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Wow ! That’s Big !
For 7 nights a series of curated images will be projected onto the building housing Lloyds Bank in St.
Peter’s Square, Emsworth from 10.00pm – 10.30pm. The images vary from those of the time to those
more contemporary which have been inspired by ‘Memories Are made of This’
Emsworth 1944
On Saturdays May 24, 31, and June 7 we step back into a time when the shops and shopkeepers are 1944
– not 2014, the shop windows have blast-tape on them, and sandbags protect strategic locations. Sadly
the prices are not reflected but feel free to shop in appropriate Vintage clothing.
D-Day for Emsworth & Its People
Emsworth Museum (David Rudkin Room) 10b North Street, Emsworth PO10 7DD
Pictures, maps, documents and first-hand accounts by veterans and residents illustrate Emsworth in 1944
and the vital contribution made by civilians, boatyards, and specialist workshops.
Saturday 24 May – Sunday 22 June: Saturdays, Bank Holiday Monday 26 May, and Friday 6 June
10.30am – 4.30pm. Sundays 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Group visits available outside these times: 01243
378091 or [email protected]
D-Day Map
In the Chichester Observer series, and relevant editions of The News (Portsmouth) there will be
a special pull-out map showing all the important locations relevant to the D-Day preparations.
From the mock-invasions on Hayling beach to the mysterious grooves in a wall in a Havant
side street, and more !
Whatever You Do – Don’t Miss This Event !
It’s the biggest creative event ever staged in Emsworth ! And it’s Free !!!
We’re transforming the car park in North Street (betwixt the Fire Station and Community Centre)
into an intimate theatre space for these performances.
Prior to ‘the show’ from 6.30pm Andrew G Beaumont & His Big Band Sound play music including
Basie, Miller, Ellington, Barnet, and Goodman, together with Lindy Hop and Jitter-bug dancers.
Licensed bar.
Tomorrow Will Be Too Late ! - an evocative story of the run-up to D-Day and its impact upon the
local community. A community in which many of us live in today and take too much for granted.
Lucy Flannery & Julian Sluggett’s specially commissioned play Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
tells the tale of unique experiences during the first six months of 1944 when this area was at the
hub of preparations for D-Day.
Hampshire and West Sussex were at the heart of preparations for Operation Overlord. The people,
industries and geography of the area all played a vital role in the run-up to this history-changing event.
Using the memories, experiences and actual words of local people, Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
presents a fictionalised account of the life of the communities who watched, witnessed and wondered.
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
Admission free but you must obtain a ticket as numbers are limited. Performance lasts
approximately 75 minutes. A voluntary collection may be taken on some evenings to benefit SSAFA –
the UK’s oldest armed forces charity, and My Heart Emsworth.
NB: Please try and use alternative means of transport. This car park
is closed during the performances, all other public car parks are open.
In the event of precipitation the show will still go ahead but please
do not bring umbrellas – we will supply free waterproof Poncho’s.
Specially commissioned by Wemsfest as part of the 70th anniversary commemoration, Tomorrow Will Be Too Late is a new work by
playwrights Lucy Flannery and Julian Sluggett. Lucy’s credits include Radio 4’s Like A Daughter with Alison Steadman, CBBC’s
The Adventures of Tracey Beaker and SOOP Theatre’s A Viking Tale. Julian is the Artistic Director of Rogues & Vagabaonds
and Creative Director of WemsFest .
Material for the play has been drawn from a wide variety of sources, but in particular the writers acknowledge with thanks:
Westbourne's War 1939-1945 by Tom Edwards & Westbourne Local History Group
Havant in the Second World War 1939 to 1945 by Ralph Cousins
Front-Line Havant 1939-45 by A H Jones
Many of the pubs and clubs in the area are staging their own commemorations
Pause for a few seconds to imagine what life must have been like in what
was then a predominantly rural area with nowhere near the urbanization
of today. The huge influx of thousands of international and national troops
who gathered here prior to this momentous event. Miles of camouflage
netting being manufactured in long-gone Emsworth mills. Landing Craft
being constructed in virtually every usable maritime space. The constant
stream of gravel-carrying trucks on their way to help create the Mulberry
Harbours. Can you imagine that, apart from the children, even those who
were actually here had no real inkling as to what was going on ?
Please take some time to discover for yourself what this was all about.
We’re talking about a time when there were no mobile phones, internet, or
television. The media was censored, road signs didn’t exist, bananas were
as rare as hen’s teeth.
This commemoration is not just about the lead-in to D-Day but also about
some of the events and characters who were important in WW2, together
with hope for the future.
We Remember……
For nearly 2 months the team of Millstream Productions together with media students from Park
Community College have been interviewing residents across the Borough who have memories from 1944.
Some of these memories have been edited to provide a freely available DVD which will also be screened
at various locations including shortened, sub-titled, and more localized versions in Southern
Co-operative stores.
‘Blast from the Past’
Saturday 23 May – Saturday 15 June
Daily 2.00pm – 6.00pm. Open until 7.30pm on ‘Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !’ performance days.
Admission free.
Emsworth Community Centre, Church Path, Emsworth PO10 7DD
A collection of exhibits from the local area, the D-Day Museum (Southsea), propaganda and posters from
the period. Also includes banners, a special tapestry, and a WW2 bicycle with ‘black-out hoods on the
lamps’.
Memories Are Made of This (also see workshops)
A stimulating mix of collaged memorabilia amalgamated with creative writings inspired by D-Day and
the events and memories leading to it.. This will make up six individual exhibitions which will be housed
in public libraries in: Emsworth, Havant, Hayling Island, Horndean, Leigh Park, and Waterlooville from
Saturday 24 May.
There are all sorts of ways in which you can be involved. You may have memorabilia from this
time, you might like to try your hand at creative writing, you may even fancy the idea of making collages.
All we ask is that you book in advance as numbers are limited due to space, and turn up ready to roll up
your sleeves !
To book: phone 01243 378742 or e-mail [email protected]
BECOME INvOLvED !
Memories are Made of This ....
A series of informal writing workshops have been arranged around the theme of D-Day. No previous
experience of creative writing necessary - just bring your imagination and have a go ! It’s free !
Friday 9 May 10.30am - 12.30pm
D-Day Commemoration Writing in ‘Carriages Cup Cake and Coffee
Shop’ at Emsworth Railway Station on Platform 2.
Trains were a travel lifeline so what war-time memories does the station hold as Emsworth and the
surrounding area prepared for D-Day ? Photographs and memorabilia will be available to help us to
capture some thoughts around this theme in writing. Bring your ration book and sample the delicious cup
cakes and coffee available (not included).
Sunday 11 May 10.30am
D - Day Commemoration Writing in Hollybank Woods
Meet at the bend at the top of Hollybank Lane by the Friends of Hollybank Woods Notice Board for a
short walk through the woods to the D-Day Commemoration Plaque. In the special atmosphere of this
place once occupied by Canadian troops and full of memories, we will write around the theme of D-Day
preparations in Emsworth and the surrounding area.
Sunday 11 May 8.00pm
Guy Davis
The Brookfield Hotel, Havant Road, Emsworth PO10 7LF US acoustic bluesman, multi-nominated for
WC Handy awards, in concert. Tickets £14.00
Monday 12 May 7.30pm - 9.30pm
D- Day Commemoration Writing in The Sussex Brewery
What was happening in Emsworth during the preparations for D-Day? Photographs and war time
memorabilia will be available to help us write some thoughts about this time. Feel welcome to bring
your ration book to sample the war time snacks (not included).
The Sussex Brewery, 36 Main Rd, Emsworth PO10 8AU
Saturday 17 May
Memories are Made
of This Collage
Workshops in
Hampshire Libraries
NB: You must register
in advance as numbers
are limited –
tel: 01243 378742
or
[email protected]
10.00am
to 1.00pm
Horndean Library
2 Five Heads Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 9NW
2.00pm
to 5.00pm
Emsworth
Methodist Church Hall (Library is too small)
9 High Street (aka The Square) PO10 7AQ
2.00pm
to 5.00pm
Havant Library
Meridian Centre, PO9 2UN
2.00pm
to 5.00pm
Hayling Island Library
Elm Grove, Hayling Island PO11 9EE
2.00pm
to 5.00pm
Leigh Park Library
50 Park Parade, Leigh Park, Havant, PO9 5AB
2.00pm
to 5.00pm
Waterlooville Library
The Precinct, London Rd, Waterlooville PO7 7DT
Wednesday 21 May
11.00am
Beachlands Common, South Hayling island PO11 9EZ
Television historian Dan Snow delivers the address on the day for the
final event for Hayling’s Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP).
The story of COPP is remarkable and mostly unknown.
Admission free.
Saturday 24 May
Memories Are Made of This Exhibitions Open
(see separate panel)
Emsworth 1944 (see separate panel)
7.30pm
As Time Goes By
St. James Church, Church Path, Emsworth PO10 7DP
Village Voices present songs from the Era
Tickets £7.00 inc programme with songsheet
Refreshments (not included) courtesy of Emsworth WI
Wednesday 28 May
7.30pm
As Time Goes By
Friday 30 May
Andrew G Beaumont & His Big Band Sound
6.30pm
8.00pm
Southbourne Village Hall, First Avenue, Southbourne PO10 8HN
Village Voices present songs from the Era
Tickets £7.00 inc programme with songsheet
Refreshments (not included) courtesy of Southbourne WI
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
Playing music including Basie, Miller, Ellington, Barnet, and Goodman, together
with Lindy Hop and Jitter-bug dancers.
Licensed bar.
Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
A specially commissioned play by Lucy Flannery and Julian Sluggett.
Performance lasts approximately 75 minutes
New Year’s Eve 1943. The second front is advanced in its planning and the
evidence is all around Emsworth, Westbourne and the surrounding area –
Massive concrete constructions on Hayling Island, people ordered to keep
clear of the beaches, 10,000 Canadian Troops in Hollybank Woods and
soldiers from France, America and Polish airmen encamped all around.
Continued...
The story tells of three families from the area – the working class Evans’
The middle class Eltons, and the rich Elliots – and how the war has affected
their lives. There is massive tension in the air, as the relentless build
up to D-DAY gathers pace. No one knows the date, but the clock is ticking.
This fast-paced play, suitable for children over 8, is performed by over 30
local actors on a specially designed stage in North Street Car Park,
Emsworth. Admission by free ticket.
Saturday 31 May
6.30pm
8.00pm
Andrew G Beaumont & His Big Band Sound
Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
(please see 30 May and main panel for details)
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
Sunday 1 June
2.30pm
4.00pm
Andrew G Beaumont & His Big Band Sound
Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
(please see 30 May and main panel for details)
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
7.30pm
In Their Own Words presented by More voices
St. Nicholas Church, Thorney Island
Built in the early 1100s this beautiful church is the perfect setting for an evening
of letters, and literature, poetry and prose by the soldiers and civilians who lived
through the war.
The Second World War, Nineteen Forty Four: A programme of letters and
literature, poetry and prose by the soldiers and civilians who lived it, interwoven
with songs and music of the time.
David Hazzard, happily married with two young daughters, signed up with the
Toronto-based Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. During the four years up to July
1944, he was mostly based in the south of England – Hampshire and Sussex.
His letters home offer a fascinating glimpse of wartime Britain through the eyes
of an ‘outsider’ - acutely aware of complaints, especially of Canadians taking
over Aldershot, the home of the British Army! Lieutenant David Hazzard was
among the reinforcements who landed in Normandy after D-Day.
His “Dear Sweetheart” letters are interspersed with the words of contemporary
poets – Canadian and British, in the services and on ‘Civvy Street’. Their
words – at times heart-warming, moving, funny - remain universal and timeless.
Tickets £8.00 NB: Photo-identity (passport/driving licence required for gate
entry)
Sunday 1 June
10.00pm-10.30pm
Monday 2 June
10.00pm-10.30pm
Wow ! That’s Big !
Projected images onto Lloyds Bank, St. Peter’s Square, Emsworth PO10 7AL
Wow ! That’s Big !
Projected images onto Lloyds Bank, St. Peter’s Square, Emsworth PO10 7AL
Tuesday 3 June
10.00pm-10.30pm
Wow ! That’s Big !
Projected images onto Lloyds Bank, St. Peter’s Square, Emsworth PO10 7AL
Wednesday 4 June
10.00pm-10.30pm
Wow ! That’s Big !
Projected images onto Lloyds Bank, St. Peter’s Square, Emsworth PO10 7AL
Thursday 5 June
11.00am
10.00pm-10.30pm
D-Day is Tomorrow !
The Brookfield Hotel, Havant Road, Emsworth PO10 7LF
In 1944 Stella Rutter (former Purbrook Park School student) was the only
woman in the UK with 100% security clearance. This exalted position, and
her work on design for the Spitfire brought her into the company of Eisenhower
and Montgomery and in particular to an event on the eve of pre D-Day event
which remained secret for more than 60 years.
A fascinating and absorbing opportunity to share these reminiscences
accompanied by the signing of her new book ‘D-Day is Tomorrow’
£10.00 including coffee.
Wow ! That’s Big !
Projected images onto Lloyds Bank, St. Peter’s Square, Emsworth PO10 7AL
Friday 6 June
(D-Day)
10am – 11am
Bell-ringing to Commemorate D-Day
1.00pm
Schools’ Drama, Dance, and Music
Commemorative Event
St. John’s Church, Westbourne
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
Nine local schools perform their own specially and individually created
drama stories lasting a total of one hour on the main stage. Two educational
experts, Christine West and Jay Deeble, will be visiting the different schools,
working with children and teachers as a part of the 70th Commemoration
of D-Day. Admission free
Friday 6 June
6.30pm
Andrew G Beaumont & His Big Band Sound
D-DAY
8.00pm
Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
(please see 30 May and main panel for details)
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
8.00pm
Churchill
The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, East Street, Havant PO9 1BS
Big Ben chimes and strikes 13: a magical time when once a year the
statue of the great statesman in Parliament Square comes alive again.
Churchill descends from his plinth to indulge himself in three of his greatest
pleasures: a glass of Scotch, a cigar, and listening to himself talk. Presented by
Pip Utton. Post-show chat in bar. Tickets from The Spring’
8.00pm
A ‘40s Night’
The Sussex Brewery, 36 Main Road, Hermitage PO10 8AU
Live music. Themed menu available 12noon – 2.30pm, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
(2 – 6 June). Please book in advance: 01243 371533 Dress for the occasion !
10.00pm-10.30pm
Wow ! That’s Big !
Projected images onto Lloyds Bank, St. Peter’s Square, Emsworth PO10 7AL
Saturday 7 June
2.00pm
Andrew G Beaumont & His Big Band Sound
3.15pm
Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
(please see 30 May and main panel for details)
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
6.30pm
Andrew G Beaumont & His Big Band Sound
8.00pm
Tomorrow Will Be Too Late !
(please see 30 May and main panel for details)
North Street Car Park, Emsworth PO10 7DD
8.00pm
Adel Salameh & Jacob Heringman
St. John's Church, Westbourne Road, Westbourne PO10 8UL
The consequences of WW2 were far-reaching and this concert by the world
acclaimed Palestinian oud player Adel Salameh, and American lutenist Jacob
Heringman lutenist shows the dicotomy which still exists between countries but
the harmony and hope for the future.
£12.50
10.00pm-10.30pm
Wow ! That’s Big !
Projected images onto Lloyds Bank, St. Peter’s Square, Emsworth PO10 7AL
Sunday 8 June
12noon – 4.00pm
vintage Tea Dance
Emsworth Community Centre, Church Path, Emsworth PO10 7DD
Live music, delicious refreshments, home-made biscuits & cakes,
Retro pic ‘n’ mix, children’s entertainment.
£2.00 (not inc refreshments), under 5’s free.
Raising money for Southampton Hospital Charity.
7.30pm
In Their Own Words presented by village voices
The Meeting Place, North Street, Westbourne PO10 8SP
(see Sunday 1 June for event details, no photo ID required)
Tickets £8.00
19 Four Teas,
68 West Street, Havant PO9 1LN
A rare gem of a tearoom well worth discovering not just for what they serve but for
the wonderful 1940s atmosphere they’ve created. Open Monday-Saturday from 9am
TICkETS
Personal applications: Bookends, 7 High Street, Emsworth PO10 7AQ
Postal applications: B1, The Wren Centre, Westbourne Road,
Emsworth PO10 7SU (enclose SAE unless local)
Online: www.wegottickets.com (booking fee applies)
Thanks to:
It looks grandeois but since WemsFest was founded in January 2012 (and has since delivered 3 festivals and numerous
events) this is the first time we’ve received any public funding. Delivering this project has involved so many different
individuals and organisations.
The WemsFest Team: Mark Ringwood (Artistic Director), Julian Slugget (Creative Director),
Andy Bumfrey (Associate Director), Lucy Flanagan (Writer), Olivia Stevens (Sponsorship & Fundraising Director),
Sam Millington (Visual Arts), Lizzie Chittleboro (Creative Writing), Paul ‘Benny’ Lillywhite, Colin Emmett (Technical
Director), Mark Gay, Rob King, Jane Allen, Leslie Kelly, Howard Jacobs, Joan Horton. Christine West, Jay Deeble.
Leigh Hunter. Jenny Edgell, Carolyn Rosen in Toronto. Military Advisory Group: Commander Bob Harbroe-Bush (RN)
Rtd, David Doyle (CFHEH), Major (Retd) Chris Hallam, Havant Borough Council: David Harris, Jeff Crate, Michelle
Green. Emsworth Business Association, Emsworth Community Centre, Emsworth Museum, Amanda Thomas at The
Brookfield Hotel. Elise Brewerton (The News), Havant Borough Councillors: Ralph Cousins, Richard Galloway,
Brendan Gibb-Gray, Colin Mackey. Hampshire Libraries: Julia Nelson-Tomsen, Sue Leach. Peter Chegwyn. Hampshire
County Council. Havant Rotary, Southbourne Lions. If we’ve missed you out then, sorry, it wasn’t intentional.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage through innovative
investment in projects with a lasting impact on people and places.
Well, this project certainly ticks all those boxes
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wems.fest
Twitter @WemsFest
DATES FOR YOuR FRIDGE DOOR !
26 September - 15 October 2014
WemsFest – the multi arts festival which started in
Westbourne and Emsworth now incorporates the
2nd P G Wodehouse Festival.
March 2015
Red Nose Weekend Comedy Festival
We’ve permission from Comic Relief for Emsworth
to become the UK’s first-ever Red Nose Town and
plan to hold a 3-day comedy festival in many
different and varied locations.
July 2015 tbc
Elements Festival - Earth, Wind, Fire, Water !
Putting the fun into discovering science !
Sponsors and Help Wanted !
WemsFest - at the Art and Soul of Our Community –
is run by a dedicated team and we know there are other
people out there who share our beliefs. If you’re one
of them and you can spare time, or money, then we’d
love to hear from you.. If we don’t ask, you don’t get !
01243 378742 and speak to Mark, Jane, or Julian.
www.wemsfest.com
WemsFest is a Community Interest Company Reg: 847405