The Garden of My Heart
Who is taking part?
Gateshead Council’s Alternative Education Programme and the over 80s women’s group who both meet at Lobley Hill Youth and Community Centre. In collaboration with Gateshead Primary Care Trust’s Sexual Health Service.
Why?
- To look at differences and similarities between generations in their idea of courtship, love and romance.
- To explore generational expectations, traditions and language in order that all ages can make informed decisions about relationships.
- To look at the controversy and stereotypes around the idea of ‘sexuality’ of young people, learning disabled and older people.
- To encourage respect for different generations living in Gateshead.
The project so far….
The Alternate Education group (14-15 year olds) made Christmas cards and felt bracelets with artist Ellen Henderson and Robyn Creighton from the PCT, as a present for an older family member. Graphic designer Cathy Sharp helped them make designs based on collages which will be made into invitations, bunting and other materials for their final Valentine’s Day themed event, The Garden of My Heart, named after an old romantic song. Since the New Year, the groups have been working with artist
Alison Ashton on the decorations, and have worked with vocal practitioner Rachel Dyson and songwriter Adam Cogden from the CoMusica programme at The Sage Gateshead.
Working with Gateshead’s Sexual Health Service both generations have explored attitudes towards love and romance, including the perfect recipe for a good relationship.
Chef Sam Storey and the group created Perfect Pizza soup – i.e. Tomato and Basil soup with mozzarella dough balls, and Whoopie Pies – American cakes with marshmallow butter cream filling, inspired by the classic American love song Makin’ Whoopee.
Soul Soup Café Event
The Garden of My Heart will be a light hearted exploration of love and romance across the ages and will include intergenerational games, a music quiz and improv-comedy with popular comedy group, The Suggestibles. The main hall of Gateshead Old Town Hall will be decorated in an explosion of hearts and flowers; soup and Whoopie Pies will be served. Participating groups will invite friends, family and colleagues.
Find Out More
Gateshead Primary Care Trust
