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STORIES ARE AT THE HEART
OF WHAT WE DO
The Community Brain grew out of the need to share and celebrate stories.
And at the start of it all is the State of Seething.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Seething is a state dedicated to creating things and bringing people together to release talents and energies in our community in a positive, engaging and sharing way. It is open to everyone to join in whenever and wherever they like.
Our journey began with the retelling of the legend ‘Lefi Ganderson - the Goat Boy of Mount Seething’ in 2009. Last heard in 1921 this heart-warming tale shows the triumph of good over evil and the ability of one individual to change the lives of many.
It asks the question - ‘what can we do to make life better for everyone?
THE SPIRIT OF SEETHING
PLAYGROUNDS FOR ADULTS
From these stories and legends, the people of Seething have been working to develop a stronger sense of community by creating events and happenings that everyone can join in with.
Through these events, we discovered brilliant Surbiton heritage which deserved exploration and our research projects were born. Read more about some of our projects below:
We opened community-driven buildings; The Museum of Futures and The Community Kitchen. Our work was recognised when we won the national Britain has Spirit competition.
Read on to find out about the events that form the Seething calendar.
Take a look at our page of books if you'd like to learn about the original stories behind the events.
THE SEETHING FESTIVAL
The annual event and procession that celebrates the local legend of Lefi Ganderson - The Goat Boy of Mount Seething
THE BRITISH BREAD GOLF OPEN
If you've never played golf before then this is the game for you. It's fun, it's daft and it helps raise money for the charity Creative Youth, organisers of the International Youth Arts Festival in Kingston.
The challenge: to hit three dough golf balls towards a floating hole on the Thames and the chance to be world champion.
SURBITON FOOD FESTIVAL
Established by local volunteers, businesses, and Surbiton residents in 2013, the Surbiton Food Festival has since grown to a spectacular community celebration and flagship event. We are proud of the way it has brought the town to life through its culinary talent, with 40 local businesses taking part and over 6500 people attending 23 events and demonstrations most recently.
THE SEETHING FRESHWATER SARDINE FESTIVAL
Every year villagers gather at Claremont Gardens and then go down to the banks of the Thames to watch our brave fisherman and woman haul in the catch of Freshwater Sardines.
From there a procession led by the four giant guinea pigs of Seething leads the crowd to Claremont Gardens where a BBQ and entertainment will take place and more Seething visitors can join in the fun and heritage.
THE SURBITON VILLAGE FETE
A traditional village fete with food and drink to eat there or take away. Entertainment, bands, cookery displays and competitions fill St Andrew's Square.
The fete takes place in the middle weekend of the Surbiton Food Festival fortnight, which celebrates and showcases local businesses while bringing the community together in an variety of events.
THE SEETHING COMMUNITY SPORTS DAY & FUN DOG SHOW
A traditional school sports day for all the family featuring egg & spoon, sack, sardine relay and the King’s Soup Race. Live music and entertainment, food stalls, a bar and market stalls complete the festive occasion.
THE KING'S SOUP
The King’s Soup is a simple ‘folk tale’ that highlights the positive difference an individual can make through their attitude to where they live and how they respond to others.
The story tells of a selfish King who is feared by his people because he takes everything that is good. However, although his Palace is full, his heart is empty.
Through a series of events he tastes a simple, lovingly made soup that changes his heart. He learns to appreciate the sense of achievement and joy that growing, creating and making can bring rather than just taking.
Through this he begins to understand the value of friendship and community.
The story’s themes are those of greed and selflessness, of the joy of making rather than owning, of the benefits of locally produced food and of the value of community celebration and sharing.
