Well......it`s all over for another season,am I imagining it,or is time flying by at an alarming rate?
It has been another incredibly exhilarating experience-I`ve enjoyed almost every concert again this time.
There were a couple that were not really to my taste,but others would disagree with my comments and say they were `right up their street`-I like that-it is democracy at it`s finest!
Whatever,I have eargerly devoured the fellowship and genuine camaraderie
-and the season,like a good meal,was wonderfully prepared,presented and I ate every scrap up!
We are again indebted to all concerned for making our lives that bit richer.
I look forward to our summer trips-I just cannot ever imagine what my life would be without `Arts and Lits`-no wonder many have said it is the finest organisation of it`s type in this land -it fair makes me glow with pride to be part of it.
Jennifer Kersey.

I would like to think that good art of any genre is immortal(or is it just a `generational thing-I can still hear my father muttering,"Beatles-they look like they all need a haircut-they won`t amount to much!!")and tonight Soprano Ros Evans, Baritone Owen Webb, Tenor Peter Wilman, Mezzo-Soprano Kate Woolveride and Pianist Sharon Richards,further endorsed my thoughts.
Did Beethovens`s dad bemoan the fact that his son was composing instantly forgetable melodies-I think not!!
The music feast was served to us with genuine humility and all on stage really enjoyed presenting it to us-with engaging joy and versatility.
What was even better was that not only were they all meticulously presented, but each could talk proper `Queen`s English` and that absolutely DREADED current word `guy`(used to apparently describe a person-A HUMAN BEING of either sex!)was not even used once-`ah,pure bliss!
Success again for `Clacton Arts and Lits`-and another `feather in the cap` for Cindy,who scoures the country to bring new talent to us and warm the `cockles of our hearts`(I didn`t even know my heart had cockles!1?) on a cold winters evening!
Jennifer Kersey.

Now there’s a man who speaks my type of thought(except, possibly,his rather colourful description of a male cow,in the closing minutes!?)
I must admit,that I have never studied the process of laughter,however,it seemed to make some sense in what he said,but it did also appear rather complicated-me,I just involuntarily open my mouth,take a big gulp of air and the guffaw naturally follows!
A thoroughly articulate man in all aspects and,what’s even more impressive,he speaks from experience and not fantasy!
I agreed his analysis of the once great BBC(which is now but a very pale shadow of what it once was!)and was thrilled to hear that most of his great achievements have been acquired completely by chance meetings and telephone invitations, ”oh, you’ll soon pick it up ,dear boy!?”
He is a person who has taken full advantage of the prizes life can offer if you are prepared to `have a go.`
Another super evening-well done to Cindy and the team for yet again finding something different to `lift our spirits` and give us `food for thought` on a cold,miserable Monday evening in the lon ely`outpost` of Clacton-on-sea,during wintertime!
Jennifer Kersey.

Each time I write a review about these Monday evening presentations,I find it increasingly difficult to offer new superlatives-but I`ll try!
Mathew Ford-his vocal talent is unsurpassed,his presentation(he,and the other musicians were `well turned out`-a refreshing change from some of the `scruffs` promoted by that section of the media that involves looking/ listening to a box in the corner of one`s room!?)is excellent,his diction is without fault-I think the last time I felt such a warm glow on a cold and miserable winters evening in Clacton, was last Monday-how ever doew Cindy Hardy manage to get such super musicians to entertain us?
The `gentlemen of the orchestra`-each of them a virtuoso in his particular field,effortlessly produced music that was as good as I have heard anywhere.. The musical balance/volume was so fine, and the arrangements were faultless.
Another absolute triumph for the society-well done,once again to all involved.
Jennifer Kersey.

Further to my last inclusion-can I make it quite clear that(endeavouring to be politically correct)the `portly lady` I refer to most definately is not one of our Monday nights team-she is the `fictional figure` that signifies the end of any event,and NOT the one who announces it(phew,nearly dug myself a very deep hole there!!)
Jennifer Kersey

Is Sonia really announcing that the end of this season is nigh?
It doesn`t seem five minutes ago that we were all looking forward with enthusiasm and anticipation,to the forthcoming season-`Ah,this maturety in years `business` brings with it,not only a different view of life(our perspective when younsters,of reaching our present ages,was something akin to being burnt at the stake!)but also time seems to fly by at an alarming rate!`
Once again,Monday nights,over the winter period,at the Princes Theatre have proved to be a very valuable part of our social calender-and also an education.
I now know that there are those amongst us,who get considerable pleasure(and possibly some financial recompense!) from enduring situations that I would never undertake,even if large amounts of cash were thrown my way-it is fascinating to hear of these exploits -those who get their `kicks` out of travelling along perilous mountain peaks on a bicycle,or others,in the darkest and unwelcoming jungle(and swamps)who share it with all manner of `creepy crawlies`,and dangerous predators-personally ,I`d rather go on a shopping expedition for a new hat,shoes and matching handbag!
Pretty mediocre in comparison,but we celebrate these individuals,who are not prepared to be just `one of the crowd`-something inside their circle(it was a `grannie` in a recent production)has fired their interset and it has led on to greater things.
`We all have our fortes` and should make full use of the talents we have, whether they be just knitting a jumper or walking across a continent, barefooted!
`Celebrate diversity` and never be afraid to be different-variety(as our events secretary knows well)is the `spice of life.`
Not every presentation is embraced by all,as their particular preference, -however,no-one can dispute the sheer quality and superb standards of everyone of the artistes invited to entertain us with their particular wealth of knowledge and interest
Well done,again, to all our team,for another magnificent effort-no matter what the weather outside,these concerts are better by far than sitting,`semi comatose`,in front of that square box at home most of what`s on it is rubbish,anyway-unless you are very discerning)
`So,bring on the mulled wine`-let`s get `heady`(hang the expense!?)and look forward to the forthcoming daytrips out and the next season!!?
Jennifer Kersey.

Anything presented by `Clacton Arts and Lits` is fine by me-I know well,beforehand, that the high standard achieved in all areas will be preserved ,but, occasionally,there is something truly special,and that was just one of those times when Tim Kliphuis and his talented, ellow musicians came to town.
"I’m from Holland"-he cheerily quipped -well ,so am I(just a minute difference of location!)so we immediately had something in common!
To see/hear musicians of this quality on a cold winter Monday evening in Clacton is absolutely extraordinary!
We were treated to a concert, the likes of which you could not better anywhere in the world(and I say that with a certain amount of knowledge,`cos this girl is much travelled!)
I have seen Len Skeate with other `outfits`, and he proved yet again,why he is amongst the handful of top bass players.
Dave Newton-this fella is amazing-he `eats and breathes music`,and his interpretations are always thrilling.
The guitarist I had not seen before, but his dexterity was breathtaking-and Tim is a worthy successor to the great Stefan Grapelli-he certainly could make that fiddle `talk.`(and his English spoken word wasn`t that bad,either!)
His beautiful arrangements of music of all genres painted lovely images and when he confessed it was all improvised,it made it all the more remarkable.
Another wonderful evening, thank you to Lesley Barlow for sponsoring it and the `team` for yet again astounding us for another evening of pure magic.
Jennifer Kersey.

`Was he for real-or was this some surrealistic dream we were all participating in?`
I refer to the presentation given by Tom Hart Dyke.
Right from the outset when he enthusiastically endorsed this unknown mentor and we anxiously awaited to find out who it was-the tension was breathtaking-then, with a rousing chant he exposed her as his 96 year old `granny` who had given him some rather insignificant gardening aid for his third birthday!
`Wow, this was some orator`-even though I(as did others) struggled to keep up with the incessant flow of words-no wonder his kidnappers somewhere in the jungle location of Panama were glad to get rid of him-he turned the tables on them and literally talked them senseless (then having the sheer cheek to return and ask them for a map,`cos he was lost!)
Stopping only briefly to invite us to join in the `granny` chant, after the interval (we all needed this break!) he went on to describe how, at the point of threatened death by his kidnappers, whilst his also condemned friend, in the next hut was praying, he was designing a `world` garden(for his domicile back in sleepy Kent)he had in mind,where trees and shrubs would be representative of their native land!
`Phew`,I cannot think what I would have been doing-perhaps checking my make up to ensure that,if I was to be shot,at least I looked presentable-most definitely NOT making notes in an old school scrapbook!?
The only thing in the evening that slightly spoilt it for me, was the occasional use of that disgusting Americanism -`Guy`(many have surrendered to this constant erosion of our beautiful language(with this and other sayings) and it has now become an appendage for people of BOTH sexes-let anyone even dare to call me a guy and I do assure you, they will be sorry!) -particularly when he referred to God as `the Guy up above.`
However, I can forgive him, looking at the `bigger picture`-it was a most entertaining evening, and if you, like me, do not know anything about horticultural matters, you were no doubt caught up in the sheer vitality of this speaker, and how he lovingly spoke with genuine adoration,of the images in his presentation.
What a wonderful evening-it made up for the fact I could not attend last week because of transport problems.
Well done again to all concerned.

Jennifer Kersey

We set off at 8.10 prompt and had a very un-eventful journey to Bures-so un-eventful that we arrived about one and a half hours early-no matter, Keith,our trusty leader soon put plan b into action(hastily formulated!?)we,in the coaches, made our way back out of the steam railway parking compound and were soon in the lttle town of Bures- with `extra` shopping time!
This quaint little village boasted many retail outlets and a lovely church.
It`s main `claim to fame` must surely be the new,and very grand, toilet block -we all were mightily impressed, especially with the new supersonic hand driers within(we could hear the fellas` one as we girls waited, giggling, for them outside)-thinking that such downward force would soon send the whole building skyward( particularly relevant,in this year celebrating the 40th birthday of man`s mission to the moon!!)
I can see it now(in the local paper) -`Bures toilet block makes an attempt on manned(and womanned!)space flight!`
At the appointed time,we were back and soon on the miniature railway,which operates between Bures and Wroxham,the carriages being pulled by a scaled down steam locomotive.(`Ah,that `rustic` smell of steam and oil!!?) On arriving at the other end(are there any shops there not called `Roys??)we had another brief spell in which to look around and then boarded the pleasure craft for our trip along the broads.
It is wonderful,in this world where tacky` theme parks seem to feature so highly on the agenda of many,just to enjoy the quite tranquility of a trip of this kind. I was struck(once again) by the friendliness of `river folk`-`Oh,that the population of the world could have this serene mentality-a lot of angst would be dissapated!`
All too soon,it was over and we made our way back to `Jolly Old Clacton.`
Yet another triumph in the societies agenda-thanks to all concerned.
Next,the summer will be over(have we had it yet?)and we will all be seeing familiar faces on Monday nights at the Princes theatre.

Jennifer Kersey(miss)

Bletchley park - By Jennifer Kersey
22nd May 2009 - 3:20am
I have been trying to make some analogy with current affairs to the invaluable work done,over the years,at Bletchley Park-I cannot!
The sheer dedication of this small team that gradually expannded and yet maintained absolute secrecy about the events within,is truly breathtaking!
We hear of a husband and wife who both worked there,but throughout their marriage never discussed their own particular contribution.
When put into true context,what was achieved there,in solving the `Enigma codes`,is akin to clmbing Mount Everest without oxygen,or visiting the giant wreck of the Titanic in a scuba suit!
Others would have us believe that they originated the digital computer(amongst many other revolutionary things)-not so-`Colossos`,with it`s 2,500 valves, was painstakingly put together by `boffins` and developed long before we heard of Microsoft,Apple or others.
As with so many other inventions,the brainwave was initially had by a person living within these isles,but was developed somewhere else,and the credit often went there.
A fascinating place-a lovely day to visit-we had a stop off for lunch at the huge Milton Keynes shopping centre, then on to Bletchley.
A place that I could visit again and spend more time just looking and admiring the tenacity of the individuals who have gone down as pioneers in history,whilst living a very simplistic lifestyle-not for them were the comforts others sometimes had (that is,however,not to diminish in any way the horrendous events that had to be endured by many in the time when Gt. Britain stood alone and was the only opposition to the supposed invincible Nazi war machine.)
We are now regarded by some,as being `out of step` with Europe-I would like to remind those people that we were the saviours of Europe and much of it would not exist in it`s present form if it were not for the sacrifices of the peoples of this land.
An amazing(if exhausting)day out and another triumph for Clacton Arts and Literary Society-well done to all involved who contrubuted to this outing in any way.(Revised)

Jennifer Kersey(miss)

I have been trying to make some analogy with current affairs to the invaluable work done,over the years,at Bletchley Park-I cannot!
The sheer dedication of this small team that gradually expannded anyet maintained absolute secrecy about the events within,is truly breathtaking!
We hear of a husband and wife who both worked there,but throughout their marriage never discussed their own particular contribution.
When put into true context,what was achieved there,in solving the `Enigma codes`,is akin to clmbing Everest without oxygen,or visiting the giant wreck of the Titanic in a scuba suit!
Others would have us believe that they invented the digital computer(amongst many other revolutionary things)-not so-`Colossos`,with it`s 25000 valves, was painstakingly put together by `boffins` and developed long before we heard of Microsoft,Apple or others.
As with so many other things,the brainwave was had by a person living within these isles,but was developed somewhere else,and the credit often goes there.
A fascinating place-a lovely day to visit-we had a stop off for lunch at the huge Milton Keynes shopping centre, then on to Bletchley.
A place that I could visit again and spend more time just looking and admiring the dedication and tenacity of the individuals who have gone down as pioneers in history,whilst living a very simplistic lifestyle-not for them were the comforts others sometimes had (that is not to diminish in any way the horrendous events that had to be endured by many in the time when Gt Britain stood alone and was the only opposition to the Nazi war machine.)
We are now regarded by some,as being `out of step` with Europe-I would like to remind those people that we were the saviours of Europe and much of it would not exist in it`s present form if it were not for the sacrifices of the peoples of this land.
An amazing(if exhausting)day out and another triumph for Clacton Arts and Literary Society-well done to all involved who contrubuted to this outing in any way.

Jennifer Kersey(miss)

The moment cannot pass without written comment on the `standing down` of our beloved treasurer-Douglas Carpenter.
He has given long and(if you`ll excuse the pun)`treasured` service to the society!
Will shall miss the way he creatively presented the accounts(something sounds a bit `dodgy there-what I mean is his presentation,not the content!)and the happy and cheery way he signed off,like some now redundant Hollywood producer;-
"that`s all,folks!"
He will apparently,still be involved and seen around in his new capacity as a lowly committee member(apologies to all those other committee members who give invaluable input)but increasing years have meant that he has now to take a more sober and realistic role for one of his great age!
Brenda will now not only have to bring him his pipe and slippers after a long exhaustive spell(doing whatever he does)but she will now have to take on the role of something akin to a carer, as his needs will ever increase.
We wish him well in whatever he undertakes(`Crikey,is he going to be a funeral director` next?)

Jennifer Kersey(miss)

Well,it`s all over for another season `bar the shouting!`
"Wot shouting`,I hear you ask?
Well,let`s rephrase it then-"It`s not completely over until the rather large (see,I observe potty political correctness)lady sings?!"
`Ah,such fun!`
We`ve had plenty of singing and shouting in what has been another tremendous season of varied concerts and talks,provided for us,the audience, by a dedicated team of people and their sponsors.
Thanks go to all of them for their wonderful efforts-we look forward to the next season,with anticipation.
In the meantime,there are still trips to go on,places to visit-hope to see some of you then.

Jennifer Kersey(miss)

The final presentation in the Society’s 2008/2009 Season was a return visit from the superb vocal group, Cantabile The London Quartet. This a cappella singing group have achieved proficiency in producing different styles of music. The result was an eclectic programme which transported the audience from Sixteenth Century Part-Songs to a medley from that classic Disney cartoon Snow White
Cantabile comprise Richard Bryan (Counter-Tenor), Steven Brooks (Tenor), Mark Fleming (Tenor) and Michael Steffan (Baritone), who first sang as an a cappella singing group during their student days at Cambridge. They began with Perpetuum Mobile Opus 25 by Johann Strauss (The Younger).This musical joke served as a showcase for the vocal dexterity that the group possess. The mood changed for their rendition of Weep O Mine Eyes, a plaintive 16th Century Part Song and which produced a rich choral sound belying their quartet composition. My personal highlight of the first half was the performance of Summertime from Gershwin�s Porgy & Bess This moving aria written by Gershwin, in his own style of Afro-American spiritual, was faultless. Richard Bryan�s singing evoked the feeling of the southern American cotton plantations.

The second half opened with a Homage to Harmony Groups. The group�s arrangement of Dry Bones was a brilliant amalgam of music and comedy which exemplified their versatility and was immensely appreciated by the audience. The piece de resistance of this half was without doubt �The History of Western Music�- a whistle stop tour of one thousand years of Western Music. Their inclusion of Richard Strauss� Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 was innovative and they achieved a chilling rendition of this tone poem which has been so engrained in recent popular culture by Stanley Kubrick�s use of it as the main theme in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Once again Cantabile brought to the Society an evening of innovative musical entertainment underlining their virtuosity and creativity. An enormously enjoyable performance from this talented and personable quartet.

The evening was sponsored by Boydons Estate Agents of Colchester & Frinton-On-Sea.

Robert Pearce

Locum Press Officer

For those of you who were sitting during the interval,innocently eating your ice creams and who heard a commotion in the Essex room(the bar area)let me explain.
It was announced(by Will-the scallywag) that our treasurer,Douglas Carpenter esq,was celebrating yet another birthday(why,it only seems like yesterday when we were singing `twenty one today........)-is he like the queen with multiple birthdays-has he got some painting,getting gradually older,in his attic,or perhaps is he on an prolonged course of `Bob Martins tablets?
Whatever,there`s still some life left in the `old dog` yet!!?
That aside,Cantabile who appeared at extremely short notice gave us yet another night of great entertainment.
Their close harmony singing/interpretation,of(sometimes `nonsense songs`)music of all genres intersperced with a wicked sense of humour,were just what we needed to `raise our spirits`, on a cold(but thankfully,dry)winter`s night.
They told us they had to rush off for another engagement on the continent tomorrow-thankfully they were able to re-arrange their busy schedule to accomodate this impromtu performance which was well appreciated by all in attendence.

Jennifer kersey.