Memories of Delancey patients immortalised in new book
02/08/2007
The memories of a group of patients treated at Delancey Hospital will now be remembered forever, thanks to a ground-breaking arts project.
A writer-in-residence spent six months collecting the thoughts, musings and reminiscences of patients staying in the Leckhampton hospital as part of a project aimed at promoting a better understanding of older generations.
The resulting book, called Real as Yesterday…, is being launched this week and is packed full of moving and emotional stories and poems capturing the memories of a generation.
Accompanied by either accordion player Jaye Woodfield, or harpist Marie-France Riboulet, writer Sue Mayfield visited Delancey’s wards once a month and would chat to patients while the musicians played.
Sue said: “Wonderful stories emerged – stories of ordinary and extraordinary things, stories of love and loss, of travel and discovery, of joy and sadness. I felt enormously privileged to be party to the telling of such stories and am grateful to all those who spoke to me, as well as to the staff at Delancey who tolerated and encouraged our presence on the wards.”
Some patients were quoted directly, while the words of others were interpreted and written down by Sue using poetry and prose.
Jan Stroud, Ward Manager at Delancey, said: “It’s always good to remember, to recall when times were different when we worked, played, laughed and lived our lives to the full.
“Music evokes so many memories and sharing them builds lasting relationships with a mutual respect and concern enjoyed each day.
“Delancey will be remembered as a place of friendships, which was caring and protective of those who are vulnerable but also for giving everyone a unique chance to be heard and valued.”
The project, which was called Generations, ran from September 2006 until March 2007 and was organised by Arts in Trust, the ongoing arts programme for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Ian Philp, National Director for Older People at the Department of Health, has written a foreword for Real as Yesterday….
He said: “I am sure everyone will be moved by the memories, stories and poems in this book.
“I also hope that, as well as the memories of the stories and poems themselves, people will be reminded of the importance of person-centred care and the need for dignity in care for older people.”
Real as Yesterday… is being launched on Thursday, August 9, and will be available to buy from Arts in Trust by phoning 0117 924 761, or to read at Gloucestershire libraries.
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