5 Minutes With: Made in Thamesmead Festival
October 13, 2016
We’re pleased to announce that we will be featuring regular blogs about our clients. We work with a wide range of property owners across the country, and many of them have fascinating jobs and a huge amount of interesting experience. We’ll be asking them questions about their jobs, ongoing projects, the areas they work in and their relationship with Dot Dot Dot.
Made in Thamesmead Festival
This week, we talk to Peabody’s Kate Batchelor about the Made in Thamesmead Festival that happened a few weeks ago. Made in Thamesmead is an arts festival that our partners Peabody play a big role in organising. By all accounts it was a raging success, but here’s Kate’s take on it.
What is your role at Peabody?
Thamesmead Regeneration Officer – working on landscape regeneration improvements and cultural commissions in Thamesmead.
How were you involved in the Made in Thamesmead festival this year?
I managed the festival from inception to delivery in collaboration with local artist Sam Skinner.
Can you tell us a bit more about the festival? (When it started, the idea behind it etc)
This is Peabody’s second arts festival and we were keen to build on the success of last year. Earlier this year Peabody appointed Thirteen Ways, a strategic organisation combining curatorial and communications expertise, to work with us to investigate and develop Thamesmead’s distinct cultural offer. One of the commitments from this piece of work was to hold a festival that created community-generated cultural activities that celebrate the character and culture of Thamesmead.
How did it go this year?
It was a fantastic weekend with more than 1,500 people in attendance and with over 20 events taking place to celebrate all things ‘Made in Thamesmead’. The festival was also a chance to showcase some of Thamesmead’s most interesting places, from two packed out tours of the Grade I listed Crossness Pumping Station to the reinvention of garages into arts spaces for the Urban Room – a Thamesmead-themed exhibition – and the Garage Gala – an afternoon of activities and events taking place in garages in the Moorings area.
What were your highlights?
Outdoor cinema in the newly refurbished Southmere Square. The South Thamesmead Residents Forum were keen to see the space used for outdoor films and picked the family favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A local resident and Peabody Warden shared his photographs on the big screen and we premiered a short film made by award winning director James Slater which was produced in collaboration with local young people. Highlight was seeing the young people receive ‘Thamesmead Oscars’ for their performances.
George Charman and Jessie Brennan (Dot Dot Dot guardians) presented installations in a vacant flat. George transformed a room into a camera obscura and Jessie presented new work including graphite rubbings of residents doormats and created a new rubbing of the exterior walls of Coralline Walk throughout the weekend.
Other highlights included a special production of the play Johnny by Thamesmead writer, actor and director Kwame Augustine and readings from local poet and former Young Poet Laureate for London shortlistee Rachel Long.
What were the challenges involved in organising the festival?
Managing a variety of venues across Thamesmead, some of which are not normal spaces for events. Such as garages!
What are your hopes for the future of the festival?
We are looking forward to building on the participatory and co-authored elements of this year’s festival. We have made a commitment to hold an arts festival annually with 2018 being particularly special as Thamesmead will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.
What are your hopes for the future of arts in and around Thamesmead?
We are looking forward to working with the incredible amount of local talent and partnering with leading cultural organisations to develop arts in and around Thamesmead.
So thanks to Kate for this insight into a wonderful festival in Thamesmead. We’re pleased to be working in an area where the property owners we work with are so dedicated to such positive projects.
Want to move to Thamesmead and be part of the exciting changes around there? Take our Guardian Quiz.
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
June 3, 2016
1.Volunteer at Dagenham Farm
Where: Dagenham Farm, Very East London
When: Wednesdays and Sundays
Category: Urban Farm, Organic Fruit and Vegetables
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc (with induction)
Growing Communities is a social enterprise that set up the Dagenham Farm in 2012, following Barking and Dagenham Council’s landmark decision to lease the disused Central Park Nursery site for community food growing. The Dagenham Farm is now one of London’s most productive urban farms – producing over 6 tonnes of organic fruit and vegetables every year in the heart of Dagenham. They’re looking for new volunteers for Wednesday and Sunday sessions – all you need to do is one induction. Visit their website here for further information, or contact former Dot Dot Dot guardian Lucy at lucy.nacsonjones@growingcommunities.org
2. Royal Museums Greenwich
Where: Greenwich
When: Various
Category: Heritage, Museums
Commitment Level: Ongoing Commitment
Develop your skills and contribute to the work of the Royal Museums Greenwich. There are a variety of current volunteering opportunities on offer at the National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Cutty Sark and the Queen’s House. For more information, click here.
3.Shuffle Festival
Where: Mile End
When: First 2 weeks of July
Category: Culture, Festival, Community
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Shuffle Festival explores the kind of city we would like to live in. The week-long festivities involve film, science, storytelling, performance art, architectural installations, walks, food, comedy and music. They aim to keep tickets affordable with the revenue providing funds for long-term neighbourhood projects. They’re looking for volunteers to help build and run the festival in the first two weeks of July. Fill out this form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EcNror6ObZI9Zi4Uk0DrrK8bnz6lHCvpW5tmgjfcoPM/viewform ) or email avni@shufflefestival.co.uk for further information.
4.Befriending Team Volunteer
Where: GoodGym, Somerset House
When: Ongoing from June
Category: Admin, Running, Befriending
Commitment Level: Regular Commitment
GoodGym are looking for a volunteer to come and help them coordinate their befriending teams, who combine exercise with befriending of older people. This is a great opportunity to gain some experience with a growing and exciting organisation on a voluntary basis. Apply via Charityjob here.
5.Summer Fair Stewards
Where: Vauxhall Park, SW8 1PU
When: 26th June
Category: Community, Festival, Stewarding
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Friends of Vauxhall Park are lokoing for people to help at their Summer Fiar on the 26th June. They need help putting up gazebos, notices etc from 10am on the morning of the fair and then to do general stewarding duties during the fair itself (1.30-5pm). To find out more, click here.
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
May 13, 2016
1.Hackney Winter Shelter
Where: St Anne’s Church, Hoxton
When: Every Saturday – 4.30 – 7.30pm
Category: Food, Homeless, Shelter
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Hackney Winter Shelter run a soup kitchen at the back of St Anne’s church in Hoxton every saturday. They serve a three course dinner for up to 60 people a week. You can come along on an ad hoc basis to set up, serve food, wash up and chat to guests. If this is something that interests you, email Leanne: leannegoodchild@hotmail.com
2.Beanstalk Charity
Where: Various
When: Various
Category: Education, Young People
Commitment Level: Ongoing
Beanstalk is a national literacy charity that supports volunteers to work in primary schools with children who have fallen behind with their reading. As a Beanstalk reading helper you will work with children on a one-to-one basis. You would be working with 3 children and would see each child for two 30-minute sessions a week during term time. For more information see here and to register your interest email: SFeleppa@trust-thamesmead.co.
3.Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
Where: Greenwich and Docklands
When: 24th June – 2nd July
Category: Festival, Arts, Theatre
Commitment Level: Various
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is London’s leading festival of free outdoor performing arts. They are looking for enthusiastic and dependable people who can help make the festival happen. There are a variety of roles – to see more and apply, click here.
4.Tottenham Ploughman Riverfest
Where: Lordship Hub, N17
When: 29th May 11am-6pm
Category: Festival, Rivers, Community
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Tottenham Ploughman Riverfest are looking for volunteers to film the event, hand out leaflets in advance and to help compere the stage. The RiverFest is an opportunity to bring communities together and to make their rivers better. To find out more, click here. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Cheryl: info@tottenhamploughman.com
5. Play Days
Where: Lordship Rec, near Bruce Grove
When: 26th June
Category: Community, arts,
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Play Days is a festival of (child’s) play for adults. It’s about communities coming together and having a good time. There are a variety of opportunities in event production, event management, games facilitation and craft workshop leaders. To find out more about the day and to express your interest, click here.
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
April 22, 2016
1.Cleaner, Greener Volunteers
Where: Bow Church
When: First Saturday of the month from 7th May 10.00-13.00
Commitment level: Low
Category: Gardening, Conservation
Cleaner Greener Volunteers are looking for people to help them maintain and develop the gardens at Bow Church. The church is set for restoration in 2017, and this is the beginning of a project to make a garden which is equally attractive. There is also a vegetable growing project onsite, to provide crops for the church’s weekly food bank. If you are interested please contact Chris Gennings. Email: christine.gennings@towerhamlets.gov.uk Phone: 020 7364 3757.
2. Imagine Mainstream – Mentors
Where: Wallington, SM6 0EX
When: Flexible – Monday to Friday, morning or afternoons
Commitment level: Regular Commitment
Category: Mental Health, Employment, Mentoring
Imagine Mainstream supports individuals with mental health problems into paid employment and/or volunteering.
Mentoring Service Mentors will work directly with clients to help them become more independent. Mentors will provide support for clients to achieve practical goals, for example; improving wellbeing, getting into a routine and volunteering. Mentors provide a safe space for clients to talk through difficulties and find their own answers.
For more information and to register your interest, please click this link.
3.Richard House Children’s Hospice – Fundraisers
Where: Woolwich Ferry
When: 14th and 15th May
Commitment level: Low
Category: Fundraising, Bucket Collecting
Richard House Children’s Hospice are looking for some volunteers to join them in raising money to go towards important equipment and projects at the Hospice. If you are interested, please contact Rachel Green. Email: RachelG@richardhouse.org.uk Phone: 02075400230
4. Deen City Farm – Farm Support Volunteers
Where: Deen City Farm, SW19
When: Flexible
Commitment Level: Regular Commitment
Category: Animals, Outdoors, Young People
Deen City Farm is a community farm offering a free family days out. They work with a wide range of farm animals, provide riding lessons, weekend and holiday play schemes, educational tours and visits to local schools.
Deen City Farm is looking for people to support other volunteers, who may have disabilities or mental health issues in their work at the Farm. Volunteers can also assist with Farm Tours for local schoolchildren or evening groups and kids’ activities during school holidays.
To apply, complete an application form and send to the farm’s Volunteer Coordinator at the email below. Get in touch for more information, either by calling 020 8545 2171 or emailing volunteers@deencityfarm.co.uk.
5.Plumstead Make Merry Festival
Where: Plumstead Common
When: 11th June
Commitment Level: Low
Category: Children, sport and outdoor activities
On Saturday June 11th, 5000 people will head to Plumstead Common for a day of music, arts and activities that celebrate the history of the area and its diverse community. The festival is put together solely by volunteers. They are looking for event stewards on the day to help with the smooth running of the event. To find out more and apply for the opportunity, click here.
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
March 18, 2016
1.Missing People
Where: South-West London
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
Missing People is a charity which is dedicated to bringing missing children and adults back together with their families. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities to get involved in – which you can find here. For further information please email volunteer@missingpeople.org.uk or contact them by phone on 0208 392 5548.
2.Trees for Cities
Where: Greenwich, SE9 2JE
When: 2nd April 10.00-16.00
Commitment Level: One-off
Trees for Cities is working in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to plant new trees around Eltham Estates in Greenwich. The species have been specially selected to help prevent flooding. They need volunteers to help them plant, stake and mulch the trees and shrubs. For more information, see here.
3.Friends of The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Where: Central London
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
The Friends of The Connection is a network of people dedicated to preventing street homelessness and reintegrating homeless people into society. The Friends does not offer direct volunteering opportunities with homeless people but they do offer opportunities in fundraising and other areas. They have openings for a communications lead, an honorary treasurer, a membership recruitment lead and a local fundraising support lead. If you are interested in any of these please contact the Chair, Charles Woodd on 07962 213494 or email friends@cstm.org.uk
4.Into University
Where: Various
When: Various
Commitment Level: Regular Commitment
Into University provides local learning centres where young people are inspired to achieve. They have a whole variety of volunteering opportunities, which you can find here.
5.Poplar HARCA – Spring Festival Volunteers
Where: Chrisp Street
When: 23rd April
Commitment Level: One-off commitment
Chrisp Street is hosting a Spring Festival to celebrate all things green and local on Saturday 23rd April. They are looking for friendly and welcoming volunteers to help with the event. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
