Entertainment

Your guide to the best in local entertainment

Sedgley Real Ale Beer Festival Rolls out Again for 2015

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sedgleyscene-sedgley-beer-festival-2This year’s Sedgley Real Ale Festival promises to be even bigger

You could say last year’s Sedgley Real Ale Beer Festival was a success. In fact, it was so popular that thirsty visitors managed to down 2,000 pints in just 17 hours!

So, as organisers prepare for this September’s event at Sedgley Jubilee Scout Hall, more beers are most definitely the ‘order of the day’.

The festival, which combines real ale and live music, is fast becoming a regular autumn fixture for beer lovers across the Black Country.

Chairman, Ian Foster says:

“We are very excited with the amount of interest in the beer festival. It is really satisfying tasting beers for good causes, and with so many local people turning up, everyone seems certain to meet old friends.”

Sedgley Real Ale Beer Festival Helping Charities

The money raised from the beer festival will be used to benefit the Scout Group, Children in Need, and Cystic Fibrosis.  The Scouts used their share of the proceeds to complete work on a fantastic logged cabin and new toilets.

The landlord of the Horse and Jockey at Woodcross will also be on hand to offer expert advice and recommendations.

Beer managers, Ron and Paul Reynolds, say: “In our first year, we got through almost 4,000 drinks in 17 hours! Last year it was 5,000, so this year we are ready to take it close to 6,000 glasses of ale, cider and wines.”

Drinkers will be entertained on Friday night with live music from locals Ben & Alun Davies, who will be serving up a range of 60’s, blues, folk, and classic rock numbers.

Joining the line-up on Saturday afternoon will be Sedgley Ukulele Strummers, and 1st Sedgley Morris Men.

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The Four Rossis will be keeping crowds rocking on Saturday night

Star billing on Saturday night will be ‘The Quo’ also known as ‘The Four Rossis’, who will reel out ‘Good Time Boogie’ and a wealth of other favourites to re-create the ‘full-on, driving rock’n’roll that is Status Quo’.

This year’s festival will take place at Jubilee Hall, (rear of Sedgley Co-op), Friday evening 25th 5pm to 11pm and Saturday 26th of September from noon to 11pm.

The entrance fee of £10 includes drinks, a souvenir festival glass and three live bands.

For more details, contact David Baugh, tel: 07795370712 or
email: davidbaugh@blueyonder.co.uk

Creative Black Country Brings Arts to Sedgley

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Artists and performers in Sedgley can showcase their talents as part of an exciting new project launching soon.

Creative Black Country is a new Arts Council England funded project bringing the best in high quality performance and visual arts from around the world to the region showcasing the finest the region has to offer.

The Queens Square shopping centre West Bromwich will come to life on the 22nd January with the official launch of the new project, which features performances from ACE Dance & Music, Crashmat Collective Contemporary Circus, an innovative Holographics display by a local artist, some rather unusual characters, and much more. The event is free and open to everyone.

Black Country Creativity

Programme Director, Sajida Carr says: “The Black Country has always been and still is a hot bed of creativity and innovation. Through this project we will celebrate the artistic excellence and creativity that is the backbone of a region that has given the world Led Zeppelin, Noddy Holder, Goldie, Frank Skinner, Julie Walters, Beverly Knight and still has so much to offer artistically and
culturally.”

Her thoughts are echoed by Mark Davis, Chair of the Creative Black Country partnership, who says: “This event is a great opportunity to enjoy and experience something fantastic, fun and
different right on our doorstep. We hope as many people as possible will come and be part of this Creative Black Country launch event, to get a taste of some of the exciting things to come.”

Creative People and Places projects are taking place in parts of the country where people’s involvement in the arts is significantly below the national average, with the aim of increasing the likelihood of participation. The project will support local groups and communities to create their own arts activities as well as commission arts activity across Wolverhampton, Walsall and Sandwell.

Join the Creative Black Country Facebook page here  or follow the project on Twitter here

 

 

Sunshine And Song In Sedgley This Weekend

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There is something for all the family in Sedgley this weekend with the Our Big Gig event at Baggeridge

Music lovers in Sedgley are spoilt for choice this weekend, with two superb events which are sure to make the glorious sunshine even more enjoyable.

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Our Big Gig is coming to Baggeridge Country Park near Sedgley this weekend

On Saturday, July 13th,  Baggeridge Country Park is the venue for Our Big Gig – a series of community music celebrations taking place across the country.

The Sedgley event, organised by South Staffordshire Council, features live music from 1pm until 5pm, with performances from Stolen Comfort, Ellowes Hall School Funk Band, Matt Gallis and My Girlfriend’s Last Boyfriend.

Visitors will also be able  to enjoy music played on the new giant outdoor xylophone and hopefully be able to help construct it!

Throughout the afternoon, there will be a variety on musical performances on offer, including folk, jazz and rock.  Music lovers can also enjoy open mic sessions, junk instrument making workshops and musical masterclasses.

Our Big Gig has been made possible thanks to funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government, Arts Council England and the National Lottery. Organised by local volunteers with assistance from not-for-profit arts organisation, Superact, the events are part of the government’s Olympics legacy commitment to reconnect communities and ensure the benefits of the Games are spread across the country long after the sporting events have ended.

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Enjoy the golden age of Music Hall at Dudley Canal Trust this weekend

Old-time Music Hall in The Cavern

This Sunday, lovers of the golden era of Music Hall can enjoy a canal boat cruise through the incredible caverns beneath Dudley while basking in the sounds of a much-loved bygone era. The Old Time Music Hall event is organised by Dudley Canal Trust Trips and promises to be a great way to round off a scorching weekend in Sedgley and the Black Country.

Sing along with classics from yesteryear, as the team from Funtime Theatre takes you back in time to a rich age of music, when songs such as ‘Teenager In Love’ and ‘Rhythm Of The Rain’ were staple tunes on Wurlitzer jukeboxes in coffee shops up and down the country.

Performances start at 7pm and 8.15pm on Sunday, July 14th. Tickets are £10 each and available from Dudley Canal Trust Trips on 0121 557 6265.

 

Spring into action at Sedgley Community Centre

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As Sedgley residents wave goodbye to winter and look forward to warmer, sunnier weather in 2013, there’s a packed programme of events lined up at the community centre to keep everyone entertained.

Many more events will be added as the year progresses – this is intended as an overview of confirmed events so far.

  • 16th February 2013 Coffee Morning followed by Fish and Chip Lunch
  •  20th April 2013 Coffee Morning
  •  18th May 2013 Spring Fair and Ploughman’s Lunch
  •  15th June 2013  Coffee Morning
  •  29th June 2013 Afternoon – Strawberry Fair
  •  20th July 2013 Coffee Morning
  •  17th August 2013 Annual Flower Show
  • 21st September 2013 Harvest Coffee and Ploughman’s Lunch
  • 19th October 2013 Coffee Morning
  • 16th November 2013 Victorian Christmas Fayre – Pork Sandwich Lunch
  • 7th December 2013 Afternoon – Christmas Concert

Sedgley Community Centre is situated in Ladies Walk, Sedgley. Call 01902 678490 for more information on any of the above events.

Halloween Hocus Pocus at Dudley Zoo

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Halloween fun – here’s 10-year-old Rhiannon Westwood and Kevin Adams, from Sedgley, entering into the Halloween spirit.

FANG-TASTIC! That was the verdict from witches, ghosties and ghoul friends who joined the Hocus Pocus family fun at Dudley Zoological Gardens last night.

Creepy Crawly Crafts and monster face painting took place in the Discovery Centre and Queen Mary Suite where there was also some very scary dancing!

Here’s 10-year-old Rhiannon Westwood and Kevin Adams, from Sedgley, entering into the Hallowe’en spirit.

There’s always something interesting going on at Dudley Zoo. Check out the daily updates in Latest ZooNooz at  www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

Last chance for Dudley Zoo free panto tickets

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Hurry, hurry, it’s your last chance to grab free panto tickets!

Dudley Zoological Gardens is sponsoring the dress rehearsal of Jack and The Beanstalk at The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and has got more than a thousand tickets to give away for the December 7 panto date.

The family favourite will feature Loose Women presenter Sherrie Hewson, veteran entertainer Keith Harris, plus the lovable Orville, with Nigel Ellacott joining the line-up as the distinctive dame.

DZG CEO Peter Suddock, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with a premier theatre that’s on our doorstep and hope everyone will enjoy Jack and The Beanstalk at The Grand – particularly those who join us at the dress rehearsal – and then book into Santa’s Jack and The Beanstalk-themed grotto at DZG.”
Dudley Zoo is also looking for charities and local organisations who would like to join them at the dress rehearsal on Friday, December 7 at The Grand, in Wolverhampton, starting at 7pm.

If you think YOU or someone you know is eligible please get in touch and tell them why.

Contact julia.marketing@dudleyzoo.org.uk or call  01384 215313 – there are more than a thousand tickets to give away!!

 

Sedgley Woman Uncovers Memories of Dudley Zoo

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Trainee keeper Alex Randle with the book about Dudley Zoo’s animal collection in the 1950s.

An old book discovered in the attic as she prepared to move house brought back fond memories of Dudley Zoological Gardens (DZG) for Mrs Lynette Collins of Sedgley recently.

Among the yellowing pages of 1960’s hardback The Zoo Keeper, by D H S Risdon, Lynette found a photograph of her late father-in-law, Ernie Collins, who headed up DZG’s Cats’ Section during the 1950s and early 60s.

 Lynette said: “The book is all about Dudley Zoo’s collection and reading it brought the memories flooding back and I remembered lots of stories Ernie used to tell about the zoo animals and staff.
“The photograph shows him cleaning out a leopard’s cage and the text explains the basic principles of zoo keeping, highlighting hard physical work and common sense as key to the job!”
She added: “I have donated the book to DZG archives as I’m sure they will find it most interesting.”

Insight into Dudley Zoo’s History

DZG Head of Media and Communications, Jill Hitchman, said: “The book offers a fascinating insight into DZG’s collection in the 1950s and early 60s and was written by Donald Risdon who was the zoo’s General Manager at that time.

 “It concludes with A Day in the Life of a Keeper, which is almost identical to today’s procedures and explains the importance of routine and commitment.
“One area that has changed is uniform – back in the 1950s staff used to wear a formal jacket and peaked cap, but modern-day zoo keepers wear more comfortable, casual, less restrictive clothes.”
She added: “The book has now been added to our new archives department and has already been passed around several members of staff who have found it very interesting reading.”

 

Reap the Rewards of Autumn at Sedgley Community Centre

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With summer nearly over, Sedgley Community Centre has a packed programme of events this autumn guaranteed to warm up those dark nights and keep everyone entertained.

On Saturday, September 29, Ashmore Male Voice Choir will be hitting all the right notes and treating guests to an evening of all types of music and monologues. Tickets for this event, priced at £4, are available from Mary Lavender on 01902 885816 or on the door.

And, as autumn moves into winter, what better than an evening of music and dancing to keep the cold at bay? The Sedgley Live event on Saturday, October 27, will feature a performance from Old Enough To Know Better, who will be getting everyone up on their feet with a selection of songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Also performing are Be bewitched, (bothered and bewildered) and a Frank Sinatra Cabaret.  This event begins at 8pm and Sedgley residents will be able to dance their socks off until late in the evening. Tickets, priced at £3, are available from Lesley Whitehouse on 07971 739042 or on the door. Bring your own drinks and enjoy the fun!

As the festive season draws near, get into the Christmas spirit with a concert from St Andrews Singers on Saturday, December 1, which starts at 2pm. Tickets for this event cost £3 and include refreshments.

Sedgley Community Centre, based in Ladies Walk, is well known for hosting a series of events for local residents throughout the year, including the popular Flower and Vegetable Show, which celebrated its 18th year earlier this month. Other well-attended events include the Sedgley Live Arts and Crafts festival and the harvest festival.

 

 

Discover The History and Future of St John’s Church

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Sedgley Local History Society will be hosting a talk dedicated to the preservation of St John’s Church, Kates Hill, Dudley

Sedgley residents can learn about the fascinating history of St John’s Church,Kates Hill, Dudley, as the new season of talks from Sedgley Local History Society gets underway.

During the event, held on Thursday, September 13 at 7.30pm in St. Andrew’s Church, Bilston Street, Sedgley, guests will be treated to an illustrated talk from group chair, Deb Brownlee and Chris Smith, editor of community magazine, Village Voice. The speakers will be highlighting the efforts of the St

John’s Church Preservation Group and how their project to restore this 1840s building to its former glory depends on community support in order to succeed.

The Significance of St John’s Church

St John’s Church is a hugely significant building in local history. Not only is it the burial place of William Perry, the famous Tipton Slasher, it’s also the last resting place of Julia Hanson, who is synonymous with Hanson’s beer and brewery. Marion Richardson, the famous art and handwriting teacher, is also buried there, and Reverend Edward Noot, who served at St John’s for 63 years until his death in 1905, was related to Edward Jenner, the famous physician who discovered vaccination and thereby helped eradicate smallpox in the UK.

This Grade II listed building was closed in 2002 due to health and safety concerns but, since forming in 2007, the St John’s Preservation Group has worked hard to demonstrate how it can be fully restored and take its rightful place in the community once more.

Numerous local celebrities have lent their support to the campaign, including former cycling champion Geoff Hill and Professor Carl Chinn – himself a descendent of the famous Tipton Slasher, William Perry.

Sedgley residents are warmly invited to the talk, which costs £1 to attend. Annual membership of the Society costs £5 and gives free access to the programme of talks.

Visit the St John’s Preservation Group’s website for more details on this important local landmark.

Get Ready For Lift-off With Launch Of Vintage Chairlift at Dudley Zoo

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Sedgley residents and visitors from across the UK can get ready for lift-off with the launch of the much-loved chairlift at Dudley Zoological Gardens this Friday, August  24.
The official ceremony, which will be carried out by BBC Radio WM presenter Jenny Wilkes, follows a three-month £117,000 Heritage Lottery-funded refurbishment of the country’s only vintage chairlift.
Work included a full refurbishment of the 41 chairs and roller system which carries the cable, plus an overhaul of the engine – a British-made DC which is electrically-driven with a reduction gearbox. The chairlift was last operated in 2002.

Dudley Zoo CEO, Peter Suddock, says: “We are so thrilled this is happening. One of the most common questions we are asked by national and overseas visitors is: ‘When’s the chairlift going to be running?’ so we are very well aware the refurbishment will create lots of interest.”

Finance for the project is via a £1.2million bid for Heritage Lottery Funding, which will also see the restoration of four of the site’s 12 listed Modernist structures which form part of the world’s largest single collection of Tecton buildings designed by renowned architect Berthold Lubetkin.

Mr Suddock adds: “It’s a fantastic year. Not only is it our 75th anniversary, we’ll also be finalising plans for the new entrance, retail complex and Tecton interpretation centre which will go on public display.There will also be additions to the animal collection and, of course, the chairlift will be restored, so there’s a lot to celebrate.”

Chairlift Was First Passenger-carrying Aerial Ropeway In England

The chairlift at Dudley Zoo was the first passenger-carrying aerial ropeway to be installed in England. It transports visitors from the zoo’s lower zone to the 11th century Dudley Castle on the upper level within a two-minute journey offering panoramic views across Sandwell to Birmingham, before travelling directly over flamingos and rare breeds of sheep grazing on the banks.

Mr Suddock says: “We have all the original drawings and, despite its age, the changes to the chairlift mainly centre on cosmetic refurbishment where it has suffered exposure to the elements and some slight modifications to the T-bars on the chairs. It’s a fantastic piece of machinery and a tribute to 1950’s engineering techniques.”
The chairlift opened to DZG’s visitors on May 11, 1958 and within six months had carried more than 154,000 passengers – approximately one third of persons visiting the zoo during that period.
Mr Suddock adds: “Early passengers paid sixpence for their journey, but 2012 travellers will be able to use the facility for free.”
Visit the Dudley Zoo website for more information on the exciting refurbishment of this 1950s chairlift.