An environmental charity is working this summer to produce a film to tell the story of the River Wandle, and they want community groups and locals to help make the film.

Groundwork is a national charity, established over more than 20 years, that works to create better places which work in a greener, more sustainable way and to improve local economic prospects.

In the late 18th and through the 19th century, the River Wandle was an important industrial feature in south London. The source of the River Wandle is widely accepted as being close to the site of the old Swan and Sugarloaf pub in South Croydon, with much of its modern course culverted until it re-emerges in Wandle Park, and flows on towards Beddington, Carshalton and Merton, joining the Thames at Wandsworth.

The Groundwork film is being created as part of the Reflecting the Wandle project which aims to increase awareness of the region, its heritage, environment, and history.

Groundwork’s spokesperson, Saira Niazi, told Inside Croydon: “We are looking to involve people from the local community to assist in all aspects of the film, from post-production to design. No experience is necessary, just creativity and enthusiasm. Whether you’re an amateur actor, budding cameraman or have a flare for sets and props, we need your help to bring the Wandle to life.”

Groundwork is staging a number of workshops:

• Wed Apr 23 at Riverside Centre, 113 Culvers Ave, Hackbridge SM5 2FJ – 7.30-9pm
• Thu Apr 24 Lost Theatre, 208 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2JU – 7.30-9pm
• Wed Apr 30 Colour House Theatre, Merton Abbey Mills, SW19 2RD – 7.30-9pm
• Thu May 1 Colour House Theatre, Merton Abbey Mills, SW19 2RD – 7.30-9pm

To register your place, contact Daniel Brittle: daniel.brittle@groundwork.org.uk or  020 8762 0353

“We are also looking for two volunteer assistant directors,” Niazi said. “You will work with the director and members of the community who will share their memories, stories and experiences of the River Wandle and help transform these into a film.” If you are interested in these positions please contact Rupal Shah on rupal.shah@groundwork.org.uk or 0207 960 4283

The project is being delivered through The Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and aims to re-vitalise the Wandle as an identifiable, high quality asset to the communities of south London, through engagement with the natural and built heritage of the river.

Coming to Croydon

• TickIt vote campaign launch, Apr 16
• Norwood Society Talk: Crystal Palace, Apr 17
• David Lean Cinema: Inside Llewyn Davis, Apr 17
• Opening of Marlpit Lane bowling and putting greens, Apr 17
• Arts and Crafts Market, Exchange Square, Apr 19
• Private Peaceful, Charles Cryer Theatre, Apr 23-26
• Alison, A Rock Opera, Spread Eagle Theatre, Apr 23-26
• David Lean Cinema: Short Term, Apr 24
• Stop The Incinerator Beer and Bingo fund-raiser, Apr 28
• Hauntology – the architecture of Croydon, Apr 5-May 2
• Norwood Society Talk: West Norwood – a place of change, May 15
• Croydon RFC charity memorial day, May 17
• Norwood Society Talk: The Concrete Church, June 19
• Crystal Palace Overground Festival, June 26-29
• Norwood Society Talk: War Memorials, Sep 18
• Norwood Society Talk: From Fire Station to Theatre, Oct 16
• Norwood Society Talk: Lambeth’s Archives, Nov 20

Inside Croydon: Croydon’s only independent news source, based in the heart of the borough: 72,342 average monthly page views (Jan-Mar 2014)

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