A wonderful inter-generational event, where schoolchildren and older people gathered at the Saints Football Ground to share memories of their childhood.
On a sunny day in November, around thirty of us descended on the Saints Football Ground to share in another successful intergenerational memory project. In partnership with the Saints Foundation, Caraway facilitated the gathering of a local Tea Club with children from The Gregg Preparatory School to share memories of childhood across the different eras from post war Britain to the 21st century. The young people had prepared presentations and there was much laughter as they shared some of their perspectives on the similarities and changes over the years.
We initially gathered over tea and cake a month earlier for conversations between the generations, a discussion around the importance of keeping both physically and cognitively fit, culminating in some lively Chairobics led by the Saints Foundation, amidst laughter echoing between young and old!
As usual we were impressed with the variety of presentations and with permission; we share one of the poems written to sum up the views of one young boy who was struck by the experience and wisdom that the older generation had to share.
The Elderly I wanted to centre this but can’t see how to do it!!
The people that over-look the older generation,
Are just as insignificant as they think they are,
But when you just take a moment to think of their lives,
You realise how much they have seen and done.
Their memories and character make them strong,
Now when someone says the word strength
You probably think of body builders and stars like Dwayne Johnson,
But it is knowledge and character that is TRUE strength,
And yes, I know that’s a line
That people use all the time
To sound wise ….
But at least it’s the truth.
And when you look at it, today we’re not all that different.
Maybe they played with china dolls,
Instead of a games console,
Maybe you might be looking after a virtual pet now,
Or a toy one,
But you still do the same things:
Feed it, care for it, play with it.
From the past we learn that real things, not virtual,
Are 10 times better!
When I interviewed the residents of Kerrigan court,
I realised these people are the toughest of souls,
And we can RESPECT all they have been through and the memories they hold.
Alex
If you have a group who you think would like to team up with a local school or youth group, do contact us and we can begin plans for our next trip, which always ends with a tour of the grounds and of course, refreshments!
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