“4 women, 1 mysogynist, 4 age groups and 1 urgent question…”

Originally a poem, The Monotonous Drum is a spoken-word, live, theatrical performance intercut with increasingly self-aware film projections, exploring political discrimination under the overarching question: “at what age are we still too young…?”

Starring exceptional young actress Melody Ashman, The Monotonous Drum is a demanding piece of brand-new, experimental theatre by disabled writer Sophie Porter, in which the issues surrounding feminism, ageism, mysogyny and, of course, equality are tackled unashamedly and satirically under the comforting guise of carefully crafted rhymes.

As the programme notes say: “When will our opinions be taken ‘seriously’ – when we’ve given birth and proved our biological worth? When we’re old and have made our financial contribution to the country? Or simply none of the above?”

Sophie told us “Paul and I both studied at Harrow Way together and he’ll be directing, producing and performing in the piece. His partner, Melody Ashman, has the lead role.”

The Monotonous Drum will be at the Etcetera Theatre (above Oxford Arms), 265 Camden High Street, NW1 7BU on  4^th March 2014 at 9.30pm (duration 55 minutes).

Tickets are £10 and available from: http://www.etceteratheatre.com/?id=2&wod=03/04/2014

Links

• Writer Twitter: @sophiewho1988
• Theatre Twitter: @EtceteraTheatre
• Writer Facebook: /Sophiewho
• Theatre Website: http://etceteratheatre.com
• YouTube performance trailer: http://youtu.be/D2pnCavF5TU

The first Andover Youth Council meeting of 2014 took place at the Town Council Offices on the evening of 16th January. Being the first of the new year, I expected tired eyes, cold minds (particularly with the miserable weather Andover’s been not enjoying lately) and many distractions from productivity. However, when the very opposite occurred, I was more than pleasantly surprised!

The meeting was Chaired by Rebecca West; overseen by the good humoured and encouraging Councillor Geoff McBride; accompanied by several members of the Andover Town Council Youth Council Advisory Panel. Notably, the Assistant Principle of Andover College Stuart Barlow has joined the Panel. Unfortunately, Councillor Fitchet was unable to attend.

First on the agenda was the allocation of Vice Chair of the AYC – someone to take over and oversee meetings when the current Chairman (or Chairwoman) Rebecca is unable to attend – and, in my humble opinion, the Youth Councillors could not have made a better choice; Emily Fraser.

Emily Fraser is a student at Winton School and has been a part of the AYC since the beginning of this new incarnation. When I first had the privilege to meet Miss Fraser, she was a very passionate, strong willed and active member of the council; never afraid to speak out for what she believes in and make confident, carefully considered suggestions of how to better our small town.

Regardless of her abscence from December’s meeting, Miss Fraser contributed enormously to this meeting – taking issues responsibly and maturely into her own hands –  and choosing (without being asked to do so) to speak to a local group of young people she knows, aged 15 – 17, in the King Arthurs Way area; asking them what they want in and around Andover. The response she got was more than interesting as, among other issues/wants/needs, these young people listed:

• More activities and events for people aged 14 – 16.
• More short courses for young people (ending in the receipt of a small qualification/certificate).
• Repairs carried out on the Chantry Centre roof.

Miss Fraser was also able to speak to a number of King Arthurs Way Youth Club workers who stated that the young people they worked with had expressed a desire for more mental health support for young people in Andover aged between 13 & 17.

Of course, having gathered this information, it’s now up to the AYC to take action on the issues that, as a collective, they are practically able to. This, however, did not seem to phase them as they discussed where and how best to start drawing up an action plan, impressed with the sensitivity and attention to detail that the young people questioned had given to the thoughts of improving our town.

This is where the newest member of the AYC – Frankie Vallence – showed his strengths. Having accompanied Emily Fraser to this meeting to get a ‘feel’ for what the Council does, Vallence settled in quickly and, by the end, found his place comfortably in the group; maturely contributing to suggestions of improvements and providing practical actions. The Leisure Centre, for example, he said was too expensive for young people to join and regularly use; this needs to change. Andover College’s Assistant Principle advised that the College may be able to assist in resolving this. It is, naturally, something to be discussed and explored at length at a later date but – even as a concept – shows that local organisations are, indeed, taking the wants and needs of Andover’s young people seriously.

In conjunction with this, the importance of the AYCs placement in the local community was very much demonstrated at this meeting. Andover College have urged the AYC to take a stand at their Freshers’ Fayre on 6th February in order to promote themselves, get the young people in Andover talking & discussing local politics and, not forgetting, giving the AYC the opportunity to listen to the people they’re representing. Though the date is fast approaching, the AYC plan to take the opportunity to attend.

The first AYC meeting for 2014 was one very much used for laying foundations and making plans; to reach a wider audience, to pool their resources – the AYC will be meeting within the next 2 weeks to discuss the practicalities of their introductory video for Social Media – and to gather information received through new connections made.

Whilst change – big or small – takes time to implement, the Youth Councillors are making progress, increasing in confidence and are more passionate than I ever have seen them; Theo Youds is set on the idea of creating a Youth Coffee Shop and Wifi Hotspot for young people aged between 14 & 17 who want to hang out, get coffee and use the internet or play computer games with friends. A popular idea I think could benefit people and businesses alike. I’m pleased to say the AYC think so too! Mr. Youds has also set up the required Facebook groups – discussed at the previous meeting – and will shortly be setting up a Twitter account aimed at relaying important local information specifically to young people who need to know it.

All in all; spirits remain high and plans progressing positively. 2014 will be a strong and exciting year for the young people of Andover, there is no doubt.

(C) Sophie Porter 2014.

Writer Sophie Porter was there and reported on the event.

Andover Youth Council Meeting Report

The second Youth Council meeting took place on 3rd December 2013, in the peaceful rooms of the Andover Town Council Offices. It was a compact meeting of minds; brief, energetic and full of ideas aplenty.

Overseen, as ever, by the committed and determined Councillor McBride & Councillor Fitchet – supported by a handful of other, invaluable Councillors – the meeting covered so many areas and pending projects, it was sometimes difficult to keep up!

Keen to give the Youth Councillors independence and responsibility as soon as possible, the Town Councillors plan to oversee (guiding but never controlling) the first three meetings of the AYC whilst they find their political ‘feet’; giving them the best start on their journey to improving the town for the good of all. After this, unless urgently needed, the Town Councillors intend to leave the AYC – with access to the Council Offices – to hold their own meetings, as is appropriate.

Further to Town Council Secretary SJ Partner’s popular suggestion, the Town Councillors hope to support the Youth Councillors with Mentors – older and more experienced Councillors – who the AYC can turn to in times of doubt or confusion; keeping proceedings clear, simple and productive.

Within this, Andover Town Council hope to award each Youth Councillor, at the end of their time in ‘office’ with a certificate detailing their achievements in contributing to local politics and helping improve the fabric of the town.

Social media was a subject given particular attention at this meeting; naturally a primary topic in the age of mobile technology. Currently, Councillor McBride & Councillor Fitchet run the Andover Youth Council Facebook page in order to promote the AYC and keep the public informed of upcoming events. However, with new Youth Councillors and new responsibilities come new methods and, from now on, the Youth Councillors themselves will be confidently, regularly updating the Facebook page with news, events and general encouragement for all the town to see.

Somewhat related to the previous point, it should be noted that very soon each Youth Councillor will be allocated their own Andover Town Council email address. This in order that the Youth Councillors are easily contacted by any young people in Andover who need to talk, wish to express concerns or have their ideas heard.

One of many interesting and exciting discussions on the meeting agenda was the suggestion of creating an ‘introductory video’ of the AYC for social media, YouTube and the Town Council website. With the assistance of some willing volunteers, the Youth Council plan to create this video – introducing themselves, their ideas and their desires for the town – in January; a new year and a new approach, indeed!

Finally, and most importantly, the Youth Councillors have been given their very first task! Back in July, Andover Town Council ran a ‘Pizzathon’ in the Guildhall; a short, afternoon event run to encourage the young people of Andover to engage with local politics – asking them what they would enjoy in, and what they think would improve, Andover and the surrounding areas. The event was a success, the outcome being a vivid, interactive list of events and initiatives that, for the most part, were realistically achievable. Some ideas include:

• Summer Festivals
• Skate Park
• Gaming Marathons
• Indoor Hangout Area

The AYCs first task will involve going back to this coherent list and asking the young people of the town – through word of mouth, social media, schools and questionnaires – whether they still want any of the ideas brought up at the ‘Pizzathon’, why, and whether there’s anything new they think would contribute to improving the fabric of the town.

Whilst the new AYC has only just begun, still finding its way in the town, and the planning phase is only just underway; the issues, solutions and ideas discussed on 3rd December 2013 mark a new era in the way young people of Andover are treated and the wider affect that has on the town. Treated as responsible young adults who can make a difference, the AYC has big plans; the ATC are behind them, 100%, to make sure these plans become a reality.

(C) Sophie Porter, 2013.

Writer Sophie Porter was there and reported on the event.

Andover Youth Council Report

To say that Thursday night’s first meeting of the Andover Youth Council was promising would be an understatement. With a room full of Press, Councillors, proud Mothers and enthusiastic young people; the entire first floor of the Guild Hall buzzed with an excited, electrifying energy that was nothing less than contagious.

Overseen by Councillor McBride; despite the cold winds and rapidly frosting grass outside, spirits were high and welcomes warm as the all new faces of the Andover Youth Council were introduced to the town and declared their acceptance of their posts – each prepared to voice the opinions of their peers and listen to the needs of the masses; taking action for the good of the town and exceeding expectation.

In the quickest of council meetings I ever have seen, each Youth Councillor was accepted, seated and united; preceding the Election of Chairman for 2013/14 – an event which the previous Chairman, Jess Elliot, travelled all the way from Bath (where she studies at University) specifically to attend – and proceeding pictures, interviews and interesting conversation concerning the future of the AYC and its relationship to young people in the town.

The new Youth Councillors stand as follows: Jordan Simcox, Emily McShane, Jacob Hughes, Keagan Walsh, Emily Fraser and – finally – Theo Youds. Undoubtedly the most passionate, compassionate and out-spoken group of 14 – 17 year olds I’ve had the fortune to interact with; when asking Emily and Theo for their thoughts on the future of the AYC, they spoke eruditely about using social media to gather mass opinions & keep the public abreast of progress, as well as working together to improve high street facilities for Andover’s youth.

Emily, particularly concerned with creating and maintaining a central Youth Club in the town – rather than several fragmented activity centres based on the differing housing estates – demonstrated her enthusiasm for giving the young people of Andover a regularly, readily available, safe place to socialise and exercise their creativity, keeping them off of the streets and out of the cold; recognising the knock-on effect this will surely have with any and all other demographics in the town.

Theo, one of the youngest of the new Youth Councillors, was notably exuberant regarding the idea of “gaming nights”; a chance for young people to gather in one space with the pre-determined purpose of interacting through PC and video games: “That”, he said, “would be awesome!”.

With a starter budget of £1000 and the continued support of Andover Town Council – ever-present in AYC meetings will be Councillor McBride and Councillor Fitchet – this incarnation of Andover Youth Council has already built firm foundations in the town and set long-term, achievable – but realistic – goals that I have no question they will work hard to complete.

Not only are this group of young people passionate, compassionate, out-spoken, erudite and enthusiastic, but they’re also proactive, serious and unwaveringly head-strong; aware that they are working – not only for those in their age bracket – but for the collective good of the entire town.

All people of Andover – no matter where or how old you may be – pay attention! Your town is in the safest of hands.

(C) Sophie Porter, 2013.

Next Meeting of the Andover Youth Council:

Location: Andover Guildhall
Date & Time: Tuesday 3rd December at 6.00pm

Andover Town Youth Council is a new initiative setup so that young adults in the town can be heard and make a difference.

The initial meeting at the Andover Guildhall was a great success and was covered by local freelance writer Sophie Porter on the Inspired Community website.

If you are not sure whether to get involved, can you answer yes to these?

• I know there are problems in Andover that affect young people!
• No one listens to what Young People say!
• Do I want to make a difference?
• Do I want to be the Young People’s voice?
• Am I a team player?
• Can I be creative, productive and energetic?

Then Andover Town Youth Council wants you. Initiatives like it are also great for building your own self confidence – imagine seeing a project you’ve been involved in being launched.

To get started download a copy of the form click here and send it to:

Andover Town Council, 66C High Street, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 1NG

You can also email Andover Town Council at townclerk@andover-tc.gov.uk or phone on 01264 335592.

More often than not, for the weeks that followed this decision – a decision made by the majority of voters – people who supported UKIP were dismissed simply as “racists” and people who stood against them, dismissed as “unpatriotic”.

I was left wondering how my views would be categorised. I’m neither racist nor am I anti-britain. I love Britain and I count myself lucky to be British. I take pride in our multi-cultural society and appreciate that a lot of our food, drinks and materials are imported. Tea is a prime example of this. Where would the British be without tea which was introduced to the UK from China?

Politics is a complex affair – as in life – nothing is ever just black and white. Reading UKIP’s general Manifestos, there are some points made I genuinely agree with. I do think that giving real decision-making to local communities is a good thing and that taxes should not continuously increase.

However, I do strongly believe that UKIP’s opposition to the EU and wish to leave it is dangerous. It may cost us money, but the economic, social, health and cultural benefits to the UK of EU membership are vast. They include:

• 3.5 million jobs linked, directly and indirectly, to EU Trade in the UK
• The EU Health Insurance Card entitles us to a certain standard of Health Care wherever in the EU we find ourselves unwell or injured, and
• UK Pensioners are able to receive their Pension wherever in the EU they may live.

UKIP Andover

Now, you’ve probably got to this point in the article and questioned what any of the above issues have to do with our community; I say everything.

While Tony Hooke’s letter proposing the resignation of Carr was founded upon reasons which demonstrated concern for the well-being of Andover and it’s residents, I worry about what a UKIP majority means for the future.

• I worry about what it means for young people today and the next generation.
• I worry about local independent businesses run by immigrants and how UKIP Councillors view them.
• I worry about the extent of extra policing UKIP proposes to enforce on our streets and whether this will cause young people to lose faith in their community through feelings of distrust.
• I worry about what costs may rise and what services may be cut in order to decrease taxes.
• Essentially, I worry whether the stereotypical and generic view of UKIP as racist and xenaphobic will be proven right.

And generally there’s always a part of me that is concerned for the well-being of EU residents and the potency of the popular narrow labels that force a divide in any debate.

United we Stand, Divided we fall

In divisive politics where the language used creates “us and them” we loose sight of our shared humanity and scrap amongst ourselves while decisions are made behind closed doors.

In an age where economic, social, and environmental challenges more clearly effect us all, shouldn’t local people say no to divide and rule politics and look for things we have in common with our neighbours, in spite of our differences? That way, we might raise our voices together – however diverse and varied they may be – to address the issues that effect us all.

But with a UKIP majority and in the face of UKIP rhetoric – is that really possible? What do you think?

Article by Sophie Porter

Sophie is a freelance writer and can be found on Twitter at @sophiewho1988 and at her Facebook writing page, www.facebook.com/Sophiewho

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