River of Light Background Heritage in Herts – Connecting People and Communities to Heritage River of Light sits within the wider vision of Puddingstone Arts’ “Heritage in Herts” programme, an artist-led, community co-created initiative designed to engage, inspire and open conversation through place-based storytelling and creative engagement. The programme explores place-based stories and the art they inspire, inviting communities to connect with heritage through a series of accessible creative activities including workshops, public events, installations and heritage-led discussions. Rooted in Boxmoor and Dacorum, the work facilitates cultural exchange and celebrates the shared and diverse heritage of the area. At its core, the programme provides a vehicle to explore what unites communities, creating a sense of common culture and belonging through creative participation. Festival of Light and Reflection – Canalside Boxmoor November ‘25 Town Centre Lantern Parade (UKSPF) – Proposal Context Puddingstone Arts were invited to work in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council and local communities to deliver a large-scale lantern parade event designed to bring light, creativity and footfall into Hemel Hempstead Town Centre during the winter period. The project was devised to: Increase footfall through workshops in town centre venues, a central procession and public installations Encourage new visitors through a targeted marketing campaign and engaging visual content Contribute to the Meanwhile Strategy, activating town centre spaces through live sculpture-making and creative activity Support Dacorum’s emerging cultural strategy, strengthening connections across the local creative sector Engage underrepresented communities, including young people, SEN audiences, elderly residents and community groups such as DENS, Home Schooled Community and schools. Promote wellbeing, recognising the therapeutic value of creative participation Deliver a high-quality public event, combining visual arts, storytelling and performance Provide paid opportunities and training, including DBS-checked roles for artists, emerging creatives and young people Project Content and Delivery Approach The project, titled River of Light, explored and celebrated the stories and landscape of Hemel through: Traditional willow and tissue paper lantern-making techniques Exploration of bardic tradition, mythic storytelling and imagination Creative responses to local landscape and built environment

No consultation with stakeholders

During the financial period ending 31 January 2026, Puddingstone Arts CIC commissioned creative production, project management, artistic delivery and associated services from its directors and a director-connected organisation. Payments totalling £3,349.49 were made to director Kate Walton, and £4,083.98 to Nysa Projects, an organisation connected with director Kerry Lanigan. These payments were made against invoices for services and associated project costs supporting the CIC's community arts activities. The directors confirm that the arrangements were agreed, considered reasonable and proportionate to the work delivered, and that any conflicts of interest were appropriately managed. The expenditure supported the CIC's community purpose and the delivery of participatory arts activities.

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration