Our very own field of scenes

A new project set up as a partnership between Stroud Valleys Project and theatre education group Purple Broccoli Theatre Company is giving residents the opportunity to try their hands at theatre while helping to publicise the environment.

The groups are looking for volunteers to take part in a play based on Holywell Orchard - a green area in Cam, which is being given a new lease of land by the Stroud Valleys conservation group.

Those less inspired to tread the boards can get involved with the project in a number of other ways including writing, scenery and costumes.

The end result will be a play about the once large orchard, which from the 1880s to the 1960s was a thriving wildlife area.

This play is part of a new scheme to overcome years of neglect and restore the orchard to a flourishing green site, which will boost wildlife conservation and will also be a haven from Cam residents to use.

Holywell Orchard is a two-acre site in Norman Hill in Cam bordered by St George's Road, Holywell Road, Bramble Drive and the recreation ground.

It features on maps as far back as 1839 when it was pastureland but by 1888 it was defined as an orchard.

Stroud Valleys spokeswoman Caroline Aistrop said the involvement of residents is key to the restoration of the orchard.

"The scheme is being led by Stroud Valleys Project and Stroud District Council but the active participation of Cam residents is vital to the project's success," she added.

"The theatre project is a fun way of inspiring residents to discover the importance and history of the site, and hopefully inspire them to get involved in caring for the site over the next few years."

There is no age limit to joining in and no previous experience is required, as participants will be working with the professional actors from the Purple Broccoli Theatre Company.

Anna Burns, of Purple Broccoli, said actors are looking forward enormously to working with Cam people to create this play.

"It has the potential to bring the local community together and create a real feeling of ownership of Holywell Orchard," she added. "We would love to see as many members of the community as possible at the drama workshops during the Easter holidays."

The play has not been written yet - this will be part of the overall project. It is expected the show will chart the history of the site with the script featuring stories and legends - such as the nun that used to mysteriously appear at the spring to drink and pray - as well as what people now think about the place and what makes it special.

The theatre company got the ball rolling on the project this week working with pupils from Cam Everlands Primary School on Wednesday and Thursday.

Headteacher Ian Dixon said he was pleased the school is involved: "Learning about and celebrating our locality through theatre is very exciting for the children," he added. "They are fascinated by the history of Holywell Orchard and this is an excellent opportunity to work with real actors both in lessons and through our holiday childcare scheme. We hope that many families will join us and enjoy the project."

Workshops will be held in Cam Everlands School on Wednesday, April 14 and Saturday, April 17 (10am-1pm each day). The final play will be performed in the orchard on the Saturday (1pm).

Anyone who wants to take part in creating the Holywell Orchard play should ring Stroud Valleys Project on 01453 753358 or go to Everlands, in Birch Road, Cam, on Wednesday, April 14 (10am).

Pupils at Cam Everlands Primary school act out a television interview during the theatre workshop by the Purple Brocoli Theatre group at the school on Wednesday GSR235H04

A CAM orchard is to be immortalised with the help of budding village thespians.

A new project set up as a partnership between Stroud Valleys Project and theatre education group Purple Broccoli Theatre Company is giving residents the opportunity to try their hands at theatre while helping to publicise the environment.

The groups are looking for volunteers to take part in a play based on Holywell Orchard - a green area in Cam, which is being given a new lease of land by the Stroud Valleys conservation group.

Those less inspired to tread the boards can get involved with the project in a number of other ways including writing, scenery and costumes.

The end result will be a play about the once large orchard, which from the 1880s to the 1960s was a thriving wildlife area.

This play is part of a new scheme to overcome years of neglect and restore the orchard to a flourishing green site, which will boost wildlife conservation and will also be a haven from Cam residents to use.

Holywell Orchard is a two-acre site in Norman Hill in Cam bordered by St George's Road, Holywell Road, Bramble Drive and the recreation ground.

It features on maps as far back as 1839 when it was pastureland but by 1888 it was defined as an orchard.

Stroud Valleys spokeswoman Caroline Aistrop said the involvement of residents is key to the restoration of the orchard.

"The scheme is being led by Stroud Valleys Project and Stroud District Council but the active participation of Cam residents is vital to the project's success," she added.

"The theatre project is a fun way of inspiring residents to discover the importance and history of the site, and hopefully inspire them to get involved in caring for the site over the next few years."

There is no age limit to joining in and no previous experience is required, as participants will be working with the professional actors from the Purple Broccoli Theatre Company.

Anna Burns, of Purple Broccoli, said actors are looking forward enormously to working with Cam people to create this play.

"It has the potential to bring the local community together and create a real feeling of ownership of Holywell Orchard," she added. "We would love to see as many members of the community as possible at the drama workshops during the Easter holidays."

The play has not been written yet - this will be part of the overall project. It is expected the show will chart the history of the site with the script featuring stories and legends - such as the nun that used to mysteriously appear at the spring to drink and pray - as well as what people now think about the place and what makes it special.

The theatre company got the ball rolling on the project this week working with pupils from Cam Everlands Primary School on Wednesday and Thursday.

Headteacher Ian Dixon said he was pleased the school is involved: "Learning about and celebrating our locality through theatre is very exciting for the children," he added. "They are fascinated by the history of Holywell Orchard and this is an excellent opportunity to work with real actors both in lessons and through our holiday childcare scheme. We hope that many families will join us and enjoy the project."

Workshops will be held in Cam Everlands School on Wednesday, April 14 and Saturday, April 17 (10am-1pm each day). The final play will be performed in the orchard on the Saturday (1pm).

Anyone who wants to take part in creating the Holywell Orchard play should ring Stroud Valleys Project on 01453 753358 or go to Everlands, in Birch Road, Cam, on Wednesday, April 14 (10am).