The Plot, Keats Avenue

Keats Avenue Allotment, in Romford, has been hosting an exciting new arts venture: The Plot, by East London based community arts group, Studio 3 Arts.

The Plot began last summer with "The Plot Thickens" - the creation of an enormous earthworm from the soil by children from The Wander Years Playscheme and BTCV Volunteers. The children planted grass seed and daffodils and what was once a worm has now become a hairy caterpillar.

Next, Havering Police Cadets installed "Lost The Plot": a stepping-stone path of eighty-five mosaic animal footprints created by Planet Havering Festival-goers.

In the Autumn, Children from Hilldene Primary School made gigantic snail shell lanterns. Festival-goers attending Apple Day at Thames Chase and the children from the United Reform Church after-school club created an enormous insect from willow and autumnal leaves. "The Gunpowder Plot", an alternative bonfire night, gave everyone the opportunity to see their sculptures lit and come to life.

In winter, the young people from the Albemarle Youth Centre returned to the Plot to launch an array of spectacular wind powered sculptures in "Get Wind Of The Plot". The event also launched the wildlife garden designed by the Youth Action Group and Essex Wildlife Trust: a place to have fun in, grow things on and learn all about the goings on of the allotment.

Studio 3 Arts: Sandra Taylor, Project Manager

First published: ARI Newsletter Summer 2005