...for the people who need them most
By a charity in the making
“The rarest of radio things: a series that trusts its listener to do the hearing.”
— Amanda Whittington, playwright
Modern entertainment moves fast. Quick cuts, loud music, complex plots, and even reaching it, navigating apps and menus, can be a barrier in itself. For older people, especially those living with memory loss, it can feel more isolating than comforting.
There is a gap. Not enough stories are being made for the people who need them most. Not enough stories told slowly enough to follow, familiar enough to spark a memory, simple enough to share.
Inspired by the warmth of Mrs Dale's Diary and the quiet intimacy of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, I had an idea for a charity to meet that need. Gentle, character-driven stories set in times people actually remember, designed for care homes, day centres, hospitals and schools. Stories to listen to, to read, and to perform, bringing comfort, memory and connection.
Each story comes with everything needed to perform it: a printed journal with all the words, and a props kit. No acting experience required.
To prove the idea could work, I built a proof of concept, the first of several ideas in mind. A fictional village called Hartley Green. A cast of characters. 52 weeks of stories mapped out. Two pilot episodes recorded, with a growing number written and ready for recording.
The first episodes from Round Our Way, the first series, set in 1958.
Amanda Whittington, one of the most widely-produced playwrights in the UK, read the first four episodes after a cold approach and was very generous in her response. She wrote of a “deceptive simplicity”, an “ocean of subtext where the true story lies”, a “strong emotional thread of loss, grief and what could have been”, and said the writing “clearly demonstrates what you have and where this great idea is heading”. She signed off: “Keep writing and keep me posted, too!”
A red telephone box arrives on the village green. Arthur watches from behind the counter.
The same Monday morning, seen from the post office. Violet knew it was coming.
The proof of concept is built. What I need now is help turning it into a registered charity.
My name is Norman Carter. I'm based in Winchcombe, near Cheltenham. I'm not a writer or a performer. I'm a retired businessman with no experience in either, but with an idea I believe in. I'm currently chairman of the Chandos & Dent's Almshouses in Winchcombe, so I understand how a charity works. I've built the framework: the village, the characters, the research, 52 weeks of stories mapped out, pilot episodes recorded at home by myself and my wife Zoë, neither of us with any experience. What I need now are people to help me take it further.
I'm looking for two founding trustees. You don't need to be a writer or a performer. You need to believe that gentle, accessible storytelling can bring comfort, memory and connection, and to be willing to help build the structure that makes it happen.
I'm also looking for an ambassador, someone from the world of drama, storytelling or care who believes in what I'm building and is willing to say so.
I'm also looking for volunteers: voice performers, a sound editor, a proof reader, or anyone with experience in care settings who'd like to help test the stories where they matter most.
If any of this speaks to you, I'd like to hear from you.
Hartley Green is grateful to the companies and individuals who have supported this project by providing products, materials, expertise and encouragement.
And to the friends who have been looking in attics and other long-lost places for 1950s things to fill Arthur's shop. So far: old coins, stamps, and a Cadbury's drinking chocolate tin that is now Tommy's bicycle fund.