However, we also met former Tulse Hill resident and strong supporter of positive community interaction, Sadie Campbell. Sadie told us about something she is launching in the Selhurst and Croydon area of London.
First, the 18th of August sees "It's a Selhurst Thing", a Community Day and Creative Arts and Photographic Exhibition in Acts House, 30 Union Road, Croydon CR0 2XU.
Then, between 1st and 7th September, in the Sun Lounge of the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, CR9 1DG, the exhibition is in place over a longer period of days.
Sadie told us that, "This project has three main aims all of which are of lasting community benefit:
1) [helping people to] Gain transferable skills. Approximately 20 local people
aged 8- 70+ years will support the project, some volunteering in roles
that develop their knowledge of project and event development and
to learn new skills, such as photography.
2) [to] Enrich Community Cohesion and through partnership working
produce an exhibition depicting the likes and dislikes of people living
in the Selhurst/Croydon area. These stories will allow the meek and mild
to speak to decision makers and members of the wider community, as the
exhibition will cover 100 years of Croydon life. It will travel through
the borough allowing people to add pieces to it. Finally, it will be archived
to serve as a historical record of how we used to live, work and play.
3) [to serve as a] Memorial. The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Fico Dougan, who was just 17
years old when he was tragically murdered on the 25th September 2013
in Croydon. As a ‘Community Call For Positive Action,’ we hope that
this project will be a start of the Fico Dougan Award, where local
people will help raise money annually, to offer financial support to
ambitious people who want to quickly access opportunities, i.e., access
training, education or to start off a business idea, etc., who would not
otherwise be able to afford the fees involved.This will serve as a lasting memorial in Fico’s honour to
finish the educational journey that he started, but unfortunately could
not complete."
If you can, go and see either event - or both events. If you're local, add a piece to the travelling exhibition.
The poster that is at the top of this blog post offers some more detail and Sadie's contact details, if you would like to get in touch about having the exhibition near you. Her email is sadiecampbell@hotmail.co.uk.
