15437/02GAZETTE & HERALD: LYNEHAM was one of four villages in Wiltshire selected for the Big Ideas Mini Operas community project which culminates in the Salisbury International Arts Festival.

Organised by a partnership of arts organisations, the four district councils and Wiltshire County Council, Big Ideas Mini Operas will involve villagers living in Codford, Durrington, Ludgershall and Lyneham over the next five months.

Children in local primary schools, families and older residents in those villages will create their own music and stories with help from composer Barry Russell, local music leaders and musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Alexandra Tomkinson, from the Wiltshire Music Centre, said: "Absolutely anyone living in the village can get involved in Big Ideas Mini Operas.

"It is all about local

people getting together and creating their very own music and stories about their communities. To take part, all you need are big ideas."

Big Ideas Mini Operas is suitable for all ages and all levels of ability, whether you have never made music before, those who have not played for years and very experienced musicians with their own instruments.

The first workshop took place on Monday with a further workshop every month until June.

Nicholas Keyworth, artistic director of Rural Arts Wiltshire, said: "This is the first time the majority of arts organisations have joined forces with the four district councils and the county council to stage a major arts project which we hope will raise the profile of the arts within the county."