Arts & Culture

Volunteer performers needed for London 2012 Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympics Games (LOCOG) has today begun a search for enthusiastic and energetic adult volunteer performers to participate in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Jenny Sealey & Bradley Hemmings, Co Artistic -Directors of the Opening Ceremony and Kim Gavin, Artistic Director of the Paralympic Closing Ceremony, are searching for 5,000 volunteer performers to fill roles as dancers, actors, percussionists and general all-round performers.

Successful applicants will perform in front of a packed stadium and a worldwide broadcast audience for this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of one of the largest events ever staged in the UK.

Applicants must be able to participate in up to two auditions that will take place on evenings and weekends in February and March, up to two or three rehearsal sessions each week of up to four hours per session from June, and a number of all day rehearsals in the three weeks leading up to each Ceremony. All of these rehearsals will take place in East London.

Jenny Sealey, Co-Artistic Director of the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony said: ‘As with the Olympic Ceremonies we’re looking for both disabled and non-disabled applicants and previous performance experience is not required; we’re really looking for enthusiasm and commitment. Anyone with a positive attitude, huge amounts of energy and a willingness to perform in front of a stadium audience and to millions of people around the world should get onto the London 2012 website now and sign up.’ 

Kim Gavin, Artistic Director of the Paralympic Closing Ceremony, said: ‘For the Paralympic Ceremonies we’ll audition around 8,000 people to get our 5,000 volunteer performers. This is a great opportunity to take part in what will be the grand finale of the entire Games.'

People can find more information and register their interest for this opportunity by completing the online application form www.london2012.com/ceremoniescasting

The deadline for receipt of applications is 13 February 2012 and it is not a first come first served process.

To be eligible applicants must be aged 18 years or older on 1 March 2012. Only one application per person will be accepted and if LOCOG receives over 8,000 applications a computerised draw will be used to randomly create the short list for auditions.

For those who want a chance to see the successful applicants in action there are a limited number of tickets still available for the Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies at www.tickets.london2012.com

Pearl: the BMG CD Launches in June

The Bromley Music Group (BMG) recently recorded their first CD called Pearl. The album is a showcase of the artists that work in the group and is an eclectic mixture of musical styles. It is however very listenable and has at it's heart a sense of fun and joy which is the essense of the BMG.

A launch event is taking place at Community House, South Street in Bromley  on the 8th of June and will run from 5pm to 7pm. There will be refreshments, a chance to learn a bit more about the BMG, music with the possibilty of an impromptu jam and of course a chance to get a copy of Pearl.

For more details contact Tony or Phil on 020 8676 8250 or email Tony.Tang@oxleas.nhs.uk 

Download flyer

Bromley Mind's Hay Fever tickets not to be sneezed at

Bromley Mind has been given the first night of 'Hay Fever' by Noel Coward at Bromley Little Theatre on Thursday 10th March 2011, and would love to fill the house with families, friends and supporters.

Tickets cost £7.00 each, which must be pre-booked, and are available from:

Diane Hatch, Bromley Mind, 5 Station Road, Orpington, Kent. BR6 0RZ
Tel: 01689 603575
Email : diane.hatch@bromleymind.org.uk

Climate change book launch

This coming Thursday November 18th, David (Nick) Cotton invites us all do the launch of his book 'Climate change: what you need to know (the 'must have' lay person's guide)' at the Kirkdale Bookshop, 272 Kirkdale, London SE26 4RS (top of Sydenham High St, effectively).

Drinks will be served from 7 to 9, and there will be a talk with Q & A at 7.30.

RSVP to 020 8778 4701.

Credo to open doors for World Mental Health Day

Develop partner Credo Cermamics is holding an Open Studio later this month to mark World Mental Health Day.

The studio will be open to the public on Tuesday 12 October 2010 from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. Health professionals, service users and friends are invited to meet the potters, make a pot and perhaps buy one of the hand made ceramics too. The studio is situated to the rear of Anchor House, Station Road, Orpington. It is directly opposite the new Tesco superstore - where you can park free for three hours.

Started in 1998, Credo is a creative community rehabilitation project helping to rebuild the lives of people recovering from a period of mental ill health in Bromley.

For more information on Credo visit: www.credoceramics.org or email Anne Bannon at anne@credoceramics.org

Art-based Recovery Group looking for members

The aim of the Art Based Recovery Group is to provide a forum for group members to use art making to explore their experiences of mental health issues, to share their thoughts and feelings and explore strategies for recovery using art.

This is not an art therapy group but aims to be a group where art making will be used to think and talk about individuals recovery and help with well being. The group members will be involved in deciding what kind of group they want to have and could involve going to galleries as well as developing their own art practice, give a sense of identity and recovery through art making.

The recovery ‘journey’ will be different for every individual – it is not a linear process, but a road with many twists and turns. The group hopes to help and support individuals in their quest to take back control over their lives using art. The group aims to facilitate this process through sharing the experience and expertise of other mental health service users.

The group recognises and values the importance of knowledge, life-skills and coping experiences which members bring to the group it aims to empower members to help each other and to move forward. The group will start early October and run for 20 weeks on Mondays in Central Bromley.

Group members will need to be able to make a firm commitment to attending the group every week. The group will consist of 8 members and 2 facilitators.

For more details please contact Julie Brooker on 01689 892 300/368 or email: julie.brooker@oxleas.nhs.uk

Further Information:

The group facilitators will arrange to meet with prospective group members individually in order to think through whether the group would be helpful.

There are limited places but we hope to run more Art Based Recovery Groups in the future. If an individual is not able to attend this group, or does not yet feel ready to join the group at this time, they may be able to attend the next Art Based Recovery Group.

An evening at the theatre in support of Credo

In the gloom of a November evening, would you like to spend an evening at the theatre, enjoying yourselves with friends, colleagues and family?  Then please join us!

The Bromley Little Theatre has offered to Credo the proceeds of their Preview Night of a new comedy which will be performed on the evening of Thursday, 4th November 2010.

(Bar opens at 7.00 p.m.  Performance starts at 7.45 p.m.  You can order drinks/ice creams upon arrival ready for the interval.  Performance should end around 10.00 p.m.)  There will also be a raffle for some lovely hand-crafted Credo ceramics.

The production is called “Life x 3” by Yasmina Reza.

Henry and Sonia are at home and have invited his boss and wife to dinner the following night.  They turn up a day early and are entertained as best they may, bit it makes for an awkward evening!

This evening is replayed three times, showing small things can make events unfold differently.

The playwright suggests that, with a proper attitude, life can be lived happily and, conversely, with a bad attitude, life is hell.  The play has some high comedy and hilarious moments.

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR TICKETS:

Tickets cost:
 
£9:00 each (anyone over 12 years of age)
£7:00 concessions (i.e. anyone receiving Benefits, senior citizens and children up to 11 years of age).

Unfortunately, the Theatre is not able to cater for disabled people as it is a very old building.  Although there is a wheelchair lift, there is just one space for a wheelchair in the auditorium and for their carer to sit next to them; nor are there disabled toilet facilities.

All seats have an excellent view of the stage. 

The Bromley Little Theatre is located close to Bromley North Station and there are good bus links into Central Bromley.  There is car parking nearby on the pay and display meters which, at that time of night, will be free of charge.

I do hope to see you there.  It promises to be a really enjoyable evening, as well as raising much-needed funds for Credo.

Please complete the attached form and send with your cheque payment (all cheques payable to CREDO) to:

Mrs Jan Lovett
Project Co-ordinator
Credo
Anchor House
5 Station Road
Orpington
Kent, BR6 ORZ

Tel: 01689 862296
E-mail:  jan.lovett@tiscali.co.uk

Seats cannot be reserved in advance and the sale of tickets is on a first come, first served basis.

Download booking form

Community Options in Harmony with new choir

Develop partner Community Options are launching a new choir called Harmony next month and are looking for participants.

Singing has been widely recognised as being a good way of maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing, and this group welcomes all standards, including complete beginners!

First session will start on the 3rd of August 2010 from 5pm to 7pm and then every Tuesday.

Please telephone Community Options on 020 8313 9725 for more information.

It would also be appreciated if you can download the flyer and display wherever possible!

Credo gets the thumbs up!

Develop Partner Credo, a Bromley-based mental health charity, recently conducted a wide-ranging survey of all those who have benefited from Credo’s support, both current and past members of Credo; those who have been involved in our outreach projects in the community and healthcare professionals who have worked with Credo. 

An amazing 97% of healthcare professionals within and outside Bromley said that Credo’s work is of the highest standard and should continue – and that Credo’s work should extend beyond its current Bromley boundaries and stretch into the other Oxleas’ areas.

Said Dr. Hashim Reza (pictured right), Oxleas’ Clinical Director:  “Credo adds a wonderful dimension to activities available in Bromley.  All service users gave excellent feedback on their experience. The quality of the work produced is superb and a delight to look at.”

Says Jan Lovett, Credo’s Project Co-ordinator:  “We are thrilled to receive such a positive response from all those with whom we work and to know that so many people want us to continue and develop the services we provide”.

Credo’s audit results were presented to Oxleas and the survey was a partnership between Credo and the Multi-Disciplinary Clinical Audit Team.

Anyone in Bexley or Greenwich interested in Credo establishing services in Bexley or Greenwich (or any other neighbouring boroughs) should contact Jan Lovett on 01689 862296.

DevelopARTS invite you to a free event

What research is telling us about how choirs affect health and communities

We are delighted to welcome Professor Stephen Clift (featured on Radio 4 and BBC South East) & International colleagues to the Churchill Theatre on Wednesday 28th April 2010 from 10am to 12noon.

To enquire or book please either telephone Community Options on 020 8313 9725
or email enquiry@community-options.org.uk

Credo Ceramics to hold Easter sale

Credo is delighted to announce details of its forthcoming Ceramics Sale at Pinewood House on Tuesday 23rd March 2010 for Oxleas staff and visitors.

Members have been working hard to produce some beautiful and unique items for sale in time for the Easter holidays.

For more information and to download the flyer, please visit the events listing here.

Grab yourself a bargain at the Credo Clearance Sale!

Develop Partner Credo Ceramics are holding a one-day sale at Anchor House, Station Road, Orpington on Tuesday 16th February from 11am to 2.30pm.

There will be a number of unique hand-made pots on sale (some are seconds), all at "silly prices".

For more information about Credo, please visit www.credoceramics.org

Credo on display in Bromley

Credo Ceramics are displaying their latest work in the reception of Bromley Civic Centre.

These beautiful, hand-crafted ceramics have been made by Credo members based at their Orpington and Penge workshops and the display will be there initially for one month.

Items are also for sale and there is information about Credo and price lists enclosed in the glass cabinet. 

For more information about Credo please visit: http://www.credoceramics.org/ 

"Stunning" Creations on Show from Credo

News Shopper: 09 September 2009

An exhibition of ceramics made by people recovering from mental illness has gone on display.

Display cabinets at Bromley Central Library are full of the pieces by Credo members, handcrafted at the mental health charity's studios in Orpington and Penge.

By becoming involved with ceramics and developing or rediscovering their basic work skills, Credo members are rehabilitated back into work, further education and training or volunteering.

Spokesman Jan Lovett said "We are so proud of what all our members have achieved.
"The ceramic pieces they have crafted are absolutely stunning.
"Many pieces will be for sale too so do come along and have a look."

The exhibition is open during normal opening hours at the library in Bromley High Street until December 16.

Crafty entrepreneur gets creative in retailing downturn

Irje Dennis, Bromley-based artist and Managing Director of Locally Crafted Limited, has launched a partnership with Glades Shopping Centre to enable local artists to sell their creations in a retail unit within the Centre. The project is to be named ‘LOCALLY CRAFTED in BROMLEY’ and has been well-received by the surrounding business community and artists alike. 

The artists are encouraged to have a common theme – mainly using recycled materials to create ethical jewellery, sculptures and household goods but not necessarily recycled as long as they are handmade by local craftspeople/artists. Irje’s own creations – jewellery fashioned out of antique cutlery – is now sold throughout the UK and Finland and she is keen for fellow local artists to have the opportunity to enjoy widespread success also. “The idea ticks all the right boxes in this economic and environmental climate,” says Irje. “The project will create jobs, support local producers, and encourage recycling and the creation of items from old materials.” 

Credo's stand at the Locally Crafted Shop

The intention is to have each of the artists manning the unit on a rotational basis. Participants will have equal space to display their creations and will share a percentage of the rent. Irje enthuses: “It gives artists the chance to sell their work in a location that would otherwise be unobtainable. Forming a collaboration, very much like a cooperative, allows us to be commercially viable to important shopping centres, unlike a sole trader who can be very vulnerable, particularly given the recent downturn.” 

“With so many retail units lying empty, it’s vital that communities look for alternative ways of keeping shopping centres afloat with innovative uses of retail premises,” says Irje. “We are lucky to have formed this relationship with the Glades who have been willing to think creatively and are working to bridge the gap between mainstream retailing and the arts.”

For more information please contact:

Mrs. Irje Dennis
Locally Crafted Limited

email: locallycrafted@aol.com
tel: 07985 709 9889

Download full press release and further notes here

Oxleas art project gets national coverage

Oxleas NHS's art project with Tate Britain has gained national exposure through an article recently published in The Independent newspaper.

You can read the full article here 

Credo receive visit from the Mayor of Bromley

Credo was honoured to receive The Mayor of Bromley at its ceramics studio this week.

The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Denise Reddin, and her Consort, Mr. Martyn Reddin, talked to Credo members, volunteers, staff and Trustees about the work of this charity that supports people experiencing mental ill health.  She saw a very wide variety of ceramics being produced by Credo members and was very interested in their individual journeys to recovery.

Said The Mayor: "Credo plays a very important part in the road to recovery for people who have suffered from health problems. Visiting Credo it soon became abundantly clear that the staff and members are extremely enthusiastic and the pieces produced are of a very high standard".

Jan Lovett, Project Officer for Credo, said:  "It was a real pleasure to host the Mayor and her Consort and they were both very impressed with Credo's work".

http://www.credoceramics.org

Easter Ceramics Sale at Pinewood House

Credo is delighted to announce details of its forthcoming Easter Ceramics Sale at Pinewood House for Oxleas staff, which will take place on Monday 30th March 2009 from 11am to 3pm. 

Members have been working hard to produce some beautiful and unique items for sale in time for the Easter holidays. Unique hand-crafted gifts that friends and family can enjoy the beauty of for a lifetime.

Purchasers can be assured that all monies raised go directly back into the project, to ensure that Credo helps even more individuals in the Borough of Bromley recover from a period of mental ill health.

Download flyer here

Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2009 - Call for Programming

The next Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival will run from 1st - 22nd October 2009. Last year's Festival saw over 10,000 people attend over 110 diverse, thought-provoking and entertaining arts events in venues ranging from cinemas to hospital wards, theatres to schools, libraries to a travelling bus.

Now in its third year, the Festival aims to achieve social change through the arts and is fast becoming a significant cultural annual event in the Scottish calendar. The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival programming is unique and the team is currently looking to discuss opportunities for October 2009. They are looking to establish relationships with arts organisations and venues, local authorities, service-user organisations and health practitioners across the country for a vibrant programme of arts events.

If you would like to discuss programming for the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2009 or would like to know more about the festival please contact Pam Clarke, Belinda Arthur or Ruth Donnelly at e-mail: mhfest@gmail.com or tel: 0141 572 1662. For more details about the Festival go to http://www.mhfestival.com/

Well done Credo!

Bromley-based mental health charity Credo has been Highly Commended by the London Voluntary Sector Council at a recent awards' ceremony in London.

The LVSC rated very highly Credo's "Skylight Project" - 2 x 12-week courses in ceramics in partnership with The Bromley Community Drugs Project. 

Members from the Bromley Community Drug Project joined forces with Credo staff and volunteers to make their very own piece of ceramic community art.  Two beautiful wall murals were created by course participants, highlighting each individual's journey through adversity to creativity.  The funding of this project was provided jointly by the European Social Fund's "Fast Forward" Programme and Bromley Council.

Credo's Jan Lovett and Rose Nalumansi from The Bromley Community Drugs Project collected the award from Paul Butler, Chair of the London Voluntary Sector Council. 

Said Jan: 
"The hard work of Credo staff and volunteers and the amazing talents of course participants from the BCDP are recognised in this award.  We are so proud of them all".

Visit Credo's website

Celebrating creative personalities

Personality Plus have launched a series of events in London for 2008 and 2009, providing a platform for the creative works of people with a diagnosis of personality disorder and celebrate their achievements.

Personality Plus is a unique, pioneering project, representing the first time people with personality disorder have collectively spoken about issues including their feelings about the diagnosis, the services they have been offered and their achievements.

You can download the full programme and booking form here.

Credo invites carers to a "movable feast"!

Credo has just received funding from The Big Lottery Fund's "Awards for All" initiative to help improve the lives of carers in Bromley.

The first of two 12-week projects have started up at the Ripley Arts Centre, Sundridge Avenue, for carers who support family or friends and who, themselves, have little time to spare to develop their own creativity.

Called "A Movable Feast I and II" project, 10 carers on each of the two projects are creating and designing their own ceramic tableware, with some incredible results! "A Movable Feast I" runs until 17th November 2008 and "A Movable Feast II" will run from 12th January 2009 to end March 2009.

Credo's Project Officer, Jan Lovett, said: "Credo has a long history of working with people who experience mental ill health and we have wanted to work with carers for a long time. During Credo's tenth anniversary year, "Awards for All" has made this come true and we are very grateful for their support".

Credo is working in partnership with Carers of Bromley. Said Anna Chan: "It is wonderful for carers to have time to relax, use their creative skills, build confidence and develop friendship with other carers".

Further details are available from:

Jan Lovett, Credo (01689 862296) and Anna Chan, Carers Bromley (020 8467 9436).

http://www.credoceramics.org

Credo seeks to recruit new trustees

Credo is a community work rehabilitation project based in the London Borough of Bromley, working with individuals with lived experience of mental ill health. We are a small, but forward-thinking charity, seeking to recruit two further Trustees to compliment the skill set and experience of our current Management Committee.

We like our Trustees to have their feet on the ground but their sights set on higher ground - with positive outcomes for our members and the future of our organisation.  There are some big challenges ahead but also some great opportunities.

Our Trustee posts are unpaid but the personal rewards are high.  For a small time commitment on a monthly basis you CAN make a real difference to people's lives and help them build a brighter future.

To register your interest in joining us, in the first instance please either drop us an e-mail at credoceramics@onetel.com, or write to Anne Bannon at:

Credo, Anchor House, 5 Station Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0RZ

with a brief covering letter, detailing who you are and the skills you could bring to our organisation.

For more details about Credo, please visit http://www.credoceramics.org/

Colourful Artwork Unveiled

A colourful new work of art has been unveiled by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Chair, Dave Mellish, at Orpington Community Health Team Centre in Carlton Parade.

Credo, a local arts project, was commissioned to provide the ceramic mural for the reception area. A design involving Credo members evolved from a series of drawings, which sought to give a local flavour to the wall piece.

Oxleas provides mental health care in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich.

Unveiling the work and a plaque dedicated to all those that use the centre, Dave Mellish, thanked Credo and its members for all the hard work that went into the design and production of the artwork. He emphasised the importance of projects like this - that are aimed at social inclusion - which is part of Oxleas' vision.

The theme of the work, which is called "Air, Earth and Water", was linked to the River Cray, which flows through Orpington. The work is conceived in bright colours and signifies the hope felt by all who use and work at Carlton Parade.

Credo receives a visit from the Mayor

Credo was honoured to receive The Mayor of Bromley at its ceramics studio this week. The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe, talked to Credo members, volunteers, staff and Trustees about the work of this charity that supports people experiencing mental ill health.

She saw a very wide variety of ceramics being produced by Credo members and was very interested in their individual journeys to recovery.

Download full Press Release here (PDF file)

Credo's website: http://www.credoceramics.org/

Credo and the BCDP making great strides

Credo and the Bromley Community Drug Project are celebrating yet more success. This spring has seen a buzz of activity and creativity from people who have benefited from Credo's second programme of outreach in the Bromley community.

A second ceramic wall mural has been completed by members from the Bromley Community Drug Project working in partnership with Credo staff and volunteers. The funding of "The Skylight Project" has been provided jointly by the European Social Fund's "Fast Forward" Programme and Bromley Council.

Download full Press Release here (PDF file)

Credo's website: http://www.credoceramics.org

Sainsbury's produce the goods for Bromley's Credo!

Credo were delighted to receive a generous donation from the staff and customers of Sainsbury's supermarket at Locksbottom.

For more details, please view the press release below, available as a PDF file:

Download Press Release (PDF)

To find out more about Credo, visit their website at:

www.credoceramics.org

Credo's outreach with the Bromley Community Drug Project

Members from the Bromley Community Drug Project have joined forces with Credo staff and volunteers to make their very own piece of ceramic community art.

Full news story can be found here.