Welcome to Episode 10 of Caravan Convos! In this episode Sue talks to Denetta Copeland AKA D3 a talented force of nature, a performer and writer who regularly performs, works and hosts events at Left Bank. Denetta talks about how she began to write as young mother to cope with tough times and learned to produce music to create her own tracks when she couldn't find anyone to do it for her. Spotted by the founders of Leeds Young Authors, Denetta went on to volunteer with them for 13 years whilst raising her three children as a single parent, coping with a diagnosis of MS at 21 and performing and singing with a local Jungle band! She travelled to America with talented young people and importantly whilst mentoring them she was able to develop her own writing.

Denetta worked festivals while juggling her passion for music and being a mother, from working security to stage management she loved the festival environment and opportunities to appreciate the natural world around us and the people we meet along the way in our lives. The pandemic was a turning point for Denetta, developing her own online courses Writing for Mental Health during lockdown, she met a group of people from all around the world who are still in touch today, supporting each other with their writing. One of those people was amazing Sarah Autumn from this podcast and Left Bank family, another creative activist and they have been firm friends ever since!

Denetta and Sarah developed a social enterprise 'Between the Lines' together as we emerged from the pandemic, dedicated to creating an inclusive platform for everyone to develop and share their creativity AND we love the fact that they host their events here at Left Bank - our values are perfectly aligned.

We can learn so much from the Denetta's of this world (they are rare diamonds), talented creatives pushing through major challenges with enduring positivity, hope and strength and uplifting and supporting our community when it's needed. Awesome.

Find out more about Denettas work here at D3 Creations

Listen on Spotify D3 UK

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In this episode, Sue speak to Ed Thompson aka Edek Thompson. Ed lives and works in Hyde Park and is a popular workshop tutor at Left Bank and a great collaborator in the area.

Hear about Ed's journey as an artist, his work with Left Bank and his creative practice. Ed is passionate about accessibility to the arts and supporting neurodiverse makers and creators following the work he has done through his life working with autistic people of all ages and across the world!

You can follow Ed on Instagram HERE

Ed's Profile on curator space HERE

Find out more about OWLS Older Wiser Local Seniors and their work HERE

Here is the link to the Ed's latest exhibition with OWLS 'Apocalypse Remix' at Left Bank HERE

You can buy prints of Ed's work at our favourite art shop in Headingley Beam Works HERE

See the current Art Show at Wild Craft Bakery based in Meanwood HERE

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In this podcast Sue and Leah chat to Holly and Danika from the TAP (Transforming & Activating Places) Programme delivered by Sheffield University. Holly and Danika have recently completed their first year at Uni and have worked with us at Left Bank this summer to support the community neighbourhood planning process in Hyde Park by delivering creative engagement sessions and researching the history of the neighbourhood through capturing the stories and memories of local people. Find out more about this fantastic programme delivered by Sheffield University HERE

Inspired by the story of Pat Regan, Holly wrote a song about her work as a anti-gun crime campaigner and performs it on this episode.

We also discuss the artwork of Georgia D'Silva and Beam Works a beautiful non-profit on Otley Road in Headingley LS6 where this episode was recorded.

To find out more about the Hyde Park Neighbourhood Plan you can visit the website HERE

If you want to find out more about the BIG WARM WELCOME TO HEADINGLEY yarn bomb and get involved, please join the facebook group HERE

We are still learning so the audio is pretty rough today - sorry and thank you for listening!

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