Kick One and They All Limp, 1982

Kick One and They All Limp was a musical drama production written and researched by New Mills Youth Centre. It presented the history of New Mills in a series of flashbacks in which a grandmother told her granddaughter things that she remembered and stories she was told as a child. The title was adapted from an old saying which refers to New Mills folks’ ability to pull together in adversity.

A performance of Cinderella, 1981, with Clare Torkington, Nidge Gregory. Bill Clemo and Belinda Dawson.

Drama projects featured heavily in the early years of High Peak Community Arts, and this is a newspaper cutting about a production of Cinderella. It was the first pantomime to be produced by members of New Mills Youth Centre who also wrote the script and made all the scenery and costumes. According to the newspaper it was hard work, but everyone had enjoyed themselves!

Suitcase Circus, 1980

High Peak Community Arts began in 1980 and for the first three years it organised a Suitcase Circus in the school holidays. These were designed to develop children’s abilities in music, drama and circus skills and took place at Chinley Youth Centre and Whaley Bridge Primary School. Not sure if this type of activity would pass a risk assessment in 2020!