The ‘Celebrating Cookley’ will take place Saturday 6th June 2009 and will consist of a lantern parade through Cookley village to the playing fields, followed by a spectacular evening performance on the canalside terrace. A BBQ, music and other fun activities will add to the festive atmosphere.
Anyone can have a go at anything as long as they are willing to put in a bit of time to it. Bohemian Events will bring along a professional designer, actors, set builders etc to provide the lead, training and guidance for all activities.
Needed will be
• stories of Cookley that can be woven into the script and performance, as well as input in developing of the story
• anyone wishing to act, to design, to make props and costumes
• anyone with technical expertise e.g mechanics, engineers, electricians
• help will advertising and promoting workshops and the event, with getting as broad a spectrum of the community as possible involved
• ideas and input on ancillary activities e.g. music, dancing, face painting, , BMX and skateboarding, food and drink provision
• accommodation for the crew who will descend on Cookley from 29th May to 5th June, the actors, designers, those running workshops etc.
The planning group, that is responsible for overall organisation, is open to anyone to join. Offers of materials, sponsorship and resources, local knowledge and contacts will all add nicely to the melting pot.
Next steps
Bohemian Events wish to meet with individual groups (or a group representative) over a 3 day period, 3rd or 4th to 5th or 6th April 2009 in order to discuss the ideas for the ‘Celebrating Cookley’ event and to explore ways forward. If you know of local groups who would like to meet up with Bohemian Events, get in touch with a contact name. In addition, a community meeting will be held in this time and all will be invited to come along.
Schedule
Meetings with groups and community: 3rd/4th - 5th/6th April 2009 Community workshops at Cookley school: Tues 14th - Fri 17th April 2009 Community and school workshops: Mon 25th May - Fri 5th June 2009 The EVENT : Saturday 6th June 2009.
Get in touch if you want more info/ wish to get involved. DETAILS BELOW
 Cookley Local Agenda 21
‘A Space For All’
What’s happening in 2009?
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July 2009 will be a significant milestone for the Cookley Local Agenda 21 group. It was 10 years ago in July 1999 that a small group of teenagers and adults met and agreed on the first steps of what became the ‘A Space for All’ project. Much has taken place in those 10 years and much has been achieved, including
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the installation of the new play area, BMX track, skateboard park, hangout shelter and community seating area
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the development of the canalside terrace, installation of seating and benches and of information boards
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the organisation of community consultation events, a launch event in 2005 and a celebratory workshop and performance in 2007.
In parallel with these exciting developments, Cookley Playing Fields Association (CPFA) and other community groups worked hard to provide changing rooms, an all -weather court (the MUGA) and improved sports facilities. A new community centre for the people of Cookley is next on the list.
Thus, it seems fitting that 2009 should mark a year of celebration for the members of Cookley Local Agenda 21 and the ‘A Space for All’ project. It will also be a significant year for the village in that it marks 60 years since the purchase and donation of the playing fields for the benefit of Cookley residents. However, the year will be tinged with an element of sadness as it is the year in which the ‘A Space For All’ project will draw to a close.
Performance on the canalside terrace, Sept 2007
So what is happening in 2009?
Three things:
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the completion of the work on the canalside terrace
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the organisation of a large scale community performance event
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putting in place measures to ensure the continuity of the project.
Completion of the work on the canalside terrace
In so much as any project work is ever finished, the work on the canalside terrace area will be completed.
A natural play area will be installed to complement the existing formal play area, landscaping and planting will be undertaken and the hedgerow and fencing renovated. Grants of £47,650 from Community Spaces (Big Lottery) and £7500 from Welcome To Our Future (landfill tax grant) have been secured to take forward this work. The outcome of a funding bit to Biffa (landfill tax monies) is expected in the near future
Community performance event
Beginning in February 2009, a series of workshops and meetings will be held to involve Cookley residents of all ages in designing and in putting together a dramatic open-air parade and performance in June 2009. Bohemian Events (www.bohemian-events.org.uk) will lead on this work. To date a total of £10,750 of funding has been secured via grants from Worcestershire County Council, Wyre Forest District Council and Awards for All (Big Lottery).
Veteran Oak and meadow on Cookley Playing Fields
 Ensuring continuity of the project
To ensure that the work of ‘A Space for All’ is taken forward an overall management plan will be agreed and a project website, linked to the Cookley website (www.cookleyvillage.info), will be developed. A funding application will be made to Access to Nature (Big Lottery) to fund these activities and to bring in a part-time project officer. The person appointed will work with the community on areas such as habitat management and skills development.
Your involvement – what to look out for
Look out for advertisements of the first community performance meeting to be held in February 2009. Members of Bohemian Events will be there to present their exciting ideas for the performance. They will want to hear local stories and get input from the people of Cookley on how to develop the work and will be inviting your participation in the workshops due to take place in March and April. The aim is to involve as many village people as wish to be involved in the design, making and performing of the final event in June 2009.
In addition, I will keep you informed as to progress on the work on the natural play area and other features. Get in touch if you wish to know more, or have any questions or concerns.
Contact: Elizabeth Mc Donnell email: em44@tutor.open.ac.uk
Tel. 01562 850556; Mobile: 07990 633109 . |
