Young and old film sweet memories

Modern Art Oxford paired youngsters and elderly Oxfordshire residents to produce a short film exploring the nature of memory and recollections of the county.

‘Lost In Time And Space’ is supported by the Big Lottery Fund, and Creative Dementia Arts Network, Oxfordshire Alzheimer’s Society, Film Oxford, Cheney School and Project Room are all involved.

Project manager Sarah Plumb said the film, which will feature sound, symbols, and metaphors, was being put together over six months, with six youngsters regularly meeting with 12 elderly people.

She said: “It is about raising awareness of dementia and breaking down stereotypes of dementia sufferers, and also those of young people.

“The young people are learning about their community from the older people but then they are teaching the older people about how to use cameras and equipment. It is very collaborative and they are learning from each other.

“The film will be the outcome of it, but it’s also more about offering cultural opportunities and breaking boundaries.”

An exhibition of the finished project will take place from March 24 to June 6 at the Pembroke Street gallery.

Jan Burrage, 75, of Witney, is taking part with her husband Ralph, 84, who was diagnosed with dementia last year.

She said : “It is important to us to feel a part of something.”

Mr Burrage said: “It is really nice to be engaging with younger people and picking up some of their energy and ideas.”

Cheney School pupil Emily Raven-Baker, 13, said: “We have built a friendship with everyone.

“You can never really imagine how hard it must be to have dementia, but this is the closest you can get to understanding – to be around those with it and help them.”

June Maidment, 81, from Wantage, said: “My long-term memory is fine but I cannot remember last week.

“But I have lost the feeling of isolation coming here. You get to realise you are not the only one who cannot remember things.”