Henshaws (Arts & Crafts Centre) News

Fri, 10 September 2010 : Folk Night: Steve Forbert "The new Dylan"

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:13:03

Tuesday 30th November 2010, 7.30pm. Tickets £14

Steve Forbert's extensive and on-going musical career of twenty years began when he earned wide critical acclaim as "the new (Bob) Dylan" (Geisel). Forbert made his appearance in the late Seventies as a "quirkily original singer-songwriter in the Loudon Wainwright/John Prine mould" (Hardy and Laing 174). As Gregg B. Bangs puts it, Forbert writes "well thought-out verses combining insight and depth" (Bangs 3D). Since his debut, Forbert has released twelve albums, all of which are a blend of folk and rock that exemplify his perpetual originality.

Anointed "the new Dylan" upon his recording debut, folk-rock singer/songwriter Steve Forbert was born in Meridian, Mississippi, in 1954. After learning guitar at age 11, he spent his high school years playing in a variety of local bands before quitting his job as a truck driver and moving to New York City at the age of 21. There, he performed for spare change in Grand Central Station before working his way up to the Manhattan club circuit. After signing to Nemperor, Forbert debuted in 1978 with Alive on Arrival, which earned critical acclaim for its taut, poetic lyrics. The follow-up, 1979's Jackrabbit Slim, was his most successful outing, reaching the Top 20 on the strength of the hit single "Romeo's Tune" (allegedly inspired by the late Supreme Florence Ballard). However, both 1980's Little Stevie Orbit and a self-titled 1982 effort fared poorly, and Forbert was dropped by his label. He spent much of the decade in Nashville, where he continued honing his songwriting skills and performed regularly throughout the South. In 1988, he signed to Geffen, where the E Street Band's Garry Tallent produced his comeback album, Streets of This Town. Pete Anderson took over the production reins for 1992's The American in Me, but Forbert's continued lack of chart success prompted the label to cut him loose. A deal with the Warner Bros.-affiliated Giant label resulted in two more studio albums, 1995's Mission of the Crossroad Palms and 1996's Rocking Horse Head, but in 1998 Forbert moved into independent territory for his next album, the rollicking live set Here's Your Pizza.. Forbert signed with Koch Records for his next studio disc, 2000's Evergreen Boy, where he also released Any Old Time (a tribute to country music legend Jimmie Rodgers) in 2002 and Just Like There's Nothin' to It (a collection of new songs) in 2004. During this period, Forbert also released two compilations of rare and unreleased material, Young, Guitar Days and More Young, Guitar Days, as well as several live recordings. On Stage at World Cafe Live appeared in 2007 from Decca Vision as well as a new studio set, Strange Names and New Sensations, from 429 Records that same year. The Place and the Time arrived in 2009.

Fri, 03 September 2010 : Hotspots Album launch

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:21:21

Tuesday 2nd November 2010. 2 - 3pm

After the success of their EP (one of the highlights of this years FEVA Festival), the Henshaws Hotspots will launch their debut album 'Equal People'.

FREE Event.

Our licensed café is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.

Fri, 03 September 2010 : Rock Night: Tim Hunter & special guests

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:10:07

Sunday 31st October 2010. 7.30pm

"Deft guitar playing...accessible performing style,Tim's songs are concise, genuinely thoughtful and easy on the ear." Rock n Reel Magazine.

Tim Hunter is a Knaresborough based musician and writer who has recently promoted a series of rock concerts at Henshaws, and who takes to the stage himself in this special solo concert.

Tim is a multi-instrumentalist who has been writing and performing songs since the early 1970s. Many of these have received success in song writing competitions and received airplay in national radio in the UK and Europe. Tim has also written a number of articles on a variety of topics for the Yorkshire Post and national magazines. Some readings from his publications will be included in the performance, and special guests will feature in the second half of the gig.

Tickets: Advance £5 / Door £6.

Tim's website (clicking on this link will open a new window)

Fri, 03 September 2010 : Gillian Lever Exhibition: Colour, Light and Rhythm

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:40:47

From Saturday 23rd October - Saturday 27th November 2010.

Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm.

Gillian Lever uses colour to express a range of basic human emotions. Music that evokes a spiritual realm through the abstract language of sound has provided her with a rich source of inspiration over the years.

"Colour and light remain my pre-occupation. I love the suggestive qualities of colour, the intriguing way that it can penetrate the mind and soul. Colour is a secret language with harmonies and resonances of its own."

Gillian exhibits widely and since 1994 has regularly shown work at Art First, London.

Gillian's Website(clicking on this link will open a new window)

Fri, 03 September 2010 : Hotspots go Rock, Pop & Soul!

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:47:30

Friday 22nd October 2010. 7.30pm

Spend an evening in the company of the fantastic Henshaws Hotspots. Join in with their versions of classics from the likes of Abba, T-Rex, Deep Purple and many more.

Why not dress up for the night?

Tickets: £2.50

Bar & Food available.

Fri, 03 September 2010 : Firework Trail

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:36:10

From Friday 22nd October - Monday 8th November 2010

Find all the fireworks that have been hidden around the centre's gardens and buildings and win a prize!

Start in the café.

Free event.

Wed, 01 September 2010 : World Sight Day Celebration

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:54:36

Saturday 16th October 2010. 12-2pm

Join us for Our World Sight Day celebration.

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.

To celebrate, Henshaws Yorkshire are holding a day of family fun. As well as finding out more about living with a visual impairment, you will also be able to enjoy a range of entertainment for all the family - including tours of the centre, live music, art & craft activities, and Braille story telling.

Wed, 01 September 2010 : Folk Night: Megson

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:39:14

Friday 15th October 2010. 7.30pm

Combining the talents of northerners Stu and Debbie Hanna, this husband and wife duo have played up and down the country at numerous folk clubs and festivals. They have recently sold out their own extensive tour dates.

Nominations for the pair range from Best Duo in 2009 & 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, to a 4 star review from both the Financial Times and the Guardian. The Independent has listed Megson in their '5 Gigs to See' section on 3 occasions!

Megson continue to deliver on the promise inherent in fellow folkie Seth Lakeman's endorsement: "For my money, Megson are amongst the most exciting trailblazers of British Contemporary Folk."

Tickets: Advance £9.50 / Door £11.

Bar and Food available.

Wed, 01 September 2010 : Disco Fever - 11th November

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:37:07

Thursday 11th November.

Get your groove on for our fantastic monthly disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.

4.15pm - Film followed by a buffet. 7.15pm - Disco.

Film/Buffet/Disco £5.00

Disco only £2.50

Wed, 01 September 2010 : Disco Fever - 14th October

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:29:27

Thursday 14th October.

Get your groove on for our fantastic monthly disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.

4.15pm - Film followed by a buffet. 7.15pm - Disco.

Film/Buffet/Disco £5.00

Disco only £2.50

Wed, 01 September 2010 : Exhibition: Harrogate U3A Photography Group

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:14:27

Exhibition: Harrogate U3A Photography Group.

Monday 11th October - Saturday 16th October 2010. 10am - 4pm. FREE Event.

An exhibition by the Harrogate U3A (University of the Third Age) Photography Group. The group is made up of non professional photographers seeking to improve their skills and share their work. Please visit and let us know your thoughts.

Wed, 01 September 2010 : Blue Grass Night: Union Central

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:43:36

Blue Grass Night: Union Central

Friday 1st October 7.3-pm

Union Central are a five-piece band combining stunning vocals with an all traditional instrument line-up. They play the music of top American Bluegrass artists Alison Krauss and Union Station.

Tickets £8.

For advance tickets contact Phil on (01904) 783029

Union Central website

Wed, 01 September 2010 : Big Night Out - Stay Up Late

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:16:46

Friday 17th September. 7.30pm 'til late!

The 'Stay up Late' campaign was started by Heavy Load, a punk-rock band formed by people with and without a learning disability. They started the campaign because people with a learning disability were having to leave their gigs and go home early because their support workers had come to the end of their shifts.

Now you can shake your stuff at our fabulous 'Stay up Late' Disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.

Resident DJ Lee will be spinning the decks with tunes all night. Chill-out area with massage, films and music, nail bar and face painting.

£5 which includes a free drink on entry. Admission by ticket only. 18+

Bar and food. Late curry supper: £1.50

Wed, 25 August 2010 : Exhibition: Shirley Hudson

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:54:55

Saturday 11th September - Saturday 16th October 2010

Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. FREE EVENT

In this exhibition Shirley will be showcasing a selection of paintings made during the past 5 years.

Shirley Hudson is a York based artist, who was born in Oxford and studied at Cheltenham College of Art. She has exhibited widely, including Badcock's of Newlyn, Salford City Art Gallery, Dean Clough Halifax, Hanover Gallery in Liverpool, Grosvenor Museum Chester and at the Manchester Academy. She is represented in many private collections in Britain, Eurpoe and the USA.

Shirley leads the 3D Workshop at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre.

Fri, 13 August 2010 : Feva: Rock Night. The Tangent

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:57:16

Sunday 22nd August. 7.30pm

The Tangent is an international progressive rock supergroup formed in 2002 by keyboardists Andy Tillison and Sam Baines of Parallel or 90 Degrees and The Flower Kings guitarist Roine Stolt, bassist Jonas Reingold, and drummer Zoltan Csörsz. The septet was completed by renowned saxaphonist David Jackson of Van Der Graaf Generator and multi-instrumentalist Guy Manning. Since 2003, amid several personnel changes, the band has released four studio albums and two live albums, and played concerts and festivals in the USA, UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and France.

The Tangent album is in the Dutch Progressive Rock Society Top 10!

Tickets £10

Bar and Food available.

Fri, 13 August 2010 : The Henshaws Hotspots EP Launch

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:07:18

Tuesday 17th August 2pm - 3.30pm

Our resident band give a live concert to launch their brand new EP. To include some new songs and old favourites.

FREE event!

Our licensed cafe will be open as usual, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks. We also have a Henshaws sausage speciality dish!

Fri, 13 August 2010 : Orb - Annual Showcase Sunday 15th August

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:18:50

Sunday 15th August 2010. From 1pm

Once again, local positive mental health charity Orb Community Arts will be staging its annual showcase at Henshaw's Arts & Crafts Centre as part of this year's FEVA festival in Knaresborough.

Legendary Leeds band Japanese Fighting Fish will be headlining an eclectic mix of local groups, DJs and performers including beat chemist Rose Ha and The Complaints, The Poems, Prose & Pints Spoken Word Crew and much more.

The event kicks off at 1pm and the entertainment will run into the evening both on Orb's outdoor stage and in the fully licensed cafe-bar.

Come down and make a day of it!

Tickets: Advance £3 / Door £4

(concessions £2)

For more information, please contact the Arts & Crafts Centre on (01423) 541888.

Wed, 04 August 2010 : Folk Night 30th September: Damien Barber & Mike Wilson

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:42:12

Thursday 30th September 7.30pm

Nominated – Best Duo @ BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2010.

Damien is a member of the award winning Demon Barbers and Mike is a member of the famous Wilson Family.

Two of the finest exponents of Traditional Song in the United Kingdom; it is difficult to accept that these relatively tender young men have a combined 40+ years experience of performing at folk venues.

Tickets: Advance £9.50 / Door £11

Bar & Food available.

Call (01423) 54188 for more details or to book tickets.

Tue, 27 July 2010 : Getting crafty at Henshaws 50th Fair

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:02:30

These monthly events are very popular with visitors as stands display a wide range of attractive and original gifts and gadgets for sale, from paintings and leather goods to jewellery and other accessories.

Every Sunday fair is complemented by several other family-focused activities at the Arts & Crafts Centre: the Summer Picture Word Trail for children – a treasure trail with clues hidden around the centre and gardens; an inspiring Summer Show of artworks from artists, sculptors and other creative contributors; and of course the centre’s own shop which offers more beautiful gifts created under the ‘Handmade @ Henshaws’ initiative.

The craft fair and exhibition are completely free admission so bring the family and make a day of it – in fact, why not get a head start on your Christmas shopping!

Wed, 07 July 2010 : Exhibition: Summer Open Show

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:54:16

Harrogate artists of all ages and abilities were invited to send in their work. The exhibition, which has no set theme, runs from 24^th July to 5^th September.

Centre manager Phill Hopkins said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for artists from any discipline to show their works to the public for over six weeks. People of all abilities, from professionals to beginners, have sent in exhibits, and we hope that people from Harrogate, Yorkshire and beyond will take advantage of the free admission and enjoy the exhibition.”

Mon, 28 June 2010 : Jon shows that the skys the limit in Deafblind Awareness Week

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:50:56

Jon, a resident artist at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, has been deaf from birth and has Retinitis Pigmentosa which results in tunnel vision; he also has additional learning difficulties.

However, he does not let this get in the way of fulfilling his passion for creating works of art. Over the last 16 years, Jon has become one of the centre’s most accomplished artists; he has held exhibitions to display his work, as well as receiving a grant from the Arts Council to work with acclaimed Escrick-based sculptor, Peter Maris.

Jon – who was a student at Henshaws College and now lives in one of our Harrogate based community houses – works at the centre four days a week, predominantly in the 3D sculpture and paper workshops where he creates large scale pieces using a combination of papier-mâché and cardboard techniques.

Phill Hopkins, manager of the Arts & Crafts Centre, said “Jon is an absolute pleasure to work with because he is extremely enthusiastic about his work, which is inspiring and fascinating to witness. We communicate with Jon by signing to him whilst holding his hands, and finger spelling to him.

“Everything that he has achieved just goes to show that deafblindness does not need to be as restricting as so many people assume. Jon is the perfect person to raise awareness about dual sensory impairment this week, I am sure Helen Keller would have been proud!”

CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire, Caroline Smale, said: “Deafblind Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness of visual and hearing impairment and celebrate the achievements of our art makers, as well as students at Henshaws College. We are extremely proud of their independence and it’s a pleasure to be able to focus on their successes.”

Those interested in looking at Jon’s work can see it at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre on Bond End in Knaresborough.

Tue, 15 June 2010 : Craft - A major exhibition

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:33:40

A major exhibition that surveys the craftwork produced by a selection of the

art makers who access Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. The exhibition is curated by Alan Stimpson & Makiko Hastings.

All works are for sale.

Makers taking part are:

Matthew Briggs Andrew Holmes Rachel Jewett Vicky Pinder Graham Cook

David Stuttard Paul Jensen Dolly Conner Sharon Garrard Thierry Cordero

Stuart Metcalfe Debra Roberts Darcy Lindsey.

The exhibition continues until Sunday 18 July.

Tue, 23 February 2010 : Folk Legend Martin Simpson Friday 20 August. SOLD OUT!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:32:04

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre continues to host some of the best folk singers and musicians in the country.

Martin Simpson - 20 August 7.30 - £14

The BIGGEST act to hit Knaresborough during FEVA week!

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!

Knaresborough fanfares for world-famous folk musician

Henshaws Yorkshire’s Knaresborough-based Arts & Crafts Centre has teamed up with an internally-renowned folk musician to stage an exciting live music event.

Martin Simpson, who is widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, will be playing at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre on 20^th August. The booking is an enormous coup for the centre, which also runs day-care services for people with visual impairments, learning difficulties and other disabilities.

Martin is an extremely accomplished musician with over 35 years’ experience as a live performer. He has been nominated 23 times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - more than any other performer - with nine consecutive years as a nominee for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice.

Phill Hopkins, the centre manager and a passionate devotee of folk music, said: “During 2009 we built up an excellent local and regional reputation for showcasing nationally and internationally acclaimed folk artists. Having Martin play here speaks volumes about the talent that we welcome to the Arts & Crafts Centre. He really is one of the best folk musicians of a generation, and we are so excited about his forthcoming performance.

“The centre is a perfect venue for hosting music as it has a lovely relaxed atmosphere. We also plan to promote local acts as support artists at our future gigs, so the community will really benefit: lots of agents and artists are now approaching us for bookings. Great folk music is very much alive in Knaresborough.”

Damien Barber & Mike Wilson - 30 September

Megson - 15 October

Jez Lowe’s - WINTER ALMANAC RADIO ROADSHOW - 17 December

and then there's 2011...

There's always a bar selling 'Daleside' local beer and food available at all our events.

Telephone: (01423) 541888

Email: arts&crafts@henshaws.org.uk

Wed, 10 February 2010 : Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' - Saturday 26 June

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:45:07

We are giving away a pair of tickets for the Sprite Production at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre on Saturday 26 June.

(see our 'Events' page for further deatils)

To enter all you need to do is answer the following question:

Q: Who said, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”

Then you can email the answer to us arts&crafts@henshaws.org.uk and don’t forget to include your name and address.

Or send you answer on a postcard, don’t forget to include your name and address, to:

Shakespeare Competition - Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre - 50 Bond End, Knaresborough HG5 9AL

Closing date is Friday 11 June 2010.

GOOD LUCK!

Tue, 02 February 2010 : Centre gets loved up

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:07:54

With the shelves awash with romantic ideas, Henshaws Yorkshire is urging valentines shoppers to opt for unique handmade gifts this year which help support people with visual impairments and other disabilities.

‘Handmade at Henshaws’ is the range produced by art makers at the Knaresborough-based Arts & Crafts Centre. The team of visually impaired and disabled arts makers work with instructors from the centre to create a range of cards and gifts, including notebooks, key rings and broaches.

Centre Manager, Phill Hopkins, comments: “We find the work produced by our art makers proves extremely popular at Valentines as the public look for original cards and gifts. As we are able to personalise many of the items we make, including cards, it adds a unique, handmade element that can’t be found on the high-street.”

All profits from Handmade at Henshaws go back in to the centre while the programme also provides vocational opportunities for art makers who build their skills and are given the opportunity to participate in rewarding activities.

Mon, 18 January 2010 : Art - A major exhibition!

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:43:15

A major exhibition that surveys the artwork produced by a selection of the

art makers who access Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. The exhibition is curated by Shirley Hudson.

All works are for sale.

Artists taking part are:

Kerry Butler Andrew Copley Jon Cove Simon Haw Mark Hull Andrew Kipling Di Lofthouse

Mark Porritt Sam Taylor David Tomlin

The exhibition continues until Sunday 6 June.

Mon, 16 November 2009 : Sparkle and Shine

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:21:50

This exhibition celebrates all the wonderful art and craft work made at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, with a special Christmas twist!

Sparkle & Shine features a fantastic mixture of two and three dimensional pieces in a variety of materials ranging from jewerlly, pottery, handmade paper items and lots more that glistens and shimmers.

All the items in the exhibition are for sale and make perfect unique Christmas gifts.

Tue, 22 September 2009 : Love Birds

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:39:48

This exhibition celebrates the art, craftwork and achievements of two of the most successful Henshaws art makers - Simon Haw and Debra Roberts.

The exhibition, which runs from Saturday 5 September to Saturday 7 November includes paintings, jewellery and other pieces of craft.

Simon and Debra have worked at the Arts and Crafts Centre since it opened over 10 years ago. They first met at Henshaws College and have lived together in one of our community houses ever since.

Simon is a wonderful painter and works in his own large, colourful and distinctive style. Examples of his work can be seen around the centre. Debra makes beautiful pieces of jewellery and other craft pieces and enjoys making items for children.

Tue, 22 September 2009 : Centre gets eggstatic

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:39:42

The Arts and Crafts centre has become home to some chickens! Why not come along and meet the chickens, try the eggs in the café or buy some to take home?

The free range chickens arrived in May and are now laying an egg a day each.

The rare breed chickens – Pied Suffolks, Hipswell Whites and Rhode Rocks – produce a variety of different eggs, including brown and white – and every so often blue!

The eggs are used by the café at the centre and can also be bought in our shop – just 90p for six!

Tue, 22 September 2009 : We've had a makeover!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:39:35

NEWS FLASH – WINTER SALE!

We are pleased to announce our 20% OFF SALE on ALL stock. This runs until Saturday 27 February.

The Arts and Crafts Centre got a very special 10th birthday present – with a new visitors’ centre and a redesigned café and gallery area.

We welcomed the mayors of both Harrogate and Knaresborough to officially open the new areas. The guests were treated to a tour of the centre, a walk around the sensory garden and lunch in the refurbished café.

A jazz extravaganza was supplied by in-house band The Hotspots.

Phill Hopkins, Arts and Crafts Centre Manager said, “The refurbishment looks great thanks to the hard work of all the staff and art makers. Now it is an even more enjoyable experience for its residents and the many visitors it receives each year.”