Scribble magazine Spring 2015

ArtistFocus:

Lisa RisbecCommunitea

RoomsThe Brew

BlackwheelTHE Links

Project

The Community Issue

NEW WRITINGPOETRYFICTIONREVIEWS

Issue

18Spring

2015

Hello and welcome to Scribble Magazine!

We publish Scribble quarterly and share anything that can be written, spoken or performed!

Our work takes us to meet with new and undiscovered writers from across the Greater Manchester boroughs of Rochdale, Bury, and Oldham where we deliver the “Tell Us Another One” project for writers of all levels of experience who are given the opportunity to contribute to the pages of Scribble magazine with poems, fiction, news, and reviews and occasionally with featured articles with your favourite writers, poets and performers.

This issue of Scribble will look at the very broad subject of community, a discussion that could lead us in all sorts of directions! What does community mean, and what are the changes across our communities? How do they affect us and how can we continue to be positive in such challenging times here in the U.K.

Danny FaheyEditor

Scribble magazinec/o: Tell Us Another OneCartwheel Arts110 Manchester Street, HeywoodOL10 1DW

01706 361 [email protected]

Wordsfrom the

Editor

ArtistFocus:

Lisa RisbecCommunitea

RoomsThe Brew

BlackwheelTHE Links

Project

The Community Issue

NEW WRITINGPOETRYFICTIONREVIEWS

Issue

18Spring

2015

616182634

Scribble Artist focus: Lisa Risbec

Brews, banter, and the return of the

Community Café

the Blackwheel Project

Links project 2015

Poem of the month

Community, communityOpportunity for unity

All together now, all hatred goneTurn that Big Fat Zero into ONE

Make a stand against what’s wrongBring back values we thought had gone

Community, communityOne more stab at unity

All as one makes us strongAnd if you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one your with, Right On

Community is you and meAll God’s children must be free

So let the flag of Togetherness be unfurledIn the community we call the World

Phil BarlingDumers Lane Writers Group

HYMN TO

COMMUNITY

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Scribble artist focus: Lisa Risbec

by Ashleigh Chaffey

As part of my Silver Arts Award, I decided to learn a bit more about the arts sector by interviewing an artist, Lisa Risbec. Lisa is a freelance visual artist that I have had the pleasure of working with through my work with Cartwheel Arts. I first met Lisa back in June, when she ran a session on making a small book from paper, a skill I can still boast of to this day. With her background in photography, filmmaking, and stop motion paper animations, Lisa has now made a return to making by hand, as well as exploring her work in a more critical way. Her practice over the past few years has involved working with collage, paper and paint as well as crafting objects by hand. Lisa will be working with Tell Us Another One during summer 2015 and we cant wait to get started!

AC: So first off, tell me how you became an artist?LR: Well, I’ve always had an interest in making things ever since I was young. I left school and went to university to do a degree in photography and film making. After that, I started my own photography business but I wanted to get back into making things. I decided to focus on that as a career, and then I got involved with Cartwheel Arts and started working with people, and here we are!

And have you always been talented at what you do?No, not really. I suppose it’s because I’ve always had an interest in making things and so I had lots of practice quite early on!

What’s your favourite part of the work that you do?It changes! Right now I’m really interested in paper art and experimenting with colours and materials. But I always love working with the workshop participants.

Given the choice, would you prefer freelance or permanent work?Freelance, definitely. You have so much more freedom, you can get up when you want (to a certain degree). I’ve had loads of “proper jobs”, and I definitely prefer freelance work and being my own boss.

And finally, is there a specific issue or group that you would like to work with that you aren’t already? Not particularly, I love the work that I’m doing now, I do a lot of work with people experiencing mental health issues, and I love watching their skills grow and develop and seeing them all grow in confidence.

“I’ve always had loads of proper jobs, and I definitely prefer freelance work”

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A community is like a spider’s web or an open flowerWe help each otherWe look out for each otherIntroduce new neighbours to the communityHelping each other in our hour of needPicking each other’s children up from schoolMaking sure our neighbourhood is safe and tidy

A spider’s web is like thin strands of silk woven together very delicately, but simplyStarting and finishing at different pointsIt’s like a community with people of different backgrounds, creeds and coloursAll mixing together and becoming one and supporting each other.

Shazia Hussain, Spotland Writers Group

VillageFriendly, compact

Laughing, chatting, walkingCountry pursuits, urban adventures

Speeding, rushing, drivingConcrete jungle,

City

Denise W. Field, Dumers Lane Writers Group

Community Web

Movement

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I think community is like a garden, when you go there, you see different kinds of

plants, trees, flowers, grass, fruit trees, but they are living together. It means they are growing together. It doesn’t

matter that they are different in shape or in colour, some are big, some are small, yellows, greens. Like those in

the community are living with different customs, habits, fashions, culture. They

cannot live alone without these things. Community means to live together,

understanding each other, solving each other’s problems. Meeting people who

come from different areas, different places, a gathering.

Robina Naeem, Spotland Writers Group

garden

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THISMUST

BETHE

PLACE

A FAMILY

A COMMUNITY

A STREET

A COMMUNITY

A TOWN

A COMMUNITY

A CITY

A COMMUNITY

A CONTINENT

A COMMUNITY

THE EARTH

A COMMUNITY

WE ALL SHARE

Fran Ardern, Dumers Lane Writers Group

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Blackwheel is a graphic novel that was developed by Yussuf Mrabty and Ali Gadema with young people from the Belfield area of Rochdale in partnership with Black Box (co/Bright Books) and the Kashmiri Youth Project in Belfield with the aim of creating a short graphic novel that presents an alternative view of the types of characters, stories and environments popular comics and graphic novels can often portray.

Stereotypically heroes and heroines are depicted as musclebound and sexualised, predominantly of white ethnicities, and without human flaws of any kind. The Blackwheel project has worked with a diverse group of young people from Rochdale to create characters and an environment, and write a story that challenges readers and can provide a new local template for diverse and alternative comics and graphic novels.

Blackwheel has also been developed into a multi-media project and performance that includes graphic novel imagery, live voice actors, projection and digital sound that can be used in education with young people to explore sensitive issues and topics.

Blackwheel has been performed at the Rochdale Literature and ideas Festival and Cartwheel Arts 30th Annual General meeting. This work is also available in a limited edition print run from the Cartwheel office.

Blackwheel Project

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Brews, Banter, and the return of the Community Café

When you think of community cafes you often think of a chrome tea urn that takes up a corner of a local community centre. An echo laden hall with light blue lino tiles with grey specks, and the orange coloured plastic chairs you seem to only get in schools and council buildings. Polystyrene cups, and tea so hot it burns your tongue on first taste. They are cold, old and lack lustre! At least that might be the general stereotype. Recently there has been a bit of movement in our communities in the wake of the many cuts to public services, the closure of community buildings and cuts in the work force that would normally operate them. The rise and rise of the community café! and in 2015 the community café is definitely not a no frills experience.

We have had the pleasure of delivering work in partnership with, and planning more future work with two community cafés which although very far apart share the same values and passions about the communities in which they are placed. They have a real focus on comfort, warmth, and fairly priced but high quality teas, coffees and food that you would ordinarily expect to enjoy at a café in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Equipped with community rooms for activities, and clean and modern facilities and furniture, these community cafes don’t disappoint and do a great job at welcoming people back and keeping them engaged.....

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The Return of the Community Café:Communitea Rooms

Communitea Rooms - 184 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale OL16 2DN Tel: 01706 550203

The aptly named Communitea Rooms is a gem that shines brightly amongst the rows of fast food take aways and cash and carry stores on the top end of Yorkshire Street in Wardleworth, Rochdale. Its fine selection of teas from around the world and range of cakes and biscuits for the indulgent is a particular treat, as are the hot meals and local delicacies such as fresh samosas and fried rice on offer. Communitea is a social enterprise with the health and wellbeing of the community as a core interest.

Find out more – www.communiteacic.com

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The Return of the Community Café:The Brew Café

The Brew Café - 1 Fitton Hill Shopping precinctFitton Hill, Oldham Tel: 0161 628 6808

The Brew Café is a key public space in Fitton Hill in Oldham. An extension of the Eden project The Brew is an amazing achievement, especially considering much of the café, from essential equipment to furniture and cups and saucers have been donated by local business’s and entrepreneurs. The Brew is an amazing bright and modern space with large leather sofas, wifi connection, and an impressive wood burning stove that dominates the main space. There is also an all important play area and crèche for parents who may come in to use the café to break up their day or come in and do some reading or studying.

Find out more – www.edenoldham.com/thebrew/

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WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY

I live in a community where everyone is friendly and helpful. We have people from different ethnic backgrounds, Asian, British, Africans and

much more. We enjoy living in this community and feel comfortable with one another.

I believe that this is a very safe community. In difficult times, the community has never failed to help and support one another. My door

is always open to everyone.

I have lovely neighbours who come whenever they fancy and stop by for a good chat and a nice cup of tea. If no one wants to socialise it can

feel lonely in the community.

Its best for us all to engage in the community and stay smiling and happy.

Rukhsar AktharSpotland Writers Group

SOCIAL LIFE

Different kinds of activities

Meeting with people of different backgrounds is very important for us, from this our minds open

We have the opportunity to learn different thingsWe stay fresh in the mind and body

Freedom is our rightAnd we should have these rights in full

Without this our lives are like a locked cageLike a person in a closed room can be alive, but our ability to do

anything has been snatched from us

Translated from Urdu by Shahida Parveen and Shamshad Khan - Spotland Writers Group

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The Links project took place across the borough of Rochdale over a period of one month in the areas of Kirkholt, Langley, Wardleworth, Back O’Th Moss, Milnrow, and Deeplish. Each of these groups worked with professional writers Tony Walsh, Shirley May, Reece Williams, Nicole May and Saquib Chowdhury to produce a book of poems and stories and the project engaged many different types of people who are resident in the borough and used creative writing as a means to explore diversity within Rochdale borough, and to help us realise our cultural similarities and celebrate our cultural differences.

On our journey we met people who have lived in Rochdale borough their whole lives, people from Rochdale who have moved to far away places such as Australia and South Africa, and people who have come to Rochdale borough from different parts of the UK and from all over the world to make a new life and give to the community.

The Links project has been produced in partnership by Tell Us Another One at Cartwheel Arts and The Cohesion Hub.

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Why am I here in Rochdale? My journey’s been so short. Born in Oldham, Middleton raised,New pastures I have not sought.

Others are here in Rochdale, Their journeys been too long Persecution And PrejudiceMade birthplace feel so wrong.

Why are we here in this borough? It’s not awash with charm, But friendliness And unityKeep us free from harm.

Why am I here in Rochdale? Well – from my point of view, This is the place That I call homeAnd I hope that you do too!

Ann Robinson, Langley Writers

ChangesFactories and mills Disappeared and replaced by ASDA and McD’s Greta Green, Kirkholt

ConfusedRochdale. Urban or rural? So confusing Julie Hughes, Kirkholt

LanesSpeed bumps, big lumps, car jumps. Kirkholt

Rural or UrbanPeaceful, spacious fields

Barren moorland, bad weather Good community

Suffocating land Houses too close together

Less room to blossom Sharon Roddy, Kirkholt

1973From year long summers, to cold

Wet pavements. Rochdale. Muhammad Miah, Wardleworth

Favourite SeasonAutumn leaves spread all over the road.

I think ‘Wow, Where have I come to? Musharraf, Wardleworth

Urban or Rural?

Why Rochdale?

One of the things that was explored on the Links project is how does Rochdale Borough define itself, urban or rural? There is a mix of dense housing and tower blocks and rolling green hills and farmland that sit side by side with seemingly invisible barriers between them. Our groups explored this in short form poetry.

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two facedShe is just a girl Shrouded by decision Which path to pick Her footsteps nervous Tainted her heart

Fearing her choices Careers and college G.C.S.E’s Which ones are right?They came at her directly Like a speeding bullet Tearing through flesh That once coated her life

She is just another girl Leaving in fear Fleeing her stalkersHer footsteps nervous Tainted is her home

Far away from loved ones Grasping at freedomWill she find a home?It came at her directly Like a speeding bullet Tearing through flesh That once coated her life

They are just girlsDifferent perspectives Facing challenges Changes will come Sometimes unexpected Now they face the future To flourish from their choices As life speeds ahead

Katie Haigh, Langley Writers

Northern BoundHeading North on a Yelloway coach

Mum, my sister and a younger me driven by a suited and booted eccentric driver a rocking and rolling Elvis wannabe his Brylcreemed

hair and smile wider than the Manchester ship canal.

Riding along to a rousing anthem crackling sweet packets and rippling coughs

Triangular cut cheese spread sandwiches wrapped in the recycled wax paper of loaves scoffing sweets intended to last the journey in a

sugar rush frenzied ten minute hurry. Destination North. Homeward bound.

Leaving behind blue skies and lush fields picture book cottages and farmhouses entering clusters of mills and smoking chimneys,

corridors of redbrick houses marching towards dim shop lights and doom town living mobile baptism into an industrial downswing.

Destination North. Homeward bound.

Absorbing an infectious sense of belonging claiming all present and calling those absent, languishing over moor and stone façade

forming layers on grit plastered pavements gushing through rivers and over ground calling souls home, claiming my own.

Destination reached. Northern. Bound.

Shirley-Anne Kennedy, Langley WritersFlightIn all of these anxieties I have nothing but wounded songs There is me beneath the sky There is me and a dead end I don’t want to meet Oh you, the star of eastern nights Don’t take away my wings

Sara, Shamwari Group, Deeplish

We have different words but we all need esugh, dashiri, bolengo, love

We have different words

but we all need Kimia, samathanam, salaam, peace

We have different words but we all need azadi, howrea, liri, freedom

We have different words but we all need mardoumi, insaneh, humanité, humanity

We have different words but we all need khane, veedu, shtepi, home

We have different words but we all need bozorgi, karama, dinjitet, dignity

Shamwari Group, Deeplish

LOVEPEACE

FREEDOM32 33

Poem Of The Month

Join In!This month we have selected a poem of the month! We are often sent many pieces of work from people who come across our magazine and want to be included. Sometimes they come from as far and wide as Scotland and Newcastle, but this one comes from not too far away in Spotland in Rochdale. Thank you Rakhshinda, we will be in touch to present you with a £20 book token as your prize for this wonderful poem.

The night skyWhen I gaze at the night sky, then I see a crescent moon.

It is a half moon, a full moon, like a circle repeating.

I see a moon in a different position, sometimes I see the moon shimmering in the dark, dusky night.

First night of the moon, makes faces bright and lovely.

When I see a veiled lady on the moon, I wish she would talk to me.

Keep me informed how life is on the moon, and tell me about surrounding planets in the Milky Way.I have the moon in my hand, it causes my thinking to change.

Moon is mood, mood is moon, it affects our temper.

When I am face to face with the moon, I see my beloved’s face in the moon, then words start flowing from my pen.

When jealousy is in the way, between me and my beloved, my pen emits moon light

Turns the night into day, the silver light of the moon spreads everywhere, and affects everyone.

So everyone sings the song of love.

A beautiful face doesn’t need paint.

Moon is not mine nor yours, it is the mamoo (uncle) of children.Sun returns arrogantly, moon returns grace fully.

The moon hides away, never disobeying nature.

Rakhshinda Aslam,Spotland Writers Group

Anyone can join our Tell Us Another One regular writing groups which we

support across the Greater Manchester Boroughs of Rochdale, Oldham, and

Bury. Groups meet monthly and are always welcoming towards new

members. For more information contact 01706 361 300

Darnhill LibraryArgyle Parade Heywood

0L10 3RY Second Monday 1pm - 3pm

Spotland Community Centre92-96 Spotland Rd, Rochdale

OL12 6PJ Fourth Wednesday 9am - 11am

Deeplish Community CentreHare St, Rochdale, Lancashire

OL11 1JT Third Tuesday 1pm - 3pm

Dumers Lane Library245 Dumers Ln, Radcliffe, Manchester

M26 2GN Third Friday 11am - 1pm

Moorside Library Seedfield Resource Centre,

Parkinson St, BuryBL9 6NY

First Thursday 2pm - 4pm

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Scribble Magazine is part of the Tell Us Another One Project, a three-year creative writing project, run by Cartwheel Arts in

the North-West of England.

The project operates in the Greater Manchester boroughs of Rochdale, Bury and Oldham and is funded by Big Lottery and

supported by each borough respectively.

We run monthly creative writing groups for adults in locations around the three boroughs considered to be in need of cultural

provision.

These groups are free and open to everyone with no previous experience of creative writing needed, you don’t need to have

perfect grammar or for your first language to be English.

If you’re interested in creative writing and would like to try new forms and styles, from poetry to ultra-short fiction, to song lyrics to dramatic monologues or playscripts, if you’d like to meet and work with well known professional writers and if you’d like to know other people in your local area who

enjoy creative writing, your local Tell Us Another One group is waiting to welcome you.

Find us on Facebook: Cartwheel Arts Follow us on Twitter: @cartwheelarts

w Watch us on youtube: Cartwheelartsonline