Discover local updates: Alton Lions’ fundraising, an Arts Society lecture, film screenings, and Harting Society talks.
John Mill said it was the second year for the Santa Sleigh. He added that it keeps getting better. Santa visited many people in December 2024.
Santa and reindeer used an eco-friendly sleigh. Lions and volunteers helped them. They raised £9,609. After costs, £8,600 will be donated to local people, families, groups, and charities. They help kids or adults. The deadline to apply is March 1. Visit altonsanta.org.uk/funding-application for details.
Before Santa, Lions posted Christmas cards. They asked for support for people in need. This raised over £3,000. It went to the Christmas gift project.
They worked with charities to avoid overlaps. The need was bigger this year. Alton Lions helped 129 families. They gave Sainsbury’s vouchers and 50 gift bags to older people. Students collected them and Sainsbury’s customers helped.
Alton Lions had a craft market. They joined Alton’s Christmas lights event. It was a fun end to a busy year.
John Mill said they help the community. Ninety percent of money raised goes to people in need. The rest helps global disaster relief. He thanked sponsors and volunteers for their kindness and energy which helped Lions events.
Alton Lions welcomes new members and volunteers. You can call 0345 833 2701 for information, or visit altonlions.org.uk. Find Alton Lions Club on Facebook.
The Arts Society Alton held a lecture. Mark Hill spoke about Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass. It happened on January 14.
Mark Hill is often on Antiques Roadshow. He gave a talk about Michael Harris, who founded Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass.
Harris was a studio glass pioneer. He always did new things and studied industrial glass. He graduated in 1955. People called him “Tappy” Harris. He tapped glass for unique designs.
In 1968, he moved to Malta with his family. He started Mdina Glass. Harris marketed well and made high-end gifts. Tourists loved them. The company was a success as they sold glass worldwide, including Italy and the UK.
Harris experimented with designs, using Mediterranean colors. His glass was textured and colorful. The “Fish” vase is his famous piece.
It’s hard to make, with glass wings. Designs look like manta rays. Today, these vases cost £1,500 to £2,000. Next came “The Crizzlestone.” Only 40 exist and are worth about £4,200.
By 1972, Mdina Glass exported globally. Malta wanted the British to leave and the family moved to the Isle of Wight. They started a studio near Ventnor. Malta influenced his designs. “Seaward” and “Aurine” were successful.
In 1978, “Azurene” glass came out. Gold and silver leaf were added. It matched the 1980s style and sold well. The studio expanded then.
From 1980, Harris’ family joined. His sons and wife helped. From 1985-2010, designs showed seascapes, land, and night. The studio had global success as people waited months for pieces. Timothy’s designs were abstract. Jonathan’s were more linear.
Michael Harris retired and his sons took over. He moved to Gozo in Malta. He died in 1994. He was the first British studio glassmaker. He commercialized glassmaking, knew business and marketing, pushed himself, and was an artist.
The Arts Society lectures remain interesting. You should join a lecture as they offer wine and friendship. Details are at tasalton.com.
Screen By The Green will show a film, “The Critic” (15), at Beech Village Hall on February 14 at 7:30 pm.
It is a St Valentine’s Day romance. It stars Ian McKellen, who plays a devious character. The film is a thriller.
It’s set in 1930s London theatre. McKellen plays Jimmy Erskine, a critic who can make or break stars.
Erskine faces the end of his career. He starts a dangerous game involving an actress and a newspaper owner.
Have a memorable Valentine’s Day. Love isn’t always sweet in this film. Malice is added.
Anand Tucker directed it. It combines period design and a plot that keeps you guessing.
Doors open at 6:45 pm with a bar, snacks, and ice cream. Parking is free and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Tickets cost £6.50 online at beechvillage.org.uk, or £7 at the door.
The Harting Society has two talks at their February and March meetings.
On February 6, Simon Martin speaks about Pallant House Gallery.
He will talk about the gallery’s history and describe its art collection. Dora Carrington’s exhibition will be introduced.
On March 6, Margaret Paren will speak. She’ll discuss the South Downs National Park’s creation and her campaign to protect it. She chaired the Park Authority for ten years.
Meetings are in South Harting village hall. The bar opens at 7 pm, meetings start at 7:30 pm. Visitors are invited to contribute £5. Email [email protected] for membership, or call 07963 909889.
Surrey Border Movie Makers meet on February 7. The meeting begins at 8pm with the AGM, then Dave’s Animation Evening about making animation films. Visit www.surreyborder.org.uk or email [email protected]. The club meets first Fridays at St Joan’s Centre, 19 Tilford Road, Farnham.