Creative fusion is at heart of project
Lockdown sparks wide-ranging community initiative
A new initiative designed to foster creative connections and support good mental health within east Perthshire is sparking into life.
Meigle and Ardler Community Development Trust (MACDT) hopes ‘Flame of Fusion’ will help people socialise and share experiences, using technology and various media to overcome restrictions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic
The project has come to life as a result of support received from Support in Mind Scotland, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Community Development Centre.
Caroline Ness, community development worker for MACDT, explained: “‘Flame of Fusion’ is designed to bring together lots of different skills and exciting experiences, including video, music, song-writing, poetry, art, physical activity and much more.
“Although households may not be able to meet others in groups, the way that activities are planned means that individuals or families can contribute – such as by sending a short video clip, photographs, drawings, diaries etc – and we will bring this all together for one collective video for Meigle and Ardler.
“A local video, ‘Meigle Village Life 1971,’ has been the catalyst to create a new 50-year anniversary video and this will embrace both
The project is designed to bring together lots of different skills and exciting experiences
communities.
“There will be opportunities for everyone of all ages and abilities to get involved and if any local residents have an idea or a skill or service they can offer – or perhaps they would like to be a community ambassador for a specific project – then we would love to hear from them.”
Community artist Cat Mackay and local resident and writer, Wanda McGregor, are among those involved.
Caroline continued: “Cat has successfully secured funding to deliver her own projects in the area and we will be working together across some elements of ‘Flame of Fusion’.
“For example, we can utilise Cat’s artistry skills to create new noticeboards and her excellent vision of working with the school children to discuss how communities have come together during 2020.
“Wanda will be taking the lead on projects such as developing a collective poem for Meigle and Ardler, with mindfulness at the heart of that approach.”
Caroline Lawrie is the Active Schools coordinator for the cluster of schools which fall within the Blairgowrie High School catchment area.
Explaining her involvement, she said: “I am creating physical activity opportunities linked to the curriculum and will be working with Meigle Primary School to set up a school-only orienteering route which is linked to individual classes, house teams etc.
“The routes will be a great way to encourage families to engage with the project and enjoy an activity together in the outdoors using a phone app, maps and QR codes.
“QR codes will be used so that participants can learn something about nature or history, for example, when they approach a certain point.
“Courses will be set up around the Meigle and Ardler area and if participation is good, then I can set up more routes around the general area.
“I am delighted to be involved in getting everyone outside and physically active.”
Frances Simpson is CEO of Support in Mind Scotland and also lives in the area.
She described ‘Flame of Fusion’ as a “great example of how communities can create magic by making connections, sharing ideas and bringing people together”.
Frances added: “I am particularly excited that ‘Flame of Fusion’ is coming to life in an area I know so well, and I am looking forward to finding out even more as the project comes together.”
MACDT chair Kevin Stirling stressed the importance of the local community being at the heart of the project.
He told the Blairie: “The development trust became involved with this project prior to the second national lockdown and the significance and value of this project has only increased since Scotland has gone back into lockdown.
“We have seen first-hand the effects that lockdown can have on the wellbeing of those who live and work in our local area and ‘Flame of Fusion’ will allow us the opportunity of providing support during these challenging times.
“I am grateful to our partners in this project for their enthusiasm and support to date.
“I am also very grateful to those local people who have come forward to help deliver aspects of this project.
“Please get in touch if you have an idea that might support our local area over the coming months.”
For more information, email macdt.info@gmail.com.