The Edge Project

The Edge Project? What's that?

It has just completed its first of two years at the Silk Mill, and this was an invitation to learn what it was all about, and what had been achieved. I had heard of it but knew little of its detail. It was to be an eye-opener.

Young people often have a 'Mixed Press' but this was more than interesting, and it was here, right in the centre of Whitchurch.
This Lottery-funded project is best explained by an extract from its website:

'The EDGE Project is Hampshire Museums and Galleries Trust initiative which gives young people the opportunity to organise and run events. These events can be almost anything, there is just one condition: They have to be staged in or around a Hampshire Museum, Art Centre, Discovery Centre, Theatre, Library or Gallery.'

In Whitchurch it is at the Silk Mill.

The evening's introduction by local co-ordinator Zoe Vinery gave an insight to all the wonderful activities and events arranged over the last year from building a Dyer's Garden and Mini-Beast trail, to running a mad-hatters tea party and easter egg hunt. Over 3,700 people had been engaged during The Edge Project events over the year and it had provided massive confidence building and experience for young people from the Whitchurch area and beyond.

Elliot Burns was one who had become involved and he showed a tempting preview of a film he has been working on at the Mill - 'The Water Ghost' – it sent some shivers through a few of those watching. When can we see the rest of it?

Time was then allowed to enjoy the refreshments, talk to some of the young people involved, and to look around the Mill at various displays of work by the Project.
These included the wonderful D-Day 70 Commemorative Silk designed by placement student Hannah Futcher, and the weirdly colourful 'Power of Water' installation in the river created with the Primary School.
Go and have a look for yourself to work out what it does.

The presentation concluded with a short film showing some of the skills of weaving, and the creation of the WWI Commemorative Silk. See:
MAKING THE WWI COMMEMORATIVE SILK

Meanwhile Zoe also modelled a special silk poppy which has been designed to raise funds in conjunction with the Royal British Legion.

Our Deputy Mayor Barry Jackman also attended along with various helpers and volunteers at the Mill for what was a very informative and relaxing evening in a terrific setting – but my lasting memory will be the discovery of all the creative work that has been going on on our doorstep and how this is all so very worthwhile.

Projects such as this that allow young people to take control of activities and which develop their skills while giving something back to the community need all our support.
Why not pop along to the Mill to find out more.
Website:
THE EDGE PROJECT IN WHITCHURCH