PUPILS from three Forest schools came together with elderly care home residents, for a one-off music and arts event at Westbury Village Hall last Friday (October 20).

Passing the Baton, organised by Lydbrook-based Wyldwood Arts, was inspired by a production of the same name, which recently toured the Forest. The project included 66 pupils from three Forest federated schools - Blakeney, Pillowell and Walmore Hill.

Each school was linked to a care home in its community, asking residents ‘what baton would you pass on?’

Two performers from Wyldwood Arts facilitated the performance using art, music and drama to recreate memories that the children passed back to older adults in the form of an imaginary baton.

The day started with a song that all three schools and care homes had learned to bring everyone together.  Memories and stories were then brought to life on the stage through drama and singing.

Organiser Rachel Adams, creative producer at Wyldwood Arts, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a more successful event. What stood out was the atmosphere and enjoyment from everyone who attended.  There was a real sense of togetherness, community, and achievement.

“There were a lot of firsts with this project: many people, from all age groups, overcame fears, ideas of stereotypes and general uneasiness in new situations.”

Brett Stevenson, head teacher of the three schools, said: “A lot of the children hadn’t performed before. Their first experience was in a room of 100 people and they did brilliantly. There was real tenderness towards the older adults from the children and you could see that the children were really proud of what they had achieved.

“Some parents who attended said that they were determined to keep the relationships going between the children and residents, and that they would be taking children to the care home outside of school.

“The Forest of Dean has a rich and vibrant history that must be shared.  Working with Wyldwood Arts our pupils have a unique opportunity to hear incredible stories that they themselves can pass on to friends and family.”

“Residents sang, clapped and danced along to the songs and were touched by the gifts of banners that the children had created based on their time together.” Rachel added. “The banners depicted the batons they would pass on such as happiness, sharing and dreaming ‘as high as the clouds.’

“It’s a real honour to work with the local community to create a professional piece of theatre that has an ongoing legacy. We’ve heard some brilliant stories from local residents and it’s such a joy to see the generations coming together through the arts.”