City’s historical journey comes to life
At each point they will present a series of live performances inspired by their research into Winchester’s history. The project has been made possible by a grant of almost £25,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Young Roots programme.
Masterminded by local arts and educational charity Hat Fair, the project Inside Out Heritage will take the young participants on a quest to uncover the hidden history of eight sites around the city.
Then, working with drama facilitators, they will create a series of performances – one for each of the sites – to share their discoveries with the community at large. Hat Fair has appointed facilitators who have a diverse wealth of skills and experience to share to assist with the project. The beginning of Hat Fair 2012, Friday 6 July, has been selected as the project’s celebration day when the participants will set out from Oram’s Arbour, the site of an Iron Age hill fort.
The procession will pass through the Plague Plinth; the Great Hall; the Law Courts; the Buttercross monument in the city centre; St Maurice’s Covert; and The Abbey Gardens before drawing the day to a close on St Giles Hill. At each spot a short performance will take place, and questions and answers will be shared with adults who have been volunteering their time and expertise to the project.
Each site is being investigated by a group of up to 30 young people who are being supported in their efforts by the University of Winchester, The City of Winchester Trust, Winchester Discovery Centre and Hampshire Archives and Records.
In the process of gathering information and sharing their discoveries they will gain skills in investigating material from a range of sources, interpreting it and deciding how to communicate it to others. The Discovery Centre in Winchester will then be hosting an exhibition to share the works and research the young people have collated, and a film, which will have documented the entire process, will be created by local film maker Daniel Musty.
Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East England said: “This project charts a literal route through the city and its rich history. Along the way the young people will gain an insight into their heritage which they will then share with the local community.”
Kate Hazel, Artistic Director of Hat Fair, said: “Hat Fair is committed to giving young people in Winchester opportunities to learn and perform and we’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to support this exciting project. We’re really looking forward to the Inside Out celebration day at Hat Fair 2012.”
Notes to editors
The drama facilitators for the project are: Caroline Feist, Natalie Brett, Charlie Broom, Lucy Doherty, Kate Hadley Oliver Hawes and Estelle Buckridge.
Further information
HLF Press Office: Vicky Wilford, 020 7591 6046 / 07968 129 241, email vickyw@hlf.org.uk. Phil Cooper, 020 7591 6033 / 07889 949 173, email phillipc@hlf.org.uk
Laura Lorente on 01962 629 339 or laura@wetpicnic.com