The ‘Fallen Moon ‘by Luke Jerram has had many spin-offs and one of them was the Planetarium in the Town Hall in Bridgwater today. Town Council Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Heritage, Cllr Irena Hubble (Fairfax West, Labour) was at the event and notes “There were opportunities to visit this event and over 200 people did! It begins with an introduction to a large circular tent in the theatre. Once you enter the tent you begin your cosmic experience. Simon explains that you will have your best experience if you take off your shoes and coat as it gets quite hot in space! Once inside we’re off ! with the background music by David Bowie and Elton John. Simon enjoined us to lie on the floor and indeed this was the best position for the show!”

Irena continues “Forty minutes is packed with interesting information on space flight, the astronauts currently in space and who is preparing to fly on the different missions.We see what it is like on the international space station and how Americans, Brits , Russians and other nationalities all collaborate up there. What a shame we cannot do this on planet Earth. Did you know Shaun the sheep has been up in space? We experienced what it is like to be in a rock shower with  boulders hurtling towards us, just as happened  when craters were  created on the moon. Finally we were treated to the constellations and saw them projected  in the night sky in the tent. It was a fascinating 40 minutes and we are pleased to report some Bridgwater schools will have the experience this week.”

Culture

Irena says “Chatting to participants it was great to hear how enthusiastic they were about the Moon and the whole event. Predominantly young families were in the audience and a number of them said they had never visited the Docks before. They were keen to see the area developed and for it to become a regular part of the culture of the town. The night market was particularly popular amongst this demographic. I think the spin-offs  will last much longer and will help economic regeneration take off in this part of the town. It is particularly pleasing that it is  an art installation that is  the catalyst for change.”

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Continue reading “Town Hall Planetarium”

Today, Saturday 19th October, the doors of the country’s first art centre, here in Bridgwater’s famous Castle Street, were thrown open to the public for people to drop in, see what’s going on and consider getting involved.  This free event invited the community to explore the vibrant world of arts and culture that thrives within the centre. From 11:00am to 3:00pm, visitors enjoyed a variety of activities, performances, and workshops designed to showcase the diverse offerings of the arts centre.

Highlights of the day included venue tours,theatre performances by Caught in the Act Youth Theatre at 11:00am, a Bounce class at 12:00pm, and the Bridgwater Community Choir at 1:30pm. Continue reading “Bridgwater Arts Centre Open Day”

The National Gallery in London is 200 years hundred old this year! And to celebrate its birthday, it’s taking some of its paintings on the road. Thanks to SEED, Bridgwater residents are lucky enough to be on the map for this road trip and we are one of 18 locations around the country to be visited by the Van! Cllr Irena Hubble (Fairfax West, Labour) is the Council spokesperson for the Arts,Heritage and Culture, and she says “It all started  at the Cornhill and in the pop-up shop in Angel place. If you go to the ex- fruit and veg shop, you’ll find it has been turned into an art Salon- hosting reproductions of some of the greatest paintings in the National Gallery.Last week we were treated to lecture on the painter TURNER. The lecture was a conversation in which the participants were invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas about the paintings. It was most informative and I think we all thought we saw something new in the paintings by discussing it with others around us and sharing ideas. It was very thought-provoking..”

Continue reading “The National Gallery in Bridgwater”

The Official opening of the Engine Room 3.0 took place today by the Mayor of Bridgwater Cllr Jacqui Solomon. The event was marking the completion of the building’s recent transformation and celebrate 21 years of the Engine Room. Cllr Solomon said “Congratulations on 21years of great input to the world of film. A county wide film project with it’s feet firmly in Bridgwater. The new refurbishment not only makes the whole building accessible and useful but also ensures it’s future for the next 21years.Massive thanks to all the all the agencies involved and the dedicated staff that have ensured the future of this project“

Patrons

Also speaking at the event film director Julien Temple described the creation of the centre as ‘transformative‘ for a town like Bridgwater and where ‘life changing events could take place for so many people who have been denied this’.

Founder Phil Shepherd listed Julien Temple, a key patron of the centre, as ‘one of the many hands that made this place work’. 

Origins

Cllr Tim Mander (Labour Westover) Chair of the Amenities Committee, worked as Estates valuer for Sedgemoor District Council when the centre was established. He commented “Little did I know just over 21 years ago that a brief initial conversation with Phil Shepherd of Somerset Film and Video would lead to the development of such a fine facility as the Engine Room which culminated in today’s grand event and celebration. At the time I was responsible for Sedgemoor’s Commercial Estate which included a fairly down at heal former garage/second hand furniture store No 52 High Street. Phil was keen to explore any opportunity to accommodate his concept of a Community Media Centre. As the building was vacant it seemed sensible to run with the idea and what started initially on the basis of a 10-year lease soon became more permanent with the adjacent former TIC No 50 Hi gh Street, including the derelict 1^st and 2^nd floors, soon added. As the saying goes, from little acorns giant oaks will grow, so I was particularly pleased to have played a very small part and was honoured to be invited to this celebration and remain thankful that Bridgwater has been able to host this magnificent organisation”. 

A Clash Town

One of the key events that launched the Engine Room and helped with the initial funding was the concert by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros at the Palace in 2002.

Town Council Leader Brian Smedley played at that gig and remembered the event “Strummer was very important for Bridgwater. When others put the town down he stood up for it. He described it as ‘a Clash Town’. And he was right. It’s undustrial, it’s working class and it’s full of creative people and it’s full of rebels. The Engine Room is a brilliant hub for all the above and long may it continue. Joe Strummer sadly died in December 2002 but each year the town holds a ‘Clash Day in February when musicians take to the streets and play Clash songs. The town is also twinned with the US city of Seattle home of KEXP radio that links up every year for ‘Clash Day’. The twinning proclamation was originally signed in ..where else..the Engine Room.”