New project : Stories of our Lives
A new Project got off the ground in July /August which has brought together older CGN members with local writers. Supported by facilitators Jolene Sheehan and Nakib Narat and basing the project in a local supported housing scheme, Adastral House, the idea is bring together two groups of people to share and listen to memories and experiences around a chosen topic; which have so far included childhood and growing up, working life and holidays and travel. The final session of this series will be about’ people and events that have inspired and influenced me ‘. We hope a booklet will be produced and participants will also share their recollections at a session at CGN during Chorlton Book Festival in September The atmosphere has been amazing with everyone keen to talk and get to know new people. Some older people have stayed with the same writer each week whilst others have been happy to meet a new listener, and CGN volunteers have kept the supply of tea and coffee going throughout the morning.
Feedback so far suggests the storytellers are benefitting from unearthing positive memories they had forgotten about, from learning how varied people’s lives can be but that there was plenty of common ground, and the project was helping them in all sorts of ways
For the writers ; they have reflected how they value being able to support their story teller to recognise the significance of events, how much they enjoy hearing and seeing how events have shaped people’s lives and how it is a great opportunity to celebrate the community of Chorlton and bring people together.
We definitely want to keep this going and develop it further so watch this space ….
Chorlton Good Neighbours 