By Diane Sullivan
“I think that this is going to be quite emotional!” Lainey Mullan, community co-ordinator at MHA Communities told WLD as guests were arriving at the launch event of “What Do You See?”
The event held at St John’s Church, Farsley, on Wednesday had been eagerly awaited by members who had shared their stories with Lainey as part of a project to share life stories and showcase the experiences of older people.
“What Do You See?” is funded by Age Without Limits and captures stories of some of the residents who attend events at MHA Communities.
Included with each story is advice for the younger generation. For example, Jim’s advice is “Don’t spend too much time on your phone. Look around you. Take it all in because life goes by faster than you think.”
The book provides a lasting legacy and really brings stories to life, its emotional finding out how people have lived their lives and made memories Oli Craven, MHA Communities Manager.
“There is so much to draw upon and so many stories to tell. I would like to do more, I wish we could have included everyone, we could use this as a blueprint for something in the future,” Oli added.
The book captures stories as told to Lainey Mullan during one-to-one interviews, which Lainey described as often very emotional.
Each story in the book is sensitively written, heartwarming, inspiring and emotional. The stories presented are accompanied by a selection of past and present photos together with advice for the younger generation.
Included in the book are a selection of letters written ‘to my future self’ at the age of seventy. These letters have been written by Year 9 students from Pudsey Grammar School. The school collaborated with MHA Communities to create the book which is about challenging ageism and encouraging new perspectives about older people.
Pupils Evie Robinson and Alfie Edwards, who had both written letters attended the launch and engaged confidently with others in discussions about age and agism during the launch.
“This is the first time in my life that I have been included in a book,” Alma said. Lynne Wray and Mary Carnelly were also both extremely pleased to have their stories told.
Ernest Lofthouse sat proudly with is family around him at the launch. “It’s nice to have family around you,” said Ernest with a big smile.
Ernest’s story documenting how he was born in Bramley and had gone on to become a champion boxer winning a belt at the European Championships in Russia is shared in the book.
A filmed interview with Ernest was also shown on a large screen at the launch to a huge round of applause.
Mitchell Lofthouse told the WLD that sometimes it is easy to forget that your grandparents have a life in the past.
Mitchell was ‘curious’ to find out more about his Grandad and had proudly brought his Grandad’s medals to the launch. Ernest’s two sons Ernest and Gerrard looked proudly on as the film was shown and said they were proud of their Dad’s history.
Over 50 people attended the event including Cllr Craig Timmins (Lab, Calverley and Farsley) who described the event as fantastic adding that Farsley has some inspiring older people.
The event was a huge success and involved lots of discussion, sharing of memories and tea and biscuits. Michelle Williamson, Community Co-ordinator MHA Communities who had supported the day and planning of the event, told the WLD how rewarding it had been.
Lainey Mullen also thanked everyone for their involvement and described the opportunity to capture life stories for ‘What Do You See?’ as a privilege.
For information about MHA For Communities Farsley visit their website.
For information about Age without limits visit their website.
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