Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Win a half day hands-on cookery course with Eckington Manor
Celebrating the launch of our new Cookery Course Breaks with Eckington Manor Cookery School for 2010, we are delighted to offer you the chance to win a place on a half day hands-on cookery course of your choice at Eckington Manor Cookery School plus a luxury overnight stay Lower End House (5 Star gold guest accommodation) -visit the website to enter !
BBC Radio 4 Today programme to feature amateur choirs
The musician Robert Wyatt, formerly of the rock band Soft Machine, will be guest editing an edition of the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on New Year's Day, in which he will be promoting the singing of amateur choirs. Robert says that he prefers them to professional choirs because there's a greater sense of commitment and meaning in their singing. ‘Amateur means somebody who does something for love and I can't think of a better reason to doing anything,’ he says. ‘You can hear in people's voice that they're not doing it because they have to but they are doing it because they want… There's a sense of commitment and meaning in that I really like.’ Robert would like any Today listeners who are involved in amateur choirs to send in recordings of their work which he will play on the programme on New Year's Day. If you think the choir you sing in deserves a public hearing, you will need a two-minute recording of your choir in a digital format which you can then either upload to the BBC website at http://bbcnewsupload.streamuk.com/ or email to yourpics@bbc.co.uk with ‘Today Church Choir’ as the title. The files need to be under 50MB in size and make sure you provide details of choir and the music being sung, along with email contact details. Alternatively you can post the recording on CD to the following address: Today Programme Church ChoirRoom G630, Stage 6, Television Centre, London, W12 7RJ.
Submit your script - an event for all writers
Come along to Open Page at One Alfred Place to hear early draft scripts in any media: Theatre, Film, TV, Radio- performed by actors cast on the spot. Guest chair and script authority Val Taylor will be guiding the feedback. Val is a director/ dramaturg/ writer/ development consultant for theatre, film, television and radio. This is the event for everyone. Writers can hear their script off the page and get informed feedback, producers and directors can meet promising writing and acting talent, and actors can perform at the cold reads and get involved with new projects at their inception.
If you’d like to submit your script:
Here’s the chance to test out your work before an informal crowd. We're looking for a good voice and great story, but the draft should still be in development and you should have an idea of what you want to work on. Send us a single Word file containing: your name and contact details, details of what you want to achieve from the workshop, a 20 minute excerpt, and a list of characters. Please title the file yournamedate.doc; eg arthurmiller091127.doc and send to http://www.stellarnetwork.com/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=openpage%40stellarnetwork.com The deadline for entries is extended to New Year's day. We’ll let you know if you've been chosen by 10th January.
If you’d like to attend: Book at www.stellarnetwork.com/events/. Space is limited as we like to keep the sessions small and the debate lively! If you’re an actor email your spotlight/casting call pro number to us direct at http://www.stellarnetwork.com/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=openpage%40stellarnetwork.com before registering as above.
When: 28th January 2010
Where: One Alfred Place, W1S 1HP
Cost: £10
Book: www.stellarnetwork.com/events/
If you’d like to submit your script:
Here’s the chance to test out your work before an informal crowd. We're looking for a good voice and great story, but the draft should still be in development and you should have an idea of what you want to work on. Send us a single Word file containing: your name and contact details, details of what you want to achieve from the workshop, a 20 minute excerpt, and a list of characters. Please title the file yournamedate.doc; eg arthurmiller091127.doc and send to http://www.stellarnetwork.com/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=openpage%40stellarnetwork.com The deadline for entries is extended to New Year's day. We’ll let you know if you've been chosen by 10th January.
If you’d like to attend: Book at www.stellarnetwork.com/events/. Space is limited as we like to keep the sessions small and the debate lively! If you’re an actor email your spotlight/casting call pro number to us direct at http://www.stellarnetwork.com/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=openpage%40stellarnetwork.com before registering as above.
When: 28th January 2010
Where: One Alfred Place, W1S 1HP
Cost: £10
Book: www.stellarnetwork.com/events/
Textile & fabric art residential courses
Browse the Talking Threads Courses webpage here for the many courses and workshops near you. Their favourite place to start is ARCA - for a full list of their textiles & fabric art residential courses including those at Farncombe Estate please click here.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Choir of the Year competition 2010
Choir of the Year 2010, in association with BBC Radio 3, is open for entries from singing groups of all ages and music styles. Whether your choir sings Bach, Bernstein or Barbershop with a bit of Beatbox, we want to hear from you.Choirs can enter one of four categories - Children, Youth, Adult and Open. Preliminary round performances will take place at venues across the UK from March to June 2010. The winners in each category will sing at Birmingham Symphony Hall in November 2010 leaving just six finalists to battle it out at the Royal Festival Hall for the title Choir of the Year 2010. For more information visit http://www.choiroftheyear.com/
Graffiti Short Story Competition - win £25
1. Closing date 7th February 2010.
2. Entries must be in English and be the writer’s own unpublished work.
They should not be on offer for publication, nor entered in any other
current competition.
3. The maximum length of your story should be 1,000 words.
4. Each piece of work, with its title, must be in clear type on one side of A4
sheet(s). Details of the writer must not appear on this sheet.
5. The name and address of the writer and the titles of all entries should
be typed on a separate sheet of A4 paper.
6. The prize-winner will be notified by post..
7. Entries are only accepted by post. Please keep a copy of your work, as
entries will not be returned.
8. The fee is £2 per story. Cheques in sterling only, should be made
payable to:
Catchword Writing Group
9. All entries that arrive on time will be considered by the adjudicator
whose decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into
concerning the result.
10. Competitors wishing to be informed of the results should enclose an
SAE marked ‘Results’ or an email address.
Send entries to:
Graffiti Magazine Writing competition
C/o 33 Sandford Leaze
Avening
Glos
GL8 8PB
Prize: £25 The winning entry will also be published in Graffiti.
Copies of the Issue 3 of Graffiti may be purchased for £2.50 each (which includes postage) from the above address. Previous issues available at £1.50 (which includes postage)
Cheques should be made out to Catchword Writing Group..
2. Entries must be in English and be the writer’s own unpublished work.
They should not be on offer for publication, nor entered in any other
current competition.
3. The maximum length of your story should be 1,000 words.
4. Each piece of work, with its title, must be in clear type on one side of A4
sheet(s). Details of the writer must not appear on this sheet.
5. The name and address of the writer and the titles of all entries should
be typed on a separate sheet of A4 paper.
6. The prize-winner will be notified by post..
7. Entries are only accepted by post. Please keep a copy of your work, as
entries will not be returned.
8. The fee is £2 per story. Cheques in sterling only, should be made
payable to:
Catchword Writing Group
9. All entries that arrive on time will be considered by the adjudicator
whose decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into
concerning the result.
10. Competitors wishing to be informed of the results should enclose an
SAE marked ‘Results’ or an email address.
Send entries to:
Graffiti Magazine Writing competition
C/o 33 Sandford Leaze
Avening
Glos
GL8 8PB
Prize: £25 The winning entry will also be published in Graffiti.
Copies of the Issue 3 of Graffiti may be purchased for £2.50 each (which includes postage) from the above address. Previous issues available at £1.50 (which includes postage)
Cheques should be made out to Catchword Writing Group..
Saturday, 19 December 2009
New Wagner Day course with Ian Beresford Gleaves
New course scheduled for Saturday 17 July 2010 - contact us for full details on 01386 854100 or visit www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/Wagner
Win a supply of Naked Soap for 2010!
Win a supply of soap to get you through 2010 courtesy of our friends down the road at The Naked Soap Company, Bretforton. Prize draw closes 24 January 2010 - submit your entry via our website www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/NakedSoap
New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Dance at our sister venue just next door!
New Year's Gala Dinner Dance at The Dormy House Hotel - see the Events page at www.DormyHouse.co.uk for more details !
3 special offers for the Farncombe Folk Weekend 2010
Select ONE of the 3 offers for this fabulous weekend of folk music with Anna, Cormac & friends : - Free return taxi from Moreton in Marsh station to Farncombe - quote "TAXI" at time of booking. - Arriving late? We will be serving a late supper if you can't arrive for 7pm - quote "EatintheBar" to take advantage of this option. - Save GBP 15.00 on the cost of the weekend - please quote "YUKKA9" at time of booking. All offers end 31/12/2009 and can only be claimed by calling 01386 854100 !
Britain's High Street Wants You!
Maverick TV is producing a major new series for the BBC, looking for new products that should be sold in high street shops, but have yet to find their market. The company has unique access to the buying departments of some of the biggest names on the high street, who have committed to stocking the best of what they see. All will be overseen by Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den.
Maverick TV would love to hear from anyone with a product, whether it be clothing, food, jewellery or the new Dyson, who would like the chance to pitch to a current major retailer. Open days will be held, and subsequent filming beginning early next year.
If people are selected open days will be happening in February at locations yet to be assigned - but for the time being if anyone interested could contact highstreet@mavericktv.co.uk with information on their product.
Save up to 70% off theatre tickets
Save up to 70% off theatre tickets
The show must go on! Check out all the latest theatre shows available through out England. With many top shows being as much as 70% off full price.
The show must go on! Check out all the latest theatre shows available through out England. With many top shows being as much as 70% off full price.
New Bridge Weekends in the Cotswolds for 2010
We are delighted to offer a series of new bridge courses at Farncombe in 2010 with tutors recommended by Sandra Landy: John and Jill Pain and Mike and Carrie Eden.
Our courses are suitable for players of varying ability, and the first weekend, 19-21 March, is ideal for those with some knowledge of Bridge but wishing to improve their bidding skills.
Farncombe Bridge weekends are very popular, and early booking is strongly advised to secure accommodation on the Estate. Prices start from £158 which includes tuition for a weekend course, 2 lunches & 2 evening meals.If you would like any further details please call 01386 854100 or visit our website www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/Bridge.
Our courses are suitable for players of varying ability, and the first weekend, 19-21 March, is ideal for those with some knowledge of Bridge but wishing to improve their bidding skills.
Farncombe Bridge weekends are very popular, and early booking is strongly advised to secure accommodation on the Estate. Prices start from £158 which includes tuition for a weekend course, 2 lunches & 2 evening meals.If you would like any further details please call 01386 854100 or visit our website www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/Bridge.
Friday, 18 December 2009
Christmas Sale at the Early Music Shop
Special offers are available on selected Music Stands, Recorders, Harps and Bohdrans in the Early Music Shop Christmas Sale!
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Vacancies for Community Agents for older people (Urban Pilot)
Community Agents for older people
10 hours per week
Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with GRCC is interested in testing whether the successful Village and Community Agents scheme can be transferred to urban communities. Looking to recruit 6 new Community Agents to work in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cinderford and Cam and Dursely, applicants should have a keen interest in issues involving older people, be proactive, self motivated with excellent communication and networking skills.
Contact Naomi McMahon at Gloucestershire Rural Community Council on 01452 528491 or naomim@grcc.org.uk for more information and an application form. For more information, click the title heading 'Vacancies for Community Agents...' above.
Closing date: Monday 11th January 2010
Interview date: Wednesday 27th January 2010
10 hours per week
Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with GRCC is interested in testing whether the successful Village and Community Agents scheme can be transferred to urban communities. Looking to recruit 6 new Community Agents to work in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cinderford and Cam and Dursely, applicants should have a keen interest in issues involving older people, be proactive, self motivated with excellent communication and networking skills.
Contact Naomi McMahon at Gloucestershire Rural Community Council on 01452 528491 or naomim@grcc.org.uk for more information and an application form. For more information, click the title heading 'Vacancies for Community Agents...' above.
Closing date: Monday 11th January 2010
Interview date: Wednesday 27th January 2010
Monday, 14 December 2009
First Chipping Campden Literature Festival
For details on the first ever programme please visit: https://campdenlitfest.co.uk !
Special Christmas offer from the fab four of baroque, Red Priest
The wonderful baroque ensemble Red Priest are running a fantastic offer in the run up to Christmas.
With the purchase of any two of Red Priest's four CD's you will be given a FREE pre-release copy of their much anticipated new all-Bach release, Johann, I'm Only Dancing. P&P is FREE for all UK customers.
The offer is only running until 21st December 2009 so hurry if you would like to take advantage of this red hot offer before Christmas!
Please visit www.redpriest.com for this exclusive offer.
STOP PRESS
Fancy a Night Less Ordinary?
Red Priest's forthcoming concert at The Hawth has a limited number of FREE TICKETS available to those under 26 years old.
To find out more and to apply for free tickets,
Jan 10, THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY, Box Office: 01293 553 636
https://tickets.hawth.co.uk/public/
With the purchase of any two of Red Priest's four CD's you will be given a FREE pre-release copy of their much anticipated new all-Bach release, Johann, I'm Only Dancing. P&P is FREE for all UK customers.
The offer is only running until 21st December 2009 so hurry if you would like to take advantage of this red hot offer before Christmas!
Please visit www.redpriest.com for this exclusive offer.
STOP PRESS
Fancy a Night Less Ordinary?
Red Priest's forthcoming concert at The Hawth has a limited number of FREE TICKETS available to those under 26 years old.
To find out more and to apply for free tickets,
Jan 10, THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY, Box Office: 01293 553 636
https://tickets.hawth.co.uk/public/
BBC music magazine free downloads
Great News! BBC Music now offer readers the opportunity to download a free track every week via the website: http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com/. Simply register your details online and you will be sent an email every week notifying you of the week's new download.
OPEN WEST MIDLANDS 2010 - win up to £1000
Open is collaboration between Birmingham Museum and Art gallery and Wolverhampton Art Gallery celebrating the wide talent of West Midlands Art Scene allowing artists the opportunity to show their work at the events.
Artists living in Birmingham and the West Midlands (Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire) are welcome to submit their work.
Prizes are to be won: 1st Prize - £1000, 2nd Prize - £500, 3rd Prize - £250.
The selection process will take place in January 2010 by independent judges and successful applicants will be notified by 1st February 2010.
There is a £10 non-refundable entry fee for submitting one piece of work £15 for two pieces, or £20 for three pieces.
The deadline for applications is 3rd January 2010.
Artists living in Birmingham and the West Midlands (Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire) are welcome to submit their work.
Prizes are to be won: 1st Prize - £1000, 2nd Prize - £500, 3rd Prize - £250.
The selection process will take place in January 2010 by independent judges and successful applicants will be notified by 1st February 2010.
There is a £10 non-refundable entry fee for submitting one piece of work £15 for two pieces, or £20 for three pieces.
The deadline for applications is 3rd January 2010.
For further information or to receive and application form, please contact Tom Grosvenor, Exhibitions Officer on 0121 303 9414 or email tom.grosvenor@birmingham.gov.uk.
Last Orders at the Bar: The Demise of the Great British Pub
Chris Etchells Exhibition, Surface Gallery, East Midlands
Just because something is broken doesn't mean it is not beautiful.
The pub is a symbol of Britain. It provides us with a sense of pride, of community and best of all a welcoming place in which to enjoy a pint. The series “Last Orders at the Bar” documents the loss of the traditional British pub. Each image presents us with a once thriving hub of the community, now empty and alone. Whether nestled within a busy street, or hidden away within a forgotten rural setting; amongst the demolition and dereliction lays architectural gems sodden with memories of times passed. Each image pertains to a lost charm ravaged by twenty first century life.
These photographs act not as an obituary for the British public house, but a petition against their decline and a testament to a different era.
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Farncombe Student Donations for "Walk Free" - thank you !
On Saturday 5 December we had 4 walkers who were doing John O’Groats to Lands End (only 1200 miles) staying at Farncombe. Think for a moment about the weather over recent weeks ……………….! Charlie, Nick, Claudia and Martin are raising money for two charities that work with women and children who are trafficked as slaves and with former child soldiers. Their website is www.walk-free.org.uk
My first job, in 1967, was teaching in Kenya and from 1973 to 1975 I worked for Unicef in the southern Sudan, so those two causes have an immediate pull for me. In addition I am planning to ride 2,500 miles round England via 30 cathedrals for the Family Holiday Association and for Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre when I retire in 2013. I will buy the poor unsuspecting horse in the summer of 2012. So I have some empathy with those doing such things.
We asked the Farncombe students to support Charlie, Nick, Claudia and Martin and to encourage them, I agreed to give an additional 50p for every £1 raised.
I am delighted to say that on 7 December we paid £99 to the charities via the www.walk-free.org.uk website.
Well done Farncombe!
William
My first job, in 1967, was teaching in Kenya and from 1973 to 1975 I worked for Unicef in the southern Sudan, so those two causes have an immediate pull for me. In addition I am planning to ride 2,500 miles round England via 30 cathedrals for the Family Holiday Association and for Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre when I retire in 2013. I will buy the poor unsuspecting horse in the summer of 2012. So I have some empathy with those doing such things.
We asked the Farncombe students to support Charlie, Nick, Claudia and Martin and to encourage them, I agreed to give an additional 50p for every £1 raised.
I am delighted to say that on 7 December we paid £99 to the charities via the www.walk-free.org.uk website.
Well done Farncombe!
William
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
The NADFAS Review is now online!
Through a vibrant network of local societies, NADFAS opens up the world of arts to everyone. With monthly lectures on a broad range of topics as well as study days, educational visits and holidays at home and abroad, a NADFAS society is not just a great way to learn - it's a fun way of making new and lasting friendships. Contact Nadfas on 020 7430 0730 or enquires@nadfas.org.uk and ask for the Membership Department who will be happy to put you in touch with a society near you.
http://view.digipage.net/?userpath=00000001/00000004/00047916/
http://view.digipage.net/?userpath=00000001/00000004/00047916/
Artmix Exhibition - Chipping Campden Town Hall
Heather Bailey
ARTMIX EXHIBITION. Chipping Campden.
Heather Bailey, Painter, is exhibiting her work, together with the Contemporary Arts and Crafts Group, ARTMIX, for the second time this year in Chipping Campden Town Hall.
ARTMIX EXHIBITION. Chipping Campden.
Heather Bailey, Painter, is exhibiting her work, together with the Contemporary Arts and Crafts Group, ARTMIX, for the second time this year in Chipping Campden Town Hall.
Preview evening Friday 4th Dec. 7pm-9pm with Music by Miss Melodica
Saturday 5th Dec. 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 6th Dec. 11am-5.30pm.
Free admission
Please join us for a glass of mulled wine over the weekend, especially on Friday eve.
2010 Chipping Campden Music Festival
The programme for the 2010 Chipping Campden Music Festival is now online - http://www.campdenmusicfestival.co.uk .
We've just signed up for Adult Learners Week 2010
Closing date for nominations is 29 January 2010 ....!
Nominations for the 2010 Adult Learners’ Week Awards are now open!
Nominate Now >
If you know an inspiring individual, group, family or project whose remarkable learning achievements have transformed people’s lives, nominate them for an Adult Learners’ Week Award.
There are four main award categories:
Individuals whose remarkable learning achievements have made a difference to their lives and can inspire others;
Groups of three or more people who have come together for a common purpose and transformed their and/or other people’s lives through learning;
Families whose members have seen the benefits of learning together; and
Opening Doors to Adult Learners which recognises creative and innovative projects or organisations that had a positive impact on the lives of their learners.
Additional Adult Learners’ Week Awards will also be presented in 2010:
the Digital Participation Award (sponsored by BBC) will recognise learning where the use of new technology has been central;
the Intergenerational Award (sponsored by MLA) will award intergenerational learning in the Museums, Libraries and Archives sector;
the Foundation Degree Award (sponsored by fdf) will recognise and celebrate an outstanding adult learner on a foundation degree programme;
the Power of Reading Award (sponsored by Booktrust) will recognise how the pleasure of reading or writing has inspired or resulted in an outstanding learning journey;
the Transformation Fund Award will award learners who have received funding from the Government initiative; and
the Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by the National Open College Network) will recognise outstanding learning on a NOCN programme.
Find out more about previous winners here
Everyone nominated will receive a Certificate of Achievement. The winners will receive a learning voucher and will be presented with their awards in a ceremony taking place during Adult Learners’ Week.
Nomination forms are also available in alternative formats. Please contact the Campaigns and Promotions team on 0116 2044200/4201 or email alw@niace.org.uk
Friday, 4 December 2009
Referral Voucher Winners in November
Congratulations to all the latest winners in our referral scheme - Mr & Mrs Grantham, P Pugh and A Wall each received a voucher for recommending a friend to Farncombe. To take part in the scheme please visit http://farncombeestate.co.uk/referafriend.asp
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Writing Industries Conference 2010 Early Bird Offer
Saturday 6th March 2010, Loughborough University
A Literature Network, Writing East Midlands & Loughborough University Project.
http://writingindustries.com
The second Writing Industries Conference will be held on Saturday 6th March at Loughborough University. The conference will bring together writers from across the East Midlands with professionals from the writing industries to share knowledge, develop skills and forge new contacts. 200 writers from the region will have the opportunity to hear from and meet with professionals from the writing industries in a variety of settings:
A Literature Network, Writing East Midlands & Loughborough University Project.
http://writingindustries.com
The second Writing Industries Conference will be held on Saturday 6th March at Loughborough University. The conference will bring together writers from across the East Midlands with professionals from the writing industries to share knowledge, develop skills and forge new contacts. 200 writers from the region will have the opportunity to hear from and meet with professionals from the writing industries in a variety of settings:
- Agents and editors in one-to-one sessions with selected writers, giving advice and support in their are of expertise.
- Panel discussions exploring specific areas of writing, from breaking into commercial publishing to working in the community.
- Writing industries fair featuring stalls from local publishers, funders and other organisation involved with the writing industries.
- And of course there will be plenty of opportunity to meet and talk with other writers over a coffee.
The full programme including details of how to apply for agent one-to-ones will be announced soon.
EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFER
The first Writing Industries Conference sold out soon after tickets went on sale. This year we have increased the number of tickets available and are offering a limited number at the Early Bird Price of £34 (Full Price is £42)
Book your early bird ticket here.
If you have any questions regarding WIC 2010 or would like further information please contact: Catherine Rogers - catherine@writingeastmidlands.co.uk
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
New OPEN BRITAIN guide released today
‘OPENBRITAIN’, the new high quality printed guide published by national charities Tourism for All UK and RADAR is published today. The full colour 456-page guide has over 1,000 entries, and includes a wide range of accessible accommodation, as well as attractions, equipment hire and other services. It has 50 pages of featured editorial, and an extensive section on Getting There and Back.
The new guide is supported by the national tourist agencies VisitEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales, and it includes all accommodation providers assessed under the National Accessible Scheme, as well those inspected under schemes operated by VisitScotland, and VisitLondon. Information has also been drawn from a range of organisations including the Automobile Association, the British Hospitality Association, and the Regional Development Agencies. It includes some properties who are self-assessed, who will be subject to a mystery shopping check on the accuracy of the data.
The National Federation of Shopmobility has joined with RADAR and Tourism for All to promote the guide and website. Window stickers with the Open Britain logo provided to those who have supplied access statements and joined Open Britain will help to promote it as a system of information.
For a long time, surveys have shown that disabled people want an easier way to get the information they need, not just about accommodation, but about travel, things to see and do, places to eat and drink, without having to trawl through hundreds of different websites searching for information that all too often is not there. The new www.openbritain.net website that backs up the guide aims to do just that. Visitors and guests are invited to give feedback via the website.
OpenBritain enjoys the support of Government ministers who launched the initiative in July. Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics, Barbara Follett MP, the then Minister for Tourism, and Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disabled People all expressed their support. In her foreword to the guide, Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP states:
“This guide is a necessary and timely contribution … Not only is it an invaluable and long-awaited resource for travellers with access requirements, it also serves as a powerful incentive for those businesses that are not listed here to raise their game.
It will encourage them to look again at their facilities, to re-appraise their abilitiy to meet accessibility needs, and to act to ensure that staff and managers are well equipped to provide high-quality services to disabled people’.
The new guide is supported by the national tourist agencies VisitEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales, and it includes all accommodation providers assessed under the National Accessible Scheme, as well those inspected under schemes operated by VisitScotland, and VisitLondon. Information has also been drawn from a range of organisations including the Automobile Association, the British Hospitality Association, and the Regional Development Agencies. It includes some properties who are self-assessed, who will be subject to a mystery shopping check on the accuracy of the data.
The National Federation of Shopmobility has joined with RADAR and Tourism for All to promote the guide and website. Window stickers with the Open Britain logo provided to those who have supplied access statements and joined Open Britain will help to promote it as a system of information.
For a long time, surveys have shown that disabled people want an easier way to get the information they need, not just about accommodation, but about travel, things to see and do, places to eat and drink, without having to trawl through hundreds of different websites searching for information that all too often is not there. The new www.openbritain.net website that backs up the guide aims to do just that. Visitors and guests are invited to give feedback via the website.
OpenBritain enjoys the support of Government ministers who launched the initiative in July. Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics, Barbara Follett MP, the then Minister for Tourism, and Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disabled People all expressed their support. In her foreword to the guide, Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP states:
“This guide is a necessary and timely contribution … Not only is it an invaluable and long-awaited resource for travellers with access requirements, it also serves as a powerful incentive for those businesses that are not listed here to raise their game.
It will encourage them to look again at their facilities, to re-appraise their abilitiy to meet accessibility needs, and to act to ensure that staff and managers are well equipped to provide high-quality services to disabled people’.
London Bulgarian Choir Concert, Wed 9 December
The London Bulgarian Choir present this year's Christmas Concert, with special guest story-telling company A Spell In Time.WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER, 7:45pmSALVATION ARMY REGENT HALL (OXFORD CIRCUS) After a year of festivals around the UK and rocking at the Roundhouse, the London Bulgarian Choir prepare for a seasonal blast of Bulgarian harmonies and festive discordance. Our special guests, Bulgarian story-telling company A Spell In Time, will perform a winter dragon tale full of magic and surprise. Tickets: £10 full-price (£7 concessions, free entry for accompanied children under 12)Box office opens at 7 pm; Doors open at 7.30; Concert starts at 7.45. Buy tickets online, reserve your ticket in advance and pay at the door, or buy tickets on the night. http://lbcchristmas2009-dessilist.eventbrite.com/ The Salvation Army Regent Hall is very close to Oxford Circus, on the south side of Oxford Street: 275 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ. You can also buy cakes, sandwiches and drinks before the concert and during the interval from the lovely Salvation Army Cafe.
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