Plean

Autumn

Download a copy of the ‘Seated Movement Invitation’
An artistic depiction of a tree with its roots and branches in orange, set against a purple background with abstract white streaks and patterns.

In Autumn, the leaves are changing, fruit is ripening. Some animals prepare to hibernate. It can be a time for harvesting and gathering in. This project emerged from the fruits of conversations with William Simpsons Care Home and Plean Primary school.

Intergenerational connection is important for so many reasons, as we know. It was so lost during the pandemic. This loss was felt keenly in Plean. The school had also lost access to Plean Country Park, when developers fenced off a local path. The two communities had a desire to reconnect with each other and their environment. In response, Saffy and Lorna co-designed a project of Autumn-themed movement and craft workshops. This led to a community gathering, rooted in the beautiful walled garden and orchard of William Simpsons care home.

An Autumn ‘wishing charm’ activity pack was shared across East Stirling villages, encouraging people to connect with the season through craft. 

Musicians Jennifer Austin and Cameron Newell were invited to compose some new music inspired by Autumn, as well as the collaboration with William Simpsons Care Home and Plean Primary School. They created ‘The Wishing Tree’, which was played live at our Autumn celebration event. Listen to the track by clicking the media player to the right.

In Autumn, trees show off their splendid colours. Their leaves change, and carpet the earth. The weather gets cooler. Some animals get ready for hibernation. The ‘Seated Movement Invitation’ is a gentle seated movement practice, inspired by Autumn trees. Originally created and practiced by Saffy with participants from the care home and primary school, seated together around a big table, this invitation is for you to explore at your own pace, in your own way

The Plean Wishing Tree
Cameron Newell and Jen Austin, 2023
A woman with dark hair wearing a black shirt is smiling while looking at children lined up in front of her. The children have various hair colors and are wearing red or white clothing. One child is holding a white cup. The setting appears to be indoors with white and beige walls and a piece of artwork hanging in the background.
A group of children and adults walking in a line outdoors in a drizzle, with some holding umbrellas, near an old stone building with large windows and a sloped roof, during autumn.
Children and adults sitting at a table, engaging in arts and crafts, with autumn leaves and decorations on the table, in a colorful room with artwork on the walls.
People holding small pinecones and branches at a table.
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All photos by Anne Sproul.