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Melvyn Rawlinson Luisa(8) with hand puppets.JPG)
A delegation from Broxtowe Borough Council recently successfully contributed to the European culture week in Broxtowe's twin town Gütersloh in Germany. Freelance movement practitioner Jenny Edwards and visual artist & professional puppeteer Melvyn Rawlinson from Broxtowe Borough organised and workshops in Gütersloh's kindergartens, primary schools and sheltered housing schemes to demonstrate British methods of working. Pic: Nikita (7), Melvyn Rawlinson & Luisa (8) with hand puppets The workshops were part of the European Culture Week which takes place in Gütersloh every year. To mark the 30th anniversary of twinning between the two towns, Stadt Gütersloh dedicated this year's culture week to Great Britain. Jenny Edwards led inspiring and creative movement sessions with the under 5's in a local Kindergarten and drop in sessions with 7 - 11 year olds during an open day at a Primary school. Jenny also worked with the residents of the sheltered housing scheme in Gütersloh to help make exercising fun, interesting and a more social occasion and to encourage the residents to take regular exercise. The group took part in various activities aimed at keeping them fit and supple. Throwing and catching a ball keeps reactions sharp which can help to prevent falling. Creative dances and other sports train muscles, massage and music is introduced to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable. Puppeteer Melvyn Rawlinson visited various Primary schools to facilitate puppet making workshops for children aged 7 - 11 years, teaching them how to make their own puppets and character based story telling skills. Melvyn has been a visual artist and puppeteer for over 30 years. Britta Kohring, who works in the town hall of Gütersloh, thanked the English guests for their visit and support. "The teachers asked me to tell you how pleased and happy they were with Melvyn's work, the children loved him" she said. The kindergarten and the residents of the sheltered housing scheme were very happy with the workshops. "Jenny left a lot of inspiring suggestions for their common work". The visit was organised by Broxtowe Borough Council as part of European Culture Week in Gütersloh and officers from the Council also arranged for a visit from David Powell, local restaurateur and wood sculptor who presented the Town with a gift from the Borough. 17 students from the Alderman White School also presented a show called "Best of British" plus, music, English cooking, exhibitions and more were on show in this year. Over the 30 years of twinning with Gütersloh, a great number of partnerships have been developed including business links, education and sporting links as well as personal friendships. For more information about Twinning visit the website at http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/ or telephone 0115 917 7777 |
