Projects
Crossing the Borders
REAP's contribution to the 'Year of the Artist' linked varying parishes of Staffordshire and Derbyshire through a series of performance events in different villages. It aimed to offer support to existing village communities already developing millennium arts ideas, through the help of, where appropriate, REAP's Artist-in-Residence, Alison Lloyd Gates and other local artists. Over the year we travelled from Flash via Earl Sterndale to Longnor and then further afield to the Hartington / Warslow area. The project finished in Hollinsclough in May 2001, to coincide with the annual exhibition and flower festival and to celebrate 200 years of Methodism in the village with a publication and performance, which featured the Life and Times of John Lomas, founder of Hollinsclough Chapel, pack-horse man and diarist.
Tourists and locals alike were invited to follow a cross-border trail which brought to life the history and traditions of villages on both sides of the River Dove. Those of energetic disposition were able to retrace, mile by mile, the ancient border routes along which earlier generations once travelled many footsore miles. Others joined gatherings and performances at particular village destinations, re-living some of the events of church, chapel and market place, which marked the traditional farming calendar.
"'Crossing the Borders' has been a unique chance for me, as a professional actress, writer
and director to return to the roots of theatre, the travelling theatre bands (one of which
is believed to have included the young William Shakespeare), who rehearsed by roadsides, performed
on wagons and in Inn rooms and did so much to create the rich band of literature, which is
the English Theatre."
Alison Lloyd Gates
Flash
Crossing the Borders was launched in Flash in June 2000 to coincide with the annual Flash T-Pot celebrations. A publication and dramatisation entitled "Traveller's Tales" were the key elements. The publication had proved extremely popular and a second print run was commissioned.
"Of Three Shires Head strange tales are told
Of coiners, thieves and bandits bold,
Who long defied the county reeve
By hiding in some neighbouring greave;
Or leaping o'er the rushing tide,
Where the narrow streams the shires divide.
His jurisdiction there applied,
And still their lawless business plied."
"Greetings all. I am here to recount these tales as I journey far and wide with my pedlars' pack to offer all manner of things - from buttons, ribands and ferreting made at Leek handkerchiefs and small wares from Manchester. On my journeys I hear tales that lift the heart, make the blood curdle, fill with admiration and entertain. I will recount some of these tales to you during our journey through this book... We must visit Three Shires Head but first let us find out what others think of this place they call the Flash in the Staffordshire Moorlands..."
Flash now has a thriving group; 'Flash Arts', that puts on pantomimes, parade traditions, creative workshops and art exhibitions.
Earl Sterndale
In July 2000 Earl Sterndale celebrated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the school and chapel by mounting an exhibition of the history of the village. Local writer and historian Joyce Holliday coordinated the research and exhibition, working with members of the community.
Scarecrows
A workshop, on the making of scarecrows, was organised by Elspeth Walker. Families and individuals
from the community produced a wonderful array of scarecrows, each depicting a different profession
or trade once present in the village. On the day of the celebration the scarecrows were 'planted'
in the relevant gardens in the village.
Victorian Playground Games
Victorian Playground Games were organised also by Elspeth Walker at the school in Earl Sterndale.
The children held workshops to learn and practise the games and they then 'performed' before
their parents and teachers. All the children were encouraged to wear Victorian dress.
Longnor
An Evening of Varieties was organised in Longnor. It was arranged and produced by Alison Lloyd Gates.
Hartington
Hartington was the 4th village in our 'Journeys and Identities - Crossing the Borders'. Alison Lloyd Gates was commissioned to write a community drama.
Alison researched through community groups in order to give authenticity to the content of the play. 'Concerning Water' was performed by children and adults from Hartington and surrounding villages, to capacity audiences.
This was a new venture in Hartington and brought together many people in the community. Members of the Hartington community have now been inspired to set up their own group in order to produce more plays and other artistic activities.
Hollinsclough
New Roads - The Life and Times of John Lomas
The Chapel in Hollinsclough was built by John Lomas in 1801. As part of the Year of the Artist and as one of the many celebrations of its bicentenary, Alison Lloyd Gates was commissioned to write a play on the life of John Lomas.
A dramatised reading of the play took place in May in Hollinsclough Chapel. The players were residents of the Village and amateur performers from surrounding villages and towns. The play was then fully rehearsed, a marquee hired and two performances were shown to very appreciative audiences in July.
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