THE IMAGINATION ACTS website has been created by Anne Yarwood, resident in Ascot for over 50 years, to show how individuals CAN effect change… can DO something about their concerns, in an imaginative way.
Dear Readers,
In March 2019, we are delighted to welcome KESTY JAKES as this month’s Guest Editor who leads :-
A CALL TO THE WILD
In this edition of TIA , the theme is called ‘A Call to the Wild’. I share some of my personal journey, along with stories and images of the many benefits of being in nature for children and adults. From Forest School on the urban fringe in Stroud to a Vision Quest in the wilds of Snowdonia. I share the many creative threads and activities that have been sparked by the coming together of our local community participating in projects at Sladebank Woods, in the Slad Valley in Gloucestershire. May you be inspired to visit your local woods this Spring or head for some wilder land !
Blog shows how inspiration is given by Jumping Mouse – HERE
Story relates A Call to the Wild – HERE
Wakeup highlights brief statements from Forest School – HERE.
Gallery images and drawings from Jaine Rose, Carolyn Hillyer and David Macfarlane; Sleepout challenge at Sladebank Woods for Gloucestershire Deaf Association,– HERE.
Tales read about the Red Thread project – HERE.
Elsewhere gives the full tale of Jumping Mouse; and news on Ancient Healing Ways, Carolyn Hillyer, Forest School events in Sladebank Woods– HERE .
About KESTY – Buqi Practitioner, Facilitator, Forest School Leader
Kesty Jakes and her husband, Martin, own a small woodland in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Over the last twenty years they have transformed 5 acres of neglected woods on the urban fringe. With the support of the local community and a management plan approved by the local council, rubbish has been cleared, trees thinned out and hundreds of native young trees planted. Martin has built a tree house, steps to improve access and a roundhouse for gatherings.
Ten years ago Kesty founded the Red Hearth House, a retreat for women and girls each summer. Many local women were deeply nourished by the time spent in solitude, and at workshops and ceremonies that took place at the dedicated roundhouse. Kesty initiated three Girls Circles that continue to meet on the land each month. The Moon Daughters, Wolf Sisters and Storm Sisters Circles are now organised by mums.
Last winter six felted wool panels were stitched by many of the visiting women and girls as a practical installation to insulate the roundhouse. The Red Thread Project was the vision of Kesty and a local textile artist, who invited stories to be stitched on the wool in red thread.
Sladebank Woods now hosts many events through out the year, from mixed ability Forest School days through The Of Course We Can programme, to birthday parties and saunas. This year a new structure will be built to support our activities.
Kesty loves her family, home and woodland and has no aspirations to travel outside Laurie Lee’s beautiful Slad Valley. She is now entering a new phase of her life as her two children have grown up.
APRIL’S EDITION OF TIA – Three or four women, born in Iran, Iraq, Britain, are musing on this edition. They are talking together about media images of Iran and Iraq, currently in the public eye. They aim to offer images with other foci.
Warm greetings to you all and I hope you enjoy ‘A Call to the Wild’.
Anne Yarwood
