Capturing stories and voices of Strathearn
Personal reminiscences and lives at heart of arts project
An inclusive arts project has been awarded funding to produce personal films, audio recordings and an anthology of written work to preserve the stories and reminiscences of older residents of Strathearn.
Perth- based G enerat i n g Opportunity CIC is providing the chance to celebrate the lives and ongoing achievements of some of the Strath’s ‘weel kent’ faces, as well as others, who may be less visible but have equal contributions to make in sharing their stories.
The stories and voices can be in the form of filmed life stories, written or audio histories, memories and reminiscences and include favourite music, input from family and friends, family photographs and other archive material.
Linda Grant, of Generating Opportunity, explained: “To help with this, we have audio and video equipment we can offer on loan or we can visit individuals and groups face-to-face.
“Crieff community artist June McEwan is helping to promote the initiative by speaking to various local community groups about the project, including young people who may wish to contribute drawings, paintings and illustrations to an anthology of stories to complement the films and recordings produced.”
Two films have already been made with residents of Richmond House with help from the Crieff home’s activity co-ordinator and the residents’ families, which Linda said has attracted very positive feedback.
She continued: “We have loved listening to other people’s individual and group audio recordings around reminiscences of childhood and school days, working lives, holidays and days out, cinema and entertainment, stories of wartime evacuation, fashions and trends.
“Our third film is also under way, after several visits to our participant and her family at home, to speak with her about her reminiscences of Crieff and Muthill, gather family photos and arrange to include input from friends.”
If you or one of your family members or friends would like to participate in this project, please get in touch to find out more. Some of our films will be kept private to accommodate the personal needs and preferences of clients and all our work will be personalised to the individuals involved.”
Linda added: “If anyone would like to participate in this project, please get in touch to find out more. Some of our films will be kept private to accommodate the personal needs and preferences of clients and all our work will be personalised to the individuals involved.
“This is a lovely opportunity to record living histories and we would be delighted to hear from you. If you or a loved one lives with dementia, the process of recording stories and reminiscences can be particularly beneficial.
“My mother lives with dementia and having her life story made into a film has been one of the most impactful things she has done. It offers a constant source of joy and it has also helped her carers get to know her better.
“This year has been designated Scotland’s Year of Stories, so it is even more important that the rich heritage of Strathearn-inspired stories helps us to share and connect our experiences.
“Please get in touch at any time, by phone or email, for more information about how you, or someone you know, can be part of this project.”
My mother lives with dementia and having her life story made into a film has been one of the most impactful things she has done Linda Grant
For more information on becoming involved with the reminiscences project, e- mail generatingopportunitylincs@gmail. com or call 07774540738 or visit the Generating Opportunity website, which also contains a variety of creative resources for those living in residential care or who need support in their own homes. It can be found at www.generatingopportunity.com.
Money for the project has been sourced from Perth and Kinross Council’s Community Investment Fund.