Coleshill Local Arts Week (CLAW) from 9-15 March
This link gives details of all the CLAW events:
There has been an amendment to the CLAW 2020 program. Stagecoach Performing Group are no longer performing on 14th March.
https://www.coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk/claw-2020-booklet-with-turning-pages/
Coleshill Local Arts Week (CLAW) is making a happy return to the town from 9-15th March, bigger and better than ever, with many more organisations taking part after its successful launch last year.
Coleshill Country Market, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and is one of only three still running in the county, looks back into local history for its signature dish, ‘Coleshill Artisan Pie’ made from the once-abundant ingredients that in bygone times helped the yeomen and peasants of the district feed their families. From the era of stagecoaches and highwaymen, when Daniel Defoe described Coleshill as a ‘handsome market town’ until well into the last century, the fields were teeming with rabbits and everyone grew root vegetables. Coleshill Town FC was even nicknamed “The Rabbits” because it served Rabbit Pie after matches.
Now the Market’s accomplished cooks have concocted a traditional recipe for the Festival, a typical hearty Artisan Pie featuring rabbit plus onions, turnips parsnips and other vegetables. A “heating ‘n’ eating” version of this (made with chicken rather than rabbit) can be ordered at the weekly Country Market on March 6th in the Parish Room between 8am and noon, to be collected at the following week’s Market on March 13th.
Planned and staged by Coleshill’s Mayor Councillor Adam Richardson, Town Council staff and the CLAW Interest Group, the Arts Week will feature a fascinating selection of art displays, talks, poetry, country dancing and live performances to suit every taste. These include an acoustic set from Simon (“The Voice”) Davies at the Coach Hotel on Thursday, March 12th, then “A Night at the Musicals”, by popular operatic group Coleshill On Stage on March 13th at the Cameo Suite. The Town Hall hosts a raw, energetic Kiriki Club concert through “Live & Local” on Saturday, March 14th, billed as an eclectic brew of vintage 1940’s/50’s jumpin’ R&B, speak-easy swing, fabulous rock ‘n’ roll, dance-floor fillers, pop classics, and exotic sounds from around the world. Bear Paw film night returns on Sunday March 15th, showing the children’s favourite “Toy Story 4”.
Acclaimed local artist Brian Nicholson is exhibiting his work at the Town Hall and several schools in the Coleshill Consortium are producing designs and artwork which will go on display during the Festival.
This year’s theme is “Film of the Book” and the Library is mounting daily “From Book to Film” displays, encouraging visitors to judge whether they prefer the famous film or the book from which it originated. The Library is also hosting a talk by well-known crime author Stephen Booth, revealing the secrets of writing gripping thrillers. The Poetry Group’s is staging a “Poetry Please!” evening there and children’s writer B. B. Taylor will present a family interactive story-telling session.
“We’d love to see everyone supporting these events, said Coleshill Town Clerk Colin Greatorex, the CLAW Administrator. “They’re largely staged by dedicated volunteers and entrance for many of the events is absolutely free. A good turnout will enable us to expand the Festival even more over the next few years.”
“It’s great to see so many creative people from this area coming together to produce such a rich variety of different experiences for everyone to enjoy,” added Mayor of Coleshill, Adam Richardson, this year’s CLAW Festival Chairman. “There really is something for everyone and the live performances promise a really special atmosphere. I can’t wait to try the Coleshill Artisan Pie myself!”
- Coleshill Market stalwarts Janet Reilly and Sue Lappin who concocted the recipe for “Coleshill Artisan Pie” delivering some of their wares
- The one remaining founder-member of Coleshill Country Market, Christine Jones, serving at the Parish Room.
- The Poetry Reading Group in action at Coleshill Library.
Please get in touch if you would like more detail on any of this.
Best wishes,
Sally
Happy Return of CLAW (Coleshill Local Arts Week) 2020
