Today I started my work experience placement with Beith Community Development Trust, I am absolutely loving it so far and have only been here for one day! I’m given so many fun tasks to complete such as scheduling, sending group texts, photographing the campus and uploading photos to social media accounts. The working environment is so funny and friendly that work doesn’t seem like “work” at all. Already I’ve learned so many skills on the computer and other devices I’m using and I hope to learn more over the following week. I’m exited to photograph the groups and comply articles about them for social media as it’s right up my street. Furthermore, I have learned about the amazing things that are happening here and just how much it is shaping or community to be a better place, it’s a pleasure to be a part of something so big.
Another fun skill filled evening at Astro Tots! In order to get warmed up we took part in numerous exercises consisting of competitive races where we gathered in a line among friends (or competitors in this case) and set off with speed. Also to get our hearts warmed up we took part in running drills such as high knee jogs, extended leg skipping and more. Learning to work together we marked ourselves at the cones then we meticulously approached and successfully passed the ball to our teammates. We then moved on to our skills and drills where we practiced our pro techniques of touching the ball around the cones in preparation for the big shoot! And of course scoring. With practice comes perfection therefore after our inevitable victory goals we moved on to a full game where we made use of our eagerly practiced skills in hopes of overcoming our opponents which involved; technical tackles, successful striking and diligent defence. Check out our photos here. Another fun week at Astro Tots – well done everyone see you next week!
The super awesome talent production line that is BAND FACTORY returns to the Garnock Valley this week.
Beith Trust brings together talented young musicians, singers and songwriters from all over the Garnock Valley and far flung places like Kilwinning to join up with the amazing Model x Media for a week of intensive work that will produce top quality performances in a one off gig this Saturday night, 11th April 2015, upstairs at Garnock Valley Health and Fitness Club
As usual for Day 1, folk were a bit nervous but keen to get started, the crew from Model x Media got everyone organised and down to work.
Last years Band Factory set the bar very high with their extraordinary performances at The Eglinton Inn in the autumn, check them out Beith Trust You Tube Channel
When the BCDT Team woke up on Saturday morning to clear skies we knew it was going to be a good day. We donned our bright hoodies and with plans in our hands we set about making Beith Astro pitch into the site of our very first Trust in the Pitch family festival.
Over 400 of you came to join us as the DJ’s music wound it’s way over the pitch past the bar and the hot dog van, past the candyfloss and icecream. There were so many free activities on offer that it wasn’t long before everyone was having fun…
There were toys and crafts to bring out the artist or the architect in everyone who enjoyed them. Bead necklaces and models were presented to proud parents and grandparents throughout the day
There was free face painting which was enjoyed by young and old alike and even managed to stay on while they worked up a sweat on the bouncy castle.
The Astro Balls proved to be both popular and fun with a great combination of silliness and skill required to remain standing up. They weren’t the only game which reminded us we were on a football pitch. There were penalty shoot outs, astro tots and good old fashioned kick abouts too.
The bar meant that adults got a chance to relax and chat with a wee drink in the sun and a sit down. There was even a bit of dancing both next to the DJ booth and in the silent disco.
All in all a great time was had. We’ve had so much positive feedback from you that we can’t wait to do it all again next year!
How many of us when we were younger dreamed of being a rock star or being in a band? Well on Friday 15th this dream got a little closer for 20 young people from our community.
Louis, Robbie, Rachel, Rahael, Abigail, Antonia, Morven, Gregor, John, Lily, Sarah, Emily, Paul, Craig, Calum, Erin, Eilidh, Jay, Rebecca and Euan from across Garnock Valley put on a brilliant gig at the Function Suite in the Eglinton, Beith. After only a week of rehearsals with performances by 4 bands, and 4 solo singers the guys were real professionals; impressing the audience and making the most of their sudden rise to musical stardom.
So how did it all come about? Well it all started when these two creative groups decided to work together and make music:
Unlicensed Events is a community project, part of Beith Community Development Trust, based in Beith, North Ayrshire. They are devoted to stimulating imagination and creativity in the community.
Model X Media is a Community Interest Company that delivers Creative Projects to those who want and uses the profits to provide for those who need them.
With Unlicensed Events spearheading the Band Factory project Model X Media provided the talented Tosh, Graham and Neal, three skilled musicians to mentor and work with our musical prodigies over the course of 5 days.
‘What a night! Band Factory gig was amazing – well done to all our performers, absolutely superb! The week flew by and all you young people should be really proud with what you achieved this week.’
Over the course of the week it was great to see that all of our musicians grew both in confidence and skill. They qualified for the opportunity by having a ‘skill or talent’ either being able to play (whatever level) a musical instrument or the ability (again whatever level) to sing.
‘Band Factory was fantastic, it was amazing to watch the progress the participents made in just 5 days, getting together for the first time on Monday and being ready to perform on Saturday night. During Band Factory, one of our new bands wrote a song, composed the music for it, and played it at the gig – incredible! At the gig, each and every one of the performers was brilliant, and the crowd loved it. What a lot of young talent in the Garnock Valley! It wasn’t just about the music though, some of the kids were quite shy to begin with but as the week went on their confidence grew, and friendships were formed. They really supported each other throughout the week and at the gig, real teamwork. Superb! ’
More videos from the gig can be found on our YouTube page and the Unlicensed Events Facebook page.
If this sounds like something you or someone you know would have loved to be part of – never fear:
‘It was the first Band Factory, but definitely not the last’
Great news is that we’ve spoken to Model X Media, and have booked them for another Band Factory which will be week beginning Monday 6th April 2015, and will run Mon-Fri with a gig on Saturday 11th April 2015. Cost will be £10 for the full week. Venues to be confirmed. Places can be reserved now, and will be confirmed when booking form and £10 fee is received. Please contact gill.ritchie@beithtrust.org to book a space.
