Working in partnership for the people of Herefordshire
Mordiford Dragons
The HEarts Partnership is a partnership committed to developing and supporting creative opportunities for 5 – 11 year olds. This is primarily done through art residencies in schools, whereby links are forged between the creative industries and the Local Education Authority.The Here Be Dragons project was inspired by the folklore of the Mordiford dragon, which, it was once said, would amble down from its den in Haugh Wood to drink from the confluence of the rivers Wye and Lugg at Mordiford. The idea of exploring the legend came from community members who have strong links to Mordiford Primary School. They wished to develop a project where children could learn about myth and history in a creative way and are encouraged to think about the landscape in which they live.
The aim of this project was to enable community members of all ages from the parishes of Mordiford, Fownhope and Kings Caple to take part in an arts project that explores and celebrates this local legend. The activities included:
- 12 arts residencies with six different groups of children aged between three and eleven
- 1 dramatic production through workshops open to the whole community
- Kite making
- Dragon artworks
- Walks
There was also the first annual Dragon Day festival in July 2006, involving a community procession, community musicians, and the performance of the rehearsed dramatic piece. Dragon Day was open to all, adding to the county’s list of tourist attractions.
In addition, there was a Dragons Encounter trail in Haugh Woods, offered by Wildplay in association with the Forestry Commission. Wildplay workers educated those on the trail about the local flora and fauna, taking routes that will cause the least disturbance to local wildlife. Treasure boxes were hung throughout Haugh Wood, and were recycled as bird and bat boxes after the event.
An accessible and informal final report was made of the project, summarising the results of the evaluation, containing photographs of the scheme, and explaining the process from beginning to end and any deviations from the original ideas. This report was sent to the local schools, parish councils, community participants and project funders and partners.
Members of these three communities were encouraged to join the group who will continue the Dragon Day festival in future years, helping to create a sustainable local product.
Sarah Laws
The HEarts Partnership
Tel: (01432) 346526