Art Projects at London Art Fair 2016

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Art Projects at London Art Fair 2016:

20-24 January 2016

Business Design Centre, Islington, N1
London Art Fair has announced a series of collaborations between emerging UK and international galleries for ‘Dialogues’, a section of Art Projects guest-curated by Natasha Hoare, which aims to encourage and foster relationships between galleries on a global scale.
The Fair also previews highlights of the large-scale installations, solo shows and thematic group displays that will be shown by galleries exhibiting in Art Projects as well as a new partnership with Furtherfield, bridging art and technology, that will invite visitors to play, debate and contribute ideas to a collaborative artwork combining platform gaming and drawing.

Curated by Natasha Hoare, ‘Dialogues’ returns to London Art Fair, following two highly successful editions. Natasha is Associate Curator at the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam. She is also completing work on ‘Curating Now’, a book of interviews with international curators to be published by Laurence King in 2015.

For more information: www.londonartfair.co.uk

Tickets: London Art Fair day tickets are now on sale at £15 (plus £1.50 booking fee) in advance, including a copy of the 2016 Fair Guide (to be collected at the Fair). Day tickets on the door are £20.

Tickets are available from www.londonartfair.co.uk or via the ticket hotline: 0844 8480 136.

Celebrities Turn Out For Crisis At Christmas Charity Casino Fundraiser…

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

It’s around about now on Christmas Day that family come together for Christmas dinner, reflect on the year and look forward to a new one, all washed down with a glass of Bucks Fizz and Auntie Maur’s mince pies.

But Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time of year for a person cut off from family and home.

Crisis at Christmas, every year, provides companionship and support to tackle loneliness and isolation, helping people take their first steps out of homelessness.

With two new centres set to open their doors this year, Crisis need over 10,000 volunteers to make Crisis at Christmas happen for thousands of homeless people. As well as warmth, companionship and hot meals, centres in London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Coventry and Edinburgh will provide guests with healthcare and specialist advice on housing, work and benefits.

With this in mind, Jeremy Reeve, who heads up PowerPackXL Ltd (a Cambridge-based manufacturer of unique patented mobile phone chargers), wanted to raise some much needed funds for the charity, so set about using some of his contacts to build a night of fun and laughter to raise some cash for the charity. The number one call on Jeremy’s list was British actor Tony Fadil, as Jeremy knew he was the man when it came to filling a room with celebrities! Tony instantly took on the role and put in the hard work needed to run a VIP list and fill the room.

Many well known faces from TV, film and music turned out earlier in December for a charity casino night in aid of Crisis at Christmas, held in the famous White Room at the Grosvenor Barracuda Casino in London’s Baker Street – the perfect backdrop to a memorable night.

With free-to-play casino tables, guests enjoyed roulette, blackjack and poker, all played for fun. The evening then continued with a charity auction and raffle, in total, raising £2,312.65, all heading off to the charity to be put to use helping London’s homeless this Christmas.

Jeremy Reeve the MD of PowerPackXL has volunteered with Crisis, the single persons homeless charity, for the last five years, working in London during the Christmas week, where Crisis run a number of centres looking after guests.

VIP guests included:

Jaye Gamm, Gerry Todd, Marc Zammit, Paul J Lane, Wayne Gordon (ITV’s Gladiators), Sean Cronin, Kellie Barclay, Hayley Louise, Fergus Gaddes, Dean Maskell, Niqi Bupsie (X Factor 2015), Derry Luca Mensah (X Factor), Paul Manners, Old Men Grooving (Britain’s Got Talent), Simon Gross (Big Brother 2015), Heavy D, Angie Brown (solo artist), Cream Boomtown (TV Reality Star from BBC3, MTV, SKY TV, & Hip Hop Artist famous for hit single ‘Daddy Kool’), James Lewis (ITV’s Deals Wheels & Steals), Dave O’Donnell (UCMMA Promoter), Flint Bedrock (CEO of YSBG Management), Becky O’Brien, Colin Chapman (Author), Colin Marker (Percy Publishing) Nuraya Kokos CEO Baby KoKos Events Limited (PA to Jethro Sheeran), Carl Charlesworth (magician), stand-up comedian Simon Hussein, and a host of look-a-likes and people from the industry.

After spending a week volunteering at a Crisis at Christmas centre, Jeremy, who has volunteered for the last five years, quoted on his Facebook page yesterday:

“337 hot meals were served at my ‪#‎CrisisXmas‬ centre in East London tonight – 100% of the guests smiling! Your donations MADE A DIFFERENCE!”

So, join Jeremy and make a difference this Christmas…. donate at:

http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=PowerPackXLJeremyReeve&un_jtt_redirect

Crisis at Christmas 2015 runs from 23 – 30 December 2015.

www.crisis.org.uk/pages/christmas

Images courtesy Shane Finn (Visual Devotion)

Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring ways to break free from stress and worry and lead a calmer life By Gill Hasson

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Frostie

Anxiety is on the rise and even those lucky enough not to have anxiety will tend to worry. This book is great. It is all inclusive, it covers the aspects of anxiety to help you understand your own anxiety and anxiety in general. Part two then allows you to manage your anxiety. It gives you the tools to change the way you think, use mindfulness to help, use solution-based problem solving and boost your confidence. It even gives advice on finding help and support from other people. I found this book fascinating. I liked how it tells you to write down your anxieties and find recurring anxieties and then tackle them head on. I also loved the advice of surrounding yourself with ‘radiators’, people who spread warmth and positivity. Rather than drains who only take away energy and resources. There are brilliant tools and advice that really works. In my opinion, this book is essential for anyone with anxiety.

New book explains how to identify and manage anxiety

Anxiety is recognised as one of the most prevalent mental health problems in the UK, with financial issues, welfare of family members, work stress and fear of unemployment some of the most common contributing factors.

For those who experience occasional anxiety or have a diagnosable disorder, Overcoming Anxiety is a new book that provides practical strategies and techniques to help manage or overcome worries and concerns.

Written by bestselling personal development author Gill Hasson, the book begins by explaining what anxiety is and how it can present itself, including panic attacks, phobias, OCD & IBS. It goes on to explain how readers can manage both the cognitive and physical aspects of anxiety and identify activities they can do to help them switch off from worrying.

Overcoming Anxiety highlights the importance of reaching out and connecting with other people, outlining what family and friends can do to help. Hasson stresses the significance of having positive people around, explaining that “how other people respond to you can make quite a difference to how you feel about yourself- to your confidence, self-esteem and your ability to manage anxious thoughts and feelings.”

Throughout the book, there are quotes and examples from people who have experienced anxiety. Plus, exercises, activities, tips, strategies and techniques for readers to try.

“What is crucial is that you learn and develop a range of techniques and strategies that work for you” writes Hasson“and keep at it.”

About the author:

Gill Hasson is the author of the international bestsellers Mindfulness: Be mindful. Live in the moment , How To Deal With Difficult People: Smart Tactics for Overcoming the Problem People in Your Life and Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions to make a positive impact on your life and career.

She is a teacher, trainer and writer. She has 20 years’ experience in the area of personal development. Her expertise is in the areas of confidence and self-esteem, communication skills, assertiveness and resilience.

Gill delivers teaching and training for educational organisations, voluntary and business organisations and the public sector.

Gill’s particular interest and motivation is in helping people to realize their potential, to live their best life!

Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring Ways to Break Free from Stress and Worry and Lead a Calmer Life

British Singer-songwriter Lily Lambert Releases Merry Christmas, With Love

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Frostie

Want to get your jingle on? Then check out part-Irish, part-Welsh British singer-songwriter Lily Lambert whose has released a new cover album, Merry Christmas, With Love. Lambert premiered her cover of the classic Christmas song “Carol Of The Bells” on Stubby’s who noted the track stays “pretty faithful to its roots, but is dressed in rural garlands rather than big city tinsel.”

Botallack O’Clock by Eddie Elks

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Old Red Lion Theatre, Tuesday 12th January – Saturday 6th February 2016

Something to cheer you up as January 2016 gets into its stride.

Botallack O’Clock is a funny, moving and thought-provoking journey into the creative mind of Roger Hilton CBE, one of the most unique voices in post-war British art. The show depicts a suspended hour of the night where Hilton’s past and present combine with his vivid imagination and tenacious personality, giving a humorous and intriguing insight into the mind of a true artist.

In 1965, after representing Britain at the Venice Biennale, Hilton moved to the Cornish coastal village of Botallack, where his working routine began to break down, mainly as a result of his increasing addiction to alcohol (which he had long used to creative effect). For the final two years of his life, Hilton took permanently to his bed, where he continued to work, leaning over the side of his bed to paint on sheets of paper laid on the floor. Hilton would work through the night with only his thoughts, his imaginings and a temperamental radio for company.

Writer Eddie Elks said, Roger’s thoughts and ideas, much like his paintings, are as relevant and arresting now as they were then. In a letter to his mother, whilst serving in WWII, Roger wondered whether one day his life would be made into a story. I hope he would have approved. Elks previously wrote a play about artist Sir Terry Frost and it was during research for this production that he first heard the name Roger Hilton and decided to bring his story to the stage as well.

Botallack O’Clock: Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ, www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk.

Tuesday 12th January – Saturday 6th February 2016 Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm Saturday matinees, 2.30pm Sunday matinees, 3pm

70 minutes @thirdmantheatre @ORLTheatre, #botallackoclock

Tickets are available priced £15 (£12 concessions) Previews and matinees priced £10 Available from Old Red Lion Theatre Box Office and www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk or 0844 412 4307

Above Us The Sky by Milly Adams Book Review

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Milly Adams is an exciting new author, with a wonderful knack of bringing characters to life vividly and bringing the story off the page and into the imagination. Above Us The Sky is a brilliantly researched, and hugely enjoyable novel. Sad in places but ultimately uplifting, this book is set in wartime Britain. Phyllie, a young teacher, is a great character. She becomes a surrogate mother to her pupils. She is particularly protective of Jake, a Jewish boy who has to put up with anti-Semitism. She is a great teacher but finds it hard to adjust to country life and custom. As things become tough she finds love and support in community.

This is an engaging and entertaining story of love and loss. The attention to detail is superb. I loved that the role of the Women’s Institute was including in the novel and you really feel like you are in the submarine, such is the brilliance of her writing. This is a well-written book and a stunning debut. I cannot wait for another Milly Adam’s book as this one is educational, entertaining and riveting all at once.

A compelling new Second World War novel. Evacuees, the WI, and keeping calm and carrying on. Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Ellie Dean.

As the threat of bombing raids intensifies, newly-qualified teacher, Phyllis Saunders, is evacuated with her school to Dorset.

Here she encounters prejudice and suspicion. But she is determined to make the best of life, for herself and the children in her care. All the while her fiancé and submariner, Sammy, is facing danger out at sea.

Then the Blitz hits London and Phyllis, trying to persuade her mother to return to Dorset with her, gets caught up in it herself. Shaken but alive, she returns to the relative peace of the countryside. But soon she is nursing a secret she can tell no one.

Until the news that Sammy’s submarine has been sunk reaches her, and she is forced to make a decision she hopes she will never regret…

Above Us The Sky is available here.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara by Frances Colville

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Margaret Graham

A Little Life by American author Hanya Yanagihara is quite simply the best book I’ve read all year, and very well deserving of its Man Booker Prize short listing. It’s a book, I think, which will stand out for future generations in the way that Middlemarch or War and Peace or Birdsong stand out as epic studies of life in the time period in which they are set. It hooks you in on the first page and keeps you enthralled until the very last word. It’s one of those books which you almost can’t bear to read, and yet can’t not read. It’s harrowing, enlightening, disturbing, haunting, uplifting and absolutely compelling.

A Little Life is the tale of four college friends who meet at sixteen and remain linked throughout their lives. There isn’t much in the way of plot and if you want a strong storyline this isn’t for you. But that’s not the point of this book. Told from various viewpoints, but with one central character throughout, it’s about friendship, love, relationships, identity, memory, grief, pain, abuse and death. The characterisation is superb and the main characters will linger in your head long after you’ve finished reading the book. But above all it’s the beauty and intelligence of the language which grabs you and won’t let you go. I’m often guilty of skim reading, but I can honestly say I read every single word of this book just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Here’s just one example – ‘A small memory he could contain, but as the days go by and he waits for Willem, he recognizes that this is a long eel of a memory, slippery and uncatchable, and it whipsaws its way through him, its tail slapping against his organs so that he feels the memory as something alive and wounding, feels its meaty, powerful smack against his intestines, his heart, his lungs.’

Beware though – it’s a lengthy book and definitely not a quick read and you’ll need to allocate a chunk of your life to it because you won’t be able to set it aside.

A Little Life is published by Picador and is currently available as a hardback and eBook.

CHRISTMAS PAST & PRESENT by Jenny Falcon

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The lights garnishing the tree twinkle

Peeping out from amongst the shiny baubles

Dotted between the dark green pine branches

The sparkling ornaments, the foil wrapped chocolates

The olive trees stand still, silent, protective

Lit by the myriad stars, one shining extra brightly

The leaves gently flutter, quietly applauding

Sensing their privileged position by the stable

The street is full of noise and colour

Crowds bustling in and out of bulging shops

Carols playing, children squeaking with excitement

Preparations reaching a festive crescendo

Inside the stable, it is peaceful

The donkey, a little restless, hooves muffled by the straw

Knows this day he’s carried a special load

His big brown eyes watch in awe

Supermarket tills are working to exhaustion

Trolleys groan under the weight of Christmas fare

Pyramids of goods, demolished in seasonal frenzy

Unbelievable quantities, gratuitous excess

The inn keeper offers some bread and gruel

He has little to spare, the inn is full

He promises a lad will milk the cow

To give to the young mother, cradling the infant

The smell of roasting turkey, goose or beef

Mixes with the rich wafts of Christmas pudding

Mince pies, crouching in their crisp pastry coats

And spicy cinnamon immersed in the mulled wine.

The hay spread thickly on the earthen floor

Smells sweet, though slightly damp

Wood smoke blows through, just gently

As the door to the inn opens and closes

Guests arrive, parcels are placed under the tree

Fascinating shapes, brightly wrapped and ribboned

Soon to reveal the secrets within

Leaving forlorn piles of discarded, crumpled paper

Shepherds shuffle in, sheep trot behind

The Wise Men, majestic, mysterious offer their gifts

The new parents, happy but bewildered, smile their thanks

The baby, focus of all attention, sleeps on

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