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Edna Hunte, Ellen Parsons, George Michael and Florence Campbell |
On film, the portrait of a generation
Gala screening for movie that stars pensioners in front of – and behind – the cameras
THE life stories of Islington’s multi-cultural pensioners – including a retired Jamaican nurse, a Greek shoemaker, an Irish watchmaker and an English woman who worked for the war effort – are to be made into a film.
A group of 12 septuagenarians, from Islington Council’s Alsen Day Centre in Finsbury Park, are bringing together memories and unsung creative talents for the project, which they will script, film and edit themselves over the next three months.
The final film, Portraits, will be premiered at a gala screening at Islington Town Hall on September 29 as a prelude to National Older People’s Day on October 1.
Lib Dem health and adult social care chief Councillor Ursula Woolley said: “Talking to older people in Islington, you quickly learn their lives are rich in memories brought from all four corners of the world.
“Now they are capturing these experiences for the first time on film so others can learn and enjoy.
“They’re doing all the interviews and filming themselves. Older people don’t often get a chance to shape the recording of local history in this way.”
As well as helping older people make a short film about their lives, Big Up Films, which is behind the project, is making a documentary on the Alsen Day Centre.
Sheena Callender, from Big Up Films, said: “Participants have been sharing stories on their childhood and early life and have fascinating tales to tell.
“We’ve been really impressed at how they’ve risen to the challenge of mastering interview, sound and camera techniques.”
Portraits is sponsored by The Bridge House Trust and Age Concern.
At September’s Oscars-style screening, a VIP guest will hand out awards for the best actress, script, director and camerawork.
FORMER nurse at Whittington Hospital, Florence Campbell, 73, who was born in Jamaica, came to Britain to train in November 1960.
Married with a daughter, she retired due to rheumatoid arthritis in 1988 after 20 years.
Florence set off for London without telling her parents. “They probably would have tried to stop me going so I only told them after I arrived here,” she said.
Her husband has since returned to Jamaica but she has opted to stay in Islington, where she can get the best treatment for her condition. “I’m happy here,” she added. “I’ve got everything I need.”
George Michael, 75, came to Britain in 1950 from Greek Cyprus. “I liked what I saw and felt there were opportunities for me,” he said.
George, who lived in Highbury, learned shoemaking, eventually opening a shop in Hammersmith and later in Tottenham. Married with three children and three grandchildren, he regularly returns to Larnaca, but wouldn’t retire there despite the sunny climate. “This is my country,” he said. “I’ve got used to the weather and never wear a coat, even in winter. I also believe that God is looking after me so I never worry.”
Ellen Parsons, 86, is an Islingtonian born and bred. She worked at Cossor’s, at Highbury Corner, during the Second World War. The firm manufactured invaluable radio and radar equipment.
She loves Islington but admits that she sometimes dreams of living in the country. She grew up in Liverpool Road, Barnsbury, and attended St Mary Magdalene School and later the old Barnsbury Secondary.
“I lived in Bedfordshire after the war,” she added. “It was really beautiful. I don’t suppose it is quite as nice as it was.”
Johnny Bulbrook, 78, of Irish descent, was born in London but went to live in Kildare, Ireland, with his grandparents at the age of four after his mother died. “I remember the first time I saw cows and chickens and sheep,” he said. “I was really in heaven.”
After school he returned to Islington, eventually working for a watchmaker in King’s Cross. “London was very busy but at least I could work,” he said. “There was not much to do in Kildare.
“I couldn’t go back to Ireland for good, although I have happy memories of being there as a child.” |
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Your comments:
I AM so proud of my sister Florence. She is a force to recon with, an inspiration to humanity, and a loving, caring, enthuastic,inspiring, humble, and God fearing person. I can only wish that this production will change minds, and hearts towards the aged, and disabled. I wish every success for the production, and I look forwarding to viewing the show. Congratulation to the cast and good luck.
A. Brown
Florida
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