Events in Sussex – Page 6 – Toovey’s Blog

Battle of Britain Concert in Steyning

Tickets have just gone on sale for a world class concert which is to be held on Battle of Britain Sunday, 20th September 2015, at Steyning Parish Church. The Steyning Battle of Britain Memorial Concert brings together an extraordinary group of international musicians.

Amongst these is the soprano Sophie Bevan. She is at the forefront of a remarkable new generation of British singers. Sophie is no stranger to followers of the English National Opera and Glyndebourne festival with numerous leading roles. Together with her sister Mary Bevan we are delighted to be welcoming them at Steyning.

Andrew Bernardi and the late Jon Lord of Deep Purple

Seventy-five years ago during the summer and autumn of 1940 the Battle of Britain was fought over the skies of Sussex and the South East of England. Civilisation and righteousness hung in the balance as our courageous young airmen took to the skies to defend our principles and freedoms. Winston Churchill famously remarked that “The gratitude of every home in our Island…goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the World War by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” I too have shared that great sense of gratitude.

Through my childhood and professional life, both as auctioneer and priest, it has been my privilege to accompany the war time generation who largely remained open hearted and hopeful about the world, with a generosity inspired by their common experience.

Following on from the great successes of this year’s Shipley Arts Festival, Andrew Bernardi and myself decided to organise a Battle of Britain Memorial Concert at Steyning Parish Church, where I serve, to honour the men and women of the RAF. Soloists including: Sophie Bevan (soprano), Mary Bevan (soprano), Andrew Bernardi (violin), Graham Salter (oboe), Bruce Martin (flute), together with the Bernardi Music Group and the Choir of Our Most Holy Redeemer, Chelsea, will be conducted by David Bevan. The concert builds on Steyning Parish Church’s strong musical tradition.

The program begins with J.S. Bach’s Orchestral Suite no.2 in B minor BWV 1067 and Concerto for Violin and Oboe in D minor BWV 1060. An interval with Pimm’s will be followed by extracts from Mozart’s Mass in C minor.

Mozart’s Mass in C minor K427 is generally regarded as one of his greatest choral works. He began it in celebration of his marriage but the piece was never completed. The Mass took Mozart’s unpredictable genius to new heights and is one of the most extraordinary pieces of sacred music ever written. It seems fitting that these pieces should be played in memory of and to honour all those who fought to save our island nation.

The concert will conclude with a world premiere performance of ‘To Notice Such Things’ by the late Jon Lord, formerly of Deep Purple.

Sponsored by Toovey’s and Spofforths, The Steyning Battle of Britain Concert will be held at 5.00pm on Battle of Britain Sunday, 20th September 2015, at Steyning Parish Church. Tickets priced at just £18.00 are on sale now through the Capitol Theatre Box Office. Go to www.thecapitolhorsham.com/whats-on/allshows/the-steyning-battle-of-britain-memorial-concert or telephone 01403 750220.

By Revd. Rupert Toovey. Originally published on 19th August 2015 in the West Sussex Gazette.

The Vintage and Steam Fair

“You can really imagine that you’ve stepped back in time at the Vintage and Steam Fair”

Stepping back into an earlier age at The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum

This weekend I shall be heading to the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum’s annual Vintage and Steam fair. The museum’s collection of traditional buildings, set in the rural landscape of the South Downs National Park, will be brought to life by traction engines, vintage vehicles, a fairground and stalls. You can really imagine that you’ve stepped back in time with sights reminiscent of the 1930s and even earlier!

I love the scene depicted here with the gallopers roundabout powered by a Fowler Showman’s steam engine in the centre of a small traditional vintage fairground. It is a combination which always delights the senses; the sound and smell of steam and pistons, the colour and movement of the horses.

“Steer a steam engine” in the Events Field Arena

At the heart of the museum’s work are some fifty buildings of national and international importance. They have been saved from demolition and neglect from across the South of England and reconstructed in this beautiful landscape at the heart of the South Downs National Park. Amongst my favourites is the medieval shop saved from Middle Street in Horsham which is thought to date from the 15th century. It was dismantled in 1967 to make way for redevelopment and the timbers given to the museum. After much research it was reconstructed in its current form copying a surviving shop front of similar date at Lingfield. Shops became increasingly common from the 14th century onwards. Goods were sold across the open counters like market stalls. Most of the buildings are open for visitors to go in and discover what it was like to live and work in them.

As you walk through the square and around the museum’s rural landscape you will discover traction engines working, local crafts, vintage music, a narrow gauge steam engine to ride on and very importantly a themed tea tent – something for all the family to enjoy!

In the Events Field Arena there will be displays to enjoy including the St Giles horse drawn steam fire engine and the popular “steer a steam engine” shown here.

On Sunday the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club from Portsmouth will add their regional annual meeting to the show, displaying marvellous cars from this fine British marque alongside other vintage cars, commercial and military vehicles.

It occurs to me that we are all at least seventy years older than our years because the memories that an older generation shares with us seem real to us. Having lived in Sussex all my life I have listened to tales of traction engines at work in the fields, with teams of people and horses at harvest time, and of steam driven fairs. The stories have been told to me in the warm Sussex accent of an older generation which is sadly now fading. Their memories seem real to me in my imagination. It is as though they are my own. The wonderful work of the Weald & Downland Museum allows us all to inhabit and experience bygone ages. You cannot fail to be excited and learn about our social history, the common story which unites us, here in Sussex.

Visitors to the Vintage & Steam show will enjoy all the bustle and excitement of this traditional Steam Festival. It is being held at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0E, on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August, between 10.30am and 5.00pm. For more information go to www.wealddown.co.uk or telephone 01243 811348. Tickets are available on the gate – I hope to see you there!

By Revd. Rupert Toovey. Originally published on 12th August 2015 in the West Sussex Gazette.

A Twist in Time

The current Pallant House Gallery exhibition ‘A Twist in Time: installations and interventions’ provides a remarkable opportunity to experience the conceptual, installation work of international artist, Michael Petry, here in Sussex.

Michael Petry’s art draws inspiration from both classical mythology and contemporary culture. He seeks to give expression to our human relationship and interaction with the world, combining a sensual physicality with a reflective spirituality. Michael has a deep awareness of the importance of narrative and place. He involves the viewer in playful narratives rooting them, for a moment, in time and space. We are invited to inhabit the work in our imaginations; to become aware of changes in light, shadow and colour as each moment in time evolves, gifting these installations with life and movement. And there is a conscious relationship between the specific architectural setting and the work.

Artist, Michael Petry, with ‘Libation to Dionysus’

I approach ‘Libation to Dionysus’ with Michael Petry. I am struck by the beauty and stillness of the deep red of the wine and water held in the porcelain bowl glazed in gold. Colour, light and shade resonate as the window is reflected in the pool of liquid. Michael kneels before the bowl as I ask him about the inspiration behind the title of this piece. He describes how wine was used as an offering, a libation, to Dionysus. In Greek mythology Dionysus was the god of the grape harvest, wine, fertility, theatre and religious ecstasy. He kneels and says “The Greeks would always offer the God’s something precious. Wine would always be mixed with water.” As he speaks Michael pours wine then water into the bowl. The sound of this fills the hall in the 18th century part of the gallery. He continues “What this does is enable the bowl to act like a mirror. The direct sunlight comes down and it illuminates, the wine glows bright red, it’s really fantastic. In the shade it acts like a mirror but it looks like blood. It functions in two ways.” Michael stands and looks into the libation bowl. He remarks “When you look in you see yourself.”

Reflections are at the heart of Petry’s ‘Bad Restoration’. This installation looks at both the imperfect way we seek to restore our physical image and our flawed reflections in mirrors. The fragmented, layered, mirrored glass of the artist’s mirrors seems to reflect something of the nature of modern life while echoing Oscar Wilde’s story ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’.

‘A Twist in Time’ by Michael Petry, at Pallant House Gallery

As we turn towards ‘A Twist in Time’ the gallery’s wall is bathed in the reflected red of the wine.

Much of Michael Petry’s work explores the vitality and non-functional properties of glass transforming the use of this material from utility to art. Petry describes glass as a “luscious material”. He continues to redefine the distinction between artist and artisan. Michael often works collaboratively with highly skilled craftspeople to create his works. He is keen to identify the role of the students and staff at Plymouth College of Art in the making of the glass components for the installation ‘A Twist in Time’. He describes how ‘A Twist in Time’ responds to the architecture of the 18th century house which forms part of Pallant House Gallery. Michael says “I really wanted it to have a reference to these turned columns on the stairs.” The delicate barley twist spindles on the elegant staircase are reflected in the glass spindles suspended, as if floating, in its well. The colours do not fully reveal themselves until you reach the landing where the light from the large arched window gives them life. Michael talks of playing with the tranquil colours of the space. The green spiral ties in with the trees which can be seen in the courtyard garden, the brown reflects the timber of the spindles. It is a work created to be in dialogue with the building and our senses.

As visitors move up and down the staircase the boards creak giving voice to another of Michael’s narratives, this time about ghosts revealing themselves in the house. As you walk through the rooms on the upper floor unexpected clear glass objects, which the artist calls ‘Ghosts’, reveal themselves to you.

This intentional artist challenges our perception of the world and the ‘lenses’ through which we view it. There is honesty and beauty in Michael Petry’s art. His observation of the world and our humanity reveals a rare depth of thinking and compassion. Here the ambiguities of life and death, strength and gentleness are held in tension. This is a must see show.

‘A Twist in Time: installations and interventions’ runs until 1st March 2016 at Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ, telephone 01243 774557.

To see video extracts of Rupert Toovey’s interview with the artist Michael Petry click here.

By Revd. Rupert Toovey. Originally published on 26th July 2015 in the West Sussex Gazette.

How to be English!

Author, David Boyle, with Gudrun and Sara of the Steyning Bookshop

‘How to be English’ by David Boyle is published this week. The book provides a fond, irreverent celebration of the ambiguities, eccentricities, and shared stories that define the English.

The writer David Boyle has recently moved to Sussex with his family and I have arranged to meet him at one of my favourite shops in all England – the Steyning Bookshop. The shop is at the heart of the Steyning community and is passionately run by Sara Bowers and her daughter, Gudrun. The shelves, filled with books, always fill me with a sense of anticipation and excitement. As I walk towards the shop past the familiar iron railings I am greeted by David, Gudrun and Sara, framed by the arch of the door and the colourful hanging baskets. Preparations are underway for an evening and book launch with David Boyle at the Steyning Bookshop on Thursday 23rd July 2015.

I ask David where the inspiration for the book came from, he replies “I became concerned that many of the stories which define the English, that I had grown up with, were in danger of being lost.”

David’s account of the English leaves you with a real sense of place in the procession of human history. I mention to David the delight that his articulation of the English has given me and the empathy I have with so many of his subjects. As I have read ‘How to be English’ I have become increasingly aware of how my understanding of what it is to be English has been informed by my love of Sir John Betjeman’s work. David agrees explaining that he too read Betjeman avidly in his late teens.

So are the English defined by Wellington’s stiff upper-lip? David responds “That’s one side of the story but Nelson provides a more old fashioned personality – emotional, overindulgent, sentimental, and lachrymose, overwhelmingly English, with a blind eye to authority.”

The divergent subjects of this eclectic book include: warm beer, Alfred the Great, the seaside, Capability Brown, The English Hymnal, heroic failure, daffodils, bell-ringing, the King James Bible, and The Last Night of the Proms.

So how would David summarise the English? He smiles and says “The English are always polite, apologising for themselves wherever they go. The importance of practicality over intellect is a very English idea, but also the importance of trying again.” David pauses for a moment and concludes “They like pluck, fair play and cricket…”

Author, David Boyle, preparing for Steyning Bookshop launch

Don’t let David’s gentle humour deceive you. There is a quality and depth of thinking which belies the light-hearted tone of this joyous book.

Books feed not only our imaginations and thinking but there is the physical pleasure of the touch and smell of the paper. And the best place to savour and acquire these pleasures is an independent bookseller of the quality of the Steyning Bookshop.

‘How to be English – an Evening with David Boyle’ will be held at The Steyning Bookshop, 106 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3RD on Thursday 23rd July 2015 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost just £4, redeemable against the purchase of a book, which might just have to be ‘How to be English’! For more information go to www.steyningbookshop.co.uk and to book your place telephone 01903 812062.

By Revd. Rupert Toovey. Originally published on 15th July 2015 in the West Sussex Gazette.

Celebrating our Quintessential Affair with the Garden

Sweet peas in the cut flower beds at Parham

This week I am visiting Parham House in West Sussex as preparations for their 22nd annual Garden Weekend are in full swing. For me this quintessential celebration of our passion for gardening is one of the highlights of the Sussex summer calendar. This year’s event will be opened by the celebrity gardener and broadcaster, Rachel de Thame.

Head Gardener, Tom Brown, at Parham House

As I arrive at Parham the scene is one of great activity. An enormous cherry picker fills the courtyard, they have been tending the ancient roses on the walls of the house. Lady Emma Barnard greets me with a wave from the far side of the fountain as Head Gardener, Tom Brown, welcomes me. Tom and I walk through an ancient wooden archway and door, its russet paint complimenting the silver grey of the stone buildings. On the other side the stillness which gathers you at Parham is immediately apparent.

As we walk towards the walled garden Tom begins to talk about the gardens and his role as Parham’s Head Gardener. His face is alive with enthusiasm as he says “The garden is bigger than all of us. It’s humbling to look at how this garden behaves and its needs.” I remark on how I have always loved the naturalistic planting at Parham. Its swathes of colour and textures interact with the movement of light and a gentle breeze in the walled gardens. Tom responds “The palette of the plants is very important to the ‘Parham way’, as are the big opulent artistic borders. But this is underpinned by a rigour in the way we approach our work in the garden.” It quickly becomes apparent that I am in the company of an accomplished and sensitive horticulturist who has the rare gift of observing well. He describes how he is attentive to the way that plants respond to the garden and also people’s reactions to it. There is a quality of the relational, a deep sense of stewardship, in Tom’s approach. It is also clear that he has an awareness of his place in the ongoing story of this ancient house and garden and an understanding of the responsibilities of his position.

The Greenhouse at Parham being tended by Peta and Henry

Our conversation turns to Tom’s team and the creativity it embodies. He talks with obvious respect and pride as he describes how Peta, Henry, Max, Jake and Sam bring different gifts and experience. He remarks “There is a sense of ownership for all of us with belonging to a team.” This is a team defined by respectful dialogue. There is respect both for the members of the team and the garden.

As we talk a visitor approaches us. She expresses her pleasure in the garden and Tom is clearly delighted. He stands and listens carefully to her question about planting in the shade of her garden. He responds generously and with expert advice.

Tom is clearly grateful for the time he spent at Wisley but his pleasure in the ‘canvas’ of these gardens, that Lady Emma’s patronage has given him to work on, is unmistakeable. Tom brings his generosity of spirit and depth of expertise to his role as he facilitates and leads the ongoing vision for these gardens. He loves the domestic qualities of his position too. He always ensures that there is a basket of fresh vegetables for Emma and her family when they return home and wonderful cut flowers for the house. That the gardens bless the family is very important to him. His generous care for the gardens, his team, the visitors, Lady Emma and her family is underpinned by the relational in all that he does. Tom is richly deserving of our thanks.

Parham House and Garden’s ‘Garden Weekend’ is on this coming Saturday and Sunday, 11th and 12th July 2015, 10.30am to 5.00pm. For more information go to www.parhaminsussex.co.uk or telephone 01903 742021. Tickets include the wonderful gardens and entry to the house and its superb collections. There will be a number of specialist nurseries and the opportunity to be inspired and take home some wonderful stock for your gardens. Don’t miss out on the marvellous cut summer flower arrangements in the house and the flower festival in St Peter’s church. I hope to see you there!

By Revd. Rupert Toovey. Originally published on 8th July 2015 in the West Sussex Gazette.