Belonging to Stonehaven

Belonging to Stonehaven   What does it mean to belong to a place? The answers offered in these words come from Stonehaven residents. Each person has a unique history with the town – some settled recently, others were born here decades ago. Some see it as home or merely as a place to spend time   Project Leader, Mindy Grewer on right talks to interested residents The Belonging to Stonehaven project was set up by Aberdeenshire Council Arts Development Department in conjunction with Mearns Camera Club because a Sense of Belonging was one of the themes from the European Union Funded  SusSET Programme which pairs Stonehaven, Ellon and Inverurie with similar towns in Sweden, Poland and Greece. Together, the towns are testing and sharing models of youth involvement, tourism, heritage, conservation and town planning and management to ensure they will be attractive places to live, work and visit well into the future. Contributors to the project were   The twelve best photos   1.Youth Photography Project In the summer of 2006 youth from Stonehaven were invited to capture Stonehaven on film, focusing on their favourite places and activities as well as on issues that concern them. Mearns Camera Club gave an introductory workshop and single-use cameras were provided to those who didn’t have their own equipment. Participants were asked to submit 27 of their best images, a selection of which were to be on display from Monday 28th August to Monday 9th September and they will be seen by visitors from Sweden, Poland and Greece who will be visiting the area for the Scottish Susset Conference from 31st August to 3rd September. 2.Andy Hall A Stonehaven resident who spent 10 years as a member of the Mearns Camera Club in the ealy years and now making a name for himself due to the success of his recent publications of two volumes of A Sense of Belonging to Scotland. This is what inspired the design of this Belonging to Stonehaven Project See website www.andyhallphotography.com   3.Mearns Camera Club A voluntary group which welcomes members of all ages and skill levels The Club meets in the Stonehaven Community Centre and offers talks from visiting speakers, practical sessions, digital darkroom facilities, competitions and above all – friendly help advice and discussion. More information can be obtained from website www.mearnscameraclub.co.uk   4. Stonehaven Residents Locals were asked through local media and contacts with voluntary groups to write out their thoughts about the town. Winning Photoraph A judging Panel chose the best images based on creativity, skill and fit with the scheme. The panel, Mindy Grewar, Aberdeenshire Council, Andy Hall, author of Sense of Belonging Scotland, Martin Sim and Mike Reid of Mearns Camera Club found it extremely difficult to pick a winner as the standard was very high and the final decision was left to well known Scottish Photographer, Colin Prior who was called in to assist.       Tim Western receives his prize from Mike Reid Tim Western’s photo entitled Hangin On was declared the winner and he was presented with a Digital Camera which was provided by the Kincardine and Deeside Arts Forum (www.kdaf.org )   The Exhibition opened at The Stonehaven Leisure Centre on Monday 28th August and will continue until Sat 9th September. Opening Times Mon - Friday: 6.30am to 10pm Saturday: 8.30am to 8.30pm Sunday: 8.45am to 9pm