AV News 184 - May 2011
Sequences with an historical bias had a fair share of the entry, with 5
sequences taking their theme from the past. 'Staethford', by Howard
Bagshaw (Wilmslow Guild AV Group) gave us an insight into how a town
evolved from a ford across the river; 'Letters from Wilfred', by Keith Storey
(Lytham St. Annes PS) told us the poignant story, through his letters home
and in the words of a song, of Wilfred Owen. Wilfred was a soldier-poet in the
1914-18 War who was killed in the final few days of the conflict.
The 'American Dream' by Julia Pedder was one of the longer sequences
and took us back to the time of the Civil War in America and the events that
took place at that time. Back in the UK and we visited the 'Peak Forest Canal
an Introduction' by Sheila Goodyear and heard a little of its history and how
the canals of England (and Wales) have found a place for themselves in the
21st century. Finally, in this group, was 'Auschwitz', by Tom Humphries (of
Kirkby PS), a sequence of thought-provoking images against a background
of music, reminding us of past horrors and the need for remembrance.
Continuing with the theme of remembrance (from Prestwich Co-op CC),
Jack Heathcote's sequence, 'Garden of Remembrance' introduced us to the
National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Perhaps, like myself, you only
knew it from the iconic images of the creamy Portland Stone panels bearing
the names of all those killed in armed conflict around the world. However, in
this sequence, we discovered that there was so much more. We were shown
a place of both inspiration and consolation; a fitting memorial for those who
had lost their lives for the sake of others.
The strength and beauty of the landscape was also well represented in the
programme. 'Inspired by the Landscape', Suzanne Walker took us to the Isle
of Harris and found the colours of the landscape echoed in the hues and
textures of the fabrics woven there. The title, 'Images of Winter', by Jean
Whiteside (of Colne CC) said it all as we enjoyed the icy images of a hard
winter. Further afield and we visited the American west, both past and
present, as we journeyed through 'The West' by Howard Bagshaw.
Differing from the others was 'Grapes, Pear and Plum', by Jill K. Bunting
(Wilmslow Guild AV Group) showing us the developmental stages in the
creation of a painting, as it took shape on the screen in front of us. 'IllumiNess'
by Howard Gregory (of Wilmslow Guild AV Group) took us on a visit, to Ness
Gardens one December evening, to see the gardens as part of a light show.
'A World of their Own' by Sheila Davies was another sequence with a
difference. In this AV we visited Madagascar and saw the many unique
creatures that inhabit this island in their ever-diminishing and endangered
habitat.
'Special', a sequence by Howard Bagshaw & Jeff Mansell was both
thought provoking and moving as it highlighted the work of a school for
disadvantaged adolescents and children. Through creative activities in
music, drama, art and much more, the youngsters were encouraged to
express themselves and take part in their own musical production based on
Alice in Wonderland.
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