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

Lights, Camera, Action...

Become a Film Star - be famous the world over.

But more of that later.

Of the subjects that seem to raise most cackles in Whitchurch, the mention of dogs and the mess their owners sometimes allow them to leave must rate amongst the highest.
Few can fail to be disgusted by the deposits left on pavements, parks and open spaces – and it must be one of the most complained about issues in the town.

It only takes one
Most dog owners take their responsibilities of ownership seriously, but it only takes one who fails to clear up to cause problems for all.
Despite press articles, promotions, notices, posters and competitions, there remain a few who continue to show a complete lack of regard towards others. They just do not care and every day fresh deposits appear.

The Town Council office receives numerous complaints but with limited resources and a lack of available enforcement from Basingstoke and Deane, the problem continues.

Is it time for a different approach?
As deterrents are not working perhaps it is time for a hard-hitting focused campaign to catch and actively prosecute the culprits. 
Threats of large fines and the resultant shame hold no weight with those who habitually stick the two fingers up to social responsibility. With no enforcement they know they can do so with impunity.
But what if they were being watched and recorded, as has apparently been implemented elsewhere?

Smile Please, you are on camera
Hart District Council, Basingstoke's neighbours to the east, has been reported as having used two £200 mobile cameras. They claim a reduction in offending by 60%.
With courts also now giving much more weight to video evidence, even when taken by individuals, perhaps Whitchurch should follow in Hart's footsteps.

There is a news story about Hart's 'enforcement' here:

DAILY ECHO REPORT ON DOG CAMERAS

As much as I dislike the culture of increasing CCTV, in this case I believe that such outlay may be  worthwhile and am pleased that the Town Council is now to investigate it as a possibility for Whitchurch.
What do others think?

...and, if implemented, does anyone have a name for the subsequent film?