Our memories inspire some talented young people from Darlington

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Aug 13, 2013

We have been working with the young people from the Darlington Arts Academy (DAA) to capture some of our memories of the last 60 years that they have turned into a play called Diamonds are Forever.

The group visited us and chatted to the residents so they could capture memories from the 1950s that they then used as the basis for a 15 minute play, which they then performed for us.

Our manager Judy Wray said: “We greatly admire the young people and the team at the academy and we have helped them with fundraising. A number of our residents have talked to them about their memories and they were delighted to see the production.”

The DAA’s Rebecca McGarvie said: “The participants chatted with the residents after the performance and were able to get more ideas and these have been incorporated into the full length production which they will develop and rehearse between 3^rd – 10^th August 2013 at the Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, with a performance on the Saturday 10^th August 2013 at 3pm.

“The memories gave the cast and writers lots of ideas for fictional characters and as well as background to events. It was a real insight into the social history of the Queen’s reign and the students were struck by how, although technology has radically changes, emotions and families remain very much the same.”

The academy has invited residents to the show and Judy said: “I am sure some will love to go. They really enjoyed talking to the young people and sharing their memories.”

On Saturday 31^st August 2013, we will be holding our summer fayre and barbecue, and the academy will be performing a small display to residents, relatives and staff.