Celebrating our creative community by Steve Cooke

The original theme for my All Across The Arts column in this edition was to be ‘WHAT WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO’! I had planned an upbeat preview of what the creative community were planning for Christmas and into the new year. However, a certain persistent, nasty virus continues to get in the way!

So, I amended the theme to celebrating our creative community and how they have reacted to these trying times. Not surprisingly there is a lot to choose from, as the creative community continues to shine a light in our dark Covid-19 tunnel.

M6 Theatre Company – ‘When We Started Singing’

Usually at this time of year, M6 would be getting ready to welcome hundreds of local school children for a performance and workshop as part of The Linking Network. A project that sees two different schools join together for special lessons to promote equality and community. This year they have had to do things a little differently.

Instead of a theatre production, When We Started Singing is a brand new BSL-interpreted [sign language] film which will be available to thousands of KS2 pupils across the whole country. Classes taking part in Rochdale Schools Linking also have the bonus of a special online workshop with Participatory Director Caroline Kennedy. The film and activity package will then be available to all Rochdale school children.

Written by Mike Peacock, When We Started Singing tells the story of Mr Popple (Declan Wilson), an elderly man whose acts of kindness bring his community together. The piece was then developed into a longer length film with a song and additional activities to support the recovery curriculum.

M6 worked with film maker Nick Farrimond and a diverse group of professional artists and youth theatre members, who played the neighbours on Mr Popple’s street.

M6's Artistic Director Gilly Baskeyfield said: "For the past 3 years, we have been involved with the Rochdale Schools Linking project and we didn’t want this year to be any different. Our film and activity package provides a safe space for children to reflect on a shared lockdown experience, reconnect with each other and most importantly, make new friends. We feel so immensely proud of When We Started Singing. It’s a unifying short celebration of everything that matters – friendship, community, diversity... and singing!”

Visit: m6theatre.co.uk

Lissah Hall’s Pottery Classes - building resistance and boosting wellbeing

At AATA we are firm believers in the tremendous contribution that the creative arts can and do make to building resistance to the challenges we face and promoting well being. An outstanding example of this is the work of local potter Lissah Hall.

Back in the not-so-rosy past, being ‘potty’ was one of many euphemisms for poor mental health, Lissah demonstrates how this has been turned on its head in these [hopefully] more enlightened times.

47-year-old student Andrea commented: "Lissah's pottery class has been a kind of therapy for me. Attending Lissah's relaxed and fun classes, meeting new people and tapping into my own and shared group creativity has had a hugely positive impact on my mental health and wellbeing."

Contact Lissah: 07807644630 or lissah.hall@outlook.com

Local Publisher Andrew Moorhouse

Andrew Moorhouse, from Rochdale, is a publisher of Fine Press Poetry books and is very much a part of our local creative community.

Since the start of the COVID outbreak he has continued with his publishing efforts. Despite the difficulties of lack of events Andrew has published two books: TAKK - features the work of poet Michael Symmons Roberts and artist Jake Attree. A Short Story of Falling - features 8 poems by Alice Oswald who is the current Oxford Professor of Poetry complemented by metal engravings.

Andrew has got two further projects on the go - ‘Homer’s Octopus’ a collection of Northern Irish poet Michael Longley’s Homeric poems complemented by pen and ink drawings by his daughter Sarah and ’Tract’ with text by Simon Armitage and artist Hughie O’Donoghue who was born in Manchester.

Visit: www.finepresspoetry.com

Cartwheel Arts 'Overspill' Project

Longstanding Heywood based participatory arts organisation, Cartwheel Arts has shared an online exhibition capturing life in lockdown on Heywood and Middleton estates.

Working with photographer Katie King, the charity has documented what life has been like for residents, businesses and community groups as the country became caught in the grip of the global coronavirus pandemic.

It now forms part of the Heritage Lottery-funded Overspill Project which has been capturing stories from people who moved from Manchester’s slums to the newly built overspill estates in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Overspill Project Manager Vicki Greer said "We had several workshops booked in for March and April to meet with more residents and capture more of the brilliant stories local people have been sharing with us, but of course, these had to be cancelled.

“It occurred to us that we were witnessing another historical moment in the estates’ history and it was prudent that we captured it and shared resident's experiences through the project website.

“It has been fascinating to see how different people living so close to each other have experienced lockdown in such different ways depending on their individual circumstances and these portraits and quotes give a perfect snapshot of that.”

Visit: www.overspillmcr.org

Peter

A typical lockdown day has been a mixture reading listening to audio books , music and television. Its made me slow down and find time to do things I enjoy which I often skip in normal workdays

Lloyds Pharmacy Staff

I’ve enjoyed less traffic, becoming closer to my work mates and the patient support.

Betty

It’s been quite a relaxing time. I have enjoyed not having to rush around doing shopping and other normal day things. I was always busy but now I will relax more.

Mum Lisa with Bella, Jack and Lotti

The change of routine has been difficult but I have enjoyed time with all the family. I have learnt that I can not do everything and it’s ok to let others help. I am not going to stress if things are not done.

Cath

Loneliness is hard. I’ve learnt its okay to talk to your self. You’re not insane, just lonely. What changes might I make because of this experience? Buy only what I need, cherish everyday like it’s my last, love life.

Justin, Minister in training at Heywood Baptist Church

At first I felt an awful lot of grief around the loss of normality. I think adjusting to being alone was a big challenge. I think we’ve learnt to be patient and more content. We’ve all learnt to adjust, cope and appreciate what we have.

Article by Steve Cooke, Arts Columnist