RODSEC News 2010

Rolleston on Dove Special Events Committee (RODSEC)
News 2010

Contents:

RODSEC - Winter 2010 News
RODSEC - Autumn 2010 News
RODSEC - Summer 2010 News
RODSEC - Spring 2010 News

RODSEC - Winter 2010 News
(Details extracted from article that first appeared in the Winter 2010 issue of the Rollestonian)

Introduction

Within a month RODSEC has been involved in the staging of two events - Rolleston Village Country Gala on Saturday 18th September and “An Evening with Mistress Shakespeare” on Sunday17th October. Your generous support for both events goes to show that a special community spirit still thrives in these wet and woody parts.

Rolleston Village Country Gala

Rolleston Village Country Gala proved to be a bloomin’ good show with nearly 500 entries from 123 exhibitors. A superb array of exhibits drew a large and knowledgeable crowd to the event, which started in brilliant sunshine and ended in a sudden downpour.

Before the heavy shower, there was a farcical moment worthy of the best “Carry On” film. The carefully staged official opening was upended by a hungry piglet attempting to make a remarkable bid for prize winning vegetables and freedom!

The story was reported in the Burton Mail on Wednesday 22 September:

“PIG OUT
MP UPSTAGED AS ESCAPED ANIMAL HALTS OPENING OF VILLAGE GALA & SHOW

A piglet upstaged Burton’s MP when he opened a village gala and horticultural show. The animal escaped and almost managed to get inside the produce tent. The official opening of Rolleston Village Country Gala… by MP Andrew Griffiths was temporarily put on hold when the piglet got loose and ran around the venue….”

An outstanding feature was the presentation of produce inside the horticultural marquee. Entering the show tent was a breath-taking experience. The feeling was to be repeated elsewhere. An amazing sensory assault was experienced upon entering the OGSR. A cocktail of baking, pickling and wine-making aromas hung intoxicatingly in the air. From here visitors staggered back past a hamlet of delightful stalls, beyond sliding, laughing children, around the pen of disgruntled piglets and trail of patient ponies to the Craft and Children’s classes in Rolleston Club. These classes revealed a village rich in creative talent.

The achievements of so many talented people were celebrated at the evening awards ceremony. We are grateful to Bob Fraser for presenting the prizes.

So many items had been donated to the auction of produce that it took the amazing and entertaining auctioneer, Len Torr, most of the evening to shift a veritable Covent Garden from our tables. Barrow boy Len artfully picked our pockets and raised £441.00 for the Christmas parties. To this was added £436.00 from Verity Conner’s Grand Gala Raffle.

Thirty four generous local sponsors contributed a total £1028.00. Nearly £500.00 was distributed in prize money. The Gala was staged at a cost of £2000.00. It is pleasing to report that a working profit was realised and £1000.00 has been paid into Rolleston Club funds. We have been informed that this money is being spent on new curtains for the hall. This is a most satisfactory outcome and draws to a close a most splendid partnership. Thanks to all involved.

Gala Committee
Helen Barnett, Chris Brandon, John Brandon, Verity Conner, Sue Fraser,
Angie Gillespie, Tim James, Tom Martin, John Morris, Alan Partington,
John Phillips, Ron Price, Dave Sharratt, Jill Sharratt, Janet Stone, Beryl Toon,
James Toon, Delia Wyers

- - - - - - -

An Evening With Mistress Shakespeare Starring Lesley Smith as Anne Hathaway

I am still recovering from another fantastic evening at Rolleston Club. Lesley Smith was in scintillating form. Her quick-fire delivery had a capacity audience hanging on every word. We were treated to the very best kind of history lesson. The feeling of well-being was complemented by the serving of a brilliant buffet provided by Beryl Toon. We are grateful to Verity Conner and all who topped this with a table piled high with an irresistible mountain of mouth-watering sweets.

Good food and drink in fine surroundings and excellent company seems to have put people in a generous mood, for Tom & Sylvia’s bounteous raffle raised more than £200.00. Thanks to them both for being so persuasive and also to all those who donated raffle prizes. We are particularly grateful to Starbucks for selling so many tickets and continuing to operate a first class box office service. Thank you to the Club for making us so welcome at their excellent venue.

Forthcoming Events

Entertainment

Live & Local
Surprising Shows in Surprising Places
(Supported by Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and the Arts Council England)

It is pleasing to report that we (RODSEC & Rolleston Pre-School) have been successful in securing popular selections for the new season. These choices were made following lengthy consultation. As a result we hope it results in sell out performances. Coming to our village are entertainers of the highest quality.

Flamin’ Dames’
“Luck Be a Lady”

Sunday 13th March, 201
7.30pm - Rolleston Club - £8.00
Tickets available early in the new year from John Phillips, 78 Beacon Road,
Delia Wyers, 12 Alderbrook Close
Starbucks Newsagents, Burnside,
RODSEC Committee Members
or phone 01283 813833

Opera ~ Comedy ~ Cabaret

“Style, glamour & top class musical sound”

With tongue being firmly in cheek, “Luck Be a Lady” features a mix of grand opera, toe-tapping musicals, unique classical spoofs and rib-tickling numbers; all accompanied by their sensational concert pianist. “Luck Be a Lady” takes songs from the underworld of “Guys & Dolls”, “Chicago”, and from Tchaikovsky’s “Queen of Spades”.
Hilary and Helen are both classically trained singers who simply love to don their feather boas and diamante jewellery to give their guests the red carpet treatment. This slick and varied show goes down a real treat.

. “I enjoyed this more than any previous Live & Local Show”

- - - - - - -

“Jubilation”

Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday
Official Jubilee Weekend
Saturday 2nd – Tuesday 5th June 2012

The bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be on Tuesday 5 June. To form a long weekend of celebration the late May bank holiday will be moved to Monday 4 June.

1. With your help, we intend to co-ordinate a major celebration that involves all village organizations and embraces the whole community in an expression of “Jubilation”

2. Serious planning for the celebration of this historic event got under way at a RODSEC Meeting held on Thursday 9th December at 7.30 in Rolleston Cricket Club. This was a preliminary session. Other Meetings will follow. There is plenty of space round the planning table for organizations and individuals who would like to help shape the celebrations that take place in our village.

3. You are invited to share with us your thoughts and ideas on themes, activities and events.

4. Legacy:
We are also interested in finding out your thoughts on what kind of permanent thing/s should be put in place in order to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee?

Next RODSEC Meetings

Ordinary Meeting
Tuesday 11th January 2011 @ 7.30pm
In the Old Grammar School Room

Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 2nd March 2011 @ 7.30pm
In the Old Grammar School Room, Church Road.

To be followed by an Ordinary Committee Meeting

(Back to Contents)

RODSEC - Autumn 2010 News
(Details extracted from article that first appeared in the Autumn 2010 issue of the Rollestonian)

Having reached the top of their canes, the runner beans know it. The swelling tomatoes know it too, as do the polished courgettes, also the bright, spiky dahlias and the sparkling chrysanthemums along with lots of their chums. What do they know? Like you, they know it is not too long before they are destined to go on show at Rolleston Village Country Gala. A day when growers, bakers, painters, arrangers, photographers, turners, vintners, poets and many others can to show their exhibits at our fabulous horticultural show.

A ROLLESTON ON DOVE SPECIAL EVENT

Rolleston Commemoration Club in Association with RODSEC
present
Rolleston Village Country Gala
A Fabulous Horticultural Show Saturday 18th September 2010
12.00pm – 6.00pm in Rolleston Club, on the Croft and in the Old Grammar School
Masses of Classes for Everyone
Filled with a Flowering of Family Fun & Packed with Gala Attractions on the Croft
“Plenty to see.”~ “Lots to do.” ~ “Stalls for All.”
Rides, Slides, Bounces, Animals, Retro Roadshow
Free Entry to the Gala

Do take a good look at the “Gala Schedule, Rules & Entry Form” delivered to you in the summer edition of “Rollestonian” and also available from Rolleston Club, Starbuck’s News and RODSEC members. Entries should reach Tim James (Gala Entries Secretary) by Monday 13th September. On this day, an evening handing-in session will operate in Rolleston Club from 7.00pm – 10.00pm. Late entries will be accepted, subject to the availability of space. Entry fees: Adults - 30p per entry; Children – 20p per entry.

GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP

A marvellous response to our appeal for prize money sponsorship has resulted in an abundance of generous prizes. Your benevolence makes entering this gala a very attractive proposition. Thank you.

Rolleston Village Country Gala has secured considerable financial support from Staffordshire County Council’s Local Community Fund. We are grateful to County Councillor Bob Fraser for his support, expertise and guidance in helping us to obtain this generous backing.

We are honoured to have a panel of nine celebrated specialist judges to adjudicate the exhibits. With your support our entry could be big enough to keep them all fully occupied.

Prizes, Certificates, Special Awards & Shields

Class Prizes
1st Prize = £2.00 = (3 points) 2nd Prize = £1.50 = (2 points) 3rd Prize = £1.00 = (1 point)

Special Awards
Best in Each Section = £10.00 Voucher & Certificate
Best Boy total in Children’ Section = £10.00 voucher & Certificate
Best Girl total in Children’s Section = £10.00voucher & Certificate
The Outstanding Exhibit in the Marquee = £20.00 voucher & Certificate
The Outstanding Exhibit in the Old Grammar School = £20.00 voucher & Certificate
The Outstanding Exhibit in Rolleston Club = £20.00 voucher & Certificate

DRS Gardening Shield
Awarded to the Gentleman with the Highest Points Total

Bass Brewers Shield
Awarded to the Lady with the Highest Points Total

The Hart Shield
Awarded to the “Most Deserving” Exhibitor

A DAY TO REMEMBER

Rolleston Village Country Gala is a total experience: a challenge for the enthusiast; an opportunity for the novice; a meeting place for families and a gathering ground for the community. This is a time for us to enjoy and celebrate a long and productive season.

RODSEC ENTERTAINMENT

“MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE”
Featuring LESLEY SMITH as ANNE HATHAWAY

Sunday 17th October 2010, in Rolleston Commemoration Club
Doors Open at 7.00pm
Performance starts at 7.30pm
TICKETS £8.00 ~ including BUFFET

In his will, the only mention that Shakespeare makes of his wife, Anne, is to leave her his “second best bed”. What dramas lie there? The wife of England’s greatest playwright will be drawing back the curtains to reveal a most intriguing view from the wings. Do come along, in the autumn, and see for yourself.

For afters, a bountiful buffet is to be served by Mistress Toon and friends. You are invited to attend, so please put this date in your diary.

Tickets are available from Starbucks, John Phillips, Delia Wyers and RODSEC Members.

LIVE & LOCAL
Surprising Shows in Surprising Places

(Supported by Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and the Arts Council England)

ROLLESTON PRE-SCHOOL: “THE LONELY GIANT” by Babbling Vagabonds

The Rolleston Pre-School Group welcomes Babbling Vagabonds on Saturday 20th November at 2.00pm. to the School Hall, on the Sherbourne Site for this charming family entertainment.

It’s a gentle fun show which features plenty of puppets of all shapes and sizes – and the audience gets to meet them in person at the end! It’s not at all scary. The story is of Angus, the only giant in the world who has feelings and is lonely. On his travels to find a friend he meets a golden eagle and a shepherd with some very mischievous sheep. You’ll see the puppeteers throughout the show working the puppets and this is part of the fascination of it - they ‘act’ the part too!

Tickets are available from Sharon Harrison and Pre-School Committee Members.

RODSEC: “LUCK BE A LADY” by Flamin’ Dames

As soon as you get your diary for 2011, you are advised to highlight the evening of Sunday 13th March, 2011, as this is the day when the amazing Flamin’ Dames will be performing “Luck Be a Lady” for us in Rolleston Club.

Hilary and Helen are both classically trained singers who simply love to don their feather boas and diamante jewellery to give their guests the red carpet treatment. This slick and varied show goes down a real treat.

We hope you can join us. Your presence will make our events more special.

(Back to Contents)

RODSEC - Summer 2010 News
(Details extracted from article that first appeared in the Summer 2010 issue of the Rollestonian)

Introduction

At the Ninth Annual General Meeting, held on Wednesday 24th February, it was pleasing to look back on a busy and successful year and comforting to find all of our RODSEC Officers continuing in their posts of responsibility. It is also reassuring to have all but one of the Committee members agreeing to serve on the committee for another year. This team brings a remarkable energy and creativity to a forum that continues to enhance our community experience. We shall, of course, miss Arnold Burston, who has now stepped down from RODSEC. With the new year an even busier and more exciting calendar of events lies ahead. We have spent a great deal of time preparing for Rolleston Village Country Gala and hope you will be inspired to take part in our Fabulous Horticultural Show, with masses of classes for everyone.

Entertainment
Ashley Hutchings’ Rainbow Chasers ~ Sunday 21st March, 2010

The Rainbow Chasers’ appearance announced a new season. After the cold, dark days of winter their superb musicianship and brilliant artistry provided a most fitting welcome for the start of spring. Our spirits were lifted and people were moved to express how good they felt after the performance. It was beautifully therapeutic. A superb programme was richly garnished with new and original pieces. The quartet of talented folk/rock musicians, Ashley Hutchings on bass guitar and vocals, Ruth Angell on vocals, fiddle and guitar, Jo Hamilton on viola, guitar and vocals and Joe Topping on guitar, mandolin and vocals, told us how much they enjoyed performing at the venue and thanked us for the hospitality and the warm reception from a good crowd.

Our thanks go to all those people who supported this event and those who helped in so many different ways to make this a memorable occasion.

We are, of course, so pleased that Live & Local has again come up with the goods. We have grown to appreciate the value of this organization and the good work that it does for village communities.

It is even better to learn that Arts Council England, Staffordshire County Council and ESBC will continue to fund it for this year. After lengthy consultation we have, along with Rolleston Pre-School, applied for two Live & Local performances in 2010/2011.We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Lesley Smith as Anne Hathaway ~ Sunday 17th October 2010

We are looking forward to welcoming Lesley Smith as “Mistress Shakespeare” Tickets are priced at £8.00 and this includes a buffet. We are pleased to say that the venue is Rolleston Club and the doors will be open at 7.00pm. You are invited to attend so please put this date in your diary.

* * * * * *

A Rolleston on Dove Special Event

Rolleston Commemoration Club in Association with RODSEC Presents

Rolleston Village Country Gala
A Fabulous Horticultural Show
Saturday 18th September 2010

12.00pm – 6.00pm in Rolleston Club, on the Croft and in the Old Grammar School

Masses of Classes for Everyone
Filled with a Flowering of Family Fun & Packed with Gala Attractions on the Croft
“Plenty to see.”~ “Lots to do.” ~ “Stalls for All.”
Free Entry to the Gala

Horticultural Show Schedule, Rules & Entry Form

Do take a good look at the “Gala Schedule, Rules & Entry Form” loosely inserted in the Summer issue of Rollestonian and then keep them in a safe place. You will need them to help you plan and for making your entries in September. Entry fees: Adults - 30p per entry; Children – 20p per entry

There are to be won Money Prizes, Certificates, Awards, Shields and Trophies

NOW AVAILABLE
Rolleston Village Country Gala ~ Schedule, Rules & Entry Form

Extra printed copies of the “Gala Schedule, Rules and Entry Form” are available at Starbuck’s, Rolleston Club and Committee & RODSEC members.

* * * * * *

Gala Sponsorship

You could become one of our sponsors. We are seeking prize money sponsors for all of the classes in the Gala Competition.

In addition to awarding certificates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places we also intend to present prize money to the value of £2.00, £1.50 and £1.00p respectively. The cost of sponsoring one class is £4.50. You might enjoy being given the opportunity to support this village venture. All sponsors will, of course, be publicly acknowledged. As a sponsor, it should be fun to see who and what walks away with your money at the end of the gala. If you would like to support us with your sponsorship please contact:

Delia Wyers, RODSEC Secretary, 12 Alderbrook Close, Rolleston on Dove Burton upon Trent, DE13 9AH tel. 813405

Thank you for your help.

We hope to see you all at our gala occasion.

John Phillips (RODSEC Chairman)

(Back to Contents)

RODSEC - Spring 2010 News
(Details extracted from article that first appeared in the Spring 2010 issue of the Rollestonian)

Introduction

Winter has provided us with more opportunities to ponder and plan. Since the impressive appearance of His Majesty, King Henry VIII we have been involved in a great deal of planning, and from the darker half of the year subtle, significant developments have taken shape. There is a trend for active, on-going partnerships to emerge from RODSEC. Our Live & Local connection is managed by Sharon Harrison (Chair of Rolleston Pre-School) and we will have shared two performances this year. In a first ever collaboration Rolleston Club, in association with RODSEC, will be knocking pegs in the ground for Rolleston Village Country Gala, in September. Tim James (Chair of Rolleston Club) has firmly gripped the mallet and been attending planning meetings. Following a request from John Morris (Chair of the Transport Committee) and after much debate, RODSEC is actively supporting the 2nd Rolleston Transport Festival by underwriting the venture. The common catalyst is finance. Some funding streams seem to be drying up. We are informed that there is a renewed threat to the Live & Local budget. Financial hardship is stimulating us to be more resourceful and pro-active.

Forthcoming Events

Entertainment
A Live & Local Event
Supported by Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and the Arts Council England

Ashley Hutchings’ Rainbow Chasers
Sunday 21st March, 2010
7.30pm - Rolleston Club - £7.50
Tickets available from –
John Phillips, 78 Beacon Road,
Delia Wyers, 12 Alderbrook Close,
Starbucks Newsagents, Burnside,
RODSEC Committee Members
or phone 01283 813833
Tickets available online from www.liveandlocal.org.uk

Beginning in the 1960s, Ashley co-founded legendary folk rock groups Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band. He is not only a musician and composer, but also a poet and musical director at the National Theatre.

Joining him on vocals and bass are: fiddle player Ruth Angell, Jo Hamilton on viola and keyboard (both recent graduates of the Birmingham
Conservatoire) and and multi-talented singer and guitar player Joe Topping.

All four members of the band sing! The show is full of lovely harmonies, great singing and musicianship that will not only please Ashley’s fans but will delight anyone who enjoys different but listenable-to music. It’s an intimate evening of very high quality music which really sets an atmosphere and will suit an attentive crowd who will enjoy having this wonderfully rich sound wash over them. And their rapport with the audience is excellent as they love to talk and tell stories about their music.

* * * * *

The Eagerly Awaited Return Of Lesley Smith As Anne Hathaway
Sunday 17th October 2010 in Rolleston Commemoration Club
Doors Open at 7.00pm
Tickets £8.00 ~ Including Buffet

By popular demand, Lesley returns to us in the persona of Anne Hathaway. Lesley Smith’s brilliant personifications are legendary. They simply have to be seen. Lesley has recently added this new character to her repertoire. We are very fortunate to have secured this booking, and thank Arnold Burston for negotiating it.

* * * * *

Rolleston Village Country Gala
Rolleston Commemoration Club
in Association with RODSEC
present
Rolleston Village Country Gala
A Fabulous Horticultural Show
Saturday 18th September 2010
12.00pm – 6.00pm in Rolleston Club, on the Croft and in the Old Grammar School
Masses of Classes for Everyone
and Plenty of Family Fun and Entertainments

Do take a good look at the Gala Schedule, shown in this issue of Rollestonian. With it, you can start to plan your plots, prepare your pantries and hone your hobbies into shape for entering Rolleston Village Country Gala. Entry Forms (30p fee per class entry) will be available later in the year.

There are to be won Money Prizes, Certificates, Awards, Shields and Trophies

* * * * *

“Jubilation”
Diamond Jubilee bank holiday
Official Jubilee Weekend 2nd – 5th June 2012

The bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be on Tuesday 5th June. To form a long weekend of celebration the late May bank holiday will be moved to Monday 4th June. Early days yet, but pencil into your diaries, or pin to your notice boards, the dates of this extended weekend for a major celebration that, we hope, will involve all village organizations and embrace the whole community in an historic celebration.

John Phillips (RODSEC Chairman)

(Back to Contents)

Go to RODSEC Home Page

Last updated: 3 April 2011