Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Stepping into the Light is drawing on memories of the Norwood Town Hall and here are some of the inspiring collective and individual memories people have shared with us.
Val Smith aged 70 remembers dances, doing the progressive jive in the ’50s and also the Frankie Davidson concert. Some of the other bands that have played at Norwood Town Hall: The Planets, The Dagoes (punk), and the Violent Femmes.
Links to some historical references for our collaborators include some notes and articles by Denise Schumann (historical adviser for the council), such as information on Australia’s first electric trams began their runs in Norwood, in 1909, and photos from the State Library collection.
These are Notes from session 1 – 16thJan 2012 – from the meeting with community led by community artist Helen Crawford. These meetings are supported by ACH, and our participants include long term residents, Rafael Aragon, Eva Altorjay, Ilona Balatincz, Teresa Jenei, Anne Pinczel, Jacek Limanowka, Elva Burke, Kath Evans, Margaret Solomon … thank you to all of you for your memories, ideas and suggestions for this project.
Suggestions for visual representations and concept development from session 1:
“meeting for memories” 2
Today the group of senior Norwood residents met for the 2nd time, and are already making drawings (including some made from icing sugar!), sounds of the old trams, and tracing photos to include in the projections. They plan to record singing of “God Save the Queen” which was often sung at gatherings in the early days of the hall. Some photos were taken of beautiful ball gowns and dresses from the 40’s and 50’s, owned and worn by Elva Burke. Jacek Limanowka brought some music he composed in 2002 that we might be able to use in the composition.
Here’s the lyrics of God Save the Queen – which we practised in preparation for recording next week. But the words are changed, because they reflect the 1940’s!
God save our gracious King,
Long live our noble King,
God save the King:
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the King.
Project: Stepping into the Light.