Our Book Launch Event
By Gina Da Cunha
Co-author Joe Prince with Crawley MP Laura Moffatt
Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive
Gillian and Joyce - our exhibitionist!
Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive
Arthur - a man with a song in his heart
Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive
Rex was presented with a personal textile
Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive
Les and Margaret Flanagan
Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive
Launch of book and banner
On October 1st 2007, the participants of Crawley's first Heritage Plus workshops, launched their final products: the book entitled 'As The Crow Flies', complemented by their photographic textile banner entitled 'Crawley's Tree of Treasured Memories'.
Laura Moffatt our local MP was present and posed for both local newspapers in regards to the book, delivered a meal to Carey House, and played bingo with the Monday afternoon group. The day went very well.
Joe Prince was able to pop in for a short time only, but we made the most of his presence. His wife's illness had previously prevented him from coming to some of our sessions leading up to the summer, but we wanted to make sure that he was aware of just how important his contribution and initial enthusiasm had been to the success of the project.
Joyce Ludbrook, another of the book's authors, was invited to come and show off her splendid collection of candleholders. She hosted her stall beautifully and had chats with almost everyone throughout the day.
Gillian Lincoln, our volunteer facilitator for reminiscence, came in and organised and served the buffet, making everyone feel happy and comfortable, and even arranged goody-bags for those who preferred to eat at home.
Arthur Welch had also been prevented from attending some sessions due to cataracts and it seems he has just been recovering from a heart by-pass operation so we were grateful that he popped in for a short time too.
Runaway success!
The first 50 published books had pretty well disappeared by the end of the day. A small note in the Crawley News on the last Wednesday in September, meant that some people came to the centre just to get hold of a copy of the book.
Rex Robinson attended and was presented with a textile representing himself with small photos of his grandparents and embroidery, which we had previously made as a sample product when designing the banner/tree.
Rosina and Ken Ridley were away on holiday, but their good friends, also featured in the book - Les and Margaret Flanagan popped in for a cup of tea and a chat.
It was a lovely occasion, which linked in with National Older People's Day (1st October), and the Diamond Anniversary of Crawley's Meals On Wheels service. The books was written in order to pay homage to another Diamond Anniversary: Crawley's 60 years as a designated New Town.
The day proved to be a wonderful celebration of the Heritage Plus Project and its achievements so far.