In July 2024, we celebrated the end of term for Amplify, our community programme offering free and low-cost creative workshops. A highlight of the term was the joyful performance of "The Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Murder Mystery Extravaganza" by adults from Style Acre , a local charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. The play was brought to life with the support of Amplify project manager Kizzy and facilitator Sophie after weeks of rehearsals. Kizzy also curated an art exhibition showcasing work from all the groups involved in Amplify, which was displayed at The Mill Arts Centre throughout July. We gathered our community groups, including participants from Banbury Mosque and Connection Support , a local charity supporting refugees, for a special sharing event. Attendees enjoyed viewing the artwork, participating in craft activities, and listening to a wonderful poem written for the event by Aoife Mannix which you can read over on our Amplify page. We are already looking forward to the start of the Autumn term!

Facilitator Sophie hosted a lively three-day Park Ranger holiday workshop series for 8-11 year-olds this August. The Park Ranger programme is an exciting environmental initiative that encourages young people to get hands-on with nature and learn how to care for their environment. The group had a blast visiting Bridge Street Community Garden , where co-ordinator Tila led fun outdoor activities. The group got creative making flower bracelets, shaping salt dough gardens, and even found time for an adventurous game of hide and seek. Over the three days, Sophie took the group on outdoor expeditions through local green spaces to explore, forage, and discover the wonders of nature. Indoors, the fun continued with nature-themed puppet making, which were brought to life in a final show. There were plenty of messy hands and big smiles all round! And some wonderful feedback from a parent: "I just wanted to send a note of thanks Jemima has had the best 3 days at park ranger camp she has absolutely loved it! Such a variety of fun tasks she has come each day telling me all about it. She already can’t wait to go again!"  To find out more about our Park Ranger project - click here.