Children and old people are coming together to share stories of childhood. 

The project will culminate in a new work of art by well known North Staffordshire artist Rob Pointon. 

Crossing Lines – Linking Memories has brought together children from Stoke Minster Primary School and older residents of the West End Village, Stoke. 

The Staffordshire Housing Association project is funded through the National Lottery Awards For All scheme. 

Year Five pupils from nearby Stoke Minster C of E Primary attend regular workshops at the West End Village, London Road, Stoke. 

They mingle with the residents of the Staffordshire Housing Association run older people’s village and work with them to create memory boxes where ideas, photographs and childhood recollections are shared. 

Artist, Rob Pointon, attends the sessions and gives the pupils tuition in how to draw. 

Rob, who is based in Burslem, will then used the shared experiences to create a large mural in the West End Village’s communal Garden Room. 

Eric Challinor attended Crossing Lines – Linking Memories to show children photographs taken during RAF service in Egypt during World War Two. 

“We talk to the children about our memories and how childhood has changed,” said Eric, aged 92, who grew up in nearby Shelton. “My memories are of climbing trees and playing outdoors. There was no TV or electronic games.” 

The children were amazed by Eric’s photo of a man sitting on a beach relaxing in a formal suit. 

Jacob Ashley, aged 10, said: “We are really enjoying our visits to the West End Village. We’ve found out about things like rations, how people dressed and how the children used to play outside a lot, climbing trees, skipping and making dens.” 

Rob Pointon has previously worked with Staffordshire Housing Association to create a large mural in the grounds of the West End Village. 

“It is fascinating to see the older and younger generations come together to share their memories,” said Rob. 

“These memories will create the ideas for the mural which will provide a lasting memory of the project.” 

Members of the public will e able to see the mural as the communal areas at West End Village are open to non-residents on Mondays to Fridays. 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors:

Staffordshire Housing Group is committed to building a better future for local communities.  The group’s parent organisation, Staffordshire Housing Association, has around 3,000 homes for rent and sale, including three older people’s villages, and offers a range of tenant services. Revival Home Improvement Agency works with older and vulnerable home owners to help them stay warm, secure and independent in well-maintained homes. Blue Mountain Housing Association works closely with refugees to provide essential support and help with access to healthcare, education, training and employment.  Since April 2012, Hanley-based charity Arch has been part of the group. Arch provides accommodation and support services to people in need, including survivors of domestic violence, ex-offenders and young people leaving care.