Extra meeting to discuss way forward on booking reservations for The Courtyard Studio at Worden.

 

Friday 2^nd February 2007 2:00PM – Courtyard Studio

 

Present.

Graham Dixon (Minutes)

Jayne Fletcher

Paul Humphreys

Geoff Clarke

Irene Wignall

Esther Goodwyn

Jan Harper

Apologies – Tracy Robinson.

 

Graham had expressed concern that the Courtyard Studio could quickly become a ‘Victim of its own success’ and that there was a danger that it would be monopolised by a few groups and individuals who were filling the diary with bookings.

Jayne confirmed that even before the facility is officially opened, she is receiving many requests for bookings.

 

The group agreed that there are two issues here.

·        1. We have to be seen to be fair and give everyone the opportunity to use the facility

·        2. We have to balance this against a need to ensure that the facility is getting maximum use.

It was decided that for the first year (until April 200 bookings should be taken on a first-come, first-served basis on weekdays/evenings (excluding Friday evenings) with a few minimum restrictions placed on bookings for Friday evenings, Saturdays and particularly Sundays.

 

The days will be divided into three sessions (Morning/Afternoon/Evening) it is understood that some overlap may be required by some groups or individuals; this should be made clear at the time of the booking. (Example – Bears Paw Patches will be booking some Saturday afternoons but will require the facility from 10:00 AM.)

 

Advanced bookings will be accepted as follows

Weekdays (Excluding Friday evenings) Block bookings of up to 52 sessions will be accepted.

Friday evenings and Saturdays. Up to 13 sessions can be booked in advance.

Sundays – up to 3 sessions can be booked in advance (it is felt that Sundays will be popular).

 

Any problems arising will be addressed at a review of the booking system scheduled for April 2008

 

Bookings will initially be made using the same form that Worden Arts Centre use (With the headings changed) The form will request that users submit a ‘Risk Assessment’ with their booking.

 

There will be a £50:00 deposit payable for any booking or block of bookings – this can be in the form of a cheque and will be refunded after the booking or block of bookings. This deposit will be used to pay for any damage or as a penalty for a no show or cancellation without notice or good reason.

 

South Ribble Arts Forum reserve the right to use the facility on their three event weekends (Parkicipate/Dickensian/St Georges)

 

In the unlikely event of any difficulties arising with use of the room all reasonable effort will be made to provide satisfactory temporary accommodation.

 

Groups using the facility for workshops/exhibition must ensure that either someone with CRB clearance is present at all times or they must display a sign stating ‘All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult’.

 

All portable electrical equipment (over 12 months old) must be covered by a current PAT certificate (Geoff Clarke will provide a PAT test session whereby forum members can bring their equipment along for certification. Provisionally 21^st February).

 

It was requested that the new Community Arts Development Officer (when selected) should contact the Forums insurers to see if they can provide a ‘reasonable rate’ for public liability insurance for Forum members (Currently Forum members are covered for Forum related events but not for independent ventures).

 

It was decided that there is a need for; fire extinguisher(s) eyewash bottles and a first aid kit.

 

Jayne and Paul to finalize security/locking up arrangements.

South Ribble Arts Forum

A.G.M

Wednesday 31^st January 2007

Worden Lecture Theatre

 

 

Present

Margaret Vinton, Irene Slater, Graham Dixon, June Barberel, Tracy Robinson, Cath Moran, John Doyle, Chris Mortimer, Brian Porter, Graham Simpson, Jayne Fletcher, Marilyn Deverill,

 

Apologies

Brenda Dean, Stephen Watson, Steve Asbury, Rita Brooks, Helen Djali

 

 

1.      Chair’s report

Enclosed

 

2.      Treasurer’s report

No queries were raised

 

3.      Proposal changes to the constitution

Tony Gittins proposes a membership fee, £10 for single artist per year and £15 for a group per year.  This was seconded by Chris Mortimer and carried unanimously.

 

4.      Re nominations

Present elected members proposed by John Emmerton and carried unanimously

 

 

 

Thank you for your time 

South Ribble Arts Forum Minutes

Wednesday 31^st January 2007

Worden Arts Centre

 

 

Present

Margaret Vinten, Irene Slater, Graham Dixon, June Barberel, Tracy Robinson, Cath Moran, John Doyle, Chris Mortimer, Jim Minall, Esther Goodwin, G J Clarke, Gwen Weiss, G Coxhead, Tony Gittins, Mrs D A Dewhurst, Sandra Gadsdon, Irene Wignall, Helen Djali, Jan Harper, Steve Asbury, Jayne Fletcher, Marilyn Deverill,

 

1.        Apologies

Stephen Watson, Sarah Jackson, Pam Potter, Viv Booth, John Emmerton, Alison Cattanach

 

2.        Introductions

 

3.        Minutes agreed

Unanimously agreed correct

 

4.        Visitor Centre/Exhibition Centre

i) Name Two suggestions were discussed & voted on – Courtyard Gallery or Courtyard Studio.  A vote was taken & it was agreed to be ‘Courtyard Studio’. 

ii) Booking process

Graham’s suggestion – Evenings book for 10 weeks in advance/ Weekends & Bank Holidays 3/5 prime times in advance.  After some discussion it was agreed that present bookings are to stand and that a subgroup would be formed to discuss guidelines for Booking Secretary/Community Arts Officer.

Group (G Dixon, J Fletcher, T Robinson, E Goodwin, G J Clarke, P Humphries) to discuss A) Booking form to include equipment needed & when, & signature for liability b) Penalty for late cancellation c) Refundable deposit d) Artist to man exhibition with voluntary group.  First meeting Friday 2 February at 2pm in Courtyard Studio.

 

5.        SRAF

       i) Logo    Rainbow logo designed by Lostock Hall student was the preferred choice with some changes.  SRAF below logo to be expanded in full & logo to be made suitable for use in either colour or black & white.  John Doyle agreed to take these comments back to school

       ii) Newsletter  Please send all information for inclusion to tony.gittins@ntl.com

       iii) Membership Forms   Please could all members complete the forms with as much information as possible for the new Arts Officer & return to Jayne Fletcher/Marilyn Deverill

 

6.        Photocopier charges

       Photocopier now available for use, a 4 digit number needed for each user.  Charges as suggested by Tony Gittins agreed.  Monthly readings for each user to be taken by M Deverill

7.        Forthcoming events

       Bear’s Paw Patchers – exhibition @ Civic Centre April 13/14/15

       Tracy Robinson – Easter workshops @ Courtyard Studio

St George’s weekend 21/22 April @ Worden

Parkicipate 07 – need to plan

Dickensian 07 – 2^nd December – need to plan

Gregson Lane ‘Live country music’  22 February doors open again & then every 4 weeks

Preston Arts Group – 2007 Literary Arts Festival September/October

All Acoustic events – to start 19 April & fortnightly from then – SRBC to give financial support for 2007

 

8.        Any other business

       i)  SRAF co-ordinator post  (Tony Gittins) small working group (Tony G, Bear’s Paw, Tracy, Jayne F) to investigate funding for post

       ii)  Steve Asbury – queried if CRB clearance needs to be updated & when.  Tracy would like check undertaken via SRBC.  Jayne Fletcher to source forms

       iii)  Graham Dixon - Literary/poetry group – potential to start group (some finance left by Preston Writers Group could be transferred over).  Previous writing group of 6/7 people run by Physico with some success.

 

 

Date of Next Meeting – WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2OO7 – 7PM – PM

 

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE TO START TIME

 

 

 

Thank you for your time

Chairman’s Report

 

I would like to start by thanking everyone for their support and input over the past twelve months.

 

I would like to give my report in the form of a S.O.F.T report (Successes, Opportunities, Failures, Threats). I find that this system works for me.

 

These are purely my opinions from my observances made during this year.

 

Successes

 

• Parkicipate. now in it’s third year, was a real success and not just because of the improvement in the weather compared with previous years. The formula of having the visual arts displayed and demonstrated (by means of exhibitions/workshops) in the marquee and the visitor centre – combined with the live-music in the theatre seems to work well and has certainly gone a long way towards increasing the awareness of the Arts within the borough. In general the feed-back from visitors/customers was, in the main positive and complimentary. This doesn’t mean that we can sit back on our laurels and let this year run itself – there is always room for improvement and any suggestions for improvement  – no matter how novel, trivial or revolutionary they may be, will be given serious consideration.
• Acoustic Concerts at Worden. Originally planned as a series of 12, these concerts proved to be so popular that this was extended to 18. There is to be some discussion about the possibility of another series this Summer. It is worth adding here that that raffles at these concert raised almost £1400:00 every penny of which is helping poor people in Africa (half to provide food to the starving in The Sudan and the other half paying for operations (£6:00 per eye) to restore the sight of blind children.
• Dickensian Evening. A couple of minor organisational glitches the previous year meant a bit of work for Michelle to ensure to ensure that this years event ran smoothly and gave no-one any cause for criticism. I attended this year and was very impressed with the way things went. I canvassed the opinions at least ten people attending (including one councillor) they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I think Michelle’s decision to leave the ‘Dressing-up’ to the actors was a masterstroke – this took the pressure of the other artists who were left to get on with what they do best.
• Newsletter Tony wrote, produced, edited, formatted the first Arts Forum newsletter. It was concise and straight to the point and I’m sure that a little input from other forum members (reviews/anecdotes etc) would be welcomed for any future editions.
• Funding Advice  I know that, with Michelle’s help, Bears Paw Patchers were successful with an application for funding for their group. I’m not aware of the success/failure of any other group bids that were submitted during the year.
• Arts Pager I updated the Artspager interactive website. Tools on the site include – A calendar, directory, forum, journal, photo album, classified, and links to useful sites. It is being used by one or two forum members. www.artspager.ukart.com.
• Printer We have leased a first class colour laser printer/copier which can be utilised by all members and member groups to print high quality:- poster/flyers/leaflets/booklets etc.
• Exhibition/Workshop Space The centre is almost ready for its grand opening and will be available for use by all forum members & member groups. Special vote of thanks to Tony Gittins who has rolled his sleeves up several times to plaster up the holes and paint the walls.
• Sound System Thanks to a successful funding bid we are in a position to purchase and install a state of the art sound system into the theatre. We have had an expert in to give us a quote. The existing system will be available for use in the community.

 

 

Opportunities

 

• We must maximise use of Arts pager and our printer (+ information gleaned from the ‘promote yourself for free’ presentation) to make sure that all our events (whether collective or individual) get maximum exposure to ensure good attendance and support.
• We are in a position to share best practice and good ideas – If something has worked well for you (or sounded useful but turned out to be a waste of time) don’t keep it to yourself – put it on the table and we can all benefit. (This can include – successful/unsuccessful – Advertising strategies, funding bids, Ticket sales – in fact anything that has a positive or adverse effect on your operation).
• I have contacted an engineering company who are willing to come and do an assessment – re repairing the pull-out seating in the theatre. (at the moment it is condemned)

 

Failures

 

• LOGO – we’ve spent twelve months discussing a LOGO to give the forums’  paperwork and publicity material a professional corporate type image. After this meeting we have a chance to put this one to bed – WE NEED TO SORT IT URGENTLY.
• Communications We need to ensure that minutes and agendas are posted out in plenty time – I would suggest that anything later than 14 days before a meeting is unacceptable. I would expect a copy of the minutes to appear on line (Artspager) a few days after any meeting.
• Communication with other parties – Lack of communication between myself, Arts Centre Management, The Community Arts Officer and The Parks Department caused me some serious problems during the series of concerts at Worden. Attendances plummeted at two consecutive concerts – which seemed strange because up to that point there had been a continuous improvement in attendances. Cause – the parks people locked the park entrance gates at dusk and the hinged ‘No Entry’ signs at the only other road onto the park were that rusty that they could not be folded up.

 

Threats

 

• I feel that as a forum we are not engaging all areas within the borough and as such are in danger of being labelled as a group that organise events in Leyland. It’s obvious to us that we do this because we have a fabulous venue here at Worden (which is now more user/customer focused than it has been during previous years). However we are rural borough and there are other venues at – Gregson Lane – Longton – New Longton – Penwortham – Farrington – Walton le Dale – Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall which all deserve our attention – I would like to see 2007 become the year when South Ribble Arts makes an effort to start engaging venues, artistes & groups from some of these outlying areas.

 

 

 

Hi

I received the following from Steve Astbury

Hi Graham

Would you please down load these logos from Lostock Hall High School on to the Arts Pager (Visual Arts Page) expressing our thanks for all their hard work.Also will you mention that members feed back is important.Also special thanks to Aurelia & Karen Hilton,Who have coordinated this excellent art work.

Cheers

Steve Asbury

South Ribble Arts Forum Minutes

Wednesday 25^th October 2006

Worden Arts Centre

 

 

Present

Graham Dixon, Tony Gittins,  Viv Booth, Jan Harper, Jim Minall, Tracy Robinson, Pat Albrow, Alison Cattanach, Stephen Watson, Irene Slater, John Emmerton, Irene Wignall, Sandra Gadsdon, Karen Thompson, Cath Moran, Les Ellison, Ryan Dixon, Michelle Allsopp, Marilyn Deverill

 

Apologies

Felicity Appleton, Chris Mortimer, Margaret Vinton, Pam Potter, Chris Mortimer

Steve Asbury, Lorna Bowling, Rod Curry, Andrea Morris, Diana Holland

 

1.    Minutes agreed

Unanimously agreed correct

 

2.    Introductions

 

3.    Any Other Business

a)    Dickensian Christmas at Worden, 5^th December, 6pm.  If you would like to book a craft stall, please email Michelle at mallsopp@southribble.gov.uk or telephone 01772 421109.  The stalls will go out to forum members first before they are offered to other crafts people. Please ensure to book early. Stalls will need to be set up and ready for 6pm.  You may wish to hold a craft stall and exhibition or workshop (there are no fees for artists providing workshops to cover your costs, you may wish to charge a small fee to the public). There will also be Santa, Punch and Judy, and carols. This year stall holders will not need to wear Dickensian dress as the Dean Taylor Associates will be providing the Dickensian atmosphere.

 

b)   Michelle Allsopp announced she was soon to leave the authority to live in Scotland; the date has not yet been confirmed but will let everyone know as soon as it’s decided.

 

c)   Christmas Party, it was suggested the party be held at Worden. The following dates are available, please let Michelle Allsopp know your availability as soon as possible: 13th/21^st/27^th/28^th November or 11^th/18^th December.

 

d)   Graham Dixon has recently updated the Arts Pager website.  Check out www.artspager.ukart.com - it’s worth spending a few minutes finding your way around and adding your own information.

 

e)   Tony Gittins showed members the new cupboards which have arrived for the exhibition space and we hope this to be finished and up and running by mid January 07.  He asked for volunteers for painting prior to the fitting of the cupboards.

 

f)   Thank you to Tony Gittins for our first issue of the Arts Forum Newsletter, Tony needs any information, events etc. for the next issue.

 

4.    Promotions Workshop.

Thank you Graham Dixon for providing an excellent power point presentation on promotion, if anyone would like a copy please contact Graham (through Arts Pager) and he will send you a CD copy free of charge.

 

 

 

Date of Next Meeting – To be arranged                                               

 

Thank you for your time 

Michelle & Marilyn now have access to upload topics on the journal.

NERVOUS ABOUT YOUR "FIRST" PUBLIC PERFORMANCE?

I don't doubt that there are some 'Natural Born Performers' who have no problem whatsoever - when it come to 'parading' their talents in front of a crowd. However to the rest of us 'mere mortals' - who have an inclination to play or sing, the prospect of facing an audience can be daunting.

You know that you can do it - after all you perform regularly in the relative privacy of your own home - often in front of: - spouse, kids or even parents. Then why is it, that the thought of doing the same thing before an audience of 'relative' strangers- at a Folk Club Singers Night - terrifies you?

In the early stages, this reluctance, to let your light shine out from under the proverbial bushel, can manifest itself in several different ways: -

1. With every good intention, you set off, to the Folk Club, with your guitar in tow but on arrival you 'conveniently' leave your instrument locked in the boot. (Something in your sub-conscious is telling you that - if the Organizer doesn't see you walk in, with your instrument - he won't ask you to play).

2. You take along your guitar but sit at the back, of the room, with your instrument in its case down on the floor - at your feet - underneath the table - out of sight to everyone else. Hopefully, the Organizer, will be so busy trying to work a running order for all the 'Hardened Pro's', he won't even notice you - what a relief. And at the end of the evening you can go home happy with the excuse that although you wanted to sing, you didn't because the miserable 'so and so' didn't ask you to.

3. The Organizer asks if you would like to - play or sing - and although you know that you are capable, a knot suddenly appears inside your stomach and you mutter something - like - "You've plenty in tonight, I'll give it a miss". (Maybe trying to convey the false impression that - you've done it so often, lately - you'll stand down and let the 'Rest' have a go).

4. You're all fired up and ready to go, you've finally plucked up the courage to actually ask the Organizer if you can 'get up there' and have a go. It's all been OK'd and you are sitting at your table in a state of 'High Anxiety' subconsciously running through the words of your intended song. (Even though you've sung it at least three times a week for the past twelve months - you've suddenly forgotten all the words in verse four). Suddenly in walk the "Local Superstars" - the clubs very own Eric Clapton -unplugged & Judith Durham play-a-like/sound-a-likes and your new found bravado is trodden into the ground with thoughts like "I can't play in front of these people - I'll look pathetic".

If you recognize any of these symptoms - read on.

Obvious fact - "Everyone has to start somewhere".

If you are going to give it a try - give a bit of thought to where and when? Personally I would suggest a 'Singers Night' where performers are invited to get up and sing/play, rather than a session where everyone sits around 'informally' waiting for a suitable gap to appear in proceedings so that they can 'let-fly'. Don't, for one minute, think that I am decrying sessions, it's just that - until you get a bit more confident, it can be a bit distracting or off-putting if others - however well meaning - start to accompany you on other instruments. (Though this can be fun, fulfilling & educational as your confidence increases).

Choose the songs/tunes that you are going to perform. Try to stick to the simpler pieces of your repertoire, don't be too ambitious. Give a bit of thought to introductions even if it's only to let the audience know who the composer is. (There's nothing like a couple of lines of chat - to break the ice with the crowd).

When you get to the club, introduce yourself to the Organizer and ask if it its OK to 'Do some'. Explain to him/her that it's your 'first' time and that you are a little nervous. Tell the Organizer what sort of stuff you do and a few background details about yourself. A good Organizer will welcome this information (it gives him a bit of extra material for his chat) and he should - without being demeaning - be able to explain, to the audience, during his introduction, that this is your 'first time'.

"Relax"

While you are waiting for your turn (I don't think any Organizer would be 'cruel' enough to put you on first) try and relax. Relax means sit back and listen - soak up the atmosphere and maybe have a pint of beer or a glass of wine. Relax doesn't mean throw down loads of booze in an effort to dispel nerves and to build up Dutch courage. Too much to drink means that you will perform badly. It may sound good, to you, after a few pints, but certainly not to the audience.

"Get ready"

Make sure that you have everything, that you need, to hand - Capo, Plectrum, Bodhran beater etc. Check that you are in tune. The Organizer will give you the nod, walk up to the spot, don't rush, smile at the audience introduce yourself, and the song, then go for it. When you receive that first round of applause you will float on air. If you've practiced three numbers, stick to them, don't jump on the euphoria ride and start singing or playing stuff that you have not rehearsed - or your set will deteriorate - fast. (Always leave 'em wanting more).

Has this cured your first night nerves? You have now dipped your toes in (at the waters' edge) and realized that you like it. Aim to go a bit deeper - but try a paddle before attempting a swim. As for the nerves, they will still be there next time - but they will be easier to deal with. I've been playing regularly, for the past several years, I still get nervous/anxious before a gig - be it a crowd of four hundred + at a beer festival or half a dozen in a Folk Club. A good friend of mine (nameless cause he doesn't like being quoted) told me that he felt when the pre-performance nerves go - it's time to pack up and do something else. Maybe we all crave the 'Adrenaline trip'.

Although I felt that the previous paragraph was an excellent way to finish, the article, I feel that I must address the problem of 'fluffing' (making a mistake) - during your performance.

1. If you make a mistake - just play through it - the chances are no one, in the audience, will even notice. After all the fluff is just a split second in real time (ninety nine times out of a hundred only you will realize that a mistake was made).

2. If you need to stop - stay calm - don't apologize to the audience - audiences don't like apologies - just smile at them and say something like "I'll try that again"

3. Whatever their level - performers fluff - if you want an example listen to the album 'Eric Clapton Unplugged' - Mr Clapton starts off 'Alberta' -(track 10) in the wrong key and then shouts "Hang on, hang on, hang on," the band stop and then he starts the song again - this time correctly. Every credit to E.C. for leaving this 'gem' on the album - most people would have 'cut it out' at the mixing stage.

Footnote:-

If you are thinking of 'having a go' i.e. playing/singing in public, for the first time why not make Gregson Lane Folk Club your first choice of venue. A warm friendly reception is guaranteed from both residents and audience whatever the style, of acoustic music, you play.

G.D.

CLOGMANIA – Worden Arts Centre – 22nd June.

The floor at Worden had to stand up to a fair old battering when it became host to ‘CLOGMANIA’ for the evening.

Renown clog dancer and tutor – Alex Fisher was the driving force behind this marvellous event, her vision is simply to ‘Engage young people and make this heritage live on into the 21st century’ and from what I, and the rest of the ‘packed to the rafters’ crowd at Worden, witnessed tonight Alex is certainly delivering the goods.

The four ‘teams’ of clog dancers came from four local schools,
Three Primary;
• St Mary Magdalen’s – Penworthaham
• Our Lady & St Gerards – Lostock Hall
• Coupe Green – Hoghton
& One High School
• Lostock Hall
Each group of young people danced for 10 minutes or so delighting a crowd that was made up from parents and general public alike (not forgetting South Ribble’s Mayor & Mayoress). These were 4 completely different routines all performed to a very high standard – a credit to Alex who has only had seven workshop sessions with each group.

My thoughts when watching these young people perform were first and foremost it was more than obvious that not only did they really enjoy dancing but they were all ‘bought in’ to ensuring that the event was a total success in the way that they conducted themselves whilst other groups were performing giving each other lots of support and encouragement. Secondly I was pleasantly surprised to see so many young lads involved.

It was also nice to see that at least one teacher had donned her clogs and got involved with this ‘new’ extra curricular activity.

When I arrived the four groups were running through a last-minute rehearsal of the ‘Grand Finale’ whereby they would all take to the floor together ‘en-mass’. I noticed that the majority of the youngsters had gone for the ‘traditional look’ of flat caps, waistcoats and shawls whilst others wore modern casual attire – jeans and T-shirts emblazoned with ‘Pop’ slogans . I wasn’t sure whether this would somehow spoil the image of the clog dancing. It didn’t – in fact it was a plus – these youngsters made clog dancing look ‘cool’ which can’t be a bad thing if the idea of the exercise is to encourage more to become involved.

Musical accompaniment for the dancing was in the hands of Carolyn Francis (Striding Edge) who played fiddle and drum whilst the cloggers did their thing.

Musical interludes were provided by ‘The Becky Taylor Band’ with Becky Taylor on Irish pipes, Frances O’Rourke on fiddle and Pat O’Reilly on bazouki. They treated us to a selection of lively slip jigs and Bretton tunes and it was quite obvious from the way that 36 or so pairs of ‘Clog-shod’ feet clattered in time to the music that the youngsters liked what they heard.

During the interval there were displays by ‘Clatter of Clogs’ (Michael & Janet Jackson) – Roger Dower (The clog-maker from Oswaldtwistle Mills) and Leyland Morris Men. There was also a fine display of ‘Clog-related art’ from Our Lady & St Gerards school.
Clogmania received funding from – Awards for All, Lancashire Folk, Eccleston Heritage Clog and South Ribble Borough Council who all deserve our thanks for helping maintain our musical heritage.

If you would like to know more about clog dancing or Clogmania then contact Alex Fisher (Eccleston Heritage Clog) on 01257 453185

Graham Dixon

If you are not familiar with how this works, the latest entry will always appear on top - you can scroll down to older entries.
The links down the left-hand side should take you to the Forum (Message Board) the Calendar & the Directory.

Please try to use these - enter your groups dates on the calendar - if you mess-up - email me troubleatmill@btinternet.com

Graham

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Graham