Retford learners get creative for Christmas Tree Festival
Learners studying North Notts College courses at the Retford Post-16 Centre showcased their creativity with a festive community action project; decorating a Christmas tree as part of the St Swithun’s Church Christmas Tree Festival.
The fun festive challenge has seen the creative juices flowing as the learners have created a College-inspired white Christmas tree decorated with items that represent courses available at the centre. The project brought together a team of learners from across different curriculums including Art and Design, Hair and Media Make-up and Sport.
As well as the opportunity to showcase the skills of local learners, the Christmas Tree festival raises vital funds for the church with local businesses donating to the church fund and members of the public paying a £2.50 entry-fee to view over 100 beautifully decorated trees.
Retford Post-16 Centre Hair and Media Make-up Curriculum Team Leader Karen Connole coordinated the project.
Karen said: “It’s been a fantastic project to be involved with. We really wanted to get involved in a community project and play an active part in our local community; when this opportunity was presented to us I jumped at the chance for our learners to be involved.
“I’m really passionate about showcasing the fantastic work learners at Retford Post-16 Centre can produce and the wider role that our young people play in the community.
“I was delighted to donate £20 to the church fund on behalf of Retford Post-16 Centre and I’m looking forward to working with our talented learners to create an even more eye-catching display for next year’s festival; some of the trees on display here today are absolutely stunning and so creative!”
Level 2 Hair and Media Make-up Artistry learner, and Level 2 course representative, Whitney Fink was one of the learners who worked on the project.
Whitney explained: “Our tree has been worked on by people studying different courses and all the learners from Level 2 and Level 3 Hair and Media Make-up have taken part in the project.
“It’s nice because the whole point of the project is to raise money for the church; it helps to recognize that this sort of project really matters. Christmas doesn’t stop when you’re a little kid!
“As make-up artists it’s nice to not just paint a face or body but create something that is going to last and not just be washed off.”
Level 3 Theatrical and Media Make-up learner Kate Storey was another learner who got creative and helped decorate the tree.
Kate said: “Every company around Retford has done an individual tree, they’ve been given specific things to create a tree that represents their business, for instance there is a metal shop around the corner that has done one that’s made out of bits of metal.
“It’s all to raise money for the church. It’s nice to see that we’re a part of something that everyone has put effort into. It’s good to show we’re more than just a College. To see little kids walking around looking at the trees is really nice. They’re more involved when there is something to look at.
“As a group and a team, we’re very creative, but putting our skills to use in something different to our normal course work was fun.”