Author: sdac2020

Annual General Meeting

The 20th September saw the AGM for Stafford District Arts Council, conducted in the Stage Bar of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.

I’m delighted that most members of the committee have once again been nominated for and voted onto the committee for the forthcoming year, including myself as Chair, Martin Thomson as Treasurer and Graeme Sillitoe as Secretary.

In addition we were delighted to welcome the new councillor for Rowley, Doug Rouxel who shall be attending meetings where he can, and working with us to secure further funding from the council as our 4-year SLA is up for renewal. Given the recent sweeping changes to council seats we do not have a second person from the council, but Doug is very willing and able to support us in these trying times.

In my brief address I raised my concern with the arts more broadly in Stafford. While I believe the SDAC has made a difference, and has certainly enabled events to go on that otherwise would not have more needs to be done to reach new people in Stafford, and increase engagement with the arts. Rising costs are a concern, and we shall keep meeting the needs of our members, but in the end it all comes down to bums on seats.

I look forward to working with the members of the SDAC, and Stafford Borough Council, to see what can be done to benefit all of the borough, meeting both our Charitable Objectives, as well as one of the priorities of the new council.

I hope to able to report more on concrete plans as the year progresses, and look forward to working with you all on ways in which we can help you.

Many thanks
Roger Foxcroft, Chair of SDAC

Music at Shugborough this September

There will be live music at Shugborough in September celebrating two composers who had connections with the house and Thomas Anson in the 18th century

On Saturday September 9th harpist Sioned Williams will be there playing music by Edward Jones, harper to the Prince of Wales, who visited Shugborough in the 1780s and played with Antonin Kammell, Thomas Anson’s composer friend. There will be some Kammell surprises too – including a rediscovered harp sonata.

On Sunday September 17th the Valle Quartet will be in the house playing quartets by Kammell that would have been heard there and at Thomas Anson’s London house. There will also be a quartet by Maddelena Sirmen who played for Thomas in 1772.

On Sunday September 24th Georgia Davies and Clair Stanley will be playing the six excellent violin duets by Kammell dedicated to Thomas Anson.

There will be several thirty minute performances during each of these days.

It’s free for visitors to the house. You can experience the music of the house as you wander or stay and listen.

Here’s a video introducing the music of Shugborough:

Stafford Jazz Concerts Announced!

SJS Logo

VENUE

The White Eagle (Polish) Club, Riverway, Stafford ST16 3TH

(01785 242327)

CONCERT TIMES

All Concerts: 12-30pm to 2-30pm

ADMISSION CHARGES

All Concerts: £8 / £7 (SJS Members)

“SUNSET CAFÉ” REFRESHMENTS

     Home-baked light refreshments by award-winning Tiggy’s Pies  Licensed Bar

To all jazz fans – Stafford Jazz have released their list of concerts from January to May 2023. Please head over to their website for all the details.

Covid Recovery Grant

During Covid the SDAC awarded far fewer grants that we do normally, and this has put us in a position to launch a one-time grant specifically for the purpose of the long-term benefit of the arts in Stafford Borough. Until the end of 2022 we are accepting applications for grants of up to £2000 to Arts groups and individual event organisers to encourage new and exciting Arts activities in Stafford Borough. We want to create fresh opportunities that will boost the Arts.

The grants will be awarded for events and activities that are new, innovative, involve new people of all ages creatively, create new audiences, enable continuing  activity in the Arts (legacy, sustainable) promote awareness of Stafford Borough as a centre for the Arts. Anything that will have a long lasting benefit can be considered.

This grant would be payable in addition to any other grants you may have received, but only one application per person / organisation can be made. Also, the normal grant form does not need to be made. Instead please make representation to the secretary in email with some details about your idea, and then we shall contact you to discuss the idea further.

So, thinking hats on!

SDAC Executive Committee

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Please join us for the AGM of Stafford District Arts Council, on Wednesday 14th September, in the Writers Room, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, at 7.30pm. All members and potential members welcome, though only one person from each membership organisation may vote on any official proceedings.

Anyone wishing to nominate for a position on the executive committee should apply here.

See you there!

Roger Foxcroft
Chairman, SDAC

SDAC at Stafford Walking Street

SDAC poster

In an attempt to reach the people of Stafford, and raise our profile a bit we shall be at Stafford Walking Street today, the 27th May. This is the first time we’ve been there, and we shall have some posters and other materials from our members, as well as members of the SDAC you can come and talk to about any projects you might have in mind, or just to understand what we do.

Stafford Walking Street is a monthly event in the centre of Stafford run by LR Partnership. It brings live music from local bands and artists, food and drink and a few related marquees like ours together in a wonderful evening of entertainment.

I’m really looking forward to enjoying some live music, some nice food, and just enjoying the ambience. After so many months without live performance this is just what we need.

See you there!

Roger Foxcroft

Chairman, SDAC