New project encourages Rainham residents to get creative from home

The free resource parks include crafts to make, recipes to bake and adult colouring activities (credit: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch)

A new project has been launched to help people in Rainham get creative from home while social distancing restrictions continue.

Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch, in partnership with Clarion Futures, are launching the ‘Spring Into Creativity’ project to provide creative activities for Orchard Village and Passive Close residents.

The free resource packs contain activities which are designed for all ages, with a specific focus on adults who are shielding.

The activities include crafts to make, recipes to bake, as well as adult colouring, games, quizzes and puzzles.

They also feature creative writing challenges and competitions, with prizes including 60 tickets to Queen’s Theatre productions later in the year.

James Watson, head of learning and participation at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, said: “We hope everyone will find something inside to make them smile, give them pause to think or a chance to explore something new.

“Spring is here, new opportunities and initiatives are starting up and we are so excited to be at the heart of it continuing this valuable partnership with Clarion Futures and delivering more creative projects within the community.”

The ‘Spring Into Creativity’ project is also celebrating the local touch through supporting local artists and businesses, including Gemma Compton from Craftschmooze stationary.

The Rainham resident, who was born in the old Mardyke estate, has been commissioned to make brand artwork and resources for the packs.

The project aims to share local resources, such as London Borough of Havering’s #LookAfterYourNoggin campaign.

It also highlights digital and non-digital community initiatives, including Havering Changing and upcoming digital and telephone-based creative workshops.

Matt Parsonage, head of communities at Clarion Futures, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch which has evolved to meet the changing needs of residents during the pandemic.

“The ‘Spring into Creativity’ project will be fantastic for local people, providing opportunities to take part in activities and engage with the community and I’m sure it will prove to be very popular.”

For more on this story, and the latest on our other local and national news, listen to Time 107.5FM