Cash injection for studio arts group
AWIDNES arts and music hub is celebrating after a key charity using the venue was awarded Lottery funding.
The three-year grant means the Loose group can continue to give residents the chance to exercise their creativity at a low cost.
Upcoming activities include free creative writing sessions starting on Friday, November 9, beginning with a look at how to write ghost stories, with poems and prose to be published in a Christmas ‘ghost-zine’.
These take place for adults on Fridays from 1-3pm, for children aged seven-11 from 11am12.30pm on Saturdays, and for ages 16 and over from 6.30-8pm on Mondays.
A literacy support event ● will also be taking place.
Other sessions include ‘Tambourine Tots’ for parents and youngsters to explore rhythm and music, arts and crafts for children aged seven to 11, an introduction to musical theatre with a composer and music director, and a drop-in ‘ Games Tank’ for games fans aged 11-17.
A steering group meeting is due to take place at 5pm on Sunday, November 25, to provide a chance to provide ideas and opinions on what should be happening at The Studio, open to all ages and also an opportunity to find out about volunteering.
Upcoming shows include Hip Hip I’m Gay at 8.30pm, a £5 comedy cabaret following real-life experiences of coming out and finding a sexual identity.
Widnes Wellbeing Festival will be taking place on Sunday, November 18, featuring holistic therapies, workshops, meditation and stalls, £2 entry.
At 8.30pm on Wednesday, November 21, Urban Trendz will be presenting the play Where Do Little Birds Go? – entry £5 and based on the true story of being kidnapped by the Krays.
Louise Nulty, Studio project manager, said: “We are all very thankful that Lottery funding from Reaching Communities has been awarded to local charity Loose for the next three years.
“Free and low-cost provision of creative activities can continue developing at The Studio, Widnes, benefiting people of all ages in Halton.”
Jaki Florek, director and volunteer, urged residents to give something a go.
She said: “Socialising, building skills, developing confidence – it all helps to improve wellbeing and quality of life, whatever your age.”
For details of times and dates email info@thestudowidnes.org.uk, phone 07930 388 844, or visit The Studio’s page on Facebook.