December Newsletter

Dear Friends, 

As the busiest time of the year approaches I'd like to share a few events to keep you away from mad shops/shopaholics. 

The Eastside Community Heritage are having an event displaying "Portraits from St. Clements" on the 9th December. Meet just before 2pm by the hospital front gates for exact directions.  

Eastbeat is hosting a new event at the Kingsley Hall next Tuesday the 10th, from 6.45-9.30pm, with music and poetry. The 3 Bees Cafe will be open from 4-7pm, however you can BYO www.eastbeat.org

The Winter Shuffle festival has started on Thursday, giving the chance to access the old St Clements Hospital grounds up to the 15th of December. There is some very amazing art displayed in a group show across the Victorian building. I highly recommend visiting the light therapy room to counteract the S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and an immediate mood boost. I have seen some radiant smiles, while remaining seated there just for a few minutes.

Please note that some events are ticketed, but there is also plenty to do free of charge accessible to the whole family. Check the programme: www.shufflefestival.com

Survivors flags will be high up on Saturday the 14th in the John Denham room (upstairs in the front building of St Clements, renamed the Living Room for the festival). 
The remarkable Bobby Baker will perform "Mad Gyms and Kitchens" at 12pm. (First show is on Friday the 13th, 5.30-7.00 pm). Looking forward to see her in close-up action www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIbzhmljz_k 

From 2-4pm, there will be a cozy poetry and performance session with a Survivors open mic and local storytellers warming up the air. Please note that there is a ticketed system due to the limitate space. Reserve your seats here www.tickettailor.com/all-tickets/2749/eb4c

A brief reminder is that St Clements is a derelict building: accessibility is poor due to its many stairs, only the Cinema and ground floor are fully accessible; there's only portable festival-like cabin toilets; the site has scarce insulation, no double glazing... Be patient and understanding. Make sure you wrap up well and bring your warmth to share, ready for a special afternoon together. 

Wishing you a warm weekend.