On Monday 19th July, under the bright sky of an extraordinarily warm day, a group of excited people gathered at the West Didsbury and Chorlton Football Club. We weren’t there to watch a match, though in its own way, it was a game of two sides. One side was a collection of young people from Chorlton High School and the other local people who ranged in age. Instead of football, we played music. The results of the match were fantastic for both teams. Read on to find out more!
Continue reading “An Intergenerational Music Exchange”Summer Memories
Celebrating times gone by, as we simultaneously enjoy what is currently happening, is the fine balance that this group is often blessed to find during our discussions and reflections. The current brighter, warmer days have admittedly helped create this balance as we ponder on past summer memories and associations!
I was certainly left feeling uplifted by hearing the sunny memories the group shared. What stood out for me was the mention of adventures in mountains, laughter shared with friends and family, the rituals of regular holidays, cricket games, sunburn stories, ice creams under endless blue skies and simple but delicious picnics. I hope you enjoy these stories too. Please comment below with memories of your own!
Continue reading “Summer Memories”Intergenerational Penpals
Recently, our group has reached out to the wider community and formed new connections across the generations. Part of this has involved a joyful exchange. We shared our blog post on our much-loved toys and games with a class of Year 5 pupils at Chorlton Primary School and then, after reading our memories, the children wrote back to thank us and tell us about their favourite toys and activities. Read on to see what they shared.
Continue reading “Intergenerational Penpals”Getting Together Again
Recently, some brighter days inspired the group to meet outdoors at the Tea Hive in Chorlton. It was a real treat and we had a very lovely get together – the first in-person one since lockdown! Many members had not met each other in person before and we laughed in surprise about the fact we had bodies below the shoulders and heads we had got so used to seeing on screen.
We shared tea, coffee and some lovely cake whilst getting to know each other in 3D again. We also spent some time reflecting on our experience of the group and ideas of what to do next. Watch the video below to see the uplifting feedback. Alternatively, read the quotes separately below if that works better for you.
“I enjoy the opportunity to speak and connect with others.”
“As we get older, it can often get treated as important or having worth but this group helps us participants feel valued and purposeful.”
“Listening to people as we do, shows that ordinary people have fascinating lives, even when they might think they don’t! This also then reminds me to value myself too; realise that I have had an interesting life also.”
“The group is warm, inclusive, friendly, encouraging and HAPPY!”
“You can get as much or as little out of the group as you like. You can use it as an opportunity to simply tell and hear stories or you can write something up inspired by the storytelling.”
“We are in unprecedented times. The best way to break the cycle of uncertainty and worry is by connecting, creating community and sharing with others is good for everyone involved.”
“The group is a chance to meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise. It is a diverse group, very intergenerational and we have great, often surprising, conversations. “
“I like having an incentive to write on a regular basis and I also enjoy the sharing of memories on a topic, how they are sometimes similar and sometimes so very different.”
“This is good place to improve writing and storytelling skills and also a good place to talk and manage mental health conditions like anxiety.”
“You could just come and listen first or read the story book to get a feel for the group. Or jump straight in a share some memories with us all during a session!”
“We have more in common than we realise!”
The Stories of Our Lives 