Ray Morgan: The Value of Our Town

June 14, 2017 by Ray Morgan

I went on holiday to Cornwall recently and fell in love with it all over again after brilliant childhood holidays spent there, predominantly because the week involved:

1) a hot tub

2) sea views from our chalet (that had a flatscreen TV in THE BATH)

3) a beach picnic before sunset

4) a hot tub

5) Tate St Ives' incredible Jessica Warboys exhibition

6) a vegan cream tea in Truro

7) A HOT TUB GUYS

I worried that I'd come home hating on my hometown, because that happens sometimes after holibobs, no matter where you live. I felt sad for missing Cornwall, but our little corner of Essex coast has been providing me with much happiness lately.

I've been enjoying the Leigh Art Trail, as I always do every year. I've really noticed the massive coverage of it on social media. I'm an Instagram obsessive and I've loved the daily stream of Art Trail related pics. It makes you feel like you're not missing out if you haven't been able to get round to it all (cuz, y'know, there's a LOT of art on show). Huge well done to the organisers - it's been one of the best yet.

This week I helped my partner, who runs pop-up cafe Beep Beep Pop at the Fishermen's Chapel in OLd Leigh, celebrate the community art walls for the Art Trail at the chapel venue. It's only used for a congregation every couple of weeks, but is increasingly being used as an arts venue and that makes me very happy. You can do yoga there, have an exhibition there, put on gigs, use it as a hired space - it's just what community spaces should be. We served tea, cake, elderflower fizz and home-made cakes to a lovely crowd who were there to enjoy the art and chat to new faces. It felt good to bring people together, meet new folks, and utilise a venue that boasts incredible sea views and chilled out vibes.

Of course, Leigh Folk Festival is round the corner, and there'll be even more to enjoy there! I'm running a stage, also with my partner Jo, for our arts organisation Sundown Arts, in collaboration with Harbour Song Records. We've got music, comedy, spoken word... all in Leigh Sailing Club on Sunday 25 June. It would be great to see you there!

Another highlight for me will be the Estuary Songwriting Project gig on Friday 23 June at Wesley Church. 8 musicians were commissioned to write a suite of new music about the Thames Estuary and boy, is it incredible. I heard the songs performed at legendary folk venue Cecil Sharp House in London earlier in the year, and the songs are still with me, from tales of the Estuary views and wildlife to a beautiful, emotive song about the demolition of the Grain Power Station chimney last year. The concert is not to be missed; these songs won't be performed again, and I urge you to buy a ticket. How often do you get to hear 8 professional musicians dedicate an evening of music dedicated to your manor? Tickets are here: http://music.leighfolkfestival.com/merch/estuary-songwriting-project-concert-tickets

I've also been immensely proud of the fact that when I opened my latest issue of Coast magazine (a must-have subscription to any seaside dweller) I saw our very own Poco Gelato featured!

There's a lot of hardship and uncertainty in the world, but when you can escape the madness and go and see some local art, or listen to some amazing, restorative and inspiring music, eat delicious ice-cream or heck - even just stare out to sea, there's a true value in that. I hope, dear readers, that you've been able to enjoy some of these things lately.

To read all of Ray's previous blogs please click here