Plean
Autumn
In Autumn, the leaves are changing, fruit is ripening. Some animals prepare to hibernate. It can be a time for harvesting and gathering in. This project emerged from the fruits of conversations with William Simpsons Care Home and Plean Primary school.
Intergenerational connection is important for so many reasons, as we know. It was so lost during the pandemic. This loss was felt keenly in Plean. The school had also lost access to Plean Country Park, when developers fenced off a local path. The two communities had a desire to reconnect with each other and their environment. In response, Saffy and Lorna co-designed a project of Autumn-themed movement and craft workshops. This led to a community gathering, rooted in the beautiful walled garden and orchard of William Simpsons care home.
An Autumn ‘wishing charm’ activity pack was shared across East Stirling villages, encouraging people to connect with the season through craft.
Musicians Jennifer Austin and Cameron Newell were invited to compose some new music inspired by Autumn, as well as the collaboration with William Simpsons Care Home and Plean Primary School. They created ‘The Wishing Tree’, which was played live at our Autumn celebration event. Listen to the track by clicking the media player to the right.
In Autumn, trees show off their splendid colours. Their leaves change, and carpet the earth. The weather gets cooler. Some animals get ready for hibernation. The ‘Seated Movement Invitation’ is a gentle seated movement practice, inspired by Autumn trees. Originally created and practiced by Saffy with participants from the care home and primary school, seated together around a big table, this invitation is for you to explore at your own pace, in your own way
All photos by Anne Sproul.