It’s 1914. British entertainment is down on its uppers and actor-manager Lena Ashwell has a theatre but no audience.
So she assembles a motley bunch of ‘turns’ and books a tour with a difference - for her Troupers won’t tread the boards of Old Blighty, but the muddy, bloody fields of France.
In a little-told story of the Great War, Troupers brings to life the amazingly audacious Concerts At The Front - a hitherto unsung war effort that’s full of guts, gusto and greasepaint. Who better to present this story than modern-day troubadors, Mikron Theatre.
What? Mikron Theatre presents Troupers
When? Friday , August 1, 7.30pm
Where? Ickenham Village Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, UB10 8DG
Cost? £11, concs £9
Contact: Caron Pascoe by calling 07710 698634 or email caronpascoe@hotmail.com
Join a celebration of Cranford’s heritage at a medieval camp with knights, sword fighting and craft demonstrations, costumed characters, storytelling and river dipping for children.
Refreshments will be served in the Cranford Park tea garden.
St Dunstan’s Church the Secret Garden and the historic stables will be open to the public.
Put your childhood memories of the park on a Memory Wall and bring along family photos to share with the Cranford Park Friends. Admission is free and children must be accompanied by an adult.
What? Cranford Park Remembers
When? Saturday , August 2. 11am - 4.30pm
Where? Cranford Country Park, Cranford, TW5 9RZ
Cost? Free to attend
Contact: Bob Barton of the Cranford Park Friends group at secretary@cranfordparkfriends.org
Anyone keen to try fishing can join in with the second free family fishing fun day. There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy with hourly introduction to fishing sessions alongside other free activities including river dipping, a bouncy castle, face painting and craft tent.
You will also have the chance to meet Keith Arthur, the presenter of Tight Lines on Sky TV, and speak to local anglers and angling associations about fishing in the borough.
The days are always very busy, and places for all activities including the fishing are offered on a first come, first served basis.
What? Family Fishing Day
When? Sunday , August 3. 9.30am - 3.30pm
Where? Little Britain Lake, Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JR
Cost? Free
Contact: Registration for fishing is on the day and all equipment, bait and rod license exemptions will be provided on a first come first served basis
Between July and December, Hillingdon Libraries are running a series of events to commemorate the centenary of the start of World War 1.
These events are intended to help local people learn about the contribution their area or their family has made to the First World War and to commemorate the sacrifices of those who took part.
At Uxbridge Library on Monday , August 4, an exhibition called Home Fires and Foreign Fields will open - showing the effects of the war on the people at home and the soldiers abroad.
Many items that will be on display have been lent by local people and show how the war is still remembered by family members today.
And on Monday night, St John’s Church in Royal Lane, Hillingdon, and the Eastcote Royal British Legion are joining the national British Legion’s Lights Out event.
The church is holding a candlelit vigil from 10pm-11pm with readings, poetry and music. All are welcome.
Eastcote RBL asks residents to join a candlelit vigil at Eastcote War Memorial in Field End Road from 10.50pm - 11.10pm in remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting in the First World War.
