We’ve all heard that a picture is worth a thousand words – disturbing news if like me you are a writer! – but here’s a link to someone who knows just how true it is…

Sue LaLumia is art director at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, an American journal specialising in the non-profit sector. She has some sound observations on what makes a good photograph and what editors are looking for.

Read Sue’s blog post here

And don’t forget to keep sending in your Community Spaces photographs to us – it’s easy and free to upload to our Flickr feed or you can email them to press@community-spaces.org.uk 

Happy snapping!

Artist Luke Perry, the Mayor of Dudley Coun Michael Evans, Mayor's Consort Coun Sue Greenaway

The Mayor of Dudley and a large turnout from the local community enjoyed a day out at the quaintly named Bumble Hole Visitor Centre to see the unveiling of more than 30 heavyweight artworks and a host of towpath improvements as the Community Spaces Flagship project on the Dudley No 2 Canal nears completion.

Artist Luke Perry has created the sizeable sculptures to tell the story of the canal from its construction in the 18^th century to the present day. Coupled with improved access, relaid towpaths and work to encourage plants and wildlife, a little corner of the Black Country is taking on a greener tinge.

 As well as the larger sculptures, Luke has also laid a trail of 50 cast iron moorhens for children to find. 

To find out more about the canal, visit http://www.dudleytunnel.co.uk. For more on Luke’s art, go to http://www.dudleycanalart.com

Nothing beats a summer picnic in your local urban oasis and you now have the chance to do it in style by winning a fantastic picnic hamper in this free to enter competition.

Groundwork UK has teamed up with Gardeners’ World to offer you the chance to win one of five luxury picnic hampers.

Each one contains a colourful waterproof picnic rug, cutlery, plates and napkins for two, plus a bottle opener/corkscrew. All you need to add is the food – and maybe an umbrella…

It’s easy to enter – just follow the link here

Good luck!

Herbie – a 40ft herb garden in the shape of a human figure – has made his public debut.
He is taking pride of place at the Rosliston Forestry Centre in Derbyshire.
Herbie has been planted with medicinal herbs on relevant body parts as a learning tool, while a recently built polytunnel is being used to cultivate herbs and act as a training venue.
The project was made possible through a £41,814 Community Spaces grant.
Elsewhere on the site, the newly launched Wild and Woody Trail features hand-crafted sculptures to bring people closer to nature.
Forestry Centre manager Debbie Chesterman said: “The two attractions are a fantastic addition to the set-up here.
“Wild and Woody is encouraging everyone to explore, inspect and discover a captivating world of possibilities. Herbie is a dynamic and innovative structure which is spectacular and educational to view.”
The Herbie project was managed by community horticulture organisation Red Welly and made a reality by organisations including Community Payback, the William Allitt School, Kingsbury Day Centre and the Aspect Centre in Derby.
For more, visit www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

The MUGA, funded by a £56,561 Community Spaces grant, was officially opened by local MP and former Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Action group chair Christine Robinson said: “Despite the rain we did manage to have some sports events for the juniors and under 13s who were brave enough to face the elements.

“Thanks go also to our dignitaries who turned up with their umbrellas – Jack Straw MP, Mayoress Karim Foster, Baroness Margo Grimshaw and Ward Councillor Andy Kay.

“We baked for England for days prior to the event, but alas the weather put many of our community off attending so the food was donated to the Salvation Army, who had a brilliant party. And so did we.”

Higher Croft Action Group, a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers who are making a real difference to the lives of young people in Blackburn, recently won a Prime Minister’s Big Society Award.

For more, visit http://www.highercroftactiongroup.co.uk