Mini Millbrook Group - sleigh stars again in Santa's Grotto

Sleigh from Millbrook in Thornhill Santa's Grotto

The talent and hard work of Mandy Bishop from the Mini

Millbrook Group was on display once again last night - this time in Thornhill at the Eastpoint Centre.

Motiv8 Thornhill put on Christmas Play with a Santa's Grotto, and Mandy's beautiful blue sleigh played its part in making a magical scene for local children and their families.

So well done and many thanks to the Mini Millbrook Group!

Polish Group in the new Echo Supplement

The Polish group appeared in the new Polish version of The Echo featuring one of our Christmas Decoration making workshops at St Albans Church in Swaythling.

We also signed off 2007 with a group Christmas Drink and Mince Pies at the Spice Arts Gallery in Bitterne. We have lots of plans for the New Year so watch this space!

The Sleighs Ride Again!

Many thanks to the Mini Millbrook group who lent their Sleighs (Used at the Southampton Carnival) to New Milton Mencap for their Christmas Party. We had a terrific time with Sleigh races up and down the Sports Hall, collecting Bean Bags along the Way!

Dad's group

Recently we were approached by Forest First at Blackfield Neighbourhood Centre (New Forest), to work with them. Daren Hall, the Community Worker there, is starting a Dad's group and has invited us to work in partnership with him to help get it off the ground.

On Tuesday 11th December, we held a Taster day, attended by 25 parents with children.

We had a scrapstore challenge, making all sorts of Christmas decorations and other fun items!

The new group will run on the last saturday morning of each month.

Mini Millbrook Group - Queen Victoria Christmas CARNIVAL

Queen Victoria Christmas Carnival - Mini Millbrook Group WOW the public with a 30 strong Carnival Section

Well, after months of preparation (a five day workshop over half term and costume workshops in the week before, plus weeks of planning!) the Mini Millbrook Mummy Christmas Section made a spectacular appearance in Southampton City Centre on Friday 7th December.

Headed up by Kerry, with the biggest skirt of the lot, the Group showed off its Christmas Sleighs for the children and Mandy (above) even had baby sleighs for the teddy bears. They gave out 500 Christmas cards (made by Mandy and Micheala) to the public watching which went down really well - and all the little ones behaved impeccably.

Launching at 6.00, the Carnival danced its way from the Civic Centre down to Mayflower Park, arriving at the Cunard Queen Victoria ship and the Christmas Festival - a magical winter wonderland, with frosted trees, snow machines, christmas carols and mulled wine.

Well done Mini Millbrook Group for all your hard work. It was a fabulous evening and you certainly did Millbrook proud!

Bargate Mum's Arts Group - Digital Photography Taster Session

Mum's Arts Group in Bargate Ward LAUNCHES with Digital Photography taster session

On Friday 30th November at Orchard Lane Church (near Debenhams) in Southampton, the mum's arts group headed up by Mabushra Mirza, finally launched itself in true Paparazzi style.

Mabushra came up with the great idea of starting with a digital photography workshop as an introduction to the group, and Cita from Swaythling Housing added to this the idea of getting everyone to take photos of themselves wearing silly hats.

And with the added expertise of Katy Peacock, Qualified Photographer, the arts group was born.

We will be meeting in the second week of January to plan for the second Arts group session, so get in touch if you would like to be kept updated about times and place: Becky 07722 192 675

International Volunteers Event - Scrapstore recruiting volunteers

Doctor Doctor...i've too much time on my hands

Then come and be a volunteer for Scrapstore or the CB Project!

Scrapstore “medics”, Becky and Geoff, challenged those attending the U.N. International Volunteer Day event in Southampton on 5 December, to test their surgical skills and ‘cool’ in a game of “Operation” ! In return prizes of sweets were handed out and these potential volunteers were given information about the life saving work undertaken by Southampton Scrapstore – an organisation that injects fun and new skills into people’s lives!

There was lots of interest and hopefully new volunteers will materialise for the Scrapstore. It was also a good opportunity for networking with other local voluntary organisations at this useful social event organised by Southampton Voluntary Service and the City Council.

Polish Group at the Swaythling Christmas Tree Exhibition

The Christmas tree representing the Polish Arts Group went up on Saturday (8th Dec). The decorations were made by the group using materials from the Southampton Scrapstore.

The Exhibition is now open until the 22nd December at St Alban's Church, Tulip Road in Swaythling between 5-7 pm every day and admission is FREE.

Many Thanks to Agnieska and Family who put up the decorations.

St Nicholas Procession At Pilands - Thurs 6th Dec

We had a great time last night getting spruced up to parade around the Pilands Wood estate!

Much fun was had by all! A special thanks goes to Jane, Phil and the team at Pilands Wood Community Centre and also to Mary and Bethan of the Greyladyes Art Foundation, whose help was invaluable. Enjoy the Pictures!

Mini Millbrook Group - Fabulous double buggy Sleigh

Snagging Workshop - last minute repairs before the big Carnival!

Look what a fabulous sleigh Mandy Bishop has designed for her two children to ride on Friday night in the Queen Victoria Christmas Carnival! - dripping with icicles and baubles, it's just gorgeous and specially designed for a double buggy.

It was a very industrious session - you can see the mums all sat round sewing snow trimming to the kids santa capes - it really was just like victorian times. The only thing that was missing was a large fireplace and a chimney sweep!

Pilands St Nicholas Procession this thursday!

Don't forget it's the Pilands Wood Community,
St Nicholas Procession this Thursday evening (6/12/07). The fun starts at 4pm (if you'd like to make a lantern or a crown) or at 6.30pm if you want to come along and watch.

The Carnival Arts group has been making all sorts of goodies for the big day. So come along and join in the fun. The group will start on new projects in 2008, so it's not too late to get involved!

Polish Arts Group - Christmas Meet at Spice Arts Studios

Polska Grupa Artystyczna i EU Welcome

Zaprasza wszystkich na swiateczny poczestunek w

The Spice Art Gallery

16 Manor Farm Road
Bitterne Park
Southampton
SO18 1NP

Spotkanie rozpocznie sie 17 grudnia o 19.15.
Przyjdz i obejrzyj dziela sztuki wspolczesnej,
sprobuj lampki wina i tradycyjnych angielskich
babeczek z bakaliowym nadzieniem!

Kazdy jest mile widziany!

Na wszystkie pytania w sprawie spotkania odpowie:
Stuart Jebbitt – Polska Grupa Artystyczna
stuartjebbitt@hotmail.com

lub
Dave Adcock – EU Welcome
euwelcome@yahoo.co.uk Tel. 07786392886

Pilands Carnival Group

We had a great time last week at the Carnival Arts Group at Pilands Wood Community Centre.

A production line of Drums and Angel wings were created,

while the sleighs were test driven around the hall by the younger members!

We are now gearing up for the St

Nicholas Procession on Dec 6th!

Which should prove to be a great evening!

Mini Millbrook Open Workshop - 22nd November 2007

Mini Millbrook Group have another Open Workshop to finish off carnival costumes

After their 5 day half term workshop, the Mini Millbrook had built its sleighs but the performers' costumes still needed work. So they organised another open workshop, this time at Footsteps Community Centre to make sure everyone was 'kitted out'.

They then invited members of the public who'd been to the half term workshop to come along and finish off their costumes.

Above - Heidi, Estelle and Alison got very serious making their Mummy Santa belts - Alison had brought in some lush black sparkly material from an old dress she had, and Gold buckles were made out of gold card and the final touch was some rock sequins to make the razzle dazzle.

Philippa and Mandy (right) had practised making the belts the week before so that could show people what to do. Philippa was particulary proud of her red pantaloons and wore them for the whole morning (see right).

Meanwhile red capes were made by Gail and Micheala - who tried out their sewing machine skills, with a little help from the resident expert Kerry. Here's Micheala adding fur trim to her cape..not bad for a beginner Micheala!

Groups - Running, Starting, and Researching

If you are interested in, or have a contribution to make to any of the following groups - Contact Stuart or Becky at Community Builders 02380 915414.
Perhaps you'd like to be a volunteer helper at a group, and add something new to your CV!
(You'll need to be CRB'd by us)


Running: Pilands Carnival Group - Promoting Arts activities in Pilands
Running: Polska Group Artystycnza - a Support group for Polish Artists in Southampton
Starting: DICE Project - a 'Make to Sell' project for learning disabled adults in Eastleigh
Running: Weston Arts Project - Arts/Crafts for Families in Weston
Running: Mansbridge Cinema Club - Monthly Film nights at Mansbridge School
Discussing: Mansbridge Walking Group - Guided Walks through Riverside Park
Running: Mini Millbrook - Winter Carnival Group in Millbrook
Running: 18+ @ Colors - Young People revitalising their Youth Club in Holbury
Discussing: Test Valley Scrapstore Project - Helping set up a Scrapstore in Andover
Running: Foys Corner Community Festival - a NEW festival in Southampton - 18/5/08
Starting: New Milton Young Parents - Working alongside Hamphire Youth Service
Starting: FordingbridgeYoung Parents - Working alongside Hampshire Youth Service
Discussing: Central Parks Supporters Group - Help to look after the Central Parks
Discussing: Southampton Uni. World Percussion Society - Developing Community Drumming
NEW For 2008: Gateway Club Recycled Arts - Arts/Crafts for learning disabled Adults
NEW For 2008: Gypsy Traveller Arts Group - Celebrating Traveller Arts and Crafts
NEW For 2008: Southampton Scrapstore and CB Volunteer Scheme - Come and JOIN US!
Researching: Football 'Kickabout' group - want to get fit, play football, but feel self-conscious?

Taster Session with New Forest Gateway Members

We had a very enjoyable Saturday morning workshop down at New Milton, Producing Christmas decorations and Christmas music shakers. Ken (left) particularly enjoyed the session!

So impressed by the enthusiasm of the members, Ann Chamberlain, who leads the Gateway Club has invited us to help her make Scrapstore Workshops a regular activity
The club usually runs at the Nedderman centre on tuesday evenings and is attending by many adults who have learning difficulties. With Stuart also forming links with the Forest Arts, Connexions, and the Youth Service in the town, This could be an exciting project for 2008.

Weston Arts Group has Started

Last friday we had an initial workshop session for the newly emerging Weston Arts Group.

We found many ways of making christmas decorations from scrap (as you can see) and the Children enjoyed making all kinds of other items, such as Rocketships, Bratz Doll Clothes, and Snakes!

Marvelous Marbelling at Colors Youth Club

Yes, it's not a mispelling - It's 'Colors' youth club at Holbury in the New Forest where Stuart has been running a mini-project/group with the older youngsters who attend. The club is currently being re-developed and has a new full-time worker, Karen Pressey. Future plans include the designing and making of a new sign for the club!

Last week we enjoyed learning how to use marbelling inks.

Lots of fabulous results and amazing patterns emerged!

Mini Millbrook Group - learning sewing skills to make pantaloons!

Mini Millbrook Group - become experts in making pantaloons for the Queen Victoria Christmas Carnival


This week Kerry and Philippa got busy making their own paper patterns for Kerry's pantaloons that she is planning to wear under her carnival skirt on Friday 7th. They used bits of string, a black marker, paper and scissors - high tech stuff

And then...

Once they'd cut their pattern out, Kerry set about stitching them together...after a few false starts

And along the way there were lots of mistakes made...like seweing up the leg before the crotch - which was a good thing because it was meant to be a trial run for an open workshop the group is planning next week.

The ladies were learning the skills this week because next week they'll be showing the rest of Millbrook how to do it!

There's still time to get invovled and to be part of the Mini Millbrook Carnival Group - come along next week to Footsteps Community Building in Millbrook where they'll be making santa costumes - Thursday 22nd November, 10.00 - 12.00. A creche is provided, so contact us if you want to book a place. Call Becky on 02380 915414 or 07722 196 675

Pilands Carnival Build Sessions have started!

A very enjoyable time was had yesterday evening when we built 3 Sleighs, plus numerous decorative drums and Reindeer Antlers. Community Centre Co-ordinator Phil was on hand to help (pictured with Santa Hat), as were members of the Carnival group with their Children, Our local artist, Jaquie, and two helpers from the Greyladyes Arts Foundation, Mary and Bethan.
Three more sessions are planned before the St Nicholas parade Pilands Wood on Dec 6th.
Thet are on the remaining wednesday nights throughout november between 4-6. COME ALONG! It's FREE and great fun.

Polska Grupa Artystyczna (Polish Arts Group)

Grupa spotyka się w kościele St Albans, na ulicy Tulip Road (ulicy odchodzącej od Burgess Rd), w dzielnicy Swaythling, Southampton. Jest to grupa otwarta dla wszystkich osób pochodzących z Polski (jak i również dla przyjaciół o innych narodowościach), będących artystami, lub interesujących się sztuką i chcących dołączyć do zabawy!

Dostaliśmy zaproszenie do dekoracji choinki bożonarodzeniowej, która będzie częścią wystawy choinek w kościele St Albans.

Organizujemy dwa warsztaty tworzenia dekoracji choinkowych (z użyciem materiałow po recyklingu)

Czwartek 15 listopada 19:15 - 21:00
Czwartek 29 listopada 19:15 - 21:00

Finał ubierania choinki odbędzie się w sobote 8 grudnia w godzinach 11:00 – 15:00 (zapraszamy dzieci!)

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W dalszych planach grupa będzie pracowała nad wystawą w szkole St Marks School (Shirley), podczas festiwalu społecznego (Community Festival), w dniu 18 maja 2008.

Część grupy będzie skupiać się na tworzeniu sztuki, druga część będzie pracować nad formami teatralnymi. Serdecznie zapraszamy do dołączenia do nas! Nowi członkowie grupy są zawsze bardzo mile widziani a udział w warsztatach jest całkowicie BEZPŁATNY!

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Daty spotkań oraz informacje będą umieszczane na stronie internetowej grupy: http://www.polskaartystyczna.blogspot.com/, można je również uzyskać pocztą e-mailową stuartjebbitt@hotmail.com

Pilands goes into Overdrive!

After weeks of planning and costume ideas at our wednesday morning group.
We are now moving into the next stage of the Pilands Christmas project!

Pilands Wood Community Centre in Chamberlayne Road, Bursledon, will be hosting 4 FREE Christmas Carnival Costume Making Sessions! 4-6 on a Wednesday Afternoons.

This is a fun family activity!
Come along and make a costume from free recycled materials, and then enjoy the Carnival on Dec 6th! People from other areas who would like to join us are most welcome. Bring your family and friends.

The Dates are:

Wednesday 7th November
4.00 pm – 6.00pm

Wednesday 14th November
4.00pm – 6.00pm

Wednesday 21st November
4.00pm – 6.00pm

Wednedsay 28th November
4.00pm – 6.00pm

Thursday 6th December
4.00pm-6.00pm – Preparation Session and
CARNIVAL!

Refreshments will be available

Info from
Stuart 07766 096148 or the Pilands Team
stuartjebbitt@hotmail.com

Note: Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible carer.

If you can, Text your Name/s and ‘Carnival’ to 07766 096148 to let us know you’re coming and to give us an idea of numbers – thanks!