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Skinningrove Do It Yourself |
THE HABITAT PROJECT
Report by Jean Grant
March 2001
Habitat was the half term art project for the village. Three adult volunteers
and about fifteen young people were involved each day throughout the project.
It was planned as a special project for the young people, relating to the flood
and yet constructively moving away from it. It also examined the problem that
there is nowhere for young people to go in the village and no facilities for
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Like everything in my Revisions project it relates
to water pollution and sustainable self help.
We were very lucky with the weather: sunshine for the whole week. Even on the
days it snowed we worked outside.
Our aim was to use fallen tree trunks brought down the beck to create a special
place and to improve a deserted, litter-strewn area of the village.
Unfortunately we could not afford planning permission so the thrones and benches
we made have now gone to their owners’ gardens.
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The young people claimed the site for a week with a
flag. They decided to put the village slogan on the flag:
‘Do It Yourself’
The flag was drawn out and the name of everyone who had taken part in the
project was written on it.
Then Amy, who had taken on organising the flag, found the problems of trying to
get the flag into its hollow pole, which was well above her head. Her grin, when
after an exhausting half-hour of struggle, she finally managed to ‘do it
herself ‘ was a joy to see.
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We used 3” thick planks of timber, chisels and
handsaws, and medieval nail less joints. The hard work and dedication, helping
each other in very difficult circumstances, left me with nothing but admiration
for their perseverance.
The thrones were put together with wedges and put on the site for the afternoon
of the final day. There was a bonfire and a drumming session.
The young people are now thinking it might be possible to make a garden shed.
Maybe they will have collected enough stuff by the summer….? |
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| Thanks to: |
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| The young people themselves |
The adult volunteers |
Skelton and Gillan Estate |
| Redcar and Cleveland Council |
Loftus Development Trust |
Esmee Fairbairn Trust |
| Regional Arts Lottery |
Hamlyn Foundation |
Cleveland Community Foundation |
| Normanby Charitable Trust |
Helix Arts |
University Of Teesside |
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Below - all the names of the participants on the flag
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