Archives & Test Page
Notice to Artists, "ING Discerning Eye Exhibition"
(Click here for page 1) (Click here for page 2)
"Bad Girl Goes Smart for Panto" at Watersmeet (Click here for flyer)
WAAF Enjoys Garden Party
Members of the Arts Forum enjoyed one of the few dry days in June at the Annual Garden party which, this year, was hosted by musician and composer Ronnie Smith.
There was a high turnout for the event and Ronnie's beautiful garden provided the ideal setting. Jaffer thanked him for kindly offering to host the event and highlighted the "profile" of Ronnie in the current issue of the Arts Forum magazine.
There was also the chance to hear a preview of Ronnie's new symphony which will have it's UK premiere at The Colosseum on July 7. MP Claire Ward joined the members later in the afternoon. Everyone who attended wished Ronnie success with his symphony - Seasons of Woman.
(To see pictures from the Garden Party please click here)
CHILDWICKBURY ARTS FAIR
We would like to welcome the members of Watford Area Arts Forum to the fourth Childwickbury Arts Fair. Held over three days, inside the beautiful private grounds of Childwickbury Stables, St.Albans, Hertfordshire. You will find an interactive mix of demonstration, workshops and free children's entertainment This is a unique way to view artists working, as they communicate the process of their work through demonstration and discussion. Stay with us for the evening and enjoy a programme of various musical concerts. Artists will be working at their easels throughout the day, inviting you to observe and discuss the creative process. It is a practical way to engage with artists in a relaxed and informal setting, as well as an opportunity to view and buy their work.
For more information visit www.childwickbury-arts-fair.com or telephone 07976 439850
Forum update (Click here for page 1) (Click here for page 2)
THE SUNDAYTIMES WATERCOLOUR COMPETITION 2007
Call for entries. To see last years winner (Click Here)
For entry forms please send a large SAE to: Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander/Sunday Times
Watercolour Competition 2007, PO Box 279, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8YZ
tel. 01372 462190 or e-mail ksf@parkerharris.co.uk
WORK GOING WELL ON COLOSSEUM ORGAN
Thanks to a good response to March's appeal by Watford Council Chairman, Cllr Rabi Martins, for funds to restore and maintain the console organ in the Colosseum, work has begun.
One last "push" is needed to raise another few hundred pounds to enable funds to be put by for maintenance but the good news is that restoration is about three-quarters complete.
In addition to work by Pipe Organ Problems and Solutions, new castors have been installed to enable this beautiful piece of Watford's musical heritage to be easily moved around. A new electrical supply has been installed and quotes are being obtained for a new protective dust cover.
The Council's Leisure Services manager, Dave Cobb, has told the Arts Forum that Watford Philharmonic are planning to use the organ for a concert in the Autumn. We will let all members know more details as soon as we have them.
Just a reminder, if you can make a donation, however small, send cheques to Watford Borough Council write "Organ Restoration Appeal" on the reverse side and post to Cllr Martins at The Town Hall.
ORGAN APPEAL LAUNCHED
A major part of Watford's musical heritage could be taking centre stage if an Appeal fund is successful.
On March 12, Council Chairman, Cllr Rabi Martins launched an appeal to raise £3,500 for the restoration of the console organ which has lain, gathering dust, in the bowels of The Colosseum for more than ten years.
The organ was inaugurated at a concert on May 2, 1961 in the building then known as the Assembly Halls. Thanks to Watford Musical Heritage and the Philharmonic Society, technicians have inspected it and got it to work. The aim now is to have it fully restored so it can again take its place with an orchestra on the stage. Donations for the Appeal should be sent to Cllr Martins at Watford Town Hall with cheques endorsed on the back 'Organ Restoration Fund'.
DOWER HOUSE COULD BE ARTS CENTRE
A 17th century building in Hempstead Road could be the answer to a search for an arts centre for Watford.
Little Cassiobury, built as a Dower House to the Cassiobury Estate, is currently boarded up and out of use. Richard Ahrens has been checking out the history to the building and believes it may be the very venue Watford needs as an arts centre.
The County Council, he writes, has recently done a lot of work to make the building safe and weather proof. Watford Council also has plans to turn that end of the town into a 'cultural area'. Although owned by Hertfordshire County Council, Richard believes it is possible that a community trust maybe a way forward as a management group for an arts centre on the site.
He is asking for other views and recommends people go and look at the building. Although it isn't possible to go inside, he suggests having a walk around the back to see the fine garden. Let WAAF have your thoughts on how the future of Little Cassiobury should be shaped.
MUSICIANS BACK TOWN HALL VENUE
There is hope for the future use of The Colosseum, soon likely to revert to being called The Town Hall. The current issue of the magazine takes an in depth look at a major report, which was considered by Watford Council in February.
Representatives of the Council visited other similar venues either run completely by a local authority, privately run or managed by some other organisation. The way ahead for Watford's building is likely to be a combination of private and public management.
There is no doubting the commitment of The Council towards keeping this very special building, with its exceptional acoustics, for the benefit of local people and a boost has come with the backing of the powerful Musicians Union.
The report revealed that jobs are being lost to other countries, as two sound recording studios in London have been lost to developers. The famous Abbey Road studio is over subscribed and the MU is anxious for Watford's venue to be promoted within the music business as a vital resource.
Concerts and recordings by BBC orchestras are proving very popular and the Council sees no difficulty in accommodating future use by the Beeb within an overall plan to broaden the type of events being staged in Watford.
While signs are encouraging, there is the on - going anxiety about finance and a further report to the Council in June will aim to detail the scale of necessary works needed for the building with options as to how they may be funded.
Picture by Don Lanstone
