Whittinton Music Festival news update

Dear Blogger,

Message from Whittington Music Festival

Good News! Thanks to everyone who has renewed their membership as a Friend, Benefactor, Donor or Sponsor, the twelfth Whittington Festival will begin on Thursday May 16th 2024. We were also delightedly surprised to learn recently that our application to Arts Council England for a smaller grant had been successful! Flyers are at the printers and will be posted after Christmas to everyone for whom we have a postal address. Please reply to this email if you would like to be added to the postal mailing list.

Early-Bird Booking   Online early-bird booking will run from January 17th to 31st for Friends, Benefactors and Sponsors who will be sent a booking code. If you've been thinking of renewing your membership or want to become a Festival Friend to enjoy this benefit, sign up before Jan 17th https://www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk/support-us-friends-scheme/ General booking and ticket sales will begin on February 1st, online and at Rowanthorn and Whittington Post Office. Save the date The Scholars and Gentlemen choir will give a concert in aid of the festival in Whittington church on Saturday March 23rd at 7:30 pm. Sophia and the festival trustees wish you all a joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Christmas films @ Oswestry Film Society

Dear Blogger

Message forwarded by Ingrid Knowles, Oswestry.net

Xmas and New Year - and thanks to Alistair Classic comedy for our Christmas screening Eddie Murphy in his first big role, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Aykroyd star in the good-feel Christmas caper TRADING PLACES, getting a big-screen revival from the Oswestry Film Society this coming Tuesday (Dec 19th, 7.30pm). Let's get into the Xmas spirit with a good laugh, and festive nibbles on us. More info & tickets McGowan a big hit TV star Alistair McGowan (pic with OFS's James Bond) wowed us with his live appearance last week. He charmed us with insights into his Alfred Hitchcock documentary that we showed, his TV and radio career stories, plus of course some of the impressions he's so famous for. And he was happy to chat with so many audience members informally after the event. He's now involved in the arts scene in Ludlow (Ludlow Festival, music recitals etc) and the OFS will support him in return. (Also, take a look at www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk )   And in the New Year... We start 2024 with an uplifting bang with The Greatest Showman - a spectacular production not to be missed on the big screen (Jan 16). In February, the black comedy American Hustle (Feb 6), and the charming Hope And Glory (Feb 20). Keep an eye on the Oswestry Film Society website for more details, tickets and future screenings as they're scheduled. 2023's seen Alistair McGowan, international film director Matt Bauer, and Daniel Craig's brother all appearing live at OFS showings. Who'll be with us next year? Do support our host venue, the Kinokulture cinema - see their own separate Kinokulture website - for the wide variety of films they put on through the week. Do spread the word for Kinokulture AND the Oswestry Film Society. PS: the OFS normally show films on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month, but there'll be no screening on Jan 2.

Final Christmas Crafting session

Dear Blogger

Message from Joanna Gears

17th December FINAL CHRISTMAS CRAFTING 

See attached poster for details

Peter Pan, another great pantomime from RATS, sorry if you missed it!

Dear Blogger

CONGRATULATIONS TO RATS FOR ANOTHER BRILLIANT PANTOMIME

PETER PAN was full of (awful) jokes, singing (didn`t those old songs have daft words) and great costumes.

I liked some of the new techy bits, like shooting golden paper showers across the audience, not so sure about the water pistols - but the kids loved it and all wanted to be `hit`.

It really is worth going to a RATS panto to see how modern children absolutely delight in it all - are they less inhibited than in the old days, when perhaps children were completely overawed by the spectacle?

Anyway, I am sorry if you missed going to our local panto - make sure you book early next year.  This seems to be the one event in the year when, almost, all the village come together.

Many thanks to the 31 actors (that`s impressive in itself), director, dressmakers, Colin and Keiran our great techy guys and all those other mums, dads and helpers who make it all happen.

Yoland

Park Hall Limited availability for Santa Experience

Dear Blogger,

Message from Farmer Richard at Park Hall Countryside Experience.

Limited Availability for Our Santa Experience  If you'd like to join us at the farm for our Santa Experience, don't delay in buying your tickets! We've added extra slots this weekend, as it had sold out, and there are limited tickets left across the rest of our dates on the 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December. We loved welcoming families on to our snowy farm for our opening weekend. There is so much to enjoy. We hope you can join us this month! Check out our video from last weekend! Parents love coming to Park Hall as everything is included in your ticket price. The Santa Experience ticket includes a visit to Santa in his special grotto where every child receives a quality wrapped gift. You'll also get to watch the Elf Academy's Mission Impossible Show and enjoy complimentary drinks and treats. There are Christmas crafts, displays, singing reindeer, and we'll provide 3-D glasses that make Christmas lights come alive. Plus there's all the usual farm fun with play areas, learning zones, pig racing, animals to meet, and tractor rides. The fun never ends! Remember spaces are limited, so book yours today! Buy Christmas Tickets Give the Gift of Farm Fun! Don't be stuck for Christmas present ideas!  You can buy gift vouchers for a special day out at Park Hall. Or for an extra special treat you can buy an annual membership for a whole year of memory making! Buy Gift Vouchers Wishing you and your loved ones very Merry Christmas! >From Farmer Richard, the farm team and all the animals  ???????????????? PS: We're now on TikTok! Follow us at @parkhallfarm to keep up to date with our wonderful four-legged residents. Buy Tickets

Kinokulture cinema - December newsletter

Dear Blogger

Message from Kinokulture, Oswestry Independent Cinema.

Welcome To Our December Newsletter Our Lives, Our World, Our Cinema As winter settles upon us and the Festive Season draws ever closer we welcome you all to come along and explore a wonderful world of different cultures, stories and life experiences from the comfort of our cinema. Our programme for December & over the Festive Season is packed full of great films to entertain you. We start the month off with The French Film Festival UK taking you on a whistle stop tour of the best of contemporary French Cinema. Tickets booked online for our French Film Festival UK screenings will be entered into our Prize Draw to win a delicious mini hamper of French Delights! We also bring you comedy featuring a star turn by Nicolas Cage in 'Dream Scenario', personal & family dramas with 'Saltburn' & 'How to Have sex' and a thrilling ride with the final film in our Africa In Focus season 'Saloum'. Over the Festive season we bring you Ridley Scott's epic 'Napoleon' and take you on a nostalgic trip back in time with the 20th anniversary release of 'Love Actually' and to entertain the whole family we have 'NT Live: The Book Of Dust - La Belle Sauvage', Disney's animation 'Wish' and Willy Wonka's origin story 'WONKA' starring Timothée Chalamet.    On our website you can view trailers and information on each film by clicking on the image or film title.  If you already know which film & date you want to book just click on the Book Now button. View Our Website Here Our doors and cafe/licensed bar selling a range of hot & cold drinks and pre packaged snacks open 30 minutes before the screening time. Please scroll down to find out more about our December programme & news & Highlights for January. Our ticket pricing policy is at the bottom of this newsletter.    We hope you will Come along and join us for a deep dive into the wonderful world of cinema over the Festive season! Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas & New Year COMING TO OUR SCREEN IN DECEMBER & OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD kinokulture cinema 9 Arthur Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1JN   The Rose Maker (12A) Wednesday 6th December  7:30pm   The legendary Catherine Frot stars in this engaging comedy as Eve Vernet, the greatest rose grower in France. A once booming business, Eve's farm is now on the verge of bankruptcy and in danger of being bought by a powerful competitor. Her secretary Véra (Olivia Côte) believes she has found a solution and hires three new employees... none of whom have any gardening experience. A colourful and fragrant delight. "The Rose Maker is a breath of cinematic fresh air." ******** Film Threat   Director: Pierre Pinaud Cast: Catherine Frot, Olivia Côte, Melan Omerta, Fatsah Bouyahmed Director 2020 France French with English subtitles Run time: 1 hour 34 mins BOOK TICKETS HERE   Anatomy Of A Fall (15) Thursday 7th December  7:30pm When her husband Samuel is mysteriously found dead in the snow below their secluded chalet, Sandra becomes the main suspect when the police begin to question whether he fell or was pushed. The trial soon becomes not just an investigation, but a gripping psychological journey into the depths of Sandra and Samuel's complicated marriage. With conflicting evidence and inconsistent testimony, words are wielded like weapons and shocking truths come to light in this thrilling Palme d'Or winner. Winner of the Best International Film at the British Independent Film Awards "Continually takes your breath away" ????? The Telegraph "A captivating and emotionally searing Alpine murder-mystery" ???? Time Out Director: Justin Triet  Cast: Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Jehnny Beth, Antoine Reinartz, Samuel Theis, Saadia Bentaïeb, Milo Machado Graner France 2023 French/English with English subtitles Film run time 2 hours 32 mins  BOOK TICKETS HERE   Dream Scenario (15) Friday 8th & Saturday 9th December  7:30pm Sunday 10th December. 2:00pm (Subtitled for the Hard Of Hearing)   Nic Cage stars as hapless family man Paul Matthews who finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom, in this wickedly entertaining comedy from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and producer Ari Aster. College biology professor Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) lives a decidedly quiet, unremarkable life – despite being settled with a family, he is constantly overlooked when the invites are sent for esteemed colleagues' dinner evenings. Everything changes, however, when he becomes the most famous man in the world – after inexplicably showing up as a mysterious bystander in the dreams of people across the world. A cynical ad agency, led by Michael Cera, soon reach out to capitalise on his newfound viral celebrity status, further complicating Paul's rapidly spiralling life, as he sets out to make sense of the bizarre globe-spanning phenomenon. A thrillingly comedic send up of cancel culture, and a gloriously inventive satire on the pitfalls of fame and the cult of celebrity, this whip-smart showcase for the multi-faceted acting talents of the inimitable Nicolas Cage is a twisting, playfully genre-hopping creative collaboration between director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and producer Ari Aster (Hereditary). Director: Kristoffer Borgli Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera USA 2023Run time: 1 hour 35 mins BOOK TICKETS FOR FRIDAY & SATURDAY HERE BOOK TICKETS FOR SUNDAY HERE

Promises (15) Monday 11th December  7:30pm (Re scheduled from Thursday 30th November) Clémence, the fearless mayor of a town near Paris, is completing the final term of her political career. With her faithful right-hand man Yazid, she has long fought for this town plagued by poverty, unemployment and slumlords. However, when Clémence is approached to become Minister, her ambition arises, questioning her devotion and commitment to her citizens. Will her political integrity and election promises survive her newly found ambition? "This concise and stirring drama manages to dissect a host of philosophical questions about integrity and public office without losing sight of the quieter, more specific constituent stories that make answering them urgent." - Hollywood Reporter Director Thomas Kruithof Cast Isabelle huppert, reda Kateb, naidra Ayadi   2021 France French with English subtitles  Run time: 1 hour 38 mins ? BOOK TICKETS HERE   Driving Madeleine (15)  Wednesday 13th December  7:30pm When taxi driver Charles (Dany Boon) takes a booking to drive a passenger across Paris he discovers his passenger is 92-year-old Madeliene travelling to a retirement home where she will spend the rest of her days. Charles, impatient with her requests to drive through parts of the city significant in her life is at first distracted and preoccupied with his own problems but as her story unfolds he discovers her life has been anything but ordinary. Madeleine had lived through one of the darkest wartime periods of human history and survived violent abuse at the hands of her husband Ray Haguenot (Jérémie Laheurte). Yet she is neither bitter nor gloomy, having chosen instead to overcome life's often unjust vicissitudes, to fight against them, and to embrace joy wherever she may find it. A mutual respect and friendship that neither will forget develop as they share their stories in this heart-warming drama. Director: Christian Carion Cast: Line Renaud, Dany Boon, Alice Isaaz, Jérémie Laheurte, Gwendoline Hamon 2022 France French with English subtitles Run time: 1 hour 31 mins BOOK TICKETS HERE The Taste Of Things (12A)    Thursday 14th December  7:30pm Our closing film for the festival is this mouthwatering and sensual exercise in haute cuisine and late-flowering romance set in 1885 and almost totally within the confines of a rustic kitchen in a chateau. Tr?n Anh Hùng, the Vietnamese director, now living in France, of The Scent of the Green Papaya based the film on the book The Life and Passion of Dodin-Bouffant, Gourmet by Marcel Rouff. Peerless cook Eugénie (Juliette Binoche) has worked for the famous gourmet Dodin (Benoît Magimel) for the last 20 years. As time went by, the practice of gastronomy and mutual admiration turned into a romantic relationship. He realises, however, that while he schmoozes the rich and famous in the dining room, she remains in the kitchen but is clearly hugely responsible for his august reputation. There is talk of marriage but Eugénie values her independence too much in a relationship that she considers should be of equal parts. Both Binoche and Magimel who were together in life for a considerable time, exude an effortless rapport. Chosen as France's Oscar contender. Director Tr?n Anh Hùng Cast Juliette Binoche, Benoît Magimel, Emmanuel Salinger, Patrick D'Assumçao 2023 France / Belgium French with English subtitles Run time: 2 hours 4 mins BOOK TICKETS HERE     My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock (15) + Q&A With Alistair McGowan Oswestry Film Society Screening Tuesday 12th December 7:00pm? (4 tickets available at the point of publication)   Please note the film starts at 7:00pm there are no trailers at OFS screenings An extra showing from the Oswestry Film Society - note 7pm start for this event. In this critically acclaimed new film, the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock supposedly narrates from beyond the grave, using movie clips to reveal techniques and meanings in his work. But the script is actually voiced by the comic impressionist Alistair McGowan, whose vocal copying of one of the most influential directors of all time is so eerily good that you'd think Hitchcock had been summoned up in some ghostly seance session. In a career spanning six decades, many of his almost 60 films are still widely watched and studied today.  As Hitchcock seemingly rewatches his own films, we are taken on a journey through his vast career – his vivid silent films, his 1930s and wartime movies, the legendary films of the 1950s and 60s, and all his later works – in playful and revealing ways. The Oswestry Film Society is thrilled not only to stage this special showing of MY NAME IS ALFRED HITCHCOCK, but also that Alistair McGowan has agreed to come to the OFS as our special guest to talk afterwards about the film, its making, and the influence of Hitchcock himself. Please support us in this special venture. Run Time: 2 hours + post screening discussion FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OSWESTRY FILM SOCIETY & BOOK TICKETS HERE