25 Jun 2012
John's Final Footsteps - In Pictures
Some amazing photos of John's Final Footsteps in Newbury on Saturday night by Farrows Creative. Click here to see more photos.
24 Jun 2012
Giant Walks the Streets of Newbury
Some amateur footage from last night when a 20ft Giant - John Ever Afraid - walked the streets of Newbury! Incredible!
23 Jun 2012
Don't Miss The Rest of the Tale
Tonight, in Newbury town centre!
Can John Ever Afraid face his feares?
Can John Ever Afraid face his feares?
John's Final Footsteps
Tonight!
9.45pm - Northbrook St, Newbury
Wild music and parade as a devilish carnival tells the final chapter of our tale. Will John Ever Afraid find the courage to face his feares?
Surrender to a seductive night time carnival of fire, devilry and old time rock 'n' roll!
Wonder at the fate of a Giant who made a big mistake
Shake to the voodoo electricity of illicit Rock and Roll
Thrill to the final reckoning of John Ever Afraid
Will John finally face his fears and find redemption?
After ten miles and seven days in the wilderness come and witness the final chapter in our outdoor tale.
9.45pm - Northbrook St, Newbury
Wild music and parade as a devilish carnival tells the final chapter of our tale. Will John Ever Afraid find the courage to face his feares?
Surrender to a seductive night time carnival of fire, devilry and old time rock 'n' roll!
Wonder at the fate of a Giant who made a big mistake
Shake to the voodoo electricity of illicit Rock and Roll
Thrill to the final reckoning of John Ever Afraid
Will John finally face his fears and find redemption?
After ten miles and seven days in the wilderness come and witness the final chapter in our outdoor tale.
22 Jun 2012
Giant Loose in Newbury!
This afternon in Newbury, Maya and Scarlett's daily dare blog was interupted by The Berkshire Giant!
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Berkshire Giant Poetry Competition - 1st Place
As part of the Berkshire Giant project, Steve Larkin worked with local poets to develop their writing skills. This is the winning poem of the resulting competition:
Ever afraid of his god,
Though opposed to divine right,
Obsessed with doctrine,
In the blindness of passion
Against his rural wishes
He grew from humble squire
To become a reluctant giant
Tyrant, hammer of the people
The anvil of a parliament.
Ever afraid of his power
Ever afraid to relinquish it
Walled up between giant
And god fearing squire
By the pact of regicide he made
With a parliament
Whose moods he feared
Almost like the devil himself.
Peter is a member of the Newbury Poetry workshop that meet every Monday at the Quaker Meeting House in Newbury. He took part in the workshops with Steve Larkin and this poem was written as the result of his work in those sessions. It is a deep dark abstract look at the ideas of a giant walled up, a pact and the devil himself.
Ever Afraid
by Peter Eggins
Ever afraid of his god,
Though opposed to divine right,
Obsessed with doctrine,
In the blindness of passion
Against his rural wishes
He grew from humble squire
To become a reluctant giant
Tyrant, hammer of the people
The anvil of a parliament.
Ever afraid of his power
Ever afraid to relinquish it
Walled up between giant
And god fearing squire
By the pact of regicide he made
With a parliament
Whose moods he feared
Almost like the devil himself.
Peter is a member of the Newbury Poetry workshop that meet every Monday at the Quaker Meeting House in Newbury. He took part in the workshops with Steve Larkin and this poem was written as the result of his work in those sessions. It is a deep dark abstract look at the ideas of a giant walled up, a pact and the devil himself.
21 Jun 2012
Photos of The Summoning
A wonderful selection of photographs from last night's magical Summoning on Snelsmore Common. Check out more photographs by clicking here.
Photos by Farrows Creative.
Photos by Farrows Creative.
Giant Intimidates Fisherman
In a lake in Newbury today, a local fishing enthusiast had an unnerving encounter with what could have been The Berkshire Giant!
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
20 Jun 2012
Locals Flee from The Giant
Some CCTV footage taken today of people in Newbury running from something huge and obviously terrifying!
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Invocations and Rituals on Snelsmore Common
- Tonight -
The Summoning on Snelsmore Common
9.30pm-10.30pm
Free
Come gather under the stars this Solstice Eve with those who wish to protect the giant. Ancient drums and magic incantations are performed to invoke the animal spirits of the land & summon help for John Ever Afraid.
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Evening includes 10minute walk over rough, boggy terrain (wear suitable footwear and bring torches), difficult for those with limited mobility and unfortunately no wheelchair access.
How to get to Snelsmore Common:
19 Jun 2012
The Berkshire Giant is at Large in Newbury
The picturesque village of Aldworth was buzzing with Giant related activity during the launch of “The Berkshire Giant” on Sunday.
During the Aldworth Giant fair, local residents and families came out to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of live theatre, giant games, folk music and food. One of the highlights of the fair was the magical procession that paraded from the village green through the windy streets down to the churchyard where a troupe of players told the story of the Aldworth Giants – 600 year old stone effigies that lie in the village Church of Aldworth.
During the fair, an announcement was made that John Ever Afraid, the gentle giant that had been hiding from the Devil in the walls of Aldworth Church has actually escaped and is now on the loose.
The story continues tomorrow night on Solstice Eve (Wednesday 20 June on Snelsmore Common at 9.45pm) where a mysterious gathering will be taking place. It is hoped that this magical performance using ancient drums, voices and magic incantations will encourage the ancient beasts who wish to protect the giant John Ever Afraid to come out of their hiding places and come to his aid.
During the Aldworth Giant fair, local residents and families came out to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of live theatre, giant games, folk music and food. One of the highlights of the fair was the magical procession that paraded from the village green through the windy streets down to the churchyard where a troupe of players told the story of the Aldworth Giants – 600 year old stone effigies that lie in the village Church of Aldworth.
During the fair, an announcement was made that John Ever Afraid, the gentle giant that had been hiding from the Devil in the walls of Aldworth Church has actually escaped and is now on the loose.
The story continues tomorrow night on Solstice Eve (Wednesday 20 June on Snelsmore Common at 9.45pm) where a mysterious gathering will be taking place. It is hoped that this magical performance using ancient drums, voices and magic incantations will encourage the ancient beasts who wish to protect the giant John Ever Afraid to come out of their hiding places and come to his aid.
What Fun at Aldworth Giant Fair
A lovely message received from Pauline, a resident of Aldworth:
"THANK YOU to all involved in making 17th June 2012 a very special day in our tiny village of Aldworth. Congratulations on producing a day of magic and wonder - even the SUN shone!
Everyone's work produced a spectacle of drama, music, stories and pageantry the likes of which we may never see again. What fun it was. Even the GIANTS in St Mary's seemed to smile!
All best wishes,
Pauline"
"THANK YOU to all involved in making 17th June 2012 a very special day in our tiny village of Aldworth. Congratulations on producing a day of magic and wonder - even the SUN shone!
Everyone's work produced a spectacle of drama, music, stories and pageantry the likes of which we may never see again. What fun it was. Even the GIANTS in St Mary's seemed to smile!
All best wishes,
Pauline"
Berkshire Giant Spotted in a Newbury Park
Earlier today in a park in Newbury, a group of teenagers had their day interupted by what could have been The Berkshire Giant:
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
‘Elks’ Predict Magic in the Woods
If you’ve been out walking your dog recently, you may have noticed a mysterious group starting to assemble on Snelsmore Common.
This curious bunch of ragtag campers who all wear antlers on their heads and call themselves the Elks are united in helping John Ever Afraid, a Giant from the olden times who is walking at large over the Berkshire countryside during the summer solstice.
Chief Elk Martin Green (a trainee solicitor from Bedford), has been holding vigil for over three days now, constantly scouring the landscape through binoculars whilst sitting on a stool outside his Lichford Apache three-man tent. He breaks off his search to explain all over a mug of dandelion tea.
“If John appears, we are here to help him. The World will be very different from the one hid away 600 years ago. We have cars now, where he would have had…. a horse and cart? Were wheels invented then? He will be confused, perhaps even scared, so we’ll be here to offer a helping hand. We will perform ancient rituals and invocations to raise the spirits beasts from the forest so that they may guide him to safety.
Giants were always friendly with animals and this Giant in particular will need their support to overcome his fears. Spirit beasts in particular are a powerful force or goo and will keep him safe from those who wish to harm him. Where can John find safety I ask?”
Find out what happening at The Summoning tomorrow evening on Ancient Snelsmore Common.
This curious bunch of ragtag campers who all wear antlers on their heads and call themselves the Elks are united in helping John Ever Afraid, a Giant from the olden times who is walking at large over the Berkshire countryside during the summer solstice.
Chief Elk Martin Green (a trainee solicitor from Bedford), has been holding vigil for over three days now, constantly scouring the landscape through binoculars whilst sitting on a stool outside his Lichford Apache three-man tent. He breaks off his search to explain all over a mug of dandelion tea.
“If John appears, we are here to help him. The World will be very different from the one hid away 600 years ago. We have cars now, where he would have had…. a horse and cart? Were wheels invented then? He will be confused, perhaps even scared, so we’ll be here to offer a helping hand. We will perform ancient rituals and invocations to raise the spirits beasts from the forest so that they may guide him to safety.
Giants were always friendly with animals and this Giant in particular will need their support to overcome his fears. Spirit beasts in particular are a powerful force or goo and will keep him safe from those who wish to harm him. Where can John find safety I ask?”
Find out what happening at The Summoning tomorrow evening on Ancient Snelsmore Common.
18 Jun 2012
Strange Noises in The Woods
With more and more reports of a Giant loose in the West Berkshire countryside, locals Dan and Tom report on some strange carvings they've found and noises they hear in the woods.
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Video made by Young Corn Exchange with help from Real Time.
Pictures from Aldworth Giant Fair
A wonderful selection of photos from Aldworth Giant Fair yesterday by Farrows Creative.
Click here to see more images.
Click here to see more images.
Berkshire Giant Poetry Competition - 2nd Place
Fairy Steps and Giant Strides
by Louise Ordish
It starts – as it always does - with fairy steps
silver dust, kicked up in sparkles,
as they pass in a corridor,
“you-again”, raised eyebrows,
coffee at the same time,
more or less, give or take a heartbeat.
Magical fairy steps
tiptoe-trip towards some future,
as they lunch, make unremarkable exchanges
her face tight with alertness,
slight uncertainty
With the team day out,
come quickening fairy steps to the dinner
and imperative seats them
face to face, with wine and nerves on fire,
tension rising, like scalding steam
Group-loud jokes fill the bar, connections
snip-snap into place across the team until
much later, quieter, two of them sit,
still, and patches of silvery glitter
settle round their dress-down shoes
in glowing moonlight pools
And he pauses, leans in,
takes a breath that holds her scent
and knows that, in a moment, he will take
a giant stride, towards or away.
Louise will also be working with us at the Corn Exchange in the autumn to deliver some poetry workshops to build upon the enthusiasm generated by this aspect of the Berkshire Giant project.
Giant Escapes from Aldworth Church
During yesterday's Giant Fair, a huge roar as loud as a clap of thunder was heard as The Berkshire Giant, a spectacular monster of a man, broke free from the walls of Aldworth Church where he has been hiding from the devil for 600 years, fulfilling a prophecy made by the Ancient Order of The Elk. This Giant is now running riot across the West Berkshire countryside wreaking havoc wherever he goes.
Please keep an eye out for the Giant in your neighbourhood and let us know here at Giant Watch of any sightings!
Please keep an eye out for the Giant in your neighbourhood and let us know here at Giant Watch of any sightings!
17 Jun 2012
Giant Spotted in West Berkshire!!!
Following reports of a huge figure breaking out of Aldworth Church this afternoon, we've just recieved this video of local reporters discovering some Giant footprints in the West Berkshire countryside and even a brush with the Giant himself!
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
TODAY - Aldworth Giant Fair
Get yourself down to Aldworth Village today 12pm-4pm for a woderful free family friendly fair of all things Giant!
A day of Giants for young and old. Diverse entertainments to celebrate the legendary giants of Aldworth church. Featuring harmonious and joyful music, tall tales of Giants from across the land and Giant Games for all the family.
16 Jun 2012
More Strange Things Happening Locally
Another reports of things going missing in West Berkshire - could it be The Berkshire Giant?
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
15 Jun 2012
Locals React to Recent Strange Events
Local villagers in West Berkshire giving their opinions on the area's recent strange goings-on:
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
14 Jun 2012
Berkshire Giant Poetry Competition - 3rd Place
As part of the Berkshire Giant project there have been many opportunities to get involved. Part of the participation programme was a series of free workshops workshops with performance poet Steve Larkin. Steve worked with local poets and people who are interested in poetry to develop their writing skills and style and to explore the themes of the Aldworth Giant Myth and John Ever Afraid himself. The many entries for the competition looked at the ideas from every imaginable angle and the three selected represent three very different perspectives and styles. The winners were selected anonymously by Steve Larkin himself. We are delighted to have been able to support these local writers in their work.
Few now pay heed to Earth’s vicissitudes
when Sky God giants wrought internecine strife
and Wotan steered Thor’s freshly anvilled bolts
to harrow that fair face with Grim-gouged dyke.
Thus in my quest for Aldworth’s ingrained lore
- as stubbornly persistent as the Yew -
I have harked back to long-forgot ‘before’
and married it with paradigm - brand new.
The product of this fusion is my rock
where I make broad ecclesiastic claim;
asserting here: “The thunderbolt is Lord”
as witnessed once by man (and due again).
Yes! Something new shall now meet something old
as man’s astute enquiry lifts the veil.
Electric currents course the cosmic vault;
and random touch leaves excavation trail.
But time dilutes, and dilettante man
falls back from shock and awe: no lesson learned
as giants and all their works, dim memories,
transmute to feet of clay with each sod turned.
Who knows what drew the bloodline - “de la Beche”
to set their seat in Aldworth’s fertile folds?
What facile quirk of fate, stature decreed
that they became ‘the giants’ her church now holds?
And as ‘twer not enough, conflating so
it seems some feral minstrel malcontent
invented four more Giants to spice the mix
then left the scene – with neither spoor nor scent.
This wannabe Pied Piper nincompoop
John Long, John Strong, John Never Afraid, he coined.
Sang these three in, and out, of his charade
but left John Ever Afraid – and a good wall ruined.
By now, perhaps, this impish ne’er-do-well
is full-reformed of his mendacity;
be sure - he knew: pre-reformation wont
to inter dignitaries in masonry.
The arch–fool bent giant-folly to his will
bequeathing us a wall-arch questionnaire
invoking human weakness – de rigueur:
a de la Bechesque impasse: “Qui est la?”
And so, to giant-hunters, Aldworth bound
I say: “If you seek giants, watch the skies!
Turn neither left nor right at man-made ruse;
the Sky Gods stir – PREPARE FOR A SURPRISE!”
Barrie is the Chair of the Newbury Poetry workshop.
TRUMP!
by Barrie Singleton
Few now pay heed to Earth’s vicissitudes
when Sky God giants wrought internecine strife
and Wotan steered Thor’s freshly anvilled bolts
to harrow that fair face with Grim-gouged dyke.
Thus in my quest for Aldworth’s ingrained lore
- as stubbornly persistent as the Yew -
I have harked back to long-forgot ‘before’
and married it with paradigm - brand new.
The product of this fusion is my rock
where I make broad ecclesiastic claim;
asserting here: “The thunderbolt is Lord”
as witnessed once by man (and due again).
Yes! Something new shall now meet something old
as man’s astute enquiry lifts the veil.
Electric currents course the cosmic vault;
and random touch leaves excavation trail.
But time dilutes, and dilettante man
falls back from shock and awe: no lesson learned
as giants and all their works, dim memories,
transmute to feet of clay with each sod turned.
Who knows what drew the bloodline - “de la Beche”
to set their seat in Aldworth’s fertile folds?
What facile quirk of fate, stature decreed
that they became ‘the giants’ her church now holds?
And as ‘twer not enough, conflating so
it seems some feral minstrel malcontent
invented four more Giants to spice the mix
then left the scene – with neither spoor nor scent.
This wannabe Pied Piper nincompoop
John Long, John Strong, John Never Afraid, he coined.
Sang these three in, and out, of his charade
but left John Ever Afraid – and a good wall ruined.
By now, perhaps, this impish ne’er-do-well
is full-reformed of his mendacity;
be sure - he knew: pre-reformation wont
to inter dignitaries in masonry.
The arch–fool bent giant-folly to his will
bequeathing us a wall-arch questionnaire
invoking human weakness – de rigueur:
a de la Bechesque impasse: “Qui est la?”
And so, to giant-hunters, Aldworth bound
I say: “If you seek giants, watch the skies!
Turn neither left nor right at man-made ruse;
the Sky Gods stir – PREPARE FOR A SURPRISE!”
Barrie is the Chair of the Newbury Poetry workshop.
Out Today - The Giant Watch Times
As a special supplement of today's Newbury Weekly News, the first ever issue of The Giant Watch Times has been published with exclusive information and sightings of The Berkshire Giant! Go grab your copy today (click each page below to enlarge).
13 Jun 2012
Aldworth Giant Fair this week
Sunday 17th June is the day hen in tradition fashion, the village of Aldworth will celebrate its giants with music, pageant and feasting. Musicians and performers travel miles to the fair where hundreds of people will gather in the flag-lined streets. Despite the village’s rural location and rustic English charm, the event will see performances by fire breathers, stilt walkers and colourful, exotic performers from Africa and Europe alongside the traditional morris dancers, folk musicians, mummers troupes and storytellers.
The centrepiece of the event at 2pm is a colourful parade where children from schools across the county mount a vivid procession through the village and down the country lanes to the ancient church, bringing the gifts they have made for the giants.
This year a folk orchestra made up of children from across the country will perform a concert for the Giants of Aldworth Church and in a nod to the Olympics, this year’s Giant Far will also feature Giant Games – non-athletes need not be afraid; giant long jump and giant strong man competitions have been eschewed in favour of fete favourites such as a giant buzzer and wire and enormous quoits.
The centrepiece of the event at 2pm is a colourful parade where children from schools across the county mount a vivid procession through the village and down the country lanes to the ancient church, bringing the gifts they have made for the giants.
This year a folk orchestra made up of children from across the country will perform a concert for the Giants of Aldworth Church and in a nod to the Olympics, this year’s Giant Far will also feature Giant Games – non-athletes need not be afraid; giant long jump and giant strong man competitions have been eschewed in favour of fete favourites such as a giant buzzer and wire and enormous quoits.
Strange Goings-On In Compton
A local video blogger in Compton lets us know about strange noises and things going missing in his village - could it be more evidence of Giants in the area?
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
Video made by Compton Teenscene Youth Group with help from Real Time.
9 Jun 2012
Alice in Wonderland
Wonderful classic giant entertainment. Lewis Carroll certainly had a soft spot for gigantism what with the rapid growing and shrinking of his leading lady.
8 Jun 2012
Green Giant
What's that rumbling?! Oh, it's just my stomach. Must be nealy dinner time.
I fancy sweetcorn! Yums!
I fancy sweetcorn! Yums!
7 Jun 2012
"The Footprint of God"
Take a look at this stunning fossilised Giant's footprint in South Africa. Maybe the Aldworth Giants went there on holiday a few millennia ago?
5 Jun 2012
Local Schools getting Giant Fever
Around West Berkshire, seven ‘Giant Schools’ have been taking part in a huge range of exciting games and activities in the run up to the coming of The Berkshire Giant and have gone mad for our enormous friends!
At Streatley Primary School, Years 1 and 2 have created a visual retelling of Jack & The Beanstalk, are growing their own beanstalks and have started a giant sculpture project looking at Matisse. Years 3 and 4 have been writing their own versions of the Aldworth Giants myth, addressing the reasons that John Ever Afraid had been hiding in the church wall for over 600 years. Years 5 and 6 have been working on a maths project using ratios to work out how tall a Giant would be based on the size of a footprint and the ratios of their own bodies. They are also designing chair, scaled up to suit the size of their Giant.
"This has been a thoroughly inspiring project sparked by our West Berkshire history. It is valuable for the children to have something that is so local but also truly giant in the ideas it has generated.”
Chris Prickett, Headteacher
At Streatley Primary School, Years 1 and 2 have created a visual retelling of Jack & The Beanstalk, are growing their own beanstalks and have started a giant sculpture project looking at Matisse. Years 3 and 4 have been writing their own versions of the Aldworth Giants myth, addressing the reasons that John Ever Afraid had been hiding in the church wall for over 600 years. Years 5 and 6 have been working on a maths project using ratios to work out how tall a Giant would be based on the size of a footprint and the ratios of their own bodies. They are also designing chair, scaled up to suit the size of their Giant.
"This has been a thoroughly inspiring project sparked by our West Berkshire history. It is valuable for the children to have something that is so local but also truly giant in the ideas it has generated.”
Chris Prickett, Headteacher
10 Things you didn't know about Giants
1. Giants have extraordinary appetites and must eat the equivalent of at least 3 shopping trolleys worth of food a day, including the trolley.
2. Despite their size giants have relatively small territories, sometimes as small as a couple of miles across, and they will only leave these territories if forced to do so.
3. Giants are allergic to soap, including many leading brands of hand-wash and body scrubs.
4. A Giant cannot resist a bet, however small or foolish.
5. Due to their bi-immaterial genetic nature, Giants will not show up on radar or GPS satellite technology.
6. Because of their superior height and enlarged cranial cavities, Giants have extremely sensitive hearing and can even pick up some radio signals as they pass through the air; consequently they loathe and avoid mobile phone masts.
7. A Giant’s digestive system cannot process many contemporary modern foodstuffs, such as coffee, and even the distant aroma of many of these foods can cause bouts of giant flatulence.
8. Giants love trees. They are extraordinarily fond of them, often having individual names for every tree in their territory.
9. Giants are afraid of large groups of buildings, such as towns. However they are attracted to shabby outbuildings, dilapidated sheds and lean-tos much as a fox is attracted to an unattended dustbin.
10. It is in a Giant’s nature to fiddle about in the land, whether trying to damn a stream with fallen logs or spending days on end attempting to balance piles of rocks on top of one another.
2. Despite their size giants have relatively small territories, sometimes as small as a couple of miles across, and they will only leave these territories if forced to do so.
3. Giants are allergic to soap, including many leading brands of hand-wash and body scrubs.
4. A Giant cannot resist a bet, however small or foolish.
5. Due to their bi-immaterial genetic nature, Giants will not show up on radar or GPS satellite technology.
6. Because of their superior height and enlarged cranial cavities, Giants have extremely sensitive hearing and can even pick up some radio signals as they pass through the air; consequently they loathe and avoid mobile phone masts.
7. A Giant’s digestive system cannot process many contemporary modern foodstuffs, such as coffee, and even the distant aroma of many of these foods can cause bouts of giant flatulence.
8. Giants love trees. They are extraordinarily fond of them, often having individual names for every tree in their territory.
9. Giants are afraid of large groups of buildings, such as towns. However they are attracted to shabby outbuildings, dilapidated sheds and lean-tos much as a fox is attracted to an unattended dustbin.
10. It is in a Giant’s nature to fiddle about in the land, whether trying to damn a stream with fallen logs or spending days on end attempting to balance piles of rocks on top of one another.
4 Jun 2012
1 Jun 2012
World's Tallest
In ongoing Giant research, we investigate the tallest and smallest men in the world.
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