Youngers and Elders
‘And don’t forget, if you want a good laugh come to the Tower Bridge Care Centre’.
Maybe not the words we expected to hear on our way out from the second visit to a residential care home in Southwark. But that is exactly what we did – had a good laugh. The evening was heartwarming. We had visited the home previously and the se1 united young authors had listened to the stories of the past and memories of the residents name and name. Now we were back with the results for them to hear. Any nerves on the part of the authors were swept away as they heard the reactions of their subjects. Delighted nods and emphatic YES’s provided a backdrop to the readings. The stories are thought provoking – what was it like to be a child of an Irish widower, brought to London after his mother’s funeral ? What did the Festival of Britain mean to him and did he like it?
The process has been a joy to watch. The mutual appreciation, from the elders given a voice for their stories, only matched by the respect from the youngers and their enthusiasm for the project is a poignant reminder of the relationships that we used to take for granted. It’s been a very pleasing experience for all concerned.
Next week, on July 9th you will have the opportunity to hear these stories and meet the people who created them. We’ve also been working with more active elders who have been writing their own stories based on memories of the time. So if you want to hear what happened on the red sofa do come along.
We’ve got a great programme and will be creating the usual relaxed and friendly atmosphere that our regulars know. Welcoming back resident host Charlie Dark, music and visuals from Rizomorph will introduce you to Electro Swing reflecting our theme of taking the best from the past and mixing it up some.
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