For, by & with the community Northfield • Kings Norton • Longbridge • Weoley Castle
NAFZINE!
zine
Crossing Bridges Volume I
All the info you need on the first steps of this exciting project….
Next up: Volume II - spring edition!
brought to you by… @Northfieldarts1 www.facebook.com/northfieldartsforum artsforumnorthfield@gmail.com
Northfield Arts Forum Note from Editor:
“2017 was a fantastic year for Northfield Arts Forum. We moved into our new community arts hub, decorated it, and made it our home - all with the help of you. We also began a wide range of community arts projects (such as the Crossing Bridges project), which you’ll read more about through this edition of the NAFzine. Through that we became amazing Friends of Kings Norton Park, without whom this project would not have been possible - so a special shout out must go to them, and also the Heritage Lottery Fund for financing it.”
n e k t i A x e l - A
If you want to contribute to the next edition get in touch nafzine@gmail.com
2
: s t n e t Con
Tom McCann - Crossing Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Story so Far . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Northfield Arts Forum
Friends of Kings Norton Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Note from Editor:
“It’s been a fantastic year for Northfield Arts Forum. We moved into our new
James Kearns - An Adult’s Guide to Poohsticks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
community arts hub, decorated it, and made it our home - all with the help of
Kings Norton Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
you. We also began a wide range of community arts projects (such as the Crossing Bridges project), which you’ll read more about through this edition
“A Christmas Reminisce” - Hawkesley Community Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
of the NAFzine. Through that we became amazing Friends of Kings Norton Park, without whom this project would not have been possible - so a special shout out must go to them, and also the Heritage Lottery Project for funding it. it”.
n e k t i A x e l - A
If you want to contribute to the next edition get in touch nafzine@gmail.com
Goria Jones - Kings Norton (poem) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 What’s Next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
NAFZINE! 2
3
Crossing Bridges
Crossing bridges between here and there The brook trickles softly, but surely enough leading somewhere Sensible talks And clumsy dog walks Occur here daily Whether it be a gentle breeze through the trees Or gale force winds likely to knock you off your feet Here, you can be Here, you can breathe Here, you can take stock Whether you hopscotch, skip, stroll, or cycle through It may just be taking some time out for you Or saving time on a shortcut passing through We’re crossing bridges between here and there Connecting our life stories Rich histories, tapestries, backgrounds, and ethnicities Here, hark at its beauty Here, relish in community Birds sing in different keys to the same tune In view of the swings and slide In earshot of the push, pop, land and grind Allow yourself to unwind for a moment Let the mundane wash away for an instant
www.northfieldartsforum.com/crossing-bridges-2/
We’re crossing bridges between here and there Well aware of where we are in the present And where the footsteps before us have tread Where we walk now, is an uncharted map
@Northfieldarts1 www.facebook.com/northfieldartsforum artsforumnorthfield@gmail.com
A brief glance over the shoulder In readiness to move ahead.
4
Tom McCann
5
Crossing Bridges
Crossing bridges between here and there The brook trickles softly, but surely enough leading somewhere Sensible talks And clumsy dog walks Occur here daily Whether it be a gentle breeze through the trees Or gale force winds likely to knock you off your feet Here, you can be Here, you can breathe Here, you can take stock Whether you hopscotch, skip, stroll, or cycle through It may just be taking some time out for you Or saving time on a shortcut passing through We’re crossing bridges between here and there Connecting our life stories Rich histories, tapestries, backgrounds, and ethnicities Here, hark at its beauty Here, relish in community Birds sing in different keys to the same tune In view of the swings and slide In earshot of the push, pop, land and grind Allow yourself to unwind for a moment Let the mundane wash away for an instant
www.northfieldartsforum.com/crossing-bridges-2/
We’re crossing bridges between here and there Well aware of where we are in the present And where the footsteps before us have tread Where we walk now, is an uncharted map
@Northfieldarts1 www.facebook.com/northfieldartsforum artsforumnorthfield@gmail.com
A brief glance over the shoulder In readiness to move ahead.
4
Tom McCann
5
the story so far…
Crossing Bridges Crossing Bridges is an exploration into the history and heritage of Kings Norton, and the creation of an interactive arts trail which will immortalise the stories of local residents. Not so long ago, NAF were approached by Friends of Kings Norton Park about producing artwork for the bridges that can be found crossing the River Rea in the park. We began by chatting to local residents and finding out
what art they’d like to see in the park. We also asked them for their personal and historical stories of Kings Norton as these will eventually form the bases of the artwork. We’ve engaged with some fantastic community groups, and it has been heartening to see local residents so enthused when discussing the importance of their local community. The ideas that everyone has had have been incredible - and now we’ll be putting them into practice….
KINGS NORTON IN WINTER
• Photo courtesy of Liz, Friends of Kings Norton Park
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7
the story so far…
Crossing Bridges Crossing Bridges is an exploration into the history and heritage of Kings Norton, and the creation of an interactive arts trail which will immortalise the stories of local residents. Not so long ago, NAF were approached by Friends of Kings Norton Park about producing artwork for the bridges that can be found crossing the River Rea in the park. We began by chatting to local residents and finding out
what art they’d like to see in the park. We also asked them for their personal and historical stories of Kings Norton as these will eventually form the bases of the artwork. We’ve engaged with some fantastic community groups, and it has been heartening to see local residents so enthused when discussing the importance of their local community. The ideas that everyone has had have been incredible - and now we’ll be putting them into practice….
KINGS NORTON IN WINTER • Photo courtesy of Liz Wilson, Friends of Kings Norton Park
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Kings Norton Park
Interviewing “Friends Of”…
After braving the cold to walk the trail, we headed over to a place of peak historical significance - St Nicolas Place, formerly known as The Saracen’s Head, back when it was one of a number of pubs situated on Kings Norton Village Green (which itself is over 500 years old!).
On a crisp December morning, NAF took a group of young children on an adventure through Kings Norton Park - on a quest to find the bridges that would soon be sprinkled with some NAF magic. We joined Friends of Kings Norton Park as they undertook a “tree survey”, which included checking on the health of the trees that guard the park. It’s also a great way of discovering how old the park is by finding out the age of the trees in it. After that we walked through the park and attempted to map out the route that the arts trail is going to take. Whilst walking we discovered just how unnatractive the bridges are - many consisted of simple wire mesh, and they were in desperate need of some TLC, which we are going to give them and more!
Amidst coffee and hot chocolates we chatted to some of the people without whom this project would not have been possible. Lynne Horsnett, Chair of Friends of Kings Norton Park, has been a volunteer and activist in the park since 2011. Her group have been “very active, holding different events, planting bulbs and gardening, and working with other local schools and nurseries”.
Lynne also made an interesting point about vandalism too: “the way to make it stop is to make every body feel like the park belongs to them and they have some access into making it their park, as when they feel it belongs to them they’re less likely to damage it”. This is what we are trying to achieve with the Crossing Bridges project: a long-lasting collaboration of work that will be produced, maintained, and - most importantly - owned by the people of Kings Norton.
She wants to see artwork in the park that not only reflects Kings Norton’s rich heritage, but that is also “accessible to everyone” and “interactive" too. This is something that we have been striving for, and will be at the heart of any work that is carried out - both as part of this project and in NAF’s wider work.
Furthermore, As someone who has spent many occasions “laughing and smiling” in Kings Norton Park, Lynne has a vast bank of memories. However, she says that her favourite is: “when we first started our Friends Of group, and we were having a walk through and I noticed how beautiful it was… and I realised that as a Friends Of group we could actually help save the park as there are services being taken away, but we can do things as a community”.
It was great to hear the youngsters sharing ideas about how to transform the bridges into something magical; a physical representation of the fantastic story of Kings Norton’s heritage. To get a better vision of what it is we wanted to do with the arts trail, we had to get a better feel for the park itself. And the best way to do that would be to talk to the people who know it best.. The Friends of Kings Norton Park!
Also, despite self-defining it as “cheesy”… her favourite book is the History of Kings Norton!
8
Our group of Home Educated children also interviewed Liz Wilson, who is also a volunteer with FoKNP, and
kindly contributed to this publication with her picture of Kings Norton in Winter. She helps the group “tend to the shrub beds and pick up litter”, and like Lynne has been volunteering in the park for a number of years. Her favourite thing about the park is “the open space” She says that the reason for this is: “as mostly wherever you go, you’re with traffic or busy roads, and it’s nice to get away from that”. Malcolm, from our Home Education group followed up by saying this was a form of escape from city life. It was an honour to sit and talk to experienced and passionate volunteers, and we’re really happy to partner them on this project. Their ideas and their enthusiasm for the park & the local area are central to Crossing Bridges, and will ultimately form the basis of the arts trail. Long may their hard work continue!
9
Kings Norton Park
Interviewing “Friends Of”…
After braving the cold to walk the trail, we headed over to a place of peak historical significance - St Nicolas Place, formerly known as The Saracen’s Head, back when it was one of a number of pubs situated on Kings Norton Village Green (which itself is over 500 years old!).
On a crisp December morning, NAF took a group of young children on an adventure through Kings Norton Park - on a quest to find the bridges that would soon be sprinkled with some NAF magic. We joined Friends of Kings Norton Park as they undertook a “tree survey”, which included checking on the health of the trees that guard the park. It’s also a great way of discovering how old the park is by finding out the age of the trees in it. After that we walked through the park and attempted to map out the route that the arts trail is going to take. Whilst walking we discovered just how unnatractive the bridges are - many consisted of simple wire mesh, and they were in desperate need of some TLC, which we are going to give them and more!
Amidst coffee and hot chocolates we chatted to some of the people without whom this project would not have been possible. Lynne Horsnett, Chair of Friends of Kings Norton Park, has been a volunteer and activist in the park since 2011. Her group have been “very active, holding different events, planting bulbs and gardening, and working with other local schools and nurseries”.
Lynne also made an interesting point about vandalism too: “the way to make it stop is to make every body feel like the park belongs to them and they have some access into making it their park, as when they feel it belongs to them they’re less likely to damage it”. This is what we are trying to achieve with the Crossing Bridges project: a long-lasting collaboration of work that will be produced, maintained, and - most importantly - owned by the people of Kings Norton.
She wants to see artwork in the park that not only reflects Kings Norton’s rich heritage, but that is also “accessible to everyone” and “interactive" too. This is something that we have been striving for, and will be at the heart of any work that is carried out - both as part of this project and in NAF’s wider work.
Furthermore, As someone who has spent many occasions “laughing and smiling” in Kings Norton Park, Lynne has a vast bank of memories. However, she says that her favourite is: “when we first started our Friends Of group, and we were having a walk through and I noticed how beautiful it was… and I realised that as a Friends Of group we could actually help save the park as there are services being taken away, but we can do things as a community”.
It was great to hear the youngsters sharing ideas about how to transform the bridges into something magical; a physical representation of the fantastic story of Kings Norton’s heritage. To get a better vision of what it is we wanted to do with the arts trail, we had to get a better feel for the park itself. And the best way to do that would be to talk to the people who know it best.. The Friends of Kings Norton Park!
Also, despite self-defining it as “cheesy”… her favourite book is the History of Kings Norton!
8
Our group of Home Educated children also interviewed Liz Wilson, who is also a volunteer with FoKNP, and
kindly contributed to this publication with her picture of Kings Norton in Winter. She helps the group “tend to the shrub beds and pick up litter”, and like Lynne has been volunteering in the park for a number of years. Her favourite thing about the park is “the open space” She says that the reason for this is: “as mostly wherever you go, you’re with traffic or busy roads, and it’s nice to get away from that”. Malcolm, from our Home Education group followed up by saying this was a form of escape from city life. It was an honour to sit and talk to experienced and passionate volunteers, and we’re really happy to partner them on this project. Their ideas and their enthusiasm for the park & the local area are central to Crossing Bridges, and will ultimately form the basis of the arts trail. Long may their hard work continue!
9
• The tree survey was informative and interesting, a great way to spend a cold Friday morning!
10
• Above is one of the bridges that we’ll be transforming… there’s definitely some potential and we’ve got a great vision.
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• The tree survey was informative and interesting, a great way to spend a cold Friday morning!
10
• Above is one of the bridges that we’ll be transforming… there’s definitely some potential and we’ve got a great vision.
11
AN ADULTS’ GUIDE TO POOHSTICKS The name of the game is non-negotiable.
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, pretend that you don’t realise that since 1966, Poohsticks™ has been the
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, do not snigger at the name of the game.
Intellectual Property of the Disney Corporation.
When being an adult it is important to keep a straight-face at things which are patently funny. Winnie the Pooh is
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, pretend you don’t realise that
children exploiting this, but we have Santa on them so call it even.
Tigger’s stick is thrown by Christopher Robin
Poohsticks is, at its heart, a simple race to see which stick passes first under one side of a bridge to the other.
and Eeyore’s stick is thrown by
Poohsticks is unusual as 90% of the interest is in the moments you can’t see.
Christopher Robin
This principle it shares with magic.
and Pooh’s stick is thrown by
When being an adult, don’t talk too much about magic.
Christopher Robin. The key to Poohsticks is knowing you get nothing for winning.
Poohsticks is nominally a game for children.
When playing Poohsticks as an adult pretend, by now, you’ve stopped feeling like a Christopher Robin.
You have my permission to try playing it without children just this once.
The key to Poohsticks is that if you can make it out the other side then everyone can be happy
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, don’t let any of the other adults catch you playing it without children.
James Kearn
The key to Poohsticks is not to focus on winning. As long as you all come out the other side, everyone can be happy. In Poohsticks, it probably doesn’t matter which stick you choose. In Poohsticks, it probably doesn’t matter where in the river you drop the stick. There are essentially no tactics for Poohsticks. There are essentially no tactics for Poohsticks, yet there is a World Championship held annually in Langle Common in Witney in Oxfordshire. There is presumably someone in Langle Common in Witney in Oxfordshire trying to keep a straight-face.
The key to Poohsticks is not to watch the river but to watch the faces watching the river. The key to Poohsticks is knowing you don’t get anything for winning. As long as you all come out the other side, everyone can be happy. Players in Langle Common in Witney in Oxfordshire are probably playing Poohsticks wrong.
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13
AN ADULTS’ GUIDE TO POOHSTICKS The name of the game is non-negotiable.
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, pretend that you don’t realise that since 1966, Poohsticks™ has been the
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, do not snigger at the name of the game.
Intellectual Property of the Disney Corporation.
When being an adult it is important to keep a straight-face at things which are patently funny. Winnie the Pooh is
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, pretend you don’t realise that
children exploiting this, but we have Santa on them so call it even.
Tigger’s stick is thrown by Christopher Robin
Poohsticks is, at its heart, a simple race to see which stick passes first under one side of a bridge to the other.
and Eeyore’s stick is thrown by
Poohsticks is unusual as 90% of the interest is in the moments you can’t see.
Christopher Robin
This principle it shares with magic.
and Pooh’s stick is thrown by
When being an adult, don’t talk too much about magic.
Christopher Robin. The key to Poohsticks is knowing you get nothing for winning.
Poohsticks is nominally a game for children.
When playing Poohsticks as an adult pretend, by now, you’ve stopped feeling like a Christopher Robin.
You have my permission to try playing it without children just this once.
The key to Poohsticks is that if you can make it out the other side then everyone can be happy
When playing Poohsticks as an adult, don’t let any of the other adults catch you playing it without children.
James Kearn
The key to Poohsticks is not to focus on winning. As long as you all come out the other side, everyone can be happy. In Poohsticks, it probably doesn’t matter which stick you choose. In Poohsticks, it probably doesn’t matter where in the river you drop the stick. There are essentially no tactics for Poohsticks. There are essentially no tactics for Poohsticks, yet there is a World Championship held annually in Langle Common in Witney in Oxfordshire. There is presumably someone in Langle Common in Witney in Oxfordshire trying to keep a straight-face.
The key to Poohsticks is not to watch the river but to watch the faces watching the river. The key to Poohsticks is knowing you don’t get anything for winning. As long as you all come out the other side, everyone can be happy. Players in Langle Common in Witney in Oxfordshire are probably playing Poohsticks wrong.
12
13
Farmer’s Market
November, December, January councillors and candidates from across the Northfield constituency who were also there in support. December: We really upped our game in December, just in time for some Christmas miracles! There was joy in the air, and people loved the face-painting, craft-making, and general chit-chat that our wonderful NAF volunteers had with local passers by.
• The Lord Mayor (Cllr Anne Underwood) joined Richard Burden MP and local councillors in commemoration of those who lost their lives in wars gone by. This year was extra special as it fell on the centenary of the end of WWI.
As ever people were excited by the project, and had fun talking about their own experiences of Kings Norton… even in the freezing cold! For the last few months, NAF has made its presence felt at the iconic Kings Norton Farmers Market, and been at the centre of the monthly hustle and bustle of independent traders and local residents. The Farmer’s Market is almost as old as Kings Norton itself, having been around for over 500 years. Attending it in some way, shape or form is an essential part of Kings Norton life - so it’s only right that they are involved with the project!
January: What a surprise - January was another cold one! It was also relatively quiet, as families took the time to relax after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period.
It was a great way to see out the year, and after 500 of them, the Kings Norton Farmer’s Market shows no signs of letting up. And amidst all of the excitement… let’s not forget that they still have a fantastic array of independent traders who sell some great products. The hot chocolate stall has been a particularly popular one for us during these cold months…
Still though - as ever - it was a great affair, and we plugged our Half-Term workshops, which were due to take place in Kings Norton Park & Library. You’ll find out more about these in Volume II, but they essenially gave local children a chance to have fun, learn about their local heritage, and make the starting contributions to the Crossing Bridges project.
November: November was a fantastic showing, with a mixture of different carnival acts (see right), and then the more sombre memorial, where those present paid their respects to those who lost their lives in both world wars.
And through our questionnaires, and our conversations at Kings Norton Farmers Market… we got just that. It was great to see the pride on their faces as they talked about Kings Norton history - and we will ensure that they have that same look on their face when discussing Kings Norton’s future!
So… why were we there? Since before the Crossing Bridges project even began, we wanted local residents to have not just a say into the final pieces - but an active participation in its creation.
Following this was a planting of the new permanent Christmas tree. Fittingly, the first person to put a decoration on it was *, a survivor of WWI. After him were local MP, Richard Burden, and an array of
We wanted their ideas. We wanted their stories.
14
We wanted their local knowledge, and their expertise.
15
Farmer’s Market
November, December, January councillors and candidates from across the Northfield constituency who were also there in support. December: We really upped our game in December, just in time for some Christmas miracles! There was joy in the air, and people loved the face-painting, craft-making, and general chit-chat that our wonderful NAF volunteers had with local passers by.
• The Lord Mayor (Cllr Anne Underwood) joined Richard Burden MP and local councillors in commemoration of those who lost their lives in wars gone by. This year was extra special as it fell on the centenary of the end of WWI.
As ever people were excited by the project, and had fun talking about their own experiences of Kings Norton… even in the freezing cold! For the last few months, NAF has made its presence felt at the iconic Kings Norton Farmers Market, and been at the centre of the monthly hustle and bustle of independent traders and local residents. The Farmer’s Market is almost as old as Kings Norton itself, having been around for over 500 years. Attending it in some way, shape or form is an essential part of Kings Norton life - so it’s only right that they are involved with the project!
January: What a surprise - January was another cold one! It was also relatively quiet, as families took the time to relax after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period.
It was a great way to see out the year, and after 500 of them, the Kings Norton Farmer’s Market shows no signs of letting up. And amidst all of the excitement… let’s not forget that they still have a fantastic array of independent traders who sell some great products. The hot chocolate stall has been a particularly popular one for us during these cold months…
Still though - as ever - it was a great affair, and we plugged our Half-Term workshops, which were due to take place in Kings Norton Park & Library. You’ll find out more about these in Volume II, but they essentially gave local children a chance to have fun, learn about their local heritage, and make the starting contributions to the Crossing Bridges project.
November: November was a fantastic showing, with a mixture of different carnival acts (see right), and then the more sombre memorial, where those present paid their respects to those who lost their lives in both world wars.
And through our questionnaires, and our conversations at Kings Norton Farmers Market… we got just that. It was great to see the pride on their faces as they talked about Kings Norton history - and we will ensure that they have that same look on their face when discussing Kings Norton’s future!
So… why were we there? Since before the Crossing Bridges project even began, we wanted local residents to have not just a say into the final pieces - but an active participation in its creation.
Following this was a planting of the new permanent Christmas tree. Fittingly, the first person to put a decoration on it was *, a survivor of WWI. After him were local MP, Richard Burden, and an array of
We wanted their ideas. We wanted their stories.
14
We wanted their local knowledge, and their expertise.
15
 
• Here are just a few of the wonderful people who are involved with the Crossing Bridges project, and with NAF more broadly. Their expertise and creativity is essential to what we do.
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• Here are just a few of the wonderful people who are involved with the Crossing Bridges project, and with NAF more broadly. Their expertise and creativity is essential to what we do.
16
17
CHRISTMAS REMINISCE
Hawkesley Community Centre So, what workshops were there? One of our amazing resident poets, Tom McCann, led a workshop that was a mixture of poetry, creative writing, and arts & crafts.
The Christmas period is one of togetherness, a time for family, and a time for joy. At NAF we attempted to recreate this within communities by putting an event on that was specifically about the lives of Kings Norton residents, and the area in which they live. We wanted them to not just tell us our stories, but listen to each other, and have fun whilst doing it - all in the form of artsy workshops! We recently became good friends with The Real JunkFood Project Central, and with great success they catered for our monthly NAFCAFs - with some delicious pay-as-youfeel food. They did that again for us here in Kings Norton, and it was such a success that we have no had to start our very own Kings Norton NAFCAF on the first Wednesday of every month.
words and using them to build a story; some used photographs, drawings, and visual aids; and some simply wrote their thoughts & memories down on paper - which can be found on page 21.
Using magazine cut outs of relevant words (nature/memories/time/etc) as word prompts (see below) , Tom was able to draw out people’s stories of Kings Norton, and begin the journey into reminisce.
It was great to give people the opportunity to produce some work that could go in the final project… and there will be plenty more of that going on between now and the end of summer!
We also had some messy but fun workshops in the form of clay work, and this was led by Beverley Charles, who can regularly be found doing work with NAF or at Hawkesley Community Centre, where this event took place.
Another popular artist in and around the NAF scene is Craig Earp, who also happened to grow up in Kings Norton. Both he and Tom worked together, forming a big group of local residents who all shared their stories in different ways: some used Tom’s method of cutting & sticking relevant
Our regular Crossing Bridges craft extraordinaire, Becky Kibbler, was also in attendance, and was helping everyone make the finishing touches for their Christmas trees. All in all, there was a proper hustle & bustle of activity form people of all ages, and nobody got their Christmas jumpers too messy! Come and join us at our Hawkesley NAFCAFs for more of the same.
18
Our younger attendees had great fun making park-themed clay models.
19
CHRISTMAS REMINISCE
Hawkesley Community Centre So, what workshops were there? One of our amazing resident poets, Tom McCann, led a workshop that was a mixture of poetry, creative writing, and arts & crafts.
The Christmas period is one of togetherness, a time for family, and a time for joy. At NAF we attempted to recreate this within communities by putting an event on that was specifically about the lives of Kings Norton residents, and the area in which they live. We wanted them to not just tell us our stories, but listen to each other, and have fun whilst doing it - all in the form of artsy workshops! We recently became good friends with The Real JunkFood Project Central, and with great success they catered for our monthly NAFCAFs - with some delicious pay-as-youfeel food. They did that again for us here in Kings Norton, and it was such a success that we have no had to start our very own Kings Norton NAFCAF on the first Wednesday of every month.
words and using them to build a story; some used photographs, drawings, and visual aids; and some simply wrote their thoughts & memories down on paper - which can be found on page 21.
Using magazine cut outs of relevant words (nature/memories/time/etc) as word prompts (see below) , Tom was able to draw out people’s stories of Kings Norton, and begin the journey into reminisce.
It was great to give people the opportunity to produce some work that could go in the final project… and there will be plenty more of that going on between now and the end of summer!
We also had some messy but fun workshops in the form of clay work, and this was led by Beverley Charles, who can regularly be found doing work with NAF or at Hawkesley Community Centre, where this event took place.
Another popular artist in and around the NAF scene is Craig Earp, who also happened to grow up in Kings Norton. Both he and Tom worked together, forming a big group of local residents who all shared their stories in different ways: some used Tom’s method of cutting & sticking relevant
Our regular Crossing Bridges craft extraordinaire, Becky Kibbler, was also in attendance, and was helping everyone make the finishing touches for their Christmas trees. All in all, there was a proper hustle & bustle of activity form people of all ages, and nobody got their Christmas jumpers too messy! Come and join us at our Hawkesley NAFCAFs for more of the same.
18
Our younger attendees had great fun making park-themed clay models.
19
• Craig’s workshop enabled people to tell their personal memories from Kings Norton.
• Our Christmas Reminisce event really brought Kings Norton residents closer together, and they all shared their own stories of growing up, growing old, and growing as a community.
• It was great to see everyone sharing their stories particularly with the younger generation!
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21
• Craig’s workshop enabled people to tell their personal memories from Kings Norton.
• Our Christmas Reminisce event really brought Kings Norton residents closer together, and they all shared their own stories of growing up, growing old, and growing as a community.
• It was great to see everyone sharing their stories particularly with the younger generation!
20
21
• Left: A local resident brought in vintage photographs of himself and his family at various Kings Norton landmarks, such as Lifford Reservoir.
Oh how I would like to see Kings Norton like it used to be Our proud old Church, it still stands there Against the trees so stark and bare. Do you remember or have you read? The cottages around the Old Bulls Head The workhouses with bricks of red and grey Where tramps their weary heads to lay. Five pubs there were, perhaps too many A pint of ale for just a penny. The cattle market where once a week Farmers came to sell their sheep Furber's brickyard, down Wharf Road Great shire-horses pulled their heavy load. And come October in the 'fall' The hiring mop gave us a call. The roasted ox with meat so sweet Kiddies dancing in the street The greasy pole and prancing horses The sound of showmen's raucous voices. Do you remember - I do still The old flour mill down the hill The wheel a turning in waters green A prettier site you've ever seen A mint there was, or so I'm told Where we stamped our pennies bold. Up Masshouse Lane and donkey track Past pig-styes and fine hay stacks. The five mile tunnel dark and long The bargeman's feet propelled the boats along
• Below: Tom McCann leads a regular creative writing workshop on the project, getting people to tell their stories of Kings Norton.
Alas, alas those days are gone, Great tower blocks we gaze upon.
Gloria Jones Kings Norton Seniors Club
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• Left: A local resident brought in vintage photographs of himself and his family at various Kings Norton landmarks, such as Lifford Reservoir.
Oh how I would like to see Kings Norton like it used to be Our proud old Church, it still stands there Against the trees so stark and bare. Do you remember or have you read? The cottages around the Old Bulls Head The workhouses with bricks of red and grey Where tramps their weary heads to lay. Five pubs there were, perhaps too many A pint of ale for just a penny. The cattle market where once a week Farmers came to sell their sheep Furber's brickyard, down Wharf Road Great shire-horses pulled their heavy load. And come October in the 'fall' The hiring mop gave us a call. The roasted ox with meat so sweet Kiddies dancing in the street The greasy pole and prancing horses The sound of showmen's raucous voices. Do you remember - I do still The old flour mill down the hill The wheel a turning in waters green A prettier site you've ever seen A mint there was, or so I'm told Where we stamped our pennies bold. Up Masshouse Lane and donkey track Past pig-styes and fine hay stacks. The five mile tunnel dark and long The bargeman's feet propelled the boats along
• Below: Tom McCann leads a regular creative writing workshop on the project, getting people to tell their stories of Kings Norton.
Alas, alas those days are gone, Great tower blocks we gaze upon.
Gloria Jones Kings Norton Seniors Club
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: s d n e i r F r ou
What’s next?! Where do we go from here?
Check out the below links to find some of our great friends who are involved in the Crossing Bridges Project - we couldn’t do it without them!
Friends of Kings Norton Park: @kingsnortonpark • www.facebook.com/kingsnortonpark The Real JunkFood Project Central: @trjfpcentral • www.facebook.com/trjfpcentral Hawkesley Community Centre: www.facebook.com/hawkesleycommunitycentre
So… we’ve got the stories. We’ve gotten people involved. We’ve got a vision. So what next? Let’s make some art. Over the next few weeks we’ll be collating the ideas of local people, contacting local artists (get in touch if you are one), and beginning interactive pieces of art that will not only look amazing… but will be educational, fun, and most importantly… of benefit to the local community!
Kings Norton Farmers Market: @kingsnortonfarm • www.facebook.com/kingsnortonfarmersmarket
We’re also currently in the process of planning the digital aspect of the trail - bringing the stories of Kings Norton history into the 21st century. All will be revealed soon…
Heritage Lottery Fund: hlf.org.uk
There are a number of exciting workshops coming up that go hand-in-hand with the Crossing Bridges project, ranging from arts & crafts to poetry, and from creative writing to sport. Basically… anything you or your littl’uns want to get involved with!
Are You Interested? Come and get involved!
So come and get involved… we’ll see you soon! This is where the project really takes off and things get exciting - so expect to see more of us!
The NAF team x
24
What’
: s d n e i r F r ou
What’s next?! Where do we go from here?
Check out the below links to find some of our great friends who are involved in the Crossing Bridges Project - we couldn’t do it without them!
Friends of Kings Norton Park: @kingsnortonpark • www.facebook.com/kingsnortonpark The Real JunkFood Project Central: @trjfpcentral • www.facebook.com/trjfpcentral Hawkesley Community Centre: www.facebook.com/hawkesleycommunitycentre
So… we’ve got the stories. We’ve gotten people involved. We’ve got a vision. So what next? Let’s make some art. Over the next few weeks we’ll be collating the ideas of local people, contacting local artists (get in touch if you are one), and beginning interactive pieces of art that will not only look amazing… but will be educational, fun, and most importantly… of benefit to the local community!
Kings Norton Farmers Market: @kingsnortonfarm • www.facebook.com/kingsnortonfarmersmarket
We’re also currently in the process of planning the digital aspect of the trail - bringing the stories of Kings Norton history into the 21st century. All will be revealed soon…
Heritage Lottery Fund: hlf.org.uk
There are a number of exciting workshops coming up that go hand-in-hand with the Crossing Bridges project, ranging from arts & crafts to poetry, and from creative writing to sport. Basically… anything you or your littl’uns want to get involved with!
Are You Interested? Come and get involved!
So come and get involved… we’ll see you soon! This is where the project really takes off and things get exciting - so expect to see more of us!
The NAF team x
24
What’
For, by & with the community Northfield • Kings Norton • Longbridge • Weoley Castle
NAFZINE!
zine
Crossing Bridges Volume I
All the info you need on the first steps of this exciting project….
Next up: Volume II - spring edition!
brought to you by… @Northfieldarts1 www.facebook.com/northfieldartsforum artsforumnorthfield@gmail.com