8 September 2022
We were unprepared for the death of The Queen, as was most of the country. We saw the photograph of her taken at Balmoral forty-eight hours previously - the tartan, the amazing smile - and then suddenly she was gone. We knew it was likely, but it was so fast, with no warning. We felt we had lost someone we knew. But we didn’t really know her, and our thoughts are with her family and those who were her friends.
We were unprepared for the death of The Queen, as was most of the country. We saw the photograph of her taken at Balmoral forty-eight hours previously - the tartan, the amazing smile - and then suddenly she was gone. We knew it was likely, but it was so fast, with no warning. We felt we had lost someone we knew. But we didn’t really know her, and our thoughts are with her family and those who were her friends.
Was it only a few months ago, in the bloom of summer, that we celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, that of the first British monarch to reign for 70 years? She came to the throne in 1952 and was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1953. That Coronation was an astonishing gathering of World and Commonwealth leaders, and a glittering procession of hierarchy, the like of which we will probably never see again.
Project Factory produced a Platinum Jubilee tribute to Her Majesty from the people of Wells, and it was wonderful to hear the memories of all the local people who met her during her reign. She touched so many hearts. We will miss her.
Making Space Wells
After the success of the Sew Buntiful Wells project and the craft courses run by Project Factory CIC in 2019, some of those involved took the initiative to form a new craft collective where we can all share our skills, learn new ones and take part in collaborative community craft events.
After the success of the Sew Buntiful Wells project and the craft courses run by Project Factory CIC in 2019, some of those involved took the initiative to form a new craft collective where we can all share our skills, learn new ones and take part in collaborative community craft events.
Now, craft meetings run on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, one between 10am and 12pm at St Thomas' Church Hall and the other between 7pm and 9pm at the Elim Connect Centre.
All of the meetings are very friendly and members familiar and new are welcomed
every week.
There's generally a theme but everyone can also do their own thing and bring a project they've been working on at home.
Making Space Wells feel what's important is there being an opportunity
for people to gather together, make connections and enjoy crafting, chat and a cuppa!
Although they've not been going for long meetings have already featured knitting, crochet, making felt pictures, making
natural wreaths, chalk painting, willow work, bunting, mindful art, sushiko embroidery, boro, weaving, maintaining your sewing machine, macrame... and more!
Making Space Wells is a not for profit collective and want meetings to be as inclusive as possible so they try to keep costs to a minimum. Donations towards room hire and refreshments are cheerfully received but if money is tight they'd rather that didn’t out anyone off coming along - loving crafts is far more important!
Claire Axten, one of the organisers said "It is wonderful to meet people, and to witness their delight once they have made something, using a new skill. Another positive aspect is having time to listen, to laugh, to comfort. We are all learning together and it is great!"
‘We believe craft skills and knowledge enrich and uplift us as individuals and can change our world for the better’
That’s what The Crafts Council UK says - and the team at MSW completely agree.
So if you love crafts....or think you might love crafts...pop along and join them.
contact
WEBSITE
makingspacewells.mailchimpsites.com
makingspacewells@gmail.com
makingspacewells
makingspacewells
Heritage Wells
Visitors to Wells are often unaware of how many medieval sites there are in close proximity to one another. This brochure, with a map, is intended to ensure they miss nothing.
As part of the fundraising initiative for the wider Gormley Project, Project Factory has produced a 32pp visitor brochure for Wells Heritage Partners. It is titled Heritage Wells: An Introduction to the Historic Sites of Wells with a Foreword by Annie Maw, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset. It will be on sale for £4.50 at the heritage sites and will benefit the community projects launched by the Gormley Project.
Wells Heritage Partners was created as a formal entity in September 2020, and is a partnership between Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace, the Wells & Mendip Museum and the Bishop’s Barn.
Visitors to Wells are often unaware of how many medieval sites there are in close proximity to one another. This brochure, with a map, is intended to ensure they miss nothing.
The brochure is photography led, with some beautiful photography from Nick James LRPS of D H James Photographic Supplies, and text written by representatives of all the heritage sites. This is the first time such a collaboration has taken place and includes other important entities such as St Cuthbert’s Church and the Mendip Hospital Cemetery.
Antony Gormley Sculpture in Wells.
Project Factory CIC is delighted to announce that it has been asked to facilitate the delivery of a wonderful project for the entire City of Wells; world famous sculptor Antony Gormley has offered one of his works on loan for an 18 month display on the iconic West Front of Wells Cathedral and Project Factory will make it happen!
We are working with Wells Cathedral to bring this very ambitious and important event to the City of Wells to coincide with the August Bank Holiday, 28 August 2021.
Cast in iron, the work is just over life-size and will occupy Niche 338 below the North-West tower. The West Front of the Cathedral exhibits many renditions of the human form; from Old Testament stories to resurrection; kings and bishops to angels and apostles.
Of the work, Gormley has said:
“I have chosen this niche for its position and its visibility: the book at the end of the bookshelf. The work attempts to invoke the feeling of being isolated and exposed on this corner of a Gothic masterpiece. My purpose is to engage the eye and body of the viewer in empathic projection, to consider our time in the shelter of other times”
Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North has become one of the most talked about and recognisable pieces of public art ever produced. It is credited with focussing attention on the Gateshead area of the North East, thereby increasing tourism footfall, and has become a beloved presence in the landscape.
The beneficiaries of this project are the community, the schools and the City of Wells itself and Project Factory looks forward to introducing Antony Gormley’s work to Somerset and far beyond.
Further events will be notified on this website sign up for updates!
Antony Gormley’s loan to Wells is generous and uplifting. The new sculpture has now been cast and is undergoing patination. Specialist artwork handlers are ready to transport it to Wells, but we can’t complete the journey without you! Please help us to make it happen by donating whatever you can to Project Gormley. Then in August you can stand in front of it with pride and know you played a part in the story.
Thank you
Bank details (please reference Gormley)
Account name: Project Factory CIC
Lloyds Bank
Sort code 30-98-97
Account no. 30014062
Please do send an email to hello@projectfactory.uk so we can acknowledge your kind donation and keep you informed of special events and activities.
Cheques can be made payable to:
Project Factory CIC c/o Launcherley Farm, Wells, BA5 1QJ
If you would like to find out more about our fundraising efforts or the benefits of patron and business sponsorship please do get in touch by telephone or email.
Follow the link below to find all our contact details.
Projects during a pandemic.
Wells City Council and Project Factory CIC are organising a lockdown-friendly community bunting making project called Sew Buntiful Wells, which we hope will prove the perfect tonic to those long winter days spent at home.
Rediscover and repurpose all those old clothes, pieces of fabric that have been lying unloved in boxes and drawers, bedding that’s seen better days, knitting or crochet squares and more and create beautiful swags of bunting to grace the windows of your home. Not only will all the stitching handy work keep you busy, but you’ll be showing your support for the community of Wells and cheering up your neighbours with your beautiful creations too, no doubt!
The colourful bunting will be on display in Wells City Centre and surrounding areas some time during the Easter holidays (lockdown regulations permitting). So, you’ve got until the end of March to make a swag of bunting yourself and find somewhere to hang it pride of place for the whole community to enjoy!
There are prizes for the best children’s bunting, most creative bunting and more…
