We're pleased to bring you the latest news on our current programme. With so much of our energy focused on the Cultivate programme, we've merged our newsletters to ensure you stay in the loop on all the action.
What's Happening At Great Mead?
We’ve been busy planning the Great Mead pilot project with our colleagues, an exciting new initiative to start transforming a 6.4-acre space in the centre of Chard into a safe, welcoming area for the whole community.
The project is all about helping people connect with nature and each other through fun, hands-on experiences. Over the next few months, we’re co-creating a variety of nature-based activities, creative workshops, and local events where everyone can get involved, share ideas, and help shape what Great Mead becomes.
We’re working closely with Chard Community Hub, Holyrood Academy, Chard Town Council, ARK at Egwood, Chard WATCH, and Somerset Wildlife Trust.
What’s coming up?
- Nature and wellbeing walks
- Training in forest skills, water and tree care, nature surveys, and climate adaptation
- Creative poetry, music and art sessions
- Outdoor cooking
- A September festival and an October community celebration
This work is made possible thanks to support from Somerset Community Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Horizon Connect NEB programme.
You can discover more about the project here.
To stay in the loop, join our new newsletter here.
Save the dates:
- 22 June: Nature Connection Workshop
- 20 July: Family Feast (part of Somerset Food Trail)
- 20 September: Great Mead Festival Gathering
Chill On The Hill
We’re excited that Chill on the Hill returns on Sunday 31 August 2025, in partnership with Ham Hill Country Park. Now in its fourth year, this fun-filled family event is quickly becoming a highlight in our annual calendar.
Chill on the Hill is a day to celebrate everything local, from delicious food and live performances to hands-on creative workshops and nature-based activity. We’re pleased to support local Somerset producers, artists, and performers, and can’t wait to share more details soon.
This year’s line-up includes Farm Yard Circus, Tor Theatre, and Little Big Horns.
Keep an eye on our website and follow our event on social media for updates!
Word/Play At Ark At Egwood
We’ve just wrapped up the second phase of Word/Play, a creative poetry project led by Liv Torc and Jonny Fluffypunk. Over eight months, a group of adults met weekly to explore poetry, build confidence, and support one another.
They described Word/Play as “the soft, spongey healing glue... it sticks us all together each week, the molten gold fusing our cracks.”
Although weekly sessions have ended, the group is now working on a Poetry Trail for the ARK woods and a book launch coming this July.
Making Theatre: A DIY Approach
Our colleagues at Taunton Brewhouse have shared details about the following workshop led by Richard Crowe and Ged Stephenson:
Want to create your own theatre show or start a company, but not sure where to begin? Not planning on drama school—or know it’s just not for you?
This session is for anyone who wants to make their own theatre but feels like the usual routes into the industry aren’t for them. Maybe school wasn’t your thing, maybe cost is a barrier, or maybe you just want to do things your own way.
Join Richard and Ged from Over the Wall Theatre Company on Monday 16 June, 6–7.30pm at Taunton Brewhouse Studio for an informal, welcoming session about making theatre your own way.
All three members of Over the Wall found their way into theatre without going to drama school or following the traditional paths. They’ll share how they got started, what they’ve learned along the way, and how they’ve kept going.
This is a relaxed, conversational workshop for anyone who’s curious about making theatre, whether you’re still in school, just starting out, already creating work, or exploring what’s possible.
They’ll cover topics like writing, producing, directing, casting, and finding support for your work. It’s not a full-on workshop, more of a friendly introduction to help spark ideas and inspire your next steps.
Tickets are £5, but if that’s a barrier, don’t worry, just get in touch. No one will be turned away. Spaces are limited, so booking is essential!
To book or ask a question, email Richard Crowe at overthewallsomerset@gmail.com
Next Newsletter
As you’ve seen above, we can occasionally promote other events and opportunities. So, if you have something that you’d like to be included in the next mail-out (which will cover August and September 25) please fill in this link with full details by 18 July 2025.
All good wishes,
Mark and Ruth
Take Art Theatre team