Converge Newsletter Issue 9 - 10 Years On

CONVERGE ISSUE 9

2018

MUSIC | DANCE | CREATIVE WRITING | THEATRE | ART | RECOVERY | PUNK | TRAVEL | PUBLICATION | RESEARCH

Converge: the beginning.

By Nick Rowe

Editors:

The idea for what was to become Converge was born

•

Finlay Doyle

in the summer of 2007. As a lecturer in theatre, I need-

•

Matt Harper Hardcastle

•

Anna Lewis

ed to find placement opportunities for my students and so decided to work with a couple of them to offer a short course in theatre to local people with mental health problems. It was to be quite simply a course – not therapy – in a good quality University theatre space.

The focus would be on theatre not mental health. People who came would be students, not people with problems. Those ideas drove it forwards, and they still do.

Gemma Alldred, one of the students, was crucial to the development of Converge in those early years.

A Note From the Editor

By Finlay Doyle, 16th June 2018

The theatre course was successful and few months later Out Of Character was formed, giving their first performance later in the year. With the help of Nicola Forshaw in dance – and Simon Bolley, Hannah Crawford and Matt Dawson in music – we began to extend the model. About 18 months later, I asked my wife if she could think of a name for a project which conveyed the mutual interests of a University and a mental health service provider: she came up with 'Converge'.

It has been a long five years that brought me here, writing this, and the support and sincerity of Converge has been guiding every step. I went from using Converge as a creative outlet during a desperate time, to working on the newsletter alongside my degree at York St John.

Now, after bowing out for a year, I’m writing as the main editor, which is a strange thing to type.

This issue would not have been possible without Matthew Harper and Anna Lewis, who guided and propped me up through the process of bringing all this

Contact Details

talent into folded paper. It could not have been done, indeed, without all the amazing photographers, and all

www.yorksj.ac.uk/converge Email: converge@yorksj.ac.uk Tel: 01904 876902

of the staff and students who put up with me being an interfering busybody demanding their time and words.

I hope you enjoy this convergence of a year’s endeavours. If you are an old hand: I hope you contin-

Mob: 077 643 37116 https://www.facebook.com/converge.york/ https://twitter.com/ConvergeYork

ue to achieve amazing things. If this is your first contact with Converge: this is the beginning of a creative and fulfilling journey.

CONTENTS news ___________________________________________________________ 1 Recognition For Us All by Nick Rowe ___________________________________ 1 Words From the Well Of Wisdom by Anna Lewis __________________________ 2 Q&A With Laurie Farnell _____________________________________________ 3 The Tale Exchange by Cath Heinemeyer __________________________________ 5 Same Country, Different People by Sophie Warden _________________________ 6 Different Countries, Same People by Matt Harper-Hardcastle _________________ 7 Creative Writing Workshop by Helen Kenwright ___________________________ 8 In the Moment by Jane Allanach ________________________________________ 9 The Converge Evaluation and Research Team by Nick Rowe _________________ 11 The Story Exchange by Anne Marie Durkin _______________________________ 11 Report From Peppermill Court by Lucy Coleman ___________________________ 12 A Night For Kyra by Pat Miller _________________________________________ 14 Discover Courses by Matt Harper-Hardcastle ______________________________ 15 Tree Commemorating Converge’s 10 Year Anniversary by Nick Rowe__________ 17 Reviews ___________________________________________________________ 19 Hear My Voice: art for wellbeing by Sean Garvey __________________________ 19 Expanding Into New Territories by Emma McKenzie ________________________ 20 Brighton Rock by Sean Garvey _________________________________________ 21 Art _______________________________________________________________ 23 Creative Writing _____________________________________________________ 35 Punkgation To Punkability by Kev Paylor _________________________________ 35 Balloons by Timothy Wynn-Werninck ___________________________________ 36 The Art Gallery Haven by Anonymous ___________________________________ 37 A Haiku by Joanne ___________________________________________________ 38 Vale by Gavin Morris_________________________________________________ 39 Waiting Room by Bekhi Ostrowska______________________________________ 40 Title Unknown by Gavin Morris ________________________________________ 41

Upcoming____________________________________________________ 43 Eleanor Worthington Prize _____________________________________________ 43

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Recognition For Us All

By Nick Rowe

Last November a letter dropped on my mat. It was a good quality envelope, embossed with the sender's credentials: The Cabinet Office, 10 Downing Street. The letter asked if I would accept an MBE if offered. Of course, I was always going to accept despite the anachronism of a 'British Empire'. I was flattered and my mother would have loved it! But more importantly – and unknown to me – Hilary, the University and lots of others had made the application. I couldn't let them down. Most importantly, it was a wonderful recognition of what we had done.

The investiture at Buckingham Palace was a wonderful day, made extra special by the presence of my grandson who said later, "That was the best day of my life". I was awarded the medal by Prince William; I told him about Converge and invited him to visit.

I am very clear that this award would not have been possible without all the people who have made Converge work: I accepted it on their behalf.

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Words From the Well Of

In 2017 Converge produced its first publication – Words From the Well Of Wisdom by Laurie Farnell.

Wisdom

Laurie has been a student at Converge for many years,

By Anna Lewis

and a member of the Out of Character theatre company.

Since then he has become a mentor and an art tutor on the Drawing on Life course.

On the 1st of May, the book was officially launched at York Explore Library. The sold-out event featured music and poetry by Laurie, a performance from Communitas Choir, and quotes from the book read by members of Our of Character. The event was an engaging and interesting celebration of Laurie’s achievements, full of laughter, applause and wonderful words of wisdom.

Laurie’s book is available now on the York St John Website and YPD’s website (http://ypdbooks.com) for £7.50. His second book, will launch this Winter.

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Q&A With Laurie Farnell

Recorded at the Words From the Well Of Wisdom launch event on 1st May 2018 at York Explore

Q: What is Converge?

A: Based in York St John University, they offer many courses for people with mental health problems. It works for lots of different reasons. It works because you have friends there. It works because you feel part of a community and you’re encouraged all the time. It works because there are other people there who have mental health problems, but rarely go into those problems because they’re really focused on the learning. It’s the combination of these things that makes Converge work.

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Q: You have a really rich range of vocabulary: how did you develop that?

A: Probably through the frustration of not really having much of a vocabulary. I did read a lot, and that was the one way I could find some solace. I wrote on anything I could get my hands on. The problem was, I was walking around all the time, so I had to keep my books somewhere safe or they would get damaged. So when I did read, I consumed. But the creativity has come from my experiences. Reading is great, and you can learn a lot by reading, but the experiences make you who you are.

Q: What advice do you have for other poets?

A: There’s a word right now, ‘mindfulness’: to be aware of a moment. One of those things that I really savour as a poet is my sensitivity to the world around me. I’m able to pick up the slightest sense of something. Someone once said to me, “I’m really terrible, I’m just so sensitive!”, and I said to them “that’s a wonderful thing because that’s what we need.” We need to be sensitive: we live in a very insensitive world, and a poet is someone who taps into sensitivity and uses it in a positive way. Try to feel with all your senses.

Q: What inspires you most?

A: What inspires me is nature: because there’s so much we don’t know, and a lot to be discovered. I am a bit of an explorer, and I like to look at nature and try and learn something. I can spend a long time looking at a tree and trying to figure out this tree, and curiosity is very important. It’s the sensitivity, sort of picking up things. You sense something, and your mind starts to awaken, you try to write it down, try to figure out what’s going on. I’ve also become a tremendous people watcher, because I’ve had a terrible problem communicating with people, but have been fascinated by them. I’ve learned a lot about myself that way.

Q: Do you have any plans for the next year or two? Anything you’d like to do?

A: I’ve got another book going out at Christmas, a book of my poetry. I love music, and I’m learning to play the piano. I discovered that I really love writing songs. I think years and years of not being able to means that I’ve thrown myself into it. I write for the Communitas Choir now: I’ve written maybe four or five songs for them so far, one that they’re going to sing tonight. I think creativity’s rather like a crystal: there’s a whole lot of facets that make it up.

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Finally, we all gathered at the end of the project

The Tale Exchange

on 1st Feb 2018 to share what the groups had made.

The atmosphere in the room was energetic, creative,

By Cath Heinemeyer

and increasingly messy. We heard Door 84’s song, sophisticated spoken word pieces from the student

Converge is increasingly like an octopus with

group, saw moving artwork from Mill Lodge, and

many tentacles! In the future, it hopes to stretch out in

stood in the dark appreciating the glow and imagery of

yet another direction: offering opportunities for young

York MIND’s lanterns.

people. Converge supports a network of young artists who have experienced mental health problems, called

The exchange process went one step further: po-

Things As They Are (TATA). TATA wants to provide

et Henry Raby wove his impressions of all participants’

a platform at York St John for these young people to

work into a spoken word performance, and together we

develop their craft and create work about the changes

made a new suit of clothes for the story’s main charac-

they want to see in society.

ter..

TATA’s most recent project, The Tale Exchange,

TATA entered into this project to experiment

started from the idea that stories are always trans-

with unusual approaches to collaboration between

formed in the telling. Young people at three communi-

young people. The Tale Exchange and our other early

ty groups (Mill Lodge, York MIND and Door 84) and

projects have certainly demonstrated the potential for

a group of York St John students all started with the

an active network of young artists with experience of

same story. It was a Siberian tale of an isolated young

mental distress here at York St John. We have a lot

girl forced to find an unusual route through life – both

more work to do (funding to find, alliances to build) –

very alien and very familiar to some participants. They

so wish us luck!

then worked in different art forms, with different artists, to transform the story into something of their own.

If you would like to find out more about Things As

Two groups swapped their creations halfway through

They Are, contact c.heinemeyer@yorksj.ac.uk

the process and made something in response to each

You can see and hear all of this thoughtful and unusual

other’s work.

work at www.thingsastheyare.co.uk

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Same Country, Different

People: my experience of working with Converge

By Sophie Warden

project alongside my project partner. We have been

Converge has cultivated an atmosphere where

analyzing and synthesizing research Converge con-

mental health stigmas are confronted, student devel-

ducted on the benefits of their program for mental

opment is encouraged, and reciprocal relationships are

health service user. The goal is to expand the Converge

formed. I experienced this first-hand during my visit to

model to other universities, both nationally and inter-

Converge in the summer of 2017 and throughout my

nationally.

studies of Converge in the subsequent months. This Through these experiences, I have observed that

organization has fostered a tangible culture that con-

Converge changes perceptions on an individual and

tests attitudes towards mental health by promoting in-

community level. Converge’s model centres around an

clusion in an environment famous for exclusivity:

idea; by addressing a difficulty indirectly, it can facili-

Universities. Converge is the epicentre of a cultural

tate a direct change. Converge does not allow a mental

shift that has taken place at York St John University,

health diagnosis or treatment to be the focus, but rather

which has made it a most unique, exciting, and inter-

the act of singing in a choir, or drawing York’s archi-

esting organization.

tectural beauty, or performing a play. By making inI spent two weeks on York St. John’s campus

clusive, interactive and diverse classes the centre of

participating in Converge classes. I had the opportunity

focus for both mental health service users and Univer-

to meet Nick Rowe, Fiona Howlett, Matt Harper, Lau-

sity students, they are improving health and wellbeing.

rie Farnell, Jessica Robson and other influential figures

I am extremely grateful for my time with Converge

who contribute to Converge’s culture. I participated in

and believe in these core values. It was an amazing

various classes, where I met amazing people that cre-

experience that I look forward to continuing in the fu-

ated an authentic atmosphere of openness. I went on to

ture.

partner with Converge for four months on a student

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Different Countries, Same People: My Visit to Pacific University, Oregon

By Matt Harper-Hardcastle

Having worked with Converge for 3 years now, it’s easy to forget how innovative and progressive the

I got to be a part of the Oregon community for two

approach is to those who haven’t experienced it. I got

weeks: a state that contains the quirky, bustling city of

to see with fresh eyes how everyone was interested and

Portland surrounded by the most beautiful natural landscape.

I

inquisitive about it. There was a belief that there need-

walked

ed to be a new way

behind waterfalls, went

when it comes to men-

6000ft up Mount Hood,

tal health problems,

went whale watching at

and

Depoe Bay, drank the

was

willing to get involved

most beautiful wines,

in what we had to of-

the most incredible cof-

fer.

fees and ate the most delicious

everyone

doughnuts.

After all their

But the real privilege

questions,

was the people: the

we met reached a very

most

accommodating

similar conclusion –

and enthusiastic Uni-

“So it’s just a normal

versity staff and equally

class?

engaged students, who I

come into it from dif-

delivered lectures and

ferent ways, but once

workshops to over the

everyone is in the

course of my stay.

everyone

People

have

room, it’s just a class where people are learning?” Yes! Once that realisation was made, we were bowled over

The aim of my visit was to start making the

by people’s generosity and eagerness to get things go-

foundation connections needed to pilot the Converge

ing – being offered studio space, teaching hours and

model at Pacific University. After quickly grasping the

bid-writing support. It was so positive and exciting, I

differences in terminology – I had to get used to refer-

didn’t want to leave.

ring to myself as an ‘Assistant Professor’ – Sean Roush (Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy)

Hopefully with how successful Converge Ore-

Danette Sadle-Glass (3rd year OT student) and I set off

gon is looking, it will be something that continues past

to showcase what Converge does.

our stay. And maybe, hopefully, I could go back.

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Creative Writing Workshop

between us a twenty-line poem, two completed short stories, three chapters of creative memoir and six chapters of novels – over 20,000 words!

By Helen Kenwright

This January, six members of Converge's Creative Writing classes joined myself and co-tutor Faye for a

"It was very motivating to set a goal,

Creative Writing Workshop. We shared our work over

and satisfying to be able to achieve it. I

the course of four weeks, giving feedback and support-

was stunned by all the talent in the

ing each other’s writing projects.

group. All the writing shared was Workshopping is a great way to develop creative

amazing and I want to read more of

writing skills, and is a staple feature of the BA and MA

each piece. A really challenging and

Creative Writing courses at York St John. Writers of-

inspiring experience."

ten form their own workshop groups for this purpose too, outside of the University.

– Joanne Platt

We practiced skills for giving and receiving feedback, and then exchanged work and discussed each other’s pieces in class. It was nerve-wracking, but

As a tutor I am consistently delighted by the

the group was so supportive. It turned out to be a use-

creativity and skill our creative writers show, and the

ful and encouraging experience. We all thoroughly

workshop added a new dimension to this – exhibiting

enjoyed each others' writing, and were able to make

the support and collaboration at the heart of Converge

helpful suggestions – and overcame fears of sharing

that helps us all to take our skills and confidence to a

work!

new level.

Another aim of the workshops was to set a writ-

The next Creative Writing Workshops will take

ing goal for the month, and support and encourage

place in June 2019, and is open to any student of the

each other to meet it. It wasn't an easy road: many of

Converge Creative Writing Course (including the Dis-

us found the goals more challenging than at first ap-

cover Books & Literature and St Leonard's courses).

peared, and faced other problems with health, the de-

The group will be sharing a piece of their own work

mands of daily life and crises of confidence. But we

(roughly 1,000 words) to give face-to-face feedback.

shared our achievements, encouraged and supported

You can read work from Converge’s writers at

each other along the journey. With suggestions and

https://convergeyorkcw.wordpress.com

tips from the group we all met our goals, and produced

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In the Moment

By Jane Allanach

In the Moment has had a very busy year, with three significant events: We Are All People in September, the charity dinner in January, and our Febuary performance and workshop.

We Are All People was a Mental Health and Housing Support workshop aimed at housing professionals, social care and health organisations, who work with adults with mental health issues, as well as for York residents who rely on the city’s Mental Health and Housing services.

“In the Moment were asked by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS trust to make a piece of theatre from the point of view of service users, who are ready to leave hospital but require housing and support in the community. The perfor9

mance was well received and called ‘very powerful and really summed up what we need achieve moving forward”.

(Chris Weeks, Commissioning Manager: City of York Council Adults Commissioning Team Health, Housing and Adult Social Care Directorate).

Then, In the Moment were invited by Two Ridings Community Foundation and the investment management firm Brooks MacDonald to perform at a charity dinner. The dinner was to raise funds on behalf of the Arts For Change Fund, which supports voluntary and community groups, and small charities in York and North Yorkshire.

Two Ridings Community Foundation has generously supported Out of Character in the past, so it was a good opportunity to thank them. We performed an excerpt of a show we are currently working on, followed by testimonials by the group of the positive impact that making theatre has had on their lives.The evening was a huge success, raising £5000 which will be used to provide arts or other cultural activities to enrich and change the lives of those who are excluded or disadvantaged.

“Can I say once again a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to you all, plus the cast from In the Moment for giving up your time and creating such a fantastic performance at our dinner on Friday evening. I hope you felt as strongly as we did that the message came across loud and clear to the guests.”

(Ian Savage, Development Manager of Two Ridings Community Foundation)

And finally, In the Moment visited York University to perform to first year nursing students. This was an exciting opportunity for us, with an audience of 170 students! The performance and workshop was for the module ‘Exploring the Patient/Client Experience’. In this module students are encouraged and supported in exploring and considering the importance of understanding the patient/client experience of living with a named condition or in a named situation.The nurses were able to explore how they would cope in situations with low staff numbers, or under pressure and we received a great deal of positive feedback.

We have been working on a show based on the book Counselling For Toads, as well as taking part in a wonderful puppet workshop by Odd Doll Theatre Company, and look forward to performing more next year.

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The Converge Evaluation and Research Team

By Nick Rowe

In recent years, Converge has been running a research course, and out of that we have grown this team. The Converge Research and Evalutation Team is learning how to evaluate and research mental health services around the country.

Last year we did an evaluation for the Newcastle Converge course, and this year we are researching people’s experience of Converge in York. We are also beginning an evaluation of a refuge for women with mental health problems, and will be evaluating an arts and health service in London after the summer. It is an exciting time for the team and we hope to see great strides accomplished in years to come.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Nick Rowe (n.rowe@yorksj.ac.uk) or drop by the Converge office.

The Story Exchange

By Anne Marie Durkin

On March 7th there was a Story Exchange Afternoon between the Converge Storytelling Group, and a group of young Japanese students who are studying English at York St John.

Initially, we were all a bit shy and nervous, but after warm-up activities, we were all smiling and laughing, ready to exchange our stories.

Having spent six months living with families in suburban York, our stories offered the Japanese students a window to other facets of U.K. Life. They heard tales of The Knicker-Thief Of Belfast City, of sexual awakening in very old fashioned Irish Dance Halls, where the boys were perfect gentlemen and the bouncer was a Catholic priest (the idea was to keep you in, not out, and any couple wanting to go out for ‘air’ were slapped and sent back in!). We shared our varied experiences of British childhood: growing up in a forest, or a sweetshop, camping in the woods without any adults.

Coming with backgrounds everywhere from hectic Tokyo to countryside villages, we learned so much about living in Japan from the students’ stories. One boy's story was of his dream to learn English, of his pride in his achievements and his ambition to go back home and become an English teacher. A girl recalled a normal school day

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when an earthquake hit, and how pupils giggled under desks as the walls rocked and the classroom floor buckled as if they were in a storm at sea. We heard of shops in Tokyo where you can go and design your own ring and have it made for you there and then. We heard how they tend to go to Korea for their holidays because It's only a two-hour flight.

We heard Japanese ghost stories, and learnt that the Japanese consider themselves much more shy than the British!

All in all, it was a fabulous experience and we hope to repeat it in the future.

Report From Peppermill Court

By Lucy Coleman,

In September last year we began working with the Occupational Therapy team at Peppermill Court, providing 30 minute sessions in theatre based games, movement and music off wards. Alongside this there were open rehearsals on wards with members of Communitas Choir and I visited anyone who wanted to find out more about Converge. This partnership built upon previous connections with Peppermill Court and Bootham Park Hospital, where Converge offered a series of workshops for patients to experience what our courses were like.

Converge student buddies were given the opportunity to help plan and deliver occupational therapy sessions off ward in ‘games and movement’ and music using the skills they had learnt on their degree courses (in theatre and music respectively). As a result, two different weekly sessions were planned that continue to be delivered by the students.

Chloe Timson and Holly Sloan, 3rd Year Theatre undergraduates have commented on their experiences:

“We feel that this has been a very beneficial experience for both of us, as each week is very unpredictable. We go in and have no idea who will be participating, or whether they have a disability which needs consideration, so this unpredictability has been useful for us to learn a bank of activities which are adaptable for everyone to be able to participate in.”

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Emily Tindall, 3rd Year Undergraduate Music student fed back about a session she facilitated:

“I have had sessions where a member has been really introverted and shown little interest at the beginning of the session but by the end they are involved in the music making process and are talking about happier experiences in their lives which have involved music.”

Another part of Converge’s partnership work with Peppermill Court has been trialing open rehearsals with members of Communitas choir on wards for patients (and staff) to listen to and join in with. Chris Bartram, director of Communitas choir, supervised the open rehearsals.

He notes that the sessions had some positive outcomes:

"I noticed that even quieter members of the group seemed to be gaining in confidence with each week. Another benefit was that the patients could clearly relate to the choir members as fellows users of mental health services, including asking questions about Communitas choir and Converge as a whole. Choir members expressed to me several times in different ways a sense of value in being able to offer something to others, and had a real sense of doing valuable, worthwhile and supportive work.”

I would like to thank the NHS staff for their guidance and support. It seems that the open rehearsals have come into line with Converge's ethos of a 'convergence', creating mutual benefit between all participants. We are continuing to build links this year in the hope that this will be beneficial to patients at Peppermill Court.

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A Night For Kyra

By Pat Miller

Kyra is a local women’s project that helps women overcome difficulties in their lives, and make changes to help them gain confidence, build on their self-esteem and become that strong woman they are entitled to be. With the help of volunteers who dedicate themselves to help, support and hold their hands whenever needed, this project wouldn’t have become what it is today.

Because Kyra relies on donations and fundraising in order to remain open, I decided I wanted to do something for them as a thank you for being and continuing to be there for me. I spoke to Converge to see if they could help me do some sort of event to showcase the fantastic talent that Kyra has to offer. I had a great response, with people willing to give up an evening to help me raise funds for a worthwhile cause.

During the 11 months of planning I came up with the idea to write a song for Kyra, which could be used for promoting the charity and putting on to CD to raise money. It was also suggested that it should be performed live at the event. Having only just started out songwriting and playing guitar, I was a bit reluctant about performing. But I pushed myself and decided to give it a go, especially with the support I had with the actual performance on the evening.

With everything organised, we were ready to go. The evening started with a short film to show people what Kyra is all about. This was followed by performances from Esther & Andy, Laurie Farnell, Lucy Coleman, Wayne Dawson & Pete Binfield and Converge resident band, 1/2/6. Myself, alongside Beverley & Wayne, performed the song I had written called We Will Fly. We also had a raffle with lots of great prizes and a ‘pay as you feel’ cake table: because at Kyra, they like to feed you cake!

With people buying raffle tickets, cake and our charity CD we raised an amazing £416.15: days after we were still raising money because all the CDs sold out and we needed to get more! The final total eventually came to £592.15 I have to say a massive thank you to everyone that turned out to show support and made this a successful event.

It was a fantastic night, with so much awareness and money raised for an amazing cause. Many thanks to Matt Dawson for doing the sound and PA for the evening, to Jamie Towey for compering the evening along with his great poetry and Paul Gowland for helping me get this event up and running from the start.

You can find out more about Kyra at http://www.kyra.org.uk/

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Discover Courses

By Matt Harper-Hardcastle

The Department for Culture, Media and Sports’ 2014 analysis into the impact of culture and sport “identified statistically significant associations between cultural and sport engagement and a range of social impacts.”

People with long-term mental health problems can become disconnected from their communities and from the arts and cultural activity that could play a valuable part in promoting resilience and building social networks. Converge developed a series of 6 Discover Courses which reconnected local adults with mental health problems to the cultural mainstream within the City of York. This was achieved by applying the same model and principles that had been used within the campus to the outer community; engaging people as students and artists in the most suitable environment and socially valorised buildings within the city, for that particular learning. For example exploring creative writing at York Explore, working with ceramic artists at York Art Gallery and understanding the practicalities of a rehearsal room at York Theatre Royal.

Remaining true to our educational approach, we have enrolled 88 students in the areas of art, theatre, film, sport, literature and curation within the prolific facilities of York Art Gallery, York Theatre Royal, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Friargate Theatre, Grand Opera House York, Hull Truck Theatre, Brunswick Organic Nursery, YSJ Active Sports Park, York Explore, DIG, JORVIK, Yorkshire Museum, National Railway Museum, Castle Museum, Fairfax House and Barley Hall.

Not only are these buildings perfectly equipped with the resources and knowledge of high-quality learning environments, but the initial hope, and what is being achieved already, is that upon completion of the course individuals feel equipped to use the facilities of each establishment autonomously and engage with each building’s own programme of activity.

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•

6 students will have achieved a nationally recognised qualification in Active, Healthy Living.

•

4 students are now engaged in a monthly theatre programme run by Displace Yourself Theatre Company at York Theatre Royal, we also know that one student is going to regular performances at Friargate Theatre with her family and others have remarked on how comfortable they now feel in using the public facilities at York Theatre Royal.

•

By running the Books and Writing course within York Explore, students have been using the library independently and also some students have been arranging to meet up there before or after classes.

•

A number of students have started looking into further opportunities for development, including volunteering roles at various museums and theatre and also enrolling onto the Converge on-campus courses.

On Discover Books and Writing at York Explore:

“This is a fantastic course – way beyond my expectations. It has helped me to feel at home in the library, I now use it a lot. The teaching and content is brilliant. Tutors gave me good support and feedback and made it all accessible. My skills have been developed. It has restored my interest in books and writing, which had been low in my depression.”

On Discover Museums at various museums around York:

“Each week brought new and first time experiences. Memorable moments were: having experts talk to us about how they work and being able to look behind the scenes of some of the places we visited and handling some archaeological exhibits, and being introduced to places I didn't even know existed, for example the DIG Museum. This is the best organised course I've been on. All through the week I looked forward to the groups next museum visit. Jane stands out for her unfailing patience, expertise and support to every member of our group.

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Tree Commemorating Converge’s 10 Year Anniversary

By Nick Rowe

On the 19th of March, 2018, Several members of Converge (assisted by the wonderful and friendly York St John gardening staff) planted a tree to mark the 10th year of Converge’s journey. The tree is near the exit of the University sports grounds, and a plaque is being made to be fixed to it in the near future

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Hear My Voice: art for wellbeing

By Sean Garvey

This exhibition at York Art Gallery showcases the work created in Converge’s Discovering Art courses and by other local organizations that promote wellbeing through the arts. Sounds a bit worthy-but-dull? Not at all! This is a gem of a show with a big heart.

The most ambitious work here gets its seemingly unlikely inspiration from the NHS 100,00 Genome Project, which seeks to understand the genetic basis of many diseases by mapping the DNA of thousands of volunteers. A collaboration by Converge students with Griselda Goldsborough, it culminates in a vibrant and thought-provoking vase that Grayson Perry could be proud of. It was interesting to see alongside this piece some of the notebooks and sketches produced during the design process. Art has long been fruitfully inspired by science and medicine (think Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson); and this is no unworthy successor. DNA underpins both the great diversity and the essential unity of humankind – indeed, the whole natural world – and these works nicely reflect such themes in an enjoyable and accessible way.

Great diversity in style and subject-matter is on show too, in the individual works on display here. There is the unsettling, emotionally-charged photos by Paul Gowland, and Laurie Farnell’s surreal Machines of Imagination. And there are further creative responses to nature, too, like the assured use of shape and colour in Margaret Wilson’s Tree, and (my personal favourite) Lee King’s wonderfully wacky Hare – surely a contemporary take on the amazing medieval stained glass of York’s churches.

I thoroughly recommend this uplifting little exhibition. It runs until 15 July, with a regular programme of talks and taster sessions. And because it’s in the Project Gallery (just left of the main entrance) it’s free!

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Expanding Into New Territories

By Emma McKenzie

On the 24th of March, a new exhibition opened at the

The show will donate 5% of all sales to Friends

Kunsthuis Art Gallery in Crayke, Easingwold. The

of the Earth and will run until December 2018. The

exhibition is entitled Our Earth and features art work

Kunsthuis Gallery is situated alongside the Dutch

that responds to the Environment and climate change.

House cafe, a lovely family run business with a wildlife garden. Emma and Lee attended the opening launch on the 24th of March and were pleased to have the opportunity to meet the other artists in attendance at the show. Speakers included Friends of the Earth and Emma Kate Farley from Little Silver Hedgehog hospital in York.

It is with great pleasure that we announce Lee King and staff member Emma McKenzie both submitted work to the gallery and were accepted as part of the exhibiting artists group. Lee produced a beautiful glass hare for the show and Emma has created a small book of poetry inspired by the eco-therapy creative writing class that she runs from St Nicks as an outreach project

The exhibition marks an exciting new start for Lee,

from Converge.

who is now running his second glass making course for Converge and is enjoying teaching others how to design and create their own glass work. Emma’s poetry collection Fractured is her first publication since starting a creative writing MA at York St John University last year alongside leading the Discovery Hub team in Converge.

For more details about the exhibition, visit www.kunsthuisgallery.com and www.dutchhouseyorkshire.com

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Brighton Rock

By Sean Garvey, February, 2018

“What’s right and what’s wrong?”

So asks Ida, self-appointed crime buster, at the beginning of this lively adaptation of Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock by Pilot Theatre at York Theatre Royal. Ida, magnificently played by Gloria Onitiri, soon shows us what’s right in her relentless pursuit of teenage gang leader Pinkie (Jacob Beswick) after the suspicious death of an investigative journalist she had met briefly at a seedy sea-front pub.

Trying to evade justice, sociopathic Pinkie sinks ever deeper into cruelty and violence. Paranoia leads him to murder one of his sidekicks, whom he fears might inform on him. And when he realizes that a naïve young waitress, Rose (Sarah Middleton), can demolish his alibi for the killing of the journalist, he cynically goes about wooing and then marrying her. Repelled by the physical and emotional intimacy offered by Rose, and with Ida closing in on him, Pinkie finally plans to dispose of his new bride. All this is a sort of grim parody of the young lovers’ progress through Romeo and Juliet, complete with phials of noxious substances.

The twisty plot of Greene’s novel is fluently adapted by Bryony Lavery. Those who are familiar with the book, and who like their adaptations to be faithful to the original can have only one complaint, and that is in the way it downplays (but, to be fair, doesn’t ignore) the theological themes of the novel. Greene makes it pretty clear that this is a battle of Life and Right, represented by Ida, versus Good and Evil, incarnated by Rose and Pinkie. Since I think Greene’s handling of these themes is half-baked and incoherent anyway, I believe Lavery’s decision to secularize the story is a perfectly valid one. And I like the bowlerhatted demons lurking in the shadows throughout most of the play – they add to the atmosphere of everyday malevolence.

The stand-out performance of this show is Onitiri as the earthy, vibrant, life-affirming Ida. Beswick’s Pinkie is less convincing – too much bluster, not enough quiet menace. But for those of us who have seen Richard Attenbor-

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ough in the classic 1947 film version, any actor playing Pinkie has an immensely hard act to follow. Middleton performs the difficult part of Rose well, showing her to be less passive and gullible than she first appears. The numerous minor characters are played by an effective supporting ensemble. Just six strong, they show great versatility – especially Angela Bain’s roles as an aging gangster with scruples and as a comic Catholic priest.

Director Esther Richardson keeps the action moving along briskly, with the frequent scene changes that the script demands deftly executed. This production also provides a refreshing and thought-provoking feminist slant to the original story. Unfortunately, the long periods of expository dialogue required by the plot don’t always sit well with the remarkable set-piece scenes that Pilot Theatre clearly excels at. Particularly memorable amongst these are the highly stylized enactments of sex and violence, not least Rose and Pinkie’s predictably weird wedding night.

The vigorous physicality and slick choreography of this production are complemented by the set design of Sara Perks. Against an ever-present back-drop representing Brighton Pier, a few simple props are enough to convincingly evoke everything from a run-down 1930s boarding house to a police station, race-course, or luxury hotel. (I could have done with a bit less action from the fog machine, however). Moody lighting further enhances the atmosphere, as does the powerful score by Hannah Peel, ably performed by two on-stage musicians.

Having been distinctly underwhelmed by other adaptations of novels for the stage, my expectations for this production were pretty low. Rather cynically, I assumed such adaptations were just a way of getting bums on seats for conservative fuddy-duddies like us Yorkies. This show doesn’t fully succeed in pouring the quart of a novel into the pint-pot of a play. And, as I’ve suggested, there is something of a mismatch between the wordy (in a good way... mostly) script and Pilot’s intensely physical and visual style. I’d love to see Lavery’s flair for dialogue in one of her original works. Likewise, I can’t wait to see this theatre company in a piece better-suited for their obvious talents.

These are just quibbles, though: I was much more impressed by what this production achieved than by its shortcomings.

Despite some flaws, then, I would thoroughly recommend this play to anyone. Most of the acting is excellent; the writing and direction are fluent and accessible; and the visual impact of this piece is, at times, simply stunning.

Brighton Rock rocks!

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ART There have been some amazing pieces created by the art courses this year.

This gallery contains only a handful of them:

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CREATIVE WRITING Punkgation To Punkability

By Kev Paylor, 11th May 2018

Since I have been at Converge, my writing has

Previous to enrolling on the Converge Creative Writ-

taken a more disciplined route. I possess no English

ing Course I had written a personal philosophy entitled

academic qualifications, although a devout reader from

Punkgation, synthesising New Wave movements with

an early age. At 16 I thought James Hadley-Close, A

my past vocations as a Merchant Navy Officer and

Clockwork Orange and Robert Ludlum was more in-

employed in the voluntary sector (covering mainly

teresting than reading the books on the curriculum, so I

Adult Services).

didn’t bother.

Indeed, my disciplines were nautical and social

For somebody who has been in professions that

sciences, economic, cultural and political. Years cam-

required a code of discipline, previous to Converge, I

paigning on issues involving support for ex-merchant

had none. Maybe years of psychosis probably attribut-

seafarers, homelessness, penal reform and – in recent

ed making me a bit ‘grass-hopper minded’.

years – developing mental health initiatives.

Yet what Lucy Coleman and Karen Green Hill Punkgation was a journey of a pragmatic New

did was to set me weekly goals, resulting in better time

Wave philosophy in deed to the extreme left (Socialist

management. Then Miles Salter made me look with a

Libertarian) and taking inspiration from music, litera-

critical eye at my own writing just as importantly as

ture, drama, fine art, film and movement. Coupled with

other student’s work. Finally, the inspration from Alex

my peaceful contemplations of the five paths of zen

Weston and Helen Kenwright who put in the bullet-

(i.e. poetry, philosophy, writing, Judo and meditation).

points.

To myself, with some published articles

So, I have completed Punkability, realising that

(frelance journalism) poetry and completed novels

the discipline, application and research is there. I am

(which I was told on one occasion were “well written

grateful to fellow students who push and stride in artis-

but totally unpublishable”) appealed to my Punk sens-

tic pursuit. Maybe in time dreams dictate a reality.

es; indeed of all that I have written “Punk Jailer” is my The reality for me is that my 4 years apprentice-

favourite piece of self-indulgence.

ship has been served. Next: Punkatronic.

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Balloons

By Timothy Wynn-Werninck

The cloud of balloons moved quickly downwind, scattering across the sky. No one new this could occur. Where else could they go? The thoughts are endless.

They are bright translucent and are of all shapes and sizes. They have no direction, but every minute brings joy to the beholder.

There is Sam with a pin and Sam who wants a bang. Noise is where it’s at. Where had they come from? A party. A wedding party from hell. Only a few hours later they were divorced. It was a miracle they made to the altar. God: once the relations got to each other insults flew. It all started when the Balloons were popped at the best mans speech. They, like the couple, would soon be history; deflated and shrivelled. Then discarded.

They look pretty and nice and fill us all with hope and light, but like all things in life disguise the heartache and the need for something that has more substance and less hot air.

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The Art Gallery Haven

By Anonymous A deep smile spreads From within the depths of my being As I walk in through the doors, My heart feels at home here.

I feel safe.

The anxiety and fear that gnaws Away at me, like a dog to a bone Quietens down, and a mellowing Happens throughout my mind.

I can breathe in here.

I am not choking back anxiety But inhaling creative inspiration.

My worries are gone, And my mind churns out endless Thoughts of new possibilities.

It feels like a magical adventure awaits!

The studio is so bright and airy!

A feast of fantastic artistic potential Is laid out before me...

Clay, acrylics, watercolour, charcoal!

Each media a new dance to waltz with.

It's a place to play, a place to be free, To express what I want to: To truly be me!

No judgement about what it's supposed to look like, Or rules to adhere to.

Just a chance to enjoy the process Of creating something vibrant and new.

Sketchbook in hand, I walk out into the gallery exhibits.

Amongst the old masters, contemporaries And ceramicists.

I am not a patient, or service user, Or a claimant, or a client, I am human being – I am an artist!

I feel connected to this creative community Throughout time and space.

Some art I like, some I do not.

Some I understand and some... well, I just don't get the plot!

But above all As I climb onto the comfy sofa In the Burton Gallery I feel at one with it all.

I feel at peace.

And just for a while The anxiety has ceased.

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Blossom falls Carried on the wind’s Outstretched arms —A Haiku By Joanne

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Vale

By Gavin Morris As the white light filled the air at the footsteps of eternity, My trialled feet did tremble upon the ascent Mine eyes became blinded by the majesty of the moment, And I did but look back, and witnessed the multitude of hope, Careening from every blue light crying from the world, Up to meet me, spurring my wearied heart to match each step Their eyes burned the bosom of my soul and I turned to face it: The white light of eternity, burning shine before me, And I became weighted with mortality For a single moment in all of time The only time that mattered Home to prophecy, as unavoidable certainty Upon every which wind in the tide.

I could not falter, for all paths led here My heart would have it no other way.

And as I reached out to grasp the silver radiance The blue lights blazed as one, carrying me, All weight did lift from my shoulders and I wept in that moment For with them at my back no burden was too great.

My trialled feet did tremble upon the ascent At the footsteps of eternity, But I, alone, did seize the light, my named arrow And bring it into my own.

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Waiting Room

By Bekhi Ostrowska My heart is racing Like a train ready to hit a wall.

My breath becomes shallow Wish the appointment I could stall.

Eyes down on the paper, People please don’t look at me.

The walls are closing in around.

Whole being yearning to be free.

My mouth becomes dry Like a desert in need of water.

I really wish I wasn’t here, Feel like a lamb to the slaughter.

The need to be here is greater Than a plant needing sun, But a fit not is required To prove I’m not a fake.

My head is swimming in the sea A pool, an overflowing lake.

I look to the door Where the people go Anxiety rising.

Do you think they know Can they see right through me To the core of my soul See me avoiding eye contact Watching my eyes roll.

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Title Unknown

By Gavin Morris

Once upon a time in a land full of questions Where all false gods had withered and died A curious fissure set out its directions Against the unseen it espied.

Ignoring the danger it plunged ever deeper With vast thirst it hoarded the known The intrepid ravine, its walls ever steeper Unaware of the seeds it had sown.

Upon reaching the core, nothing left to divulge Walls buckling with the weight of its wealth All secrets revealed, no more yearns to indulge A lone God would stop watching with stealth.

Under great burdens, the crevasse would crumble The ravine and the world doomed for time A tsunami of guilt, it wept with a rumble The God would take charge of its crime.

At the close of the world, lore there for the taking The God had become sick of this swill They secured the arcane, a new dawn now waking A damned Covyn formed by their will.

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Eleanor Worthington Prize

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