News Release

The information contained within this release was accurate at the time of writing, 18 December 2008.

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Local people to create public artworks that reflect the natural world

Chineham residents are being invited to get creative at a series of free arts workshops to be held at the local library.

The artworks they produce will then be displayed in a nearby area of woodland often used and enjoyed by residents.

During the workshops, willow-artist Angela Morley and felt-maker Pauline Pepper will help local people create their own unique works of art. Each participant will create either a giant willow flower or a ‘fantasy’ felt nest. These will subsequently be displayed in trees in the woods adjacent to Chineham District Centre.

The arts workshops will be held at Chineham Library during January and February 2009. The sessions will be held on the following dates and at the following times:

• Mondays 12, 19 and 26 January 2009, from 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Thursday 22 January 2009, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm
• Mondays 2, 9 and 16 February, from 9.30am to12.30pm
• Thursday 19 February, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm

Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure Cllr Keith Chapman said: “The artworks will be both produced by local people and enjoyed by local people. They will reflect the natural history of the copse and provide added interest for people walking through the woodlands. They are sure to enhance what is already a lovely environment.”

All the necessary materials will be provided by the organisers, but demand is likely to be high. People can book the workshops in advance by phoning 01256 844844 or emailing info@basingstoke.gov.uk

The workshops actually form part of a larger project which is currently creating a whole series of new artworks for display in Great Binfields Copse. Each of the artworks has been designed to reflect the archaeological and natural history of the copse and the flora and fauna that live within it.

Great Binfields Copse consists of several hectares of semi-natural ancient woodland, sandwiched between the A33 and Chineham District Centre. It was once part of extensive ancient woodlands and is likely to be a remnant of the Forest of Eversley. The area is rich in beech, ash and hornbeam trees, woodland flowers like bluebells and common-spotted orchids, butterflies and insects, and woodland birds such as woodpeckers.

In recent years, the Binfields area has undergone significant development. More than 300 new dwellings have been built, in addition to a new primary school, and an extension to a hotel. The arts project has been funded through developers’ contributions from Bellwinch Homes, the original developers of the site, with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

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