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Press Release:
Measuring the Land
Young circlemakers
or student aliens?
Release date:
23rd July 2012
One of the finest crop circles to
appear in the Wiltshire landscape this year has emerged
as the work of a group of young creative mathematicians
from Frome.
Aerial Images Rob Irving
Copyright 2012
The
circle, or rather a 12-petalled flower nestled in a
hexagon, is over 300 feet in diameter and was created in
agreement with the land-owner near Juggler's Lane, near
Yatesbury, in the middle of Monday night. Within hours
of its completion, unbeknown to the team involved,
aerial photos of the formation were posted on the
internet, and to date have received over ten thousand
hits from across the globe.
The image was taken at dawn, soon after the circle
was made.
It gives the lie to claims that the circle was "a mess"
etc on the ground.
Ground Image
Gavin Maxwell Copyright 2012
The formation was created with the
agreement of the landowner as part of 'Measuring the
Land', a Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots project
introducing teenagers and young adults to the ancient
and more recent heritage of the Wessex landscape, and
the geometry that underlies it.
This Image shows Rob Irving instructing one of the
team members.
Ground Image
Gavin Maxwell Copyright 2012
It is the latest phase of a year of
Frome’s creative maths project Break 3; linking schools,
community organisations, mathematicians and artists, in
bringing maths to life in imaginative, and sometimes
extraordinary ways for all ages.
The Following images shows the team measuring,
stomping, etc.
Ground Image
Gavin Maxwell Copyright 2012
Lead artist on the crop circle
project was Rob Irving. “It seemed a good idea to use
the ‘magical’ geometrical and mathematical properties
found in some crop circles, and the relationship of the
circles to the local landscape, as a way of engaging
young people with their environment. As well as the
technical skills, it was useful to pass on the
importance of planning, teamwork, spatial awareness, and
other aspects involved in circle-making. The team
responded exceptionally, and their hard work was
reflected in the result.”
Ground Image
Gavin Maxwell Copyright 2012
The circle was created by a team of
eight, including young adults ranging in age from 14 to
22 from Frome College and Mendip YMCA's Routes drop in
centre and Youth Café.
Ground Image
Gavin Maxwell Copyright 2012
The circle will be supported by
research, interviews and investigations into the
phenomena of crop circles and the ancient landscape they
sit within, through a partnership linking Wiltshire
Heritage Museum, Devizes and Rook Lane Arts Trust, Frome
and Mendip YMCA.
Ground Image
Gavin Maxwell Copyright 2012
Richard Bellamy, acting Head of
Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “Measuring the
Land is a wonderfully innovative way for young people to
learn more about the fascinating history of the Wessex
landscape. Through their research the participants have
been able to explore the history of the local area, as
well as learning about the mathematics and geometry that
lies beneath both the prehistoric monuments and the more
recent crop circle phenomena.”
Ground Image
Gavin Maxwell Copyright 2012
On line responses from the crop
circle community have ranged from admiration to
criticism. "We are not out to disprove or devalue the
opinions of those that believe crop circles are
extraordinary and inexplicable," commented project
manager Jo Plimmer. "Even the fact of being involved
hasn't convinced some of our team of that. We simply
wanted to find a way to make maths extraordinary for
young people who might think it only exists as something
boring on paper. We have given them an experience they
will never forget, making something very beautiful that
they should be hugely proud of."
To find out more about the project
visit the project web-site
www.break3.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Rook Lane Arts Trust
Rook Lane Arts Trust was
established alongside the rescue of Rook Lane Chapel,
Frome, just over ten years ago. It is responsible for
the arts, education and community use of the Grade 1
listed chapel, as well as developing outreach projects
in partnership with a range of local arts, heritage and
educational organisations.
www.rooklanearts.org.uk.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the
National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for
present and future generations to take part in, learn
from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places
to archaeology, natural environment and cultural
traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse
heritage. HLF has supported over 30,000 projects,
allocating £4.6billion across the UK. Website:
www.hlf.org.uk
Contact: Jo Plimmer (Project
Manager)
Email:
jo.plimmer@btinternet.com
Mob: 07817 861331 |
