Last updated at 21:13, Tuesday, 04 September 2012

Event organisers and artists are invited to join together to form new group to promote events.

As readers already know, we have been working for some time now to promote local art through Brampton Local, Gallery of the Arts, Brampton District and other forms of media.

We recieved an e-mail today from Tim Coombe, organiser of Stepping Stones Festival, Tim is interested in setting up another group to co-ordinate events.

The idea behind the Gallery group was to produce a diary of events and a network of artists, exhibitions etc.

We have contacted Tim to offer support as we feel that everyone with genuine interest should pull together to support our local artists and promote events fully without excluding other forms of media.

Tim's e-mail:-

The Brampton area has rightfully earned itself a reputation for hosting excellent musical and arts events but generating effective publicity for them all can be both frustrating and time consuming for the organisers.   Even without Brampton Live! there are still 4 major annual festivals in the local(ish) area: Maddy Prior’s Stepping Stones Festival in Brampton in early May, the Ireby Festival in late May (a little further afield), the Lanercost Music Festival in June (with a more classical focus) and Music on the Marr in Castle Carrock in July.  In addition there are a host of other arts events taking place throughout the year, all of which would benefit from attracting greater participation, particularly by those living further afield who are inevitably the most difficult to inform. 

The Proposition

I would like to form an informal Brampton Arts Coordination Group to initiate actions in order to:

·        Make it easier for anyone, anywhere to find out what music and arts are happening in and around Brampton

·        Harness appropriate media to spread the word about such events more effectively than at present

·        Help secure sources of funding that would be difficult for individual event organisers to achieve alone

Organisation

I would be willing to chair and coordinate this activity but would need a raft of volunteers willing to help put into practice whatever outcomes might be agreed. I envisage there being a small core group with representatives from each of the 4 Festivals who might choose to meet face-to-face about once a quarter, plus a much larger pool of volunteers and supporters to provide the core group with advice and assistance as appropriate.

I see most of the work involved being accomplished online and by email.  Examples of the sort of tasks that would require significant volunteer input include:

•Leaflet and poster production
•Setting up a door-to-door distribution network across the area
•Regular website updates
•The compilation and maintenance of email lists for electronic distribution
•Sponsorship and funding application coordination

Administration of the Group will be kept to the absolute minimum!

Outputs

The desired outcomes would include:

•An annual programme of events leaflet distributed physically to every household in Brampton (and where possible beyond) early in 2013
•Brampton websites (www.Bramptonlocal, www.Bramptononline and www.BramptonandBeyond) updated at least quarterly
•Sufficient sponsorship deals in place to cover all group costs, achieved mainly through local businesses (who potentially have the most to gain)
•Comprehensive email lists available to event organisers within the group

Next Steps

You are all therefore invited to attend an open forum in Brampton to discuss this proposition.  Nothing can happen until a consensus has been achieved.  Please indicate by 10 Sep which dates and times you would be able to attend by logging onto;

http://www.doodle.com/sc8bm44ymh43ge4n

- I have only entered those times when I am available.  After that date I will notify everyone of the result.

Time precludes me from contacting you all individually for which I apologise, but I look forward to hearing from you by one means or another and would of course be delighted to discuss this proposition with you one-to-one at any time!

Yours sincerely,

Tim Coombe
TBJ COOMBE
016977 48833
Damhead, Lyneholmeford,
Roweltown,
Carlisle,
Cumbria
CA6 6LQ

Please note, this is not the Gallery of the Arts group which has been working with local artists, and local media, although the idea to provide opportunities for artists is a common ideal. We have already contacted Tim to discuss mutual goals.

As readers will already know we do promote events through Brampton Local which is part of Cumberland News Media Group, and have a dedicated arts section.

Posters for events can be dropped off at Hairport on Main Street Brampton to be scanned into the Flikr page, the Gallery of the Arts group on facebook is open to all local artists, Brampton District accepts posts for events as well as the other facebook pages.

We are currently working with Hadrian's Wall Heritage to compile a database of artists and craftspeople wishing to exhibit in the Moot Hall.

Funding applications have been put forward and we are happy to say that some have already been accepted.

The idea behind Gallery of the Arts and the Brampton Arts Calendar of Events was to involve all of the local art groups and not exclude other forms of media which would prevent events being properly publicised on all the local websites, and social media pages.

The work done is all voluntary,

For more information on Gallery of the Arts or to join the database please mail brampton.local@cnmedia.co.uk.

First published at 14:52, Tuesday, 04 September 2012
Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk

Last updated at 15:36, Friday, 28 September 2012

When bands first tour the United Kingdom, there are certain places they plan on visiting. Brampton isn’t normally one of them.

The Bismarck at Off The Wall

But American outfit The Bismarck decided it was exactly the kind of place to get the “Cumbrian experience”.

The Seattle group played the Off the Wall cafe on Front Street on Wednesday night. They also showed a documentary film produced by band member Chris Jury.

They have been going for over 20 years. Chris, 36, described them as a “loud, ragged, noisy sort of affair” and that they were similar to Iggy Pop’s Stooges.

He said: “The reason a Brampton show was so appealing for us is that we didn’t grow up in metropolitan Seattle. We grew up in isolated, extremely rural North Dakota.

“From the early 1990s on we worked to create venues to play music, took weeks to mail order cassettes we wanted, drove hundreds of miles to attend concerts.

“In speaking with Emma (Goodman) at Off The Wall, she describes that as being similar to the Cumbrian experience.

“We have always had more fun, and felt more closely aligned with our audiences in smaller places, be they basement shows in Billings, Montana, or in some abandoned gardeners shed in the middle of an Iowa cemetery.

“Those are the shows you remember, rather than the endless string of bars and punk clubs in bigger towns.”

In Britain the band are playing 12 shows in 11 days, from Aberdeen to Bristol.

Brampton is the only small town on the agenda.

They are being supported by Carlisle outfit Car Crash Radio for some of their gigs.

The film they showed on Wednesday was Grateful Lovers: Finding Punk on the Great Plains, which tells the story of people like the band members trying to get into alternative music when they lived more than 3,000 miles from the nearest city.

Mr Jury was confident they were well received.

“We’re loudmouthed and raucous but that seems to go over well with the young folks.”

He also said Off the Wall was the size of venue they usually played in Seattle.

For more information on the band check out their website ww.thebismarck.net

First published at 13:55, Friday, 28 September 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 14:52, Friday, 14 September 2012

The strong and varied work of a community stalwart was honoured with a showcase of art at her wake.

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Katie Douglass, of Hallbankgate, who was heavily involved with groups and projects in Brampton, died last week.

Her interests and passions were wide ranging and she was always keen to share these with others.

This was reflected in an exhibition of her work at the wake, which was held in Brampton Community Centre, where the 56-year-old had carried out many of her projects.

It followed a funeral at Carlisle Crematorium where some mourners had had to stand outside because all of the seats were taken.

Business partner Julia Neubauer, 52, of Alston, paid tribute to her.

“She was wonderful. She was kind, she was thoughtful and she left a lasting impact on so many people. She had such a passion for what she did.”

Ms Neubauer first met Ms Douglass more than 20 years ago when the latter was working as a teacher in Brampton Community Centre. It was the start of a lasting friendship, which would see them collaborate on a number of projects together and Ms Neubauer remembers a friend who was passionate about the area she was from and who fought hard to make sure it kept hold of its community centre.

Ms Douglass had a real enthusiasm for textiles and ran several classes where she would teach people how to create their own pieces.

She also ran several projects where she made use of this passion.

One saw her produce morse bags, a cloth alternative to plastic carrier bags.

Most recently, she had started Salvage and Stitch with Ms Neubauer.

This was setup as a co-operative which reused old fabric to produce new items, such as hats and scarves.

Ms Douglass was also passionate about technology, and ran several classes relating to computers in Brampton.

She had also worked at Brampton Business Centre.

Ms Neubauer added: “She is going to leave a big hole in my life.”

Ms Douglass died of a suspected brain haemorrhage on Sunday, September 2.

She is survived by one son, aged 21.

First published at 13:54, Friday, 14 September 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 14:56, Friday, 31 August 2012

THE Cumbrian countryside has inspired many creative types with their work.

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From Wordsworth with his poetry to Beatrix Potter and her children’s books and illustrations, the county seems to light a spark for certain people.

And now, one artist is hoping to give them the chance to admire another piece of inspiring scenery – her back garden.

Debbie Jenkins, 52, has what she describes as an “artist’s garden” at her cottage, named West Garth Cottage, in Hayton, near Brampton.

She opened it over the summer but has now decided to do this for two days every week.

“I just decided that it would be nice to start opening it up more,” Debbie said.

“I trained as a designer and work as an artist as well. It always gives me inspiration.”

The garden is set in an acre of ground and includes streams, sculptures and a number of mature plantings. There is also an artist’s studio in the grounds.

“They are very covered gardens,” said Debbie. “They are quite fantastic.”

She has had her own design business for 17 years, and lived in Hayton for 14. After studying at the University of Liverpool, she worked her way north and ended up as the chief of design for fashion firm Jaeger before heading out on her own. Her artwork has been exhibited at venues around the UK.

The garden is a source of pride for her, and she said her artwork has been influenced by the garden.

She also enjoys decorating it with lights every Christmas time.

It features plantings for every season and, she believes, is a relaxing and inspiring environment for artists.

“It’s early days,” said Debbie, “but the people who have been have really enjoyed it.”

Her partner, Jason Thompson, 41, is also keen to let people in.

“We are quite involved with the school in the village letting people in for art lessons,” he said. “I’m interested in it being a meeting place as well.”

To find out more about visit www.westgarth-cottage-gardens.co.uk.

First published at 14:07, Friday, 31 August 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

By Ellis Butcher

Last updated at 14:30, Friday, 17 August 2012

As a rule of thumb, Lakes Alive events tend to defy logical description.

The Campbell family, dad Glenn, mum Julie and daughter Ruby with some of the entertainers

On a humid summer night in Amazonian rain at Talkin Tarn, even less so.

The Banquet show – fresh from huge crowds in Millom and Cleator Moor – returned to the beauty spot on the outskirts of Brampton.

The 1,500 people who turned up last year, didn’t.

That’s Cumbrian weather for you, but dozens of spirited Lakes Alive devotees united against Wednesday night’s downpour.

For the uninitiated, the Banquet was billed as a “friendly, community-spirited feast. Music, dance, magic, mayhem and tom-foolery to entertain everyone.”

Essentially, a mass outdoor picnic with surreal sideshows.

The picnic didn’t materialise but a party of well-prepared spectators created a canopy of protective brollies and cracked open the Tupperware as the show found its stride.

A French artist making hats out of brown paper, a man in a trenchcoat and bowler hat struggling with an over-sized newspaper.

Roaming the shoreline, two ‘Aussie’ lifeguards checking that every ‘cobber’ was safe in the rain, across from them a trio of comedy women swatting imaginary flies.

A man with a tea cosy on his head pushing a wheelchair converted into an elaborate sound system, while two comedy Northerners in jumpsuits told tall stories.

Throughout, a high-spirited jazz band in waistcoats belted out tunes on drums, trombone and sax.

Julie Campbell, of Brampton, was watching with her family.

She said: “It’s been fantastic apart from the weather. There’s loads of people here tonight from Brampton and the weather hasn’t put people off. I don’t know what it is, I just find it really enchanting.”

Last year Angela Ransley, of Irthington went with about 30 people to the Banquet. Because of the weather, it was just her and son, Lewis this time.

Mrs Ransley said: “I like it. It’s very quirky and different and fun. It’s just something simple and funny.”

Lewis, 10, added: “It’s good, funny.

“So far I’ve liked the fly swatters and the man with the ironing board.”

Lakes Alive artistic director Jeremy Shine was on hand to help. “It’s not the intention to make a coherent show out of 12 acts,” he explained. “There are 12 shows taking place but each act is totally separate.”

Looking at the rain, he added: “They have had to adapt to the conditions and they have – very well.”

Standing on the sidelines was Julie Tait, of Kendal Arts International, whose mission over the last four years has been to fill Cumbria’s cultural black holes with street arts.

“I just think people really value the events we put on and will brave them, whatever the weather,” she said.

Of the show, she added: “People make of it what they will. Some artists are making political or very personal statements, and the rest is from the Monty Python school of humour.”

Watching events was Johnny Rigg, from Barrow, and Thai partner Chef Ooy.

They were attending to customers at their popular Thai food stall.

“Last year we were here, we ran out of stock,” said Johnny. “We won’t tonight, but we don’t really mind.”

First published at 14:10, Friday, 17 August 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 13:08, Monday, 23 July 2012

It was a festival born out of love – and that passion is getting stronger every year.

Folk rock singer Maddy Prior and wildlife expert John Miles lead visitors on a guided tour

Music on the Marr, at Castle Carrock, began three years ago following the wedding of Lorna and Rory Connolly.

Local girl Lorna had hired a marquee for the reception on the Saturday, only for it to be transformed the following day into the main tent for the village’s first music festival.

The entire community turned out to support it, prompting organisers to turn it into an annual event.

Three years later and it has grown from a one-off day of music to a three-day festival with camping, real ale, hog roast and arts market.

Starting on Thursday with a ‘pay what you can afford’ night of entertainment for the whole village, it continued through the weekend, with the grand finale on Saturday night.

The music was a mix of folk, blues, jazz and much more, combining talented local performers with well known acts from the national and even global music scene.

This year’s headliners were fast-rising American country/bluegrass band Larkin Poe and folk legend Peggy Seeger.

Enjoying the music – and the sunny weather – were people of all ages, both villagers and music fans from further afield. Local couple Hilary and John Holland have been at the festival every year but this time found themselves making some new Californian friends who were in the UK for the London Olympics.

“While they were here they were looking for a folk festival and just found this on the web. We spent the evening with them and they absolutely loved it,” said Hilary.

Jacqueline and Simon Stone were at the festival with six-year-old son Heathcliff, who attends the village school, for the first time. “We have a brilliant community here so we wanted to support it.

“It’s a real family event and Heathcliff is just loving all the music. He’s been so excited. It’s a great way to introduce children to live music.”

Lorna and Rory, whose wedding kick-started the whole festival, now live in Newcastle but were also back for the weekend to support it. “It brings back really good memories for us and the music is really good. It’s great to catch up with family too. Everyone is here,” she said.

Organiser Richard Johnstone said this year’s event has been a huge success, with about 750 visitors during the whole weekend. The additional Thursday night had attracted 260 people alone.

“It has become a real community event for Castle Carrock but it couldn’t happen without the stewards and all the other people who help out, some of who have been here from 7am until midnight for no pay,” he added.

More photos in today's News & Star

First published at 11:28, Monday, 23 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Last updated at 19:54, Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Katie Douglas (right) at the Stepping Stones Festival, the exhibition at The Hut featured many local artists and craftspeople.

The Hut offers a chance for artists to share studio space to make a more viable, long term future for what has become both a social and inspirational project.

Katie Douglas, manager of ‘The Hut’ has asked us to spread the word about the options of sharing space, renting a space or studio, or Hotdesking, i.e dropping in for an afternoon and having space to work on your own projects

This could open doors for many who simply have not the space at home to work, or enjoy the social aspect of working alongside other artists.

Some rooms are already rented out to local artists and craftspeople.

The large room will still be available for exhibitions, workshops, classes and groups.

If you, or anyone you know might be interested please contact Katie Douglas at Brampton Community Centre

016977 45023
http://www.bramptonandbeyond.org/?group_id=14
 

First published at 19:43, Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk

Last updated at 19:19, Wednesday, 06 June 2012

The Banquet 2011 Talkin Tarn, picture by Steve Eggleston - Event Digital

Lakes Alive return to Talkin Tarn for a feast of outdoor entertainment.

Communal street parties, with entertainment provided by some of the country’s best outdoor performers, will be returning to four Cumbrian towns this summer.

At each of the Banquets, organised by Lakes Alive, there will be music, dance, magic, mayhem and tom-foolery to entertain everyone. Tables and chairs will also be laid out and the audience are encouraged to join in a friendly, community spirited feast. People can either bring their own picnic or buy tasty food from local caterers.

From the 13-16 August, The Banquet will be at Cleator Moor, Millom, Talkin Tarn near Brampton and Appleby.

Lakes Alive is created and directed by Kendal Arts International (KAI) with Manchester International Arts. Julie Tait, the director of KAI, says: “The reaction that we got last year at the Banquets was amazing, so many people turned out and obviously really enjoyed themselves, that we were determined to bring them back.

“The atmosphere at all the events was fantastic. It was especially nice to see lots of family groups enjoying themselves together and really getting into the community spirit of the evening.”

Entertainers at the Banquets will include Artizani with the surreal and brilliant Syrovy, which has been described by Total Theatre Magazine as ‘a beautifully constructed and executed solo show by James Macpherson that combines silent-movie clowning, acrobatics and slackrope walking to explore one man’s ambivalent relationship with everyday objects.’

Also on the billing are the Fairly Famous Family with their show Cheesy Rider, which features cocktail bar serving an all action mix of shaker juggling, comedy cookery and a 1960's makeover for one ‘lucky volunteer’!

Equipped with a camera, a flatulent monkey and acerbic banter, Guido & Laverne will provide you with a memory of the evening that you can treasure forever.

French artist Paul-Henri Jeannel will encourage the audience to create magical brown paper hats, and popular local performer Gakko will keep everyone smiling with his collection of songs and stories.

The Rainbow Rabbit, a talented 13 year old magician from Kendal, will wow the audience with his amazing magic tricks.

The Banquets will take place at Cleator Moor on August 13th, Millom on August 14th, Brampton on August 15th, and Appleby on August 16th and will all run from 6 pm – 9 pm. For further details visit www.lakesalive.org.

Lakes Alive is one of three annual programmes commissioned for WE PLAY, the Northwest cultural legacy programme for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. WE PLAY has been funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.”.

The project is led by the Arts Council England Northwest on behalf of a new regional partnership. Lakes Alive is sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and has also received funding from Arts Council England and the Northern Rock Foundation.
The Banquet in Appleby is supported by Cumbria County Council's Eden Local Area Committee. The Banquets in Cleator Moor and Millom are presented in partnership with Copeland Borough Council and supported by Copeland Community Fund and Cumbria County Council's Copeland Local Area Committee. In Cleator Moor, the event is presented in collaboration with Cleator Moor Town Council and in Millom, the Banquet is presented in collaboration with The Beggar's Theatre. The Banquet in Talkin Tarn is supported by Carlisle City Council.
Further details about this year’s programme from Lakes Alive see www.lakesalive.org.

For pictures from last year follow the link to Steve Eggleston, Event Digital http://www.eventdigital.co.uk/pages/talkintarn.html

First published at 15:26, Wednesday, 06 June 2012
Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk

By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 15:21, Friday, 22 June 2012

A Brampton man’s modelling is attracting international attention.

Andrew Naisbitt

Andrew Naisbitt, who runs Hadrian’s Hobbies on Market Place, has seen his recreation of a German steam train appear in prestigious collectors’ publication Continental Modeller.

This is the second time one of his creations has featured in the magazine.

“Models are interesting,” said Mr Naisbitt, 50. “It’s relaxing and it’s something different.”

He added: “I’ve been doing railways since I was about five years old.”

The model in question is a Bavarian mixed traffic locomotive, described as a ‘2-4-2’.

It is made from a combination of two manufacturers’ parts, LGB, based in Nuremberg and Bachman, which is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Because of this hybrid construction, it has been described as a ‘Bavarian Frankenstein’ train.

Mr Naisbitt decided to create this model after LGB announced in 2011 it would only be producing one new model in the forthcoming year, which would not be dramatically different from previous editions.

He has a love of variety, and decided to take on the challenge of creating his own locomotive, using pictures of 2-4-2s from the time they were in operation in the 19th and 20th century.

His model was constructed around a broken Bachman model using LGB parts he sourced from local shops and the internet.

Creating his own project was quite a challenge for Mr Naisbitt. “You need to come up with what you are going to do yourself,” he said.

Continental Modeller is a monthly magazine devoted to creations of locomotives and railway layouts based on those seen in mainland Europe.

It receives submissions from enthusiasts from around the world.

Mr Naisbitt was delighted when his model was selected for inclusion. He also had a design featured in 2011, of a Garatt locomotive.

He is now hoping to go for a hat-trick and have his latest model, which he is keeping under wraps, featured in the publication next year.

First published at 14:07, Friday, 22 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Last updated at 13:57, Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Grateful Lovers – Finding Punk on the Great Plains

The Film: Grateful Lovers is a one hour and 25 minute documentary film by Chris Jury, a native of North Dakota and member of punk band The Bismarck.

The focus of the film is the process by which young people from the plains growing up in the 80’s and early 90’s found their way to music which was, at the time, underground in even the biggest and most metropolitan places.   They share how they came into contact with punk rock music, the struggles of access, the process of making music of their own, and how it changed their lives. 

Production: Grateful Lovers is a ‘Zero Budget’ film.  Rather than spend time and resources traveling around the country to do interviews, most contributions were self-filmed.  This was accomplished by mailing small, inexpensive cameras back and forth, using webcams, or whatever means were at hand.  Editing was done with at Eric Fundingsland’s editing facilities during spare time between (and occasionally instead of) other jobs. 

Screenings:  A set of 3 North Dakota prescreenings of a 1 hour version of the film took place in August 2011.  The film premiered at the Redezvous Jewel Box Theatre in Seattle, and has since been shown in many venues, including Kitchen Sink in Chicago, and at the Dakota Digital Film Festival.

Content: Grateful Lovers has a few profane words here and there, but nothing you didn’t hear on the playground.

The DVD: The finished product is available as a package with a DVD of the complete film, a 19 track CD of the soundtrack (made up entirely of music made by people interviewed for the film), and a ‘zine created by Heather Jackson, collecting stories from people about their Midwest show-going experiences. 

Contact: Chris Jury:
Phone:425-263-8024
Email: christopherjury@yahoo.com
Trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loHujYpYjdo

Keep up to date with the Off The Wall events at http://www.offthewallweb.co.uk/
 

First published at 13:52, Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk

Published at 09:30, Monday, 04 June 2012

Winner of trophy for best paintwork at Kelso Scooter Rally.

Fiona Foster of Airdevils Airbrush Art was overjoyed to hear her work won first prize at Scotlands Biggest Scooter Rally held at the Border Union Showground, Kelso.

The Rally took place at Springwood Park from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd June and celebrated it's 10th Anniversary.
 

The prize, presented to Kevin Williams was the best paintwork trophy. Fiona was especially pleased as her father was born in Kelso.

 'He would have been very proud', said Fiona, her work can also be seen on display at the Off The Wall Coffee Shop in Brampton.

For more information on this very talented artist please visit the Airdevils website.

http:/www.airdevils.co.uk

Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk

By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 14:15, Friday, 25 May 2012

The hills came alive with sound of movie making as a crew moved in to work on a film commissioned for the London 2012 Festival.

Douglas Gordon

Scenic tranquility near Brampton was interrupted when Scottish director Douglas Gordon, whose credits include Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait – a film about French footballer Zinedine Zidane – spent time at Talkin Head making The End of Civilisation.

The film was Gordon’s first to be shot in England and was filmed overlooking what he called the ‘Barbarian Border’ between England and Scotland.

A beacon hidden deep within the Cumbrian landscape re-enacted an ancient tradition, but this was no ordinary burning. Gordon destroyed a grand piano – one of the western world’s great icons – to serve as a warning and a celebration.

A film crew arrived at the home of Alan and Anne Sykes at Talkin Head Farm last Friday and finished filming on Monday.

The movie will premiere on July 5 at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle, which is built on the site of a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall.

London 2012 Festival director Ruth Mackenzie said: “Douglas Gordon is one of the UK’s most exciting artists and this commission for the festival, Great North Run Culture and Locus+ has an episode which will truly be a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.”

First published at 14:08, Friday, 25 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Last updated at 10:51, Wednesday, 16 May 2012

by local artist Steven Warnes

Brampton's historic Moot Hall, a building which itself has been captured thousands of times by artists, both local and visiting, is set to become the centrepiece of the re-branding of the town.

With the support of Brampton Parish Council, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, and Brampton & District Business Association, plans are being submitted for a grant towards bringing the Moot Hall and the Tourist Information Centre up to date, while retaining its character in a tasteful and practical manner. A previous bid by the Parish Council has been sucessful and they have now recieved funding to purchase high quality display/exhibition equipment to mount and showcase art and craftwork.

A public consultation revealed that the people of Brampton support the idea of a space for artists and groups to display their work. The idea of a rooftop cafe has been rejected but improved facilities for tea & coffee making at events will be available.
There are many different artists in the area, some work alone; others belong to a wide range of groups and gatherings.
A recent trail to test see if there was sufficient interest in providing a town centre exhibition space had positive results.
Any artists, sculptors, musicians, performers, crafters or writers interested in an opportunity to showcase their work please forward your details to hairport9@aol.com marked Brampton Arts or leave your details at Hairport 46 Main Street Brampton CA8 1SB where a database will be formed.
All participating artists will have an opportunity to join Brampton Gallery of the Arts. This is a free service to promote arts in the area.
 

First published at 20:15, Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk

By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 15:28, Friday, 01 June 2012

Film critic Mark Kermode dropped in to offically open a media suite at William Howard School – and gave it a glowing review.

Mark Kermode with pupils Lauren Brown, Emily Hinson, Joe Pond and Wayne Coulthard

The journalist and broadcaster made his way to Brampton after being asked by a former schoolmate, now the head of media at William Howard.

He was impressed by what he saw and felt it was an important addition to the school.

“I have worked for television companies that have had worse facilities than this,” Kermode, 48, joked.

The ceremony saw him present a short broadcast, produced by the pupils, give a speech and unveil a commemorative brass plaque.

Mark Kermode is a film critic who has worked for a several national newspapers and magazines. He has also presented a variety of shows on radio and television.

He agreed to open the suite – which features a variety of sets and equipment such as an autocue, cameras and lights – after receiving an invitation from Simon Booth, William Howard’s head of media. The pair went to school together in Elstree, where they played in a band together, rehearsing in a music room.

Mr Kermode said this was the best thing the school did for them as it helped to develop something they were interested in and passionate about.

He thinks the suite can provide William Howard pupils with the same experience. “The more people understand how the media works, the better it is,” he said.

Pupils at the school have been making use of the facility for almost a year and have produced a number of programmes, most notably their own soap opera entitled ‘WH6’, which can be viewed online. Mr Booth said he wanted the suite to be in use before it was officially opened.

Pupil Wayne Coulthard, 17, said: “It’s great for a secondary school to have this, it’s a fantastic facility.” Emily Hinson, 17, added: “We are working with quite professional equipment and that’s good for our future.”

First published at 14:10, Friday, 01 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 16:34, Friday, 04 May 2012

Many months of hard work was rewarded when art, design, technology and media students displayed their final pieces at William Howard School’s annual exhibition night.

AS and A level Textiles Fashion Show where students modelled each others clothes. Jodie Howe is wearing a skirt by Beth Bulman

Now called ‘The Exhibition’ because it involves so many different departments, the show has become a focal point of the school year and acts as inspiration for younger pupils.

A-level, BTEC and GCSE students all had an involvement in the impressive show, which opened to parents and friends at the Brampton secondary school on Wednesday night. Visitors enjoyed browsing the work on display in all departments – including art and design, design and technology, media and photography.

The Exhibition then culminated with an impressive fashion show, which saw A2 and AS students modelling their own pieces on the catwalk.

Textiles teacher Gemma Gonzalez helped organise the event. She said AS students had been working on a skirt project while A2 students had freedom to create their own ideas.

Final pieces included a structured Japanese lantern dress, a boned Aztec-inspired dress, and an outfit that took the concept of historic knight’s armour and gave it a modern twist.

Gemma said: “The fashion show has really grown. The first year we didn’t even have a stage, now we have a large stage with a screen behind it where they can project work. This year it is going to be filmed.”

“A lot of our students are going on to do fashion marketing or costume design at university.”

Yvonne Dixon, the school’s head of design and technology, said it is not just a fashion show.

She said; “There is a massive variety. Media students have been looking at games design so there are a lot of computers in the exhibition, and there’s also all kinds of art work, product design and child-friendly textiles.”

Among the students exhibiting was 18-year-old A-level student Alex Luhrs, of Brampton.

He made a steam-bent wooden chair for his product design coursework and said the emphasis was on creating sustainable furniture.

Using a special steaming technique he was able to shape his wood to create a contemporary and comfortable chair.

He then recycled old pairs of denim jeans to create an ethical patchwork cushion.

“It’s been really good fun. I’ve had quite a few difficulties to overcome but that’s all part of it and I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out,” he said.

“I’ve always been interested in how things are made and how I can change things.”

Alex has now been offered two places on courses to study product design or design for industry at Northumbria.

First published at 14:41, Friday, 04 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

By Victoria Brenan

Published at 11:27, Thursday, 31 May 2012

A picnic cinema project is set to take off this summer with films screened in the grounds of stately homes and beauty spots.

Eden Arts are behind Picnic Cinema and say locations include Hutton-in-the-Forest, near Carlisle, Greystoke Castle, near Penrith – which is rarely open to the public, Grizedale forest and Brantwood at Coniston and Brockhole at Windermere.

The arts group secured a £180,000 Big Lottery grant last year and used it to buy cinema equipment, a screen and PA system.

As well as the Picnic Cinema project, they are running a REMOTEcinema initiative which will see the equipment tour villages during the winter months to offer screenings to bring communities together.

“The idea is to create fun, social events, said Heather Walker, of Eden Arts.

“It’s not about arty films, it’s about doing something that can bring the local community together and creating an event.”

Details of the films to be screened during the summer are yet to be revealed but all locations will open from 6pm and boast “well stocked bars.”

The outdoor cinema events will run from August 24 to September 22 and tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

People are invited to take picnics and arrive from 6pm for the evening screenings.

Anyone interested in registering so they receive details of the events as soon as they are announced is asked to visit www.picniccinema.co.uk.

The not-for-profit arts group is running a competition to give away free tickets. It is open until June 17 when the winners will be drawn at random. More details are on the website.

To register for the remote cinema project, which so far has 14 villages interested, call Heather on 01768 899444 or email heather@edenarts.co.uk. Villages must be in the Eden council district to apply.

VBrenan@cngroup.co.uk

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk