So – Sleeping Beauty – we all know the basic plot don’t we? That of a princess who pricks her finger on an enchanted spindle (spinning wheel) and falls asleep for 100 years. At length she’s awakened by the kiss of a handsome prince. #obvs – the patriarchy and all that …
The antagonist in this story is the Wicked Fairy. In some Disney adaptations she goes under the name of Maleficent – beginning with Disney’s 1959 film of Sleeping Beauty. In other adaptations, including this one, the Wicked Fairy goes under the name of Carabosse. I won’t lie, I think Maleficent is a way more villainous sounding name.
But, be that as it may, Jenny Ryan of The Chase stars in this production as the Wicked Fairy Carabosse. Watching this production last night it became clear to me that I need to start watching quiz shows, as a lot of references whooshed over my head! Well that and not wearing my hearing aids …
What to expect
Well of course, you get all the traditional and much-loved panto elements. The comedy, the slapstick, the costumes, the dancing and water pistols. And, of course, the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Oh – and a rather fabulous dragon. Now I don’t at all remember a dragon featuring in Sleeping Beauty. But then I’ve not seen a production of it for a looooong time so I could well have forgotten.
Leading the comedy is of course that doyenne of pantomime dames, the one and only David Ashley – whose costumes get more and more outrageous as the production progresses. Giving superb support in the comedic stakes is the brilliant Ben Goffe as Muddles the court jester. Oh yes he does!!
Now – I can’t wrap this blog post up without giving special mention to the ensemble – all drawn from local dance schools. I know they work jolly hard and they do a splendid job supporting the production.
I’ll leave you now with the words of 12-year-old Ruby (with a bit of help from mum and dad) with whom I watched the panto last night:
‘Sleeping beauty was a colourful and vibrant pantomime. I really enjoyed the audience interaction and the silly jokes that made me laugh my socks off. Fantastic family fun which was a great start to our Christmas. A five star show which I highly recommend.’
So there you have it folks. High praise indeed from Ruby. And mum and dad.
WILTSHIRE-BASED crystal shop owner, Louise Muir-Sage, is now stocking two rare amethyst cathedrals in her high street shop.
Amethyst cathedrals, also known as amethyst geode cathedrals or amethyst caves, have gone on sale at Royal Wootton Bassett’s Something Kind of Woo. The shop opened its doors earlier this year.
The amethyst cathedrals form over millions of years inside volcanic rock. They’re often found in Brazil and Uruguay. These two cathedrals were once part of a single large rock and they’re cut apart and cleaned during preparation. These large, cave-like crystal towers mirror each other in shape, structure and energy and are rare.
INDEPENDENT BUSINESS STOCKS CRYSTAL ‘CATHEDRALS’ Louise Muir-Sage, founder of Something Kind of Woo, with two amethyst cathedrals.
Amethyst crystals
Amethyst crystals have an association with calm, clarity, and emotional balance. Often used for stress relief and better sleep, these cathedrals of deep purple crystals are perfect for:
Collectors
Healers …
… or businesses seeking to highlight their room.
It’s believed that large formations transform a room’s atmosphere. Therefore, ideal settings for their uplifting and cleansing energy are:
Bedrooms
Meditation or therapy spaces
Yoga studios and wellness centres
‘Large, high-quality cathedrals are becoming ever hard to source. And matching pairs are rare,’ continued Louise. ‘This is the perfect opportunity for someone to own a unique, statement piece without having to import privately. Something that comes at high risk and cost for buyers.’
Something Kind of Woo’s unlikely find amethyst cathedrals are on sale for £899 each or £1,599 for the pair.
‘I would love these to go home with a single buyer. I hope whoever takes them home feels the beauty and steadiness they bring. They’re have a quiet magnificence – softening a space and helping people feel calmer and clearer. To me, that’s the magic of woo: something beautiful that genuinely makes a difference in everyday life,’ said Louise.
Something Kind of Woo also offers group workshops, Coffee & Crystal events, Reiki sessions, and chakra balancing, all while also being a crystal shop. All products are from responsible sources, from crystals, to incense to pure essential oils. To find out more visit https://somethingkindofwoo.co.uk/.
Town Gardens Christmas Event this weekend. South Swindon Parish Council is set to bring free festive cheer to Old Town, and it’s all starting this weekend. On 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December, from 12pm until 4pm, the historic Town Gardens is transforming into a lively hub of:
Christmas activities
performances and family fun …
And it’s all open to the public, and at no cost.
Ensuring that no-one needs to miss out on the festive fun this year, the parish council has arranged for RevoLOOtion to attend all the Christmas in Town Gardens dates. They’ll bring their fully-accessible mobile toilet. It comes complete with lift, grab rails, hoist and adult changing bench.
Winter wonderland
A winter wonderland welcomes visitors. It’s filled with creative workshops, live entertainment and seasonal treats. Families can drop into Santa’s craft corner. There they’ll be guided through a range of hands-on craft sessions. All designed to keep the little ones busy with delightful make-and-take activities.
A variety of local performers and community groups will take to the iconic bandstand, showcasing Swindon’s vibrant cultural scene. Acts include Emma Doupé, JGMusic, the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine Choir, Emily’s Dance Academy, SALOS and many more.
Adding a touch of winter magic, you’ll find Air Giants’ captivating larger-than-life interactive plants around the Town Gardens bandstand. Meanwhile, Swindon Culture Collective invites visitors to explore their Magical Lantern Forest, featuring work from outstanding Swindon-based artists.
Town Gardens Christmas Event – brass band in the town gardens bandstand
Gastronomic delights
Food lovers can enjoy a variety of food from around the world, with a selection of local traders available on each day. The line up includes:
Hungry ‘n’ Thirsty
Lizzy Bakes
Soul Flava
Zapiekjanki
ZuDuzo Kitchen
And it’s all complemented by the much-loved Town Gardens Café.
No advance booking needed. All you have to do is arrive between 12pm and 4pm on 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December. Free parking is available at The Commonweal School.
Make sure to keep up to date with event details by following @SouthSwindonParish on Facebook and Instagram.
Stilt walkers dressed as candy canesFather Christmas
Something Different is 10. A Swindon family business, that began life as a market stall is now celebrating its first decade. Something Different, based in the town’s Brunel shopping centre, was the brainchild of brothers Lee and Ross Mulholland. They wanted to bring Swindon shoppers products not available on the high street. Both with a background in retail, the duo opened Something Different in Swindon’s old tented market. But they soon moved into The Brunel as trade took off. And now Something Different is 10.
Something Different is 10 – the Something Different giftshop in the Brunel Centre Lee Mulholland, left, and brother Ross, owners of Something Different
It’s a family affair
Now celebrating ten years in business, Something Different is a real family affair. Lee’s partner, Tazmin, is the shop manager. Their uncle Keith fitted out the shop and makes some of the products on sale and their dad Ian is also involved.
‘I was in retail, and Lee had also worked in sales. We worked in a variety of different organisations, but always found we lacked job satisfaction,’ said Ross. ‘Our Dad ran a furniture business, was his own boss and we saw the freedom that offered. So, we decided to set up Something Different.’
In its ten years, Something Different’s range has expanded hugely. The shop offers gifts for all ages, from collectables, jewellery and fragrances, to ornaments, toys and cosmetics. Ross and Lee always strive to sell ranges not usually available in regular high street stores. Popular brands include Loungefly, Squishable and Joma Jewellery. And they’ve recently become a Nomination stockist.
While they also have an online shop, they find at least three-quarters of sales are from their ground floor store in The Brunel.
‘We have some loyal customers, who’ve been coming here for years and we’re on first name terms with many of them,’ said Lee. ‘Despite what’s said in the media, people want to shop in person still, there is huge demand, and it’s growing. We’re optimistic for the future.’
Laura Hepple, centre manager, said: ‘We have some amazing independent businesses at the Brunel. And it always makes me happy to see small businesses succeed and grow.
The team at Something Different are innovative and adaptive with their business. They offer thoughtful gifts you may not find in the larger stores, with a friendly customer experience.’
You’ll find Something Differentlocated on the ground floor of The Brunel, Swindon. They also run an online store at https://www.somethingdifferentuk.co.uk/.
He aint heavy, he’s my brother! Lee Mulholland gives brother Ross a lift inside their shop, Something Different
The Mini Watchers. Right before I talk about the mini watchers I should first explain about The Watchers. The full sized ones that is. The Watchers, the work of Carleton Attwood, is a sculpture that resides at Toothill village centre. You can find out more about them/it here:
A few weeks back I got a message via this blog from the proud owner of the miniature version of this sculpture that comprises part of the West Swindon sculpture trail. You can see it in the picture below – isn’t it lovely? I’m quite envious.
My correspondent said that her statuette was a gift to her aunt from, as far as she knew, the artist. It seems that every councillor at the time.
Toothill Primary School receives a model of The Watchers, the sculpture installed at Toothill Village Centre 27 years ago.
The Mayor Steve Wakefield made an appeal in the January Link for one of the small versions presented to councillors and VIPs at the unveiling on 8 June 1982.
Sculptor Pat Elmore donated resin versions that got given away. Marion Prior from Stratton contacted us as her son had found a cement version in the garden undergrowth of his new house. Meanwhils artist Ken White uncovered the poster he designed for the opening event.
In the March Link, Pat Elmore described how she worked with the late Carlton Attwood in his last months to make the finishing touches to The Watchers. He used the features of her daughter Heidi, who now lives in Redhouse, and her husband to shape the faces out of cement fondue.
The original statue has suffered from vandalism and the weather. But the maquettes used to develop the full-scale version remain in good condition. Pat said it didn’t surprise her that the sculpture suffered. Thamesdown Council wouldn’t pay for a bronze casting. It’s a commission I would like to take on to give The Watchers a permanent presence in Toothill.”
In the meantime, Toothill Primary headteacher Martin Cowell expressed delight at having the models in the school. “They give the children a sense of the history about their community. I’m sure we’ll use them in our curriculum work in some way.’
2009 – Presentation of a mini watchers sculpture to Toothill School with Mayor Steve Wakefield. Photo courtesy of Roger Ogle
