EVENTS
Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

Whats on in Surrey this October

Linda Seward’s detailed diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts, sports and countryside over the coming weeks.
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Appeal

Disappearing Dawn Chorus A preparation for the 85th anniversary of Wild Birds Protection The Dawn Chorus is dwindling, and wild birds are rapidly declining in numbers; the planet may perhaps fall silent again.

This was a concern for Eric Parker (1870–1955), pioneer conservationist whose work helped push through the Wild Birds Protection Act that came into force in May 1934, 85 years ago next spring. Parker lived and worked in Surrey, near Godalming. Parker campaigned vigorously for legislation against the indiscriminate gathering of wild birds’ eggs, alongside hunting and other destructive activity. He talks about the period that led to the passing of the Wild Birds act in 1934 as ‘that year of blessed memory’. David Lewiston Sharpe is a composer and has worked with the Royal Philharmonic. David has set verses by Eric Parker which give sad, soulful expression to the plight of song birds – his Song of the Nightingale. The plan is to present the new song cycle, sung by astounding mezzo soprano Phoebe Haines, in a programme with the Royal Philharmonic alongside works by Elgar, Delius, Butterworth and Respighi – all inspired by the natural world. The concert will aid the work of scientific research and practical activity to promote work towards avian conservation. I invite essence readers to get in touch – please help to fund this concert and important conservation work.

essence info
Birds on the Wire & the Waves
Wild Birds Protection – 85th Anniversary Concert,
Sunday, 12 May 2019, Cadogan Hall
Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
Phoebe Haines (mezzo soprano)
David Lewiston Sharpe (conductor)
Programme: Lewiston Sharpe/Parker The Song of the Nightingale, Butterworth Banks of Green Willow, Elgar 3 Songs, Sea-Pictures, Chanson de matin & de nuit, Delius Summer Night on the River, On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring, Respighi The Birds
Email: davidlewistonsharpe@gmail.com
Telephone: 020 8362 9971
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Autumn Festival, Painshill Park - Cobham
Sunday 21 October, 10am–6pm

‘Fall’ in love with Painshill Park and celebrate a host of autumn-themed activities for all the family. Follow the tree trail to see a beautiful display of autumn colour and try balancing on the stepping stone log challenge and tree swing with wooden medals to be won. There’ll be displays of horse-powered timber extraction and a traditional heavy horse wagon ride. Browse the wide range of stalls with handcrafted items made from wood, metal, leather and honey. In addition, learn how to keep trees healthy and find out more about tree maintenance. Tasty food and drink treats will be on offer, including chillies, cakes and sparkling wine. So breathe in the autumn air and view the majestic colours of Painshill’s magical landscape.
Information: www.painshill.co.uk
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2018 Guildford Book Festival Various locations, Guildford
Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 October
A fabulous line-up of speakers is expected for this year’s Guildford Book Festival. From household names such as comedienne Jo Brand (pictured left) and dancer Anton Du Beke to authors such as Matt Haig and Gill Sims, currently top of the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. This year, on Saturday 6 October, there is also a Leonard Bernstein Centenary Gala Concert and Talk at Holy Trinity Church. For 2018, the Festival welcomes Guildford Shakespeare Company’s Matt Pinches who will discuss Lewis Carroll’s unique relationship with Guildford and the return of GSC’s Alice in Wonderland, a multi-venue production. In addition, there’s an evening with journalist Martin Bell and Woman’s Hour presenter Jenni Murray presents her book A History of the World in 21 Women. Ben Macintyre talks Cold War espionage via the true story The Spy and the Traitor and Max Hastings returns with Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975. Karen Maitland and Laura Purcell discuss Ghosts, Ghouls and the Gothic: Writing to Thrill at the University of Surrey, and don’t miss Kate Mosse in conversation with Stephanie Merritt. With lots of workshops and events, this Festival is really not to be missed.
Tickets: guildfordbookfestival.co.uk

JO BRAND PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PAL HANSEN