Thursdays, 25 April and 2, 9 and 16 May

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham, SL6 9EH

4.30pm. £3 per workshop

Join these hour-long ballroom and latin dance workshops for beginners with local enthusiasts Peter and Penny Bysshe. Learn enough basic steps in the waltz and quickstep to get you safely round the dance floor, and some groovy moves in the cha cha cha and jive to set the dance floor alight! 

25 April and 2 and 9 May SOLD OUT

Couples and singles welcome. Click here for more Information

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Moor Hall, Cookham, SL6 9QH

8pm. 

Tickets £4

The layout of Cookham village has not changed dramatically over several centuries. Local archaeologist Colin Berks tells Cookham's story from Neolithic times into the Anglo-Saxon period when Cookham was a significant religious and political centre. Hear the latest news on recent digs and surveys in and around the village that tell us more about our local heritage. An exhibition accompanies the talk and is open until Saturday, 11 May 

Click here for more Information

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Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham SL6 9SR

10am-4pm

Tickets £3. Pay on arrival

Enjoy a day’s drawing and painting in the beautiful riverside grounds of the Odney Club.

Holy Trinity Primary School, School Lane, Cookham, SL6 9QJ

4.30pm. Refreshments available from 4pm

Tickets: £3 adults, free for children under 16, includes preview of the Marconi and Science for the Arts exhibition Click here for more Information

Marconi lived in Whyteladyes Lane in Cookham and carried out many of his early wireless experiments between Cookham and neighbouring Hedsor. Brian Hawes talks about Marconi and the part wireless played in the loss of the Titanic, the first radio broadcast and other great wireless moments. He also demonstrates equipment of the type used by Marconi for his early experiments. An engineer and physicist, Brian is fascinated by early wireless technology and recently worked on the detectors for the Large Hadron Collider which discovered the Higgs Bosun particle.

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

7.30pm. 

Tickets £8

Following 2011's A Midsummer Night's Dream, the People's Shakespeare is back with one of

Shakespeare's most darkly comic plays, Richard III. Join a cast of thirty at Pinder Hall - newcomers and familiar faces alike - where the unique staging will bring you even closer to the action.

Shakespeare for the people of Cookham by the people of Cookham!

Click here for more Information

Sir Bernard Miller Centre, Odney Club, Odney Lane,

Cookham SL6 9SR

8pm. Licensed bar. Tickets £10

The Festival’s top rank comedy event,compered by local comedian Helen Huscroft (pictured) features a first class line-up of specially selected stand-up comedians. An evening of adult laughter and humour. Book early for a guaranteed ‘sell out’ event!

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Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

7.30pm. Second of 4 performances. 

Tickets £8

Following 2011's A Midsummer Night's Dream, the People's Shakespeare is back with one of

Shakespeare's most darkly comic plays, Richard III. Join a cast of thirty at Pinder Hall - newcomers and familiar faces alike - where the unique staging will bring you even closer to the action.

Shakespeare for the people of Cookham by the people of Cookham!

Click here for more Information

FRIDAY NIGHT SOLD OUT

St John the Baptist Church, Church Road, Cookham Dean SL6 9PD

7pm. Tickets £5

Assembled from the astonishing talent of young adults in the local area, this concert will include some truly magical performances. The musicians are of grade eight standard and beyond; and some are planning a professional career in music. Ranging from jazz to classical, this is a rare opportunity to support such local skill and hear what the youth of today can really do.

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Creative Hub on the Moor. SL6 9SB

10.30am. 

Entry £5

For this open art event, artists are allocated a location from which to paint a view of Cookham. Over the weekend, visitors to the Festival can pick up a map from the Creative Hub and visit them as they work. The paintings will be judged on Thursday, 16 May and thereafter exhibited at The Grove Heritage Centre. 

Prizes donated by Bovilles Art Shop and Art on the Street.

Click here for more Information

Creative Hub on the Moor, SL6 9SB

Workshops 11am-4pm

Ideal for a great family day out, the activities are suitable for a range of ages and abilities.

Click here for more Information

Holy Trinity Primary School, School Lane, Cookham, SL6 9QJ

3.30pm. Refreshments available from 3pm

Tickets £3 adults, free for children under 16 Bill Moulford plays Guglielmo Marconi in Professor Jim Bennett’s playlet about the multi-faceted inventor Marconi, who once lived in Cookham.

Vote on which of the three dramatised presentations of Marconi ‘the wireless wizard’ you think is the most credible.

Includes private viewing 3pm-4.30pm of the Cookham local primary schools’ collaboration Marconi and Science for the Arts exhibition 

Click here for more Information

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

Final performances – matinee 2pm and evening performance at 7.30pm

Following 2011's A Midsummer Night's Dream, the People's Shakespeare is back with one of

Shakespeare's most darkly comic plays, Richard III. Join a cast of thirty at Pinder Hall - newcomers and familiar faces alike - where the unique staging will bring you even closer to the action.

Shakespeare for the people of Cookham by the people of Cookham!

Click here for more Information

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Creative Hub on the Moor, SL6 9SB

Workshops 11am-4pm

Ideal for a great family day out, the activities are suitable for a range of ages and abilities.

Click here for more Information

Creative Hub on the Moor. SL6 9SB

10.30am. 

Entry £5

For this open art event, artists are allocated a location from which to paint a view of Cookham. Over the weekend, visitors to the Festival can pick up a map from the Creative Hub and visit them as they work. The paintings will be judged on Thursday, 16 May and thereafter exhibited at The Grove Heritage Centre. 

Prizes donated by Bovilles Art Shop and Art on the Street.

Click here for more Information

St John the Baptist Church, Church Road, Cookham Dean SL6 9PD

3pm. 

Tickets £6

Come and savour the perfect digestif after Sunday lunch: two stunning, professional Cookham sopranos singing a mix of duets and arias from Mendelssohn to Mozart as well as modern classics including Ivor Novello. Listen to Gillian Salmon, one of the finest classical pianist in the area, who is well-known as both a soloist and accompanist.

To complement the musical delights, indulge in tea and home made cakes prepared by the ladies of Cookham Dean Church.

Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Road, Cookham SL6 9SP

6pm

This Festival celebration includes music from Vivaldi's "Gloria", sung by the three choirs of Holy Trinity Church, led by choirmaster and organist Sara Wood.

All are welcome.

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

8pm. Licensed bar.

Tickets £8

Enjoy a humdinger of an evening singing along to the music and lyrics of Rogers and Hammerstein. The evening will be led by Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society. Song-sheets will be provided, but bring a score if you can find one.

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Stanley Spencer Gallery, High Street, Cookham SL6 9SJ

7.30pm. 

Tickets £5

Talk on Sir Stanley Spencer and his local landscape paintings by Spencer specialists Chrissy Rosenthal and Ann Danks.

The Cookham Festival apologises but unfortunately this event has had to be cancelled. due to unforeseen circumstances. Refunds will be given. please contact Louise Wood at the Festival Box office or take to the Stationery Depot

River Room, Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham SL6 9SR

8pm. Licensed bar. Tickets £5

Poetry on a summer’s evening as local poet Tony Turner brings together a group of poets

to showcase their work alongside poems by other authors read by local readers. The second half of the programme begins with an ‘open mic’ session, giving Cookham poets an opportunity to read their own work.

Due to the death of Tony Turner the format of this evening may be changed.

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Bel and the Dragon, High Street, Cookham SL6 9SQ

6.30pm. Drinks reception and canapés sponsored by Bel and the Dragon

Tickets free, but pre-booking required

An illustrated talk by Dr John Church, a British doctor who was born in Uganda and who worked in hospitals in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya in the 60s and 70s, and witnessed many of the historical events of these emerging independent African states.

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

8pm. Licensed bar. Tickets £8

The Royal Harmonics is one of the UK’s leading close harmony a cappella groups. Silver Medallists at the 2012 British Barbershop Chorus Championships, the group comprises 50 guys under the direction of John Palmer. The Royal Harmonics specialises in imaginatively staged and innovative performances of songs from across the spectrum of modern music, including pop, swing, doo-wop, barbershop, and songs from the shows. Expect a highly entertaining evening of top quality vocal harmonies.

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The Grove Heritage Centre, Odney Estate, SL6 9SR

3.30pm. Refreshments available from 3pm

Tickets £4 adults, free for children under 16

Judy Faraday, company archivist, talks about the relocation of the John Lewis Archive to Cookham.

See the archive and the Textiles and Craft exhibition in the new Heritage Centre

Click here for more Information

St John the Baptist Church, Church Road, Cookham Dean SL6 9PD

8pm. Tickets £5

Rhidian Jones has been a regular performer on the organ at St John the Baptist Church in Cookham Dean for many years. The organ, built in 1932, has been considerably enlarged and has a great dynamic range.

His programme includes music in a variety of styles by composers J.S. Bach, Cesar Franck, William Walond and Charles Marie Widor.

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

8pm. Tickets £8

Sex, lies and highwaymen feature in local playwright’s musical play based on the diaries of Cookham Parish Constable William Gibbins. Jonathan Yates imagines how the inhabitants of 19th century Cookham might have responded to their sins and crimes being made public. Is there anyone without sin? The characters from Cookham’s history are played by stars of the local stage and concert platform.

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Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Road, Cookham SL6 9SP

8pm

Tickets £5

Elisabeth Toye is a prize winning soprano, vocal coach and choral trainer and is the Principal Conductor of both Cookham’s Cantorum Choir and Berkshire Young Voices. She has won numerous awards for her interpretation and performance of English songs.

Her recital features a new work: 'The Avocatus Suite: Part 1', an art-song cycle by Michael L. Roberts, premiered in 2010 and includes early songs by Schoenberg and Mahler and Britten’s magical song cycle ‘On this Island’

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

8pm. Tickets £8

Sex, lies and highwaymen feature in local playwright’s musical play based on the diaries of Cookham Parish Constable William Gibbins. Jonathan Yates imagines how the inhabitants of 19th century Cookham might have responded to their sins and crimes being made public. Is there anyone without sin? The characters from Cookham’s history are played by stars of the local stage and concert platform.

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The Grove Heritage Centre, Odney Estate, Cookham SL6 9SR

3.30pm. Refreshments available from 3pm

Tickets £4 adults, free for children under 16

Prize winning needlewoman Ruth Daniel talks about her life in textiles and crafts and shows some of her exquisite work. A Cookham resident, her ancestors were involved in textiles and crafts for over 100 years. She has carried on that tradition and her commissions for ecclesiastical embroidery include Eton College Chapel and many local churches.

'The Textiles and Crafts Exhibition Click here for more Information includes examples of Ruth's lace making and wood carving.

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

2.30pm. Refreshments provided. 

Tickets £5

Calling experienced dancers and new recruits to the dancing world! The Festival tea

dance gives you the chance to show just how good you are and have some fun.

If you already know how to dance come and dance the afternoon away to great music

in good company. If you are a beginner come along and try out the moves you have

learned at the Strictly Cookham dance dance workshops Click here for more Information

Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham SL6 9EH

8pm. Licensed bar. Tickets £10

The Brass Volcanoes, a talented group of young jazz musicians from London, are inspired by the great traditions of New Orleans brass bands playing a mix of styles from Mardi Gras to funk and jazz to popular standards. 

The band combines brass and saxophones with a backing of drums and sousaphone - they are highly likely to take off into the audience at any time and are guaranteed to provide a fun evening!

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ARTISTS' OPEN STUDIOS

Visit local artists showing and/or demonstrating their work - pick up a map from the Creative Hub on the Moor, or any event at the Festival or online at www.cookhamfestival.org.uk

Click here for more Information

Station Parade, Cookham SL6 9BR

10am. Free event

PAVEMENT CHALKING

Marsh Meadow, Cookham Moor SL6 9SB

Noon. 

Gates open at 11:30am

Tickets £30 adults, £17 children 3-12

Families (2 adults and 2 children) £79, VIP tickets £100.

Let’s Rock The Moor! returns for its fifth year with an action-packed day of live music at this boutique, family friendly, 80s festival.

Tickets for this event are available directly from The Stationery Depot, 23 Station Parade, Cookham SL6 9BR 

Click here for more Information

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ARTISTS' OPEN STUDIOS

Visit local artists showing and/or demonstrating their work - pick up a map from the

Creative Hub on the Moor, or any event at the Festival. Click here for a list of the Open Studios

Click here for more Information

Sir Bernard Miller Centre, Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham SL6 9SR

3pm. 

Tickets (including tea and refreshment) £6 adults, £2 for children under 16

Four Primary Schools of Cookham (Cookham Dean, Cookham Rise, Holy Trinity and Herries) will combine to perform Galloping Godiva. Described by its composer, Andrew Carter, as 'a romp for schools', this hilariously retells the story of Lady Godiva’s ride through Coventry in a pop-jazz cantata style. The performance will be conducted by Gillian Dibden MBE, one of the country’s leading young people’s musical educators and conductors.

St John the Baptist Church, Church Road, Cookham Dean SL6 9PD

6pm

A traditional choral evensong sung by the choir of St John The Baptist led by choirmaster and organist, David Colthup. Music will include: ‘O Holy Spirit Lord of Grace’ by C.Tye; Stanford’s ‘Magnificat in B♭’ and the anthem ‘Let their Celestial Concerts all Unite’ from Handel’s Samson.

All are welcome.

Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Road,

Cookham SL6 9SP

8pm. Refreshments. Tickets £12

The Albrecht Ensemble, led and directed by Cookham-born, internationally celebrated violinist Alexandra Wood (pictured), will present an evening of exciting, dynamic string music. The programme will include the charming "Simple Symphony" by Benjamin Britten (2013 is his anniversary year), as well as two well-loved favourites: The Bach ‘Double Violin Concerto’, and Vivaldi’s dramatic, virtuosic ‘Four Seasons’.

Following A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the 2011 Cookham Festival, the People’s Shakespeare this year brings Richard III, Shakespeare’s best known, darkly comic history play, to the Pinder Hall stage. Local actor Richard James has again drawn a cast from among the people of Cookham to scale the heights of the bard of Avon. Some of them you may have seen in their last production, but many have never set foot on stage before, let alone performed Shakespeare.

Richard has always been interested in this play and in the character of the hunch-backed monarch and he will be sharing the central role with Nick King who played Oberon in their last production. “That way”, explains Richard, “I get to have a crack at a part I have always wanted to play, whilst staying true to the spirit of the People’s Shakespeare by letting someone else have a go, too”.

It is, of course, a very topical production following the discovery of bones which may very well belong to the last English king to die in battle. “If this proves to be the case,” says Richard, “we may find a way of incorporating this amazing discovery into our production, too!”

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Let’s Rock The Moor! returns for its fifth year with an action packed day of live music at this boutique, family friendly, 80's festival, with the following artistes:

ALTERED IMAGES and

The event has plenty for everyone! This year boasts a second stage where local bands will perform. The new 80’s themed children’s play area has entertainers from BBC/ITV, a circus, rides (including bumper boats and dodgems). There will be a fantastic selection of caterers and multiple bars, wacky stalls and much, much more! For the latest information go to

www.letsrockthemoor.co.uk

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Saturday, 11 May and Sunday 12 May

Cookham Moor SL6 9SB

Weekend 11 and 12 May. 11am to 4pm

A fabulous mixture of activities where you can try something new with workshops, craft stalls and demonstrations all under one roof. To add to your enjoyment, local artisans and crafters demonstrate and show their work; local musicians and dancers dance on the Moor and delicious home-made food is available.

Join a workshop and learn a new skill. Enrol on the day at a workshop to make glass bead jewellery, ceramics, mosaics and other crafts or book (see page 2) to reserve your place on the workshops below:

Explore the versatility and fun of charcoal drawing from life with local artist. Suitable for all abilities age 12+.

Enjoy your favourite stitches and perhaps learn some new ones as you create your own piece. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Make your own models with film and TV prop-maker. Suitable for all abilities age 7+.

Saturday, 11 May from 10.30am

Registration fee £5 adults, free for children under 16

Artists entering this open art event set off on their creative journey from the Creative Hub to capture Cookham on canvas at a location chosen by the Stanley Spencer Gallery, using a medium of their choice. Open to all ages and abilities. To visit the artists at their allocated locations, pick up a map from the Creative Hub or from The Stationery Depot, 23 Station Parade, Cookham SL6 9BR.

click here for leaflet and .pdf application form

Prizes generously donated by Bovilles Art Shop and Art on the Street will be awarded on Thursday, 16 May to the winners in each category and the artists’ pictures will be exhibited at the Grove Heritage Centre (see page 21) until Sunday, 19 May.

Obtain a registration form from The Stationery Depot or from Bovilles Art Shops, 124 High Street, Maidenhead SL6 1PT.

Artists who book in advance are invited to a private talk in the Stanley Spencer Gallery on 17 April. To register on 11 May go to the Creative Hub on the Moor from 10.30am.

For more information, email gail.dorrington@sky.com 

ARTISTS’ OPEN STUDIOS

Locations around Cookham and Maidenhead Weekend 18 and 19 May. 10am to 6pm

Discover the wealth of talent on our doorstep.

The Festival’s popular art trail is bigger than ever this year, with many new artists showing their work at venues throughout Cookham and its surrounds, ranging from barns to empty shops, small sheds and private homes.

Painters, photographers, jewellery designers and pewter makers are just some of the local artists and crafters exhibiting their work who will be happy to talk to you.

Details about individual artists click here for a list of the Open Studios or you can collect a programme from The Creative Hub on the Moor, The Stationery Depot or from Bovilles. There is a map of where to find them below.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO LOCATION MAP

Station Parade, Cookham SL6 9BR

Saturday, 18 May 10am

No booking required

Phyllida Shelley leads this popular activity for children.

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2. Sarah Luton - Landscapes and portraiture in oil, watercolour and acrylic

30 Oaken Grove, Maidenhead SL6 6HQ, UK

2. Susan Day - contemporary porcelain, ceramics and lighting

30 Oaken Grove, Maidenhead SL6 6HQ, UK

2. Kirsty Brookes - Architectural glass, photography and mixed media

30 Oaken Grove, Maidenhead SL6 6HQ, UK

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5. Matthew Burley - Paintings

Old Mins, The Common, Cookham Dean. SL6 9NZ

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7. Joanna Yates 

Paintings and photography 

81 Broom Hill, Cookham SL6 9LJ,

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8. Maria Kenney 

Contemporary, abstract pastels. Victoria johns  paintings and prints on a London theme

The Gallery at Elizabeth House, Station Hill, Cookham

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10. Pamela Clark

Abstract painting and figurative drawings

Gantry House, School Lane, Cookham SL6 9SQ

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11. Mandy McAllen

Watercolour, acrylic and collage

Byford, Berries Rd, Cookham SL6 9SD

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12. Partners in Pewter

Cast and reposse items. Casting demonstrations

Oveys Farm, High Street, Cookham. SL69SQ

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13. Gill Harper Grovecott Studio  

Hand printed liquid emulsion photography

Holy Trinity Church Parish Centre, Cookham

13. Gail Dorrington - drawings and watercolours

Holy Trinity Church Parish Centre, Cookham

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14. Cookham on Canvas - The finished paintings

The Grove Heritage Centre

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15. Carol Conrad

oil watercolour encaustic paintings. mosaic mirrors

1 Formosa Court, Mill lane, Cookham SL6 9QT

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16. Clarissa Galliano

Painting abstracted from the figurative

2 Gate House Cottages, Sutton Rd, Cookham SL6 9QZ

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exhibitions

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ODNEY SCULPTURE GARDEN

Gardens of the Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham SL6 9SR

Friday, 3 May to Sunday, 19 May, 10am to 6pm

Entry £2 adults, free for children under 16

The Odney Club hosts a varied collection of sculptures in its grounds. With local artists at its heart, the exhibition features works by established sculptors across the country. Click Here for more information.

THE ORIGINS OF COOKHAM

Moor Hall, Cookham SL6 9QH

Thursday, 9 May to Saturday, 11 May 10am to 5pm

Free entry

The Marlow Archaeological Society, with the Cookham Society, presents an exhibition of Cookham’s past, including the results of recent and current archeological surveys, with photographs from the past 100 years.

See Talk: Origins of Cookham on Wednesday, 8 May.

MARCONI AND SCIENCE FOR THE ARTS

Holy Trinity Primary School, School Lane, Cookham, SL6 9QJ

Saturday, 11 May 11am-2pm and Sunday, 12 May 11am-3pm

Free entry

An exciting collaboration by the four Cookham primary schools (Holy Trinity, Cookham Dean, Cookham Rise and Herries) looks at the work of Marconi and others whose inventions contributed to the development of many of today’s digital art forms.

See related entries: Talk: Great Wireless Moments on Thursday, 9 May and Playlet: Who was Guglielmo Marconi? on Saturday, 11 May.

TEXTILES AND CRAFT

The Grove Heritage Centre, Odney Estate, Cookham SL6 9SR

Wednesday, 8 May to Sunday, 19 May 2.30pm to 5.30pm

Take a peek into Cookham’s rural past when local outworkers made lace, and boots manufactured in Cookham were recommended to ‘pioneers’ bound for Canada or Australia.

An 1863 directory reported that ‘the whole of Maidenhead and its neighbouring villages are employed in agriculture, and in making boots and shoes which are manufactured here in considerable numbers’. 

See related talks: The John Lewis Fabric Archive on Wednesday, 15 May and My Life in Textiles and Crafts on Friday, 17 May.

COOKHAM ON CANVAS

The Grove Heritage Centre, Odney Estate, Cookham SL6 9SR

Friday, 17 May to Sunday, 19 May 2.30pm to 5.30pm

For three days only, see the finished work by the Cookham on Canvas artists who have had less than a week to capture a view of Cookham in a medium of their choice.

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A Feast for the Eye, a Joy for the Senses

The Odney Club welcomes Cookham Festival visitors for a third year to a top class exhibition. The Sculpture Garden, curated by Barn Galleries of Henley on Thames, promises to be a highlight of the 2013 Festival, with plenty of works to interest and inspire. 

Nationally known names such as Mike Speller, Helen Sinclair and Jenny Pickford will be showing their latest work. And with more 'domestic' sized pieces available too, like the much-loved dogs by Rosemary Cook and colourful glass by Sarah Hayhoe. Walk around the large scale sculptures placed among the trees, in the wild areas and along the waterside, smaller pieces nestling in herbaceous borders or showing off on the terrace.

Bridget Fraser and Lucy Irvine from Barn Galleries will be on hand to advise, to answer any queries and to help you find the perfect sculpture for your garden.

A proportion of the proceeds from the sale of each work will go towards the Festival and the charities it supports.

The Festival organisers are grateful to Barn Galleries, the John Lewis Partnership and everyone at the Odney Club for hosting the Sculpture Garden. The Odney Sculpture Garden opens on Friday, 3 May – six days prior to the formal start of the Festival and visitors are welcome between 10am and 6pm daily. Entry £2 adults, children free.

Refreshments available.

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