And that was 2009!

Well as we near the end of the year it just seems right to have a look at what was achieved in 2009 by the Charity all the Young People who work with FRCA.

In early February we staged our version of the Lion King at NAPA's Stage 2 Theatre, followed Freedom Road's hugely successful trip to Australia. In March FRCA announced that it would be delivering a GCSE qualification in Drama, and in May, Becky and Jess visited several local primary schools and spoke to pupils about their involvement in FRCA and how it has helped them.

In June, Freedom Road performed at the North Yorkshire Matters Conference in Selby and in early July our GCSE Drama Group travelled down to London to watch other youth groups from around the country perform at the Youth Connections event held at the National Theatre.

July continued to be a very busy month as on the 8th Becka and Chiq spoke in the House of Lords, before Freedom Road travelled to Birmingham to perform at the Custard Factory on 30th as part of the Youth Music event.

After spending August preparing new projects with our Voltage Volunteers, Matt, Matt, Becky and Garry, September saw our 2nd Summer School engage with around 40 young people who performed their work on the Friday at the Albermarle Music Centre. Headlining this event was British Beatbox Champion MC Zany and was funded by YOF and Music 4 U.

In October we held our annual Stars in Your Eyes fundraiser which raised around £1,000 and which was won by Mollie Brown, before Freedom Road began a short tour in October and November, which saw them perform at the Princes Trust regional awards ceremony in Leeds and later at the Love Music Hate Racism event held at Hull City Hall amongst others.

November was phase 2 of the Music 4 U project when an event was organied at the Lamp and at which lots of new talent was on show. Bands from across the City performed and we were all pleasantly suprised by a certain Sammy Watson's version of "The Climb".

And then to close the year, in December the Wednesday and Thursday drama groups' Christmas Show helped us finish on a high with some outstanding performances from Jack Thompson, Mark Thompson, Becka Lindley, Emily Halsey and the whole of the Wednesday group.

Wow!! So it's been rather hectic and i must take this opportunity to thanks all involved who have helped us develop the charity into one that is now providing consistent, quality opportunities for lots of young people.

Ian

Drawing a line under the Australia Project

We held a presentation last Friday (27th March) for everyone associated with the Australia Project. Kids, parents, carers, friends, family, collegues...everyone was there. It was a great night. Each of the young people received a certificate, a CD of photos from the trip, a DVD of the highlights, and a mounted selection of photographs in a presentation folder, as a keepsake. We also got mounted photos celebrating the wonderful achievements of the group to give to each of the adults who had helped make the trip happen. Penny Crawford, Assistant Head of Service for Children and Young People in Hull made it down and said it had been a fantastic opportunity the council could not turn down and she was incredibly proud of everyone involved!

After buffet and presentations, we also played the two DVD's, which will be up on the website soon. One was a short 'highlights' film of what we did whilst out in Australia, and the other was a rap written by Matty giving a further insight into theevents. Really funny. Everyone had a really good night.

Atthe end it was all quite sad as the project we had been working on for the best part of a year was finally over and it was now time to start ideas flowing for the next big thing for Freedom Road. Rest assured, everyone is still very much on a high and with the amazing support that the council and young people have given us, this won't be the last time Freedom Road Creative Arts go international.

ITS NOT THE THE END...MORE THE START OF NEW BEGINNINGS

As our plane finally touched down at Heathrow early on Friday morning, it signalled the end of the trip, but then opened yet another door in the amazing journey of Freedom Road, RAPP and the young people involved. They have gained so much more than a Aussie stamp in their passports and will benefit from this experience in so many ways in the future.

Its never over until that big lady sings and Freedom Road sang like seasoned performers that warmed the cockles of your heart and made you proud to be from Hull and UK...we hit the Aussies for six in their own back yard and it not very often we can say that is it ?! The young peoples behaviour throughout this trip has been in a word outstanding and they conducted themselves in a way that earned them respect and developed lasting friendships with their Australian peers.

Lets not forget, we spent over 40 hours travelling by air, and have travelled on nearly every mode of transport other than a Kangaroo!! And the young people just got on with it and enjoyed the experience to the full with a smile on their faces.Looking back we have had more laughs than the annual meeting of the tickling stick society!!!

Memories have been made that will last a life time...what an opportunity these young people have had! That they now build on with confidence to face the challenges that lie in the years ahead.

No ..its definately not the end...this amazing experience has just planted more magic seeds for the rainbows of the future to start to grow and for new dreams to be chased and realised.

Congratulations to all involved for making this trip happen and to all the young people and staff who took part...lets keep believing and keep on LIVING THE DREAM!!

Craig (have you put your suncream on?) Clark

DreamWorld and beyond!!!

So that was that. The last full day in Brisbane saw us take a trip to DreamWorld by train with some of our CREATE hosts to enjoy a day of rollercoasters and rides. First off was the CLAW which most of us went on, however Chiq and Caine found their way to the Flowrider which was a kind of wave machine which you had to surf upon. Both Chiq and Caine soon got the hang of it and looked pretty cool and so not to be outdone Jess decided to have a go too, and to everyones suprise managed to hang on and show the Aussies how it's done!!

Next Iain and Craig follwed me onto the rally car simulaters and after only 30 seconds i stopped and got out. It made me feel really ill. However Craig and Iain with pride at stake remained for the duration of the race and suffered for the rest of the day. Craig looked like a face double for John Major!!(grey and pasty).

Next stop was the Tower of Terror which was conquered firstly by Becky and Lisa and later by Sabrina, Hannah, Katie me and Jess. It was a kind of car which was shot at great speed up a Tower, stopped then returned down backwards. I know people reading this may think WOW that's not scary but for someone my age it was pretty worrying.

To round the day off Matt went on the TT Bikes and then it was back to the Mantra on Queens to get ready for our final night out at the Pig and Whistle for a fantastic meal. We met up with Jacqui for the last time on this visit, and said goodbye but with plans for future work together.

So that's it really.Tomorrow we set off for home at the end of what can only be described as a life changing experience for us all. Australia will never be that faraway place that we only ever dreamt of visiting, in fact it is now a place that most of us plan to return to in the near future and meet up with our friends from CREATE.

Thankyou to everyone who has supported this trip, to Penny, Mike, Christine and Rob. To all the RAPP staff who have put up with my consistent talking before we set off and I apologise in advance for what will be at least a year of story telling everyone will have to put up with on our return!! To all the parents and carers and most of all to the fantastic young people that we took away. You have all been absolutely amazing and a credit to yourselves and the City of Hull and we are all very proud of you!!

Ian

Sandboarding at Moreton Island

So it was off on another ferry across to Moreton Island today to sample some of the Gold Coasts finest beaches and have a go at Sand Boarding. After an hours boat journey we headed straight for the Desert area where we were given a piece of hardboard measuring 120cm x 30cm x 6mm , (you see working in that Woodyard for all those years has paid off!), which was duly waxed. We were then in turn sent hurtling down a sand bank at what felt like a breathtaking speed reaching the bottom to claps and cheers. Most of us had a good style however others, not to mention names, didn't get the "Lift your elbows up while going down" bit, and ended up with a mouthful of sand.

We then headed for the Blue Lagoon and spend an hour cooling off before going to have a picnic on the beach and a dip in clear blue sea. The trip ended with a chilled ferry crossing back and some of us went for a chinese meal tonight while others sampled the local McDonald"s.

So it's off the Dream World tomorrow with our CREATE hosts before packing ready to come home on Thursday.

Another Brisbane Boiler

Yesterday at the City's Street Beach we had had such a good time that we headed there again to enjoy another day. Imagine Hull City Centre and a beach with the sea at the end of Whitefriargate. It's the same thing but with 30 degree temperatures and skyscrapers all around us .......... it is unbelieveable. The young people were in and out of the water, sunbathing and enjoying milk shakes, ice cold coke and friendly conversations with people recognising our unique Hull accents!

Then it was off to TooWong on the train to meet up with some of the CREATE staff for an evening meal before returning back to the hotel to get an early night before our trip tomorrow to the Gold Coast and Moreton Island.We are hoping to see some dolphins and also go sand surfing. So check out the blog tomorow for an update. 2 days to go and we will be heading home. Going too fast but the memories will last forever!!!! But before this some of us will be up even earlier to watch the Tigers turn over Spurs at the KC.

The top boss from CREATE, Jacqui is already talking to us about maintaining links and possibly visiting the UK later this year which is fantastic and shows again the success of this trip.

Beach in the City

hi all it'z kita having a great time. It's really hot and sunny i'v been to the beach near the river today. It's like a swimming pool with sand at the bottom. It's fab and itz been boling. I've got a tan and jess is really brown she has got a glamourous tan. I got 2 tattos today which are really nice. Today all the young people had a to buy each other presents and we all had to make tea for all the staff. Me and Jess made chicken korma and Mattie, Caine, Kyra and Bekki, made a buffet. it was neally nice and then me and Caine had a dance off which was really fun and it was a laugh. I hope the weather is nice back ome, and oh by the way all the young people are running WILD ! ! ! so dont wrorry everything is alright over here we can cope with it all so yer see ya all when we get back to england on friday so love ya all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Koala's and Snakes

Day 2 in Brisbane and a trip down the river took us to the Lone Pine Animal Sanctuary where the guys had close encounters with Koala Bears and Pythons. On the 1 hour and 20 minute voyage to the suburbs of Brisbane where Lone Pine is situated we spotting a collany of Fruit Bats hanging from the Mangrove Trees and the odd Pelican flying by. A bit like East Park but the real thing. Apparantley there are no Croc's in the river as the Bull Sharks have took hold and are the toughest dudes on the block!!

On arrival everyone had photos with the Koala's and later returned for photos with a resident python. Kyra even got a photo with a young crocodile. Strewth!! In between all this we managed to feed the Kangaroos, Emus and Wombats. A real good day out.

On the return journey Matt managed to fulfill an ambition and captain the boat for a short while after which Jess, Caine and Becky also got in on the act. I don't know where this fits with the risk assessment but they managed to navigate us home safely!!

A meal tonight close to hotel followed by time contacting friends and family via e mail and telephone saw us all return to our rooms by 10.30pm for a much needed rest and a charge of the batteries ready for another packed day tomorrow. Now Matt it's time to feed the Koala's we brought home!!!

Kangaroo and Manly

So the last day in Sydney and at last it hit the heights of almost 30 degrees so with sun tan lotion applied we headed again for Manly and a day on the beach. It's difficult to imagine the cold weather back home as we all enjoyed time in the clear South Pacific Ocean drying off under the sun. Before we knew it it was almost 7pm so we headed back into Sydney via the ferry for the last time making sure we took loads more photos to remember our time there.

Then it was back to the hotel, a quick shower and change and back on the FREE 555 shuttlebus to Circular Quay and a last night meal around Sydney Harbour. And the best was to come. Chiq and Becky our self appointed "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" stars ordered Kangaroo stakes and ate the lot. Well done to them both for trying the local culinary delights. Chiq is now asking to try Crocodile in Brisbane!! Watch out Heather and Colin she is a changed woman!

Friday saw us up early to catch the flight to Brisbane where we will spend the next 6 nights before returning home, and despite a good start with the weather it has since started to rain again, but spirits are high and we are determined to make the most of the rest of the stay.

Take care all

What a performance!

The Star Room at the I Max Theatre Darling Harbour Sydney was the venue for what could only be described as Freedom Road's finest hour, (well 19 minutes and 11 seconds actually). The band were awesome and sang through the set with a confidence and charisma that helped show Australia that Hull is a place that has some fantastically gifted and taleted young people.Then it was back to the Hotel for an aftershow party of Dr. Pepper, Fanta Twist and Coffee, (who said Rock 'N' Roll was dead!)Wednesday saw the CREATE Young People depart home to destinations across the country, however friendships have been made and e mail addresses exchanged which we hope will lead to further meetings between the two groups. Thanks go to CREATE for helping make all this happen.We then headed off to the Sydney Aquarium and later the Sydney Wildlife Centre and an encounter with some Koala Bears before boking back into the Breakfree Hotel and balconys to die for. 15 floors up overlooking Sydney as the sun set in the warm heat, yes the weather is at last turning and the tans are beginning to develop.So it's off to the beach on Thursday and a meal out on the Harbour at night before we depart for Brisbane early Friday. Everyone is cool and enjoying the stay and i must say that the WebCam session has helped all concerned.

Australia 2

Despite the comparatively low 20 degree heat and on-off rain we headed to Manly yesterday intending to go to Ocean World...however...after a walk through the shops - stopping at every other one! - we caught sight of the sea. It was too much for some, including Kay, and a dash for the waves began. As the only ones in the sea we were quite an exhibit! The locals though we were mad!

As if that wasn't enough fun, Jess decided to cockle over on her ankle on the way out of the sea. Still, she was rewarded with a carry to the medical centre from two tanned Aussie lifeguards. Result!

She was given the all clear, strapped up, and we ventured back over sea to Sydney Central and Little Italy for evening food. Everyone is in good spirits and having alot of fun!

Off the the Rocks Market today!

Arrival in Aus

Wheels down in Sydney at 7am this morning! We arrived in Australia to clouds and only 19 degree heat! It has been good as a way of preparing us for hotter days...although Caine has already suggested that anyone living in this kind of heat must be mad!

The hotel is great and our rooms were ready as soon as we arrived at around 9am. We were able to sort out sleeping arrangements and unpack before venturing out into Sydney for brunch and an exploration of Darling Harbour and the George Street shops.

It's 6.30pm now. UK folk will just be waking up as we all prepare to drop and hit the bedsheets!

Photos so far...are below...enjoy!

Australia Update

With just over two weeks to go until we set sail for Australia, plans are going really well. The young people involved have been taking part in many fundraising events and a total of 34 000 has been raised so far!!! Freedom Road will be performing on Tuesday at a council event at the KC Stadium for the final time before heading to Sydney where they run, and take part in, workshops, perform, meet people in similar situations to themselves. In all it should be a great experience. For more info on fundraising you can visit http://tinyurl.com/cb3xyt   

Enjoy!

The New Year

Firstly, Happy New Year to everyone who reads the blog. We're in for an amazing year in 2009! The end of last year was pretty hectic with a host of fundraisers, including a 'Stars in their eyes ' evening, bucket collections, performances, face painting and bag-packing to raise money for the Australia visit in February of this year.

2009 looks like it's going to start off much the same way with another bag-packing event coming up this Saturday and a performance at St. Stephens Centre on 24th. Im sure many more events will be announced between now and next month too.

BUT!!!! Before any of the Australia visit goes ahead we also have our Drama performance on the 1st February (Saturday). Final rehearsals are now being crammed in and the show's looking great! It'll be performed at NAPA on Anlaby Road at 7.30. Hope to see you there!