previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2024
Wild Hearts at Ebor Studio
Preview by Steve Cooke
Wild Heats is a show of new work by Esther Towler which will display her photography of rare and endangered native breeds of wild horses with an underlying message of conservation as these animals habitats are being affected by agriculture, fencing and construction on the UK's wild moorland landscapes.
Esther says:‘At a time when our world is fragile and in need of great change and care from us all. I believe it’s so important to cherish all our environments, nature and animals. With a passionate message of conservation at its heart six years ago I began to photograph rare breed horses and ponies to show people the heart and soul of these wonderful breeds and to encourage people to support these vulnerable breeds. The photographs will be curated into a fine art photography book called Wild Hearts and an upcoming exhibition.’
‘In the UK we are lucky enough to have beautiful native horses and ponies roaming our land. Some of the native breeds originate from specific regions across the UK & Ireland and roam in semi-wild herds that are accustomed to their particular environments. They graze in harsh, vast landscapes where hill farmers with commoner’s rights are custodians of these breeds. They care for them, protect them, ensuring their safety, health and continuing the long line of ancient gene pools continue for these native breeds to thrive and be healthy. Other native breeds are traditional workhorses with a long history of working alongside men from agriculture to industry over the years.’
‘Their environments are changing, from intensive agriculture, expansive building, fencing off vast areas of moorland which restricts grazing, lack of interest in native breeds from horse enthusiasts, hill farmers whose families have farmed their land for many generations are unable to pass down their farms to new generations due to financial pressures and changes to farming legislation. All these elements are diminishing the likelihood of a future in the wild for our rare native breeds.’
‘There are currently 14 rare breed horses and ponies who are "At Risk" of their breeds disappearing.’
‘I hope that my Wild Hearts book and exhibition will raise the profile of our native breeds who have grazed and shaped our land for hundreds of year
Until 5th Jan (open by appointment)
Artist Talk: Wednesday 18th December 7pm - Book on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/artist-talk-wild-hearts-tickets
Ebor Studio, William Street Littleborough OL15 8JP
Monday and Thursday 11am–5pm
Phone: 01706 551 001
Email: info@eborstudio.co.uk
Visit: www.eborstudio.co.uk
TLC’s Resident Band!
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
The Telemann Baroque Ensemble is an experienced troupe of talented musicians. They appear at Toad Lane Concerts four times a year. You could almost say they are the resident band! They can always be relied upon for great musicmaking. The line up varies from time to time and today consisted of Alastair Roberts (flute), Elaine da Costa & Sarah Snape (violins), and John Goodstadt (viola). Crucially, Roger Bisby (cello) and Peter Collier (harpsichord) gave the fundamental basis throughout (called the basso continuo), which provides the authentic Baroque sound, and which is ideally suited to St Mary in the Baum Church.
Peter also introduced the items with amusing anecdotes and interesting historical context. The harpsichord was one of his own construction and an object of beauty itself.
Today’s programme featured the flute. In the opening GF Handel Concerto in d minor it was accompanied by violin, cello and harpsichord. Grand majestic slow movements were each followed by lively and demanding quick ones, the ideal of the mature Baroque. The audience were enthralled.
Next came JCF Bach, the fifth son of JS Bach, yet another musician from the legendary family. His Quartet for flute, violin, viola and basso continuo was relatively concise but gave delightful glimpses of post-Baroque styles that were yet to come.
The lesser-known French flautist-composer PG Buffardin’s Flute Sonata in e minor accompanied by cello and harpsichord was another gem of the period and exquisitely played.
Finally, the full ensemble rounded off with Mancini (Francesco that is, not the Henry of twentieth century fame) with his resounding Flute concerto in B flat.
Although master flautist Alastair took the lead in this concert, he was aided by his colleagues in a true ensemble performance.
This was concert number 1,116 since taking over from the council in 2001. The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday 12:30 – 13:30 at the Grade 1 Listed St Mary in the Baum Church, Rochdale OL16 1DZ, admission £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Presidents Cup Competition.
We meet every Wednesday at Rochdale Unitarian Church, starting at 7.30pm prompt (doors open from 7.15pm). The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.
If you would like to see the club for yourself and meet our members, you are welcome to attend as our guest for up to 3 weeks before committing to membership. Annual subscription is £36 for single or £46 for joint membership.
A weekly room fee of £2.50 is also payable on arrival at the meeting. Refreshments are 50p.
Visit the link below for a full 2024 syllabus
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Notability mixed voice choir (piano Lesley Cavanagh).
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Christmas organ concert
Jonathan Scott presents a special Christmas organ concert in the Victorian splendour of Rochdale Town Hall, showcasing the 'King of Instruments' in a dazzling programme of seasonal music.
Described as "The leading British Organist", Jonathan Scott is Organist at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, where he regularly performs to audiences of thousands. He is in demand as a concert soloist all over the world and is the only organist to have performed a solo organ concert at The Royal Albert Hall, London, for the 2024 BBC Proms.
The organ of Rochdale Town Hall is one of Jonathan's favourite organs, and he is excited to be returning to give a special festive concert on this amazing instrument.
£12 - Please book your place by 5pm, Monday 16 December 2024.
2pm - 3.30pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Art Group
Interested in art?
Why not come along and meet like-minded individuals, meeting each week to paint, draw, watch demos, etc.
Bring along your own artwork and join us. We are a very friendly group .
We are beginners up to very experienced artists who enjoy the sociability of meeting up and helping each other.
All abilities welcome.
Weekly programme of topics and events.
£1.00 weekly subs
Phone: Veronica Swinden 01706 640567
Visit: http://rochdaleartists.com
10.45am to 12.45pm
Castleton Library and Community Centre, 604 Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Thursday 19 December 2024
Open Mic Night
Vicolo del Vino was once an abandoned cellar. The ‘Wine Alley’ has since been transformed into a candlelit wine cellar with a true Mediterranean ambience.
Great venue for local talent.
Free
Phone: 07870 155951
7pm
Vicolo Del Vino, Cellar of 8-10 Baillie Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1ES
Friday 20 December 2024 - Saturday 21 December 2024
Riverside Christmas Market
The countdown is on to Christmas in Santa's favourite town centre and this year the inaugural Rochdale's Christmas Market is taking place at Rochdale Riverside. The market is brought to you by Rochdale Town Centre BID, and it will feature over 30 seasonal stalls to make sure that everyone gets their Christmas wrapped before the big day.
Whether you're seeking unique gifts, looking to savour street food, or simply want to soak up the seasonal vibes, the Christmas Market promises something for everyone.
The organisers look forward to welcoming attendees and their loved ones to the event, hoping to make this Christmas a season to remember
Live music will add to the festive atmosphere.
10am - 4pm
Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR
Christmas Spectacular at Littleborough Fire Station
Friday 20 December 2024 - Saturday 21 December 2024
3pm and 5pm
Join us when for two days only, Littleborough Fire Station will be setting children’s imaginations alight as it plays host to a very special guest at its Christmas Spectacular.
As well as enjoying a host of crafts and some festive treats, plus the chance to explore the fire station and the disco party fire engine, the town’s youngest residents are sure to be delighted with a story time from Father Christmas himself.
The ninety-minute experience will begin with a tour of the fire station with Crew Manager Chew, who will be sharing all the behind-the-scenes info with the budding fire fighters.
Next is a crafting session where the children will get full-on festive with some fabulous Christmas makes that will be the perfect mementos of their visit.
Having worked up an appetite, the youngsters can enjoy some yummy Christmas treats and a delicious hot chocolate.
The event finale will see the children and their grown-ups being led down to Father Christmas’ cosy wooden lodge, where the big man will be waiting to meet and greet his young guests before settling them down for a story that will take them on flights of fancy, while giving them more than a few belly-laughs along the way.
Tickets are available for four sessions.
The ticket admits one child and their grown-up and includes crafts, snacks, hot chocolate and a chocolate gift for the children.
Meanwhile, mums and dads will be able to purchase mulled wine and other festive goodies
Each session can host up to 20 children, but spots are expected to go quickly, so please book by visiting Holy Trinity's school office or by emailing office@holytrinityce.rochdale.sch.uk.
Profits from the events will go towards supporting the Venture Fund at Holy Trinity Primary School, with a donation also being given to the Fire Service Charity.
£16
Phone: Holy Trinity Primary School 01706 378061
Littleborough Fire Station, Whitelees Road, Littleborough OL15 8DU
Saturday 21 December 2024
Marvellous Christmas Markets
Join us at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre located in Central Square (near Iceland and Poundland store)
Visit our indoor market, bag yourself a unique treat, meet the marvellous makers, see their amazing creations, come and grab yourself a bargain.
We look forward to welcoming you.
If you would like to trade at one of our markets, please get in touch.
9am - 5pm
Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, Yorkshire Street, Rochdale OL16 1BA
Saturday 21 December 2024
Countdown to Christmas
Join the friends of St Edmunds for our last open day of 2024.
See the church in all its festive splendour with Christmas Music & Carols Round the piano from 12:30pm until 2:30pm.
Christmas theme treats and refreshments available.
Donations very welcome.
Free
Phone: Howard Bowden 07901 525651
12:30pm
St Edmunds Church, Edmund Street, Falinge, Rochdale OL12 6PL
Saturday 21 December 2024 - Sunday 22 December 2024
Meet The Grinch
11am - 2pm
Come and spread your festive cheer at Rochdale Riverside and warm The Grinch’s heart!
Say hello to the grumpy Grinch and have your photo taken – dressing up is welcome!
Rochdale Riverside, Riverside Walk, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1TR
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