    PROGRAMME FOR 2009
We have now heard that we have been awarded an Awards for All Lottery grant of £10,000, which, together with other grants from SABC, sponsorship from WACE MORGAN SOLICITORS, TANNERS WINES and PENGWERN BOOKS and donations from well-wishers, will enable us to set out on our programme for 2009.
The DARWIN’S SHREWSBURY EVENTS PROGRAMME has now been published and is available from the Tourist Information Centre and many other outlets as well as on the website www.discoverdarwin.co.uk
In there you will find us listed as DARWIN DAYS
on SATURDAYS JUNE 6, JULY 4, AUGUST 8 and SEPTEMBER 12.
On these days we will be performing four scenes at four different locations in the town centre, morning and afternoon, illustrating aspects of the early life of Charles Darwin.
The four locations are (all timings are approximate) -
ST CHAD’S CHURCH, where Charles Darwin was christened. 10.45am AND 1.45pm.
The UNITARIAN CHURCH, which Charles attended with his mother, until she died, when he was 8 years old. 11.20am AND 2.20pm.
The BELLSTONE, outside the Morris Hall, which Charles found an intriguing puzzle. 11am AND 2pm.
The LIBRARY, previously Shrewsbury School, which Charles attended from 1818, when he was 9, until 1825. 11.50am AND 2.50pm.
At each of these locations we aim to create a short (10 minute) scene, which will give spectators a flavour of Regency Shrewsbury, as well as suggesting something of the character of the young Darwin.
We have already created Charles Darwin’s First Day at Shrewsbury School, which was very well received by those who saw it.
The scenes can be viewed as part of a guided tour of Darwin’s Shrewsbury – cost £4, booking essential at the Visitor Information Centre, Rowleys House – phone 01743 281200.
However there is no charge for just watching the scenes. Approximate timings will be published later.
On SATURDAY OCTOBER 3, the BEAGLE BALL will be held at the Lion Hotel, to which Charles returned on the night of the 4th October 1836, after nearly five years on the Voyage of the Beagle. SHC will provide characters and dancers for this spectacular occasion.
This glittering occasion in the Adam Ballroom will include a complimentary drink, buffet, dancing to Green Ginger and a magic lantern lecture by Charles Darwin himself! Dress is Period or Evening Dress. Advice on Period Dress may be obtained from Beverley Baker beverleyjbaker@aol.com
Tickets price £25 may be purchased from Reception at the Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury telephone 01743 351 624 and from the Visitor Information Centre, Rowleys House, Shrewsbury - telephone 01743 281200
Professionally led FREE DANCE WORKSHOPS will be held at the Lion Hotel on September 13th, 20th and 29th at 6.30pm till 8pm. Anyone who would like to learn some period dances for the Ball should attend these - they are easy and fun and will increase your enjoyment of the Ball.
This is the climax of Shrewsbury Heritage Celebrations' activities in this Darwin Year and we expect the Ball to be sold out, so please book your tickets as soon as possible.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME !
All this is going to take a great deal of organisation! However we already have a core of committed people, who want to contribute to this exciting celebration of one of the greatest men who ever lived – and a son of Shrewsbury. We shall need many more –
SHC demands no fee, auditions or previous acting experience – merely a willingness to join in and a commitment to the project.
We have deliberately not put all our eggs into the basket of a single weekend this year. By spreading our activities through the summer and into September, we hope to catch some fine weather and also give more people a chance to see what we do. |
