Zoe Taylor and Creative Newington
Zoe talks about being part of Creative Newington from day one. She recollects attending creative sessions where her and her children created alley animals with artist, Rob Turner.
Case Study
Zoe regularly attended the creative sessions where she learned many new skills and making mosaics was ‘absolutely brilliant’, though the process took a long time and the children became less and less engaged. Zoe talks about creating mosaics for the benches and the community centre sign and when asked how she feels about the installation she says: “I feel really proud. Because it's something that's going to be there for a long time. I said to my kids, we're on there now. You can show your kids when you're older”.
An important legacy for her has been making solid friendships. She talks about a new network of friends that has been created. She says: “I've known Kerry for years and years because I know her sister, but I've never really been ‘friendly, friendly’ with her but now we're really friendly.” She talks openly about her struggle with alcohol and how the community came together to support her when she decided that she needed to give up alcohol for good. Zoe said: “The support I got last year when I was giving up drinking was absolutely phenomenal. It’s been 14 months, nearly. Last year was brilliant.” Zoe also talks warmly about her relationship with Rob and with the community chef, Mike. She took part in a 6-week family cooking course led by Mike. Speaking about the cooking classes, Zoe said: “We are a kind of little force on the cooking. And I got told off the other day by Laura because I hadn't booked myself cooking on a Tuesday yet”.
Over time the Hot Dog Club group dynamics changed and Zoe struggled to find how she could continue to fit in with the group. Having recently moved to Margate, Zoe’s connection to Newington has lessened though she said “I did miss you all. We didn’t come to the summer holiday programme because I live in Margate now, and the holiday camp the kids chose was in Margate.”
Zoe talks positively about being involved in the project and about the future, and would love for something ‘creative’ to continue but perhaps it needs to be more structured, a smaller group and specific activities to focus on. And, for a regular family bingo session at the community centre!