Thursday, 1 December 2011

Ooh Dear....How Time Flies

Not very good at keeping up to date with things as I am here there and everywhere at the moment (which is a good thing).  The past few weeks have been busy with workshops, planning, PR (which I hate doing) and events.  And we are doing lots of joint things with local organisations which is nice and benefits everyone.

I had a fantastic phonecall yesterday from a local business (the first contact who has not wanted something back from us as well as self promotion!!).  This locally based advertising firm based at Holly Park Mills are actually reaching out to make a difference.
 
Anyway to cut a long story short, we now have loads of Christmas cards which we are going to sell for our charity of the year "Hope for Tomorrow".

Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Calverley Community Cinema

I have been very lax in updating information.

Behind the scenes there is lots going on (and coming up) in the village.

I have been in negotiations about a community cinema venue and we have a venue secured. 

A community cinema will be set up (with Creative Calverley being involved - whether as an audience member or something a bit more).

The first screening will be on the 3rd December and there will be a choice of three films.  To make it a community cinema we need the involvement of others.  The cinema will be set up in St Wilfrid's Church, which is a fabulous location (Views from the Pews) I have dubbed it.  (Cushions will be needed).

A true "leap of faith" by everyone at the church to allow this to happen.  Luckily Rev John Walker is a bit of a film buff so that does help.

The idea is that for the first showing we want people to vote for the film that they wish to see.  For the cinema to move forward we need to ask the community some questions, so this will be done at the first screening as well.

Workshop 15 October 2011

Well we had our first workshop on the 15 October which was knitting.

All people who had signed up to attend came (which was nice).

The ladies from Knit Wits came to pass on their extensive knowledge (which was lovely).

A good time was had by all.

(I made tea and pompoms.  The only negative was about my coffee making skills.  As I don't drink it myself I don't have a clue).

Still No Noticeboard

I have been trying to locate a noticeboard that we could use to advertise our events and workshops.

Because we have so many things happening over the next few months I quite understand why people are reluctant to put up 15 plus posters in their shop window etc etc.

We need a friendly neighbourhood site where we can put things up that is just for us.

Will keep looking.

Monday, 19 September 2011

19 September - Where am I going???

Lots of delicate issues to sort out this week.  Calverley is quite a small place, and whatever you do you end up upsetting someone.

As a person who tries to be nice to people at all times, it is not a good situation when you know that people are complaining about what you are doing (often without even knowing/visiting/getting involved in what you do).

Last week seemed to be about allaying people's fears about "diary clashes".  One of the things that seems to have become more obvious is, that we need our own noticeboard. We have so many things going on, and not everyone has a computer.  So I need to look at possible locations to have some information up.

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Its been a long time...

Time is just passing so quickly.  CC has been doing a lot of reflection...

After each CC we look at things that we can improve and look for solutions.  Have been doing some of that but also setting up lots of events and workshops.   

People ask what CC is, and to be honest it just seems to be evolving all the time.  CC is not about just one person there are many involved, many giving up their time for free or at a reduced cost, others offering support and advice.  At the heart is a passion for creativity, but also enriching life.  Whether that is by just smiling at someone, passing a compliment (more people complain than praise).  These are examples of little things that can really make a difference.

Sometimes it is challenging ourselves to change our behaviour and just make that extra effort.  Lots of people have commented that "I was going to do that...".  If in doubt, just do it.  Don't live to regret an indecision.

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Aaaaaagggggggghhhhhh

Things were going quite smoothly (or so I thought).

Was not well last week (which has put me behind with things that I want to do).

Having communication issues this week.  Computer seems to be crashing (which is not good) and am having delays in correspondence with various people (not even sure emails I think I have sent have reached the right destination).

I was going to get some publicity re Creative Calverley out this week and had people lined up to distribute.  But found out today that they could not do it for various reasons, which I won't go into, but basically has left me in a pickle. 

Being not for profit means that you rely on yourself and others to sort.  Luckily some lovely volunteers have responded to my pleas for assistance.  Keep smiling :)

Tuesday, 23 August 2011

New ideas/New suggestions

Would welcome suggestions from anyone who would like to share ideas/skills of things to do in and around Calverley.  CC should be a communal thing with initiatives not just coming from one or two people.  Get involved.

Monday, 22 August 2011

Things are moving forward all the time

Creative Calverley seem to be evolving all the time.  Over the past few days - have been looking into how the "project" can be set up on a more formal basis.  Looking at formalising the "not for profit" and charitable status.  But these things take time and money.

Also seem to be inspiring people in different parts of Leeds to set up similar things judging by a phonecall I had on Friday with a lovely lady in Farsley. 

Constantly amazed by all the creativity in and around the village.  Sometimes when just talking amongst friends inspires ideas, but now I have met people who can actually do things about them...music, drama, dance, photography, art etc etc  So, dear friends.  We ARE going to have an hearts in the community festival in 2012.  A meeting will be arranged in January 2012 for all interested parties.

Thursday, 18 August 2011

Refreshed and renewed?

Been away for a few days, so lots to catch up on.  I had my trusty phone with me so at least I could communicate with people, but it is not the same as sitting at a computer with a cup of tea and a cat.

I am trying to finalise some of the workshop information for 2011 so that the information can go out as soon as possible as I know people get busy. 

I am already planning events and workshops for 2012.

The countdown to the next Creative Calverley on the 3 September is already happening so the few days away will be forgotten very quickly.

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Busy Busy

Have been busy trying to organise workshops.  It is a very difficult balancing act cost/creativity. 

Creative Calverley is not for profit.  If charges are made for materials it means that some venues charge a fee to use the space.  If no fee is charged, it means the venue cost is free.  If the venue charges a fee you have to pass that cost onto course participants.  You are in a catch 22 situation.

I put a request out on twitter for donated items for a forthcoming workshop and have been amazed by the generosity of people willing to donate items to the cause.  Thank you to those who have responded.

I seem to be bogged down by "risk assessments", which is fine and I suppose once they are done they are out of the way.  I don't know anyone who has been injured by playing chess though!  I am sure there will be someone who can come up with an obscure story.

Monday, 8 August 2011

8 August 2011

People are already booking stalls for September and one stallholder has booked for November/December.  Lots of lovely ideas for wokshops are coming in for people of all ages can't say too much but we may be quite busy in the run up to Christmas.  The hub at the pub...is taking a route of its own.

Saturday, 6 August 2011

6 August - Live and Learn

The first event is out of the way and a big "thank you" to the stallholders.  Lots of positive feedback to Creative Calverley.

Initial signs are that the September 3 event will be bigger and better.  "Onwards and upwards".

Sorry nothing could be done about the weather...and the fact that lost of people seem to be on holiday at the moment. 

A big thank you to those who supported this local event.  Spread the word...

Thursday, 4 August 2011

4 August

Just wanted to thank people who are offering me advice and support re the event. 
Going round with a mental tick list of things to do at the moment.  A few people have not been able to exhibit due to personal reasons, but they aim to be around in September.
Have not had time to put up photos, but hopefully on Saturday there will be evidence of the endeavours that are happening.

Tuesday, 2 August 2011

2 August 2011

I am really moved by people who want to join in with the event.  I am aware that many people will be away in August, but I already have 3 additional people who are wanting to have a stall in September. 

Today I need to do a trial run of the room layout.  I also need to start posting information through doors.

Still keeping an eye on the weather forecast.

Saturday, 30 July 2011

30 July 2011

Well the sun is shining.  I hope that the weather is as nice next week.

I have been busy contacting people with some exciting project ideas for the Autumn (details will be posted on the website in due course).

I have also been looking at venues to hold events in and around Calverley.

I am very conscious that not all venues are accessible to all, but will do what I can to ensure that everyone in the community can join in with things if they wish to.

We are so lucky living where we do.

Thursday, 28 July 2011

28 July 2011

Have been busy sorting out future workshops and writing a press release.  I am not good at marketing things, so it has been a big learning curve.

Met a lovely lady yesterday (Pauline Anderson) who does paintings of Calverley.  Pauline (who is in her eighties) has for many years raised money for Martin House by selling her cards and calendars.  Pauline wanted to hear all about the event on the 6 August, and will be selling her Calverley cards.

Saturday, 23 July 2011

Saturday 23

Today we are looking at gazebos and marquees for those people who want to be outside.  The tricky things will be putting up stalls on concrete.  We may have to invest in some sand and bricks (may have to have a trial run in this).  It's a long time since we have pitched a tent or anything like that.

The weather is lovely today in Calverley, (just hope it will be the same in two weeks time), so much to do.

Friday, 22 July 2011

Update

I have been so busy.  I had not realised how much time it would take to set this event up.  So let me bring you up to date with what happened yesterday...Photoshoot at the Thornhill Arms for Creative Calverley.  People driving past at 5.30 on the 21st must have wondered what on earth people were doing at the front of the pub.  Jamie and Sally (publicans) interrupted their busy schedule to pose with some of the items that will be available at the event. Some lovely people who were trying to have a quiet pint agreed to pose for the photos. 
A big thank you to Peter Steele for his kind words (they were very much appreciated).

Wednesday, 20 July 2011

Fresh Air

Today I have been down to Rodley Nature Reserve to pick up some leaflets. 

Some people are unable to attend the launch event on the 6 August, so, there will be an information point where people can pick up leaflets from those who are unable to have a presence at the event due to holiday etc.

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Well that's a pleasant surprise

Today, I have taken some posters around various locations to advertise the event.  It is very difficult to start an event without publicity.  Publicity costs money etc etc.  Luckily, there are some lovely people in Calverley who have offered to help to put information through doors.  Today the weather is nice and sunny...am not sure they will feel the same if it is raining.

Monday, 18 July 2011

What's going on

Today I have been updating the website with a little bit more  information.

I am trying to get confirmation of the number of stallholders in the next two weeks.

I have also been in contact with printers regarding some publicity.

As this is a new venture I thought it may be useful for you to see what it takes to set up one of these events.

Sunday, 17 July 2011

This is nice

This is my first blogspot so I am learning on the job as it were. 
Today I am in the middle of trying to get some stationery templates set up for the Creative Calverley event (life in the fast lane). 
Once I have done that I am going to Roundhay Park to see the Flugtag.

Good Morning

Creative Calverley is a new venture.  The aim is to get local designer/makers/producers together in Calverley to showcase work.
The launch event is on the 6 August at the Thornhill Arms in Calverley.
The aim is to have an event on the first Saturday of each month.
Hopefully, it will be an enjoyable event, bring the community together and inspire people to participate in future events.
There is also the hub at the pub initiative which aims to get people to use their local facilities for creative workshops, presentations, meetings (and not necessarily drink alcohol).