The project team were delighted to appoint Sid Peacock as Clee Hill’s songwriter in residence.
For 12 months Sid has worked with local communities to research and write new pieces of music which celebrate this unique place and its people. Careful research, composition and rehearsal with local singers and musicians lead to a series of performances. These new songs showcase the character of this area but also the talent of its people.
Written with children from Clee Hill Community School and inspired by the many stories that people have shared with Sid, these new songs continue the legacy of local folk musicians such as Dennis Crowther. They bring the voices of Clee Hill now into the story of the hills from prehistory onwards.
Celia Gibb, the church warden said:
‘We are thrilled with the pieces that Sid has created. Song has always been important at St John’s and now we have an anthem to the place and community. With the church open every day, we love to welcome visitors and hope that more and more come to discover this rich history.’
Lucas, a photography student from Ludlow College, has followed the process of creation and captured the events in a series of images. Filmmaker Simon King is using these and his own footage to create a film to accompany the performance.
Local young people have made field recordings to capture the experience of growing up around the hill today. Sid’s workshops help young people articulate their stories and understand the creative process. These were woven into the final works.
