12
Issue 28 March 2013 In this issue Meet our new CEO 2 Finding Joy review 3 Jason & The Argonauts 4 Beyond the brochure 5 Business Club 6 Courtyard’s 15th Birthday 8 Fundraising 9 Photo gallery 11 Win lunch for two 12 Dementia Action first T he Courtyard has made a national first by joining the Dementia Action Alliance, a national voluntary consortium in partnership with the NHS. We are now committed to improving accessibility to the arts and theatre for people with dementia, and establish the organisation as a leader in developing dementia friendly arts centres. A plan has been developed with The Courtyard’s Arts and Older Peoples Project Coordinator Alice Saunders along with Jan Sharpe from the Alzheimer’s Society, who have been working together to establish what further steps can be taken at the venue to shape the future of dementia and the arts. As the Project Coordinator, Alice will visit Memory Cafes across the county and work with a steering group of Courtyard staff and health professionals to develop a plan and training programme for Courtyard staff in order to make the venue accessible and friendly to people with the condition and their carers. Alice Saunders commented: “It is not only the responsibility of family members, friends and professionals to improve the quality of life for those with dementia, but local organisations also play a key role. The Courtyard will be working very closely with those affected by dementia to build initiatives that will ensure we can make The Courtyard as accessible as possible. Our commitment to the Dementia Action Alliance is the first step to improving access for those with dementia.” The result of this training and research will work towards family friendly events within Dementia Awareness Week taking place at The Courtyard on 23rd May this year, giving staff an opportunity to put their training into practice. These events will not only help to promote awareness of dementia, but help the steering group better understand the needs and challenges of families, meaning The Courtyard can introduce policies to make every event at The Courtyard more accessible for families living with dementia. Funding news W e are thrilled to announce that we have been successful in securing funding from the Arts Council’s Small Capital Awards Programme. We are one of only three venues in the West Midlands region to have secured funding in the first round of awards. Together with match from Herefordshire Council, we plan to invest almost £700,000 over the next two years on improving the long-term sustainability of The Courtyard by upgrading and improving facilities. Many of these changes will help us become more eco-friendly and cut our utility costs longer-term. The improvements planned include replacing seating in the Studio and refurbishing the seating in the main auditorium, greatly increasing comfort levels! We will also refurbish the cloakroom facilities and install porches to both main entrances to improve heat retention in the foyer. Externally the roof area will receive major work to address ongoing problems with leaks and improve insulation, and faulty timber cladding and office windows will also be refurbished. To support our productions, a modern sound system will be installed to cover all areas, stage lighting equipment will be replaced, dressing rooms upgraded and a new digital cinema projector installed in the Main House to replace the current 35mm projector. Further enhancements include the creation of a Digital Media area in the foyer to boost our Education and Outreach work and this will also be available for use as a public resource. Dr Roger Morgan, Chairman of the Board, said: “We are delighted that both ACE and Herefordshire Council have committed to investing in the Courtyard. These works will improve our customers’ experience and reduce our costs, enabling us to build a secure future.” We are now working on the finer details of the scheme and will report more detailed plans and future progress in future editions of Focus. Working on a dementia arts project It’s our birthday! T his year on 18th September, The Courtyard will reach the grand milestone of 15 years in existence! This is an exciting point in our life and we have lots of plans to celebrate both past and future. Please see p8 for more information. Friends Focus Excellence in design & print. Sorry, no drama. & 01432 356965 [email protected] www.impactprint.co.uk

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Page 1: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

Friends Focus

Headliner Andy Hamilton

Issue 28 March 2013

In this issueMeet our new CEO 2Finding Joy review 3

Jason & The Argonauts 4Beyond the brochure 5

Business Club 6Courtyard’s 15th Birthday 8

Fundraising 9Photo gallery 11

Win lunch for two 12

Dementia Action first

The Courtyard has made a national first by joining the Dementia Action Alliance, a national voluntary consortium in partnership with

the NHS. We are now committed to improving accessibility to the arts and theatre for people with dementia, and establish the organisation as a leader in developing dementia friendly arts centres.

A plan has been developed with The Courtyard’s Arts and Older Peoples Project Coordinator Alice Saunders along with Jan Sharpe from the Alzheimer’s Society, who have been working together to establish what further steps can be taken at the venue to shape the future of dementia and the arts. As the Project Coordinator, Alice will visit Memory Cafes across the county and work with a steering group of Courtyard staff and health professionals to develop a plan and training programme for Courtyard staff in order to make the venue accessible and friendly to people with the condition and their carers.

Alice Saunders commented: “It is not only the responsibility of family members, friends and professionals to improve the quality of life for those with dementia, but local organisations also play a key role. The Courtyard will be working very closely with those affected by dementia to build initiatives that will ensure we can make The Courtyard as accessible as possible. Our commitment to the Dementia Action Alliance is the first step to improving access for those with dementia.”

The result of this training and research will work towards family friendly events within Dementia Awareness Week taking place at The Courtyard on 23rd May this year, giving staff an opportunity to put their training into practice. These events will not only help to promote awareness of dementia, but help the steering group better understand the needs and challenges of families, meaning The Courtyard can introduce policies to make every event at The Courtyard more accessible for families living with dementia.

Funding newsWe are thrilled to announce that we have been successful in

securing funding from the Arts Council’s Small Capital Awards Programme. We are one of only three venues in the West Midlands region to have secured funding in the first round of awards. Together with match from Herefordshire Council, we plan to invest almost £700,000 over the next two years on improving the long-term sustainability of The Courtyard by upgrading and improving facilities. Many of these changes will help us become more eco-friendly and cut our utility costs longer-term.

The improvements planned include replacing seating in the Studio and refurbishing the seating in the main auditorium, greatly increasing comfort levels! We will also refurbish the cloakroom facilities and install porches to both main entrances to improve heat retention in the foyer. Externally the roof area will receive major work to address ongoing problems with leaks and improve insulation, and faulty timber cladding and office windows will also be refurbished. To support our productions, a modern sound system will be installed to cover all areas, stage lighting equipment will be replaced, dressing rooms upgraded and a new digital cinema projector installed in the Main House to replace the current 35mm projector. Further enhancements include the creation of a Digital Media area in the foyer to boost our Education and Outreach work and this will also be available for use as a public resource.

Dr Roger Morgan, Chairman of the Board, said: “We are delighted that both ACE and Herefordshire Council have committed to investing in the Courtyard. These works will improve our customers’ experience and reduce our costs, enabling us to build a secure future.”

We are now working on the finer details of the scheme and will report more detailed plans and future progress in future editions of Focus.

Working on a dementia arts project

It’s our birthday!This year on 18th September,

The Courtyard will reach the grand milestone of 15 years in existence! This is an exciting point in our life and we have lots of plans to celebrate both past and future. Please see p8 for more information.

Friends Focus

Excellence in design & print. Sorry, no drama.

&01432 356965 [email protected] www.impactprint.co.uk

Page 2: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

Cotswold Hereford MINI is now enjoying its third

year in partnership with The Courtyard, and what a fantastic few years it has been – we are very happy to have this relationship as it gives us the opportunity to share the excitement of our fun and vibrant brands and to showcase our wonderful new MINI models to all the friends and supporters of The Courtyard.

For both of us, 2013 is a very important year – MINI has opened its brand new ‘state of the art’ MINI showroom on the Roman Road in Hereford with full sales, servicing and parts facility while The Courtyard celebrates its own milestone... its fifteenth birthday!

Personally, I was very excited to secure our relationship with The Courtyard as I have always been a fan of this arts venue, for the excellent theatrical facility, wonderful shows and also its contribution to the life of our community. It feels like a second home to me as, before I was involved with Cotswold MINI, I was the Musical Director and performer in the UK touring show Back to Broadway which actually toured to The Courtyard in 2010, just after I completed my contract and moved on to work for MINI.

It was a wonderful but very strange experience watching the show as an audience member at The Courtyard and ever since then, I have always wanted to get up there and

‘have a go’ on that amazing stage! Fortunately I will get just that opportunity next month when I take up the role of the voice of the man-eating plant ‘Audrey II’ in Hereford Musical Theatre Company’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, a musical theatre adaptation of the hilarious film by Roger Corman.

Anyway, speaking of theatre, I hope to see many of you at the grand opening of our new showroom on the 16-17 March, and finally a big ‘Thank You’ to The Courtyard and our wonderful customers for all their support over the past few years. I look forward to many more years of partnership, friendship and wonderful productions!

Steve LiddleMINI Brand ManagerCotswold Hereford MINI

Steve Liddle

GUEST COMMENT

2

An introduction to Ian...How did I end up in arts management? I spent my youth wanting to be an airline pilot. My career advisor crushed my aspirations of hurtling through the sky in control of 95,000lbs of metal however, reminding me that I would need good grades in maths and sciences! Clearly it was time for serious deliberation.

I decided to focus on Business Management, and after completing my HND I went to work for EMI. Two years later I moved back home as Director of Marketing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, a post I held for 14 years, working with some of the world’s greatest musicians. The ‘Phil’ was where I established what I regard as one of my greatest achievements, The Summer Pops.

During major refurbishment of the concert hall, I sited a Big Top marquee on Liverpool’s waterfront and commissioned the flamboyant composer and conductor, Carl Davis, to produce a series of concerts that would attract a new audience for classical music. This has become one of Liverpool’s biggest annual events (we had to increase capacity from 2500 to 5000 seats).

From the big city to the rural location of Mold; my next challenge was Theatre Manager of Clywd Theatr Cymru, under the leadership of Artistic Director Terry Hands.

CTC is the most popular drama house in Wales, dedicated to producing quality and highly acclaimed drama. With over 900 public performances a year, it kept me busy. In addition, I developed Clwyd Theatr into a thriving business hub for conferences, meetings and events, generating much needed commercial income.

In 2011 I moved to Hull Truck Theatre as General Manager and subsequently CEO. Once home to legendary playwright John Godber, Hull Truck is renowned for producing quality theatre and touring, and I enjoyed my time there immensely.

I’m looking forward to my new role and bringing with me the experience and knowledge bestowed on me by my contemporaries.

I’m too old to be a pilot now anyway!

Ian Archer is The Courtyard’s new CEO, who joined us at the beginning of March.

Ian Archer

Page 3: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

GUEST COMMENT

Hi-fi and home cinema specialistswww.hifigear.co.uk01432 354921

Unit 1, Clearview Court, Twyford Road, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6JR

WelComing sTaff, offeRing soUnd adviCe, demonsTRaTion Room

and insTallaTion seRviCe available

REVIEWFinding JoyFinding Joy is a full mask

joint touring co-production between Vamos Theatre and The Courtyard. It ties in with The Courtyard’s arts and older peoples’ outreach work, and the fact that we have become the first dementia friendly arts venue in the UK.

A profoundly moving piece of theatre, Finding Joy will have you laughing and crying during the course of just one scene. The range of emotions it elicits are intensely poignant, yet also uplifting and humorous.

Joy’s story is handled in such an honest and upbeat way – the direction, production and performances are impeccable, and the characters seem so real that you will be shocked when the

3

masks are removed at the end! I would thoroughly recommend Finding Joy, and will be watching it again when it returns to Herefordshire in the summer.

If you missed Finding Joy at The Courtyard, it can also be seen at Brilley Village Hall on March 28, Market Theatre, Ledbury on March 30, The Regal in Tenbury Wells on April 11, Brecon’s Theatr Brycheiniog on July 5, and Ludlow Assembly Rooms on July 6. For further information, visit www.vamostheatre.co.uk

Wednesday, 27th March 11am - 3pm

Spring Flower Arranging Class and Lunch with Debbie Coplans of The Hibiscus RoomLearn how to make the very best of Spring flowers with Debbie who will help you to make a lasting Easter flower arrangement.

Tickets £35 include class, Spring flowers, all materials and two-course lunch

Thursday, 18th April 10.30am - 3pm

Understanding your Style with Image Consultant Sue Trevaskisin association with Peter Prosser and Crystal Health and Beauty

As a fully trained Colour Me Beautiful image consultant, hairdresser and lecturer, Sue Trevaskis knows a thing or two about style. She can help you understand your shape, colours that suit and how to make the most of your ‘look’ and wardrobe. A stylist from Peter Prosser will be on hand to talk

about hair and Crystal Health and Beauty will discuss manicures and make-up.Tickets: £35 include two-course buffet lunch with a chance to ask any questions you might have.

Dates for the Diary: Thursday, 9th May 10.30am - 3pm Botanical Art Class with Helen CampbellWednesday, 22nd May 10.30am - 3pm Perfumier Workshop with Cotswold Perfumery

Springtime at

To book call01432 356321

www.castlehse.co.uk Castle House, Castle Street,

Hereford HR1 2NW

A review by Alice Sockett, Fundraising & Development Officer

Tackling dementia issues through theatre

Page 4: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

4

With many productions there are periods in

which a lot happens very quickly and then there are times when things simply tick over quite nicely. Since the research and development week a lot took place in a relatively short space of time. There was the huge generosity of all who gave to fund the writer and since then Mark has been burrowing away to get a first draft sorted for the end of February. Each week Mark and I meet to discuss, or simply catch up on the phone, and I can usually tell within the first few minutes if what he has to say is going to be good or bad. In general it has all been very positive and extremely exciting to listen to the different character developments throughout

Jason & The Argonauts - A work in progressNEWS

each scene and hear how our hero, Jason, is dealing with problems such as skeletons rising up out of the ground to kill him - all in all quite an average event in the dramatic world of the Argonauts!

This means that we are now entering the next stage in the development of the production to meet with the proposed Illustrator who will be designing the poster for the main image, which will be sent to all participating venues. Before this meeting takes place I have been discussing my vision for the play with the marketing department so that everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. And finally it has been a time of going over the work already done, keeping it fresh and the story of Jason very

Tuning up

much alive. For me, once the designer and designs have been decided upon it is simply a case of putting together the audition process and working on my rehearsal plans. This means that when we go into

rehearsals I will be able to communicate effectively to the actors, making it a very smooth process (and nothing like Noises Off - for those of you who’ve seen it, you’ll know what I mean!)

Exploring the story...

The Courtyard has a regular professional piano tuner,

Philip Kennedy, who tunes and prepares all our pianos for the events held at the venue. Concert pianos must be tuned before each performance, and sometimes with celebrity performers, an additional tuning is often requested after the rehearsal.

The Courtyard has its own resident Yamaha grand piano, which is used for all performances except the classical concerts here. For these events, a Steinway & Sons concert grand piano owned by the Cider Museum Trust is used. Herefordshire is very fortunate in having this beautiful instrument available for hire at a relatively modest cost, especially as a Steinway piano is the preferred choice of more than 98% of the world’s concert pianists. On concert days, the Herefordshire Steinway must be moved to The Courtyard by specialist

carriers who seem to make light work of the instrument’s 480 kgs weight.

Our piano technician, Philip Kennedy, spends much of his working life preparing pianos for concerts, events and recording sessions. He works regularly for well-known record labels such as Decca, Hyperion and Naxos, as well as tuning at concert venues from Aberystwyth to Birmingham. Amazingly, Philip still finds time for domestic clients, so if you’d like to tap into his considerable expertise for your piano, check out Philip’s website: www.philipkennedy.co.uk or call 01432 276676.

Philip at work

By David Durant,Director

Page 5: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

BEYOND THE BROCHURE

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Top of my list is this fantastic Philip Pullman play presented by Teatro Kismet, brought to the stage for the first time. This is a hugely exciting touring production that binds the best of Pullman’s magical world with very real and moving portrayals about society and human behaviour with a good dash of humour. Michael Billington of The Guardian gave the performance a sterling 4* review: “...the warm-hearted Teatro Kismet captures Pullman’s key point about the danger, to which we are all prone, of slapping labels on everything and refusing to acknowledge that even rats have their own justifiable rattiness.”

Visit Aga Heaven

The Aga of your dreams (and possibly your childhood) is here in our Showroom. We are the UK’s only renovators authorised by Aga Rangemaster.

Aga cookers are meticulously restored to their original condition for prices which may just help bring a dream closer to reality. All fuel types available including 13 amp electric. View our huge selection of new range cookers, Rayburns, Woodstoves, and our extensive cookshop.

www.twyford-cookers.comAga Twyford. Marches Trade Park,Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0LXTel: 01568 611124

I Was a Rat!

As a newbie here in The Courtyard team, it’s

been really exciting to see the fruition of our latest brochure - there are some fantastic shows and events coming up this summer and a real breadth of engaging performance across comedy, film, dance, traditional and experimental drama and of course, music. Toki Allison – Deputy Marketing Manager

By David Durant,Director

#CourtLaughing Comedy FestivalAfter an incredible response in 2012, CourtLaughing makes its return on the 7-9th June and we have a superb line up of Edinburgh Fringe-experienced, established and fresh new faces on the billing already. There’s nothing quite like a comedy festival in the summertime, so get your chuckle muscles at the ready for this three-day laugh-a-minute extravaganza. Plus with burgers, real ale from Wye Valley Brewery and cocktails aplenty, we’ll be bringing the summer festival experience directly into our venue.

Dementia Awareness WeekThis event, being held during Dementia Awareness Week(TM) aims not only to raise awareness about dementia, but to allow those with dementia, their carers, family and friends to come together for a fun day at The Courtyard. The day will include live drawing, a stand up performance by Doorstep Theatre, poetry readings and a memory café. The Arts & Older People’s Project being led by Alice is a groundbreaking piece of work and massively important to Herefordshire and the UK as a whole.

Write On FestivalThese events are a great way to find out about new writing and scripting talent in Herefordshire and for writers to see their work developed off the page, performed in a professional venue. Plays are developed from the seeds of an idea into real 3D drama and writers can get to grips with the nuts and bolts of the theatre-making process. The festival runs from 1st-5th July.

STOP PRESS: Tickets still available for The King’s Singers, Saturday 20th April, 7.30pm. Check them out on Youtube.

Page 6: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

BUSINESS CLUBMoved in ...Silver Business Club

members Lanyon Bowdler is one of Shropshire’s largest multi-disciplinary law firms and now has new offices in the centre of Hereford.

Since the acquisition of Lewis & Co a couple of years ago, Lanyon Bowdler has steadily built its reputation across the county and can now be found at 4 St Martin’s Street, just on the far side of the old medieval river bridge. This allows the practice to expand the range of legal services offered locally to businesses, the agricultural community and individuals.

The new office has free parking and disabled access from the car park, with ground floor meeting rooms and a large open plan working space on the first floor to enable further expansion in future. The firm are also helping with our Wills planning seminar next month, see page 8 for details.

To find out more about the firm’s legal services, log onto www.lblaw.co.uk or refer to the flyer with this issue of Focus.

Joining in...Nearly 40 fundraisers from

across the Midlands gathered to hear advice and expertise on best practice as part of a Courtyard Businesss Development led initiative last month. And Liz Connors from Cargill Meats Europe was on hand to talk about their ongoing support for our Pantomime and what it means to the business and its employees.

...and helping outThanks to Off The Wall gift shop owners Derek and Ginny

Elsmere, our children’s play area is better stocked, following a donation of new toys from their stock. The play area is increasingly popular with families using the Cafe Bar and members of our Tales Kids Club. For more information about joining Tales Kids Club, log onto www.courtyard.org.uk/Tales

Friends and Patrons can get a 10% discount off everything on production of their Courtyard membership card.

6

Introducing our new members

Thanks to Claire Trumper at Hereford-based Trumpers Tea who will be helping us serve up a delicious selection

of loose leaf cuppas at our fundraising afternoon tea with Honorary Patron Lorraine Kelly (Tuesday 23rd April). Claire has 20 years tea tasting and blending experience and joins us as a Bronze Business Club member to promote her wide range of flavoursome, Fairtrade products to our tea-loving audiences! www.trumperstea.co.uk

Moving on up...

This month Business Club member and Box Office sponsor Cotswold Hereford MINI moves into its new bespoke

showroom and servicing centre on Holmer Road. This means MINI now has a stand-alone dealership, with a bespoke servicing facility and all the latest MINI Diagnostic equipment and MINI trained technicians. Some of the new models will be showcased at The Courtyard over coming weeks and you can drive by the new showroom for a closer inspection!

10%FRIENDSDISCOuNT

Time for tea... We’re really pleased to

announce that proud Herefordians Tyrrells are joining us as Platinum Business Club members in our 15th year. A great brand that started local and has gone global, Tyrrells are great supporters of the local community and arts. As part of our new partnership, expect to see some tempting new Tyrrells treats available at the Cafe Bar in the coming months, including potato and veg crisps and TorTyrrells Tortillas. www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk

...and crisps!

Liz Connors

Page 7: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOK FOR NEWS AND OFFERS.COTSWOLD MINI HEREFORD

To find out more please contact our Motability Specialists:Kate and Chris on 01432 279209 or email:[email protected]@cotswoldgroup.com

ADVANCE PAYMENT*£0MINI COOPERHATCH FROM

ADVANCE PAYMENT*£0MINI COOPERCOUNTRYMAN FROM

ADMIRING GLANCES. NIL ADVANCES.

*The MINI Cooper Hatch is available from Nil (£0) Advance Payment under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. Model featured is a MINI Cooper Hatch with optional 17" Alloy Wheels for £1,050 under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. TheMINI Cooper Countryman is available from Nil (£0) Advance Payment with £99 dealer contribution from Cotswold Group under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. Model featured is a MINI Cooper Countryman with optional Chrome Line Exterior for £150 under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. All prices are correct at time of going to press 20.02.13. The facilities offered are for the hire (bailment) of goods. The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners’Mobility Supplement, which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

MINI Service

MINI VALUE SERVICE. VALUE IS OUR MIDDLE NAME.Surely genuine MINI services should cost more than this? No! MINI Value Service is a competitively priced service programme aimed at the more mature MINI using only Genuine MINI Parts and highly skilled MINI Technicians. YourMINI will be treated with so much care and attention, you may notice a tear in the technician’s eye as he return the keys!

**Prices shown are valid for MINI Hatch models (built from 2001-2006) and MINI Convertible (built from 2004-2008). Diesel and Automatic models will be subject to additional costs due to additional service requirements, please consult your localMINI Dealer for specific costs. Excludes John Cooper Works models. Prices include VAT, parts & labour.

COTSWOLD HEREFORD Roman Road, Hereford HR1 1LN

01432 279209 www.cotswoldgroup.com

COTSWOLD HEREFORD Roman Road, Hereford HR1 1LN

01432 279209 www.cotswoldgroup.com

£134*

£134*

OIL SERVICE.Includes Mircrofilter.

FRONT BRAKE PADS.Includes Sensor Replacement.

£224* INSPECTION I.Includes Oil Service and Safety Checks.

MINI COOPER S (R53) 2002-06 MINI HATCH (R50) 2001-06MINI CONVERTIBLE (R52) 2004-08

£19.99 MINI HEALTH CHECK VOUCHERFOR FRIENDS OF THE COURTYARD.We’ll carry out a 15-point inspection to check yourMINI is in tip-top condition and ready for ‘action’.

Booking is required call 01432 279029 to get in on theact. One voucher per person, must be used by 31.09.13.

7

Page 8: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

A professional and effi cient service in tuning, servicing and general repair, and renovation of quality pianos.

Piano Tuner and Technician

Piano Tuning | Servicing | RepairsPiano Sales | Accessories

Concert Piano Hire

For more information call Philip01432 276676

[email protected]

Piano Tuner and TechnicianA professional and effi cient service in tuning, servicing

and general repair, and renovation of quality pianos.

Piano Tuning | Servicing | Repairs Piano Sales | Accessories

Concert Piano Hire

For more information call Philip

01432 [email protected]

www.philipkennedy.co.uk

PHPH

No need for a phone line

Variety of packages available

Local business, local people

Fast and reliable broadbandfor your community

[email protected]

0844 557 8322

Broadband

Celebrate with The CourtyardANNIVERSARY

Do you remember The Courtyard being built? Believe it or not, this year we will be celebrating our 15th Anniversary!

During that time, The Courtyard has taken great steps and has changed the Herefordshire landscape, both physically and culturally. We are a thriving hub for the county, covering a wide range of tastes and genres and supporting all age groups.

Keep your eyes peeled for various 15th Anniversary events and displays around the building over the coming months.

Get Involved!Do you have any old Courtyard photos, show programmes or memories that you are willing to share with us? We need your Courtyard memorabilia for our 15th Anniversary celebration display in the foyer.

Please send your written memories and images preferably by email to [email protected] or via our social media pages as above.If you don’t have Internet access, please bring in written memories, memorabilia and photos to the Box Office in a clearly marked envelope for the attention of Lucy Wells, ensuring that you include your details so we can credit you in the display and (if necessary) return any items after the Anniversary. Deadline for contributions is Friday 5th April.

We are currently at a very challenging point in the life of our venue, with major cuts facing us. You can help support The Courtyard’s work over the next 15 years by donating to The Fifteen Fund and helping us smash our target of £50,000! The Fifteen Fund will support our creative work, our community work and our venue – ensuring The Courtyard can continue to deliver and grow the highest quality and furthest reaching arts programme - for future generations in Herefordshire and beyond.

To discuss supporting The Fifteen Fund, or to help with our display, contact Lucy Wells on 01432 346505, go to www.courtyard.org.uk/fifteen or join us on Facebook or Twitter by using #CY15.

8

The interior during building work

Page 9: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

FUNDRAISING

9

Les Mis film nightThe Friends showing of Les Miserables on 2nd February raised

a grand total of £726. The pre-screening wine reception was well attended as people enjoyed a drink before they headed off to the film. We will be planning more Friends Films - so watch out for these special evenings.

Fundraising success

On 13th February The Courtyard hosted the inaugural Fundraising Forum, a brand new networking and fundraising best practice

event, with more than 30 attendees from arts venues all over the Midlands and South West taking part. Keynote speakers included senior fundraisers from the RSC and the National Trust. It was a great day with very positive feedback, and the next in the series of forums will take place at MAC in Birmingham in July.

The Coffee Mornings for the next few months will be held on the following dates: 22nd March, 18th April, 15th May, 10th June.

We are planning our Patrons’ summer event to take place on 22nd May; this will be the usual evening reception with buffet and wine, attending Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s latest production of Moonfleet, the ghostly smuggling tale based on the original novel by J Meade Falkner.

Patrons only!

Books!

The recent Book Fair was the most successful held at The Courtyard to date, raising £840. Thank you to everyone who

brought or bought books. We will continue to hold these events several times a year (next one in the autumn) so please keep your books for us - we depend on them!

A packed forum

Safeguard your wealthThis April The Courtyard is teaming up with Business Club Members

Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors and Thorne Widgery Chartered Accountants to provide you with free, no-nonsense information about estate preservation and inheritance tax preparation.

Join us for an informal discussion on how to effectively preserve your family’s wealth and a chance to chat to friendly experts with a tea or coffee.

The Estate Planning Seminar will take place on Wednesday 17th April at 2pm. It is free of charge but please reserve your place with Box Office by phoning 01432 340555.

Extra handsThe Courtyard is always seeking new hands to help us in all sorts

of ways, from mailings to fundraising events. In exchange, we can offer great company with lots of good conversation, and lashings of tea and cake! If you are interested in joining us, please contact Rachel on 01432 346526 or email at [email protected]

Grand DrawPlease help support us by buying or selling the two books of tickets

inside this issue of Focus. The Grand Draw is one of our annual major fundraisers, and we do rely on your good will and generosity. Please return all ticket stubs (and accompanying cash/cheque) to The Courtyard by midday on Friday 2nd May. Thanks to our prize donors.

*If you are currently a Friend and you wish to upgrade to Patron level to enjoy more benefits and support The Courtyard, please email Jackie Sebbage on [email protected] or call 01432 346510.

Feast your eyes, all Patrons (Friends look away now!*)

Segway call-out!Do you own a Segway? Or

know someone who owns a Segway? The Courtyard is looking to borrow 2 Segways for some publicity filming and if you can help we would be very grateful. Any offers should be made to The Chairman at [email protected]

Page 10: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

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Lynhales HallLyonshall Herefordshire HR5 3LNTel: 01544 340238 / 01544 [email protected]

Hampton Grange48–50 Hampton Park Road

Hereford HR1 1THTel: 01432 272418

[email protected]

Situated on the banks of theRiver Wye approximately 1 mile

out of Hereford.

Set in 7 acres of beautiful grounds, award winning Lynhales provides:• Specialised dementia care for 67 elderly residents• Fully trained, kind, caring staff• Long term and short term nursing care• End of Life Care• John Sperry Memorial Unit offering state of the art dementia care• Beautifully appointed en-suite accommodation• Locally sourced, freshly prepared food

• Full-time, convalescent, residential and end of life care• Homely environment with fully trained, kind, caring staff

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR RETIREMENTCONSIDERED EQUITY RELEASE TO HELP FUND

• IncreasingRetirementIncome• RepayExistingMortgage• HomeImprovements• DebtConsolidation• LuxuryPurchases• HelpTheFamily• HealthCare

ThencontactyourLocalIndependentEquityReleaseSpecialists

ABACUS EQUITY RELEASE104-106WidemarshStreet,Hereford.HR49HG.Tel: 01432 378145 or 07790 543630www.abacusadvisers.co.uk

AbacusAssociatesFinancialServicesLtdareauthorisedandregulatedbytheFinancialServicesAuthority

Page 11: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

PHOTO GALLERY

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Visiting the set

Brian Harris, Martyn Green and June Stephens

Jennifer and Colin Holmes with Bobbie Heavens (centre) Lucy Wells with the juggling Katonas

Jackie Sebage with John Bell and Katharine Wedgbury

Russell and Noreen Preece chat to Jack from Panto

Rachel Entwisle with Susan and Paul Grenfell

Alice Sockett adjusts the octopus

Patrons meeting Fairy Bowbells

The Patrons Christmas coffee morning included a special visit to the Panto set. CEO Martyn Green’s leaving party was a happy yet poignant event.

Page 12: Friends Focus March 2013 issue

Working in partnership with the Courtyard Trust and their employees to provide financial security for their retirement

We provide Independent Financial Advice in the following areas:-

1. Pre & Post Retirement Planning2. Protecting your Family3. Mortgages*4. Equity Release*5. Savings and Investments

For a free initial consultation please contact Nicola Nash

Tel: 01989 550272 or 07715 734382 Email: [email protected]

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

A fee of £295.00 will be payable when you apply for a mortgage.

We will also be paid commission from the Lender.

*This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

Stephen L. Atwell Independent Financial Advisers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. FSA number 568420

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Friends Committee:Julia YoullRita FordLesley HepworthJenny SeamanVicki DuffainJane Cadbury

Friends’ Business Development Contacts:Lucy WellsDirect tel: 01432 346505Email: [email protected]

Melanie Denning (Business Club)Direct Tel: 01432 346503Email: [email protected]

Friends’ Coordinator:Jackie Sebbage

The CourtyardEdgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JR

Friends’ Administration:T: 01432 346509 F: 01432 346549

Email: [email protected]/friends

Box Office: 01432 340555or log onto www.courtyard.org.uk

The Courtyard charity number: 1067869

Who are we?Competition: win lunch for two in our award-winning Café BarAll you have to do is answer the following question:

What is the recipe featured by Courtyard chef Jan Pitts in the new summer season brochure?

Please send your answer to [email protected] or bring to Box Office in clearly marked envelope with your name and phone number by Friday 12th April.

HEREFORDBUTCHERSLocally sourced, high quality meat• Christmas meat orders & fresh turkeys• Delicious sausages, lots of flavours• Freezer packs & ready-made meals• Suppliers of beef for The Courtyard’s Steak

& Ale Pie, nominated in the Flavours of Herefordshire Awards 2013

Tel: (01432) 272357

Suppliers toThe CourtyardCafé Bar