THE project to improve the acoustics of the Crediton Tea Rooms (run by the Turning Tides Project) has released seven videos (a narrative pattern and then a series of videos to guide people in specific crochet stitches) and a print pattern to empower the community to contribute textile ivy leaves for a new art installation.

For an experienced crocheter, the pattern takes about eight to 10 minutes. It also takes just five metres of yarn. (The project welcomes donations of green yarn for the project!).

The artistic lead, Catherine West of Significant Seams, said: “Katie, one of our volunteers, has developed the plan for this part of the installation and kindly demonstrated it so we could make the instructions more accessible with visual and narrative guidance.

"Whilst it would take one person ages to make enough leaves to represent ivy twining up the trunk of a tree, the help of the community could make this a fabulous feature in our town.

"We hope the project will encourage people to give crochet a go. Perfection isn’t a worry here - in nature there are limitless variations to leaves on a single plant. We really look forward to seeing what our community might contribute.”

Abi Innocent, a Senior Manager of the Turning Tides project, and lead for the Tea Rooms, added: “All are welcome to come along to our free events at The Tea Rooms and the Bookery to get some guidance and help with their leaves.

"Catherine and I are crochetters, Katie is usually at our sessions, and we are bringing free soup too.

"Art and creativity in its many forms are powerful in making connecting with others easier and fun. (As so much of our festive habits show food helps too!).

"This project is dealing with some of our practical issues - but we are determined to keep fun, connection, and inclusion at the heart of our solutions.

"This is what our reference to the ‘Social Model of Disability’ is about - if we choose it, we can solve problems in ways that make our community stronger.”

Over the last few years The Turning Tides Project has undertaken extensive work to preserve the heritage of Crediton Station Tea Rooms, whilst also increasing it’s accessibility for customers and employees.

Catherine added: "The remaining barrier to equal access is about sound: It’s currently a challenging environment for people who are sound sensitive.

"Art-Coustics is part of a project that will improve the acoustic management of the Tea Rooms, through the creative engagement of the community.

"Our aim is to increase people’s awareness of sensory difference and to demonstrate that engagement in the arts is a beautiful and powerful way of removing the barriers that prevent equal access."

The free art workshops are on January 7, and 21 and February 4.

To find out more, email: [email protected] or: [email protected] .

The project is assisted by a grant organised by the Devon and Cornwall railway Partnership from the Community Rail Development Fund, a joint initiative of the Department of Transport and the Community Rail Network.