Junction Arts celebrates their 40th anniversary at Tapton Lock
Our annual festival at Tapton Lock took place over a beautiful late summer weekend of the 17th and 18th September. Visitors were treated to a wide range of activities, from arts and crafts workshops and demonstrations, the chance to ‘have a go’ at canoeing or try the climbing wall. There were also boat trips on the John Varley II along the Chesterfield Canal and a stilt walking clown. In addition there were performances by Rhythm and Rhyme, a poetry group based in Bolsover, a fantastic show by the Barmy Boffin recreating the Big Bang in circus style, singing by the wonderful Unison Choir and James Columbine and music by the Ashover Brass Band!
Each year we work with a local children and this year’s partner school was Abercrombie Primary School on Higher Albert Street, Chesterfield.
On the 11th September a mixed year group of pupils visited Tapton Lock. They met two Countryside Rangers and spent the day canal dipping, hunting for mini beasts, learning about the Chesterfield canal and exploring the narrow boat.
This visit became the inspiration for an arts workshop, delivered by Junction Arts and the children decorated calico flags with all manner of creatures including birds, fish and dragonflies. Some pupils used the templates provided and others drew freehand and created intricate patterns highlighted with water -colour pastels. To add the finishing touch, a coloured ribbon and button was then hand stitched by each child.
It was wonderful to see the children again when they visited the festival with parents and friends to see their work exhibited in the marquee.
A special addition to the Tapton Festival this year was the JA40 Tea Party that has been a special feature of events we’ve attended over the summer. As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations, over drinks and biscuits, we’re collecting memories from people who’ve either participated in Junctions Arts projects over the years or have worked with us in one capacity or another. This collection of stories will be uploaded onto our website and also onto a special storytelling website called Yarn. If you would like to read them go to www.yarncommunity.org
Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to our partners Derbyshire County Council and to all our generous sponsors and funders who make the event possible, especially Councillor Tricia Gilby who kindly presented the young prize winners of the Photography Competition.
