Saturday 5th July

Tennis Coaching

9am - 12 noon Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
Improve your technique and develop your game with a qualified tennis coach. Sessions for age groups 4-8 years, 8-11 years and 11-16 years.
Book in advance - Tel: 01923 470140
Entry £1
Organised by Bushey Grove Leisure Centre

Art Exhibition

10 am - 5 pm Lucy Kemp-Welch Memorial Gallery, by the Pond, High Street
An Exhibition of Paintings and Artwork for sale by local artists.
Also on Sunday 6th July 10 am - 4.30pm (NB earlier closing time)
Admission free
Organised on behalf of Bushey Festival by Lindsay Bishop

Festival Food

10.30 am - 2.30 pm Church House by the Pond, High Street
Morning snacks and lunches - a chance to treat yourself to some delicious homemade food at very reasonable prices.
Also on Saturday 19th July.

Poetry in the Park

12 noon - 1 pm King George Recreation Ground
Meet Bushey poet, Alyson Torns, who had her own book of poetry published in 2006. Let Alyson help you create your own poem. Pens and paper provided, but why not bring your mobile phone and text the poem to your friends? Weather permitting.
Free entry. Inquiries to Shaz Setoudeh, tel: 020 8207 7568
Organised by Hertsmere Community Services

Visit a Local Treasure

2 pm St Margaret's School, Merry Hill Road
A short talk on the history of St Margaret's School, founded in 1749, followed by a tour of the main school building (designed by Alfred Waterhouse) and refreshments. Inquiries, tel: 020 8901 0882
Free entry
Organised by St Margaret's School

An Evening of Popular Italian Favourites

Presented by the Bushey Opera Group

7.30 pm Bushey Centre, High Street
Soloists: Julie Gray, Lucy White, Stephen George and Rodney Gibson Master of ceremonies: Adrian Gray Accompanist: John Wyatt An evening of popular tunes with an Italian theme, sung in Italian and English. Perennial operatic favourites, such as Largo al Factotum (‘Figaro’) from The Barber of Seville, O Mio Babbino Caro, Minetta's Waltz Song and La Donna è Mobile (Rigoletto), are interspersed with Italian-born tunes from the popular music canon such as Funiculi Funicula, Santa Lucia, Que Sera, Sera, and O Sole Mio and Time to Say Goodbye.
Tickets: £12 including glass of sparkling wine/soft drink (Reserved seating)
Seating plan can be seen at Box Office or website
Sponsored by Comer Homes Group

Sunday 6th July

Art Exhibition

10 am - 4.30 pm Lucy Kemp-Welch Memorial Gallery, by the Pond, High Street
An Exhibition of Paintings and Artwork for sale by local artists.
Admission free
Organised on behalf of Bushey Festival by Lindsay Bishop

Bushey Bowling Club Open Day

10 am - 4.30 pm Bushey Bowling Club, King George Recreation Ground
Come and try your hand at bowling! Equipment provided, just wear flat shoes. Bring the family - there will be games for children. Inquiries to Diane Charman, tel: 01923 237812
Admission free
Organised by Bushey Bowling Club

Diabetes Walk

11 am King George Recreation Ground
A walk in this 'Green Flag' park to raise money for Diabetes UK. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at La Dolce Vita café in the park. All finishers will receive a medal. Collect sponsorship forms from the café or Shaz, tel: 020 8207 7568 or Nick, tel: 01376 501390
Organised by Hertsmere Community Services

Music from the Movies

With Barbara Jay and Tommy Whittle

2 - 4 pm King George Recreation Ground
Listen to the wonderful sound of this popular jazz band playing standards such as Fly Me to the Moon, Autumn Leaves, Quando, Quando and many more. Weather permitting.
Inquiries to Shaz Setoudeh, tel: 020 8207 7568
Admission free
Organised by Hertsmere Community Services

Monday 7th July

Evening Water Walk

7.15 pm. A Visit to the Clay Lane Environment & Education Centre Clay Lane, Bushey Heath
Part of Three Valleys Water, this little-known 'oasis' is set in 30 acres of beautiful woodland. We offer a guided tour, lasting about 1½ hours, of this award-winning facility, which includes water-efficient gardens alongside the reservoirs. A member of staff formerly responsible for the gardens at Sandringham will be on hand to offer expert horticultural advice.
Tickets: £3 - Advance booking essential as numbers are limited. Give your name on booking.
NB For security reasons, strictly no admission without a ticket.

Tuesday 8th July

Mums of Steel

11 am - 12 noon La Dolce Vita Café, King George Recreation Ground
Studies show that mothers who exercise after birth are less likely to suffer from post-natal depression. Join a free class of fun and fitness with your baby. Weather permitting. Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable trainers. Download and complete pre-exercise questionnaire or contact Mary McLellan, tel: 07709 342329
Also on Weds 16th and Thurs 17th July.
Organised by Hertsmere Community Services

Lunchtime Recital

12 noon - 1 pm St James Church, High Street
Kate Morgan (soprano) with piano accompanist, Ewan Davidson.
The Bushey Festival Association welcomes special guest Kate Morgan, helping us celebrate 25 years of continuous Bushey Festivals. Kate was the founder of the Bushey Festival in 1983 when the Festival as we know it began.
Tickets £4 (includes tea/coffee and biscuits)

Junior Kick Aerobics

5 pm - 6 pm Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
An exciting and energetic fitness class combining martial art and boxing moves with fitness techniques. For 12 - 15 year olds. Book in advance - Tel BGLC: 01923 470140
Entry £1 per person
Organised by Bushey Grove Leisure Centre

The Eden Way

8 pm Bushey Centre, High Street
Matthew Biggs, the well-known TV presenter, author and Gardeners' Question Time panellist, gives a talk about the Eden Project and its revolutionary gardening techniques. Using slides taken by renowned photographer, Caroline Hughes, Matthew reveals the lessons learned from creating one of the most spectacular and diverse gardens in the world and how they can be used successfully in our own gardens.
Tickets £6. Seating plan can be seen here or at the Box Office
Organised by Bushey Horticultural Society, proceeds to be shared with the Bushey Festival Association

Wednesday 9th July

Tea Party

2.30 - 4.30 pm Bushey House Beaumont, High Street
Mr Nick Fraser and staff invite you to afternoon tea with musical entertainment and an opportunity to have a tour of the house and gardens.
Tickets: £3
Organised by Bushey House Beaumont, proceeds being kindly donated to the Bushey Festival Association

Paradise on Earth

A concert for a summer's evening by Oxford Liedertafel

8 pm St James Church, High Street
Take a musical journey from spring to winter and morn to night. In between, there's hunting, smoking, comedy, love and, of course, tax.
Stephen Burrows: Countertenor    Ben Alden:Tenor
Matt Vine:Tenor    Duncan Saunderson: Bass
Tickets £6 including a glass of Pimms (or non-alcoholic drink)
Sponsored by Linden Homes Chiltern Ltd

Confusions

A Play by Alan Ayckbourn

7.30 pm Falconer Hall, Falconer Road
In its 50th Anniversary Year, and the Festival's 25th, St James' Music and Drama Society (Amateur) present probably one of Alan Ayckbourn's wittiest plays. First performed in 1976, this comedy is a series of one-act plays and will keep you entertained with colourful characters in scenes of quintessential Britishness - the dingy hotel bar, the pretentious restaurant, a marquee at the village fete and a park bench. The play is a disquieting one though, about crumbling relationships, combining laughter and absurdity with a sense of futility and inescapable reality. Not to be missed!
Tickets: £7.50 / £5 concessions (Reserved seating)
Seating plan can be seen at Box Office or website
Organised by St James Music & Drama Society (Amateur)

Thursday 10th July

Stretch and Tone for 50+

9.15 - 10.15 am Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
Improve your general fitness and movement. Book in advance - Tel BGLC: 01923 470140
£1 per person
Organised by Bushey Grove Leisure Centre

Teddy Bears' Picnic

12 noon - 2.30 pm King George Recreation Ground
Come to the paddling pool area of the park with your teddy where there will be face painting, Sing and Sign, story telling, mini-funfair and there will be a prize for the best dressed Teddy. For under-fives, accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting. Inquiries, tel Shaz Setoudeh: 020 8207 7568
Free entry - there is a charge for some activities.
Organised by Hertsmere Community Services and Friends of King George Recreation Ground

At Home with Flowers

Flower Arranging Demonstration

3 - 5 pm Bushey United Reformed Church, 154 High Street
Demonstration by Maureen Hastings. There will be refreshments and also a raffle with the flower arrangements as prizes.
Tickets £4 (includes tea and cake)

Confusions

A Play by Alan Ayckbourn

7.30 pm Falconer Hall, Falconer Road
See Wednesday 9th July for details
Organised by St James Music & Drama Society (Amateur)

Friday 11th July

Run-a-Round

10.30 - 11.30 am Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
Join us for a packed hour of bouncy castle, soft play, hoops, balls, songs and fun! For walking toddlers up to four years old. Book in advance - Tel BGLC: 01923 470140
£1 per child
Organised by Bushey Grove Leisure Centre

Badminton for 50+

1.30 - 3.15 pm Bushey Grove Leisure Centre
Try this all-ability badminton session. Book in advance - Tel BGLC: 01923 470140
£1 per person
Organised by Bushey Grove Leisure Centre

Confusions

A Play by Alan Ayckbourn

7.30 pm Falconer Hall, Falconer Road
See Wednesday 9th July for details
Organised by St James Music & Drama Society (Amateur)

Saturday 12th July

Celtic Harp Recital & Workshops

2.30 - 5 pm The Parish Centre, Sacred Heart Church, London Road
A short recital of folk music of the British Isles by Steph West, harper, singer, and arranger, followed by a series of workshops for adults and children - the aim being to get you playing a simple tune. No musical experience necessary.
If you wish to participate in a workshop, indicate adult or child (give age of child) when booking.
Tickets £3 each or £10 for four (in one payment)
From 23rd June, book direct with organiser, tel: 020 8950 5742 (NOT at Box Office)

The Sound of Silver

8 pm Bushey Hall School, London Road
This event has been cancelled

Sunday 13th July

Spire Bushey Hospital Quarter Marathon & Fun Runs

11 am King George Recreation Ground
Senior Event at 11 am - Prizes for first three in each category. Medals for all runners. Prizes for winning club and fun teams, male and female. Four to score. No more than one club runner in a fun team. No mixed sex teams.
Two-Mile Fun Run at 11 am - This will be the first two miles of the Quarter Marathon. Medals for all runners. Junior Events - Medals for all runners. Prizes for first three runners and team prizes. Download an entry form or send SAE to BQM, 12 Coombe Road, Bushey WD23 4SP or Tel: 020 8950 6586
Organised by John Hambleton in aid of The Peace Hospice

Cream Tea

3 - 6 pm St James Church House, High Street
Join us for a traditional English cream tea in Church House. The Old Rectory Garden will also be open and there will be live music. Proceeds to St James Church Maintenance Fund
Tickets: £5
Organised by St James Church Social Committee

Monday 14th July

'Chicago' Bridge Afternoon

2 - 5 pm Parish Centre, Sacred Heart Church, London Road
Do you enjoy a friendly game of bridge? Then come to the Festival's first bridge afternoon. No partner necessary or make up a table of 4. Prizes. Raffle. For further details Tel David Earle: 020 8950 4144
Tickets: £4 (includes refreshments) Advance booking essential - give names when you book
Organised by Watford Bridge Club

Tuesday 15th July

Lunchtime Recital

12-noon St James Church, High Street
Music performed by soloists and ensembles from Watford Grammar School for Girls
Tickets £4 (including coffee and biscuits)

Aqua Aerobics

8 - 8.45 pm Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
An enjoyable low-impact workout in the water. For over-16s only, but for all levels of ability. Book in advance - Tel BGLC: 01923 470140
Entry £1
Organised by Bushey Grove Leisure Centre

Wednesday 16th July

Mums of Steel

See Tuesday 8th July for details
11 am - 12-noon
Organised by Hertsmere Community Services

Fizzifun

(For under-threes)

11.30 am - 12.15 pm Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
Develop co-ordination, balance and concentration while having fun. For walking toddlers up to three years old.
Entry £1 per child. Book in advance - Tel BGLC: 01923 470140

Dinner and Music

7.30 for 8pm Blue Check Restaurant, High Street
A three-course dinner with first class entertainment. Make up a table of friends and enjoy this popular evening. Tables bookable for any number of people. £15 for a three-course meal with coffee (wine extra). Book at the restaurant, tel: 020 8421 8811 (NOT at Box Office)
Organised by Blue Check, part of the takings to be kindly donated to Bushey Festival Association

Thursday 17th July

Jazz Night

Featuring Ian Brameld and the Dixieland Band

8 pm Conference Suite, Bushey Country Club, High Street
Come and hear a lively mix of traditional jazz, ranging from the New Orleans and early Chicago styles through to the 'trad revival' of the 1950s and '60s. Presented with a touch of humour by Ian and the band. Tables of 8 or 4 can be reserved on full payment - give names when you book.
Tickets £8 (excludes food & drink which is available at the bar)
Proceeds to be shared with Watford & District Mencap, charity reg. no: 1004431

Friday 18th July

Family Fun Swim

7.15 - 9 pm Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
An evening of inflatable fun in the pool for the whole family (restrictions apply), followed by refreshments. Book in advance - Tel BGLC: 01923 470140
Entry: £4.80 or £3.80 with Leisure Card. Includes refreshments.
Organised by Bushey Grove Leisure Centre

Flower Festival

10 am - 7 pm St James Church, High Street
The theme of the Flower Festival is 'All God's Gifts'. Do come and see the beautiful displays. Refreshments available in Church House. Also on Sat 19th and Sun 20th - NB different opening hours on those dates.
Entrance by programme (£2)
Organised by St James Church Flower Guild
Proceeds to The Peace Hospice and St James Church's Charitable Giving

An Illustrated Talk by Michael Fish MBE

8 pm Bushey Centre, High Street
Michael Fish is Britain's longest-serving TV weather forecaster, made famous by the 'hurricane' in 1987. He has had a long career at the Meteorological Office and BBC, and was dubbed a 'national treasure' by the Sunday Times in 2004. Michael, 'freed of Civil Service red tape and bureaucracy' says, 'I have decided to take the plunge, let my hair down and do all the outrageous things I have not been able to do before!!' Michael passionately believes that global warming is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction and will talk about this and other things. There will be opportunity for questions. We advise early booking for what promises to be an interesting and entertaining talk.
Tickets £10 including glass of wine/soft drink (Reserved seating)
Seating plan can be seen at Box Office or website

Saturday 19th July

Flower Festival

10 am - 7 pm (but NOT between 2.30 and 4 pm) St James Church, High Street
See Friday 18th July for details

Festival Food at the Flower Festival

10.30 am - 2.30 pm St James Church House, by the Pond, High Street
Morning snacks and lunches - a chance to treat yourself to some delicious homemade food at very reasonable prices.

Gala Concert

To celebrate the Festival's Silver Jubilee: a concert of beautiful choral and orchestral music that is easy on the ear.
Bushey Festival Choir and Orchestra, conducted by John Wyatt

7.30 pm Bushey Hall School, London Road
The Benedicite is an exhilarating opening to the concert, a setting of the well-known canticle from the Apocryphal 'Song of the Three Holy Children' for soprano solo, chorus and orchestra, and composed by Vaughan Williams in 1929 for the Jubilee of another music festival, that of Leith Hill in Dorking. This will be followed by the 40th Symphony, one of the most well-known and best loved pieces of music ever composed by Wolfgang Mozart. After the interval we have a real treat in a concert version of Vienna's definitive romantic operetta and still an international favourite for its sparkle and tunefulness - The Merry Widow by Franz Lehàr.
Tickets £14, Under 17s £1 - including glass of wine/soft drink (Reserved seating)
Seating plan can be seen here or at the Box Office

Sunday 20th July

Festival Walk

To Grimsdyke

11.45 am for prompt start at 12-noon Meet by the Pond, St James Church, High Street.
A walk of about 5 miles from Bushey village to Grimsdyke. Bring a picnic to enjoy along the way. Join us for what is usually a mass exodus into the countryside! Suitable for people of all ages but there may be some fallen trees to climb over, so NOT suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Inquiries to David Bearfield, tel: 020 8950 4950
Organised by Bushey and District Footpaths Association

Dog Show in the Park

12-Noon King George Recreation Ground
Pedigree and novelty classes. Best in show wins photograph with Mayor and Mayoress of Hertsmere. Free goody bags. For entry forms & details, contact Shaz Setoudeh, tel: 020 8207 7568
Organised as a Kennel Club Companion Show by Hertsmere Community Services

Flower Festival

11 am - 5.30 pm St James Church, High Street
See Friday18th for details
Refreshments available

Songs of Praise

6.30 pm St James Church, High Street
A joyful conclusion to the Bushey Festival and the opportunity to sing some well-known hymns amid the beautiful flower arrangements.