Calderdale Gold
Case studies
The following case studies highlight the impact of the cross-cutting Olympic themes and the real impact on people’s lives.
Inspire - Incredible Edible Todmorden
"Incredible Edible Todmorden isn't just about veg, although it would be easier if it was.
"Eating together is just one way in which we can start to blur the boundaries between young and old, black and white. We use food to talk and to share history and culture. We sow the seeds of kindness along with carrots and peas; we grow vegetables and community together, and harvest unity and harmony."
In two years Incredible Edible Todmorden |
have planted numerous public areas with veg - free for the public to pick; there is also a network of 20 new bee keepers and a map of 40 egg producers.
A 'vegetable tourism' has developed in Todmorden - Incredible Edible is to starting to spread around the world showing how growing crosses the boundaries of age and culture to bring people together.
Equality and respect - Calderdale Midnight League
The Midnight League has afforded many opportunities to young people to receive training from professionals, with financial help from Sport England, Football Foundation, Calderdale Council and Pennine Housing.
Khurram Shazad started with the Midnight League when he was 14 years old. At this young age, he showed exceptional skill. The League Senior Coach at the time set up a training program for Khurram to develop his skills further, culminating in a trial with Sheffield United. As a result, he was offered a six month place on the Pakistan National Football Team.
Upon returning to Halifax, Khurram was accepted on FC Halifax Town’s Academy Team where he currently plays. Khurram has been awarded a scholarship to play in America for the 2011 season. He also works for the Midnight League as a football coach.
Friendship - Calderdale Theatre School
Over the last six years Calderdale Theatre School has been an active member of ISTA (the International Schools’ Theatre Association). Festivals encourage diversity and collaboration, celebration and play, friendship and collegiality.
During this time the Theatre School have taken young people to festivals in The Hague, Brussels, Budapest, Berlin, Prague and Terezin (concentration camp) as well as hosting a festival in Calderdale. Festivals do not revolve solely around theatre, incorporating art, music, dance, film and photography; perhaps most importantly of all, the festivals provide an opportunity to develop friendships, both local and international, and develop an understanding of culture and history.
Calderdale Theatre School has now been awarded flagship status by ISTA and will run another festival in Calderdale this year in conjunction with Calder High School.
Courage and determination - Project Challenge Summer 2010 Expedition to Mont Blanc
Eight young people have just returned from an arduous expedition of Mont Blanc, walking and wild camping for 148 km, with 8,983 metres ascending. They began the journey in Switzerland, walked to Italy and France, returning back to Switzerland with their lives in a rucksack.
A place on this expedition has to be earned and is the ultimate test of confidence and teamwork where each team member is reliant on each other and must have the confidence in their own and each others ability.
These eight young people showed true courage and determination by completing the expedition.
Project Challenge is a registered Charity which delivers an intensive training programme to young people between the ages of 16 to 24.
Excellence - Acting
"Growing up in Calderdale I realized what I wanted to do with my life, which was acting, but had no idea how to pursue it.
"Calderdale Theatre School gave me the knowledge and the skill to apply for drama schools and Calderdale College gave me the qualifications I needed to get my BA Hons in Acting. I’m now a professional actor with an agent, performing on stage and screen."
Chris has recently starred in the acclaimed production of Alan Bennett’s History Boys touring nationally and culminating with a run at West Yorkshire Playhouse.
"Christopher Keegan’s playing of Timms, in his stage debut, is a welcome joy"
- The Stage
