Latest Events in West Dean(February Updated)

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail celebrates 30 years of commissioning contemporary artworks with two new permanent commissions by artists Henry Castle and Pomona Zipser, unveiled on 15th July 2016. In Coal Measure Giants, rising British star Henry Castle brings to the surface aspects of what lies hidden beneath the Forest’s surface. Exploring the geological, industrial and sociological aspects of the Forest’s history, visitors will be able to touch the fossilized remains of 300 million year old trees and see the form of the mine shaft sets that provided a livelihood for generations of local freeminers. Two sculptures placed 300 metres apart act as markers, measuring the depth of the coal seam that lies directly below the ground. The work invites the public to experience a physical expression of this vertical depth. Meanwhile, Yaşasin by established Romanian artist Pomona Zipser creates a space and a structure from which to contemplate and observe the ever-changing forest. Berlin-based Zipser’s sculpture has been handcrafted from sweet chestnut felled from the site of the Trail and Zipser has collaborated with local artists and craftsmen to make the sculpture. It makes a thought-provoking and visual connection to the surrounding environment, playing with density, dimensions and colour.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail celebrates 30 years of commissioning contemporary artworks with two new permanent commissions by artists Henry Castle and Pomona Zipser, unveiled on 15th July 2016. In Coal Measure Giants, rising British star Henry Castle brings to the surface aspects of what lies hidden beneath the Forest’s surface. Exploring the geological, industrial and sociological aspects of the Forest’s history, visitors will be able to touch the fossilized remains of 300 million year old trees and see the form of the mine shaft sets that provided a livelihood for generations of local freeminers. Two sculptures placed 300 metres apart act as markers, measuring the depth of the coal seam that lies directly below the ground. The work invites the public to experience a physical expression of this vertical depth. Meanwhile, Yaşasin by established Romanian artist Pomona Zipser creates a space and a structure from which to contemplate and observe the ever-changing forest. Berlin-based Zipser’s sculpture has been handcrafted from sweet chestnut felled from the site of the Trail and Zipser has collaborated with local artists and craftsmen to make the sculpture. It makes a thought-provoking and visual connection to the surrounding environment, playing with density, dimensions and colour.

A baby cries in a bin at night - as a Faceless Man carves land for profit; a tall tower rises - as the World Tree shakes; and the fate of the earth hangs upon a single silken spider's thread. Binderella is a tale for our times, the wild birth-myth of an Anti-Goddess who challenges the forces of greed and despair that seek to steal our future from us. This anarchistic wonder story peeks through the cracks in our society, fusing an environmental rallying cry with an uplifting call for compassion and courage in this age of crisis. The Ragged Storytelling Collective; Kestrel, Heulwen and Magpie, weave their unique patchwork vision, stitching the raw energy of punk storytelling with a haunting thread of Welsh folk melody and song in this fiercely modern epic. Originally developed through Beyond the Border Storytelling Festival's New Voices scheme in 2021 and made possible through investment from Arts Council Wales National lottery Funding. With creative support from internationally acclaimed storyteller Daniel Morden, and leading Welsh folk musician Oliver Wilson-Dickson, this show will leave you spellbound. Kestrel is a dynamic and passionate performer with a unique vision. Binderella is a compelling mash-up of memoir, myth and the Matrix. A must-see! -Daniel Morden “The ragged storytellers blew me away when I saw them perform Binderella. Or maybe it was more like a breath of fresh air, that hit me like a lost friend's laugh - familiar, haunting, strange and beloved.” Audience Member. “For many of us Kestrel creates a depiction of places and peoples we intimately recognise. The squatters, ditch dwellers and travelling folk that make up some of the eclectic cast of characters are completely familiar…. I challenge you not to be entranced by this profane, silly, moving piece of work” “The zest of contemporary edge infusing this gorgeous blend of stories, music and songs set my pulse racing. It’s a cracking show, and left me with real, tangible hope for the future.” - Naomi Wilds, Producer, Adverse Camber “I don’t know how you did it, but you managed to seamlessly blend archetypal myth with the modern world.” “It had a cinematic quality. It was so epic. The landscape was so visual. That contrasted with the movement and and the dynamic of the music kept me mesmerised” -Pauline Down “It’s really an emotional story, but you perfectly balanced it with humour” Audience member “The physicality of Kes’s performance, the grace. That was mesmerising to watch… You have so many contrasts in the way that you perform. It was a delight” Audience Member CREDITS Story by Kestrel Morton Music by Heulwen Williams and Hazel Morton Performed by The Ragged Storytelling Collective Dramaturgy and mentoring by Daniel Morden Music mentoring by Ollie Wilson-Dickson and Julie Murphey Vocal Coaching Pauline Down Movement Coaching by Deborah Light Access Consultant - Tafsila KahnProducer Kama Roberts AGE GUIDANCE Suitable for ages 12+CONTENT WARNINGThere are descriptions of eviction by authorities. Suicide is mentioned but there is no detailed description. RUNNING TIME 1 hour 30 minutes and an interval (2 x 45 minutes) Information Source: Kama Roberts | eventbrite

1 x Walk An inspiring walk around Mallards Pike When October 8th, 9:30-11:30 Where Mallards Pike by the cafe Cost suggested donation of £5+ will help towards materials Timings to fully enjoy the experience!Walk 2 hour walk with lots of stops to respond to Nature Join this family & buggy friendly walk around Mallards Pike where you’ll be prompted to create leaf pictures and experiment with mixed materials to capture the essence of the surrounding natural environment. Leader: Krysa The aim is to enjoy a slow walk in Nature stopping to observe and reflect along the way. This is a beautiful area with lots of opportunity to enjoy the reflections on the water. Everyone will be given a notebook to use and a wide variety of drawing materials. Opportunities to respond through writing, photography, sketching, mark-making or simply ‘being in the moment’. Lunchtime You are welcome to by buy lunch/coffee/cake aftrewards from the Cafe on site. Need to know Parking charges apply. This walk around the first pond is flat/easy and buggy friendly but please wear suitable walking boot/shoes, waterproof/warm jacket, weather appropriate. Try to be as ‘hands free’ as possible. Notebooks will be provided and art materials but if participants wish to bring any of their own thats fine. Cost – suggested donation of £5 will help towards the materials Tickets are by donation. We are a not-for-profit organisation. All proceeds go towards funding for our activities and events, cultivating creative communities throughout the Forest of Dean. Your Canopy Leader A walk designed and guided by Krysa who moved to the Forest of Dean 4 years ago and has since become a mother of two under three. She’s an early years practitioner who is passionate about outdoor education and the environment. Often found with a camera around her neck or a pencil in hand. Information Source: canopy creative network | eventbrite