Wartime tales at Storytelling Cafe

In 1916, as soldiers died and volunteers grew scarce, the British government began the first ever mass conscription of its own citizens. Of millions called up, 16,000 claimed the new right to conscientious objection, so many that the state didn’t know what to do with them.

As their world collapsed, they suffered ridicule, torture and imprisonment, their stand splitting families and communities. Drawing on first-hand accounts, letters, diaries and memoirs, storyteller and former peaceworker Simon Heywood and drut’syla (Yiddish storyteller) Shonaleigh bring the voices of these conscientious objectors out of the silence.

Tickets cost £7 and can be bought by calling Storytelling Cafe on 01629 580023, or you can pay on the door.

Delicious cakes and savoury snacks are available and you can bring your own bottle. The Café is in The Imperial Rooms, Matlock. Doors open at 6.45pm, and the show begins at 7.30pm.

n Tansley Film will be showing Captain Phillips (12A) in Tansley Village Hall on Tuesday, October 7.

The film is a tense thriller exploring the 2009 hijacking of the US container ship by Somali pirates. The film is directed by Paul Greengrass and offers Tom Hanks a showcase for yet another brilliant performance.

Tom Hanks is Richard Phillips, a marine captain. He is about to pilot an American container vessel on a hazardous 10 day journey around the Horn of Africa.

He has received emails warning him of pirate attacks from Somalia.

Meanwhile, in a Somali fishing village, fisherman Muse and his village are being terrorised by a local warlord. The latter commands that Muse, played by newcomer Barkhad Abdi, they attack and hijack the expedition.

The film focuses on the relationship between the ship’s and pirates’ captains.

Screening of the film starts at 7.30pm.

Refreshments are available from 7pm. No membership is required.

The cinema has comfortable, upholstered seats, high definition projection on a 3.5 metre screen and clear, rich sound. Tickets cost £4.

Please book in advance to avoid disappointment - email [email protected] or phone 01629 584243/07748 545287.