Wednesday 12 December 2007

Something fishy happening in Priory Gardens

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.”

Friday 21 September 2007

Riverbank writers are born

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/

Wednesday 8 August 2007

Local sculptor commissioned to create new benches

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



The Gazette & Herald 02.08.07 coverage of the festival day




The Star 19.07.07 - coverage of the schools exhibition

Friday 3 August 2007

More festival pictures..

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!

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/

Friday 27 July 2007

Keep thinking positve and sunny vibes #2

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!