A huge well done to Mollie Meager and Rachel Bomford who organised a very successful ‘Save the Wye’ Artist Talk on Monday 17th April at the Art of Coffee, Coleford as part of the Festival of Words, supported by Canopy. They put in a huge amount of time, energy and effort to bring so many artists and campaigners together.
This event received funding from Canopy was organized by Mollie Meager and Rachel Bomford who celebrated how artists have increased awareness of the pollution issues affecting the River Wye.
‘The Art of Coffee’ Coleford was a welcoming venue offering food and drink and equipped with a digital screen which was made use of to show a short film and various images of artists’ work. My main criticism is that ‘The Art of Coffee’ was not big enough for the huge crowd that attended! Seats were in short supply, with standing room only at times but this created a real buzz in the space and reflected the number of people locally who are keen campaigners interested in the arts.
The extensive and varied programme was filled with contributions from poets, musicians, ‘Bella Mammas’ choir, artists and film makers – see full list below.
Mollie and Rachel have to be congratulated on the resounding success of this event. The considerable preparation and planning to bring so many creative people and campaigners together to perform, talk, show and generally share their work was impressive. Certainly an evening of this nature could be the springboard for future sharing of information and awareness raising as the concern for the destruction of our rivers and wildlife eco systems continues.
#SaveTheWye is an umbrella campaign to support and build the network of organisations and individuals working to protect and restore the health of the River Wye and its tributaries, for the benefit of both wildlife and people.The SaveTheWye Coalition is campaigning for a better future for our river. It is made up of local groups from across the catchment who are fighting to save the Wye
Local supporter Dany Sayers explains that ” Riversong was the first of several events that Save the Wye friends Mollie Meager and Rachel Bomford are organising to bring attention to the dying river Wye.
“Our intention as part of the Festival of Words is to tell the story of the wye in words, poems, song and film. We still hope it is possible to save the river if action is taken now.” Mollie Meager and Rachel Bomford
Here’s the line up below with some photos from the event.
Save the Wye, Riversong running order:
Music – Annie Tyhurst
Intro – Mollie and Rachel
Film – Bernard Pilgrimage conception
Poem – Jane Spray, The Source
Poem – Barbara Shean, I am The River Wye
Music – Bella Mamas, Wandering Wye
Art Talk – Lisa Coles, Glass Fish
Poem – Celia Hinton, Rock
Art Talk – Dorota, Water Sculpture
Poem – John Homewood, The River Watcher
OPEN CHAT with SOS image projection
Art Talk – Sharron, Washing Line
Music – Estelle , Song
Music – Bella Mamas, Oh Rivers
Music – Bella Mamas, Daughter of the Water
Music – Bella Mamas, One By One (for all)
Part 2.
Music – Annie Tyhurst
Film – XR Avara Cargill video
Poem – Val Ormrod, The Rivers Wrath
Music – Carl, Song 1.
Music – Carl, Song 2.
Poem – Rachel Bomford, Life Support
Poem – Elissa Swinglehurst, The Polluter Pays/Chicken Shit
Rap
Film – Redbrook Youth Group
Music – Scott, Song (1or 2?)
Poem – Toni Wilde, Where are they Now
Poem – Alison Edwards, Pray for the Sick River (read by
John Homewood)
Film – Carolyn Black, When You Call Me I Will Come
Canopy Creative Network 