Free Bee Hunt events and launch of new Film Club for children and young people in Winsford

Crosshatch studio in Winsford has announced exciting free events over the summer to help children in the local community to get creative.

The Yarn Bombers group will be holding a Bee Hunt every Saturday from 27 July until 31 August, whilst Cine Window Winsford are launching a new monthly film club at Winsford Library for children and young people to learn filmmaking techniques.

Crosshatch is a not-for-profit community art gallery and makerspace, with the aim to support creativity in Winsford. Crosshatch gives people the opportunity to explore new creative experiences with a range of activities including; felting, drawing, painting, glass making, ceramics, printmaking, journaling, weaving and yarn bombing.

The Bee Hunt will start from Crosshatch where the Bee Hunters can collect a map and badge, and if they complete the hunt this map can be exchanged for a keepsake bee. For very young children adult supervision is essential as part of the hunt takes them across the road and into the Town Park. The activity is free, and will take place every Saturday from 27 July until 31 August at 10am-3pm. Alongside the Bee Hunt, there will be stalls and demonstrations of the activities that people can get involved with at Crosshatch. On 10 August there will be a painting demonstration, on 17 August there will be book crafts, and Macrame on 24 August.

Cine Window Winsford are launching a new free monthly film club for children and young people at Winsford Library Taking place on the first Monday and Thursday each month, children and young people can go on an exciting journey into the world of virtual reality filmmaking, using 3D cameras, experiencing the magic of virtual reality and discover the art of set building, motion tracking and world building. The club will be led by award-winning videographer, Joey Edwards, who has made films for Chester Zoo and the BBC. The next session for children aged 8-11 years will take place at 4.30-6.30pm on Monday 5 August at Winsford Library. The next session for young people aged 12-16 start on Thursday 1 August at 4.30-6.30pm at Winsford Library.

Cine Window Winsford is an exhibition space showing artist and community film projects in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre. Since 2019, Cine Window Winsford has commissioned and screened artist films and moving image made by and with creative communities of the town. Recent projects include ‘Rainbow’, a collaboration between Cine Window Winsford and the Winsford U3A poetry group exploring text-to-image AI as a tool for poets; and ‘Visible Mending’, which documents the work of Rachel Davies and the participants in her workshop series at Crosshatch studios. Rachel’s approach to repairing garments encompasses the idea that garments accrue narratives through wear and are physical documents in their own right. The film, part documentary and part visual art, creates an intimate view of the art of sewing.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“Crosshatch and Cine Window Winsford are assets to Winsford, and the fantastic work of the Yarn Bombers group is loved by many – including me! I hope that people get involved with the summer events and activities, they are an opportunity for children and young people to be creative and have fun. Culture, creativity and play are vital parts of modern town centres and are supported by Cheshire West & Chester Council as part of its regeneration of Winsford.”

Cllr Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future, said:

“Crosshatch Studios, Cine Window Winsford and groups like the Yarn Bombers are rooted in Winsford. They work with people from different groups and backgrounds and of different ages to support co-creation, with a focus on making sure people are included. I’m proud that the ideas of this vibrant community will become thriving events this summer in Winsford.”

Sharon O’Brien of Winsford Yarn Bombers, said:

“Our first Bee Hunt was a huge success, with almost 50 children taking part which was fantastic. It was pleasing to hear people were also very keen and interested in what we will be planning for next summer, so the plan is for it to become a regular thing.

“It's great to see the sheer joy on children’s faces when they get to choose a Bee in our Lucky Dip box. We love being a part of the community and doing our bit to bring creativity and fun to the town.”

This project is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Crosshatch and Cine Window Winsford are always keen to hear new ideas.

If you are interested in sharing skills or running a class; or if you have ideas or proposals for a new project please get in touch with Crosshatch Studio or email: 

artswest@cheshirewest.gov.uk

For more information on activities at Crosshatch and the Yarn Bombers Bee Hunt, visit:

www.crosshatchwinsford.com

To book a place on the Film Club, visit:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cwac-arts

More information on Cine-Window is available on their website:

Cine Window Winsford

More information on the Council’s regeneration of Winsford town centre can be found on the Council website:

Winsford Town Centre | Cheshire West and Chester Council