Last week youth organisation Woodcraft Folk launched their exciting 100 Objects for 100 Years project in celebration of their centenary.
The ‘100 Objects for 100 Years’ traveling exhibition will showcase a carefully curated collection of artifacts, each representing a significant moment, story, or achievement in Woodcraft Folk’s history. From vintage memorabilia and iconic uniforms to handmade crafts and personal testimonials, these objects will highlight the diverse heritage and community spirit that defines Woodcraft Folk.
As part of the project, Woodcraft Folk will be calling on the involvement of a team of their young members and a selection of volunteers led by a newly created Project Officer role. Marcus Belben fulfills the Project Officer role and started in January. He shares some words below in light of his new role.
“My family have been part of Birmingham Woodcraft Folk for over ten years and now I’ve joined the staff team as the Project Officer for ‘100 Objects for 100 Years’! We’ll be exploring stories, now and from the past and bringing them to life through 100 objects to tell the story of Woodcraft Folk over its 100 year history.
For Woodcraft Folk I’m an Elfin Leader and I’m hoping to continue doing more volunteering as a warden at Biblins and other Woodcraft Centres. As my children grew up I was a leader in Woodchips, Pioneers and Venturers too, as well as Birmingham District Co-ordinator. My respect and belief in Woodcraft values has grown as I’ve seen the impact it continues to have on my family and the people I have met through Woodcraft.
I love working with people to tell their stories, and most of what I do seems to involve an Archive somewhere along the line. I co-founded ‘People’s Heritage Co-operative’ to capture the stories and memories of Birmingham people. We use Interviews, photography, personal archives, art activities or whatever is best to express stories. I’m the school archivist at Paganel Primary School, running the weekly after-school club, and at Friction Arts I work with our ‘Young Artivists’ discovering Highgate (Birmingham) through their eyes.
I’ve made some amazing friends and met extraordinary people through Birmingham Woodcraft – Most of all, in this job, I’m looking forward to meeting more Folk. Young People in Woodcraft Folk have helped shape the world around them, each generation facing their challenges, working together, ‘spanning the world with Friendship.”
You can find out more about the 100 Objects for 100 Years project here or contact Marcus if you want to get involved at marcus.belben@woodcraft.org.uk.
