Wirral Ark residents enjoy ferry art workshop

May 6 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

RESIDENTS from the Wirral Ark Project enjoyed a ferry ride with a difference last week.

Transition Town West Kirby teamed up with community group Crass Routes for an environmental art workshop.

During the ferry trip residents helped “give back” to the Mersey driftwood which was collected on a walk to Hilbre Island.

Janette Porter, environmental artist from Crass Routes, said the theme of driftwood and its journey with the sea was used to help the group identify with and draw parallels with their own journeys through life. The group used meditation before casting their driftwood back into the sea as a symbol of their lives continuing forward.

Val Formston, senior key worker at The Ark, said: “While watching the group I witnessed their confidence come to the surface.

“People became more and more engaged with the idea.”

The Ark, on Sandford Street, offers residents three meals a day, facilities for washing clothes, advice and activities.

It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and has been supporting local people since 1992.

Resident Paul Rice said: “I enjoyed the ferry ride. It was a good opportunity for me.”