Making Memories, making history
Posted on 16 July 2013
Making Memories was written by undergraduate and postgraduate students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, cultures and countries, guided by an experienced creative writing tutor. Part of an exciting volunteering project, the aim was to promote intergenerational understanding.
Dame Joan Bakewell says in the foreword: "These stories capture real poignancy and authenticity. The authors have listened carefully, giving those who tell their tales both their time and, I suspect, their friendship. From there, they draw on real-life reminiscences to craft work that has its own integrity and spirit. The range is impressive."
The project, led by the University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning and Department of Health Sciences, involved Barchester Stamford Bridge Beaumont Care Home, Barchester Mulberry Court Care Home and Auden House (York Housing Association).
Residents and students have celebrated the book in each of the homes. At Auden House, a copy of the book was put into a time capsule which is due to be buried in the foundations of the city’s Bar Walls as part of York 800 celebrations, to be uncovered in 2212 when the city celebrates 1,000 years of self-government.
These stories capture real poignancy and authenticity. The authors have listened carefully, giving those who tell their tales both their time and, I suspect, their friendship
Dame Joan Bakewell
One Auden House resident said: “It was lovely to talk to someone who was really interested in me. At first I wasn't sure what to talk about, but once I got started all these memories came back. You can't do as much when you get older, but thinking and talking about the good times always makes you smile."
Professor Karen Spilsbury, from the Department of Health Sciences, said: “Making Memories is truly collaborative and has relied on the energy, enthusiasm and time of all participants. In particular, the project would not have been possible without the local residents who kindly agreed to meet with students and welcome them into their homes.
“The project has provided fantastic opportunities for students and local residents to come together. The stories are inspired and the book symbolises the friendships that have been formed across generations and has provided joy for all involved. We are excited by the idea of the book being unearthed in a thousand years’ time. The memories and stories will make history.”
Notes to editors:
- The project team includes Iain Barr, Lesley Booth, Fiona Gavigan, Duncan Lean, Elizabeth Linklater, Karen Spilsbury and Caroline Wright. Further information about the project is available at www.york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning/memories/
- Making Memories the anthology can be purchased through the University's online store. All proceeds raised through the book will be used to fund the production of subsequent student authored books which will contain collections of stories inspired by the memories of older people. No individual will benefit financially from the sale of this book.
- The Making Memories project was funded by the University of York Strategic Learning and Teaching Project Grant and supported by the Graduate Students’ Association
- Further information on the University of York’s Department of Health Sciences is available at www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences
- Further information on the University of York’s Centre for Lifelong Learning is available at www.york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning
- For more information on the partners involved, visit www.barchester.com and www.yorkha.org.uk
- Further information on York 800 is available at www.york.gov.uk/info/200276/festivals_and_events/968/york_800
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