Discover Didcot Dairy story at Cornerstone

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Take a trip down memory lane this month and explore some local history

Job’s Dairy was once the largest privately owned dairy in the UK with many farms, processing plants, depots and stores located in the south of England and now its story is being shared thanks to the hard work of a group of volunteers.

The project which has been curated by Dr Leah Hewerdine and Ruby Livesey in partnership with other organisations is celebrating the heritage and community of the former Didcot Dairy.

The Didcot bottling plant played an important part in the diary industry, and local community, from 1935 and 1987 and was located west of the old railway line. The land, once used by the dairy in Didcot was purchased and re-developed for housing in the late 1980s. The house located on Western Avenue are believed to be the original location of the Didcot Dairy.

Job’s was a family owned business, and often employed whole families within local areas. Some sites included accommodation for employees, and their families.

To acknowledge and celebrate the town’s agricultural roots, an exhibition entitled Didcot Dairy Story tells the tale through a cow-fully curated displays of objects, photographs, video footage, and community memories. For those who can remember the dairy, it holds a special place in their heart.

Take a trip down memory lane to fresh milk and eggs on your doorstep, social events for all the family, and the crowning of Miss Job’s! The exhibition which is part of the Oxfordshire OxTrail is raising funds in support of Sobell House Hospice and other important local causes.

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Cultural discovery at Cornerstone Arts Centre

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Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot, unveils a summer of self-discovery and cultural revelations with its latest exhibitions

Don’t want to read the full article? Scroll to our FAQs here.

All summer long there’s the chance to immerse yourself in a tapestry of artistic expressions, delving into themes of self-discovery, social commentary, and community heritage.

You may be lucky enough to catch the closing few days of Eden Silver-Myer’s Befriending My Brain. A vibrant display of colours and textures, Eden invites viewers to delve into the depths of neurodiversity and personal acceptance. “Befriending my Brain is,” Eden says, “about feeling like I finally have started to understand my mind after 33 years of feeling like a square peg in round hole after round hole.”

Among the exhibitions not to be missed is Shouting Quietly by Clive Wright, featuring over 500 captivating paintings. From 5th June to 27th July, Wright presents a curated selection that delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring everyday encounters and global phenomena. Each canvas resonates with layers of meaning, inviting viewers to decipher the hidden narratives beneath the surface.

 

He often paints up to half a dozen pictures on a common theme. Here, single pictures have been selected to represent groups of related canvases.

The ordinary events that he sees often become the subject of Clives’ work, such as people that he has observed in a coffee shop, or someone receiving a covid jab.

Didcot Dairy Story, curated by Dr Leah Hewerdine and Ruby Livesey, is at Cornerstone from 31st July to 31st August and is a must-see for anyone interested in Didcot’s history. This exhibition showcases the legacy of the iconic Didcot Dairy through an engaging display of artefacts, photographs, and cherished memories.

Visitors can soak up the nostalgia while supporting Sobell House Hospice and other local causes as part of this exhibition. If you have a Didcot Dairy Story to share, or would like to support the project, don’t bottle it up! Please do get in touch with the team via email at: [email protected]

from intimate reflections to thought-provoking narratives, each exhibition promises to inspire, enlighten, and enrich the summer season at Cornerstone.

The gallery area is free for all visitors to view at the centre during its opening hours.

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “I love that we can display these exhibitions for free to the public and they can experience such a wide range of art and artists at Cornerstone.

“I’d encourage anyone coming along to Cornerstone whether it’s to see a show or to enjoy some refreshments at Café Nourish to pop into the gallery and view the art on display this summer.”

 

Learn more about the topics discussed in this article. Read on…

 

Neurodiversity and Personal Acceptance

Eden Silver-Myer’s “Befriending My Brain”

Neurodiversity refers to the concept that neurological differences are to be recognised and respected as any other human variation. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences.

Art Therapy is a therapeutic technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. This exhibition aligns with such therapeutic practices, using art to explore and understand personal cognitive experiences.

Personal Acceptance in the context of neurodiversity emphasises the journey towards self-understanding and embracing one’s unique neurological makeup. This is crucial for mental health and well-being, often discussed in psychological and social frameworks.

Human Existence and Everyday Encounters

Clive Wright’s “Shouting Quietly”

Social Realism in Art is a genre that focuses on depicting everyday activities and experiences, often with a focus on the working class and the ordinary events of daily life. Wright’s work resonates with this genre by capturing mundane yet significant moments.

Global Phenomena through Art involve artists interpreting and reflecting on global issues such as pandemics, climate change, and social justice movements. Wright’s inclusion of themes like COVID-19 vaccinations ties local experiences to broader global contexts.

Narrative Art involves artworks that tell a story, inviting viewers to delve into the narrative layers. Each of Wright’s paintings, as described, has hidden stories that viewers are encouraged to uncover, making the viewing experience interactive and reflective.

Community Heritage and Local History

Didcot Dairy Story

Community Curated Exhibitions involve members of the community in the curation process, ensuring that local stories and histories are accurately represented. This can enhance community engagement and ownership of cultural heritage.

Local History Projects like the Didcot Dairy Story preserve and celebrate the unique histories of specific locales. These projects often involve collecting oral histories, photographs, and artifacts from community members.

Nostalgia in Heritage Projects taps into the emotional connection people have with their past, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. The Didcot Dairy Story aims to evoke such nostalgia, linking past and present through shared memories.

Public Art Accessibility

Free Public Art Spaces democratise access to art, allowing individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds to experience and engage with artistic expressions. This aligns with broader cultural policies aimed at inclusivity and community well-being.

Community Well-being through Arts emphasises the role of cultural activities in enhancing the overall quality of life. Engaging with art can provide emotional and mental health benefits, foster social connections, and create a vibrant community atmosphere.

Get in the know..

1. When does Eden Silver-Myer’s “Befriending My Brain” exhibition end?
– The exhibition is available for viewing until the end of its run in the summer. Specific dates are not provided, so it’s recommended to visit soon to catch the closing days.

2. What are the dates for Clive Wright’s “Shouting Quietly” exhibition?
– Clive Wright’s exhibition runs from June 5th to July 27th.

3. How can I contribute to the Didcot Dairy Story exhibition?
– You can share your Didcot Dairy story by emailing the team at [email protected].

4. Is there a cost to view the exhibitions at Cornerstone Arts Centre?
– No, the gallery exhibitions are free for all visitors during opening hours.

5. What is the duration of the Didcot Dairy Story exhibition?
– The Didcot Dairy Story exhibition runs from July 31st to August 31st.

6. What themes are explored in Eden Silver-Myer’s “Befriending My Brain”?
– The exhibition explores themes of neurodiversity and personal acceptance, highlighting the artist’s journey towards understanding her mind.

7. What subjects does Clive Wright focus on in his paintings?
– Clive Wright’s paintings often depict ordinary events such as people in coffee shops and individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as broader global phenomena.

8. How many paintings are featured in Clive Wright’s “Shouting Quietly”?
– The exhibition features over 500 captivating paintings by Clive Wright.

9. What can visitors expect from the Didcot Dairy Story exhibition?
– Visitors can expect to see a collection of artifacts, photographs, and cherished memories showcasing the legacy of the iconic Didcot Dairy.

10. How does Cornerstone Arts Centre support community well-being?
– By offering free public access to a wide range of art and exhibitions, Cornerstone Arts Centre promotes cultural engagement and supports community well-being.

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Cornering youth market

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Dance, theatre, yoga, music and making your own bedroom decorations are among the fun activities for young people at Cornerstone’s Youth Festival.

The week-long extravaganza which runs during half term, 16th to 23rd February begins on Sunday with The Elves and the Shoemakers. Meet Sam who is big on imagination but short on business knowhow until one night, two small green visitors climb in and start stitching, cutting and gluing… Suitable for ages 3 upwards, tickets £9.50, concs £7.50, family £30.

Get active with a series of classes focussing on movement with fun from 18th to 21st starting with a children’s art and yoga class, £15, for school years 1-6 and unleash your inner dancer on Wednesday with beginner’s Latin and ballroom dancing, £25, school years 1-6 – perfect for those with an eye on being a Strictly star in the future.

Thursday and Friday it’s the turn of those in years 7-13 with break dancing for beginners, £15, where you’ll learn the basics and then develop the confidence to explore your own style. Friday sees a physical theatre workshop, £20, in which you’ll learn techniques for creating a narrative through movement and storytelling which will be performed at the end of the session.

Award-winning comedy musicians Bowjangles will be putting on a magical show taking you through myths, legends and folklore through a portal in a cello case – where else? – to find a priceless relic, a magical violin bow known as Excalibow. Suitable for all ages, £14, and may contain a few well-known ABBA hits!

Join Yana on Sunday 23rd as she journeys through a strange land, all alone and far from home, unable to understand anything other children are saying and then she encounters a Yeti… This cast of extraordinary puppets  are out to show friends come in the most unexpected shapes and sizes in Yana and the Yeti, £9.50, concs £7.50.

If craft is your thing there’s also the opportunity to spruce up your bedroom for years 1-6 by making your own bedroom decorations on Saturday 22nd, £25, with collage, paint, printing and mark making.

Cornerstone also offers a range of courses for children and young people including theatre, photography, dance and young reviewers.

More info

For more details about these and the Youth Festival and to book any of the events visit cornerstone-arts.org or call 01235 515144

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Pinocchio

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Local children set to star in Pinocchio at the Cornerstone 

If you’re going to see this year’s Christmas show at Didcot’s Cornerstone don’t be surprised if you recognise a few of the young faces on stage. 

Alongside the professional performers are 45 local children, chosen from open auditions held earlier in the year, to join them in teams of 15, the three groups rotating through the busy schedule from 7th to 29th December in The Adventures of Pinocchio. 

In this fun family Christmas adventure, meet Gepetto as he creates Pinoccho and follow the puppet with the growing nose as he learns to make sense of a confusing world. Join him on his journey finding fame and fortune to ending up in the belly of a whale – will he side with the good Blues Fairy or fall foul of the tricky Fox? 

The classic tale of Pinocchio is brought to life with music and songs beginning at the Spinning Yarn Storytelling Bar with The Blues Fairy and her band The Crickets telling the story. 

Tickets

The Adventures of PInnochio runs at the Cornerstone from 7th to 29th December. 

Tickets £16, concs £14.50, family ticket £52. 

To book call the box office on 01235 515144 or visit…

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