Lymington care home choir strikes a chord on BBC Music Day

An inspirational concert from the Linden Voices Choir, making a stand against dementia in the New Forest with Lymington Infant School

A care home choir, which is using song to make a stand against dementia, staged an inspirational concert with local schoolchildren to mark BBC Music Day on 26 September 2019. The Linden Voices Choir was formed earlier this year following the screening of the BBC documentary Dementia Choir.

Inspired by how the programme highlighted music's power in the fight against dementia, staff and residents of the Colten Care dedicated dementia community Linden House in Lymington decided to get together for their own afternoon of song. The event was such a success that the choir was born.

BBC Music Day is a UK-wide annual celebration of the power of music to change lives and features over 1000 musical events around the UK.

To mark the day the choir invited children from Lymington Infant School’s Robins Choir, members of the community and residents from all of Colten Care’s New Forest homes to sing with them in the spectacular new roof terrace room at Linden House.

Fiona Pritchard, Colten Care’s Music and Arts Partner and leader of the Linden Voices said: “The success of the choir speaks, or rather sings, for itself. We all know there is something very uplifting about singing alongside others, but the engagement singing brings, along with the sheer fun it, creates also has the potential to have a long-term benefits for the wellbeing of our residents.”

She continued: “The structure of a rehearsal, the repetition of familiar and new songs learned over several weeks and the opportunity to participate in an informal or formal performance, not only improves concentration and focus, it also increases socialisation, builds relationships and creates feelings of inclusion and validation.”

The Linden Voices Choir now meets every week and is also performing regularly at community events.

Fiona added: “We sang at the recent St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery 'Inspire' Open Weekend in Lymington, which took place on 15-16 September and will also perform at the Open Day Festival at Lymington Community Centre on 5 October.

“The event for BBC Music Day was simply magical. The residents and children had practised two songs in advance, 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and The Beatles’ 'I Get by With a Little Help from My Friends'. They sat side by side - and in some cases held hands - while they sang them together. To see everyone singing with such gusto and joy was a very emotional experience for everyone.”

Linden House resident and choir member Helen Davison said: “I can’t remember feeling so moved by hearing children sing as I did today. They were wonderful and this experience will stay with me for a long time.”

One of the schoolchildren agreed: “It was exciting - really fun!”

The Linden Voices Choir is just one of many life-enriching activities that Colten Care residents have the opportunity to enjoy. Every day, in each home, there are meaningful and exciting activities - including a number that are also open to non-residents who many be feeling lonely in their community. 

Every Wednesday is Come Dine with Us at Belmore Lodge - come and join the residents for a sociable lunch (booking essential!). Ladies, on the first Wednesday of each month join the residents at Court Lodge for Ladies' Afternoon Tea and gentlemen, on two Tuesdays a month come along to the Gentlemen's Lunch Club, also at Court Lodge.

Find out more about Colten Care's New Forest homes

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

Get inspired at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

Lymington's arts and heritage centre throws open its doors with free entry and fun activities all weekend

St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery is throwing open its doors and inviting everyone to an Inspire Weekend on 14 and 15 September - there will be FREE ENTRY all weekend for visitors to come in, explore, engage and find out more about what St Barbe do for the local community.

A full programme of activities throughout the weekend will include live music on the sunny terrace featuring acoustic guitar, tabla and harp, a choir and swing/jazz trio. The museum will be brought to life by costumed characters; come and meet a local smuggler, master shipbuilder, plus Anne St Barbe who will tell you about their lives in times gone by.

Visit the NEW autumn exhibitions on their opening weekend!

Curator, Steve Marshall, will be talking about the new art exhibition (opening Saturday!) Neo-Romantic Art: the McDowell Collection, giving an insight into the rarely seen works in this private collection.

Gallery 3 has a new exhibition on Wellworthy. Based on the oral-history interviews of past employees, the exhibition explores the history and impact of the engineering firm Wellworthy, once Lymington’s largest employer. There was also a strong social element to working at Wellworthy which had its own social club, sports clubs and even a brass band!

Maria Ragan, Director of St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery will be giving talk on the current and future collections at St Barbe.

Free craft activies - and a giant community weave!

Have a go at a free craft activity! Children’s crafts will take place in the McCarthy Room, giving the opportunity for all to create something to take home. Adults will enjoy the Wet Felt and Needle Felting demonstrations by Pippa Crouch and Kirsty Eustace, showing you how to create Textile Art with free motion embroidery, appliqué, hand embroidery and beading.

How about contributing to the giant community weave? Throughout the weekend, the St Barbe team will be encouraging all to interpret the Solent in recycled rags on fishing net… or maybe you’d like to pause to listen to the master story-teller as he weaves his magic.

Recharge in the Old School Café!

Such a lot going on, the good news is it’s free, you can come in as many times as you want! Come and enjoy all St Barbe has to offer - we're so fortunate to have such a wonderful thriving cultural hub with heritage talks, artist workshops, the old school café and a delightful giftshop...

And when you're ready for a pitstop, recharge and relax for a moment and try the great coffee, speciality tea and delicious lunches in the Old School Café.

St Barbe will be open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

The Inspire Weekend coincides with ‘Heritage Open Days’ which is a National initiative.

Find out more about St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery.

Solent Music Festival returns to Lymington for the 7th year

Inspired by romantic tradition, the 2019 festival at the beautiful St Thomas Church will run from 16th to 22nd September

The Solent Music Festival was founded in 2013 with the aim of attracting the highest possible calibre of classical music performances to the beautiful sailing town of Lymington. Concerts take place in the beautiful St Thomas Church. 

Inspired by the romantic tradition, each year different ensembles feature within the programme - echoing past customs. In Schumann’s time, for example, it was common to programme individual movements of symphonies along with piano solos, string quartets, singers – even poetry readings. 

2019 Solent Music Festival Programme

This year's festival will open on Monday 16 September with Tenebrae, sponsored by Global Telecommunications. Described as “phenomenal” (The Times) and “devastatingly beautiful” (Gramophone Magazine), this award-winning choir, under the direction of Nigel Short, is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles. Their 'Hymn of Heavenly Beauty' programme will include works from the Renaissance to the present day, ranging from Allegri's 'Miserere mei, Deus' to Whitacre's 'I thank You God'.

In a special concert honouring women composers on Tuesday 17 September, Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn and others will feature alongside Australian composer Hollis Taylor's 'Absolute Bird' for clarinet and recorded birdsong.

Since its formation in 2002, the Navarra Quartet has built an international reputation as one of the most dynamic and poetic string quartets of today. They return to the Solent Music Festival on Wednesday 18 September with three different chamber music formations: Schubert's Quartetsatz, Schumann's Piano Quintet and Brahms' Sextet in G major.

On Friday 20 September, SMF Artistic Director Sam Haywood will present a solo piano programme of Mozart, Bartók and Liszt's B minor Sonata, which he is currently performing in Germany and South America. He will be using the beautiful Steinway Concert Grand piano the festival hires every year.

The evening concert on Saturday 21 September, sponsored by Rathbones, will feature the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marta Gardolińska. They will perform Beethoven's Fourth Symphony, Haydn's Sixth Symphony and Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream Suite.

And bringing the festival to a close on the afternoon of Sunday 22 September, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Nonet, consisting of the very best past and present members of the the NYJO and a showcase for some of the most talented young jazz musicians working in the UK.

Book your tickets online or purchase from The Solent Cellar, Lymington.

Tickets are available online and from The Solent Cellar. Early booking is advised. Find links to tickets below:

Monday 16th September, 7.30pm: Tenebrae - A Hymn of Heavenly Beauty
Tuesday 17th September, 7,30pm: Great Women Composers
Wednesday 18th September, 7.30pm: The Navarra String Quartet and Friends.
Friday 20th September, 7.30pm: Sam Haywood in Recital
Saturday 21st September, 7.30pm: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Marta Gardolińska
Sunday 22nd September, 4pm: National Youth Jazz Orchestra Nonet

Rover tickets are available, allowing entry to all festival events and saving £30! Book your Rover ticket here!

Thank you to all who have supported the festival

Over the years many local people have kindly offered to help in whatever way they can, contributing to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere which pervades the festival. The Solent Music Festival is a registered charity and relies on the generous support of individuals and local businesses. Less than half of the costs are covered by ticket sales. If you would like to support the Solent Music Festival, find more details here.

Lymington director awarded Best Comedy at National Film Awards.

The More You Ignore Me will be showcased this summer at the New Forest Film Festival.

Last week at the National Film Awards, Lymington director Keith English was delighted to be part of the team winning best comedy. Written by and starrring leading comedian Jo Brand, 'The More You Ignore Me' was directed by Keith, who lives and works in Lymington. 

Keith (pictured here with Jo Brand and producer Debbie Gray of Genesius Pictures) was delighted to attend the National Film Awards.

"Producer Debbie Gray, Jo Brand and I were surprised and delighted by the win," said Keith. "It was a wonderful moment for the three of us to collect the award at the London event. It’s fantastic that the award was from a public vote as it shows independent films have a special place with audiences around the country."

We've followed the building success story of The More You Ignore Me from the start, announcing the film's launch and following the mounting success as the film rapidly became more and more critically acclaimed. Keith himself has appeared at numerous local screenings to provide a personal insight into the film.

"People in the New Forest will have further chances to see The More You Ignore Me on the big screen during the New Forest Film Festival, taking place 8-16 June," announced Keith. "We hope to see you there!"

National Award for Keith's first feature length film! 

'The More You Ignore Me' is Keith's first full length feature film and although quite low budget it was blessed with attracting great actors - Sheridan Smith, Mark Addy, Ella Hunt, Sally Phillips in the starring roles. Keith is well known for his emotional, dramatic and funny work in the world of commercials - and that proved to be a great grounding for the rollercoaster ride of story this is!

“It was wonderful to cut my teeth on such a meaty, but heartwarming story," said Keith. "It’s exactly the kind of film we make so well in this country; distinctive and witty, but with a big heart and a strong message about how mental health issues affect not just the patient, but the family around them. We shot it just outside Blackpool and shows how a small rural family can deal with these things in a very ‘British’ way. The performances are excellent and the tone is tough but heartwarming. It looks good too - the wonderful photography makes it a film you should see in the cinema!"

See The More You Ignore Me at the New Forest Film Festival

The New Forest Film Festival will celebrate films with a New Forest connection, our amazing local creative talent, the variety of venues screening films and the diverse filming locations the New Forest offers.

A big part of the festival will be the Short Film Competition. Film: New Forest have partnered up with local film makers Gary Wronecki and Michael Van Koetsveld, who will be organising the New Forest Film Festival competitive element of the celebration. This is an exciting opportunity for all film makers to submit their short films into one of the seven categories and there will be special "New Forest" awards for local students. Unsurprisingly Keith will be one of the judges! Find more details about the competition here.

Find out more about The More You Ignore Me and Keith English here.

19th Open Art Exhibition at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington

Art by 105 talented artists chosen to be showcased in this exciting annual exhibition.

The 19th Open Art Exhibition opens at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington this weekend, showcasing pieces by 105 talented, local artists. Last year the Open exhibition made a successful transition to the new gallery spaces and an online entry method. 

Steve Marshall, Curator of the Open Exhibition said “This year there were 428 entries for the exhibition and since the overall quality was so high the judges had a very difficult time making their selection. The outcome is a varied selection of stunning artwork which ranges from vibrant paintings in oil and acrylic to jewel-like prints and quirky sculpture. A real credit to the local artists and their talent.”

Since it was established in 2000 the St Barbe Open has become one of the highlights of the local arts calendar, attracting artists from Hampshire, Dorset and beyond. In this 19th year (a year was missed during the big refurbishment, hence not the 20th year yet!) the Open includes paintings, prints, drawings and three dimensional pieces in ceramic, bronze, wood and mixed media. Most works are available for sale and the exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to find affordable art by some of the best artists working in the region.

Prize winners have been announced!

Congratulations to all entrants and in particular to the following award winners:

• The Blake Morgan Award for best painting: Davina Downes – Welsh Hills in Winter, oil on canvas
• The Mary and John Symons Memorial Award for best print: Sian Appleyard – Tide Line, collagraph
• The Coastal Gallery Award for best contemporary abstract work: Keith Rogers – Blush, oil pastel
• The Ted Marsh Memorial Award for best work by an artist aged 18-21: Hattie Rogers – Sea by Moonlight, printing ink on paper
• The Beaulieu Fine Arts Award for best work by a non-professional artist: Sue Howard – Apple Trees, print

49 entries in the 2nd St Barbe Young Artists' Open Exhibition

2018 saw the inaugural Young Artists’ Open providing an opportunity for developing artists from toddlers to 17 year olds. For this year’s exhibition there were  49 entries, all of which will be displayed in Gallery 3 alongside the adult Open exhibition. The exhibition is a feast of colour, featuring landscapes, wildlife, still life and works of imagination in pencil, ink, watercolour, acrylic and mixed media. We hope that in time some of these budding artists’ work will appear in the main Open exhibition.

Prizes for each age category (under 7, 7-11, 12-17) have been generously provided by Gordon Young in memory of Ted Marsh the first Chairman of Trustees at St Barbe whose vision and energy helped found the museum you see today.

Congratulations to the Young Artists’ Open Exhibition Winners who receive their awards on Saturday 22 March at St Barbe.

• Under 7 Years Category - Winner of the Ted Marsh Memorial Award: Landon Machin – Touch the Sun (acrylic)
• 7-11 Years Category - Winner of the Ted Marsh Memorial Award: Maisie Jones – Rainbow Lion (acrylic)
• 12-17 Years Category - Winner of the Ted Marsh Memorial Award: Madelaine Curry – Flora (acrylic)

Visit the 2019 Open Exhibition and Young Artists Open Exhibition at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, New Street, Lymington between Friday 22 March and Sunday 2 June, 10am to 5pm daily.

Hampshire Open Studios 2018

Pop Up Art Exhibitions Lymington and New Forest

For 10 days,from Saturday 18 to Monday 27 August, we have carte blanche to wander through 160 art venues through Hampshire.  It is a MAJOR art trail – and not for the faint hearted.  You will definitely need your GPS!

But it is an amazing, wonderful and heart warming trail. For 9 days artists in Hampshire open their studio doors to the public, to share their passion, their delight, their creativity and their love of their ar. 

For 10 days between Saturday 18 and Monday (Bank Holiday) 27 August 2018

http://www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk/artists/newforest

 It's a kind of "pop up" art exhibition which is not to be missed!  It runs from Saturday 18 to Monday 27 August at various venues near Lymington and throughout the New Forest too.

Most of the venues are open 10 am - 5 pm but some of the private houses may have slightly different opening times.
Hampshire Open Studios is an annual event, organised by the artists themselves to highlight their work in the most inspirational and personal way possible.  Better than markets, fairs, exhibition centres – this is a chance to see the work and its creator, to talk to them and discuss whatever issues you wish.  Just visiting the different environments is an adventure in itself.

 
Some venues have a group of artists sharing their work, others are individual.  In the brochure and on the website are details as to the work of the artist, a brief biography of the artist / groups of artists and details of how to reach their studio.  


Follow the pink direction arrows, bunting and anything else that may be pink! 

 
For Lymington alone there are 34 different studios and many of these venues are shared by more than one artist, sometimes 4-5!  So plentiful and wondrous works to see, view, touch and discuss with the artist(s) who will usually be present.  

 

Kick off with Art at the Pub this weekend and coincide with the annual Beer Festival at the Turfcutters Arms!

More information on the Hampshire Open Studios Website http://www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk/artists/newforest
 
Also check out the individual artists who have added their details at http://lymington.com/events/lymington-events

Lymington director's film hits the big screen!

Jo Brand's 'The More You Ignore Me' set to warm hearts with strong message about mental health issues

Written by, and starrring, Jo Brand, 'The More You Ignore Me' was directed by Keith English who lives and works in Lymington. It has already received excellent early reviews - including Chris Evans on his BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

A poignant and darkly funny coming-of-age story of dysfunctional family life in 1980’s rural England: Gina (Sheridan Smith) whose efforts to be a loving mother and wife are undermined by her declining mental health and her growing obsession with the local weatherman and Alice (Ella Hunt) her daughter, who struggles to relate to her mum. Based on her critically acclaimed novel of the same name, Jo Brand used the insight she gained during her years as a psychiatric health worker. 'The More You Ignore Me' is set to the songs of The Smiths and also stars Mark Addy, Sally Phillips, Sheila Hancock, Tom Davis and Ricky Tomlinson.

Keith grew up in Blackgang on the Isle of Wight. He bought his first cine camera from his uncle when he was just 8 years old and has, ever since, made little movies.

Later he went to Bournemouth Art College (now the Arts University) to study film and won the college's ‘Best Film of the Year’ when he graduated. He’s had a long career since, continuing to make ‘little films’ in the guise of TV commercials in London and around the world - winning numerous awards and accolades.

In 2006 he moved back to Lymington with his wife and daughter - which was about the time Jo Brand started to write her novel ‘The More You Ignore Me’. Through a mutual friend, Producer of Genesius Pictures, Debbie Gray, Jo and Keith got together around 2014 and developed her screen adaption of her book into the film they finally shot in 2016.

'The More You Ignore Me' is Keith's first full length feature film and although quite low budget it was blessed with attracting great actors - Sheridan Smith, Mark Addy, Ella Hunt, Sally Phillips in the starring roles. Keith is well known for his emotional, dramatic and funny work in the world of commercials - and that proved to be a great grounding for the rollercoaster ride of story this is!

"It could have been the New Forest"

“It was wonderful to cut my teeth on such a meaty, but heartwarming story," said Keith. "It’s exactly the kind of film we make so well in this country; distinctive and witty, but with a big heart and a strong message about how mental health issues affect not just the patient, but the family around them. We shot it just outside Blackpool, but just as well it could have been the New Forest - it shows how a small rural family can deal with these things in a very ‘British’ way. The performances are excellent and the tone is tough but heartwarming. It looks good too - the wonderful photography makes it a film you should see in the cinema!"

Keith has recorded a Pod Cast for Britflicks about making the film (fairly in-depth for film buffs). http://www.britflicks.com/Podcast/24121 

See the trailer for "The More You Ignore Me": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYNN0g06k-0

UK Distributor Entertainment Films: https://www.themoreyouignoreme.co.uk
Twitter: @TMYIM
Facebook: The More You Ignore Me

Curious Dog Show at Curious Arts Festival

Dogs more welcome than ever at Curious Arts this year

Not only are four-legged family members welcome as ever at the Curious Arts Festival Friday 20 - Sunday 22 July 2018, but this year they are invited to take centre stage on Sunday 22 July for the first ever Curious Dog Show, organised by Oscar Pet Foods.

Putting the bark into Curious: Oscar Pet Foods together with broadcaster and comic compere Simon Evans and literary judge Damian Dibben

Locals as well as visitors get your pooches ready for a very different kind of fun dog show in the beautiful surroundings of Pylewell Park where their literary endeavours and antics will be compered by well known comedian and Radio 4 regular broadcaster Simon Evans, and judged by children’s author Damian Dibben whose first adult book “Tomorrow” is published this month and follows the quest of a 217-year old dog as he travels through the courts and battlefields of Europe in search of the man who granted him immortality!

Both Simon and Damian are guaranteed to have a few specially chosen words for each of the entrants and their humans, at the Curious Dog Show!

Curious classes at free dog show 

The Curious Dog Show is free to enter for both weekend and day visitors to the festival, and will comprise the following classes:

• Most like a literary character
• Most beautiful paw print
• Best recitation of a sonnet
• Best directed act
• Most rhythmic tail
• Winner of the musical sit

You'll have to come along to find out what some of these entail but the Curious Dog Show is guaranteed to be a thoroughly fun affair!

Organised and hosted by Clare Muir of Oscar Pet Foods

The Curious Dog Show is organised and hosted by our very own Clare Muir, Sway-based qualified pet nutritionist who owns the franchise for the Oscar Pet Foods in the New Forest  and will also be on hand with advice and Oscar samples and treats. Oscar Pet Foods has been delivering superior pet products to homes throughout the UK since 1994 and is renowned for its excellent range of foods to suit all breeds and lifestyles, including gluten-free, weight-control and grain-free options.

Lots of great prizes!

Prize winning pooches will walk off with Oscars dog treats, Curious Rosettes, a bottle of Chapel Down English sparkling wine and Curious Brew beers.

Free to enter, sign up on arrival

Four-legged entrants can attend Curious for free with a ticket-holding human and can signup for the Curious Dog Show on arrival.

A multitude of reasons to join in the 5th annual Curious Arts Festival

Curious which celebrates its 5th anniversary this year offers an increasingly packed programme of music, literature, comedy and children’s activities. You might find yourself learning how to write a Petrarchan sonnet, losing your life-savings at Black-Jack, creating a vintage doll's house from scratch or joining a LOVE
workshop. From life drawing to midnight bat walks, poetry workshops, pop-up fine dining and even a cricket match no other festival offers anything like this dreamy, fun, eccentric and ultimately inimitable weekend.

Nationally acclaimed family friendly literature and music festival at Pylewell Park Lymington, 20-22 July 2018

For more details see http://lymington.com/festivals-fetes/1905-curious-arts-festival-2018 and of course www.curiousartsfestival.com

Brilliant Fiona helps Colten Care residents benefit from music and arts. 

Dedicated Music and Arts professional improves residents’ wellbeing and quality of life.

And, it really works. See below. 

Professional musician, teacher and music-in-healthcare practitioner Fiona Pritchard is working across Colten Care's 20 nursing homes including the five dementia-specific care homes.

A key part of her role is to stimulate residents’ creativity and imagination through singing, playing music, drama, poetry, storytelling, dance and active listening.“I am introducing arts based approaches into everyday care and offering individualised interactions with residents based on an arts activity of interest", said Fiona. “I will use creative interventions to offer people living with dementia an alternative means to express how they feel and challenge how their diagnosis is perceived. I will also enable residents to access the arts activities that are taking place in their local community.”Two community projects already identified are Reawakening Dance at Pavilion Dance South West in Bournemouth and Dance for Parkinson’s at the Forest Arts Centre in New Milton, Hampshire.After studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Fiona performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, English National Ballet and the Scottish Opera Orchestra.

She has been teaching music at Ringwood School in Hampshire for 25 years and writes and arranges music and songs for the BBC, ITV, the Letterland phonics teaching approach, the pre-school music education company Monkey Music and the music publisher Warwick Music.

Fiona has trained in Neurologic Music Therapy and is currently studying for a master’s degree in Dementia Studies with Arts and Activities at Bradford University. 

She has worked with Colten Care since 2014 in roles including customer services and companionship.

Fiona is one of the musicians running the BUDDY orchestra, a community project founded by Bournemouth University for people with dementia and their carers.

Fiona said: “I am keen to work in partnership with the Colten Care home teams to develop and enhance the music and arts practised across the group. I hope to increase the sense of wellbeing for our residents and enrich their experience of staying in a care home.”

Tim Wookey, Colten Care’s Director of Companionship, said: “Fiona will work closely with our home managers and clinical, care and companionship teams to meet those residents who will benefit best from her input. Research suggests that there is improved mood and attitude if there is music in the home. Enabling staff to participate alongside residents will become a shared experience with a real community feel. For those living with dementia, Fiona and our Admiral Nurse Kay Gibson will design and implement person-centred interactions. Fiona will also set up a regular opportunity for residents, relatives and people in the community to engage in such activities as a music café.”

It's already working.  We speak from personal experience, one resident is our previously music loving mother who in the advanced stages of Alzheimers, although wonderfully cared for is no longer able to sing.  Yet, with Fiona's gentle and sensitive prompting she has started to articulate, very carefully and precisely, the words of favourite songs.  This is quite amazing. 

For more information about Fiona and her role, visit www.coltencare.co.uk/music-and-arts.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

Matt Haig and Misha Glenny lead illuminating literary line up at Curious Arts Festival 

Book your tickets for the 2018 Curious Arts Festival at Pylewell Park, taking place 20th to 23rd July.

In need of reading inspiration this World Book Day? Look no further than this year’s line up of author events at Curious which reads as an A to Z of prize winners, best sellers and this year’s most exciting book releases.

Celebrated adult and children’s author Matt Haig and journalist, historian and McMafia creator Misha Glenny are today announced as the latest names on an inspired literary line up at the eclectic illuminating Curious Arts Festival this July.

The cream of UK and International literary talent

Celebrating its fifth birthday this summer, Curious is one of the UK’s top boutique festivals renowned for attracting the cream of UK and international literary talent which this year includes:

• KATE MOSSE - international bestselling author with debut novel LABYRINTH and more recently THE TAXIDERMIST’S DAUGHTER, Kate is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Women’s Prize for Fiction
• ADAM KAY – award winning performer and comedy writer whose first book THIS IS GOING TO HURT, based on his experiences as a doctor in the NHS, opened at #3 in the Sunday Times Bestseller List
• LEMN SISSAY MBE – People’s Poet and author of several books of poetry including last year’s GOLD FROM THE STONE, Lemn is currently working on a memoir about his extraordinary life
• MIRIAM DARLINGTON - prize-winning poet whose collection WINDFALL was followed by an ecological tale for young children, FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND and then by OTTER COUNTRY for adults. Her latest book OWL SENSE is just published this February.
• THOMAS HARDING – best selling author and journalist whose most recent book, BLOOD ON THE PAGE, published in January, is an explosive new work of non-fiction investigating a murder case.
• JAMIE REID – author of non fiction books including DOPED his true story about the 1960s racehorse doping gangs as well as acclaimed novels. His latest book, MONSIEUR X, published in March 2018, tells the story of French aristocrat Patrice des Moutis who, between the late 1950s and the early 1970s, made a daring attempt to beat the French state-run betting system - a dazzling tale of glamour, riches, violence and ultimately tragedy.
• ROB LLOYD JONES - author of the award-winning WILD BOY series of Victorian detective novels, and the JAKE ATLAS adventure series.
• DOLLY ALDERTON – journalist and writer whose critically acclaimed book EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE was just released this February
• MATT HAIG is the author of bestseller How to Stop Time, acclaimed memoir Reasons to Stay Alive, novel The Humans and for children among others A Boy Called Christmas. Matt will be hosting events and Q and As for children and adults alike across the weekend.
• Heavyweight journalist, writer and historian MISHA GLENNY is an expert on global organised crime, cybersecurity and southeastern Europe and is regularly consulted by the British Foreign Office, the US State Department and the British Army. His most recent book NEMESIS follows others including MCMAFIA which was recently made into an 8-part television series for BBC1 starring James Norton and an international cast.

As well as offering author events, Curious offers a glittering array of the cultural, creative and curious including a stellar comedy line up, music from some of the UK’s most exciting singer songwriter talent – John Newman headlines this year - and a uniquely engaging children’s programme.

You might find yourself learning how to write a Petrarchan sonnet, losing your life-savings at Black-Jack, creating a vintage doll's house from scratch or joining a LOVE workshop among many other experiences from midnight bat walks to life drawing and cocktail masterclasses to snail racing. Pop up fine dining and even a cricket match make this a dreamy, fun, eccentric and ultimately inimitable weekend

A firm favourite in the festival firmament and with a capacity of just 5,000, Curious will take place from 20th to 22nd July 2018. Full price weekend tickets are £128, with children over 5 and over at just £23. Children under 5 are free. Early-bird weekend tickets (£103 adult, £225 family) are now on sale at www.curiousartsfestival.com.

Dogs on leads are welcome. Camping is FREE and GLAMPING options can be booked from March.

Find out more about the Curious Arts Festival here.