Museum
of Carpet Writer in Residence, Heather Wastie, has teamed up with local
singer/songwriter, Kate Wragg, to create an entertaining show about
Kidderminster past and present. The title of the show,“Kidderminster Stuff”,
refers to a heavy weight, multi-purpose cloth woven in the town until the
1700s.
For
the past eighteen months, Heather has been interviewing people who once worked
in the carpet industry, turning memories into songs and poems. One of the songs
is a blues inspired by local people’s nostalgic fondness for the sound of
Brinton’s Bull which once bellowed across the town five times a day. Nineteenth
century poet Noah Cooke, known as the Weaver Poet, is also represented. Heather
will perform the poem he wrote for the first edition of The Shuttle in 1870;
she has also set his Weaver’s Song to music, accompanying herself on accordion.
Kate’s songs focus on Kidderminster today and she too accompanies herself, on
guitar. The two singers will combine for some pieces and there will be a few
surprises!
Kidderminster
Stuff is at the Boar’s Head Gallery on Friday 16th August 7.30pm and the Museum
of Carpet on Saturday 17th August 7.30pm. Tickets are limited so booking is
advised. For further information see weavingyarns1.wordpress.com. The event is
funded by Wyre Forest District Council and is part of Kidderminster Arts
Festival.
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