Social Club: EVENTS for 2017

For all events please email les@lesmccallum.com or phone/text 07510 632 109 to book tickets.

The Social club has some fantastic events coming up over the next few months, so check your calendar and make sure to save the dates!

‘Jumpin’ at the Woodlands’ Saturday 22nd July 8pm till late

With 6-piece swing band ‘The Smokey Taps’

‘Dynamic and entertaining, The Smokey Taps play high-energy swing and gypsy jazz and have a blinding reputation for getting the whole joint swinging!


Swing dancing • Live music • Food
‘Learn some fun beginners swing dance moves from local dance professionals Martin and Ruth’

Bar open • No partner needed • All ages 16+ welcome
Tickets include food.

Family Fun Day & Classic Car event Sunday 30th July 2pm – 5pm

Bring along a picnic mat and join us in the park for a fun and relaxing afternoon.

Classic cars, bar open, BBQ, face painting, outdoor games, ice cream, stalls, music, Table Top stalls, free bicycle checks by mechanics at Dr Bike and more…

Stalls and lots are available to classes, local groups or businesses at £10 and table top stalls for local residents at £5 (sell your bric-a-brac).

 

The Blues night with the Papa George band Sat 30th Sept

With many years of playing live music to rock and blues audiences in the UK, Europe and US this band will be playing at the WERFA Blues Night on Saturday 30th September 2017.

Papa George and his band present the best of today’s UK blues all with rockin’ attitude and enjoyment.

Tickets available to book via email les@lesmccallum.com or phone/text 07510 632 109

Jazz Night at The WERFA Pavilion – a review by Les McCallum

The band were on good form for the jazz night in the pavilion, maybe that’s because they love coming to play for such an appreciative audience.

Andy Williams who has taken over from Spike Heatley as band organiser said:

“We always look forward to playing at WERFA, such a great friendly crowd and of course, we love Kate’s cottage pie”

Several people asked me if they could play a little more guitar music, which they did.

Being cheeky I asked if they ever played Close your eyes? This was the first Jazz record that I ever heard, it was by Coleman Hawkins and Milt Jackson on an L.P from 1960 called Bean bags.

To my surprise and delight they played it on the night, not in their usual repertoire but they said ‘they do like to take on a challenge and this was the first time they had ever played it.’

Quite a few of our regular audience were away on holiday that day, which meant we were slightly down on numbers but we set the chairs and  tables out in Cafe style with table cloths and candles and it made for a very comfortable and enjoyable evening .

At the end of the evening WERFA members said it was a great night and that they couldn’t wait for a return visit.

Social Club Events for 2017

For all events please email les@lesmccallum.com or phone/text 07510 632 109 to book tickets.

Jazz Night Saturday 3rd June at 8pm

This superb Jazz group are delighted to perform again at WERFA.

Tickets £15, food included. Bar Open

 

 

 

 

 

‘Jumpin’ at the Woodlands’ Saturday 22nd July 8pm till late

With 6-piece swing band ‘The Smokey Taps’

‘Dynamic and entertaining, The Smokey Taps play high-energy swing and gypsy jazz and have a blinding reputation for getting the whole joint swinging!
Swing dancing • Live music • Food

‘Learn some fun beginners swing dance moves from local dance professionals Martin and Ruth’
Bar open • No partner needed • All ages 16+ welcome
Tickets include food.

Classic Car event July 2017

Classic cars and family fun.

The date for this event will be confirmed in the next newsletter but keep the end of July clear in your diaries.

The Blues night with the Papa George band Sat 30th Sept

More details to follow soon.

Social Club Events for 2017

For all events please email les@lesmccallum.com or phone/text 07510 632 109 to book tickets.

Quiz Night on Saturday 13th May 8pm.

Tickets £8, including snacks and nibbles. Bar open.

Jazz Night on Saturday 3rd June.

More info to follow

Jumpin at the Woodlands Saturday 22nd July 8pm till late

Swing dancing, Live music & Food

‘Learn some fun Lindy Hop moves from local dance professionals Martin and Ruth’

Bar open,  No partner needed and All ages 16+ welcome

Tickets include food

The Blues night with the Papa George band Sat 30th Sept

More details to follow

Family Film Event: Trolls shown Sunday 2nd April 2017

We had a fantastic turn out for our local cinema screening at the pavilion last month where we showed recent blockbuster ‘Trolls’ to start the Easter break off with some family fun.

With our box office ticket booth, Trolls stickers, freshly made popcorn complete with rainbow sprinkles and our very own ’Trollster’ ice-creams – we pulled out all the stops to make the event extra special for the children.

Local resident Kerrie Lapworth writes:

‘The showing of Trolls for the Family film morning was a fantastic event, and all the little details that had been included made it even more special. From arriving to the beautiful box office box with its specially designed individual tickets which was followed by Troll stickers, to the Rainbow sprinkles popcorn and blue banana Troll ice creams, it felt like everything had been thought of.  The film was great fun, the winner of the Bluray was very happy and the kids all had a great time. Congratulations and a big thanks to the Events team, it was Brilliant!’

Our next family film showing is currently being planned so please do keep an eye on our website www.woodlandsevents.org.uk and Facebook page facebook.com/woodlandsevents for future updates.

WOW factor WERFA Opera

The WERFA pavilion was packed for the return visit of Tenor Soloist Charne Rochford accompanied by Pianist Andrew Smith on Sunday 19th March. This time they were joined by Mezzo Soprano Julia Riley who gave an added dimension to the whole experience.

With a repertoire of famous opera arias and international and British songs, the recital began with a powerful duet from Charne and Julia that left the audience stunned. The numbers that followed demonstrated their command over a range styles and genres, ably supported by Andrew’s sensitive accompaniments.

The second half began with Charne singing Brodzsky’s “Be my love” to a member of the audience. The result was a hilarious demonstration of his ability to engage an audience for dramatic effect, which brought the house down. Young, local rising star Katie Langley sang two solos, one of which was a touching and emotional rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream”.

You didn’t have to be an opera buff to enjoy the evening. There was something for everyone – entertainment, education and lots of laughter. It was an inspiring and memorable evening. Let’s hope it can be repeated soon.

Thanks to Kate MacSherry for posh nibbles.

Richmond Park Spring Birdwatch

Les McCallum is organising the Richmond PArk Spring Birdwatch next Saturday 25th March.  The location is the Causeway between the two Pen Ponds and we’re planning to start at around 10am and continue until around 4pm, depending on the weather etc. We will have a table with various publicity material about the RSPB and, of course, our local group.   There will also be a couple of telescopes to help point birds out to members of the public and we are planning to organise mini walks around the ponds at regular intervals.

Come and say Hello if you’re in the area.

Trolls film screening (U): Sunday 2nd April 2017

Book your ticket to our next family film screening – suitable for all ages and just in time for the Easter holidays!

After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and the overly-cautious curmudgeonly Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Together, this mismatched duo embarks on a rescue mission full of adventure and mishaps – trying to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done.

Come and enjoy a great cinematic experience for a fraction of the price and on your doorstep.

Sunday 2nd April 2017, WERFA Pavilion, Isleworth

Doors open 10.30am • Film starts 11am

Refreshments on sale pre-screening including homemade popcorn and South Street ice-cream

Children must be accompanied by an adult for admission.

Tickets just £3 per person.

For further information visit www.woodlandsevents.org.uk or to book tickets in advance email info@woodlandsevents.org.uk

 

Film Night: A review by Tim Langley

It was a pleasure and a lot of fun to be able to show one of my personal favourite films. Carol Reed’s – ‘The Third Man’ to a really appreciative audience on Wednesday the 8th of March.

Author of ‘Britain’s Forgotten Film Factory’ Ed Harris and I preceded the film with a 10 minute talk, to outline some of the magical ingredients that made it such an unforgettable and atmospheric film Noir classic.

Ed told the fascinating story about some of the scenes and sets. Specifically the large sewer/tunnel set that was built in 1948 at our very own Worton Hall, Isleworth studios. With Orson Welles on our doorstep at the time, using dressing Room no.1 as it was known as then.

Somewhat understandably, Mr Welles had been reluctant to act out scenes in the real thing while filming on location in Vienna.

I’m sure the audience will be whistling or humming Anton Karas’s memorable theme from the film for days after….

Social Club: EVENTS for 2017

WERFA Film Night Wednesday 8th March 8pm

Join us on the 8th March for our showing of the 1949 classic, The Third Man starring Orson Welles.

Set in postwar Vienna, Austria, “The Third Man” stars Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, who arrives penniless as a guest of his childhood chum Harry Lime (Orson Welles), only to find him dead.

Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of

a “third man” present at the time of Harry’s death, running into interference from British officer Maj. Calloway (Trevor Howard) and falling head-over-heels for Harry’s grief-stricken lover, Anna (Alida Valli).

 

Tickets are just £7.00 for the evening and include a presentation by Tim Langley and Ed Harris and light refreshments. Contact Les to book your tickets.

Opera Evening Sunday 19th March 5.00pm

Back by popular demand is a live singing performance by Charne Rochford; Concert Tenor Soloist, honoured as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Charne will perform with Mezzo Soprano Julia Riley and they will be accompanied by talented Pianist Andrew Smith.

Tickets £12, posh nibbles included • Bar open

We anticipate another huge response so please reserve your tickets with Les early!

Social Club talk: Escape from Stalag XXA – in Search of a Hero

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Wednesday 25th January 2017

(8pm prompt start. Tickets £7)

WERFA are very honoured that retired naval commander Stephen Foster is presenting this incredible and moving story:

Escape from Stalag XXA – in Search of a Hero

“A son’s mission to honour his father uncovered one of the most Dramatic and touching stories of the second world war” – Daily Telegraph

Please reserve your tickets by emailing Les

WERFA Night of Opera – The Return! Sunday 19th March 5.00pm

Back by popular demand is a live singing performance by Charne Rochford; Concert Tenor Soloist, honoured as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Charne will perform with Mezzo Soprano Julia Riley and they will be accompanied by talented Pianist Andrew Smith.

Tickets £12, posh nibbles included • Bar open

We anticipate another huge response so please reserve your tickets early by emailing Les!

Family Film Event: A review of Arthur Christmas

Another great turn out to our family film event at WERFA in December where we screened Arthur Christmas for a bit of festive fun. With the warming scents of hot spiced apple, homemade gingerbread biscuits, mince pies, fresh popcorn and chocolate ice-cream – we certainly provided some Christmas spirit!

Even Father Christmas himself popped in during the film to drop off some surprise presents which added an extra touch of Christmas magic.

Local resident Cathy Johnston writes:

Having been to the two previous screenings organised at the WERFA community hall, I was delighted to see that a festive film was being shown just before Christmas.  My two kids, 5 and almost 3 were very excited and we arranged to go with some friends.  Just like the previous two, everything was well organised: we were able to book our places in advance at a very reasonable price and refreshments including hot drinks, popcorn and even mince pies were available.  The choice of film could not have been better and I’m not lying when I say that Arthur Christmas is now my all-time favourite Christmas film! Oh, and the kids absolutely loved it too and we’ve all watched it twice since at home!!  The fact that Father Christmas himself made a guest appearance during the interval only added to the festive fun, and each child was even given a little gift.  Overall, a fantastic event and we can’t wait for the next!  

Our next family film showing is currently being planned so please do keep an eye on our website www.woodlandsevents.org.uk and Facebook page facebook.com/woodlandsevents for future updates.

Stephen Moss – Bird Man flies back to WERFA

Stephen delighted a packed audience on his return visit to WERFA on 23 November. He showed favourite clips from his many BBC TV series as a way to highlight stories about our amazing variety of British birds and how our nation’s special interest in and love for them connects us with the natural world.

Stephen showed us coast and garden, farmland and fen with an emphasis on how people and new activities play a part in helping or harming the birds.

However there are still many mysteries about how and why some bird behaviour occurs. A clip of starlings massing and moving in a huge flock was a particularly remarkable and moving case.

Stephen’s talk was both fascinating and humorous and he dealt with a range of questions from enthusiasts young and old.

In answer to one question Stephen suggests we feed our local birds in cold weather and the spring breeding season while letting the birds find their own supplies in the abundant time of late summer (and maybe in the process helping us with pest insects in the garden).

We went away marvelling at the stories about British birds and with renewed enthusiasm for bird watching at home or further afield. With the winter option of staying warm and reading one of Stephen’s beautiful books!

What have birds ever done for us? A talk by Stephen Moss: Wednesday 23rd November 2016

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Television producer, writer, broadcaster and naturalist. Author of many books and award winning producer of series such as Spring Watch, The nature of Britain and Birding with Bill Oddie. Stephen Moss will be giving a talk at the WERFA Pavilion on Wednesday 23rd November 2016.

Doors will be opening at 7.30pm for an 8.00pm starts and tickets are on sale now at £8 which includes a complementary glass of wine and nibbles, tea and coffee.

To book your tickets, email Les or call 07510 632 109