Saturday, September 21, 2013

Artists Apply for Funds through ACT Development Programme's & Arts News



The ACT Development Programme’s current funding cycle will come to a close on 30 September.

Funded by Nedbank Arts Affinity, this Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) programme is designed to enhance the continued development of arts and culture in South Africa. In particular, the ACT Development Programme is aimed at the continued advancement of artistic excellence in creative production and development of new South African work, professional development and training for the youth.

Open for applications on an on-going basis, the ACT Development Programme makes once-off grants up to a maximum of R 50,000 available for disbursement. In support of the development of new South African work, the development of arts professionals and projects involved in arts training for the youth, individual artists, arts and culture organisations and small creative businesses are invited to submit applications for funding.

To encourage growth and innovation within the arts and culture sector, all expressions of art including, but not limited to, literature, theatre, dance, craft, music, new media and visual art projects across South Africa will be considered for support. The current funding cycle come to a close on the 30th of September 2013, with the outcome available on 13 November 2013.

The next funding cycle closes on 31 January 2014, and the outcome will be available by the 15 March 2014. For more information on the ACT Development Programme or to submit an online application, please visit the website atwww.act.org.za.

Please note that the decision of the ACT Board of Trustees with regard to all applications for funding is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier independent arts, culture and heritage funding and development agency. ACT strives to increase funding opportunities within the arts sector, to support sustainable cultural projects and, ultimately, to contribute to social development more broadly. To receive updates follow ACT on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/actorgza or like the Trust’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arts-Culture-Trust-ACT/162339817162875

In order for the ACT office to process applications for consideration by the ACT Board of Trustees, the following information is required:

1. Name of the project
2. Name of the organisation
3. Name of the person submitting the application
4. Detailed contact information
5. Geographical region in which the project will take place
6. Municipal area in which the project will take place
7. The amount of funding requested from ACT
8. Project start and end date
9. Conformation of arts discipline (Arts Administration, Arts Education, Community Art, Craft, Dance, Heritage, Literature, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts or Multi-Disciplinary)
10. A 60-word description of the project for which funds are being requested
11. A more detailed description of the project for which funds are being requested (maximum 300 words)
12. Information about the organisation/individual implementing the project
13. Confirm income and sponsorships from other sources

The above information can be submitted online at www.act.org.za (preferred) or submitted manually via e-mail to projects@act.org.za, by fax on 086+ 505 0240 or by post to The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), PO Box 31309, Braamfontein, 2017.

(Source - Pansa) 



17th Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival 14-19 October 2013

The 17th Poetry Africa – International Poetry Festival presented in partnership with the City of Durban and the KZN Department of Arts and Culture is proud to announce the festival line-up, which promises to be an exhilarating showcase of diverse voices and sounds. Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) to take place from 14-19 October, this festival is a critical platform for self-expression that offers a space for cultural exchange in the city of Durban.

The festival’s line-up features a ground-breaking poetry project – a 12 track recorded album entitled Insurrections – featuring poets and ethnomusicologists from India and South Africa. The project sees the rich sounds of the Indian music tradition blend with African instruments accompanying radical poetry from both continents. The Insurrections ensemble will be performed by musicians Sumangala Damodaran (India), Jürgen Brauninger (South Africa), Neo Muyanga (South Africa), Pritam Ghoshal (India), Brydon Bolton (South Africa), Bettina Schouw (South Africa), Sazi Dlamini (South Africa) and Paki Peloeole (South Africa). The poetry contingent for Insurrections will comprise of Ari Sitas (South Africa), Malika Ndlovu (South Africa), Sabita TP (India) and Vivek Narayanan (India). The ensemble will perform on Thursday, 17 October.

Keeping with the musical theme of this year’s edition, the festival will feature five poets who also work as recording musicians. Kabomo Vilakazi is a singer, songwriter and actor who also features in South African poetry circles. Nominated four times for the SAMAs and a former editor of youth culture magazine Y-Mag, his credentials in the entertainment industry are indeed formidable. Kalawi Jazmee artist Busiswa Gqulu returns to Poetry Africa in the middle of her impressive reign on the music charts throughout Africa. She first graced the Poetry Africa stage as part of the all-women poetry collective Basadzi Voices in 2008 and has also performed solo in 2010. South African poet Natalia Molebatsi is also a writer, facilitator and programme director who recently founded a South African-Italian music project with the band Soul Making. Her poetry is published in the books We Are. (2008) and Sardo Dance (2009). Durban-born poet, performer and MC (Ashleigh La Foy) is well-known on Durban stages for both her poetry and her musical prowess. Having earned her stripes as a female rapper, she will indulge Durban audiences with her poetic oeuvre ahead of her much-anticipated debut album. Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Pura Lavisa is a writer, performer and poet whose musical arrangements incorporate percussion and African sounds. Lavisa will be presenting a collection of poems mostly in isiXhosa.

Returning to the Poetry Africa stage, well-respected Soweto-born dub-poet and writer, Lesego Rampolokeng, will deliver an infectious brand of poetry influenced by Black Consciousness and rooted in the lived experience of people on the margins. Also from Soweto, Khulile Nxumalo will present works from his first title ten flapping elbows, mama and his latest collection fhedzi, published by Die Hard Press. Critically acclaimed, Nxumalo was twice named the recipient of the DALRO prize for poetry. Nigerian-born poet Kole Odutola will also be reading his latest work at the festival. Odutola teaches at the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Florida and has published extensively both in academia and literature. Another participant with a background in teaching languages is Kobus Moolman, based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Moolman’s latest collectionLeft Over is currently enjoying rave reviews in the press and his performance will allow an eager Durban audience a chance to celebrate his vast canon of works.

Johannesburg-based performance and slam poet Mandi Poefficient Vundla forms part of the Word n Sound collective and is featured on the online and print publications of Poetry Potion. Crowned ‘Queen of the Word and Sound Mic’ in 2012, she has graced numerous poetry stages including Arts Alive and Jozi Book Fair. Another young female voice featured in the line-up is Sanelisiwe Ntuli, a wordsmith from Hammersdale who writes and performs in isiZulu. Ntuli is a graduate of the Kwesukela Storytelling Academy and regularly features as a storyteller and voice artist on educational programmes of Ukhozi FM. Also writing in isiZulu is Professor Langalibalele F. Mathenjwa is holding a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy from UNISA. He is a published writer of isiZulu poetry, novels, short stories and folklore and has chair Usiba Writers Guild, South African . Geographical Names Council, IsiZulu National Language Body and the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names-Africa South Division.

Four poets from the Irish poetry collective O’Bheal will present their work at the festival. This contingent consists of Paul Casey, Afric McGinchey, Billy Ramsel and American-born Raven. Completing the international line-up will be Ian Kamau (Canada), Barnabe Laye (Benin) and Raphael d'Abdon (Italy/ South Africa). Kamau is a writer, visual artist, hip hop and spoken word artist from Toronto, whose discography lists five collections, including the popular album One Day Soon (2011). He will be presenting additional workshops in advance of the festival. A poet and novelist, Laye has published a dozen books and is the recipient of the Nelligan Prize his lifetimes work. His most recent work is entitled Poems in Absent, a long wait (2010). D’Abdon is an Italian scholar, writer, editor and translator and a post-doctoral fellow in the English Studies Department at UNISA. As an editor, D’Abdon recently published Marikana - A Moment in Time, as well as an anthology of poetry about the massacre and his own collection, Sunnyside Nightwalk.

The festival’s community outreach programme will see poets visit over twenty community centres, campuses and tertiary education departments across Durban and beyond. In addition, participating poets will visit twenty schools to discuss reading, writing and the performance aspects of poetry.
For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 260 2506.
Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the 17th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The CCA is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

(Source - Poetry Africa) 


Theatre News

Spotlight on Prof Pieter Scholtz
DUT September Children’s Theatre Festival
Courtyard Theatre, DUT: 17 - 21 September
The third annual DUT Children’s Theatre Festival which takes place at the Courtyard Theatre from 17 – 21 September will profile renowned children’s theatre writer extraordinaire, and theatre doyen, Prof. Pieter Scholtz.
The plays are aimed at primary schools (Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) and will be performed by first-year Drama Studies students.
The festival takes place at the DUT Drama Department, Courtyard Theatre, Steve Biko Road (old Mansfield Road).Secure parking is available at gate 5. Ticket price R 20 per person, block booking R 10 (group of 10)
For more information contact Pamela Tancsik (Cell: 0824031707) or call the Departmental Secretary, Lebohang Sibisi on (031) 3732194 / lebohangs@dut.ac.za.


Shall We Dance turns 21!!
Playhouse Opera: 13 – 21 September
The ever-popular Shall We Dance Ballroom and Latin American showcase presents its comprehensive annual dance extravaganza which features approximately 100 of the region’s most exciting dancers as well as top award-winning industry professionals, in the Playhouse Opera for a short season from 13 - 21 September.
Shall We Dance once more promises to delight audiences with its carefully-chosen mix of quality dance – with an underlying Ballroom and Latin American feel. Featured styles  besides Ballroom and Latin are Ballet; Belly Dance; Hip-Hop; Line Dance; Modern; Spanish, and Tap. The MC is once again East Coast Radio's Damon Beard.
This annual showcase came into being in 1991, and is probably the longest enduring annual production in Durban, if not in South Africa. It is presented by the Playhouse Company in association with the South African Dance Teachers’ Association, with a supporting grant from Business and Arts South Africa.  Direction is by Neville Letard and Caryl Cusens.
For information about charity performances and to book, call Computicket on 0861 915 8000.


(Source - Pansa) 

Article by +Fred Felton 




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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

BBM available on Android and iPhone from September 21




BBM - the iconic mobile social network - will begin rolling out for Android and iPhone customers around the world from September 21.Previously exclusive to BlackBerry smartphones, BBM will be available as a free download in Google Play and the App Store.

Customers will be able to download BBM by visiting www.BBM.com from their smartphone browser.

BBM for Android and iPhone features:
BBM Chat – Enjoy real, immediate conversations with friends on Android, iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones. Not only does BBM let you know that your message has been delivered and read, it also shows you that your friend is responding to the message.

More than chat – With BBM you can share files on your phone such as photos and voice notes, all in an instant.

Keep your group in the loop – Multi-person chats are a great way to invite contacts to chat together. BBM Groups lets you invite up to 30 friends to chat together, and go a step further than multi-chat by sharing photos and schedules. And, with Broadcast Message, you can send a message out to all your BBM contacts at once.

Post Updates and stay in the know – BBM lets you post a personal message, profile picture and your current status, and lets your contacts know instantly in Updates.

Your unique PIN – Every BBM user has a unique PIN that maintains your privacy, so you don’t have to give out your phone number or email address to a new or casual contact.

BBM will be available as a free download for Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean (Android 4.x) beginning at 7AM EDT on September 21. BBM for iPhones running iOS 6 and iOS 7 will become available for each market on the App Store schedule of 12:01 AM local time on September 22. For more information, or to download BBM for Android or iPhone, visit www.BBM.com.
BBM will continue to evolve quickly. Later this year, BBM Channels will provide a forum for active, real conversations between you and the people, brands, celebrities, artists, service providers, communities and more, that matter to you. By creating a Channel, individuals and brands can engage their friends and communities in conversations sparked by their thoughts, ideas and passions. Subscribing to a Channel will let you join conversations with people who share your interests. In addition, BBM Video calling and BBM Voice calling are planned for availability for Android and iPhone in a future version.

(Source - Blackberry) 
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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Winners of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year regional Awards in Northern Region


All the winners



2013 CSI/Sustainability winner
Sipho Kings, Mail & GuardianBio fuel plant backfires on community

2013 Financial/Economic winner
Jacques Pauw, Rapport/City Press, Nes van bedrog

2013 Online winner
Greg Marinovich, The Daily Maverick, The murder fields of Marikana

2013 Photography winners
Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters, Marikana; and
Herman Verwey, News24, Rise and fall of Oscar Pistorius
2013 Print Feature winner
Thanduxolo Jika, Andrew Trench, Athandiwe Saba, Leon Sadiki, Loyiso Sidimba, Lucas Ledwaba, Nicki Gules, Sipho Masondo, Sizwe Yende, Media24 Investigations/City Press/Graphics24, Faces of Marikana

2013 Print News winners
Rob Rose, Mzilikazi Wa Afrika, Stephan Hofstatter, Sunday Times, Dina Pule (body of work)

2013 Radio Feature winner
Melini Moses, SAFMLolly Lounges: Dens of iniquity

2013 Radio News winner
Gia Nicolaides, Talk Radio 702Marikana

2013 Sport winner
Sameer Naik, Saturday Star, Team South Africa’s golden road to London

2013 Television Feature winners
Mpho Lakaje, Dzivhuluwani Ramabulana, Eurishka Nadesan, ETV, Against All Odds with Mpho Lakaje – Sheri Brynard

2013 Television News winner
Luxolo Xoli Mngambi, eNCA, Minutes before the Marikana massacre happened

2013 Editor’s choice winner
Herman Scholtz, Media24/Huisgenoot/You, Scholtz was nominated by Yvonne Beyers

Maya Makanjee from Vodacom says, “Congratulations to all the winners in the Northern region, and we look forward to welcoming you at the national finals, which will be a celebration of the best in journalism in South Africa.”

(Source - Vodacom) 

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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Theatre news & Felix the movie opens Friday



Theatre News

The Rocky Horror Show extends till 2014

The Fugard Theatre's recent announcement, that their production of Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show would extend to the end of October, has resulted in a further massive demand for tickets and the Theatre has now extended the production, for one final time, to 12 January 2014 to run through the holiday season.

For more information go to:


Pro Helvetia is seeking a Programme Manager

Pro Helvetia is seeking to appoint a Programme Manager in the Johannesburg office. The post is a full time position starting on 1 February 2014.
Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, is a foundation under public law, funded by the Federal Government of Switzerland. Pro Helvetia promotes artistic creation in Switzerland as well as networking and cultural exchange abroad. Since 1998 Pro Helvetia has run a liaison office in South Africa.


The 48hour Film Project

More than 60,000 people on six continents will spend a wild, sleepless weekend this year creating short films at breakneck speed as part of The 48 Hour Film Project. The 48 Hour Film Project brings together contestants from all walks of life fuelled by imagination, ingenuity, energy drinks and dreams of being the BEST FILMMAKER in the WORLD.

An expected 162 crews, totalling over 1,500 people will swarm Durban, Gaborone, Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town to create a winning film. “The 48 Hour Film Project has truly spread to all corners of the globe, proving that filmmakers anywhere can make a movie, especially if they're left with too little time to doubt themselves," said Langston, co-executive producer of The 48 Hour Film Project.

(Source - Pansa) 


The South African Movie 'Felix' is in cinema's this Friday.



Watch the trailer here, then buy tickets via

 Nu Metro or Ster Kinekor


(Source - Felix the movie) 




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Thursday, September 5, 2013

South African Movie 'Felix' Making Waves Overseas


The South African Movie ' Felix' is going from strength to strength.



After winning the Audience Award at the Durban International Film Festival
it has been selected for BFI London Film Festival and three others.

“Being selected for Britain’s premier film festival is a huge honour and hopefully we’ll be able to announce a cinema release in London soon.” - Roberta Durrant - (Director of Felix) 

The good news for South Africa is that it will be in 40 South African cinemas
from 13 September 2013.

You can view the trailer here:


“A South African equivalent of Billy Elliott… a lovely, vibrant, feel-good film about a young township boy intent on following his dreams.”
Peter Machen, Durban International Film Festival

For more information, visit http://www.felixthemovie.com

(Source - Felix Publicity)


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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The inspiring story of Billions Rising


Have you heard of Billions Rising?

I first came across them when I saw a tweet from @WarrenWhitlock

Billions Rising is on a mission to document and highlight the efforts of people and organizations worldwide that are empowering people to become self-reliant.

They do this through a radio show, in-progress documentary and upcoming book.

They welcome your thoughts and suggestions about topics related to self-reliance.

If there is a person or group you think they should know about feel free to
leave a comment on their site:  http://billionsrising.com/

You can also tweet Warren Whitlock - https://twitter.com/WarrenWhitlock

(Source - Billion Rising)

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Saturday, August 31, 2013

Theatre, Arts & Event News Around South Africa


Theatre & Arts News Around South Africa

Chantel Erfort is looking for information for her Masters thesis. Her research topic is  The state of arts reporting in the South African community newspapers. Please help her by filling out the following questionnaire: http://www.pansa.org.za/research-into-arts-reporting-in-sa-community-newspapers


The fourteenth edition of LPM Live Performers Meeting begins on November 13, 2013 in Cape Town.
LPM offers the unique opportunity to experience 4 days of audiovisual performances, VJing, workshops, panel discussion, product showcases presented by hundreds of VJs, audiovisual artists, new media professionals and thinkers from around the world.
Live the LPM experience together with their staff! They are looking for enthusiastic people who wish to participate to a event unique in its kind: you will have the chance to be side by side with hundreds of artists, to participate in the organization of the event and to join the team!
As a volunteer they will provide you with:
  • 1 pass valid for all LPM activities (excluding paid workshops)
  • 1 additional pass for the night events and parties for a person of your choice
For the Application form go to: http://2013za.liveperformersmeeting.net/volunteers/


Workshops / Training

ImprovGuise is presenting a new improv workshop, which will be starting on Thursday 5 Sept and will run every Thurs until the 24 October from 630pm to 930pm at The Waterfront Theatre School. This course is for anyone with some performing experience, ranging from professional actors, to comedians, to part time performers with a knack.
For more information go to: http://www.improguise.co.za/?p=540


National Children's Theatre Spring Camp

Fun-filled educational days for children aged 7-17 from September 23 to 27.
For those who were not able to attend our Spring Camp in August, it’s time to enrol in our Spring Camp Programme for September! We have some new and exciting classes as well as a few which we have been begged to repeat (such as stage combat). All will contain basic techniques as well as group work.
GROUP 1- Children 7–9 covers the basics of singing, dancing and acting, puppet making, story- telling with musical instruments, and more.
GROUP 2 – Children 10-12 will also cover the basics of singing, dancing and acting, we have also included stage combat and mime for this age category
GROUP 3 – Children 13-17 will follow additional stepping stones towards a career in theatre, which covers singing, dancing with the addition of, amongst other topics, Shakespeare retold, mime and body language.
TIME: 09:00 to 12:00 daily
COST: R1000 for the week. We will provide the juice and biscuits.
VENUE: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown.
Please contact Cindy Gordon on 011 484 1584 or cindy@nctt.org.za if you wish to register or have any queries.
For further information visit our website on www.nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za


Events

The 2013 Dance Umbrella festival continues its 25th anniversary celebrations, which started in February, with ‘dancing all over Johannesburg'.
The Dance Umbrella festival programme of exceptional contemporary dance and choreography is presented by Dance Forum in association with the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival at various theatres from August 31 to September 14.

Dance Umbrella 2013 takes place in Johannesburg at various theatres from 31 August to 15 September. Tickets, from R60 – R100 are available through Computicket - 083 915 8000 /www.computicket.com. For block booking discounts and programme updates, please call 011 492 2033/0709 or email danceumbrella@danceforum.co.za / lindiwe@danceforum.co.za


This September, take a musical journey around the world with the Cape Town Youth Choir at the stunning Bishops Chapel.
Founded in 1997 under the name Pro Cantu, the Cape Town Youth Choir aims to provide an opportunity for young South Africans between the ages of 17 and 30 to sing in a choir of the highest international standards while delivering a moving musical experience to its audiences.
In this concert, their first solo performance of the year, they will perform their full repertoire which they will take to the World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia next year.

This concert will take place on Saturday 7 September 2013, at 19:30 at the beautiful Bishops Chapel (Bishops Diocesan Collage, Campground Road, Rondebosch). Pre-booked tickets cost R80 (adults) and R40 (pensioners, students and learners) and are available through Quicket (www.quicket.co.za). Tickets at the door will cost R90 (adults) and R50 (pensioners, students and learners).


(Source - Pansa) 


Witness Hilton Arts Festival turns 21!
Hilton College: 12 - 15 September 2013
KZN’s foremost and respected arts festivals: the annual Witness Hilton Arts Festival turns 21 this year and takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Hilton College from 12 - 15 September 2013.

The annual Witness Hilton Arts Festival is broadly considered to be KZN’s premier arts and culture festival and one of the top festivals in the country which consistently produces an unmatched programme of cutting-edge drama, comedy, music and music revue, as well as an impressive array of arts and crafts; master-classes and Mindscapes lectures  appealing to all who visit the festival each year.

All enquiries on 033 383 0126 /7 or theatre@hiltoncollege.com. Booking is open. Detailed information on www.hiltonfestival.co.za;  selected SPAR and SuperSPAR stores in KZN as well as selected theatres; art galleries; coffee shops and book stores; or like the Facebook page ~ Witness Hilton Arts Festival or follow the festival on Twitter ~ @HiltonFest.


Bulwer Food and Craft Lovers Market
Sun 8 Sept 2013
The Bulwer Food & Craft Lover’s Market will be run again on Sunday morning, 8 September, in Bulwer Park from 10am until 2pm. There will be a range of deli-items for an open air spring picnic brunch, and there will be gift ideas, décor inspirations, arts and crafts on sale. For more info – phone Tracey on 076 6760 760

For more information about the Glenwood Festival, phone the Glenwood Festival Info Line on 087 941 4614. For a detailed programme of events go to the website at www.glenwoodforum.org.za

Whole Food Night Market
Docklands Night Market – Durban Waterfront
Thursday 5 September: 5pm – 10pm
The Night Market  helps Durbanites to explore their city. They will be hosting an open air, alfresco design and decor market as the spring sun sets – from 5pm until 10pm at Three Cities Docklands Hotel on Thursday 5 September.

With the beautiful crisp spring evenings, the decision was to take the market outdoors for a while to star gaze while browsing! The idea is to contain the market in the Docklands Hotel’s charming courtyard. The range of products on display is evolving to focus on Durban’s top creatives and funky, cutting-edge design, handcrafted and bespoke items. The vendor mix will include lighting ideas, decor items, restoration services, furniture, fine artists, personal accessories... even a tattoo artist! 

The Docklands restaurant will also be open for dinner, and should browsers prefer a more formal supper and a fabulous fine dining experience inthe award-winning restaurant WODKA, serving a fusion of intercontinental cuisines in a New York-style bistro setting. There will also be food and beverage stalls available.

Three Cities Docklands Hotel can be found at the corner of Mahatma Gandhi and Browns Avenue. There is ample parking at Docklands– with additional security personnel on duty employed by the Market. For more info – phone Tracey on 076 6760 760

Essenwood Craft Market 
Essenwood park: Every Sat: 9am – 2pm
The region’s foremost craft, art, treasures and collectables market takes place every Saturday morning under the trees a stone’s throw away from Musgrave Centre. In-between shopping, there is a comprehensive tea garden with an array of brunch and tea time delights, as well as children’s activities and a playground.

(Source - Publicity Matters) 




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