Hey guys!
This blog is alot happier than my last.. even if i am writing it slightly hungover from another messy paddys day!!
I'm proud to report that the last few days have been really productive for me and Siobhan giving in a hard copy of our recruitment flyer desgin and getting the help from Ruth to jazz it up a bit. All we now need to do is go in and collect them and we'll be on our way! Siobhan's been busy emailing people and setting up meetings here and there yesterday it was with Sue Whitam head of student services who kindly explained the situation with accomodation for us so we understood everything a little more... they have seven different contracts its crazy and the conferences are booked two years in advance after discussions between her and the head of the conference office! No wonder we were stuggling to get this sorted! But luckily Sue had spoken to Bernice for us and had explained that we were really just asking for an extra night and agreed we could have people stay without being charged.. SCORE! So we've secured places for our guys Jersey and Edd to stay the others will just have to crash at peoples!
The photoshoot yesterday was alot of fun, Edd Siobhan Emily and I ventured down at lunchtime and the guys at Ham House were really enthusiastic to join in even Gary and Jorge! Christine our in house photographer was very friendly and amazing to work with I'm glad we've got her on board! They're going to try to get these done for us as soon as possible we have got to allow for the fact that these things can't just be done straight away but i know they'll do their best! They even created some bumper ones for us to get us started :) so we can use those until the main one is ready. It's great to have dedicated people on board and I'm glad im getting to work with Siobhan and meet them all!
All in all productive times
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
A Touch of Sadness
Hey Blog Friends
I apologise in advance this blog isn't going to be full of fun feel free to stop reading i'm going to attempt to use it to collect my thoughts... you have been WARNED!
This morning i felt the urge to write a blog and here i am though i will make it plain that my head is not full of happy, uplifting thoughts so i really do apologise if this annoys, upsets or offends anyone. I decided to have a look through peoples blogs today so yes guys there are people reading them just in case like me you thought your voice was unheard! It was great to read what you've all been up too but also to read and understand different views of our shared experiences.. you've all been doing loads YAY!
I was saddend to see so many blogs picking up on the lack of attendance in meetings.. i understand this is a big issue for us all because we are a company and should all support each other but (excuse my 'but' it doesnt bring harsh words i promise!) i couldnt help feeling a little hint towards me as i know i do not attend every meeting.. but that is probably just my guilty concience. Then i thought a little more (a dangerous activity for me) is this the way we want people to feel? Is this the best environment for our ideas to flourish and gain momentum? I do not think it is, Mark was so right when he said work with what we have present on that particular day and i can't help thinking if this pressure was taken off people would feel a lot more relaxed in and out of meetings. Ideas could be shared with those who missed the session with the kind of enthusiasm and joy that the bell ringers shared their craft with us.. no malice or accusing finger included just a general want and need to share the information so that we're all working as one. And I am not saying anyone does or doesnt do this.
Emily Lakin our lovely chair wrote a blog that really opened my eyes to the power of a blog; hers was so honest, open and true. Feelings can be collected in these posts and her idea of panic is one we're all feeling right now and i think it's this panic that makes us go round and round in meetings or hold grudges against those who do not show. We're trying to create a grandscale community event involving many people and hopefully one that as Mark has said will continue to work in that community for long after we've left.. one that WILL make Ham house part of its community. I worry that we cannot acheive this fully if we ourselves do not prove to to be a community and if we let panic win. These are our aims and if we continue to move forward making and learning together then i do not see how we can fail.
I know my contributions are small and i cannot apologise enough for the meetings i do not attend unfortunately a tragic event over christmas took away my ability to give 110% but i do not not attend for any reason other than at those times i simply cannot do it. We are getting somewhere it may be too fast for some and yet too slow for others but i think the real battle now is working on ourselves as a company so that when we preach about the importance of community.. we know what we say is true because we've practiced it.
A long blog i know but i want to reassure people that this blog isnt an attack on people or occurances but really a way to structue my thoughts... i now realise at the end that despite all our problems and maybe small numbers of people attending we are amking progress and this is what is most uplifitng. Last night many good decisions we made and if anyone wants me to let them know what the missed i'd be happy too. We're making progress with the mexican night... games is the word of the day so guys any ideas for free games we can charge a small fee for? I'v found how to make a pinata, its really simple anyone want to give me a hand?!
We're getting there!
I apologise in advance this blog isn't going to be full of fun feel free to stop reading i'm going to attempt to use it to collect my thoughts... you have been WARNED!
This morning i felt the urge to write a blog and here i am though i will make it plain that my head is not full of happy, uplifting thoughts so i really do apologise if this annoys, upsets or offends anyone. I decided to have a look through peoples blogs today so yes guys there are people reading them just in case like me you thought your voice was unheard! It was great to read what you've all been up too but also to read and understand different views of our shared experiences.. you've all been doing loads YAY!
I was saddend to see so many blogs picking up on the lack of attendance in meetings.. i understand this is a big issue for us all because we are a company and should all support each other but (excuse my 'but' it doesnt bring harsh words i promise!) i couldnt help feeling a little hint towards me as i know i do not attend every meeting.. but that is probably just my guilty concience. Then i thought a little more (a dangerous activity for me) is this the way we want people to feel? Is this the best environment for our ideas to flourish and gain momentum? I do not think it is, Mark was so right when he said work with what we have present on that particular day and i can't help thinking if this pressure was taken off people would feel a lot more relaxed in and out of meetings. Ideas could be shared with those who missed the session with the kind of enthusiasm and joy that the bell ringers shared their craft with us.. no malice or accusing finger included just a general want and need to share the information so that we're all working as one. And I am not saying anyone does or doesnt do this.
Emily Lakin our lovely chair wrote a blog that really opened my eyes to the power of a blog; hers was so honest, open and true. Feelings can be collected in these posts and her idea of panic is one we're all feeling right now and i think it's this panic that makes us go round and round in meetings or hold grudges against those who do not show. We're trying to create a grandscale community event involving many people and hopefully one that as Mark has said will continue to work in that community for long after we've left.. one that WILL make Ham house part of its community. I worry that we cannot acheive this fully if we ourselves do not prove to to be a community and if we let panic win. These are our aims and if we continue to move forward making and learning together then i do not see how we can fail.
I know my contributions are small and i cannot apologise enough for the meetings i do not attend unfortunately a tragic event over christmas took away my ability to give 110% but i do not not attend for any reason other than at those times i simply cannot do it. We are getting somewhere it may be too fast for some and yet too slow for others but i think the real battle now is working on ourselves as a company so that when we preach about the importance of community.. we know what we say is true because we've practiced it.
A long blog i know but i want to reassure people that this blog isnt an attack on people or occurances but really a way to structue my thoughts... i now realise at the end that despite all our problems and maybe small numbers of people attending we are amking progress and this is what is most uplifitng. Last night many good decisions we made and if anyone wants me to let them know what the missed i'd be happy too. We're making progress with the mexican night... games is the word of the day so guys any ideas for free games we can charge a small fee for? I'v found how to make a pinata, its really simple anyone want to give me a hand?!
We're getting there!
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Bell Ringers and a meeting that went well :)
Last Blog of the day I'm so sorry everyone!
Siobhan Claudia Zoe and I ventured to Old Hallows church to visit the bell ringers last night. I can only say it such an amazing experience! I can definitely say I enjoyed occupying a bell tower for the evening : )
The group were so welcoming to us and it was clear they wanted to share all they knew about their passion and we couldn’t help but get infected by their enthusiasm. Chris took Zoe and I up to look at the bells almost immediately and it was fascinating to be a foot away from a one tonne bell whilst having the inns and outs explained of why some bells were stationed facing up and why others were facing down. When the others arrived they quickly
introduced themselves and got to working the bells for us first in sequence and then mixing it up under the conductor who happened to be Chris. They were all able to work all the bells and to watch them it was as if the whole process was organic a command was heard and the sound changed without much effort and they all took turns at working the bells, ringing the treble and even conducting the rules they silently obeyed. This was a real community working in unison to create and hauntingly beautiful sound and I feel honoured to have been so welcomed and able to witness this opportunity. A perfect example; One of the things they played was called ‘BOB’ in which when the word “BOB” was called the sequence changed immediately and continued to do so until the conductor at that particular time called “Thats all” signifying the end of the sequences.
I can only say I learnt so much from this experience in how a community works and the nature of Bell Ringing itself, after all I can’t say I get to listen to a tune as old as the bells themselves be played whilst watching those who man the bells move the ropes up a down. A true experience and it was hilarious to watch Zoe and Claudia actually take advantage of their offer to try themselves!
All in all and amazing experience and I’m tempted to go back to learn more!
But back to DIC Siobhan and I met with Trevor today and he was invaluable in his opinion of our accommodation situation. He’s offered to speak to someone in accommodation and asks that we provide him with the names of our recruits and the halls they reside in so that he can use this information in his approach. He backs us and we’re eternally grateful because we are in a bit of a predicament in terms of dates! ThanksTrevor!
Hope this support continues!
Siobhan Claudia Zoe and I ventured to Old Hallows church to visit the bell ringers last night. I can only say it such an amazing experience! I can definitely say I enjoyed occupying a bell tower for the evening : )
The group were so welcoming to us and it was clear they wanted to share all they knew about their passion and we couldn’t help but get infected by their enthusiasm. Chris took Zoe and I up to look at the bells almost immediately and it was fascinating to be a foot away from a one tonne bell whilst having the inns and outs explained of why some bells were stationed facing up and why others were facing down. When the others arrived they quickly
introduced themselves and got to working the bells for us first in sequence and then mixing it up under the conductor who happened to be Chris. They were all able to work all the bells and to watch them it was as if the whole process was organic a command was heard and the sound changed without much effort and they all took turns at working the bells, ringing the treble and even conducting the rules they silently obeyed. This was a real community working in unison to create and hauntingly beautiful sound and I feel honoured to have been so welcomed and able to witness this opportunity. A perfect example; One of the things they played was called ‘BOB’ in which when the word “BOB” was called the sequence changed immediately and continued to do so until the conductor at that particular time called “Thats all” signifying the end of the sequences.I can only say I learnt so much from this experience in how a community works and the nature of Bell Ringing itself, after all I can’t say I get to listen to a tune as old as the bells themselves be played whilst watching those who man the bells move the ropes up a down. A true experience and it was hilarious to watch Zoe and Claudia actually take advantage of their offer to try themselves!
All in all and amazing experience and I’m tempted to go back to learn more!
But back to DIC Siobhan and I met with Trevor today and he was invaluable in his opinion of our accommodation situation. He’s offered to speak to someone in accommodation and asks that we provide him with the names of our recruits and the halls they reside in so that he can use this information in his approach. He backs us and we’re eternally grateful because we are in a bit of a predicament in terms of dates! ThanksTrevor!
Hope this support continues!
Monday Meeting Sillyness
Monday’s meeting can only be considered as completely hilarious especially looking back at it now!Mark brought up the excellent point that there wasn’t enough silliness in our ideas we needed to bring fun back into the procession! From horses and penguins for the blind to Patsy’s amazing description of the red Barrows; groups of people who do tricks to music with wheel barrows situated all over the country (an amazing concept methinks?) I googled them and the page I went on is http://www.redbarrows.com/ (where i sourced the image to the left) if you guys want to check them out! They were formed in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee and due to popular demand they continued doing mostly events for charity proceedings often going to the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity! I LOVE IT! We should totally get them on board what a thing to have in the procession!
Siobhan and I have got a meeting with Trevor planned and shes already arranged a photoshoot with Christine but Fridays is the planned date and Siobhan and I can’t be here due to other commitments.. get back to her guys Marks right we need to get this going!
xx
A venture to Spoons
After the fun of the random night before and my swearing Im an alcoholic after which my amazing flatmates took it upon themselves to show me the 12 steps (fun times!) Siobhan said the word roast and I was powerless but to follow her to the nearest Spoons you don’t have to drink right?!
Over our amazing roasts the talk turned to DIC and our part we were playing in the internal organising of the 400th birthday celebrations.
We know we need to step up our recruitment process because the meetings are not working sue to the hectic schedule of the lower years and in fact our own. We’ve decided to start camping outside the theatre next week to get people involved with flyers we’re trying to get hold of from our good friend Ruth! We also want to get a meeting with Trevor as soon as possible to get his support on our accommodation front!
Full steam ahead now it’s time to do it at the start of a new week!
Over and out!
Over our amazing roasts the talk turned to DIC and our part we were playing in the internal organising of the 400th birthday celebrations.
We know we need to step up our recruitment process because the meetings are not working sue to the hectic schedule of the lower years and in fact our own. We’ve decided to start camping outside the theatre next week to get people involved with flyers we’re trying to get hold of from our good friend Ruth! We also want to get a meeting with Trevor as soon as possible to get his support on our accommodation front!
Full steam ahead now it’s time to do it at the start of a new week!
Over and out!
Come on and BLAG IT!!!
Stangely enough on Saturday Siobhan Edd and I decided to take part in the RAG week BLAG IT challenge. I was slightly alarmed and confused at how comfortable i was clambering into a complete stangers car, blindfolding myself and being driven to what can only be described as destination unknown.
The banter before was hilarious we met two primary teachers creating some friendly competiton with this team known as the flowerpot men.... they were both called ben but one was being bill for the day HILARIOUS! As we set i couldn’t help being excited as im not really a lets do something random person i add i neglected to tell my dad what i was doing on my sunny Saturday.. as had the rest of my team!
We were driven to Kensington that we were sure of thanks to the good singposting in that area of London and we set off towards what we thought to be a main road. Kesington highstreet score! After venturing to the train station and realising the train were not running Edd blagged us onto a bus going towards Hounslow. Once there the 33 proved to once again be th bane of all student life by not running where we were but after asking the friendly information dude we blagged our way onto a 267(courtesy of Siobhan) and were soon back in Twickenham. Competitive spirit won as we flew towards the SU only to be told we were second... the other team had managed to hop on a fast train! GUTTED!
But that isn’t the end of my tale... oh no this is where it really began! To be continued...
Siobhan and I congratulating ourselves with pints of cider black decided to watch the rugby playing on Simmies turf and randomnly ran into some 2nd years there to support a friend. I didn’t really know them but Siobhan knew a few and we bonded over the weather mine and siobhans interesting hoodies ( I LOVE NINJAS) and when the match ended we all made our way into the su for a well earned drink!
The pool table called to us and so did the alcohol so within hours we were laughing and joking like old mates.. random i know but i was glad to actually spend some time with them out of the academic context and i have to say it worked! Bill and en arrived back and they joined in our mammoth pool tournament each shot on my part getting slightly worse as i downed another drink! Siobhan and i i have to admitt lost spectacularly on many occasions!
Someone mentioned Chinese and we were invited back to theirs and so the night continued and i can now say we’ve all become firends.. and now we’ve got some new recruits for the best project ever!
All in all a random day and we're glad to announce the arrival of a ukulele player :) HELL YEAH!
The banter before was hilarious we met two primary teachers creating some friendly competiton with this team known as the flowerpot men.... they were both called ben but one was being bill for the day HILARIOUS! As we set i couldn’t help being excited as im not really a lets do something random person i add i neglected to tell my dad what i was doing on my sunny Saturday.. as had the rest of my team!
We were driven to Kensington that we were sure of thanks to the good singposting in that area of London and we set off towards what we thought to be a main road. Kesington highstreet score! After venturing to the train station and realising the train were not running Edd blagged us onto a bus going towards Hounslow. Once there the 33 proved to once again be th bane of all student life by not running where we were but after asking the friendly information dude we blagged our way onto a 267(courtesy of Siobhan) and were soon back in Twickenham. Competitive spirit won as we flew towards the SU only to be told we were second... the other team had managed to hop on a fast train! GUTTED!
But that isn’t the end of my tale... oh no this is where it really began! To be continued...
Siobhan and I congratulating ourselves with pints of cider black decided to watch the rugby playing on Simmies turf and randomnly ran into some 2nd years there to support a friend. I didn’t really know them but Siobhan knew a few and we bonded over the weather mine and siobhans interesting hoodies ( I LOVE NINJAS) and when the match ended we all made our way into the su for a well earned drink!
The pool table called to us and so did the alcohol so within hours we were laughing and joking like old mates.. random i know but i was glad to actually spend some time with them out of the academic context and i have to say it worked! Bill and en arrived back and they joined in our mammoth pool tournament each shot on my part getting slightly worse as i downed another drink! Siobhan and i i have to admitt lost spectacularly on many occasions!
Someone mentioned Chinese and we were invited back to theirs and so the night continued and i can now say we’ve all become firends.. and now we’ve got some new recruits for the best project ever!
All in all a random day and we're glad to announce the arrival of a ukulele player :) HELL YEAH!
HAM HOUSE NEEDS YOU and Three birds are found in Simmies
Hey guys a lot has happened in the last few days so a few updates ahead im afraid!
First was our meeting with the 1st and 2nd years on Wednesday 3rd March brought about by careful planning and some strategically placed HAM HOUSE NEEDS YOU posters.. but we only managed to get four people to turn up! Pretty poor I say but luckily all of the four could play and instrument :) roll on super band!
Luckily we were around uni for the rest of the day and Siobhan’s carefully made table allowed us to accost in a friendly way a few more names! We’re getting there slowly and have decided to make flyers and stand outside the theatre during lunchtimes next week to give our recruitment a surge! Fingers crossed!
We ventured to the Simmies theatre at half 2 for the matinee showing of Three birds Alighting on a Field a play written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, one of my favourite playwrights, directed by Trevor and performed by our second years. We wanted to support them after all, show our faces and get ourselves familiar with them because that can only lead to us building bridges and ensuring their support for our project.
The production was interesting clearly about a certain period in the art world but it brought up all those questions about class, money and passion and what you have to have to be considered and ENGLISH gentlemen. I really enjoyed the production it was acted and staged well and the set looked fantastic with its reliance on giant squares symbolic of canvases and projected images of art.
All in all a good day methinks
Till next time x
First was our meeting with the 1st and 2nd years on Wednesday 3rd March brought about by careful planning and some strategically placed HAM HOUSE NEEDS YOU posters.. but we only managed to get four people to turn up! Pretty poor I say but luckily all of the four could play and instrument :) roll on super band!
Luckily we were around uni for the rest of the day and Siobhan’s carefully made table allowed us to accost in a friendly way a few more names! We’re getting there slowly and have decided to make flyers and stand outside the theatre during lunchtimes next week to give our recruitment a surge! Fingers crossed!
We ventured to the Simmies theatre at half 2 for the matinee showing of Three birds Alighting on a Field a play written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, one of my favourite playwrights, directed by Trevor and performed by our second years. We wanted to support them after all, show our faces and get ourselves familiar with them because that can only lead to us building bridges and ensuring their support for our project.
The production was interesting clearly about a certain period in the art world but it brought up all those questions about class, money and passion and what you have to have to be considered and ENGLISH gentlemen. I really enjoyed the production it was acted and staged well and the set looked fantastic with its reliance on giant squares symbolic of canvases and projected images of art.
All in all a good day methinks
Till next time x
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