Artful Codgers

Assisted by Equal Arts, Artful Codgers is the friends of group supporting older people at Winton Court, an extra care independent living scheme in Blaydon.

Joining together with schools and museums the initiative aims to see Winton Court become a thriving community hub.

Our artists and musicians Nicky Rushton and Mona McCarthy stage weekly creative sessions with staff and residents at Winton Court.

This year we have worked with Winton Court and children at Parkhead Primary School on a music and dance project. A Postcard from Home is a song writing project based on the theme of WW1. Looking at how it would feel to have someone you love go to war, to be left at home.

The Year 5 pupils and residents and user groups explore this theme together, sharing thoughts, feelings, songs and dance.

Musician Nicky Rushton said: "There is such a warmth and friendship between the young people and older people, it is very beautiful to see. "Every week the children are so excited and overjoyed to visit Winton Court and they are welcomed so warmly by the residents. They bring out the best in each other."