Summer programme of activities keep Porlock youngsters amused throughout the holidays
| Published: 3rd September 2008 12:57 |
Young people in Porlock have been busy this summer taking part in a programme of activities jointly organised by Paul Gibbs, Exmoor Youth Project and Anne Stoneham, local Police Community Support Officer.
During the first of six sessions at Porlock Village Hall, local artist and sculptor Rick Ellam, helped the youngsters make clay masks. A variety of designs were created and included a Mickey Mouse, a cow, 2 pigs, a teddy bear, a monkey, and a pony. The second session the young people used the skills they had learned to make money boxes. Once fired, the group will meet again to get painting and put the finishing touches to them.
Sessions three and four saw Paul Gibbs and Richard Carr of the Exmoor Youth Project, together with volunteer Jason Pope, work with the young people on a digital art project. Using the latest Digital Video Cameras and Software, a news programme ‘Points Porlock' all about the village, was designed, filmed and edited. The 10 minute DVD included interviews with local businesses, farming reports, travel and weather. The group also had the chance to experiment with chroma-key technology, using a green screen to achieve special effects. In the next session the young people produced their own music videos.
On the two final days, professional cricket coach Tom Wright provided training in the nets, together with bowling and catching practice. In addition, Dunkery Field Bowmen were in attendance and allowed a group of youngsters to try archery. By the end of the day they were all on target. In the tennis court and multi-use games area, various other games and sports were available, including tennis, badminton, and hockey. As well as all the sports activities, local resident Kathy King and a group of children, continued to create an attempt at the worlds longest beaded necklace. 25ft of beads were added and the necklace is now currently measuring an impressive 75ft long.
The project was supported by Porlock Parish Council, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Exmoor Youth Project, Porlock Recreation Ground Committee, One Stop, Porlock, Minehead Cricket Club, Somerset County Youth Service, Somerset County Council YOF/YCF and West Somerset CDRP. The organisers would also like to pass on their thanks to Paul Dawid of Lapsewood Restaurant, Porlock, who kindly loaned us the tennis equipment, PCSO Sue Hurley for her help and support and to everyone who contributed to make this such a successful venture.
The Porlock Youth Project has plans for the future including a series of events and evening sessions for the autumn. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to be a part of this exciting project. For more information and to get involved, please contact Anne Stoneham on 07920 477015 or by e-mail to anne.stoneham@avonandsomerset.police.uk or Paul Gibbs on 07534 265821 or by e-mail to genesisexmoor@aol.com .
There will be a Youth Achievement Award for young residents of Porlock aged between 11-16 years. Any nominations should be forwarded to the Porlock Parish Clerk, Seapoint, Upway, Porlock, by 1st October.
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