CB Training in Fordingbridge gets off to great start

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

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!

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

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

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

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 -

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!