In response to the message of the mysterious "Palmers Scream" manuscript, a group of local authors have teamed up with an illustrator to launch an initiative aimed at releasing "joyful creativity" in local people, whether adults or schoolchildren. To support their goal they have produced a book, organised collaborations with schools, businesses and other local groups, and set up a special website.
The cover of the book being distributed to childrenDefeating an ancient Terror
The origin of the scroll that was discovered in the former Town Hall remains a mystery and its contents raise all sorts of questions. However, the group members have decided to rise to the challenge laid down in the manuscript - to bring joy and merriment to the area as a means of helping defeat an ancient Terror.
The first results of the group's collaboration is a paperback book of spooky stories about Palmers Green that will be distributed free to up to a thousand children spread across five local council wards.
Releasing joyful creativity
It is hoped that children - and adults - will use the book as a prompt to spread joy and merriment, explore more about their locality and release their own joyful creativity, in areas such as writing, drawing, drama and other creative disciplines.
The group has already been in touch with several local schools, where two of the local writers, Alex Woolf and Martin Jenkins, will be working with children to help them with literacy skills. Also involved are London Play, who will provide Play Starters to help support selected Play Street schemes in and around Palmers Green.
Rich Driffield of London Play says that "Working with children on play streets through the spooky stories book is an ideal vehicle to use our experience in facilitating playful fun".
Local businesses keen to play a part
Writers, production and publishing professionals have lent their skills for free to produce the book, while the cost of printing has been covered by two local businesses, Winkworth and Bennett & Walden.
Mark Brinkley, manager of Bennett & Walden Estate Agents said, "While we compete with Winkworth for business, we are united in looking for the best for Palmers Green and the surrounding area. My office overlooks Broomfield Park, the alleged resting place of the ancient Terror, so I hope as many people as possible get involved, have fun, and in doing so help make this a better, safer place to live, visit and work."
Nick Charalambous, Director of Winkworth Palmers Green, supported the sentiment, adding that he couldn't decide if having an ancient Terror was positive for house prices but he was definitely planning to look on the bright side.
According to the Palmers Scream website, this handbill was found with the manuscriptHarnessing and developing creative energy
Another local organisation that will be involved is Chickenshed Theatre, who this year celebrate their fortieth anniversary.
Madeline Cross, Community Development Manager says "The manuscript sets quite a challenge, but here at Chickenshed we are committed to celebrating diversity and inspiring social change through bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. Our inclusive approach is unique in harnessing and developing the creative energy of people who might never normally meet, much less have the opportunity to work together." Madeline adds, "That seemed to us a good place to start when faced with such an issue. We're very much looking forward to assisting on this journey."
The "Palmers Scream" website
A new website - www.palmersscream.uk - will help disseminate new findings about the scroll as they emerge. At the moment the website has the full transcribed text of the scroll, the photographs that have already been published elsewhere, and a short introduction. The team behind the website are also planning to make available a downloadable version of the book of spooky stories.
The whole community can play a part
The group is also issuing an appeal to "all members of the local community who are interested in having fun and working towards a bright future". People can help "ensure that any ancient Terror can never again build a foothold in this world" by creating their own stories or illustrations or acting out their own piece of drama in response to the manuscript.
Anyone who does create something of their own is asked to inform the team at or via Facebook or Twitter - accounts using the name Palmers Scream have been set up on both social media.
