Last night was dark and stormy. Our toilet light was not existent, due to one of our regular power failures. Stella succumbed to a thunder induced fit of the vapours, ending up squeezed in behind our pillows and and Lexi wanted to be on the bed as well. Anybody who has read "Five Minutes Peace", featuring the Large family, will be able to picture the ensuing chaos.
I staggered out of bed at about seven o'clock, regarding more sleep as a Bridge Too Far. A hyperventilating Kelpie, a partying Groodle, a non-functional CPAP machine and a snoring husband ended my desire of bedtime bliss. I can feel a nanna nap calling me later...
But first, I need to deliver some overdue reporting on "The Dire Straits Experience", along with a delicious preview of this coming weekend's events.
The "Brothers in Arms" tribute band performed at the Platform Theatre on the evening of 4 November. The weather was glorious, the venue was packed to the rafters, the food and vino was excellent and Dire Straits was in the air.
Led by David Atkinson (Guitar & Vocals), Mark Knopfler was all around us the second I closed by eyes. The other members were Pete Wynne (Guitar and Vocals), Todd Ellery (Keyboard and Vocals), Shaun Street (Bass Guitar and Vocals) and last but not least, local Beverley lad Guy Slingerland (Drums and Vocals), living his dreams and fulfilling ours.
When the haunting and poignant "Brothers in Arms" was performed, I was mesmerised by a mixture of agony and ecstasy. The song is so beautiful, but few of the audience knew the meaning behind the lyrics. A searing indictment of the futility of the Falklands War, and all wars before and since. The Falklands War was marked by seven weeks of horror and brutality and the loss of nine hundred lives during hostilities that were never officially declared.
When are we going to stop killing each other?
Enough doom and gloom for now. We danced through "Twisting by the Pool" and embarked on a nostalgic voyage down memory lane, courtesy of so many Dire Straits classics. I can tell you now - anytime this band comes to Beverley, I will be there. What about an annual gig, Mister Slingerland?
And now comes the really fun part of this post. November has been marked by a series of frustrating episodes, most of which are still current. In a deliberate Jump to the Left and perhaps a Step to the Right, here is a fabulous prelude of this coming weekend's events right here in Heavenly Beverley.
Saturday morning will blast off nice and early with our World Famous Beverley Community Markets. Orchestrated by the friendly and uber-efficient Jenny Foster and backed up by a team of enthusiastic artisans, these Christmas Markets will host Twenty-Seven (27!) stalls including the Swan Valley Distillery and the Avonbrook Winery. Plus all the usual suspects and much much more. This is an event definitely not to miss. Open from eight o'clock on this Saturday 2 December.
Wandering up and down Vincent Street, you will undoubtedly wish to browse in Bec and Marion's Art Studio, Kelly D's Ceramics, Luck Find's fabulous frocks, the Beverley Bakery, the Red Vault, both pubs, Nex Dor, Mandy's Art Garden, Je Mode Photographic Studio and our beloved East End Gallery and Giftshop.
Then, of course, we will be welcoming December's Artist-in-Residence at the Station, Alex Kyriakaci. We will enjoy her company for ten days, so be sure to visit the Station for a chat with her. Alex's artist statement reads-
"I love to paint. Painting is a way of describing my thoughts on all that surrounds me.When you paint you are making records of time and place.You are also creating an autobiography of yourself, the artist, in your paintings.I hope that people will see moments in my paintings that they recognise in their own lives through my subject matter and colour. I love to paint urban landscapes, still life, images from travel, my Greek heritage and especially portraits"
Over the last few weeks, the Beverley Soaring Society has been doing just that. I am reliably informed that gliding is the most wonderful. majestic and quiet way to view the world. Unfortunately, as I suffer from Terra Firma (the less firma, the more terra), you will have to take others' opinions rather than mine!
During either Saturday or Sunday, the Beverley Pool is at your service to cool bodies and tempers. Our pool is a much loved summer community resource and is open six days a week for a dip, splash or serious swim.
Finally, here is a scintillating snippet of our last Sundowner/ 9th Birthday Party/ Christmas Party for 2023 all rolled into one. The action will kick off late morning with Local Heroes John and Nicolette Whittington presenting a FREE community sausage sizzle outside the East End Gallery. Any donations towards the restoration of St Mary's church will be gratefully accepted. As early evening approaches BBQ maestro Michael will be in full swing with a second sausage sizzle for all punters until the snags run out. All proceeds will go the St Mary's. With any luck, Canon Doctor Philip Raymont will be in attendance to receive the loot. And Phil is absolutely the most un-stuffy vicar I have ever met.
LIVE music will commence once our Famous band arrive at the Gallery. In Lawrence Jones' case, that will be after he has finished photographing yet another fantastic summer sunset. EAST END MUSOS, you know who you are.If you have a voice or an instrument and would love to join in, just turn up at the East End Gallery this coming Saturday evening 2 December.
You all know the drill-
- morning sausage sizzle featuring that mild mannered couple John and Nicolette Whittington...
- beverages and cake all day...
- East End Gallery sausage sizzle from around 5.30 pm...
- LIVE music throughout the night...
- please bring a plate and bottle to share...
- a chance to enjoy great food and stimulating conversation in and out of the Gallery...
- and for laughs, I have purchased the deluxe Santa suit and will be modelling the outfit, even if I die from heat stroke...So, Christmas themed costumes are encouraged!
- Finally, would somebody responsible please lock up?!
Do yourselves a favour, book your accommodation or bring your van and enjoy the most fabulous weekend that Beverley can muster.
Enough said. See you all this weekend in Heavenly Beverley.
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