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By April 11, 2017June 18th, 2019

This 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.

From childhood I’ve had a feeling about injustice…. And a sense that I.. We…could DO something about it. ” Advocate and Mediator” appealed to my dramatic self.

At 82 and physically weakened, the question nagging my mind is how to stay motivated for vibrant living, within a tough analysis of the challenge of the time, Climate Change.

The challenge of CLIMATE CHANGE ( to quote Naomi Klein: one of the heroes of our age)

” is a civilisation wake-up call…telling us that we need an entirely new economic model and a new way of sharing this planet. Telling us that we need to evolve” **

Asking The Development Education question about “sharing” still makes sense to me after 50 years of activism.

For me, the question” who gets what, when, where, how & why?” is the start-whistle for the imagination to act.

Energy to start, carry through and achieve change, seems over and again to build on inspiration from the imagination. An idea, an opportunity presents itself. Grasped; the hard work of manifestation begins.

Action for change has lethargy, avoidance, denial in its sights !!!

The aim of this website is to offer SPACE FOR STORY-TELLING ; stories about my own and friends’ imaginings.

Acts of art; be they a play , poetry, writing and readings, photography, a craft, starting a local campaign, cobbling together a local meeting place… All stuff I know about.. To quote Thomas Merton,”Art is not a mirror to hold up to society, it is a hammer to shape it”

Together with friends, with little gold, I have been in the midst of this frolic!
( you know ? …The banner that reads ” if this demo isn’t fun, I’m not playing”)

The stories will tell of small actions, by a small number of apparently small – in – power adults and children. They mirror the myriad “good deeds” of everywhere.
Too small to effect radical transformation ? Too diverse and disconnected to topple the power- houses?

I and my comrades don’t agree. Small IS beautiful and it’s everywhere.

**” THIS CHANGES EVERY THING : Capitalism vs.the Climate. Naomi Klein. AllenLane imprint of Penguin Books -2014

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The Power of Touch

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While we all vary in terms of what kind of touch we need, studies have long shown that expressions of affection -- whether you give or receive them -- have real and measurable health and wellness impacts on our physical and mental health. A variety of touches -- from hugs to handshakes, a pat on the arm, back or head, kisses on the cheek, or hand-holding -- can: Calm the nervous system Boost the immune system Activate oxytocin, sometimes called the cuddle hormone, that’s critical for bonding, especially between a mother and child at birth. Research shows oxytocin also affects our general well-being, induces calm, and enhances relationships. Reduce the stress hormone cortisol Lessen pain, improve healing, and lower blood pressure and heart rate Improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, loneliness, isolation, and more “We understand touch as essential. It’s a universal need and natural method of communicating joy and intimacy,” “Touch is powerful on so many levels. For many people, it is a source of healing relief. For others, it’s an attempt to comfort.” By…

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‘Take Two’ 

a play about an aspect of the Palestinian conflict,

Writer Jennifer Leach,  Director Justin Butcher,  Producer Anne Yarwood

 ART IS NOT A MIRROR TO HOLD UP TO SOCIETY, IT IS A HAMMER TO SHAPE IT.  Thomas Merton

 Autumn 2014 attracted 200 into two local Anglican churches to watch a whipped-up-from-nowhere small AmDram group perform this new play. Significant statements in that sentence; 200 is a big audience for around here, for a political play and Anglican churches welcoming contention is uncommon. 

It all began one day when I awoke to a strident imperative – ” MAKE A PLAY” … so 9 months later, “we” DID . I produced, with friends and no starter money ( same old tale) an half hour, six person play which gave voice to Palestinian & Israeli anguish in the long-time impasse.

The following observations set out in this week’s STORY will be familiar to all of us who move beyond the inspiration of a GREAT IDEA, into making it happen.

Anne Yarwood