Castle Eden Methodist Circuit has announced a groundbreaking partnership that will secure the future of Horden Methodist Church for community use. The Circuit has invited its congregation to attend weekly services at another church within the Circuit, allowing Ensemble ‘84 to use Horden Methodist Church as the base for its innovative theatre group.
Ensemble ‘84, led by renowned theatre director Mark Dornford-May, known for his work with the South African-based Isango Ensemble, will establish its base at Horden Methodist Church. This partnership is a significant step towards realizing Ensemble ‘84’s vision of creating inclusive productions that reflect the diverse communities of County Durham and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Mark Dornford-May shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Ensemble ’84’s decision to establish our base at Horden Methodist Church is rooted in our belief in the transformative power of community-driven art. As we have seen in South Africa, where Isango Ensemble became a catalyst for change and empowerment, we see Horden Methodist Church as a beacon of possibility.”
Ensemble ‘84 aims to ignite hope, spark dialogue, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the community. With the support of the Castle Eden Methodist Circuit, the theatre group looks forward to embarking on a journey of artistic exploration and community collaboration. The doors of Horden Methodist Church will soon be open to all, and the community is invited to join in this exciting adventure.
The partnership between Castle Eden Methodist Circuit and Ensemble ‘84 will ensure that Horden Methodist Church remains a hub for community gatherings and special acts of worship, such as weddings and funerals. Reverend Bev Hollings, a Methodist minister, expressed her excitement about the partnership, saying, “This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Horden Methodist Church and the wider community. By welcoming Ensemble ‘84 into our space, we are not only supporting the arts but also ensuring the continued use of our church for generations to come.”
Reverend Hollings added, “We believe this partnership will enrich our church community and offer opportunities for meaningful engagement with the broader community.”
The Castle Eden Circuit has a track record of successful partnerships, including one with Focus Easington at The Welcome Centre, which remains the home of Easington Colliery Methodist Church. These initiatives reflect the Circuit’s dedication to fostering meaningful connections and maximizing its resources’ potential to benefit its congregation and the wider community.
As Ensemble ‘84 prepares to take their productions from Horden to stages around the globe, the Circuit invites its members and the community to support this exciting venture. Ensemble ‘84 is one of eight initiatives in the Into the Light Programme in County Durham, designed to drive long-lasting growth through creative collaboration. Over the next three years, it will cultivate talent, widen access to creative education, enhance skills, and break down barriers in the creative industries.
The Into the Light Programme is funded by The National Lottery through Arts Council England, The UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and Durham University.
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