Friends of St Mark's an Equal Arts Project

Equal Arts is a project which aims to improve older people's lives through creativity and is supported by a Big Lottery Awards for All grant. 

Here's what the project and our St Mark's Court residents have been up to together: 

Hen Power Heroes paid us a visit with a Spring Chicken Party. Residents were joined by musician Paddy and textile artist Hannah for an afternoon of weaving and music. Big buff Orpington was welcomed inside to join the party. Hilda is always up for a hen cuddle when the hens are allowed inside. 

One quirky element of the party were Paddy's chirping tangerines. Residents used a teaspoon to play the tangerines which made surprising noises, Pats reactions were brilliant! 

Since January, residents have worked with children from Carrhill Primary School to explore songs and stories. The project is inspired by Spencer (or Super Spencer as he is known by the children) and his bus driver days. Together they have written about the 58 bus, The Angel of the North, The River Tyne and St James Park in what shall now be known as Gateshead's Great Musical Map project. 

Children and residents have shared stories and used their imagination to inspire stories and songs. Has anyone ever wondered what The Angel of the North gets up to while everyone sleeps? 

On the last week of the school term, children and residents got together to sing the songs and celebrate the project so far. Residents have loved having young energies visit weekly and the children have grown really fond of their new friends.