the eleven tracks with a finale of the funkiest โ€œDigginโ€™ That Rut.โ€ With time spare for Jon take centre-stage for his magnum opus โ€œJuggernaut,โ€ and his Costello-esque โ€œRed Telephone,โ€ and for Ian to hold a mellowed homage to classic blues in the key of The Whispersโ€™ You Never Miss Your Water, executed akin to Otis Redding, I swear on my catโ€™s life. It was at this point Ian unnecessarily excused himself elucidating his two broken ribs, but no one was complaining. It was an enraptured show from start to finish; upbeat when it needed to be, emotive and precisely accomplished.      

Inexcusably, Iโ€™ve got that eighties Elton John song stuck in my head this morning, I Guess Thatโ€™s Why They Call it the Blues; no guessing about it, Reg, Devizes had itself a night to remember. Based on this, if Dave Doherty recommended a flower pressing workshop, I’d attend without question.

But none of this occurred before Tom Harris donned his blues Stetson in support of this memorable gig. Something unique about our Tom, his wailing vocals, just as his smiley face could’ve been the work of Harvey Ball. He’s supported at Long Street annually at least, for a decade. He rinsed his original compositions in style, with a self-penned scatological festival-toilet blues song, followed by a gritty version of Simon and Garfunkel’s Sounds of Silence, hinting at his extreme metal band Kinasis, yet not straying from appeasing the blues aficionados; we like Tom.

Long Street Blues Club yet again pulled off a blinder; yeah, thereโ€™s dynasties of dedicated blues obsessives, regulars there with the habit of inspecting as if it was opera, but itโ€™s far from cliquey, most welcoming to newcomers, and when a band like Birdmens thrust some life into it, it goes off.

Trending…..

The Lost Trades to Release Live Album

To international acclaim on the folk circuit, weโ€™ve loved to follow the progress of the Lost Trades since day dot, when Phil Cooper enthusiastically toldโ€ฆ

Wormwood; Cracked Machineโ€™s New Album

A third instalment of space rock swirls and cosmic heavy duty guitar riffs was unleashed in January from our homegrown purveyors of psychedelia, Cracked Machine.โ€ฆ

The Worried Men Take the Pump

And Morpheus said unto Neo, โ€œunfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.โ€ Funny cos, Iโ€ฆ

Daisy Chapman Took Flight

Okay, so, if I praised the Bradford Roots Festival last weekend and claimed to have had a fantastic time, itโ€™s all as true as Harrisonโ€ฆ

Devizes Street Festival; Day Two and Overall

All images used with the kind permission of Simon Folkard Photography

That’s overall, as in “taking everything into account,” and not the all-in-one pac-a-mac kind, I thought you should know before I commence wafflingโ€ฆ

Do they even sell pac-a-macs now? Google it if you feel the need, but keep the results to yourself; ah, off I trek… Sunday, the second day of Devizes Street Festival, and the main stage had a little hat; unfortunately, weather turned more appropriate for April and I’d wager combined with fragments of hangover, it resulted in a slightly lesser crowd.

Nevertheless, the show marched on unperturbed. I confess, due to Dad’s taxi on call, I rocked up far too late to justify a precise evaluation, but you know me, I relish in the attention giving my tuppence brings, so I will, thank you.

Firstly, I’ll apologise if Saturday’s thoughts came across a tad preachy, about volunteering and playing your part, but my reasoning was concern. It is critical younger volunteers take up these posts as the years pass; I worry if generation next doesn’t replicate what DOCA have achieved, it could go all village fete fashion, rather than what we have now, the colourful array of variety, the festive-style we rarely see the like of around these backwaters.

Though I accept how it is, folk are busy, working, have other priorities (like dadโ€™s taxi) and want the occasion to unwind and enjoy themselves, that is, after all, its purpose. I found myself caught in this dilemma helping out Saturday. Self-assigned myself to wheelie bin patrol, I figured I could keep one eye on them from the bar area! Anyhoo, let’s drift away from that thought and look at what an utterly fantastic show it was; don’t wanna jinx it.

An assessment of social media commentary hailed it a success, aside one ironic Facebook jester. Many suggested it was the best yet, though it came to us at a light at the end of a biennial tunnel, void of much entertainment at all, so a Jim Davidson tour would sound fantastic by comparison. But I agree, taking heed of various attendeesโ€™ observations, yeah, it was equally if not better than previous street festivals. I believe the change of stage positioning, binding food stalls into a horseshoe was a benefactor for this, but aside design the surprise icing on the cake had to be the Ceres show, the splendour of which was covered in my previous article. The local folklore subject breathed a sense of inimitability and distinctiveness to the whole shebang, it really did.

I confess, when I first read about the idea, I was sceptical, even at its commencement I doubted but now, the more I consider it the more astonished and overwhelmed I become with its magnificence. Sunday for me though had one highlight I simply couldnโ€™t miss; Iโ€™ve been raving Bristolโ€™s folk-Balkan ska ensemble Mr Tea & The Minions since I fondly reviewed their album Mutiny in 2019. So much so Iโ€™ve been trying to convince anyone and everyone to book them somewhere local since; you shouldโ€™ve seen my little chubby chops light up when I noticed their name on the schedule, the like of a toddler at Christmas. Why did I then go about, recommending them to every passer-by? The proof was in the pudding, they didnโ€™t disappoint despite the pedestal I put them on, as their album they were lively, jubilantly danceable, the perfect match for the spirit of the street festival.

With some brilliant new tunes and a handful from their album they won the audience over with their stylised formula of blending localised folk into this already deeply fused south-eastern European genre which reflects its own roots with the off-beat of Jamaciaโ€™s finest musical export. As an enthusiast of ska keen to ascertain its contemporary global progression, Iโ€™m resolute we castoff the polarized presumption it belonged to a time of yore, of eighties skinheads and Two-Tone. Memorable and fantastically beguiling though Madness, The Specials, et al were, developments internationally offer us a much wider variety often overshadowed by the aforementioned retrospective cult in the UK. I think Mr Tea & the Minions represent this, but as the tradition presides, they have a truckload of carefree fun while doing it.

I could chew your ear off about how much I enjoyed that particular act, but it is the combination of all which really made the weekend something special. Equally as much as I love the wealth of local talent, and do believe they too should be represented at the Street Festival, director Lozโ€™s determination to present us with a variety of sounds unconventional to our usual local circuit, the liveliest and most colourful array of world music, is something I welcome with open arms. Just like the South American vibe of Mariachi Las Velentinas, Simo Lagnawiโ€™s Gnawa Blues All Stars, on one act prior to Mr Tea, was the perfect example; you donโ€™t get to hear Gnawa, the scared trance music of Morocco in the pubs around here, and they played it sublimely for our alternate jiffy.

In this, the most conventional act on the main stage was perhaps the Brass Junkies, and by our usual expectations they were pretty much unconventional! I note them because while a covers band, where I usually assess with their attention of making a cover their own, this Bristol-based versatile brass band of New Orleans style do this so absolutely proficiently. So, to appease the populace, covers of contemporary, foot-tapping pop hits, such as Daft Punkโ€™s Get Lucky get a brass makeover, and they refined this angle with bells on.

But more so on this variety point is the vast array of circus and street theatre, too many to cover, they just go on, around you, in a breath-taking inclusive show you dare not blink at. If one constructive criticism I heard bounding about requested DOCA add more music to the main stage, the answer would have to be, aside the sheer cost and the time needed to soundcheck for these multi-instrumental seven- or eight-piece bands, is that DOCA want you to explore the Market Place and take in the variety of side-shows, and to have a continuous rave at the main stage would both distract the crowds and drown out the sounds of them too; and you know what? I think thatโ€™s fair point.

The combination of all these elements meant the Street Festival is restored post-lockdown, better than it ever was and is continuing to better itself through continued assessment and experimental changes; something we are very lucky to have here in Devizes. Though the smiles in the crowd said it all, then the topical and uniquely Devizes narrative of this added element, this sublime finale, combing dance, acrobatic performance, poetry and music truly was the binding component which confirms my assertion and made it, undoubtedly, the finest street festival yet. Thank you once again, all the organisers and volunteers of DOCA.

Onwards, carnival is July 9th, the Confetti Battle and Colour Rush are on 3rd September, but next up is The Picnic in the Park at Hillworth Park, Devizes, on Sunday 3rd July, all the info you need is at the DOCA website; enjoy yourself, itโ€™s later than you think.

Trending….

New Nothing Rhymes With Orange Single

Friday is over, I’m a day late to the party, but there’s a new single from Devizes-own Nothing Rhymes With Orange, and you’ve not heardโ€ฆ

Learn the Art of Chocolate with HollyChocsย 

Devizes-based chocolate engineer Holly Garner, 2023 Chocolate Champion for the Southwest, has launched her new chocolate classes for the first half of 2024โ€ฆโ€ฆ From learningโ€ฆ

Belthane: Whatโ€™s Happening May Bank Holiday in Wiltshire?

I donโ€™t want to be the burden of bad news, you can blame my stupid, stupid phone weather app; Friday looks okay, 12% chance of drizzle on Saturday, 50% on Sundayโ€ฆ. But honestly, right, you donโ€™t want to believe that, I donโ€™t trust it one iota and I donโ€™t even know what an iota is. Subject to change, inconsistent, and just, well, blinking annoying, weather apps are for people who canโ€™t be bothered looking away from their phone and up into the sky anyway, itโ€™s the bank holiday weekend, it’s time to party, so get up, come on everybody.……

Ill-perceived as dull, thereโ€™s more events going on in Wiltshire over the weekend than people! So, rather than my Facebook rundown, I need to draft it into an articleโ€ฆ hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found to do over the Belthane, or May Day Bank Holiday. Bear in mind, itโ€™s time consuming to add links to all the events, and for those still undecided what to do, I need to push this out today. Therefore, thereโ€™s only one link you need, and thatโ€™s to our event calendar, where all the details and ticket links are. Be fast though, stuff is selling out!

Click HERE!

For the hardcore, eager to get out and about, Thursday 28th April looks like this:

Leading up to DOCAโ€™s weekend festivities in Devizes, the Festival Quiz Night is happening in The Shambles, with quizmaster Don. In Swindon, Hannah Rose Platt plays with full band and Jules Hill in support at The Tuppeny, itโ€™s comedy night at the Victoria, and finalist in 2016โ€™s Iโ€™m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, who moved onto to then hosting, Joel Dommett, presents his Unapologetic tour at the Wyvern.

Friday 29th, here we go, little toe in the water:

Live music options aplenty, Calneโ€™s brilliant Britpop covers Six Oโ€™clock Circus play the Three Crowns Devizes, and equally, for all things mod, The Roughcut Rebels are at The Barge in Seend Cleeve.

We loved these guys at the Gate a few weeks ago, for blues-rock check out The Worried Men at The Barge on HoneyStreet. Megson play Marlborough Folk Roots Club at the Town Hall, in, as you might guess, Marlborough, but for more punky vibes check out Blunder & Bluff at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford on Avon, or legendary Peter & the Test Tube Babies at the Vic, Swindon.

The Teddy Rocks Festival kicks off in Blandford, thereโ€™s a celebration of Luther Vandross at the Wyvern, Swindon and it is also the local talent show final time at Chippenhamโ€™s Neeld Hall, Take The Stage.

Saturday 30th April is firing on all cylinders:

Thereโ€™s the monthly Kids Cookery Class for ages 11-16 at Vaughanโ€™s Kitchen Cookery School, but eyes are on Devizes as DOCAโ€™s Street Festival will be in the Market Place; itโ€™s free, itโ€™s fantastic, itโ€™s the best day out youโ€™ll have in Devizes. Further along the Brittox, itโ€™s also the Born2Rum Festival at our glorious rum bar, The Muck & Dundar, and The Leon Day Band play The Southgate.

Either side of Devizes is looking awesome too, with the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival one side, and SOLD OUT Seend Beer Festival on the other. Thereโ€™s also the Wiltshire Spring Sing with PG Choirs at Neeld, Chippenham.

John Langham is at The Barge, HoneyStreet, Tom Jenkins at Trowbridge Town Hall. Six Oโ€™clock Circus play The Jenny Wren, Calne, Alkahest Meeking & Bad News First at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford on Avon, and the Bee Skaโ€™s at Swindonโ€™s The Woodlands Edge. Staying in Swindon, the Wyvern has Paul Merton, show offs!

Sunday 1st May; pinch punch:

Devizes International Street Festival continues in the Market Place, be there, or donโ€™t forget around 5pm, Jon Amor does his residency at The Southgate, this week featuring Marcus Bonfanti.

The Vine Tree Inn, Norton has a mini-festival, VineFest, and Trowbridgeโ€™s Pump presents The Rider. Crash UK play The Lamb, Marlborough, and The Mike Hoddinott Band at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Itโ€™s the start of Cloth Road Arts Week at Trowbridge Town Hall, and The Bootleg Shadows play Swindon Arts Centre, while Balletboyz are at the Wyvern Theatre.

Monday 2nd May, and itโ€™s not quite over:

Marlborough Rotary have a Bank Holiday Boot Sale on The Common, and Swindon Festival of Literature kicks off with a fortnight of events for your book worms: Isabel Hardman & Caroline Williams at Lydiard Park Conference Centre, and Charlie Corbett at Lower Shaw Farm.

Tues 3rd, you thought it was all over, but it’s not now:

Crazy For You starts a run at Bath Royal Theatre, ending on the 7th, and Elizabeth I: Virgin on the Ridiculous too, running Wednesday too. Then, thereโ€™s heap of Swindon Festival of Literature events, with Naomi Shragai, A.C. Grayling and Jon Alexander all at Swindon Arts Centre, and Sue Birley at the Central Library, Regent Circus, and An Evening with Gill Sims at the Wyvern Theatre.

Wed 4th and May just doesnโ€™t come up for air:

Reef, yes Reef plays The Oak in Marlborough, thanks to Sound Knowledge, and Corinne Bailey Rae is at Bath Forum. An interesting Stephen Lowe play at Bathโ€™s Rondo Theatre called Touched, running until 7th May. Swindonโ€™s Literature Festival continues with Abigail Williams, Benedict Allen and Xanthi Barker & Charlie Gilmour, all at Swindon Arts Centre, and thereโ€™s a Lunchtime Recital at the Wyvern.

And before you know it, itโ€™ll be the weekend again, and there are loads of great stuff, including one-liner genius Gary Delaney coming to Devizes Corn Exchange, while Marti Pellow is at Bath Forum on Thursday. Birdsmen at Long Street Blues Club in Devizes, The Skandals at the Vic, Swindon, both on Friday. The Devizes Cancer Research fundraiser, Stert Car Boot Sale on Saturday 7th, and Saturday, hip hop fans, the Scribes are playing Trowbridge Town Hall, and that is not to be missed!

Thereโ€™s so much going on locally, if you browse other websites which wait for organisers to contact them to add listings, youโ€™ll be left in the dark. Devizine goes out of its way to search for the best events, of all kinds, in our local area and this makes it the most comprehensive and probably the silliest too! Have a great Belthane; Iโ€™m going to keep calling it that, so youโ€™ll all turn pagan overnight!

Trending….

Richard Wileman on the Forked Road

Fashionably late for the party, apologies, the fellow Iโ€™m not sure if he minds me calling โ€œthe Mike Oldfield of Swindon,โ€ though itโ€™s meant asโ€ฆ

Lego Club at Devizes Library Announced

Everything is looking awesome at Devizes Library as they announce the Lego Club for six to twelve year olds will begin on Saturday 27th January!โ€ฆ

Rootless; New Single Ushti Baba

Bristolโ€™s fine purveyors of idiosyncratic folk-raving, Ushti Baba, who if youโ€™re in Devizes you might recall played Street Festival in 2022, have a new singleโ€ฆ..โ€ฆ

Timeslips; New Single from Sienna Wileman

With an album review in the pipeline for Dad which includes vocals from Sienna, our Swindon princess of melancholic poignancy has a new single, Timeslipsโ€ฆ..โ€ฆ

Gazelles: Follow-up Album from Billy Green 3

Our favourite loud Brit-popping local Geordie and gang are back with a second album. Theyโ€™re calling it Gazelles, after the previously released single opener Endlessโ€ฆ

The Magic Teapot Gathering

Okay, so there must be a truckload of local social and political ranting to cover, but itโ€™s new yearโ€™s day, Iโ€™m going to waffle aboutโ€ฆ

REVIEW โ€“ Billy Bremnerโ€™s Rockfile @ LSBC, Devizes โ€“ Friday 8th April 2022

Old Skool

Andy Fawthrop

Another night at Long Street Blues Club but on this particular evening we had an enforced change of venue from the Con Club โ€“ downstairs at the Corn Exchange.  Yes โ€“ in The Bin!

The support act James Oliver and his band was well chosen in terms of style.ย  He played the same sort of stuff as the main act that was to follow.ย  Unfortunately his performance relied more on speed and volume, and self-deprecation of his own Welsh-ness, rather than on any particularly musical ability.ย  His set was very same-y, apart a fairly pleasant and accomplished version of Peter Greenโ€™s โ€œAlbatrossโ€.ย  But otherwise it was all high energy, but low talent.ย  Sorry, but best forgotten.

Then onto the main act.  Not to be confused with namesake feisty former Leeds United midfielder (if you donโ€™t know – ask your dad), Billy Bremner started life as a member of Lulu and the Luvvers (oh โ€“ better ask dad again).  However, he’s best known for being with Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds and Terry Williams, one quarter of Rockpile, one of the finest bands ever to emerge from the United Kingdom music scene. A fearsomely accomplished guitarist, he has also been an occasional lead vocalist, as well as a great songwriter.  Since the break-up of Rockpile he’s had an illustrious career as a solo performer (four albums), and as a member of the Pretenders (that’s him playing the lead guitar on Back On The Chain Gang).  Heโ€™s also played with Shakin’ Stevens, Carlene Carter, and The Coal Porters.  Most recently heโ€™s worked as a producer and all round living legend in his adopted home, Sweden.

Now aged 75, this is the Farewell Tour for one of Britainโ€™s finest guitarists and, as expected, the evening was dedicated to the music of Dave Edmundsโ€™ Rockpile.ย  The four-piece played two sets, kicking off without introduction or pre-amble.ย  In fact there was extremely little in the way of between-song chat, and little attempt to engage with the audience.ย  Dressed all in black, and rarely cracking a smile, they presented a rather dour stage presence.ย  We had the classics like โ€œI Knew The Bride When She Used To Rock & Rollโ€, โ€œI Hear You Knockingโ€, โ€œCruel To Be Kindโ€ and even Kirsty McCollโ€™s โ€œThereโ€™s A Guy Down The Chip Shopโ€, interspersed with other material.

To be honest, it wasnโ€™t the great performance Iโ€™d been expecting.  It seemed a step down from last time Iโ€™d seen the band a few years back at the Con Club.  It was all rather single-paced, one-dimensional stuff, with little variation to leaven the mixture.  As good old pub-rock, rockabilly, power-pop, it was OK but, frankly, difficult to get too excited about.  It was chunky, but at times it was plodding.  Billyโ€™s vocals sounded rather reedy and thin.  And not at any stage of the night did any of the band actually look as if they were enjoying what they were doing โ€“ more a case of going through the motions.  It was competent, and it was professional, but it just wasnโ€™t engaging or exciting.  It seemed as if the spark had gone.

I canโ€™t say it was a bad gig, because it wasnโ€™t.  But somehow it just never seemed to really take off.  The crowd, being unusually rather small for an LSBC gig, just couldnโ€™t quite generate much atmosphere.  I guess you canโ€™t like every performer and every gig โ€“ and this was just one of those that didnโ€™t click with me.

Future Long Street Blues Club gigs:

Saturday 16th April 2022                               Billy Walton Band

Friday 6th May 2022                                        Birdmens

Saturday 4th June 2022                                   Errol Linton Band

Saturday 17 September 2022                      CSN Express

Saturday 8th October 2022                            Eddie Martin Big Blues Band

Saturday 5th November 2022                       Alastair Greene Band

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Devizine Review of 2023

Here we are again with another year under our belts and me trying to best sum it up without restraint; I reserve my rightโ€ฆ

New Single from Billy in the Lowground

The third single from Billy in the Lowground in as many months was released today, they’ve been ploughing their own furrow since 1991, beenโ€ฆ

The Closing of Cooper Tyres

By T.B.D and D Rose for Devizine.The author can be reached at housetyg@gmail.com This month the historic Cooper Tires factory in Melksham which beganโ€ฆ