Queen’s Hall

Amanda Gould, Engagement Manager at Queen’s Hall Arts.

Queen’s Hall Arts in Hexham worked with local families connected to Albemarle Army Barracks and RAF Spadeadam to deliver a series of workshops introducing the project to communities in West Northumberland. Queen’s Hall Arts in Hexham worked with local families connected to Albemarle Army Barracks and RAF Spadeadam to deliver a series of workshops introducing the project to communities in West Northumberland.

Terry

“My grandfather was in the military, my dad was in the military, my mam was in the
military. I have three brothers. All three are currently in the military. I am in the military.

I was born in 1973 at The Princess Margaret Hospital, Royal Air Force Akrotiri. [In] 1974 Turkey invaded Northern Cyprus and eventually I had to be evacuated back to the United Kingdom because of the conflict whilst my Dad stayed to do his job. During all this, the Cold War was going on in the background, and the ongoing threat by the IRA towards military personnel, so growing up checking under the car for bombs before going anywhere became a routine. […] Freedom for me is the absence of any of these threats, being able to travel and not have to be constantly looking over the shoulder […]”

Terry

“Creativity, is an amazing way to lose yourself, and give an element of freedom from all of the above. Kids doodle in their school book as their minds wander and they are off somewhere else, adventures in their mind. I still doodle now […]

During one of my most difficult times, my tour of Afghanistan, the transport dropped me off at the airport 6 hours before I needed to be there because it suited the drivers routine from camp. Six hours less time I could have had with my young kids. That irked me so I drew a picture in my notebook. […] Within hours of being on the ground there was a rocket attack – I drew a picture reversing the scenario and labelling it as fireworks by the insurgents to welcome me. Humour and creativity in adversity. I had a lot of pictures by
the end of my tour.”

Emma Tominey, Commissioned Artist.

Katy

Participants explored the theme of ‘freedom’ and responded in ways that were meaningful to them. Community members were also involved in selecting the artist, Emma Tominey who shaped the final outcomes of the project.