As part of our 'Words of Wisdom' project for people aged 55+, Nottingham residents have been writing and sharing stories inspired by Alan Sillitoe’s Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. 'A Delicately Laced Fingerprint' was written by workshop participant Fiona Linday.
TRANSCRIPT -----------
"Then after almost sixty years, promoted to Mammar, I discover
many different contradictions highlight this ancient local history.
But I am just another, who stumbled across this High Pavement
to tread timeworn cobblestones around grand Victorian homes,
spied from twitched nets when madams wore scalloped collars.
Passing the sandstone caves, traditionally sheltering the hungry
pulls at my heartstrings at those faded, noxious tannery efforts.
There lace turned from brown to white with dye, in basements.
Toil of that bustling trade was toxic for girls and children alike-
sweaty, back-breaking roles around hot, filthy lace machines.
When the original tram stopped for the Weekday Cross
at High Pavement, it was the preacher, John Wesley who spoke
of the church as a boss; Hannah Guilford, a Sunday School teacher,
became Chairman of the Chapel Council, in 1904. Applying-
“You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.”
Progressing from a British Empire’s Hey-Day, market's stone lintels
told philanthropic tales above doorways to the lace storerooms.
That behind the Victorian mantles many had fine motor skills exploited.
Overlooked mothers who once powered a hosiery trade became
out workers mending trimmings, as embroidered novelties declined.
Present-day stone gargoyles narrate battles over the use of remaining
warehouses swapped for shops, creative businesses and restaurants.
On the Walk, I'm wondering; Thomas Adam’s schoolroom grew to a college.
Now, small stone flowers adorn offices to celebrate a conservation area.
Keeping faith was vital to cherry blossom our Contemporary paradise..
"
ABOUT THIS PROJECT -----------
Writer James Walker and poet Andrew Graves ran workshops in locations across Nottingham. The result is a fantastic collection of stories and poems inspired by Nottingham legend Alan Sillitoe.
Words of Wisdom is funded by Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation. The project was devised by City Arts in partnership with UNESCO Nottingham City of Literature, Nottingham City Libraries and Nottingham City Homes.
CREDITS -----------
Illustrations: Paul Warren
Film Editing: Joe Pick
Producer: James Walker
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