'Nature Nostalgia'
Nature Nostalgia project information
'Nature Nostalgia' was a FREE 13 week movement, music & reminiscence project for participants 60 yrs+, designed to engage individuals in creative activities that will encourage reminiscence and capture memories of their childhood experiences of nature play.
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Participants joined us for 13 weeks at Delapre Abbey Gardens, to meet likeminded people, and improve wellbeing.​ Barefooted also offered a free workshop to 10 NorthamptonshireCare Homes / Retirement Villages as part of this project.
Film of Delapre Abbey participants, talking about the project impact
The workshops were delivered by dance artist and Barefooted Director Lucy Knight and musician / storyteller Ellen Chivers, both highly experienced in working with older participants. The project aimed to create both an immersive and therapeutic experience by combining movement, music and nature to help them uncover memories and reminisce about childhood experiences. This project not only promoted physical activity and mental well-being but also fostered a sense of nostalgia and connection with nature and each other, stimulating meaningful conversations among peers and staff.
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Participants have also been part of the creation of a collection of 45 oral histories.
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Project images
Oral History collection
The full oral history collection of 45 audio stories and transcriptions, created during the Nature Nostalgia project can be found on our resources page HERE.
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They are also being held at Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust as part of their ongoing oral history collection.
Listen to a short teaser of the stories here:
Nature Nostalgia Creative Team
Producer and Dance Artist: Lucy Knight
Musician / Storyteller: Ellen Chivers
Oral History Recordings: Lucy Knight, Ellen Chivers, Debbie Mellors
Volunteers: Hayley White, Debbie Mellors, Catherine Newman
Transcriptions: Catherine Newman
Photographs: Debbie Mellors, Hayley White, Lucy Knight
Film footage: Debbie Mellors, Hayley White, Lucy Knight
Film and audio edits: Lucy Knight
Film music: Ellen Chivers
Poem curated and read by: Ellen Chivers
With huge gratitude to all project participants who took part in Nature Nostalgia, both at Delapre Abbey and those living in Northants Care homes / Retirement Villages. Your rich and varied stories and memories will live on.
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With thanks to staff at Delapre Abbey, Royal & Derngate, Age Uk Northants, Overstone House, Brampton View, Timken Grange, Richmond Village, Cliftonville, St Crispins, Squires Mews, Ashurst Mews, Templemore and Crescent House care Homes / Retirement Villages for helping us make this project possible.
