RECLAIM OUR RIVER

Something fishy happening in Priory Gardens

2007-12-12T03:11:00.000-08:00

photo taken by Pete Davison, Secret Agent Marketing

‘Something fishy’ happening at Priory Gardens

THERE’S something fishy going on at Priory Gardens in Marlborough, where a year-long lottery-funded scheme has seen an overgrown riverbank transformed into a riparian marvel.

Two trout-shaped benches are being installed as part of the final phase of the Reclaim Our River project. Carved from oak logs from the Marlborough area, the benches will stand as testament to what the project is all about: ecology, art and a love and respect for the River Kennet.

The benches have been created by wood sculptors Raymond Wirick and Tim Trowbridge, from their workshop just outside Marlborough. Each bench has taken 50 hours to craft, and even installation of the heavy pieces will take a couple of days.

Raymond explained: “The benches are unique. Because they are created from natural materials using chainsaws, no two will ever be the same. They were created specifically for this project. I submitted a number of ideas, including herons and other animals, but everyone loved the trout; it was a no-brainer.”

Charlotte Hitchmough from Action for the River Kennet, one of the partner organisations behind Reclaim Our River, said: “One of the benefits of the river restoration is that trout have returned to the Marlborough stretch of the Kennet, so the trout theme seemed ideal.
“We’re very excited about these benches. They mark the end of a year’s hard work and are also the first public installation of work by Raymond, so we’re very honoured by that.”

Riverbank writers are born

2007-09-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

photograph by David Uttley

Riverbank Writers was born 18th September 2007 at its first meeting in the Castle and Ball, High Street, Marlborough

The session was hosted by local writer Jon Cannon on behalf of Kennet Valley Arts Trust as part of the Lottery Funded ‘Reclaim Our River’ project

6 local people came along to find out more and during the course of open discussions it was decided to set up as a creative writing group who will meet once a week every Wednesday 6pm-8pm at the Sun Inn

To find out more about the group and how their work progresses follow this link to the blog

http://riverbankwriters.wordpress.com/

Local sculptor commissioned to create new benches

2007-08-08T04:18:00.000-07:00

Local based artist Ray Wirick has been commissioned to carve and install 2 trout themed benches for the Priory Gardens.

Ray uses locally sourced wood to make his creations. You can check out more of his work at his website http://www.mstudiogallery.net/chainsaw_carving.html

Please do post your feedback about the designs here on the blog or email to annastan@hotmail.com

STOP PRESS - Local press coverage of the project

2007-08-08T03:32:00.000-07:00

The Gazette & Herald 02.08.07 coverage of the festival day

The Star 19.07.07 - coverage of the schools exhibition

More festival pictures..

2007-08-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

More choice moments from the day....

Val expressing her gratitude for the sun and all that drumming!

Tee short painting courtesy of Romey at Crackpot Ceramics http://www.crackpotceramics.co.uk/

Graeme and Pa-Modou from Rythmn Works drumming school http://www.rhythmworks.co.uk/

Members of the public enjoy spotting river wildlife at the ARK stand

Some go in for a closer look

Photos taken on the day by David Pearson http://www.flickr.com/photos/platdujour/

Festival Day a huge success - and sunny too!

2007-08-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

The festival day was sunny, well attended and a success. After a week of heavy rain and uncertainty about whether or not we would need to move indoors the stormy weather shifted and the sun blessed us with a pretty much full day of sunshine.

A BIG THANK YOU to all who took part on the day from stallholders, performers, eco campaigners and those from the local community who can along and joined in. We had visitors from as far away as Sheffield, Kent and London on the day!!

Pa-Modou carving his mask

Wood carving on Ray and Tim's stand

Watch its a flying polar bear! Well a polar bear flyering for 'Lucky the Polar Bear' a theatre show by Flying Pizza Company about the dangers of Global warming http://www.flyingpizza.net/

Charlotte at the ARK stand

Anna, Val and Pa-Madoyu

Anna and The Town Crier

Alice Balance

The selection of photos were taken by David Pearson on the day http://www.flickr.com/photos/platdujour/

Keep thinking positve and sunny vibes #2

2007-07-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

I am excited to say that we have been granted the use of the Priory Gardens for tomorrow's festival. I have been working with the Town Council this week during the heavy downpours to decide if it was safe for the land and public to have access tomorrow.

Well indeed this morning the sun has come out and we have decided to go ahead in the gardens for tomorrow - Plan B still stands should the weather change over the course of the day.

Plan B will be in the Marlborough Scout Hut, end of George Lane by the roundabout for the A34.

I can say I am very relieved to say the least.

Anna x

Check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/whereilive/yourarea/ and type in postciode SN8 1LH and it showing max 21 degrees for tomorrow!

Keep thinking positive and sunny vibes

2007-07-20T11:23:00.001-07:00

I have just found this via the web (thanks to a rather larger outdoor event than ours - Global Gathering)

I am visualising sunny weather and happy faces for the day.

Yours ever hopefully - Anna x

Artist/Children's book illustrator confirmed for festival day

2007-07-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Jasmine Mercer has just confirmed she will be taking

part on the festival day

Born and bred in Marlborough Jasmine is a highly talented

and versatile artist and illustrator from all things from

children's books to advertising.

She plans to sell a selection of her work on the day from handmade cards through to prints.

You can check out her work at her website http://www.treefrogillustration.co.uk/

Image shown called 'Tending the Flowers'

Free yoga taster sessions confirmed

2007-07-19T05:16:00.000-07:00

Keef Miles has confirmed he will be able to take part of the festival day!!!

Reclaim Our River Festival

Saturday 28th July 2007

Priory Gardens, Off High Street Marlborough Wiltshire

Drop-in sessions throughout the day – follow the signs for “The Yoga Spot”

All abilities welcome (over age of 11 yrs old)

11am – 11.30am
12.30pm – 1pm
1.45 – 2.15pm
3.30pm – 4pm
4.30pm – 5pm

Keef teaches Anusara style of yoga – stepping into the rhythm of nature.

Giving you a chance to take time out in your day
and connect with your body and breath

Keef’s teaching style is about playfulness and celebration

Yoga mats will be provided. Do bring your own if you wish.

For more details about the taster sessions or Keef’s other classes and workshopsM. 07834 703 127 pranamotion@yahoo.co.uk

First spotting of Lucky The Polar Bear...

2007-07-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

This is the first sighting of Lucky the Polar Bear - Flying Pizza's newest play which will be showing as part of the Reclaim Our River festival day.

Performances are free and run from 11.30am and 2.30pm. Suitable for all the family. Bring rugs/picnic blankets to really enjoy the play in style!

For more information about Flying Pizza theatre company at http://www.flyingpizza.net/

Friends of the Earth support project

2007-07-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Earth are joining in to support
the Reclaim Our River project by giving us free advertising space on their community webpage.

They are also despatching a postal pack of information leaflets for the festival.

Check out the link http://community.foe.co.uk/events/#20070716130236Z

http://community.foe.co.uk/ is Friends of the Earth's website for local campaigning. Take a look!

If you know of any other local, regional or national green, environmentally friendly groups who might want to join in with us on 28th July - drop me a line annastan@hotmail.com

Cheerio - Anna

Latest event added to Festival day....

2007-07-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Fly Pizza Theatre Company will be

attending the Reclaim Our River Festival day.

You will be able to see their latest play

'Lucky The Polar Bear'

Meet Lucky the Polar Bear at the Priory Gardens, Marlborough
Saturday 28 July 11.30am & 2.30pm
FREE

A musical show by Flying Pizza Theatre Company.
Lucky and the ghost of an Inuit, Knut, travel to the Big
City to tell people the ice is melting. They need the people's help for it to freeze again.
Enjoy with your family and friends – it' s free and all ages are welcome! Bring a picnic, rugs, etc.

http://www.flyingpizza.net/

Exhibition opens tonight!!

2007-07-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

Exhibition of Schools art project created with James Aldridge opens tonight - your chance to see how the children got inspired by trips down to the riverbank restoration in Priory Gardens.

13th July Private view from 3.10-5pm

14th July Open to the general public 11am - 3pm

Venue: St Peter's Dance and Drama Studio, St. Peter's Junior School, The Parade, Marlborough

Schools workshops update

2007-07-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today saw the last of the practical sessions with the 3 local schools, with all children involved having visited the restored area of riverbank, and documented their experiences in different creative ways.

Children from St Mary's school began with working into clay tablets at the riverside, moving on to making individual sculptures from clay and found materials, then culminating in the creation of a giant nest-sculpture this morning.....

Children and staff from Preshute school were equally enthusiastic, using their experience along the riverbank as a trigger to research the wildlife of the Kennet and make headresses and masks based on them.

All the work will be available to view at the 'Reclaim Our River' exhibition, private view Friday 3.10 to 5.00 p.m. and public viewing 11.00 to 3.00p.m. this weekend at St Peters Drama studio, The Parade, Marlborough.... see you there!

Schools Exploring with Art

2007-06-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Friday 22nd June...
The final day with St Peters' school saw the children designing and creating colourful, tactile covers for their books, and adding further layers of text, materials and imagery to the pages inside, continuing to reflect on their experiences along the river bank. Its been great to work with such an engaged, enthusiastic group of young people.

Thursday 21st June...
After braving the rain, and saving a young jackdaw from drowning, we wandered the banks of the Kennet through the town, to discuss the riverbank restoration, and for the children to document their individual interests, thoughts and feelings about the condition of the river, and its wildlife.
Each child combined photography, drawing, writing, rubbings and found objects in their books to create beautifully rich and vibrant records of their visit.

Tuesday 19th June....
A great session at St Peters today, with enthusiastic children and staff all round. Some great books have been made, ready to be filled with the children impressions and thoughts of the river, later this week.

Monday 18th June....
Tomorrow sees the start of the schools workshops with a session at St Peter's school. Designed to tie in with the schools' own curriculum and the aims of 'Reclaim the River' we will be designing and creating sketchbooks from a range of recycled materials that the children can use to document their explorations of the river later this week.
All of the projects have been designed in partnership with the individual schools and set up to enable the children to explore the river corridor and reflect on their experiences in a creative way.... with river-themed wearable sculptures at Preshute and tactile multi-sensory works from clay and found materials with St Mary's.

STOP PRESS Find out about Reclaim Our River Events

2007-06-18T06:39:00.001-07:00

Reclaim Our River project has being given a major promotional opportunity by being included in the fist 'More To Do In Marlborough' events guide.

8,000 of the brochure are being printed as I type and following this link with give you a sneek preview of whats to come;

http://www.riverbank.org.uk/cms/assets/more%20to%20do%20in%20marlborough%202007.pdf

The brochure is an extension of the exisiting Kennet Valley Arts Trust bi-annual newsletter with the wider idea of promoting all that is going in Marlborough in the coming months.

The brochure was sourced by Mora Abell and Sarah Townsend Rose, designed and edited by Louisa Davison for Secret Agent Marketing. Thanks to funding from KVAT, People's Millions Lottery and local companies and Noel Shuttleworth and an anonymous donor. whose generous sponsorship made the brochure come to life!

2007-06-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
I loved the open river walk on Sunday and managed to draw for a couple of hours. I had wanted to draw this particular scene since last years walk and the weather was perfect for it. I have done several drawings of the river at various points and must say that few places can rival the beauty of such a quinisentialy English landscape. The intimate and personal scale of the valley with its mix of domestic,farming and sporting use along with the blending of natural and man managed habitat make it a miniature jewel. It constantly surprises as each bend unfolds from tranquil countryside to powerful current. I hope I will be able to sit and draw this beautiful place for many more years.

Bill

2007-06-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

Decline plastic bags whenever possible.

Six tips from the experts.

1. Smile and say no.

2. Body language.

Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Chest out. Standing strong and firm puts you on even eye level and creates a psychological advantage. The first one who blinks is a loser.

3. Interrupt.

Try: “I’m really sorry; I’m going to have to interrupt you. I won’t be needing a plastic bag thank you very much.”

4. Pre-empt.

“Hi there! You’re going to ask me if I want a plastic bag aren’t you? Well, it’s ok, because I don’t.”

5. Strike early.

Say it loud and say it proud. “I need to let everyone know that I don’t want to use a plastic bag. They take 500 years to biodegrade.”

6. Give your reasons.

“Plastic bags are yesterday’s news.”

“The plastic bag is dead.”

“Plastic bags make trees look messy.”

To find out more visit us at www.wearewhatwedo.org and check out the poster at http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/downloads/downloads/WAWWD-shop-wars-poster.pdf

Local Community Artist - James Aldridge

2007-06-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

James Aldridge, resident of Figgins Lane, and community artist has been engaged with Kennet Valley Arts Trust to design and deliver a series of creative workshops with the children of local schools - St. Mary's, St. Peter's and Preshute, Manton

If you want sneek preview of the work he creates with other groups and in his own right as an artist please take a look at his website http://www.jamesaldridge-artist.co.uk/

James will be at the exhibition of the children's work 14th July 2007 11am-3pm at St. Peter's School Dance and Drama studio.

Thanks to St.Peter's School for the in-kind use of the studio.

ARK River Walk 10th June 2-5.pm

2007-06-08T04:21:00.001-07:00

ARK River walk 10th June 2007 from 2pm until 5pm, starting at Elcot Lane in Marlborough. Teas will be served half way. Come and join us!

See more details via the link below

http://www.riverkennet.org/events.htm

Local artist Bill Cox invited to share his visions

2007-06-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Following on from Bill's enquiry about being part of the Festival it turns out that Bill is away for that weekend.

Reclaim Our River have invited Bill to share his artwork with us via the blog - he often takes inspiration from the River Kennet - which is very much at the heart of this project.

We hope that you enjoy seeing and appreciating Bill's vision via the blog. We encourage you to add your thoughts and feedback.

For those you joining ARK for their river walk this Sunday 10th June Bill plans to be there.

Plastic Ain't Our Bag - www.wearewhatwedo.org

2007-06-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

This one is for Val - is my travels to create the Festival on 28th July I have come across a new campaign against plastic bag. Which Val Compton will tell you is one of the biggest causes of rubbish and health issues for the River Kennet. I have been in touch with www.wearewhatwedo.org and asked for a promotion pack to include for stall holders as part of the festival and invited them to take a stall....watch this space for an update.
Check out this article - it warms the cockles of my heart to see people actioning change in this way
http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/news_events/newsarticle.php?pid=1250&article=N

Festival 11am - 5pm 28th July 2007

2007-06-06T03:15:00.001-07:00

Here is your chance to come down and get involved with re-planting the riverbank with ARK and BTCV volunteers. Try you hand out at arts and crafts stalls, open air yoga, watch chainsaw sculpting and learn more about how to protect the environment with Action for the River Kennet, Friends of the Earth and Yatesbury Organic Farm

The workshop sessions will run throughout the day so bring the family, a picnic and spend the day with us.

You will have a chance to see how the £50,000 Big Lottery funded People's Millions funding has been invested in Priory Gardens to make it a safer, greener and more pleasant place to be!

2007-06-06T03:01:00.000-07:00

Reclaim Our River free advert

Many thanks to Marlborough Open Studios for partnering with us to co-promote both projects. The MOS will gain in kind coverage within the More To Do in Marlborough Brochure (more in the coming weeks!)

Reclaim Our River

Dates for you diaries

Friday 13th July 2007 5pm
Deadline for submission of completed stallholder information forms, stall deposits, any public liability insurance documentation and notification of local authority permission to sell food publicly.

Please return to
Reclaim Our River Festival
c/o Anna Sexton, Project Leader
KVAT Unit B2 Wagon Yard,
Off London Road, Marlborough Sn8 1LH
01980 670 036 annastan@hotmail.com

Saturday 14th July 2007 11am – 3pm
Additional to the festival day a series of community arts workshops are being run by local artist James Aldridge in St. Mary’s, St. Peter’s and Preshute Primary Schools.
An exhibition will be open to the public to view. Please come and show support for the younger artists of the town.

Venue: St. Peter’s Dance and Drama Studio.

Thursday 21st June, 28th June, 19th July 2007 TBC 26th July 2007 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Additional to the festival local writer Jon Cannon is running a series of adult creative writing workshops.

Venue: Marlborough Library, High Street

To book a place or for more information please call Jon 07768 234 168 / KVAT Box office 01672 516 480

Wednesday 8th August 2007 7pm venue in Marlborough Azuza Café Bar

Stallholder and project workers post festival drinks and informal evaluation session

Your chance to come and celebrate your part in creating the festival, give your feedback on what worked and what we could do differently the next time and a chance to talk about whether making Reclaim Our River a part of the calendar of events is viable given what we learnt. This is not an obligatory event