Through Younger Eyes reminiscence project

“It is often said that memory is an unreliable tool but we certainly did not find it so”. This was the conclusion Paul Rogers came to after completing a series of reminiscence workshops to capture the recollections of those of an older generation. Paul continues, “They were happy to tell us of their lives and loves, work and recreation”. With funding from Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Serve was able to engage Paul, who was joined by fellow folk singer Yasmin Bradley, (both members of the local folk group “Frumenty”), and Joe Green, (a freelance reminiscence workshop facilitator), to visit Serve`s day centres in Rushden and Higham Ferrers to talk to users and record their memories of what life was like sixty to seventy years ago in the two towns. Paul and his musical colleagues (including fellow Frumenty member, Geoff Brown), went away and used what they`d heard as inspiration for new songs which they have now recorded on to CD. From the lady who had been a “flower power” rebel to the Italian gentleman who had been recruited from his home village as a young man to travel to Northamptonshire to work in the local iron mine, “they weaved a fabric of lives as varied as they were remarkable”. Humour and sadness blended in tales of ruses to avoid work, international love affairs and the grief caused by the loss of young lives in a wartime bombing raid are all reflected in the songs which include: Facebook page for Frumenty 1. Through Younger Eyes – a song reflecting the importance of recording the memories of previous generations 2. Baby Boomer Girl – a Blues number about a woman who grew up in the 60s and took part in demonstrations – and is still a bit of a “rebel” ! 3. Workers in Leather – a song reflecting the decline of the shoe-making industry Listen to Workers in Leather here 4. Saint Monday – a humorous song based on one man`s memories of how workers decided whether or not to go into work on Mondays. They would go to the market cross and throw a shoe in the air – if it stayed up, they would go into work, if it fell down, they would go to the pub! 5. The School Gate – a poignant and haunting song on the tragic bombing of the Alfred Street School in Rushden during WW2 with the loss of many young lives. Listen to The School Gate here 6. Iron Mine – inspired by the local Italian community, many of whom were recruited to work in the area after WW2. It also contains a tribute to the mandolin orchestra which performed in Rushden in the early 1900s. Listen to Iron Mine here 7. War Bride – the tale of a young woman who married an American GI during WW2 despite opposition from her family 8. A Mile in My Shoes – a song about shoemakers who dream of going on to become famous but only do so vicariously for others who carry out their dreams. 9. The Last March – a brass band number to the tune of “Workers in Leather” recalling the local factory holidays and brass band parades. Liz Clarke, Serve`s project manager said, “The workshops were good fun and our users enjoyed participating. We are planning to continue with similar projects and have just completed one based in the rural settlements in East Northamptonshire around Oundle, with funding from East Northamptonshire Council". Paul added, “It has been a privilege for me and the other members of Frumenty, Yasmin and Geoff, to turn just some of these memories into songs and to record them in an album. We hope that those who hear the compositions will enjoy them and remember that the greatest thanks must go to those who gave their time to attend the workshops and were prepared to tell their stories while looking “through younger eyes”. A concert is planned for the Autumn of 2011 and the CD will be available soon. If you would like to obtain a copy, please contact Liz Clarke at Serve on 01933 315555 for details. ‘We are The Northamptonshire Community Foundation - we deliver a variety of funding for the local voluntary and community sector - flow through funds - gifts for now - and longer term funds - gifts that keep on giving. With the help and support of our donors, supporters and partners we support the communities where we live, work and play. This Foundation is for the county of Northamptonshire. All funding raised stays right here in the county. And if you give to the Foundation, unlike other charities, we advise you on where the greatest need is in the county and allow you to decide what happens to your money and how it is spent.’