Creative Ways to Wellbeing
'A feast for the mind, a boost for the body, a salve for the soul'
On Tuesday 27th September, Mental Fight Club produced a special event day that took place at the Holy Sepulchre Church (The Nationals Musician’s Church) in London. We kicked off the day with a Ballard Walk lead by Vivien Ellis (singer) & Dafydd Wyn Phillips (London Blue Badge Guide). From that we engaged in a Chant for well-being workshop that filled the church with beautiful tune and harmonies which were all taught by ear! Continuing on with the history of music in the Holy Sepulchre Church we had a special session of Drawing sound with Artist Vanessa Lawrence who taught us how to turn sound into drawing and patterns. To complete our day, the brilliant Alva ensemble: Giles Lewin (voice, fiddle), Leah Stuttard (voice, early harp), Vivien Ellis (voice, sinfonye), performed 'Noyses, Sounds and Sweet Ayres' a concert inspired by the church and its place in Londons history and culture.
We would like to thank everyone that came and participated in the day, and special thanks to Vivien Ellis, Alva assemble and The Holy Sepulchre Church for making the day possible.
Here are some photos from the day!
Our Full Timetable:
11am - 1pm: City Churches Ballad Walk
with Vivien Ellis (singer) & Dafydd Wyn Phillips (London Blue Badge Guide). The streets around Holy Sepulchre once echoed with the voices of street vendors crying out their wares, ballad singers pushing the latest news in song, and church bells ringing the time. Through songs and stories, learn about the soundscape & fascinating history of the City and its Churches, and how they helped to shape modern London.
2:30pm - 3:30pm: Chant For Well-Being
Introduction to early chant from London, and world traditions, taught by ear. Led by Vivien Ellis, song leader of The Mental Fight Club, and the Dragon Cafe Singing Group. No skills or previous experience required. Come and take part, or listen and chill out. All welcome.
4pm - 5pm: Drawing Sound with Vanessa Lawrence
Come and join artist Vanessa Lawrence for an hour of drawing sound, capturing a unique moment in ink, graphite, & chalk pastel.
Vanessa works from observation in response to the worlds of ballet, theatre, fashion, and film. Her dynamic drawings brim with excitement and drama and evoke worlds of illusion and make believe, all seen with a keen and empathetic female gaze
Vanessa Lawrence is a Brighton based artist & educator. Graduate of the Royal Drawing School postgraduate Drawing Development Year 2021-22, VIA Arts Prize 2020 Finalist & FIDA Finalist 2021.
6pm - 7pm: 'Noyses, Sounds and Sweet Ayres' - Concert by Alva - Early, folk and new music from Alva ensemble: Giles Lewin (voice, fiddle), Leah Stuttard (voice, early harp), Vivien Ellis (voice, sinfonye). Music to celebrate the National Musicians Church and its role in London's history and culture. A wealth of music including an execution ballad from Newgate Prison, exquisite plainchant, a new setting of the beautiful C15th text 'Adam lay ybounden', and a song from a witness to the Great Fire of London.
