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.