Reflections from the residency

Over three weeks Anna and Emma led four drop-in sessions which included: a writing workshop, set building, costume making and creative brainstorming around the folk heritage of the area.

They worked with Nonington Church of England Primary School, exchanging knowledge about The Griddy dance and morris dance with the pupils.

They co-wrote and recorded a new song for the show with the Nightingales choir called ‘I Watch My World’ about seeing Nonington from the perspective of a plant or insect.

They filmed a visit to Nonington’s Majesty oak with the Nonington walkers group and collected words and imagery along the way.

They ‘warmed up’ on Tuesdays with Charley and the Fusion Dance tap dancers a recording of which became part of the show.

They learnt more about the history of the local miners’ strike with the help of Kent Mining Museum and the volunteers at Aylesham Heritage Centre. Recording a discussion between activists Kay Sutcliffe and Margaret Davis which became part of the show accompanying stills of Snowdown colliery as it looks today.

They worked with local artists on creating costumes and new performance pieces which appeared in the show.

They received support from members of the community with specialist knowledge in judging the flower and produce competition, the lighting and AV in the hall and front of house management.