The Powell & Pressburger Pages Dedicated to the work of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and all the other people, both actors and technicians who helped them make those wonderful films. A lot of the documents have been sent to me or have come from other web sites. The name of the web site is given where known. If I have unintentionally included an image or document that is copyrighted or that I shouldn't have done then please email me and I'll remove it. I make no money from this site, it's purely for the love of the films. [Any comments are by me (Steve Crook) and other members of the email list]

 

The Ashbrittle Midsummer Festival during the weekend of June 20^th/21^st is proving an interesting challenge to the organisers, Ashbrittle Arts! Chairperson Avril Silk says ‘Every day brings something unexpected, keeping us on our toes!’

There will be something for everyone to enjoy during the Festival. On Friday, June 20^th at 7.30 pm. there will be a classical music concert in the Parish Church by a quartet from the Taunton Sinfonietta. After the concert local musicians will be most welcome at an Open Mic session. Ted Franklin is co-ordinating this, so, if you’d like to take part, contact him on 01823 672447. Ted would also like to hear from anyone who would enjoy busking on Saturday afternoon, during the Farmers’ market.

The time of the Farmers’ Market has been changed to avoid a direct clash with the second Wellington Farmers’ market. Now market organiser Alex Simpson (01823 673362 ) will bring the very best of local produce to our doorsteps on Saturday, June 21^st from 2 until 5 pm. Come along to the marquee on Ashbrittle Village Green (thanks to Tom and Rachel Adcock) and enjoy a beer at the bar, kindly run by Friends of Stawley School, and listen to the buskers!

During the market, cream teas will be available, organised as ever, by the indomitable Rosemary McKinney. As Rosemary has just broken her arm in three places, her contribution is especially remarkable and appreciated.

At 5 pm. the Blackdown Samba band will kick off the entertainment, before running a participative Samba session. A juggling workshop will also be on offer. The Jim Laker Fund has generously agreed to fund both these sessions.

At 5.30 pm filmbuffs will enjoy the chance, thanks to Canal +, to see the classic Michael Powell film, Luna de Miel (1959) [aka Honeymoon], lovingly restored by Charles Doble. The international premiere took place in Spain last year, so don’t miss the UK premiere in Ashbrittle Parish Church! The journey across Spain is a feast for the eyes, and the spirited, dramatic flamenco dancing can not fail to stir the soul.

Hopefully you will be inspired then to dance the night away! Straight after the film, around 7.30 p.m. a square dance with the Poundisford Creek Barnstormers will get your toes tapping. Save some energy, however, for the headline band, Sneeky Pete und der Vipers, who will appear at about 9.30 pm. Sneeky Pete have proved the answer to an organiser’s prayer as sadly, the original headline band, The Bastardos Brothers, can not appear as lead singer Dave Parsons was recently badly injured in a car crash.

Sneeky Pete is a long established Band of top quality musicians. They play a variety of music, based on early Rock 'n Roll, Western Swing, Swing and some Pop Standards.

They have been established for many years. The current line up have been together just over ten years and consist of:

Michael Burton   Lead Vocals, Guitar.
Michael Howe   Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals.
Bob Johnson   Bass Guitar, Vocals.
Adge Bell   Drums

The band have played extensively throughout the South of England and have featured in many local Festivals. They are also much sought after for many private functions and are shortlisted this Year for the Cork Jazz Festival. They have featured with such artistes as Billy Connolly, Screaming Lord Sutch and more recently Ben Waters. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a well loved local band of very talented musicians.

Amid all the hustle and bustle, make time to slip away to the peace and beauty of the Church, where a Flower Festival will suffuse your senses with colour and fragrance. The theme is Music and the Church will be open on Friday, June 20^th from 2–5 pm, Saturday, June 21^st from1- 5 pm and Sunday, June 22^nd from 2–5 pm.

The Flower Festival, Open Mic session and workshops will be free of charge, although donations will be appreciated, particularly as the main funding application proved unsuccessful. Admission prices (concessions in brackets) for the main events will be:

Classical music £6 (£4)
Film £4 (£3)
Saturday evening – Square Dance and Sneeky Pete und der Vipers £7 (£5)

Tickets are available in advance from Sheri Corry on 672993. Cheques should be made payable to Ashbrittle Arts.

Further enquiries can be made on 01823 672131 or by e mail to AshArts@aol.com

---

Back to index