What's On in the Arts 2022 As we all look to get back to 'normal', post-Covid legal restrictions, it is encouraging to see the arts community at the forefront; providing opportunities for us to both be creative and to enjoy creativity of across all genres of the creative arts. Some of us already have enthusiastically engaged, some are taking more tentative steps and others are still reticent. Theatres, cinemas, and galleries are finding their audiences slowly building towards pre-Covid numbers. Creative writing groups, visual arts groups, music societies and drama groups are all moving from the 'virtual' world back to human contact in the 'real' world.
Steve Cooke Arts Columnist
The beneficial effects of the creative arts on individual wellbeing and community resilience are well documented. In this column you will find a small selection of the opportunities being provided by our amazing local creative community. I urge you all to keep your eyes and ears focused on the exciting activities, events, exhibitions, performances, and festivals that are upcoming in our town. Opportunities for all, young and old, across our diverse communities. TOAD LANE CONCERTS Music lovers owe a debt of gratitude to Dr Joe Dawson for continuing to provide us with access to music of the highest quality at weekly Toad Lane Concerts [TLC] on Wednesdays at St Mary in the Baum, a stunning venue and a welcoming, friendly ambience. TLC has been going since 2001 and has done us proud by being granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020 during the pandemic! Concerts are Wednesdays 12.30-1.30 (doors from 12) at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ. Entry £6. Contact: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
LUNCHTIME MUSIC AT ST CHAD’S Saturday lunchtime concerts of the highest quality in St Chad’s Rochdale’s historic Parish Church. Email: Philip Lowe philmus22@outlook.com ROCHDALE MUSIC SOCIETY Bringing musical excellence to our borough since 1980. Tickets and booking information for upcoming concerts can be found by visiting: www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk Visit: rochdalemusicsociety.org TOUCHSTONES CREATIVE WRITING GROUP TCWG includes several published and/or broadcast writers but is open to writers of all abilities. Meeting monthly at Touchstones Arts & Heritage Centre for facilitated workshops, the group boasts an ever-increasing membership and enjoys a wide demographic. Phone: Val Chapman 07906 695715 Visit: www.touchstonescreativewritinggroup.com
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LANGLEY WRITERS Langley Writers is a group of enthusiastic local writers who write individually and collectively for pleasure and wellbeing and share their work with others through performance and publishing. An opportunity to share ideas and write with other local writers, and occasionally enjoy facilitated sessions by established guests. These have included James Nash, Joy France, Rosie Garland, Tony (Longfella) Walsh, Anjum Malik and Craig Bradley. Langley Writers meet on the third Thursday of every month 2pm - 4pm at Demesne Community Centre, Asby Close, Middleton M24 4JF. Visit: langleywriters.wordpress.com FALINGE WRITERS A new weekly creative writing group. Falinge Writers welcomes writers of all genres and all levels of experience. Sessions led by guest facilitators drawn from our local community’s amazing body of highly talented, published writers who will give members the benefit of their wide experience. So, whether you are a poet, a playwright or just have a thing for words, Falinge Writers could be for you. Meeting weekly on Thursday mornings 10 am until 12 noon in the café in Falinge Park. No booking required. Light refreshment available and free parking. Email: eileen.earnshaw@yahoo.co.uk. CARTWHEEL ARTS Little Artists - A Cartwheel Arts project supported and funded by Rochdale Borough Council, The Ragdoll Foundation, and The National Lottery Community Fund has resulted in a new coproduced arts and play resource for 2-4year olds, their families, and carers to use at home to get them school ready. Download the resource for free here: artforareasonblog.wordpress.com/2021/10/07/little-artists Contact Becky at Cartwheel Arts for more information and find out about sessions in your area: becky@cartwheelarts.org.uk Listening with Art & Soul - Art & Soul are a user-led arts group that work under the ethos of Art for Wellbeing, which is a creative development programme focused on working with adults with mental health experiences. They are currently working on a project themed around 'Listening' - funded by the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Network through Action Together. Look out for the upcoming exhibition at Heywood Sports Village this Easter! Visit: www.cartwheelarts.org.uk
