Does Exmouth need Cafe Etc?
By rogdog | Monday, December 05, 2011, 15:47
Running alongside Exmouth's Christmas Cracker event on Saturday was Cafe Etc, a joint venture between three community groups: Createxe, Transition Town Exmouth and LETS.
First off was gifted storyteller Jenny Moon who entertained with a story from Africa. The cafe's atmosphere was further illuminated by great jazz playing from keyboard player Paul Barnham. He was soon joined by another exceptional keyboardist, Paul Strange, much to the delight of cafegoers. On the walls was work from three accomplished printmakers, Claire Close, Birgit Frederiksen and Ali Pawson, together with artist's cards. Around lunchtime two poets, Trish Leake and Anne McInnes read their own short, memorable poems. After lunch there was a pleasing performance by a string quartet composed of Angela Ashwin, Julian Ashwin, Ann Boyd and Maggie Offord. The day was rounded off by a couple of short stories brought to life by Jenny Moon. Throughout the day, Michael Buckland made quick fire drawings of the cafe patrons and performers, and drinks and excellent home made cakes were served and apppreciated. The groups behind the event are meeting this week to decide whether future Cafe Etc events are viable: are they achievable on a regular basis and are they something that Exmouth wants?
Comments
It is a definite YES! Café Etc is an asset to Exmouth, it's Artists and most certainly to it's People.
The old saying " Bird of a feather flock together" would be an appropriate cloak for it's presence. Smiling, appreciative faces, sat listening to "Raconteur" Jenny Moon, who told fascinating old stories. Then, there was also the rare chance these days, to hear poetry, wonderful!
Another facet of the days was musical entertainment, with our super Jazz Musicians Paul Strange & Paul Barnham and to the delight of classical music lovers, the fine String quartet featuring Angela Ashwin.
The artists entourage showed warmth and heartfelt applauses. Needless to say, being a café, one couldn't resist the lovely home-made cakes, just perfect with a cup of tea…
The ambiance was perfect, a relaxing atmosphere where people were also able to admire the works by several other local artists like Claire Close.
Furthermore, there was an opportunity to find out about two great organisations working alongside each other in Exmouth. The Transition Town Exmouth (TTE) and Exmouth Lets (Local Exchange Trading System)
I guess you could truly say, when you go to Café Etc, you feel you're amongst friends…. and Artists have a podium, what a great combination for success!
By maplefield at 01:51 on 08/12/11
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