Living Advent Calendar
Partnership News
HENLEY LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR 2011
The Henley Living Advent Calendar is a Joint Initiative between the Henley Partnership and Henley Town Council. It is the very first of its kind in the UK, and has been a huge success not only in raising money for seven local charities, but in bringing together the Performing Arts, Business and Local Resident communities in a true spirit of Christmas. The ethos throughout has been to create a joyful, innocent focal point for the Town throughout the run up to Christmas.
Every evening from 1st – 24th December at exactly 6.15pm a different door or window around town is opened and a 15 minute performance takes place. Like in children’s advent Calendars, what is behind the door or window remains a secret until it is opened! Performers this year have included the Henley Rock Choir, a Scottish bagpiper, The Sam Brown International Ukelele Club of Sonning Common, well-known actor Simon Williams and the Carol Choir of the GB Women’s Olympic Rowing Team.
Most events have had the audience outside but several Venues have managed to come up with ingenious indoor alternatives when it has been raining heavily ! Audiences have commented that part of the charm has been discovering hidden corners of Henley, through the Living Advent Calendar , which they hadn’t known existed. Businesses and organisations offering their premises as Venues have included The Indian Garden Co, Hobbs of Henley ‘New Orleans’, La Barca, Loch Fyne, Simmons & Sons and The Three Tuns . (See The Living Advent Calendar Map or website for full list).
Several local businesses, and SODC, have sponsored the lighting and sound, publicity materials, website and PR so that all donations and proceeds can go directly to the local charities. Sponsors this year are: Milton Gordon & Co, The Head Partnership, CTC Aspire and Buzzword PR.
The local registered charities, which will receive equal sums from the event are Sue Ryder (1052076), Regatta for the Disabled (1137459), The Chiltern Centre (1101218), Henley Day Centre (266950), Kenton Theatre – Kenton For Keeps (253021), Face of Henley (1093521) and Henley Youth Centre (304315)
Organiser of the Living Advent Calendar and Chair of The Business & Retail Group, Julie Perigo said, “ Before it started we had no idea how many would turn up to watch, or how it would be received. We’ve been thrilled that 50 – over 100 have been turning up regularly, with some people coming every single night. There seems to be something about the fact that it is more than just a one-off evening event, and a real sense of ‘community’ has grown up around it as it has gathered momentum with each successive night. We’ve already had lots of performers offering their services for next year, and numerous businesses asking to be involved. I’m sure we can do a lot more with the concept in 2012 – whilst always making sure it retains a joyful sense inclusivity at its core, rather than commercialism.’
‘The Living Advent Calendar has all the potential to make Henley a great Christmas period ‘destination’ as well as a Summer one.’
If you would like to be involved in next year’s Living Advent Calendar, or have suggestions for it, please contact us via the Living Advent Calendar website or via Julie Perigo.
New Initiatives at The Henley Partnership
A number of new initiatives are already in the pipeline, and Members and potential members are warmly invited to make contact with any of the Partnership’s Management Team and Group Steering Committees.