Meet the Working Party

Another post in a series where we get to know a bit about the members of the Greater Creative working party, the team behind all of the creative goings on in the parish. This time it's the turn of Janet Newham.

Which part of the Parish do you live in and what is your connection/history in

it?

I have lived in Blackwell all my life apart from five years when I was first married. I lived in four different streets Wilson Avenue Oxford Street, Victoria drive and Pendean close. Think my mum liked a change! I went to Blackwell and Mortimer Wilson schools I left at 15 and started an apprenticeship with Jean Wallis at South Normanton to become a Hairdresser, I walked to and from work each day as I only earned £1 10 shillings a week! I also attended Chesterfield Art College passed my City & Guilds at 18 then I worked for Ian’s mum before we moved to Stonebroom. I managed a shop in Clay Cross and when we came to live on Pendean Close after the girls started school, I opened my shop at home and worked until I retired. During my life in Blackwell I have been involved with various groups mother & toddlers, PTA at school, Ladies club, founder member of BRAG & now Greater Creative.

What is it like being a part of the Working Party for Greater Creative?

I enjoy the challenge of being involved with the working party with like minded people. As a group having the satisfaction of a project enjoyed by the community.

What were the reasons you wanted to be involved in Greater Creative?

I am interested in anything involving art and crafts and to see children and adults enjoying these kinds of activities is very satisfying.

How has covid impacted Greater Creative? Has there been any take-aways from this experience?

It has really changed the getting together of the group and bouncing ideas off each other. Zoom is not the same. However, when the workshops in community centres had to stop, the activity packs then came into their own. The art packs were very successful, the downside was the delivering and collecting if needed. We overcame this by our wonderful group putting themselves out there, going the extra mile to deliver and collect from participants.

What are you most proud of achieving so far and why?

The fact that with the right people we can tackle any job and sort out any problems together. Also, how grateful people were for our time and trouble. There is definitely an opening for more of this kind of activity in the area.

What are you looking forward to doing next in this project?

Looking forward to The Tea Ladies appearance in the village and hoping the weather is good for them and our future outdoor projects!