South East: “Heritage Champions, Isle of Wight”

Tour guide workshop on the Isle of Wight As part of a wider project extending Heritage Open Days on the Isle of Wight, Outreach worked with local organisations and a group of residents on a programme of learning which produced imaginative responses to the Island’s heritage. Through a series of workshops, site visits and tours, members of the group were able to explore and expand their knowledge and skills-base by sharing experiences of the past and present.

Mossaics produced by participants from the Heritage Champions Group South-east winds rattle
the frames of sails
that have never been
to sea.
Foxy lines scythe waves -
classic movement to
treasure; sailors guided to safe
berth by light
ancient and modern,
the sea passages guarded by
fire and shot, south and west,
from invader and pirate –
Shorrel caulkheads now safe
in their fields and beds.

Chris Maguire, participant. July 2005

 

“The project has given me ideas for the future. Skills for thought and planning of projects. Met new people, who I’ve been in contact with long after the end of the project.”

Participant from Heritage Champions

 

Members of the Heritage Champions group at a graphic design workshop The culmination of this project was the design of leaflets giving information about the Island’s Heritage Trail which was originated specifically for Heritage Open Days. One of the events participating in this was an exhibition of work celebrating the group’s creative yield.