Strictly come ceramics
Warwickshire County Council’s Bracebridge Court care home in Atherstone has supported older people and adults with learning disabilities to join together and find a mutual love for dance and sculpture.
More than twelve participants from North Warwickshire met together during a 10-week course, which was organised by Christine Jenking, Day Care Co-ordinator at Bracebridge Court; and funded by the County Council’s Social Inclusion Arts Grant Fund.
The group included older residents from the care home and people with learning disabilities who use Dordon Community Support Services. Christine explained that the aim of the course was to bring different groups of people together and to use dance and ceramics as a form of therapy and expression.
Robin Wade Director of Escape Community Art in Action led the project, she said: “Our theme was dance, but we wanted to use ceramics. We used music in the sessions, and started by discussing our favourite dances and memories of dances and the project just naturally developed.”
Christine Jenking added: “It led to a tremendous amount of reminiscence and discussion, everyone got involved and some good friendships have developed.”
Participant Ian Orton said: “It’s been brilliant, we talked about what sort of things you might take to a dance, like masks and handbags, and then made them out of ceramics - and best of all I have made some really good friends.”
The group celebrated the end of the project with a tea dance, where they displayed their work, and enjoyed singing and dancing – led by professional dancers Stan and Yvonne Pitt.
Councillor John Moore, Mayor of North Warwickshire and his wife Michelle said they were thrilled to be invited to help the group celebrate the end of such a worthwhile project.
“It’s been a pleasure to visit and see the fabulous work they do at Bracebridge Court.” John added.