Plastic bags and bin bags, string and sweet wrappers, glue, scissors and sellotape. What could be done with such an array of apparently useless, cast off objects?
In the UK there is a popular children’s TV programme called Blue Peter with experts who make amazing objects from recycled materials. Our very own Mr. Kevin Yau was just as skilful as he demonstrated to the BISC students how to make a kite with the famous words
“..and here’s one I made earlier.”
Nobody could have imagined that from such plain and basic objects that such graceful and beautiful vessels could be created, far more vibrant and delicate than the sum of their parts.
Kevin ably demonstrated the step by step approach to making the kites and, amongst an atmosphere of steady concentration and jovial conversation, these simple creations came together in all their aero-dynamic glory.
After a test run in the BISC garden, with sweet wrapper tails flapping in the wind, the kite making troupe headed for Brandon Hill. There was glorious sunshine and a warm breeze that was perfect for the kites to take flight.
The kites came to life in the wind: some twisting and twirling energetically, darting about in an untamed manner, whilst others took to the air easily and soon reached extra-ordinary heights. Elena appeared to have perfected the art and it seemed that the real secret was to whisper to the kite as it took off. Her kite certainly won the award for flying the highest.
The BISC kite was also a success: it had a tail of many different flags and the BISC logo proudly flying high above the city. Whilst there were one or two kites which needed to go “back to the drawing board,”it was a truly unusual event which was touched by something magical. A reminder that in the midst of exam time, and the worries and cares of this world, it is still possible to take childish delight in simple pleasures.
