Monday 31 August 2015

Scouting for Girls gig and Lego Club



My son Lucas ran his FREE Lego Club at Cleckheaton Library again on Saturday and here are just a few of the photographs:



Why not come along and join in the fun, Lego Club runs every Saturday 11-1pm at Cleckheaton Library (adults welcome too).










Last night we all went to the Scarborough Open Air Theatre to watch Scouting for Girls who were amazing.  They were supported by Only the Young, Frazer (who my daughter and I met when we got a signed copy of their CD) and The Hoosiers.



Only the Young performed quite a few cover versions, but their own songs when they played them were very good.  All my family really enjoyed Frazer and think that they are ones to watch.  A young 5 piece male band from Sheffield, they were very friendly and worked the crowd better than The Hoosiers.





Scouting for Girls were the best though, and although my husband and I recently saw them in Leeds when they supported Madness, we enjoyed the slightly altered set just as much.  We had some fantastic seats in red block and danced to all the hits, including my favourite Posh Girls, my sons favourite I Wish I Was James Bond, This Aint A Love Song, She's So Lovely, It's Not About You, Millionaire and many more (in particular a rousing rendition of Bon Jovi's iconic Living On a Prayer).




The weather was kind and the rain held off, so a fantastic night was had by all.

#ScoutingForGirls  #Frazer  #OnlyTheYoung  #The Hoosiers

Saturday 29 August 2015

Creative England newsletter

Here is the latest Creative England newsletter for my followers to peruse:


Creative England Newsletter: September 2015
Click here if you can’t read this email

 


 

WWI Centenary Initiative Launched

We've partnered with 14-18 NOW and the Imperial War Museum to give creative businesses the chance to bring the First World War Centenary to life.
Read more
 
 

iFeatures Director Alex Taylor on Finding and Developing Your Story

Director of the second film to graduate from our iFeatures scheme, 'Spaceship' shares his advice on transforming your germ of a story to a living, breathing feature.
Read more
 

How Attending the EGX Investment Summit Changed Everything For Mad Fellows

Find out how attending the Investment Summit at EGX set this Lemmington Spa games studio on the road to success.
Read more
 

Where was 'Danny and the Human Zoo' Filmed?

We look at the West Midlands locations featured in BBC One's 'Danny and the Human Zoo', the drama loosely based on the life and career of Lenny Henry.
Read more
 

Where Was ITV's 'The Trials of Jimmy Rose' Filmed?

Our latest Production Services blog looks at ITV's three part mini-series 'The Trials of Jimmy Rose' starring Ray Winstone and Amanda Redman.
Read more
 

At A Glance: Leeds' Creative Hubs

For our latest 'At A Glance' blog we look at the various creative spaces available to SMEs and entrepreneurs in Leeds.
Read more
 

New Round of Greenshoots Games Available to Download

A new selection of mobile and tablet games developed through our Greenshoots programme in partnership with Microsoft UK are now available to download and play.
Read more
Key Dates

72nd Venice International Film Festival

02-12 September

 
The 72nd Venice International Film Festival, organized by La Biennale di Venezia, will run on Venice Lido directed by Alberto Barbera.

Read more
 

Cambridge Film Festival

03-13 September

Get our tips on how to make the most of the festival, plus information on our venues and the local area - where to eat, drink and stay in Cambrige.

Read more

 

Toronto International Film Festival

10-20 September

The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the leading public film festivals in the world, screening more than 300 films from 60+ countries every September.

Read more

 

Encounters Short Film Festival

15-20 September

Encounters Festival is the UK’s leading short film festival, and gateway to the world’s most prestigious short film and animation awards: the BAFTAs, the European Film Awards, Cartoon D’Or and the Oscars.

 

Read more

 

 

EGX

24-27 September

EGX Birmingham offers the opportunity to play the biggest console & PC games before release.


Read more

 
 

GamesIndustry.biz Investment Summit 2015

24 September

Book your tickets now for the UK's premier games investment event.

 

Read more

 
Other links we like

Watch it here: Armando Ianucci's James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture

 
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Funders and Partners:
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Friday 28 August 2015

Ant-Man film review



Took the children to see this yesterday morning at the Huddersfield Odeon.

IMDB says: Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

In this Peyton Reed (Yes Man, The Break-up) directed movie, Paul Rudd (The 40-year-old virgin, Parks and Recreation, and until now, probably most well known as Phoebe's husband from Friends) stars as burglar Scott Lang, who after release from prison struggles to hold on to a job due to his record.  Desperate to keep seeing his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson, The Whispers, Playing it Cool) who now lives with his ex-wife Maggie (Judy Greer, Jurassic World, 13 Going On 30) and her cop fiancé Paxton (Bobby Cavanale, Danny Collins, Chef).

His roommate and friend Luis (Michael Peña, Fury, American Hustle) convinces him to do one last job with his 'crew' Kurt (David Dastmalchian, The Dark Knight, Prisoners) and Dave (T.I. Harris, The Hangover, Fast and Furious 7) he gets more than he bargained for when he breaks into the home of Dr Hank Pym (Michael Douglas, Falling Down, Basic Instinct), who's super-suit he steals.

Unaware he is being used, Scott is given little choice but to 'help save the world' and becomes embroiled in the battle to stop Pym's former protégé Darren Cross (Corey Stoll, The Bourne Legacy, Non-Stop) selling his evil 'invention' the yellow jacket.  Working with Pym and his estranged daughter Hope (Evangeline Lily, The Hurt Locker, Lost) he learns how to use the suit, lead armies of ants and fight well enough to take on an Avenger, Falcon (Anthony Mackie, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Million Dollar Baby).

To tie in with the franchise, there were brief appearances from Hayley Atwell (Captain America, The Duchess) as Peggy Carter, from the new Agent Carter TV series, Howard Stark (John Slattery, Iron Man 2, Mad Men) and of course, Mitchell Carson of Hydra (Martin Donovan, The Sentinel, Insomnia).



Unlike most of the reviews on IMDB, I thought that Rudd was excellent as the misunderstood ex-con trying to turn his life around for his little girl and his lovely one-liners were right up my street.  I enjoyed the way that the backstory was played out through Luis' tall tales, enhanced by his 'street speak' and for me, he stole the film.  I thought there were some fine performances within the confines of the script.  I love the sarcastic humour that the film employed and the little nods along the way to the franchise and for my children and I, we preferred this movie to both Guardians of the Galaxy and Age of Ultron.



Trivia: Paul Rudd purchased a giant ant farm to watch how the ants worked together and was so inspired by them, he kept the farm after filming had completed, Michael Douglas has said that one of the reasons for taking the role is so that his kids could see him in a Marvel movie, posters for 'Pingo Doce' the Brazilian soda company Bruce Banner worked for in The Incredible Hulk, 2008, can be seen in the San Fransisco scenes, Scott Lang suggests calling the Avengers to help, but in the comics Ant-Man was an original Avenger and Darren Cross jokes that the concept of shrinking a man sounds like a tale to astonish and Ant-Man made his debut in the Comic "Tales to Astonish" #27 (Jan. 1962). 


Don't forget to stay for the end of the credits as there are two extra scenes, one mid-credits and one right at the end.

Tagline:  This July, heroes don't come any bigger.                                                   8/10


#AntMan    #PaulRudd  #MichaelDouglas

Thursday 27 August 2015

Creative Kirklees newsletter

Here is the latest Creative Kirklees newsletter for my followers to peruse:


Creative Kirklees

 

Creative Kirklees Newsletter 26 August 2015


It’s nearly the end of August and time to turn our minds to the new seasons and classes about to start in the next few weeks. If you’re running any regular creative workshops or classes make sure you’ve listed them on the Creative Kirklees What’s On section and we’ll share in our newsletter and Twitter and Facebook pages.

The LBT (Lawrence Batley Theatre) launched their new season a few weeks ago with an amazing range of performances to mark their 21st birthday season. If you’re undecided about what to go to you can join Director, Victoria Firth and special guests from the forthcoming programme on 7th September for the unveiling of the new season. Tickets are free, but there’s limited availability, so book your ticket now.
The theatre also has a call out for artists, performers, poets, musicians and writers for their Hallowe'en Happening on 31st October. If you think you fit the theme of the evening then read more about what you need to do.
The new Kirklees Concert Season 15/16 starts on 7th September with a season featuring the Orchestra of Opera North, Borough Organist Gordon Stewart and visiting orchestras Royal Northern Sinfonia and the BBC Phiharmonic - well worth a visit.
Finally, if you know a creative business that should be nominated for the Media Centre Creative Impact Award you’ve got until 28 August to put their name forward. The Media Centre sponsors the Award and is looking for creative work that can best demonstrate the positive impact their services and projects have had in improving their clients’ businesses.
 

Events

'Help Yourself' Family Crafts- Thornhill Lees
Wed 22nd Jul to Wed 26th Aug 2015 (1 month)

'Help Yourself' Family Crafts- Thornhill Lees

Get Creative with family craft sessions every Wednesday at Thornhill Lees Library from 2pm-4pm, throughout the summer holidays.
 
'Out of the Dark, Into the Light' exhibition
Thu 30th Jul to Sat 29th Aug 2015 (1 month)

'Out of the Dark, Into the Light' exhibition

Throughout August, Batley based Artist Gary Makin brings his distinctive work to Creative Arts Hub in Mirfield, taking over the gallery for a one-man show. Gary creates monochromatic images, which use a limited palette t...
 
Art classes - New term starts 1st September
Tue 1st Sep to Sat 12th Dec 2015 (3 months)

Art classes - New term starts 1st September

Natalia Dolgova, an internationally acclaimed artist, starts her drawing classes on Tuesday 1st September or Saturday 5th September. Classes cover the basics of drawing, composition, perspective and colour in a friend...
 
Artisan Emporium Oakwell Hall
Sun 3rd May to Sun 30th Aug 2015 (4 months)

Artisan Emporium Oakwell Hall

Every Sunday afternoon ... Oakwell Artisan Emporium is an exciting new venture at Oakwell Hall Country Park Birstall every Sunday afternoon from 3 May until end of August (except for major event days, please see website ...
 
Chris Leaper- Seven Years in Acrylic- Exhibition
Wed 5th to Sun 30th Aug 2015 (4 weeks)

Chris Leaper- Seven Years in Acrylic- Exhibition

Chris Leaper Seven Years in Acrylic 5th - 30th August 2015 @ Create Space, Packhorse Shopping Centre Husserfield HD1 2RT Free Entry "I have always been drawing and sketching as far as I can remember, initially mak...
 
Craft Fair
Mon 31st Aug 2015

Craft Fair

Pick up a treat at our craft fair on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August, 10am-4pm, with over 40 stalls selling quality gifts, home-made crafts and jewellery. Its free to enter. Not free on the 31st? Worry not, we hav...
 
Get Creative- Card Making- 6 week course
Wed 19th Aug to Wed 23rd Sep 2015 (1 month)

Get Creative- Card Making- 6 week course

Get Creative Card Making is a 6 week course aimed at building on basic skills and techniques in card making as well as learning different techniques from Origami, Printing and Embroidery. Get Creative Card Making is ...
 
John Hadfield
Sat 1st to Mon 31st Aug 2015 (1 month)

John Hadfield

This month in our Gallery we have a unique Art exhibition featuring works by John Hadfield. This is your opportunity to view and purchase John's work as this will be one of the last exhibitions he does due to his move ...
 
Lang Wudu
Sun 30th Aug to Tue 1st Sep 2015 (3 days)

Lang Wudu

A new piece of music by Alexander Douglas, inspired by the history and architecture of Longwood (Lang Wudu in old English) www.classicaljazzgospel.com Alexander believes that ‘where words fail, music speaks’ and inspire...
 
Lawrence Batley Theatre Season Preview
Mon 7th Sep 2015

Lawrence Batley Theatre Season Preview

Join the LBT for the unveiling of their 21st birthday season with Director of the LBT Victoria Firth and special guests from their forthcoming programme. Northern Broadsides’ Conrad Nelson will be along to discuss THE...
 
Life's a Beach Hut
Wed 19th to Thu 27th Aug 2015 (1 week)

Life's a Beach Hut

Mysterious beach huts will wash ashore at Dewsbury on Sea – can you help fill them with stories and adventure? All ages and abilities are needed to take part in free creative workshops where, with a little help, you c...
 
Nature's Law
Mon 17th to Mon 31st Aug 2015 (2 weeks)

Nature's Law

Nature’s Law By Artist Jessica Alice Smith Monday 17th August – Monday 31st August Private View: TBC Exploring the use of unconventional, found and recycled materials within the realm of sculpture; ‘Nature’s l...
 
Organ Concert - Gordon Stewart's Opening Concert to the Season
Mon 7th Sep 2015

Organ Concert - Gordon Stewart's Opening Concert to the Season

Gordon Stewart opens his 25th season as Borough Organist with a programme celebrating the 150th anniversary of two British organist composers, Alfred Hollins and Edwin Lemare. There will be a giant screen so that the au...
 
Spinning and weaving workshop days
Sat 22nd Aug to Sun 27th Sep 2015 (1 month)

Spinning and weaving workshop days

Spinning and weaving workshops
 
STEAM
Fri 4th Sep 2015

STEAM

Join the original performance-parkour company The Urban Playground Team as they bring James Bond-style gravity-defying stunts to liven up your Friday night commute. The impressive cast navigate a skeletal steam train ...
 
The Handmade Bakery Exhibition
Tue 1st Sep to Sun 4th Oct 2015 (1 month)

The Handmade Bakery Exhibition

A solo exhibition featuring local landscape and wildlife photography.
 

Opportunities

Digital Artist, The Bare Project
Wed 16th Sep 2015

Digital Artist, The Bare Project

Information from the Bare Project and role of the Digital Artist is below: About The World Foreign (working title) The World Foreign is a verse play informed by the symptoms of psychosis; a portrayal of a world tha...
 
Flourish Award 2015- Call for Entries!
Sun 6th Sep 2015

Flourish Award 2015- Call for Entries!

If you are a printmaker based in the UK, you should consider entering this year's Flourish Award! The Flourish Award was established in 2009 by West Yorkshire Print Workshop to champion and showcase excellence in pri...
 
Instrument Bursaries for Young Musicians
Thu 31st Dec 2015

Instrument Bursaries for Young Musicians

Marsden-based music shop Hanson is offering 26 young musicians the chance to receive new instruments, upgrade exisiting ones and attend music courses as part of their ongoing goal to support youth music. Hanson Music...
 
LAEOG Annual Training Conference, Bristol
Mon 21st Sep 2015

LAEOG Annual Training Conference, Bristol

LAEOG Annual Training Conference, Bristol – Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th October 2015 LAEOG (the Local Authority Event Organisers Group) is delighted to have been invited to Bristol, the 2015 European Green Capital,...
 
Transitions in Later Life Funding
Fri 11th Sep 2015

Transitions in Later Life Funding

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is accepting applications to its Transitions in Later Life Fund. The fund is for projects that enhance emotional and mental wellbeing by drawing on resilience-building approaches and sh...
 

News

Drawing Classes start Tuesday 1st September
Wed 19th Aug 2015

Drawing Classes start Tuesday 1st September

Professional artist of 30 years, Natalia Dolgova, starts the new term of drawing classes on Tuesday 1st September or Saturday 5th September. Classes are Tuesdays 10a.m. to Midday and Saturdays 10.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. ...
 
Flourish Award 2015- Apply now!
Mon 24th Aug 2015

Flourish Award 2015- Apply now!

The Flourish Award was established in 2009 by West Yorkshire Print Workshop to champion and showcase excellence in printmaking across Yorkshire. The award provides artists and printmakers with the opportunity to exhibit ...
 
Spitfire Competition
Fri 21st Aug 2015

Spitfire Competition

Thrilled to have had this picture chosen as overall winner of the Spitfire Competition, organised by Glenbrae at Spa Mills in Slaithwaite.
 
The Media Centre Creative Impact Award
Wed 5th Aug 2015

The Media Centre Creative Impact Award

As part of the annual Examiner Business Awards, The Media Centre is proud to sponsor The Media Centre Creative Impact Award. This award recognises creative service businesses from the fields of advertising, design, a...
 

Profiles

Huddersfield Jazz / Huddersfield Jazz

Huddersfield Jazz / Huddersfield Jazz

Huddersfield Jazz is a voluntary, non profit-making organisation run by a small group of jazz enthusiasts. Our aim is to provide live jazz featuring a variety of the best national and international musicians, as well as ...
 
jess-sings / jess-sings

jess-sings / jess-sings

I am a musician, singer and baker of cakes. I run choirs and music groups for adults. I believe that being creative is important to maintain wellbeing and that is why I do what I do. One of my groups 'Thula Mama' is a...