COMMUNITY PROJECT TAKES INSPIRATION FROM STAFFORDSHIRE HERITAGE SITE

EVENING class learners from Buxton & Leek College have been part of a community project involving the newly refurbished Wooldridge Court sheltered accommodation, The City of Stoke on Trent Council and the 17th Century timber-framed farmhouse, Ford Green Hall.

Learners from the Monday evening Art class at the College were approached by staff at Wooldridge Court to provide artwork that would remain on display at the accommodation. And, with the housing being so close to Ford Green Hall, the learners took inspiration from the site’s history and heritage to create their work.

Tutor Laura Hall said: “We did some research on the Smallthorne area and took our inspiration from the Hall, which is a beautiful old building with a lot of history attached to it.”

“The students have been really enthused by the project and have come up with all sorts of interpretations from the views of the hall, to potters and weavers.”

Before the artwork was displayed at Wooldridge Court the learners exhibited their paintings at Ford Green Hall itself.

Learner Lisa Spencer, a Mental Health Nurse, took part in the project. She said: “It’s lovely for our art to be displayed in the accommodation and a really purposeful project for the residents to be able to appreciate the work everyday.”

Wooldridge Court is part of the council’s Older People’s Housing Strategy, which sets out to significantly improve the standard of the council’s sheltered accommodation. Phase 1 of this project included the complete remodelling of Wooldridge Court for existing and new residents.

Lisa, from Congleton, took the Art Class as a taster. She now plans to take up a part time degree in Art as her children have moved out of the family home.

She continued: “I love the evening classes and it’s given me the chance to do something for me, now my family have grown up. Our Tutor Laura is really enthusiastic and inspiring.”

Fellow learner Wendy Kenny and her husband John, from The Roaches, have taken part in many evening classes at the College.

Wendy said: “The College has been fantastic in accommodating me. I use a walking stick and a wheelchair and sometimes find it difficult to get out. The classes have given me a new social life and I have had the chance to meet a mix of new people of all ages.”

She continued: “Older people should definitely be encouraged to take up one of these classes. They’re accessible for everyone and I can’t fault the College staff.”

Learners from the College’s Level 2 Art course also took part in the project as part of their assessments.

Recreational leisure classes take place at the College throughout the year and across Staffordshire Moorlands and Buxton. For the most up to date start dates please visit www.blc.ac.uk or call 0800 074 0099.