Creative Rolling News Page
Chat Issue May 2009
Big Drama at Caswell!
Over the last ten weeks, a group of us was lucky to experience drama workshops in which we tried out interesting stuff that was loads of fun. The two outside facilitators, Alison and Ali from the Valley and the Vale Community Arts were surprised that people found it so easy to find and make comedy. Click here to link to full article
Chat Issue May 2009
Caswell Art Exhibition 2009
The Caswell Clinic art exhibition was a great hit this year as shown by the pictures opposite.
Many thanks to BernieC for her help in producing them. We have also had Koestler Awards winners for some of the paintings. This was the first time we have exhibited all the good work completed by the patients who have attended art sessions. The work consisted of landscapes, modern and contempory pieces. It was nice to see all members of staff throughout the Clinic attending the afternoon.
Thanks to AlexP OT Technician and RachelM OT Technician for setting up the exhibition in the Clinic Cafe.
Chat Issue Winter 2007
Woodwork
Hi guys, just a couple of lines to let you all know how the woodwork is progressing, as I said last time we have several people attending the sessions and I am some more of you may be interested.
Don′t be put off if you haven′t done woodwork before as all are welcome. As you can see from the photos we make a range of items and at the moment we are making some really nice pieces of furniture.
We have also started making some wooden toys and of course the bird tables are as popular as ever. If you are interested please speak either to myself or your O.T. I hope to see some new faces in the near future.
Chat Issue Autumn 2007
‘Mexican Paint Job’ (Formerly known as ‘The band with no name’)
We were entertained once more by this exceptionally talented trio in the Sports Hall, Phil, Andrew and our very own Rob. The band treated us to hit songs from past decades to the present day.
Members of the audience found it difficult to sit still for too long and decided to take to the dance floor and strut their stuff! We are very grateful to the boys who came in on another occasion and performed at one of our "Unplugged in the Cafe" sessions.
Chat Issue Autumn 2007
Unplugged in the Cafe
Scheduled for the autumn, apart from "Mexican Paint Job" we have a number of entertainers lined up for performances in the cafe.
Caswell Ukulele Society ("Turned Awt Nice Agin")
If anyone would like to join our fast growing Ukulele Club,Please contact the Activity Coordinators today!
African Drumming
Entering into its 3rd year at the clinic, Aaron′s Slapping Skins sessions on Wednesday evenings are more popular now than ever.
Continually learning new rhythms in preparation for performances at the Variety Show in December. New members are welcomed each week either to play the drums or become percussionists.
Chat Issue Spring 2007
Koestler Awards
This year has been no exception and entries include a collection of poems from Richard A, paintings from Andy H, Will F, Dharma and Lis L, our very own "Caswell Chat" by all it′s contributors, an African Drumming piece by the group, a Chinese dragon head created by Cardigan ward patients, and for the first time the "Caswell Chat" web site designed by Russ B.
Koestler Awards entry by AndyH
Chat Issue May 2009
Koestler Awards 2009
It has been my third year of taking a trip to London to the Koestler Arts Centre. As you know from previous articles The Koestler Awards is an annual competition and exhibition of award-winning arts from the UK prisons, young offender′s institutions, secure units and high secure psychiatric hospitals. There has been a good response and a range of written work entered this time.
Good Luck! to the African Drumming group who taped a new performance of their music. The arts group produced a collage of four seasons on a farm with the help of BernieC.
Don′t forget that the next Annual Koestler Award competition is for March 2010. All patients are welcome to produce individual pieces such as art, craft, music, woodwork, poems or any other art forms.
I want to wish all the entrants the best of Luck for 2009!
Chat Issue Autumn 2007
Paul at the Recording Studio
Paul has worked very hard over the past few months writing raps to record for his first CD album.
I have worked along side Paul to make and find suitable backing music to support his rap lyrics.
The team at the recording studio were so impressed with Paul′s talent that they asked him to write and record a rap part to include into one of their own compositions. Paul did this "off the cuff" and they recorded it in one take!
Paul is currently designing his album sleeve entitled "The Long Road from Rags to Riches" by Pauly D. When Paul has completed his project, a launch of his music will take place in the café.
Drum Kit Tuition
Pete has been visiting the clinic for the past couple of years tutoring patients on the drums. Many people have been taught by Pete and have become competent drummers; one person in particular joined a band after leaving the clinic.
Apart from being a professional drummer, Pete has another great talent; he′s one of the country′s top ceramicists having been commissioned in 1998 by HM Government to make a presentation piece for each of the European heads of state.
Cherie Blair is one of many who is a long time fan of Pete´s work
Chat Issue Spring 2007
Creative Writing
A Creative Writing class has come to an end but it was such a success that there is talk of a follow up. A fuller account from Suzie, who ran the class and two write ups from students can be found at the following link.
Link to it here