Tag: girls go ska

Girls Go Ska; Frente al Mar!

Rude girls grito! Far from home perhaps, but so, so worth mentioning for tropical vibes of rock steady and ska in a fashion proportionately youโ€™ll find hard to come by around these parts, itโ€™s my beloved all-girl-bar-one Mexican ska band, Girls Go Ska with a bran-new album Frente al Mar. Girls and ska, whatโ€™s not to like?!

From the off, the title track simply melts, mellowly, and builds in tempo, but is never overdramatic; โ€œcoolโ€ is the operative word; fresco! If Iโ€™ve put them on a pedestal before, theyโ€™ve now put another couple of pedestals atop it. Often steady paced for the genre, it proves ska, while upbeat doesnโ€™t have to be full of macho-bravura skinheads, or a frenzied rancour attack against dogmatic tyranny itโ€™s often misperceived here through the eightiesโ€™ second-generation Two-Tone scene, and within the dominate contemporary ska-punk internationally. Iโ€™ve made this point in the past when penning a more general piece about ska and reggae in South America, in which Girls Go Ska were featured.

Girls go Ska

Frente al Mar is breezy, bright and fun, light-hearted and beguiling. It roots the genre to its original Jamaican ethos, as a carefree dance music. Though, thereโ€™s a large chunk of assumption with those observations, as my Spanish isnโ€™t up to scratch, so my presumption rests on the design, the album name, which translates to the seaside, basically, and mood of the vocals; if theyโ€™re singing about anything other than romantic themes and enjoying oneself dancing on a tropical beach, like making political statement, it certainly doesnโ€™t sound that way! You just have to enjoy the professionality and untroubled vibe this album breezes in your direction, itโ€™s gorgeous, and it absolutely skanks!

Packaged femininely in loud pink and decorated with cute shลjo manga, rather than our typecast black and white chequered trade identity with Walt Jabsco splashed all over, Frente al Mar provides an alternative to norm, but is no way attributes the โ€œfairer sex,โ€ rather riot grrrl kick-ass in tenet, gender-neutral in sound. Not that punk comes into play; throughout itโ€™s steadfast traditional ska sound, one should credit Studio One rather than Two-Tone, or even Reel Big Fish for, thereโ€™s also sprinklings of Latino sound traditional to Mexico, of ranchera, norteรฑo and their contemporary offshoots, but are subtle and likely naturally occurring.

Imagine, if your English mind will adapt, Gloria Estefan performing ska, and youโ€™re nearer to the mark than The Specials. But no, eight sublimely flowing tunes is what you get, a sun-kissed blessing on the ear, in the style of brass-based rock steady and good olโ€™ ska. While pukka boys, Death of Guitar Pop are currently returning the welcomed Nutty-Boys-esque frivolous and fairground ska home for lads, further afield, here comes the girls.

Meanwhile here in my hometown of Devizes, the newly opened rum bar, The Muck & Dundar has been a roaring success, proving a taste of the tropical is welcomed, ergo, taken out of its context and origins, Frente al Mar would make the perfect soundtrack to it. Me? I’m smitten, with a little crush!

Trending….

Lady Nadeโ€™s New Album, Identity

There’s musical acts which play united on equal pegging, and then there’s those which follow the lead of a virtuoso. Be it guitar, like Hendrix,โ€ฆ

My River, New Single from M3G

Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโ€ฆ.. If you deemโ€ฆ

Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres

Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโ€™s aboutโ€ฆ

New Ladies-Only Club Opens In The Market Place.

A ladies-only club, four gloriously eccentric rooms and a barista in a bowler hat: The Dressing House is anything but ordinary. Devizine contributor Charlotte Howardโ€ฆ

Song of the Day 4: Girls Go Ska

Hi, yeah s’me, keeping up the Song of the Day feature like dedication was as word I know the definition of!

No excuses not to, I mean I am of the generation when Roy Castle clasped his trumpet weekly, ready for the signing off of “Record Breakers.” No, it’s not a euthanasim, Google it whippersnappers.

Might also explain my fondness for brass. Brass is class, and a vital element of ska. Yep, four tunes in and I couldn’t resist sharing some ska with you.

It’s a commonly misguided notion that ska is a retrospective cult here in England. It tends to convey a bygone era of Two-Tone records, boots and braces.

Yet today, while said stereotype has a grounding, ska is an international phenomenon, particularly in South America. I did write a piece about this region’s love for ska, and how it’s roots out of Jamaica bare a different tale from our own.

To show you how fresh it can be elsewhere in the world, and it’s not a reminiscence for a
load of overweight balding pensioners as perceived in the UK, here’s all-female bar one Mexican band, Girls Go Ska, who I’m secretly in love with, (so secret they don’t even know themselves….until they use Google translate!) doing an instrumental jam.

Girls and ska; what’s not to like? Have a lovely rest of your day. Very good. Carry on….

  • โ€œPlayhouse Creaturesโ€ at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, October 8th-10th 2026

    by Ian Diddams
    images by Simon Hoy

    Cast your minds back around about a month and you may recall a Devizine preview of โ€œPlayhouse Creaturesโ€, performed by โ€œ3rd Third Theatreโ€ at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes.

    Here is it to refresh your memories ๐Ÿ™‚

    https://devizine.com/2026/09/10/playhouse-creatures-at-the-wharf-theatre-devizes-october-8th-10th-a-preview/

    That preview covers the basic premise and storyline of the play, and its societal equivalences to modern society. Its a rags-to-riches, riches-to-rags, rags-to-rags and riches-to-nothing story of five women who in their pursuits of idolatry, social climbing and wealth, and escaping the oppression of men, all in their own way achieve their aims โ€“ mainly โ€“ but are still left oppressed by the patriarchy.

    Doll Common retains a semblance of normality but as a drudge to everybody โ€“ including other women โ€“ she neither improves nor worsens her lot. Rebecca Marshall full of confidence and panache during the story finally sees herself ruined by slander at the hands of the nobility โ€“ who also do the dirty on Elizabeth Farleigh who from lofty pretensions , airs and graces, descends to the gutter, abandoned. Nell Gwynn (yes โ€“ THAT Nell Gwynn) in many ways truly โ€œmakes itโ€ โ€“ but at the cost of abandoning any independence and thoughts of fulfilling her dreams. And finally there is the matriarch of the group, Mary Betterton, who crashes from doyen of the theatre to a housewife, rejected in her middle age by her most dearest.

    Director Debby Wilkinson in this debut performance for her new theatre company โ€œ3rd Third Theatreโ€ has created a black box presentation focussing all attention on the actors, the characters and the story. It’s stunningly effective โ€“ less is more as they day โ€“ as with subtle lighting, and sound alone the action is embellished in this captivating and intimate portrayal of womenโ€™s experiences across all time.

    Her cast is simply sublime; every member plays their role to the utmost excellence. In no particular order as they are all equally wonderful, Louise Peak drudges through Dollโ€™s interactions with not a little humour subtly delivered as she plays her cynical underdog role. Sophie Kerr as Elizabeth Farleigh is cool and classy and haughty until undone and her transformation to a guttersnipe is seamless.

    Wendy Dophiede as Mary Betterton portrays Maryโ€™s self assured, slightly unworldly, diva drifting into obscurity, disbelief and self doubt smoothly, from self assurance to horror at her demise. Grace Sheridan captures the cheeky London orange seller, Nell Gwynn, whose social climbing reached the highest ranks of the land whilst retaining her charm and fun, and that twinkle in her eye, later resigned to her fate as a kept women to the King. Freddie Underwood completes the cast with her stunning portrayal of Rebecca Marshall, sassy, fun loving but ultimately ruined. A true cast of cohesiveness, bringing April de Angelisโ€™ play to life.

    Tickets for โ€œPlayhouse Creaturesโ€, October 8th – 10th at the Wharf Theatre are available at

     https://www.ticketsource.com/the-wharf-theatre/playhouse-creatures/e-jpykpl


  • Discovering the Devizes Festival of Discovery!

    Yeah I know, right, itโ€™s come up on us rather unexpectedly, this Festival of Discovery thing, hasnโ€™t it?! Whatโ€™s itโ€™s all about then, I hear you ask. With DOCA busy with the hugely successful Confetti Battle and Colour Rush, theyโ€™ve not had time to update their website yet, so hereโ€™s what we know so far, and how Devizine got involved; letโ€™s discover what we can and The Festival of Discovery!

    The Festival of Discovery is a new free weekend festival for Devizes, organised by DOCA. It is happening across the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October. The festival will consist of three zones. Each zone is closed to traffic and is curated with wonderful happenings for you to explore, all connecting with their theme. Some performers will be travelling between zones. โ€œMake sure you explore all of them,โ€ DOCA says, โ€œthere is something for everyone in each zone!โ€

    One zone then, is at The Market Place and is labelled โ€œDiscover Community.โ€ This is the place to sit, eat, listen to music, watch shows, make something in a workshop and make new friends.

    The second zone will be at The Brittox, โ€œDiscover Nature.โ€ Swap, learn, repair, watch nature-inspired shows, check out our willow installations, make a dandelion flower and ride on the Bewonderment Machine. Think about how we can help and appreciate the nature that is all around us. In this nature zone, a huge willow structure will weave its way through the Brittox, transforming the townโ€™s main shopping street into a unique woodland-inspired walk.

    The third zone is in Sidmouth Street, the Youth and Community Zones; discover young perspectives. โ€œIf you are or have ever been young,โ€ DOCA says, โ€œyouโ€™ll enjoy this zone!โ€ There are games, inflatables, and a mini-stage for talented young musicians; the latter is where Devizine comes in, and the bit I want to tell you most about, despite the fact that I’m neither young nor talented!

    Iโ€™m delighted DOCA has asked me to host this stage, and with it Iโ€™m bringing some friends along; only the finest lineup of youthful talent in Wiltshire! The focus is on acoustic and singer-songwriters aged from 13 to 23, but there will be cover artists too, a couple of duos, and we will give them the freedom to perform what they wish.

    So, we will be in Albion Place at Sidmouth Street from 11:30am to 5:30pm both days, please, join us, and support these incredible young artists. Do not assume Sunday is going to be the lesser day, it seriously is not. Iโ€™ve had such a huge response to this, Iโ€™ve been crazy busy trying to organise it, and squeeze everyone in. Our grand finales on both Saturday and Sunday will blow your mind! And, if youโ€™re thinking, โ€˜itโ€™s just a bunch of kidsโ€™ you are still welcome, because you will be the most surprised!

    So, in order of appearance from 11:30 till 5:30, we present, on the Devizine Launchpad!ย 

    Saturday: Stan Jenkins, Sienna Wileman, Braydon-Lee Jones, Jodie Lauren, Ed Dowdeswell, Rosie Jay, Emelia Houchin, Meg Hoy.

    On Sunday we have Tamzin Antignani, Lois Millington, Indigo Avenue, Alfie Crinion, Orla and Jack, Seren Alyssa, Poppy Rose and Ruby Darbyshire.

    Itโ€™s going to be amazing, I’m more excited than they are! And I look forward to seeing you all there! Here’s some teasers…..

  • Lady Nadeโ€™s New Album, Identity

    There’s musical acts which play united on equal pegging, and then there’s those which follow the lead of a virtuoso. Be it guitar, like Hendrix, the poetry of Dylan, or trumpet like Miles Davis, any specific field of expertise, but none are so emotively poignant as the human voiceโ€ฆ.

    It would be unfair on anyone to compare their vocals with Bristol-based singer-songwriter, Lady Nade; I have to save this for the likes of Anita Bakerโ€™s rich phrasing and control, the gospel roots of Aretha Franklinโ€™s, and, particularly, the smoky contralto of Nina Simone. Lady Nade has a new album, Indentity, out tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, a deeply personal album of self-discovery, self-acceptance and the courage to show the world who you truly are; it does, sublimely.

    The more I immerse myself into this album, the more intricate details I discover. Lucky I donโ€™t give star ratings out of ten because there arenโ€™t enough in the galaxy to award this treasure trove with what it deserves!

    We first reviewed a Lady Nade album back in 2021, Willing, where it was heavy with nods towards country influences, and I waffled about Ray Charlesโ€™ affection for the genre. This time, with only subtle sprinkles of roots, more of jazz and blues, the concentration though is soul. This lady takes on every subgenre of soul, track by track, and even with the blending of other styles, by the meaning of these ingeniously penned songs and Ladyโ€™s extensive vocal range giving them emotive deliveries, they win every time.

    Other than the general theme of courage and self-acceptance, thereโ€™s no precise running concept through the album; it is a collection of independent songs, where each holds its own narrative and prose; often of transformation, hope or resilience, but each one amazing within its own category.

    โ€œIdentity exists because of the love that surrounds me,โ€ Lady Nade says of the album. โ€œI hope these songs offer a safe space for anyone who has ever felt they had to hide parts of themselves to belong. We all deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated for who we are. This album is a reflection of what it means to be human, and to stand in our own truth.โ€

    Image: Arthur Reneฬ Walwin

    If thereโ€™s an objective embedded into the album, itโ€™s most prominent with the metaphoric penultimate song, Masks, a lounge jazz earworm which really brings the essence of Lady Nadeโ€™s homage to Nina Simone. Where it is that the album is honest reflection, and effectively โ€œunmasksโ€ the Lady behind, the summary is in the conclusion and the last single to be released from the album, Bloom; the empowering cure, an uplifting motive, akin to Heather Smallโ€™s Proud, but so much more delicate and subtle, itโ€™s awe-inspiring.

    The theme of strength above the odds kicks in with the title track at the opening, and itโ€™s a funky introduction. Funk makes a huge return halfway through with the righteous Stand, to make Marva Whitney blush. But the prospective love single One of Us comes second, with these subtle roots elements, and an irresistible singalong chorus rich with upbeat pop commercial viability; whoa, thereโ€™s a lot going on with this Identity, but as with any, theyโ€™re multi-layered.

    With a beautiful acoustic guitar riff, Rainbow, brings the uplifting sentiment into play with the most prominent nod to folk roots. And while thereโ€™s delightful ballads like Powerless, thereโ€™s Sober, the doo-wop inspired catchy little handclapping beauty that it is.

    The most vivid in subject is Smoke & Mirrors, and undoubtedly of the least abstract or of personal poignancy. Itโ€™s a jazzy homage to Hattie McDaniel, telling the story of Georgiaโ€™s racial segregation causing her to be banned from 1939โ€™s Gone with the Wind premiere, and even at the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, where she was required to sit at a segregated table away from the rest of the film’s white cast and crew.

    The remaining songs, though, are more personal, and open to the listenerโ€™s reflections and interpretations, and with a voice like Lady Nadeโ€™s, one which Cerys Matthews of BBC Radio 6 Music describes as โ€œa pure voice that gets stuck in your mind,โ€ it is impossible not be immersed in this wonderful album.

    Identity is out on the 2nd October 2026. Lady Nade will celebrate the release of Identity with a UK headline tour running from Friday 6th to Saturday 21st November 2026. If you recall, you lovely local people, Lady Nade did bless Devizes Arts Festival, it was one my all time favourite gigs in Devizes.

  • My River, New Single from M3G

    Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโ€ฆ..

    If you deem songwriters using rivers as metaphors as a bit clichรฉ these days, from Springsteen’s safety net for the burdens of youthful relationships, or Joni Mitchell’s desperate escapism, to Billy Joelโ€™s spiritual quest, or Neil Young’s haunting impulsive act, I’d nod, and tend to agree…but…

    Rivers often, and arguably more simply, represent the relentless passage of time, a comforting escape from relationship issues, or bold life or spiritual journeys. I’ve expressed the originalityย  in past reviews of Meg’s songs, and how she angles subjects with breathtaking honesty, and completely unique prose. My River is the perfect example, for here’s a commonly used subject, but Meg uses the river more as emotional balance; a kind of psychological therapeutic acupuncture.

    โ€œThe timeless presence of my river helps me find perspective through my pain,โ€ she said, explaining โ€œI grew up on and around the River Avon, it has been a constant in my life, something I can always rely on to be there.โ€

    โ€œAnother constant over the past seven years has been my pains and aches throughout my body. I wrote this song as I was being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Coming to terms with the fact that there is nothing physically causing all of my pain and that it would be around for the rest of my life was something I did not want to do. But as my pain will continue, so will the river that I love.โ€

    Perhaps the most appropriate song about rivers to compare this by composition to, is The Byrds, Ballad of Easy Rider, which Dylan famously scribbled the chorus to on a napkin for the director, Peter Fonda, because both flow like rivers.

    Acoustic for a minute, until subtle layers of chanting develop, and the whole composition of Meg’s river themed song builds in intensity to a climax of ultimate expression, just how a river builds its flow to an estuary. My River presents Meg vocally more mature than anything past. The effect is spellbinding.

    โ€œThe name ‘Avon’ comes a Celtic word used thousands of years ago to mean river,โ€ Meg said, โ€œso the River Avon literally means the River River!โ€

    Equally this song is so intensely beautiful, it should be named twice!

  • Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres

    Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโ€™s about as explosive as female rage soundsโ€ฆ..

    With Olivia Rodrigo fashioned dynamic and unfiltered sound of Gen Z vulnerability, hints of Florence & The Machineโ€™s baroque indie-pop, and the radical emotional honesty in the songwriting of Lizzy McAlpine, Kick the Tyres is a new new wave, and shows Flora Fiora at her most fiery. If this is airing frustrations, just roll with it, because Flora Fiora makes it sound sublimely perfected.ย 

    Her third single of the year, the others all worthy of checking out; but this one, this one totally smashes it. Itโ€™s an instant like from me!

    I met Flora supporting Talk in Code at their single launch at The Vic in Swindon last year. There she was in acoustic splendour, but wielding an electric guitar; I knew this was going to go off. Outside I congratulated her, she took control of my phone from my intoxicated sausage fingers, too wonky to press the right buttons, to ensure I followed her Insta, and besides the perfection of her rocking performance there, coupled with the notion I wouldnโ€™t advise rashly lending your phone out to any rock chick on those mean streets of Swindon, Kick the Tyres confirms I did the right thing!

    Linktree

  • The Wharf Theatre Becomes New National Theatre Live Screening Centre; Launching with The Misanthrope starring Sandra Oh

    The Wharf Theatre in Devizes is thrilled to announce a major new chapter in its artistic programme: the theatre has officially become a registered screening centre for National Theatre Live, bringing worldโ€‘class theatre from the West End directly to Wiltshire…..

    From November 2026, audiences will be able to enjoy up to 12 NT Live productions every year, screened in stunning highโ€‘definition and presented with the same care, atmosphere, and community spirit that defines the Wharf Theatreโ€™s live performance season.

    The programme launches with an exceptional first screening:

    The Misanthrope โ€“ starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh

    Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 7.30pm Tickets: ยฃ18 + booking fee Discounts available for Wharf Theatre members.

    Artistic Director of the Wharf Theatre, Alison Warren said, โ€œbecoming an NT Live venue is a huge step forward for us. It means our community can experience the very best of British theatre without travelling to London. Weโ€™re proud to offer a programme that is both accessible and artistically ambitious.โ€

    Audiences can expect a diverse year-round slate of productionsโ€”from gripping dramas and reimagined classics to bold new writingโ€”each captured live from the West End and delivered straight to Devizes.

    Tickets for The Misanthrope and the upcoming NT Live season are available now via the Wharf Theatre website and Box Office.

    National Theatre Live | The Misanthrope
  • Devizine Launchpad! Hosting Emerging Talent Area at DOCA Festival of Discovery

    Young, talented, I tick neither box, but I am delighted to tell you Devizine has assembled the very best of emerging musical talent from across Wiltshire, and weโ€™re showcasing them at Albion Place on Sidmouth Street, Devizes, for DOCAโ€™s Festival of Discovery on the 17th&18th of October. From 11:30am until 5:30pm we will squeeze in 16 young upcoming and professional acts; you will be amazed!

    For many years now Devizine has been promoting local music, and over those years weโ€™ve seen young talent rise to professional capacity and become renowned nationwide names. Thereโ€™s an uprising, the next generation are here! I could fondly waffle on about them and have faith youโ€™ll take heed, but proof is the bottom line! Iโ€™m delighted to be able to host this amazing opportunity, presenting proof to you!

    Subject to change, our line-up includes:

    Saturday 17th October:

    11:30: Stan Jenkins

    12:00: Sienna Wileman

    12:40: Braydon-Lee Jones

    13:30: Jodie Lauren

    14:20: Ed Dowdeswell

    15:10: Rosie Jay

    16:00: Emelia Houchin

    16:45: Meg Hoy

    Sunday 18th October:

    11:30: Tamzin Antignani

    12:00: Lois Millington

    12:30: Indigo Avenue

    13:20: Alfie Crinion

    14:10: Jack Ralph

    15:00: Seren Alyssa

    15:50: Poppy Rose

    16:40: Ruby Darbyshire

    I hope to see as many of you as possible, supporting live local music, and the youngest of our most talented performers. More information to come, and we will include bios and info on all our artists. For now, just had to get the message out there; I think I’m more excited about this than they are!!

  • Loser to Loser; George Wildingโ€™s New Single

    Second single of 2026 from local legend George Wilding, Loser to Loser is a grower which carries a delightful punchโ€ฆif any type of punch could be deemed delightful, this is probably it!

    Thereโ€™s something breezily contented indie-pop about Georgeโ€™s recent releases with more commercial viability, rather than the often whimsically lost or dejected characters of his early works. Iโ€™m tempted to reach more to bands like The Boo Radleys or Deacon Blue for a comparison than The Velvet Underground.

    Although thereโ€™s something broken in the relationship in Loser to Loser, where past characters might let it get them down, they seem to face up to realities gratified, or at least nonchalantly. Perhaps to match with the catchy hook and lively ambience. George declares in the song, a system of an accusation designed to confuse and amuse you.

    It kicks off with an electric guitar riff like an eighties power-pop anthem, but an โ€œooh-oohโ€ vocable breathing something more doo-wop or Motown, but whether George ventures for hints of quirky or experimental hidden details, itโ€™s incomparable and unmistakenly George Wilding; a cracking single!

    Trending…

    3 Daft Monkeys at The Barge on HoneyStreet

    Witnessed amazing fireworks for Confetti Battle in Devizes, and I hopped eastwards to that sacred hippy haven in the Pewsey Vale, The Barge at HoneyStreet; what better place for equinox? For while there’s always a hedonistic happening here, this particular autumn occasion was unmissable; 3 Daft Monkeys were heading from Cornwall for their final nightโ€ฆ

    Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

    Booking In Ballyhoo at Wiltshire Recycling Centres

    As youโ€™re probably aware, because thereโ€™s been lots of people kicking up a scene, Wiltshire Councilโ€™s recycling centre booking system being trialled at Devizes, Lower Compton, Melksham, Purton, Salisbury and Stanton St Quintin has been running for a fortnight. Iโ€™ve got accumulated stuff, a wife subtly hinting, and not much to do on a Sundayโ€ฆ

    Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

    Swindon Advertiser Running With Islamophobic Clickbait, Again

    Immediately after the weekend which saw press photographers ejected, so they could savagely beat women at the Birmingham Reform conference, as if someone threw a side of beef into a pride of starved lions while Farage played the part of Scar, encouraging them and laughing it off, and black shirts disrupted holiday-makers returning home, andโ€ฆ

    Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow
  • New Ladies-Only Club Opens In The Market Place.

    A ladies-only club, four gloriously eccentric rooms and a barista in a bowler hat: The Dressing House is anything but ordinary. Devizine contributor Charlotte Howard bought a ticket to its second soft launch to find out what was going on behind the doors…..

    Iโ€™d been dying to know what was happening at 40 Market Place ever since I spotted The Dressing House on Instagram, and rushed to buy a ticket as soon as they became available. Numbers were limited to give the new team a chance to settle in. The invitation was intriguingly titled โ€œThe Department of Very Important Outfitsโ€ and said groups and singles were welcome. So I bravely went alone, while my husband dropped me outside and left me to navigate the world of ladies-wot-lunch.

    The Grand Staircase

    Iโ€™m socially awkward at the best of times, but the team made me feel at home immediately, with a warm welcome and a glass of bubbly thrust into my hand. Then came a tour of four rooms, each decorated in glorious, eclectic, maximalist style.

    Welcome Bubbly

    Thereโ€™s the main parlour, looking out over Devizes Market Place; the Peacock Room, where colourful clothes are displayed in a rainbow of shades; the Raven Room, dressed in monochrome for more formal events; and the bar, ably run by the token male barista in a bowler hat, radiating reassuringly non-threatening energy.

    I quickly made friends and met Jemma and her mum, Sabrina, who lives above the shop and is keen to make new friends in town. I didnโ€™t get to meet Jemmaโ€™s sister Tami, who looks after the work behind the scenes. Jemmaโ€™s young assistants were an absolute delight, and after a good rummage through the rails of gorgeous clothes, we settled down to lunch in the main parlour.

    All the clothes are second-hand and available to buy. You can also bring in your own clothes to exchange for credit to spend at The Dressing House. Itโ€™s a brilliant idea for anyone with a wardrobe full of things they no longer wear but canโ€™t quite bear to part with.

    Lunch was a charcuterie selection, beautifully arranged on high-tea plates and served with vintage cups. Then the games began. We were each given a character and a mission, and told to dress up using the clothes in the two rooms.

    Ladies who lunch, dressed in their costumes
    Ladies Who Lunch – In Their Costume

    My mission was to play an artist dressing for her first feature in Vogue. Unfortunately, I was too fat for most of the outfits, but I still had a great time putting my former skills as a professional stylist to work, helping everyone else put their looks together. I then shoved a load of flowers into my hair, drew on a monobrow and became Frida Kahlo.

    My Costume- An Attempt At Frida Kahlo

    Prizes were handed out, more drinks were poured, numbers were exchanged and new friends were made. Before I knew it, the three hours had flown by. My husband was waiting patiently outside to take his inebriated wife home. Apparently there will be the occasional โ€œbring your well-behaved manโ€ night too: the feminist answer to a Masonic ladiesโ€™ night.

    It takes guts to turn an idea this big into a real place, and Iโ€™m thrilled to see it happening in our town. Itโ€™s just what Devizes needs. Jemma already has plans to expand into more buildings once The Dressing House outgrows this space.

    The Dressing House is welcoming, imaginative and gloriously different. Wishing Jemma, Tami, Sabrina and the whole team every success.

    Trending……

  • World Food Day Ends Devizes Food & Drink Festival

    Yummy, yummy, yummy, I got love in my tummy! Another great year for Devizes Food & Drink Festival ended on Sunday with the World Food Day at the Corn Exchange. A hugely popular free event which annually sees queues heading out of the Market Place of hungry Devizions prepared to sample small dishes of a massive variety, prepared from locals with oversea originsโ€ฆ.

    Iโ€™m not well travelled, but my belly is, thanks to The Devizes Food & Drink Festival! In a market town like Devizes, thereโ€™s limited options for exotic dining. We have Chinese, Indian and Italian covered, and I must give a shout out to Som-Somโ€™s Thai-day Friday, but other than a kebab, thatโ€™s about as adventurous as it gets on a day-to-day basis. With dishes at just 60p each, your tastebuds can explore the world like Phileas Foggโ€™s bib.

    I confess, last time I attended this I went overboard and had to sample everything; โ€œeyes bigger than his bellyโ€ my nan used to say about me, but I learn lessons slowly and by means of โ€œthe hard way!โ€ I had to apply a small dose of self-control this year, and be selective, but it all looked so scrump-diddly-ump-tious!

    What did you go for? Spoiled for choice we were! From Austria, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, even the Isle of Man. From Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria. From Asia, Japan, India, China, Vietnam and Taiwan. And African countries, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. I was wowed by everything I had; the spiced potato fritter, Hong Kong minced beef with potato chips, Italian minestra, the South African fish dish on a hot cross bun! I couldnโ€™t get near the Vietnamese summer rolls, the queue was too big; I worried I might miss out on other things! My favourite, I must say, was the Lousianna gumbo!

    All delicious though, puddings too! I had a chocolate almond slice from Austria, but the winner there was sticky doughnut from Namibia. What a fantastic lunch, what an inspiring community event; I shed a tear as I made my way back to the car, for the few people dining in Spoons; seriously?!!

    The Quizzine event has been postponed until 9th October, but other than this, World Food Day ends another great year for The Devizes Food & Drink Festivalโ€ฆback to the old lunchbox for Monday morning!

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