A Journey I Remember

I’ve been working alongside Aspire Creating Communities on an intergeneration project called ‘A Journey I Remember’.

Aspire host a network of groups across Huddersfield involving older people in a range of creative activities and projects. A Journey I Remember came about following a conversation with Aspire who were interested in the participatory photography work I do. 

Taking the initial outline for a project themed around ‘Journeys’ I worked alongside Aspire team member Jo McFarlane to develop this into a series of workshops.

Children from local primary schools and members of Aspire’s regular art groups came together to share stories and experiences together through photographs in response to the prompt ‘A Journey I Remember’ 

The idea of a ‘journey’ was open to interpretation - a holiday, a day out, a walk around the block or an experience.

After sharing stories we asked people to write a post card about their journey, sharing their thoughts and memories “what did I see / hear / touch / taste” 

It was a wonderful project to be involved with, meeting many of the Aspire members and groups as well as the school children who all engaged brilliantly! 

We displayed the postcards as part of HUDDERSFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL LIMITED at an exhibition in April which was a lovely experience!

Hugely grateful to everyone who has been involved - to Susanna Shotter for the invitation to be a part of this project and to Jo Mcfarlane who I worked in close collaboration to developer and deliver these sessions. 

Also huge thanks to the whole Aspire Team, all of the children and schools and the Aspire Arts groups for embracing the project! 

I was also able to revisit some places in Huddersfield where I cut my teeth as a Community Worker around 2007- Almondbury, Ashbrow, Birkby, Crossland Moor & Newsome. Coming full circle on my own journey!