Romford Round-up!
Cultural tours, mural-making, glass-blowing…Romford was alive with arts-based activities this summer!
Jubilee Mural
Back in May, we worked with Bluerskies Mindful Creatives and local residents to create an uplifting mural to adorn the walls of the YMCA in Rush Green.
Participants were invited to create a piece of artwork that they felt carried a positive message, which was then added to create the large scale mural that can now be seen by all who visit the YMCA. Why not pop down for a coffee in the cafe and take a look - and find out about the many activities they run for the local community?
Carved Creatures
After the popularity of The Fox wood carving at the YMCA, the Romford Change Makers decided to fund artist Matt Darge to return to Romford, where he demonstrated his skills at The Mercury Mall.
This time, the public requested a squirrel be created, and watched in delight as it emerged from the block of wood! Once complete, we invited them to choose a name. We’re pleased to say that Cyril Squirrel is now waiting to be installed in his new home - watch this space to find out where that is!
Meanwhile The Fox at the YMCA continues to attract a lot of attention, in a space that residents have told us they find a comforting place to sit and reflect. Hopefully we can find an equally fitting home for Cyril.
Romford Mash Tours
Following their Go-See in February to Chinatown Stories, the Romford Change Makers were delighted to be able to bring the Romford Mash Tours to the town centre. Working with the NO Collective, much time and effort was spent researching the town's rich and varied history, which was then brought to life by Tour Guide and Actor Louise.
The tour took in the sights, sounds and smells (!) of the past, and people were encouraged to share their memories of Romford over the years. It ended with pie and mash at Robin's Pie and Mash Shop in its new premises on South Street, where people were given the opportunity to record some of their memories for future generations.
Big Draw Workshops
Local artist Lauren Haidar ran Come Back to Colour workshops across the greater Romford area and online as part of this year’s Big Draw Festival.
People learnt how to use watercolour pencils to draw and decorate butterflies (and the odd dragonfly!) and felt tip pens create work inspired by Pop Art. The workshop was a hit with children and adults, and many told us they were surprised by how relaxing and mindful they found the process - and some (who had believed they could not draw at all) were delighted with their results!
Head to the Big Draw website for more information and to search events in our area
Commemorative Glassware
In September Romford was honoured to host Harold Hill Craft at an event celebrating 775 years of Romford Market, co-funded by the Harold Hill Community Creatives and the Romford BID.
People flocked to St. Edwards Church to watch live demonstrations of the fascinating art of glass-blowing, by master Glass Blower Tom Chadwin. Tom used original moulds, kindly loaned to us by the Glasshouse Heritage Centre at the Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge, to create dozens of glass pieces commemorating 775 years of Romford Market. Those with tickets got to assist him and take home a commemorative piece of their own.
Look out for another opportunity to give glass-blowing a go - coming to Romford very soon!
Music on the Market
Havering Changing's popular Music on the Market is back! Dalloway Steel took to the market on September 18th and the public enjoyed the opportunity to hear live music played. There will be music on the market next month, so pop by and say hello so you can find out what else is coming up in the months to come!