St Christopher’s Workshop No. 1

The workshop at St Christopher’s went so well! We spent the day before preparing for it, making samples and deciding just what we wanted to do and making sure we had everything we needed. However, we had no idea how many people would actually turn up on the day, so when we had a room full of people at the start of the workshop it was a pleasant surprise. Everyone was really responsive, and most seemed to genuinely be looking forward to the project. Before we got down to making, we had a discussion all together about the theme of ‘How I’d Like To Be Remembered’, asking each member of the group to answer the question. The replies varied from sweet and sombre to just plain funny, but all were moving, despite the question asking a lot of those answering it. When we started the craft workshops, everybody was interested; the men who were there had little experience using the techniques we presented them with, but all were prepared to try. The atmosphere was so positive, everyone was getting on with making, having a chat and telling their stories. And it wasn’t just us doing the teaching – some of the people from the hospice taught us a well. One man was showing me how to double the strength of any string or rope by looping it repeatedly, so if I need to tie up a boat in the future, I’ll know how thanks to Carlton!

I think everyone felt nervous before this first workshop, not so much because of where we’re working, but more because most of us haven’t got much experience with this kind of project. Now, though, I think we’re much more confident in our ability to produce good work in collaboration with St. Christopher’s, and I’m definitely looking forward to going back next Tuesday.