‘It felt like I was home when I came in.’
What started as a small group of young activists with big ideas has grown into a global, youth-led movement. Visitors in Birmingham to 100 Objects felt the shared values, and an immediate sense of belonging, through the curated collection of objects, sounds, images, and personal testimonies. Woodcraft Folk’s history unfolds a legacy built on co-operation, peace, and international friendship.
Celebrating 100 Years of Woodcraft Folk in Birmingham
Bertie visited the exhibition in London and came again with Harry, his friend from Coventry, to celebrate the exhibition launch in Birmingham. Visitors travelled from far and wide. Many Cooperative members from across the West Midlands, and also Stafford and Leicester came for a very special milestone: 100 Objects Spanning 100 Years.
A Launch to Remember
All Birmingham groups were represented at the launch taking part and running activities, sharing stories with all visitors. Birmingham Woodcraft members had been at workshops, the residential at Cudham and Camp 100, as well as volunteering and supporting the collecting and cataloguing of stories that will be a lasting legacy from ‘100 Objects’. The launch was an opportunity to thank them for their work and showcase the achievements of the project:
‘The best thing about this project has been meeting people from different places – at the exhibitions, workshops, and Camp 100.‘
Activities included teddy model camp making, shadow puppet play as well as scavenger hunting, postcards and badge making. followed by samosas and gulab jamun. We ended in the usual woodcraft way, with circle time and song.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Donations have been made at this exhibition which will help support a new Woodchip group in Stirchley. Donors felt it was important to support the future of Woodcraft, and what better way than to support our youngest, newest group in Birmingham. Woodcraft continues to ‘Educate for Social Change’, or as one member reflected:
Woodcraft has shaped the rest of my life. At least all the good things.”
Next Stop: Glasgow!
The journey isn’t over yet. We are taking the 100 years celebration north to share our story with even more friends.
- Where: The Mitchell Library, Glasgow
- When: Next Saturday, 14th February
- Time: 2:30 PM
Whether you are a lifelong member or brand new to the movement, come along and find your home in the Woodcraft story.
Thanks to our hosts in Birmingham, Friction Arts at the Edge, as well as the National Lottery Players who make this possible.
