The Scrapstore Blog

Re Opening Sept 2010

2010-09-05T19:45:00.002+01:00

Don't forget we are back to normal hours this coming monday (6 September) 10:00am - 3:00pm. Hope to see you soon! Perhaps you can produce something like this fantastic elephant made by the girls at Greyladyes art foundation! (Photo courtesy of Bethan Foulkes)

Summer Opening Times

2010-07-28T08:48:00.000+01:00

We will be open on the first four Wednesday evenings of the Summer holidays - 28th July and 4th, 11th and 18th August, 4pm to 8pm.
Normal hours will resume from Monday 6th September.

Scrapstore at EtNet Celebration event

2010-07-09T11:48:00.001+01:00

A great afternoon was had on the 26th June at the Pavillion in the park in Eastleigh where Eastleigh Transition group were celebrating their first birthday as a group. Etnet, as they are known for short, were one of the groups who were supported by the Scrapstore's Community Builders Project.
Stuart made alternative England flags with the children, while also telling all the mums and dads about the store and what we do.

New Scrap.

2010-05-21T12:29:00.002+01:00

John and Stuart did a big swap down at the Wiltshire Scrapstore yesterday - Expect new and exciting stock in the store next week!
Several other Scrapstores took part, so we have brought back a good selection of stuff.

Crazy Bug Hunt!

2010-05-11T11:59:00.000+01:00

Green tokens at Waitrose!

2010-05-02T19:14:00.003+01:00

If you can, please shop in Waitrose in Chandlers Ford this month (May 2010) and give your green token to the DICE club. The Dice club is an Activities club for Adults with learning difficulties supported by the Art House, Mencap and Southampton Scrapstore.
Mencap and Scrapstore started this project back in 2008 and it's still going strong, but needs funds to pay for the hall and for arts leaders. Thanks!

Students present exciting business proposal

2010-02-10T10:56:00.007Z

The Scraptore Committee were delighted to have Ravi and Oscar from Southampton University present a business plan this week for Team Building Days.

Scrapstore's mission is to provide communities with access to low cost materials, particularly disadvantaged communities. So that this can continue to happen in the future, the students (including Jayme who unfortunately couldn't make the meeting) have been exploring ways to generate an alternative income for the store that will subsidise membership fees and keep costs down.

The result is a great new business opportunity for a practicing Artist to work on behalf of the store offering local businesses a Team Building Workshop 'with a difference'. Many businesses are looking to be more green these days and the students are confident that our scrap materials will have an uncanny ability to disarm even the most professional staff team.

The students are studying an MSc in Strategic Entrepreneurship and came to work with Scrapstore as part of a new pilot placement scheme for the School of Management.

However, the presentation and the report that the students put together was all on top of their coursework. Word has it that they put in a 13 hour day around the deadline for their coursework just so they could give us our very own report and spreadsheet tool. So we'd like to say a very big thank you to the students for their hard work and commitment as it's a vision for the store that we've been struggling to implement by ourselves. Now to make it happen!

Pilands Volunteer wins Digital Camera

2010-02-10T10:36:00.005Z

Congratulations to Amanda Greenfield, volunteer at Pilands Wood Community Centre for being our winner!

Scrapstore's outreach project 'Communty Builders Project' asked volunteers from each of its community groups to fill out a questionairre to help with the final evaluation of the project.

The 'carrot' was the chance to win a £60 digital camera in a prize draw. We had over 100 entries and Amanda's name was picked from a hat.

Stuart presented the prize to Amanda at the Pilands' group's weekly Friday coffee meeting. Amanda was completely taken by surprise and was over the moon.

A big THANK YOU to all of our groups for helping us with our final evaluation. We've got loads of learning from all of your comments about how Southampton Scrapstore has been helping to make a difference in the community. Now we just need to write it all up!

Timsbury Hall Community Wildlife Garden project

2010-01-28T20:38:00.011Z

Since the last entry the group have been gathering information needed to apply for a Awards for All grant.

They are working towards converting part of the ground behind the hall into an area that will have a garden area with wildlife area, In their words -they want to create an area that is a haven for wildlife, a meeting place and an area where the community can come together.
As you can see they have big ambitions, not only to achieve a fantastic physical space but also a space that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
The grant application form was sent of just before Christmas so fingers and toes crossed that they will be successful.

As with all projects such as this even though they have been working on this for a long time , if and when they raise enough funds there is still lots more to do.

They are well under way to achieving there goals. I have been able to assist them by looking at other ways to bring in further resources and offering them the space to consider what has gone before them as well as thinking about what the future might hold.

The strength of the group stems from the fact that they have a good cross section of people with different skills and experiences on board .

As my time with them was drawing to an end, I asked them if we could offer them additional assistance as I had a small amount of funds available to them.

They asked if we could buy them a Scrapstore membership for the next year as well as a garden hose and some children's gardening tools , we were happy to assist. along with the things they had asked us for also we treated them to a bird bath, some bird feeders and bird seed to encourage the children to think about ways to attract the wildlife.

Its been lovely working with this group Its a great community project and I wish them every success in their endeavours

Awbridge Wildgrounds Group getting ready for the spring

2010-01-28T17:13:00.006Z

The weather being the way it has, it has been difficult for me to meet with the group, so as per usual much of our correspondence has been via email . As my time with them was now coming to an end I asked if there was anything else I could do to help them out after all being a pretty resourceful bunch they hadn't needed much financial help from me and I still had a little left in the kitty to assist.

The main things they wanted was one years Scrapstore membership and some children's gardening gloves and tools to help them get going in the new year and of course we were happy to help with this request.

So on Wednesday I finally got the chance to meet up with a couple of them as well as some friends to try out some of the equipment and to check out how the soil conditioning was going..

We should of brought our wellies

I still haven't found any treasure

So this is it my time with the group has now come to end ...and it is great to know that they are already planning ahead and have arranged to meet up again this friday to plan for the coming months and they are already talking about seeds

Over the last year people have come and gone however the group is now made up from a strong core group of seven with plenty of people willing to lend a hand when needed and knowing how resourceful they are I am sure they will be planning some great activities in the future.
The well known saying - Mighty oaks from little acorns grow seems very appropriate.

Writing project at Hurstbourne Tarrant

2009-11-20T16:12:00.002Z

The CB project have been working in a rural village on a family writing project. This was the 2nd session of what is proving to be a very popular and enjoyable project. Storyteller Claudia friend and CB outreach worker Stuart, have teamed up to help the school produce a book of creative writing about life in the village.

This week the group produced imaginative maps of their surroundings, pointed out their favourite places and landmarks.

Awbridge Wildgrounds group planning for the spring

2009-11-19T15:01:00.004Z

Several members of the group along with myself and a new member Colin a local resident and a enthusiastic gardener all came together last Friday to decide on the next step for the community garden.

After some discussion about the direction and focus for the future taking into consideration the time that people are able to contribute to growing this project ( excuse the pun)
The plan of action was agreed to be the following :

To concentrate on getting the new raised beds ready for the spring and to get a composter on the go
To look at ways of involving the children for example asking them to explore what ingredients need to go into making good compost, for each class to plan for what vegetables could go in their plot thinking about slow growing and fast growing fruit and veg, maybe link this to other themes e.g historical periods etc , also maybe to help by planting seeds etc.
To look at ways of involving families for example holding sessions to learn more about growing vegetables and sharing skills and to consider what plants are needed in the wild grounds area to help attract creatures that will keep the slugs and nasty beasts at bay
Maybe to start a gardening club or arrange a number of activities

With all of these plans in mind we decided that we needed to focus on the things that need to happen before the Christmas break, namely organising a composter which Colin kindly offered to donate to the project and to set a date to prepare the soil in the raised beds ready for the spring.

The other things to consider was how we were we going to find the organic materials we needed to prepare the soil.

The provisional date for digging (subject to good weather) has been set for this Sunday morning, a tight schedule indeed, however its amazing what a group of enthusiastic people can organise in a short time.

As to the donations of well rotted manure, personal approaches combined with a leaflet out to the parents has brought in lots of offers of help which is great because they are going to need at least 25 bags of the stuff.

Mr Barnes the headteacher has also offered to write a article for the village newsletter asking people for donations of tools and useful implements.

Aviary Community Garden Planting Afternoon

2009-11-10T20:38:00.002Z

The rain held off just long enough for the members of the Aviary Community garden group to start planting some winter vegetables!

Tony and Anne from the Allotment society joined us to offer valuable advice as well as bulbs to plant. As it was a cold afternoon, we brewed hot chocolate for everyone using a couple of storm kettles which don't require electricity or gas - they boil by burning

dry twigs and paper underneath!

Bird and butterfly feeder activities with families at Timsbury Pre School

2009-11-06T13:29:00.003Z

This week I spent a morning with parents and children at Timsbury Pre School near Romsey.
The Pre School are part of a bigger project at the community hall to develop a community garden they were really keen to take part in a activity where they could learn how to make feeders to attract wildlife into the garden.
Everybody had lots of fun learning how to make two different types of butterfly feeders ready for next spring as well as a bird feeder to put out now , local birds are now benefiting in the area by getting a little more help when they most need .
The adults and children were really pleased to learn how to make feeders from materials that they could easily collect and also do their bit when it came to recycling .

Bishops Sutton Family Art Workshops

2009-11-06T12:28:00.004Z

October and November saw two more workshops run by Scrapstores, Stuart Jebbitt and local artist Melissa Simm.

Free taster sessions in making ‘art’ with scrap have been held at Bishops Sutton’s village hall for children and parents.

Where dragons roared in September ghoulish ghosts materialized in October, just in time for Halloween! November’s workshop saw many a strange creature and they all had blue fur!

Fun were had by all, kids and the adults! and to the delight to those who have already been to the last three, one more taster session will be going ahead on 6 December, a Christmas special, where an opportunity to make decorations to hang on your tree (or wherever else you may choose to hang them!)

The sessions are from 3 til 4.30 at Bishop’s Sutton village hall, so bring your imaginations and come on down!

A new project in Timsbury

2009-11-01T19:16:00.002Z

Back in September I was contacted by parents from Timsbury Pre School who had heard about the Awbridge project to ask me if I could assist them.
They are working on a collective long term project with other groups who meet in their local village hall with the focus of creating a multi use community garden, which needs to meet the various needs of the hall users as well as be accessible to the local community.
I agreed to meet with them to explore how I might be able to best help giving the time constraints of the CB project.
Thankfully there pans are well under way and they are now seeking permission from the local Parish Council to go ahead with the project. , so where could I help?
After meeting with two members of the group and after much discussion as to how the CB project could be of most help we agreed that funding and some training for some of groups in the hall would be most beneficial.
So with this in mind I am currently looking into what we can offer and will let you know how we progress.

Awbridge wildgrounds group autumn update

2009-11-01T18:23:00.003Z

A quick update as to where we are now . Because the group meets in the school and involves local parents this has meant that we have not met over the summer holidays, however that does not mean that things haven't been happening behind the scenes.
Over the summer holidays meetings took place between several members of the group and a local wildlife / gardening enthusiast who is really keen to help out and help to involve the local community , we have now arranged another meeting to take place in a couple of weeks with the intention of planning for the future and to set out a plan of action to develop a vegetable garden alongside the wildlife area.
Meanwhile I have have been spending some time with a couple of enthusiastic members assisting them with looking at funding applications . We are also hoping to put on a training workshop to look at making feeding boxes etc to attract even more wildlife into the garden .

This years community group training is a great success!

2009-10-23T16:43:00.002+01:00

This year we decided to deliver another set of open access training, to pass on our learning to a larger number of groups. Members of 11 different community groups came along for 2 days of sharing tips, tricks and innovative ideas. We covered a lot of ground, with many
group exercises and activities, including the creation of a group skills audit, recognising and overcoming barriers to participation, and publicising your group to attract new members. The participants really enjoyed the interaction with other projects and we had a diverse range of groups, from a voluntary toddler group, an asian womens group, an inner city community garden, and a community art gallery. Many contact details were swapped for future collaborations!. "Brilliant! It was more than I expected and I have enjoyed the poster session the most", "nice to meet other folks and to think about things a bit differently", "top notch, learnt loads - we are the future" are just some of the feedback comments.
The CB project has also produced a "Community Group Survival Guide" full of advice and tips - which is available in PDF or word format for anyone who wants it. We are also working on an interactive CD-rom version! so watch this space.

BDS Art group - flyer designs.

2009-10-23T16:22:00.004+01:00

Many thanks to Bishopstoke day services for their hospitality, and to their service users art group who spent an afternoon working with us on designs for the Curveball club flyers. Using recycled scraps on mounting card, they produced some really colourful and eyecatching designs.

Recording session for the Curveball Club

2009-10-23T16:11:00.007+01:00

Some of the Dice group are now helping to put together a special music track to be played at the upcoming club night for adults with learning difficulties. Mark worked with the drum machine to programme some suitable rhythms, while Pam added some great vocals! We were also joined by Art House director, Bik, who kindly added some Didj for us. The dance track 'You can party' will be unveiled at the event on december the 9th!

Scrap Workshop at Eastleigh College

2009-10-16T14:40:00.005+01:00

Last week we visted Eastleigh College, to work with their Skills for Working Life students. After meeting the group and explaining how the Scrapstore works, the students were able to rummage in several large crates of assorted scrap as part of
a Scrap Challenge model making afternoon.

This included bottle tops, plastic buttons, old foam, cardboard tubes and a whole range of unidentifiable bits and pieces. The Students thoroughly enjoyed the activity, each creating their own unique sculpture. Creations included robots, rabbits, cats, phones, and even a camera!

The whole session was recorded by the College's marketing department and is currently featured on their website with the following quote,
"Enrichment activities such as this allow students to develop their creativity, communication and confidence"

The group were also very interested in the upcoming learning disability club night that we are putting on at Eastleigh Football Club. We have already arranged a return visit on November 11th so the group can help design artwork for the event, and choose music for it.

Bishop’s Sutton: there be dragons!

2009-09-18T13:11:00.007+01:00

Bishop’s Sutton: there be dragons!

Village’s first Scrapstore Art Workshop

creates figures, fantasies – and fun

Dragons roared and rockets were launched, birds flew and robots strutted, where previously there had just been a bewildering array of materials. Yes, everybody had great fun at Bishop’s Sutton’s first Art Workshop, organised by Southampton Scrapstore.

Led by Scrapstore’s Stuart Jebbitt and local artist, Melissa Simm, the Workshop saw children and their parents make some wonderful monsters, men and machines from the plentiful, high-quality ‘scrap’ provided.

Following this success, Scrapstore is planning to hold further Workshops on October 18 and November 1. They run from 3 to 4:30pm in Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall; they are free, and all materials, paints, glues, etc. are provided; just bring along yourselves and your imagination.

To book a place, or for any queries, please contact Stuart on stuartjebbitt@hotmail.com or 07766 096148.

Eastleigh Carnival 2009

2009-09-10T15:34:00.004+01:00

Another sunny(ish) afternoon in Eastleigh and this years carnival procession lined up on Grantham Green ready for the off, despite worries earlier in the year of it not going ahead. Following a plea for help by the Local paper, the CB project helped out by putting on a number of costume making workshops and supporting two of our community groups to taking part once again.

DICE (Drop in Centre Eastleigh) (pictured), and the Mini Millbrook Project paraded together, on what was a great afternoon, with MM winning a 1st prize once again!

Tshirt designs at South Wonston

2009-08-12T17:47:00.003+01:00

We had another very sucessful morning at South Wonston Village hall in rural Winchester. at the request of the Parish Council and Parents, we have put on 2 summer workshops for parents and kids together.
Both have been fully booked out and our sessions have proved popular enough, that our artist has now been asked by the members to take over the group as an independent art club from September! This is great news for a rural village where there is very little provision for activities that families can do together.

Scrapstore at the Mela

2009-08-12T17:36:00.004+01:00

Scrapstore artist, Vicki Hodgson and volunteer Alice Rawles, created a wishing tree at the New Forest Mela, the first ever event of its kind for the forest. The event was organised by Forest Bus, with whom we had previously collaborated with on a project involving traveller families, many of who were attending the festival.

Initially the stall was only planned for the morning, but was so popular that they ended up having to stay open for the whole day!

African Culture and Music at Middle Wallop

2009-08-12T17:28:00.003+01:00

Over the Summer artist and musician, Kris Bediiako, has been running a series of workshops with young people and volunteers living at the Middle Wallop RAF Station. His sessions, based around his childhood in Ghana, and how African society embraces the community, is helping to bond the group, through art, music, drumming, song and dance. Kris has been a great success and he is now in discussion with the group about a possible exchange visit with young people in Ghana.

Aviary Childrens Centre Open Day

2009-08-12T17:10:00.002+01:00

Recently, the CB project took part in the Open day at the Aviary Surestart Centre in Eastleigh. Newly Signed up Scrapstore Artist and Permaculture expert, Gavin Marsh, (a recent graduate from the Winchester school of Art), made over 70 windmills from recycled materials with local kids!
Gavin is a new addition to the project and he will be helping to co-ordinate the new community garden based at the centre in the coming months.
Watch this space....

Awbridge Wildgrounds Group windbreak making day

2009-07-16T17:56:00.036+01:00

The Windbreak viewed from the school playground

Well where should I start ,, we had a pretty mammoth task ahead of us a lot to achieve in one day. The hazel donated by Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens was delivered on the Wednesday and Heather one of the members of the group came up trumps with a very large pile of surplus dogwood which was donated by Hampshire artist Olivia Keith.
I brought a large pile of fabric and net strips from the Scrapstore and we were ready to start.
The ground proved to be much harder than we anticipated and after one hours work we had only managed to make enough holes for about ten hazel stakes it looked as if we might have to scale down our plan and build a smaller windbreak, thankfully two fathers who had stopped for a coffee break at a neighbours house came to our rescue and with their assistance we are soon able to get back on track.

Once this Hazel stakes were firmly in the ground we started working on the structural weaving using the dogwood to strengthen the structure , as with all projects such as this there were quite a lot of discussion on the best way to do this as well as how we wanted it to look.

Emma Heather and Amanda working
on the basic weaving

In the afternoon we were joined by year six students who helped us with the weaving and later on children who had brought personal pieces to weave into the structure came over to add them in . One of the children had been send a scarf by her grandmother who lives in South Africa she also included a note to tell people about the scarf s journey.

Once the main structure was assembled and ready for the next stage we were able to take a much needed break before the evening school fete started.

A view of the right hand end of the windbreak before the fete

During the fete many people from the local community as well as children who attended the school and their families were able to contribute by adding in a fabric design, several of the teachers who had been taking a peak during the day were able to come along and contribute.

A great first project for the group we are now busily planning for the autumn term and are looking forward to a much needed summer break.

Thanks to Heather Rowen Sue Emma and Amanda from the group who contributed to building the stucture, to the local Dads who stepped in when we most needed it ,Mr Barnes the Headteacher and all of the children and parents who joined in to help us make this such a fantastic project .

Pilands Volunteer group undergo training sessions

2009-07-15T17:20:00.005+01:00

The Volunteer Group at Pilands have been undergoing commitee training, and today we popped down to see how they were getting on. 6 members of the volunteer group took part, creating a visual representation of all the skills they have available between them and thinking about how they could bring these to the centre. Volunteer co-ordinator Jane Rich was very complimentary about the CB project and it's support for the centre volunteers over the last two and a half years.
"You've transformed the image of the Scrapstore and made it relevant to the community".

Sway Carnival - the Gateway group rides again!

2009-07-15T16:59:00.005+01:00

The Gateway Group from New Milton gained a special commendation and a rosette at this years Sway Carnival Procession which took place on friday evening.

The carnival theme this year was 'Sway to the Music' and the gang decided to dress up in tabards with different music styles stenciled on. Together with some new romantic make-up, cardboard guitars and instruments made from scrap, they looked fantastic.

The smiles say it all!

Cheeky Monkeys

2009-07-15T16:47:00.003+01:00

Another tuesday morning in Fordingbridge and another visit to the now independent Cheeky Monkeys Group. We spent time creating some collage calenders and also experimented with

coloured hair extensions! The group is still attracting new members, the vegetables have started to grow outside. Next week, Cheeky Monkeys member Lisa, will be transferring her skills by travelling down to the New Milton Young Parents group to run a clay workshop.

Drama show at Forest Arts

2009-07-08T13:12:00.004+01:00

On monday afternoon, an expectant audience gathered in the theatre at Forest Arts in New Milton to watch the drama production put on by members of both Brockenhurst and New Milton Gateway clubs. The production, 'My Hero' was based on a dream sequence where the actors took on the personas of their heroes. This included Kylie, Norman Wisdom, Robin Hood, Buzz Lightyear, Mr Spock and Daleks!
It was the culmunation of 6 weeks work, including writing the play themselves and creating all the props.
All the participants worked very well together as a team and everyone remembered their lines!

Mini Millbrook AGM - 6 July 2009

2009-07-06T17:35:00.002+01:00

Suzie and Heidi (pictured) did a great job leading the Mini Millbrook Project in their second AGM. They'd never done it before, so they were quite nervous but they dived in anyway.

Kerry is continuing as Chair, and Gail as Treasurer, but because Mandy is starting a 'return to teaching course', she's stepping down as Secretary. Heidi and Suzie were elected in as the new 'secretaries' for the group as they will be doing a job share.

Guests at the AGM included Suzanne Gee and Debbie Sweeney from Surestart, Jennie Rawles from First Class Create, Barbara Hancock from TWICS, Tracey Woolmer from The Nuffield Theatre and Geoff Charnley from Southampton Scrapstore.

It was a nice informal AGM and the group were finally able to watch the DVD filmed at the final puppet workshop for the PUSH4Culture Puppet Programme. It was the first viewing for most of the group so there was a lot of laughing.

The Mini Millbrook Project have now decided to go ahead with plans to enter a section in Eastleigh Carnival. They're meeting up next week in the Rema Hut to plan the workshops with a butterfly theme, and Surestart are keen to get involved which will help pay for the materials and venue hire!

Prop making at Forest Arts

2009-06-30T10:16:00.003+01:00

Yesterday afternoon we made props for nexts mondays drama project performance at the Forest Arts Centre. The theme of the drama sessions has been 'exploring your favourite character' and each member of the group made themselves some props (using Scrapstore materials), that summarised their characters
Among the characters are Kylie, Norman Wisdom, Robin Hood, Buzz Lightyear, Dr Spock and Daleks!
Pictured here, we have Kylie's Microphone and also some Dalek Hats! A great time was had by all with lots of rummaging through the boxes of scrap and several 'eureka' moments when people found something that fitted the bill.

Learning Disabilty Drama at the Forest Arts Centre!

2009-06-23T16:52:00.003+01:00

As an extension of our work with the New Milton Gateway Club, we have set up a series of drama workshops in collaboration with Kathyrn Hay of Curious Arts. We have relocated the sessions to the Forest Arts Centre, so that the members can experience working in a real theatre. Currently there have been 8 group members and 2 support workers attending on a monday afternoon and they have been working on a showcase based around taking on the persona of your favourite character or hero/heroine.
Among these will be featuring, Robin Hood, Buzz Lightyear, Spock, Norman Wisdom, Kylie and a Dalek! the group have been having a thoroughly good time, whilst also increasing their confidence and communication skills.
"I Enjoy my drama class, Kathryn the teacher is a very nice lady. I will come every week for my class. I’m looking forward to actual play." Richard."I have enjoyed being part of the show and being my hero"Amberlea. "I would like to start doing drama more often as I really enjoy myself" Megan

South Wonston Parents and Kids

2009-06-23T16:26:00.001+01:00

Another saturday morning in rural Winchester and another successful scrapstore arts session for parents and kids at South Wonston Village Hall. This week, Scrapstore artists Stuart and Vicki led the group through the glass painting and fabric collage.
The Sessions so far have proved so popular with local families, that we have been asked if we could put more workshops on over the summer. So after talking to the group, we are now in a position to announce the "Summer Holiday Art Workshops" in South Wonston Village Hall on Monday, 10th August - (T-shirt design) and Monday, 17th August - (Mosaic Clocks) from 10.00 - 12 noon. If your'e interested in attending you can find out more from Vicki Hodgson email: innerimagewshop@aol.com

Cultural Olympiad - Student Sana takes on the Bargate

2009-06-12T16:18:00.007+01:00

Remember last year? Scrapstore dressed the Bargate in scrap to celebrate the Launch of the Cultural Olympiad. Well this year, in keeping with the aims of London 2012 which prioritise young people, Scrapstore is handing everything over to student Sana Rashid.

Over here from Pakistan and in her first year studying Maths at Southampton University, Sana is taking the plunge. Here she is measuring up the Bargate for her designs.

She'll then be working with artist Rose Perry to come up with a schedule to produce the design through open workshops, ready for display over the Cultural Olympiad weekend 24th -26th July.

Because the project is completely inspired by the 2012 Olympics, Sana has just put in an application for the Inspire Mark. This is a national mark of quality that recognises innovative projects (big and small) that demonstrate individuals and organisations aspiring to better themselves.

Project managing an arts project is a first for Sana, and handing over a project to a student is a first for Scrapstore. So good luck Sana with the application, fingers crossed!

Cheeky Monkeys go Solo

2009-06-09T14:56:00.002+01:00

It's official - Cheeky Monkeys are now a fully independant group.
Today we said goodbye to Roz Bradbury from Hampshire Families who has worked so hard on behalf of the young parents. Tears were shed as the girls said thanks to Roz for her tireless help and support. Having started with just 2 young mums, Niki and Emma, Roz helped to set up the original Fordingbridge Young Parents group, bringing in support from other agencies such as the Youth Service, The Childrens Centre, and since the beginning of 2008, the Community Builders Project. As both the Youth Service and Hampshire Families have since had to pull out, the intervention of the CB project has been crucial to the group. It has allowed them to undergo training in running the group themselves as well as support during the transition period to independance. From next week the group will be meeting for the first time without any agency support.

Pilands Volunteer week is a great success

2009-06-08T14:50:00.002+01:00

Saturday afternoon saw us down at Pilands Wood community centre revisiting one of the first groups involved in the CB project, the Pilands Volunteers. a whole weeks worth of intensive volunteer recruitment events ended with a community BBQ outside the centre with group members Teresa and Peter organising the tickets and Jane, Amanda, and Greta dealing with the hungry masses! the BBQ itself was made from recycled materials - a partially sectioned steel drum, metal garage shelving, and wire trays all welded together with the engineering genius that is Shane. It was very gratifying to catch up with the gang and see them so enthusiastic and thriving. They are definately now as much the community centre as the building is. Another pleasing footnote, is that we are also able to help offer some training for the new recruits via TWICS (Training for work in communities - Southampton), again to strengthen the sustainabilty of the group.

New project for 2009 - Aviary Community Garden

2009-06-08T13:54:00.003+01:00

This friday, following discussions with Susie James of the Aviary Childrens Centre, and local residents in South Eastleigh, we all met together to collaborate on the combined vision of creating a new community garden for the area. Having had our meeting at the centre, we then went outside to measure the area, and decided to start the project with 5 raised allotment plots (to aid access to people with disabilities). We hope to build both the group and the garden one phase at a time!
If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting new project and want to get involved, there is a facebook page for the group at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=41692988053 or simply email stuart at stuartjebbitt@hotmail for more details

Cheeky Monkeys

2009-06-08T13:38:00.004+01:00

Cheeky Monkeys, (formerly the Fordingbridge Young Parents Group), continues to move forward with a couple of exciting new projects on the horizon. They are now organising their own committee meetings and have just recently elected an 'action group' of four members to oversee their transition to independence.
The group have gained permission from the vicar of the church where they meet, to create an allotment in the hall grounds, which they have started to prepare. They are also planning to run an activity stall at the Fordingbridge Festival this summer in order to add funds to the bank account that they have set up.

Eastleigh Carnival Preparations Continue

2009-06-08T13:25:00.004+01:00

Preparations are still afoot for the Eastleigh Carnival this summer, with the last session of three costume making workshops, put on by the CB project at Wells Place. The theme of 'Under the Sea' has proved popular and we are now really looking forward to the event itself. Also, at the workshop was Jackie White, from Whitchurch Carnival, who came down to visit us, in order to get ideas and share information. She also went away with her own 'SpongeBob Squarepants' creation, made at the session. Also helping at the session was Mandy Bishop from the Mini Millbrook group, who will be taking the group through their final preparations as we draw nearer to the big day.

Mini Millbrook Project visited by The Nuffield Theatre

2009-06-05T17:02:00.004+01:00

Thanks to the PUSH4Culture Puppet programme and the Mini Mini Millbrook Project's visit to see a puppet show back in February, The Nuffield Theatre has been able to start its own relationship with the group.

Tracey Woolmer, the new Audience Development Officer at The Nuffield came along this Monday to the group's monthly meeting to talk to the ladies and see how they could be more involved in the Theatre.

As well as telling them about upcoming shows and city events, Tracey invited the group to see the Nuffield's programme before it goes to print. The ladies will then have the chance to give feedback on what the Nuffield is planning to put on, and ideas for how it can be improved.

So thank you to Tracey for coming despite the very hot weather!

Volunteer Week at Pilands

2009-06-03T13:12:00.005+01:00

The Volunteers at Pilands Community Centre, (One of the first groups the CB project worked with back in 2007), have been canvassing for new recruits this week - Setting up their stool outside the local chippy! - a very shrewd move. The centre has been forging ahead with many new activities and events, despite the loss of a paid co-ordinator last year.
New Volunteers have been taken on and we are hoping to help with this via some community development training, to strengthen the team.

Mini Millbrook PUSH4Culture 2 day Puppet workshop - moving puppets

2009-06-02T17:15:00.007+01:00

To give group members the chance to learn how to make different types of puppets, the PUSH4Culture puppet programme finished off with a 2 day puppet workshop with Puppeteer Izy from 'Twisted Myth Productions' and Filmmaker Alys Hawkins. This was on Tuesday 14th and Wed 15th April over Easter.

Using templates, Izy showed people how to make a range of puppets that moved . These included hand puppets and rod puppets.

The workshop was also intended to broaden the type of skills the group were learning, and to introduce them to new media. As part of day 1, the children were shown how to use the internet to get ideas. Then on day 2, Alys the Filmmaker came along to show group members how to film with a camera. She also took the opportunity to film the group doing their handiwork and to interview them for a DVD.

In the final afternoon, the group did their own puppet shows to each other filmed using the camera equipment.

The Mini Millbrook Project now eagerly awaits the results as Alys is editing the film of the day. Each of them will be getting a DVD as a celebration of all of the group's hard work.

I reckon it will throw up a lot of laughs and who knows, it might even go down well at their upcoming AGM!

Mini Millbrook PUSH4Culture 1 day Puppet Workshop - papier mache

2009-06-02T17:04:00.004+01:00

Having seen 2 puppet shows and the large scale carnival puppets in London, members of the Mini Millbrook Project were itching to have a go at making puppets themselves.

So on Monday 6th April, Giulia from 'The Puppet Workshop' ran a one-day workshop in Millbrook. It was a busy day making paper mache puppets out of scrap materials and everyone had a go. Someone did a puppet of their husband, but we won't mention any names.

And after the workshop, Mandy and Karen, who both were unable to make the workshop had a go themselves at home and brought along the results to the next Easter workshop a week later.

Mini Millbrook trip to london - workshop with Notting Hill Carnival Artists

2009-06-01T17:23:00.007+01:00

After visiting the Tricycle Theatre, the Mini Millbrook's next stop was Harlesden to visit the Mahogany Mas Camp. These are some of Notting Hill's top carnival artists who produced costumes for the opening of the Beijing Olympic Handover in 2008. It was amazing to see the size of some of their puppets and everyone loved trying on their costumes.

After lots cheesy smiles and running up and down with wings on, it was upstairs for a workshop on making carnival hats. These were made using templates and everyone got stuck in.

Then it was home on yet more trains (including Waterloo station in the rush hour) and everyone arrived home at 8.30pm exhausted.

Mini Millbrook PUSH4Culture Trip to London

2009-06-01T17:03:00.005+01:00

After going to visit a puppet show locally at the Nuffield Theatre in February, the Mini Millbrook Project went to see a puppet show in London on March 28th. This was at the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn and was called 'Petrushka & the Mysterious Magician'.The puppet show had 2 actors in it this time and was less traditional than the Nuffield performance. It also included sign language as part of the entertainment.

The whole trip was made using public transport and included 3 different types of train; main line, overland and tube. The aim was to use transport that the group could use themselves another time as for some of the parents and children, it was the first time they'd ever been to London. The Tricycle Theatre staff were very welcoming and arranged for the Mini Millbrook Project to get the VIP treatment once again by having their very own 'meet the actors' session at the end of the show.

The trip was funded by PUSH4Culture & organised by Southampton Scrapstore.

Mini Millbrook get PUSH4Culture funding for puppet programme

2009-06-01T16:46:00.008+01:00

Back in February the CB Project won £3700 of funding from PUSH4Culture to run a puppet programme for the Mini Millbrook Project. It was a theme they had come up with themselves when they had a review meeting in January about what they wanted to do this year.

The programme kicked off on February 28th with a trip to the Nuffield Theatre to see 'The Selfish Giant' puppet show.

After the show, the children got to 'meet the puppets' to get a close up look and to try out holding them. Sharon Lawless from the Nuffield also gave the group the VIP treatment, with a guided tour round the back of the stage and into the Green room to see what goes on behind the scenes.

"The last time I saw a puppet show was on the coast. It was Punch and Judy" Karen

Glass Painting and Lampshades at Middle Wallop

2009-05-29T15:24:00.004+01:00

A very sunny day at Middle Wallop saw the Stuart and Solent University student Alice, putting on a day of lampshade and glass painting. Adult volunteers and young people joined in, for a very creative time! The young people were surprised by how much they enjoyed it. One young lady said that she thought the glass painting might be boring, but by the end, had totally changed her mind!
We were also able to chat to the adult volunteers about how the group were doing over a much appreciated lunch in the mess hall!

Creative Powers at South Wonston

2009-05-27T10:39:00.002+01:00

The Bank holiday weekend, saw us once again working with parents and children in the village of South Wonston. Again we had a good turn out of families eager to use the Scrapstores materials and to enjoy quality time with their children. We had quite a few Dad's in attendence, who revelled in the opportunity to design, cut, stick and glue! The popularity of these events in this rural community, has obviously hit upon a local need and we are hoping to organise some sessions over the summer.

Cheeky Monkeys forge ahead

2009-05-18T11:25:00.003+01:00

Having had some additional support from the CB project we are pleased to say that the former Fordingbridge Young parents group is forging ahead with changes that will see the group develop more independance. They are currently writing a group constitution and policies, in anticipation of opening a group bank account.
They are also planning a group trip as well as negotiating the use of the church hall grounds where they meet, to grow fruit and vegetables. They also relaunched their facebook group at

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=34223180075

Carnival Workshop 11th May

2009-05-18T11:12:00.005+01:00

We had another productive workshop at Wells Place in Eastleigh last monday. Some new faces came down to make Carnival headpieces while others put together decorative blue stick capes!
We were visited by the Eastleigh Carnival procession organiser, Jo Lockyer who was there to answer questions from the participants about Eastleigh Carnival itself. Everyone agreed that the workshops have shown that carnival costumes can be made on small budget and without having to have specialist skills. Some scrap materials, a little imagination, and the ability to weald a roll of strong gaffer tape can work wonders!

Update from Awbridge Wildgrounds group

2009-05-15T14:44:00.002+01:00

Hi to all of our avid readers in the digital ethe net.
Everything is going really well at Awbridge Primary in fact we have doubled in numbers since our first meeting with 9 parents now taking part.

After some interesting discussion and fantastic ideas we decided to think about what we could be achieved in the short term and beyond, with the school fete happening in 3 weeks the decision was made to create a piece of art work that was functional as well as engaging in which both parents , children and the wider community could take part . I was asked to design a windbreak/ screen which we could start building in the morning and then invite year 6 children to assist in the afternoon , followed by an initiation to children and families to contribute to during the fete by bringing something special to them to weave in to the structure . It is going to be made from a mixture of natural materials and recycled materials.

Once the planning was under way I sent out a list of materials that we would need to obtain Dr Barnes has kindly sent a letter out to the parents asking if they can help to gather materials and members of the group set about seeing how they could help.
We are lucky that one of the members had good contacts with the National Trust countryside manager at Mottisfont Abbey and asked if they could help, they have come up trumps and have offered to supply us with the Hazel which is great news all we need to do now is work out how we are going to collect it.

Anyway that's it for now here is a couple of the designs for the screen.
bye for now from Jacquie C B outreach worker in Test Valley

screen design

2009-05-15T14:34:00.002+01:00

Groundbreaking newsflash

2009-05-08T13:45:00.009+01:00

Fledgling new community builders project arrives at a small village near Romsey.

Jacqueline Rolls our outreach worker in Test Valley has just revealed that she has been responsible for an “ideas meeting with enthusiastic parents and the headteacher at Awbridge Primary School” .

Jacqueline now reveals how this came about” I contacted Awbridge Primary School back in the spring of this year to ask if the Community Builders Project could assist them in any way, Dr Barnes the headteacher at the school said that he was keen to look at ways to improve the wild grounds area in the school and would love to extend the activity to involve the local community."

With that in mind we started thinking about how we might include people and came up with the idea of holding a ideas meeting, we then sent a letter out to families who attended the school to invite parents aunties, uncles , grandparents and interested parties to come forward with some suggestions of what they would like to see happen. Followed by our 1st meeting on the 24th April.

A small but enthusiastic group of parents have now been sharing ideas and emails have been flying through along the electronic highways..

"We have now collated everybody thoughts and have sent a letter out to all of the families in the school to update them and ask if they would like to contribute in some way.

We will be meeting for the second time today and my next update will let you know how this went"

bye for now from Jacquie C B outreach worker in Test Valley

Eastleigh Carnival Arts Workshop

2009-04-28T10:41:00.002+01:00

Our Eastleigh Carnival workshops got off the blocks last night with the first of 3 workshops to help whet the appetite of those planning to take part. We decided on a theme of 'Under the Sea' and proceeded to delve through an extensive range of scrap materials to make headresses. As you can see, various designs emerged including, Whales, Dolphins, King Neptune, Nessie and Pirate Ships. Everyone had a great time, and there's still room for more people to come on the 11th and 18th of May! (Mondays, 6-8 at Wells Place, Eastleigh - Just call Stuart on 02380 915414)

Worthy Down Camp becomes an African Village for a morning!

2009-04-27T11:51:00.003+01:00

At Worthy Down camp on saturday we had a very successful and enjoyable morning with the CB projects good friend and community musician extraordinaire, Kristian Bediiako. Earlier in the week Stuart made African masks and music shakers with the Kids at the community centre, paving the way for the arrival of Kris and his unique way of getting community groups to relax and work together. To see a short video of the group in action go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5FNWXG5xIE
Now the group want to find more funding in order for Kris to do a longer piece of work with them...

2nd Workshop at Wonston a Success!

2009-04-21T14:14:00.004+01:00

On Saturday 18th of April, we finished the Easter Holidays with a fantastic morning of Arts and Crafts for parents and children, at South Wonston Village hall in Rural Winchester. Scrapstore Artist, Vicki Hodgson, oversaw the mono-printing while Stuart worked on Clay play. The workshops have proved very popular and seem to have tapped into a local need.
We had many positive comments, such as 'Excellent craft activities to get my son and I working together. We both had a great time, especially with the clay making dinosaurs. Looking forward to the next event already'. Our next visits are on May 23rd and June 20th. Watch this space!

Update visit to Blackfield

2009-04-08T11:35:00.003+01:00

We visited the Dad's club at Blackfield community centre on saturday morning and took along some self drying clay for the group to try out.
We also went outside into the garden, which has been beautifully refurbed by Daren and the gang, for an impromptu music session.
local dad, Nathan, brought along a didgeridoo and we had a go at getting a sound out of it, with varying degrees of success.
We are happy to say that Blackfield are now convinced and committed users of the Scrapstore, and use recycled materials on a regular basis!

Updates on some of our 2007-8 Projects

2009-04-03T11:59:00.008+01:00

In recent weeks, the CB project has been catching up with some of our previous projects to see how they are progressing, and if they have increased sustainability.

At Pilands Wood they have responded well to the loss of the Centre Managers post, by bringing in, and training up more local volunteers to take up the various tasks that keep this popular community centre going. One of their younger volunteers, Natasha, has been working with us in the CB office, brushing up her Excel and Blogging Skills. Currently the centre is planning a new volunteer week at the beginning of June, which CB will be able to support with some additional funding.

Across the other end of Eastleigh, we have continued to keep in touch with Adam and the Crew at DICE. Dice has continued to run every monday at Wells Place with new people accessing it. Currently they are applying for funding for a paid co-ordinator now that a clear need has been established and the project has proven to be so invaluble to the learning disabled community in the town. Currently, CB volunteer and artist, Alice Windle, has been working with the group, and group leader, Adam Williams has also become a co-opted member of the Eastleigh Carnival Commitee, with a view to getting the group into the Carnival this August.

Over in Mansbridge, the Community Cinema is going great guns, with Mentions in the Soton Echo. Local Volunteers Nick and Issy have taken over the running of the group, and are reporting bigger audiences, as the monthly film showings catch on. They are currently exploring the possibility of extending into Saturday morning kids cinema shows and CB are facilitating CRB checks for the volunteers to assist the process.

Out in the Forest, the Fordingbridge Young parents group has also undertaken a transformation. They have now decided as a group, to widen particpation to vunerable parents of any age and to rebrand themselves as
the Cheeky Monkeys group. CB have brought in the services of TWICS, (Training for work in communities Southampton), to help with this process which has been greatly appreciated by the mums (and dads)

Tomorrow, we will be visting the Dad's group at the Blackfield Community Centre near Fawley, to see how they are getting on. So watch this Space...............

Mad Hatters Sunday at Middle Wallop

2009-03-30T08:48:00.004+01:00

Sunday saw us working with Air Force families in Rural Test Valley at Middle Wallop Station. Solent University student, Alice Windle, worked with Stuart, facepainting adults and children. Other activites included costume and crown making, music and an Easter Egg Hunt!
We finished the day with a Mad Hatters Tea Party and everyone left with a big smile on their Face.
Many Thanks to Mike, the CD worker who hosted the event, and his volunteers Robert and Ken.

South Wonston Parents and Kids

2009-03-23T10:47:00.004Z

This Saturday we had our first taster workshop at South Wonston, which was very well received, with many very positive comments. The general consensus of opinion was that this would be a very popular activity, and would fulfil a need in an area of rural isolation. The Parish Chair, David Selby, was very pleased with the turnout, and the great family atmosphere of the morning.
We have booked another session on the 18th April!

Cheeky Monkeys

2009-03-11T14:00:00.005Z

The Fordingbridge Young parents group is progressing well and transforming into the more inclusive 'Cheeky Monkeys' group. The parents enjoyed another packed training session where they identified their group skills and created a new 'jobs' board for the sessions.

CB Training in Fordingbridge gets off to great start

2009-02-27T10:27:00.004Z

Yesterday saw the first training session for the young parents group in Fordingbridge. We have been working with the group on affordable arts/crafts skills over the last year, but this was the first time that the group had got together to discuss the practical mechanics of moving towards a more autonomous and sustainable future.
The group came up with lots of ideas and shared their vision of how they would like to see it develop. They all agreed that they wanted to change the name of the project and 'Cheeky Monkeys' seemed to come forward as the most popular suggestion. As well as this, they explored the possibility of a babysitting circle, participation in events, and how to access funding.
Everyone went away fired up and enthusiastic, and looking forward to next week.

Fun day at Thorney Hill

2009-02-23T11:30:00.003Z

Pictured is CB Projects latest round of scrap robot making. This time we were down at Thorney Hill in the New Forest, where Forest Bus were unveiling their new vehicle. The event was attended by many people from the local traveller community and other local residents from the settled community, enjoying a whole host of activities both in the community hall, and outside.

Marlands Show is a Triumph!

2009-02-23T10:45:00.002Z

Last Thursday evening, the Marlands shopping centre in Central Southampton, was host to the private few of the EU Artists Photographic Exhibition. A large number of people attended, to look at the work, listen to Polish rock band, Johnny Worker, and enjoy the gastronomic treats of Fabios Cafe.

The show was a culmunation of many weeks work, masterfully overseen by Konrad and Anna

from the group. After an opening speech by Dave Adcock from EUWelcome, in which he told us about the cities long history of welcoming migrants, (Dave is also a Southampton tour guide!), prizes were presented for the childrens entries by local sponser BSA Regal (Money to go to the participants schools) and Southampton Scrapstore (Art Materials for the winners). It was a fantastic evening and an incredible achievement for all the Artists involved, with a very high standard of work.

Drumming at Middle Wallop Camp

2009-02-19T14:52:00.002Z

Yesterday, the community centre at Middle Wallop camp, became an African Village for the day, thanks to Community Musician, Kris Bediiako. Both Adults and Young people joined in, learning African Rhythms, Songs and Dance Moves! More, importantly they learned about
the importance of community and mutual support in African Society and how the west can learn from it.
a lesson in community development and drumming all rolled into one!
Once again, thanks to Kris for a fantastic session!

Clay work at Worthy Down

2009-02-12T14:27:00.002Z

We had great fun yesterday afternoon, demonstrating the joy of self drying clay with mum and kids at Worth Down Army Camp in rural Winchester.
the Children made a number of creations, including dragons, pokemon monsters, and hearts for Valentines day. Once dry, the group plan to paint the figures.
Everyone enjoyed the texture of the clay and time to chat and get to know each other.

Mini Millbrook Celebrate 1st Birthday

2009-02-11T15:07:00.004Z

It's a year since the Mini Millbrook Project became independent, so everyone got together to celebrate the group's 1st birthday. It was a good excuse to have a large chocolate cake, candles and a look at photos of what they've been up to - and its loads;

Just since last February -

Estelle represented the group at Council Networking event for PECA European funding bid.
Were trained up to run carnival workshops and ran these at Caribbean Festival and Mansal Park Gala Day. Earnt £270
Finished off their NVQ2s in Community Development.
Ran 5 day workshop and won first prize in Eastleigh Carnival, and got £200 funding for the bus.
Got themselves on the front cover of the Council's Cultural Olympiad brochure and helped out with Scrapstore's wishing tree activity in the city centre.
4 members completed Volunteer Training in how to run a comunity group.
5 members studied NCFE Level 2 in Craft and entered French themed section in Thornhill Christmas Carnival.

Behind the scenes there's been a lot going on as well with members starting new jobs, setting up their own businesses, joining school committees or volunteering at Surestart.

Different people have been doing different things, and the group has stopped meeting as a weekly session and become more of a network. Because of this, people wanted to get together to talk over the future and what they wanted to happen.

It was a good chance for everyone to come together and for people to say what they thought went well and what didn't.

Gail "now that we've tried out a number of different activities we know what works for us and what doesn't, so we can make better choices about what we want to do"

The CB Project were invited to come along and facilitate the meeting so that everyone had their say. They now plan to meet monthly and will set an AGM for July.

Well done Mini Millbrook Project for a cracking year and all your hard work!

EU Artists Childrens Painting Competition -

2009-02-10T14:10:00.003Z

3 schools entered a competition for the Southampton EU Artists photographic exhibition, being judged by BSA REGAL, MARLANDS and the SCRAPSTORE. There were 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes and 2 runners up from each school. The school winning the overall competition will receive £250 from BSA REGAL. It's been great that the EU Artists group has been able to get so much sponsership and support from commercial sources, right in the middle of the credit crunch!

Middle Wallop Robots

2009-01-23T09:56:00.005Z

It was a cold night out in Test Valley, when CB visited the Community Centre at Middle Wallop Station where the Army Welfare Service look after a large number of local Families.
Stuart worked with the adult volunteers to put on a robot making competition using recycled materials, showing them how to use the hot glue guns safely. At the end, each robot maker had to give a short presentation about their creation - it's name, as well as it's special functions and abilities! There were some fantastic ideas - all made in just 2 hours.
There were lots of questions about the Scrapstore and how it operates, and more than one request to come and see the store!

New Films for Mansbridge and Swaythling 2009!

2009-01-12T11:54:00.003Z

The Mansbridge Cinema Club has now gained independance, having been set up with the help of SCC development worker, Elly Wong,the CB Project and the

support of the residents association.

Local residents, Isobel and Nick, have now taken over the running of the group and renamed it 'Swaythling Films'. The group shows films once a month at Mansbridge Primary School and has a special licence for the showings within a local community setting, but are not permitted to charge. However, you can buy yourself a cup of tea and a cake during the interval.

Good luck to the project, which recently featured in the Southampton Echos, 'Beat the Credit Crunch' guide!

Mansbridge Art Sessions

2009-01-12T10:41:00.003Z

During November and December, members of the Mansbridge community met together for a series of craft workshops run by Scrapstore artist, Vicki Hodgson. Swaythling Housing very kindly lent their Gilbury Close meeting room and the sessions, and local artist, Ade Hollinshead, also assisted. In this time of the credit crunch, the group members learnt how to make their own custom wrapping paper, cards, rags and crackers! skills to be retained for future money saving. Elsewhere in Mansbridge, The Cinema Club which CB helped to set up, is now being run by two local residents, Isobel and Nick, who already have set up a new programme for Spring 2009.

Mini Millbrook in Thornhill Christmas Carnival

2008-12-17T10:19:00.008Z

Well, the ladies from Mini Millbrook finally got to show off all their hard work at the Thornhill Christmas Carnival on Friday 12th December. And they looked stunning in their Alphonso Mucha French themed costumes!

Their picture frames manged to withstand high winds and rain, and the ladies danced there way around Thornhill estate for over an hour. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it a great finale to the NCFE Carnival Training course they've been studying with TWICS since September.

Well done and Congratulations Mini Millbrook!

New Forest Young Parents groups - Christmas Party

2008-12-16T10:27:00.003Z

Last Thursday, CB Participated in a combined Christmas Party for both the New Milton and Fordingbridge Young parents groups. CB have been working alongside the youth service, in supporting these new projects.

Over the last 6 months we have funded community artist, Kate Aughey, to run workshops with both groups, passing on practical sewing and home craft skills. These skills are now becoming very useful during the credit crunch, with members making custom cloth bags with block printed designs as christmas gifts.
For the Christmas party, we borrowed a full size Reindeer from St Albans Church in Swaythling, (many thanks), and the New Milton group painted a suitable backdrop, so that the children could have special Christmas photos taken with 'Rudolph'. The whole event was very successful and we were rushed off our feet, taking and printing out photos.

Mini Millbrook Project carnival dance class

2008-12-15T11:08:00.006Z

The Mini Millbrook Project 'shook its booty' at a choreography class with Dance teachers from Nottinghill Carnival. Laid on by TWICS Training and Thornhill Plus You as part of the NFCE Certificate in Carnival Craft, the dance class was an all day event in preperation for the Thornhill Christmas Carnival on Friday 12th December.

CB working with the Army Welfare Service in 2009

2008-12-09T10:38:00.004Z

The CB project will be breaking new ground in the new year as part of it's rural push in the Test Valley and Winchester Areas.
After making contact with the Army Welfare Service, we have been meeting with the community development worker at Worthy Down Camp, in South Wonston.
With a large number of service families living in an isolated location, we are keen to work together on a community event project that will bring people out of their army quarters, to meet up and get involved, and also to learn new skills for future events.

EUArtists - Message from the Group

2008-12-09T10:15:00.003Z

Hello,
In the beginning, I would like to thank you all on behalf of EU Welcome and Southampton Scrapstore for showing your interest in the photographic exhibition „sEUthampton”.
As some of you may already know we have got permission from the management of The Mall shopping centre to organise the exhibition within their premises. We will use ground floor stage area situated next to the lifts as well as one of the shop windows on the first floor. The exhibition will be held from 19th February to 1st March 2009.
We are going to prepare short notes about artists taking part in the event and on this occasion we want to ask you to send us some details about yourselves i.e. full name, date of birth, telephone number, your photograph and few lines telling us about a type of art you create, your previous achievements, art exhibitions you may have taken part in before, your goals and anything else you feel that may describe you best (none of your personal details will be passed onto third party bodies without your consent)..
Also, please find an attached copy of a leaflet inviting artists to join our exhibition. (posted up here) If you know anyone else who would like to take part, please forward this attachment to them as well. Although this exhibition is advertised as a photographic one, other forms of art will be considered too, but the main theme must remain Southampton.
You can email your photographs on art_euwelcome@yahoo.co.uk until 15th January. The files should be in either jpg or tiff format and the size of pictures should be of a minimum A4.

Should you have any more questions regarding the exhibition, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best regards, Anna (EU Artists)

Mini Millbrook Project train for NCFE Level 2 in Carnival Craft

2008-12-03T10:55:00.008Z

This autumn five of the ladies at the Mini Millbrook Project have been rolling up their sleeves and getting 'hands-on' to study for an NCFE Level 2 in Carnival craft.

Over the summer they ran their own week-long workshop and entered a section in the Eastleigh. Gail had found a library book on fancy dress costumes and the main skills and equipment they used were gummy tape, glue guns, seletape, staples and basic sewing on the sewing machine.

However, being ambitious, the ladies said they wanted to develop their costumes from 'fancy dress' into 'carnival'. The CB Project has therefore funded the ladies to attend carnival training run by the Crazy Thornhill Carnival Trainers & TWICS.

The Millbrook mums and their children were set the challenge of building a section with a French theme of Art Nouveau costumes based on the prints of Alphonso Mucha. They've had to carry out research, learn lots of new techniques and tools to use and then design and build their costumes from scratch - exhausting! They've learnt how to make patterns, how to design back-packs, used new glues and both Gail and Estelle, were running up dresses on the sewing machine like there was no tomorrow.

They've done a great job and the costumes are stunning. They'll be showing them off in the Thornhill Carnival next week on Friday 12th December at 6.30.

Peter Pan takes CB to neverland!

2008-11-26T15:37:00.003Z

Last night saw the gateway members receiving their certificates from Kathyrn Hay, Principal of Curious Arts, a drama school based in Bournemouth. Kathyrn has been working with the group on their production of Peter Pan at the request of the CB project, who have been funding new activities and skills at the club, which caters for the social and learning needs of learning disabled adults from all over the New Forest. Scenery was made from materials from the Southampton Scrapstore and Costumes were kindly lent by the Brockenhurst players, with member Molly Mold, helping to dress the cast. A video of the show is currently being edited - so watch this space!

CB visits gypsy traveller project

2008-11-26T15:01:00.004Z

This week we visited one of our commisioned projects being undertaken by Forest Bus.
Members of the local gypsy traveller communities are able to attend an after school session for parents and children.
The CB project is funding a trained worker to initiate parenting skills advice and the Scrapstore is providing recycled arts materials.
Forest Bus have an established history of working with gypsy traveller communities in the New Forest and we are pleased to be able to access their considerable expertise.
Most recently they have been also attracting members of the local settled community and the two groups have been able to mix in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, breaking down the barriers of prejudice. Some very positive and innovative work is being done. Well done to Jane and her team.

Peter Pan - Dress Rehearsal at Gateway

2008-11-20T11:08:00.003Z

We are now gearing up for the main event, next tuesday, when members of the Gateway Group will be gracing the stage for their production of Peter Pan. Pictured in full flow are Tony (Crocodile), Dawn (Tinkerbell) and Steve as Peter. We were able assisted by drama coach, Kathyrn Hay from Curious Arts and Costumes kindly lent by the Brockenhurst players.
The set, (including a pirate ship and palm trees), has been built and painted by the group using recycled materials from the Southampton Scrapstore.

CB Community Cocktails at the Scrapstore AGM

2008-11-10T16:30:00.006Z

At the Scrapstore AGM on Tuesday 4th November, the CB Project served up something a little different - The Community Builders Speakeasy.

Against a background of 1920's music and portraits of President Roosevelt, Flappers and Al Capone, Stuart ran a silent movie showcasing the work of CB groups, complete with crackles and black & white film.

Later cocktails were served - but not just any old cocktails. The CB Project challenged the audience to come up with the key ingredients needed to make a community group sustainable. Split into 3 groups, the audience drew up recipe cards for 3 Community Cocktails with a list of the magic sustainable ingredients; people, venue, funding, publicity, etc. They were then able to make their cocktails up at the Speakeasy Cocktail Bar, with specially labelled ingredients.

The trick was to try and outwit the CB Project by guessing all the correct ingredients - and fair play to everyone at the AGM, you nearly got them all.

Love in a Box at Pilands

2008-10-30T16:14:00.003Z

at Pilands Community Centre in Burlesdon, where we have worked with the local residents on a number of projects, we helped some of the

newer volunteers put together and decorate gift boxes to be collected by the 'love in a box' charity that sends christmas gift parcels to children in

war torn countries.

Sadly, We also said goodbye to centre co-ordinator, Phil Tyler, whose role has come to an end, and whose many and varied tasks will now have to be covered by local volunteers.

Hopefully the centre will continue to have strong links with Southampton Scrapstore and keep up all the recycling that they do.

EU Artists photography show going ahead!

2008-10-30T11:03:00.006Z

The EU Artists group met last night to discuss the upcoming photo exhibition. They plan for it to take place at the Marlands Mall in Southampton, (exhibition spaces pictured), from the 23rd of January to the 2nd of February with a special preview evening on 22 January. The theme of the show is 'Southampton'. Although it will primarily be advertised as a photo exhibition, They will welcome other artistic expressions on a Southampton theme. It will be open to anyone who lives and works here from a foreign country, although it's expected that most of the contributions will be from EU residents. They also plan to run a children's drawing/painting competition as well, with prizes. The next planning meeting will take place at Stacja PL restaurant in Onslow Road at 6.30pm on 12 November, and interested parties are welcome to attend. The show is being supported by the Southampton Scrapstore CB project and EU Welcome, working together to assist the group.

Gateway preparing for Peter Pan

2008-10-29T09:21:00.008Z

Last night at Gateway we started designing and making sets for the upcoming production of Peter Pan. Peter painted background scenery, while Carly and Rupert worked on the Pirate Ship!

Heather Road Carnival at Blackfield

2008-10-27T11:40:00.005Z

During the course of our work with the Blackfield Community Centre, Carnival has come up as something local people would be interested in. Having enjoyed African drumming workshops and various Scrapstore Art sessions, it seemed the next logical step. So CB arranged for the centre volunteers to meet with Crazy Thornhill Carnival, to hatch a plan to start a brand new carnival in Blackfield. After a local tradegy, in which two lives were lost in a road accident, the Carnival was turned into a fitting tribute and gave a focus for the local community to pull together in mutual support.

Gateway group revitalised with CB support.

2008-10-27T11:29:00.004Z

It was a pleasant saturday, when Stuart from CB went down to Brockenhurst College to help the Gateway club taking part in the New Forest disabled games. The group decided to call themselves the 'Tigers' which definately helped as we won the table tennis and basketball and eventually got overall first prize! This was an opportunity for the members who had missed out on the Eastleigh Paralympics to take part in a sports event. CB is now supporting the Gateway group with their Christmas production of Peter Pan. Stuart will be helping them make a pirate ship and crocodile, whilst bringing the drama group, Curious Arts, to help with the acting side. It's all looking very exciting, so watch this space.

Volunteer Training - Day 2

2008-10-24T16:45:00.013+01:00

Roll up, Roll up for Day 2 of our Training course for Volunteers!

A week later, on Wednesday 15th October, everyone was back for more. 'Be amazed - Spectacul Groups' kicked off the morning's training, with guest speaker Gail from the Mini Millbrook Project giving a lively talk about setting up a carnival group.

Louise Evans from Southampton Voluntary Services then took to the stage to tell everyone about support that SVS can give to groups, in particular, help with fundraising applications!

Then it was off to lunch at the Aspire Training Restaurant at City College. The puddings were really good and everyone enjoyed the treat; so much so that the St Denys group are going to go back for there for their Christmas meal.

After lunch it was time for everyone to presented with their certificates and a 'bag of tricks' which included a fabulous Survival Pack full of yet more top tips on how to keep your group going. Adam from DICE then presented DICE's video, to show groups how they could advertise themselves. And Stuart followed this up with an introduction to Blogs and Facebook.

After this, everyone stumbled home, laden down with goodies and a headful of ideas. Well done to Gail and Adam, and many thanks to Louise from SVS, the students at City College and the glamorous TWICS showgirls.

Volunteer Training - Roll up, Roll up!

2008-10-24T16:19:00.012+01:00

Community Builders ran the first of its 2-day Training Courses for Volunteers, to help people involved with or running community groups.

15 people from 6 different groups came along; St Denys Junior Youth Club, Sedbergh Area Tenants & Residents Association, EU Welcome, DICE (Eastleigh), Mini Millbrook Project and Southampton Scrapstore. The groups came from Southampton and Eastleigh, and some were independent groups not known to the CB Project.

To make it fun, the training had a Victorian Music Hall theme. Everyone invited received a formal invitation and trick dice through the post. James Street Church hall was decked out with green tables, feathers and playing cards; the Trainers, Jennie and Pat from TWICS dressed up as a glamorous assistant and a fairy God Mother to host the show; and Stuart provided the organ and snare roll accompaniment.

Show stoppers included 'You don't have to saw yourself in two' - how to delegate, 'Houdini's escape from the rut' - moving your project forward and 'Magic'ing up support' - where to find help & advice.

The day was finished off with 'Multiplying Membership not Rabbits', - a hands on craft activity making personal invitations to advertise a group. Out came the scrap, sleeves were rolled up and everyone got stuck in.

Many cups of tea and lollipops later, the music hall cleared and everyone went away happy and looking forward to day 2 the next week. The feedback was good and what people really seemed to like was meeting others 'in the same boat';

'Brilliant, got lots of ideas and information, enjoyed meeting new people and the loved the costumes – you made it fun.'

Dice Group heading towards Independence

2008-10-14T12:18:00.002+01:00

This monday, Adam, the leader of the Dice drop in project conducted a meeting about the future sustainabilty of the group. During the meeting he was able to use planning tools and skills acquired while on the CB project Community work training course! Representatives from the various groups who have helped the project were invited, as well as the members, and we split into two focus groups to put together our vision of how we see DICE progressing.

Cultural Olympiad - DICE & Mini Millbrook Project get stuck in

2008-10-09T13:50:00.007+01:00

The CB Project has done a lot of work with SHAPe (Southampton Heritage and Arts People), a new partnership of cultural oranisations in the city. The aim has been to get CB groups involved in city-wide events, and the Launch of the Cultural Olympiad was the first chance to really make the most of the opportunity.

The Mini Millbrook Project got themselves on the publicity's front cover, and on the Saturday, Micheala sold her home-made cards on the stall and Gail, Suzie and Karen all popped in to say hello and make a wish.

Meanwhile, Adam and Claire helped run the wishing tree stall (when Adam wasn't getting distracted by the Crazy Thornhill Carnival), and John and Mark popped in to see what all the fuss was about.

Cultural Olympiad - more wishes!

2008-10-09T13:29:00.005+01:00

Cultural Olympiad - Bargate Wishing tree

2008-10-09T11:43:00.009+01:00

Scrapstore volunteers and members of the Mini Millbrook Project (Southampton) and DICE (Eastleigh) had great fun on Saturday 27th September, taking their part in the city's celebrations for the Launch of the Cultural Olympiad.

The idea was to turn Southampton Bargate into a wishing tree, decorating it with shopper's wishes for the next four years and the run up to 2012.

To make it extra fun, members of the public made a 'mini-me in a nutshell' (minitures of themselves) to hang their wishes off.

It was a baking hot day, everyone topped up their tan and the colourful wishes attracted lots of attention!

Cultural Olympiad Celebrations see Scrapstore centre stage!

2008-10-09T10:10:00.008+01:00

The weekend of the 26th-28th September, saw the national Launch of the Cultural Olympiad celebrations to mark the start of the four year run up to the 2012 Olympics. In Southampton, Scrapstore jumped at the chance to take a central role in local celebrations by decorating the Bargate in the Olympiad colours of blue, green, pink and orange.

It was a three-pronged attack; the lions were dressed in bows at the front and 15m twisted banners, all made of scrap material, hung from the roof; the gates at the back showed off the range of scrap from the Scrapstore, with the appropriate colours all carefully sourced by Scrapstore volunteers; and then to finish off, during Saturday's Arts market, Scrapstore volunteers and members of CB groups came together to turn the Bargate into a wishing tree, making 3D wishes for the next four years and tying them to the gates.

It was a great opportunity to advertise the Scrapstore and show its valuable contribution to culture in the city. But more importantly for the CB Project it was the chance to get Scrapstore and CB groups involved at the heart of the city. Indeed the Mini Millbrook group got themselves on the front of the council's brochure for the event - show offs!

All round, it was a great team effort, with volunteers involved at every stage. Special thanks must go to Scrapstore volunteer Mark who helped decorate the gates on the Friday, Morley (Treasurer) who used his science expertise to secure the banners on the roof of the Bargate, and John (Co-ordinator) who sourced the silk rope needed from as far as Dorset Scrapstore.

Blackfield Dads Club

2008-10-06T16:49:00.002+01:00

On Saturday morning we had a great time making 'Little People' at the Dads and Kids Breakfast club at Blackfield Community Centre.
Daren and Debbie kept us going with Coffee and Toast, while we set about making a whole community of people with scrap!
If you look carefully you can see Ozzy Osbourne and Count Dracula! (Definately shades of Halloween coming on!)
It has been a pleasure to help the team bring new ideas and skills to the centre. So far we have done African Drumming, Scrap workshops and Carnival Training over the summer (a first for Blackfield), which culminated in a costume parade around the estate.

Eastleigh Paralympic Handover

2008-09-18T10:57:00.006+01:00

Yesterday we had a fantastic day at Fleming Park Leisure centre, celebrating the Paralympic Handover with Sports Taster sessions. Among the highlights were 'Big Al' who taught us basketball and a certificate presentation with the Mayor of Eastleigh. The Community Builders group, DICE took part as well as many other teams from local groups, schools and colleges.
a number of organisations pulled together to make the event happen (at quite short notice), including Eastleigh and Romsey Mencap, BDS, Southampton Scrapstore and the Sports Development Officer, Janine Millard. (Not to mention also, the co-operation of Fleming Park)
Janine summed it all up by saying 'all the partners were needed'.
The whole day was an enormous success and put smiles on a lot of faces. People tried out new sports in a supportive and enthusiastic environment, often gaining confidence and surprising themselves with what they could achieve.

CB involved with Paralympic Handover Event

2008-09-10T15:02:00.003+01:00

CB are pleased to be involved in the Paralympic Handover Event at Fleming Park Sports centre.
The idea came out of a discussion between Dice group members, CB, and Mencap. Michelle Bonnell from Mencap then approached the Eastleigh Sports Development Officer, Janine Millard, who then got Fleming Park Onboard. It's been a fantastic example of different agencies pulling together to make something happen!
We are all really looking forward to the day!

More photos of Mini Millbrook Project at Eastleigh Carnival

2008-09-01T17:20:00.002+01:00