We are the Groves – new community initiative to get The Groves talking!
As part of the wider community regeneration of The Groves area of York, residents are launching a new initiative to encourage people to get talking and share stories.
From fireside folk tales to Netflix drama, stories are essential to every society. Stories, neighbours and community spirit have never been more important than they are now while we all find a way to keep in touch with each other safely and stay positive.
Local people are being encouraged to share their stories and experiences of The Groves at a free storytelling workshop which will take place on Zoom on Wednesday February 10th between 10am and 12pm. The project aims to help residents address isolation and weave their stories into the living heritage of The Groves. These stories may be used, with permission, to create a community walking trail and build up a picture of the community on its website www.wearethegroves.org
There will also be an opportunity to watch a short storytelling film, narrated by Groves resident storyteller – Arabian Phoenix – and suitable for all the family, based on the local themes of the Magpie, the Reindeer and The Ox, all names of past pubs in the area. The project team, made up of people who live in the Groves, have come together online to produce the story and offer COVID-safe activities to engage local residents.
Ann Stacey, Chair of The Groves Association is keen to encourage people to take part saying “This is a fun way to listen to other peoples’ memories and thoughts from The Groves. Who are you? How did you get here? What makes you smile? By coming together using Zoom we can all get to know each other better and listen to others’ stories. Everyone is welcome to listen in, even if you would prefer not to speak.”
Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities, said: “This new story-telling initiative has been born from work to regenerate The Groves. The community has been at the heart of this work which, besides seeking to improve local infrastructure, aims to further build community spirit and social interaction. This Covid-safe activity to brighten the winter months is especially welcome as we try to help reduce social isolation and bring people together virtually.”
Flyers are being delivered to homes throughout The Groves inviting residents to the free storytelling workshop or to get involved in other safe ways that don’t rely on technology, when guidance makes this possible. To find out more and book your place residents are being invited to contact
Email: tellusastory@wearethegroves.org
Call: 07951 050153
Twitter: @wearethegroves
Or find us on Facebook ‘We Are The Groves’
Ends
The Groves Regeneration Project is a community collaboration involving local residents, businesses, charities, associations, voluntary groups, schools and City of York Council. It aims to improve the local streets, spaces and environment and make The Groves a supportive, friendly and inclusive neighbourhood in which to live. The Tell Us A Story project is one of a wider number of initiatives to improve the area for residents, including traffic management, community gardening, physical activity sessions, local events and positive mental health.
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