Today we took What didn’t you do to bury me? But you forgot that I was a seed (#LeedsSeeds) to visit Leeds Black Elders Association. After working with children and schools for several sessions, we were really excited to hear from an older generation about their views of Chapeltown, including the experience of migrating here.

Sadly the nice weather didn’t stick around so we had to prepare for a bit of a damp walk up Chapeltown Road.

Many of the people we spoke to first moved to Chapeltown in the 1960s and 1970s, so they noted a lot of change in the area since that time. They reflected happily on how most of that change has been positive. One person said “I love Chapeltown, it’s lovely”.

We introduced the project to the group of 32 members and they were more than happy to share their observations, opinions and ideas.

Akeim is a regular face at LBEA. I savour those moments when you get to observe the people you love in their element, being skillful and natural. That was certainly Akeim here, very at home, with genuine care and humanity.

We also got to see and take part in some chair dancing. Real energy in the room! We’re interested to see how we can put some of those dancing skills to use in our project…

Did you know???

• Jimmy Hendrix has played in Chapeltown
• At the Dominion Cinema, you could pay for entry to a manatee with an empty jam jar
• Chapel Allerton Primary School used to be known as Chapeltown Council School and it had separate playgrounds for girls and boys

And dancing is fun, whether you do it standing up or sitting down!

Later in the day we recycled some wood collected from Patrick Studios to make shelves at Union 105.

If you visit us later in the week, we’ll ask you to make a pot and plant a seed, which will then grow in the sunlight (fingers crossed!) from the gallery window for the duration of our residency.

Our next workshop is on Friday 15th April starting at Union 105 at 1pm, heading to RJC Dance at 2pm and finishing at 3:30pm. Please join us to add some visual, movement and voice to our piece! And be sure to visit Union 105 for the official launch event on Saturday 16th April 11-4pm drop in. All welcome, refreshments and activities provided.

And now a final thought from Akeim…