Our Stomping Grounds Exhibition
Footprint Tyretrack Poetry
Footprint Tyretrack Poetry
Nobody wants to be silenced but in this world of whirlwind social media, instant news, and a constant bombardment of celebrity gossip, we have to make sure we listen harder for the least heard voices. We all leave our mark on the world: on people we meet; on our families; in our communities; in our jobs and volunteering; and through our creativity. We invited local disabled and learning-disabled people to talk to us about what Stomping Grounds mean to them.
Learning disabled people are hugely diverse and from all communities, and whilst no-one’s experience of life is identical there are common threads which bind us together. Some of them positive and some of them not. For this festival we are celebrating who we are and the many voices in our communities.
This creative writing has been created by both individuals and groups and centres on things which they love doing, places they feel they belong doing things they are passionate about. Thank you so much to everyone who took part – we have absolutely loved reading your experiences and ideas.
Learning disabled people are hugely diverse and from all communities, and whilst no-one’s experience of life is identical there are common threads which bind us together. Some of them positive and some of them not. For this festival we are celebrating who we are and the many voices in our communities.
This creative writing has been created by both individuals and groups and centres on things which they love doing, places they feel they belong doing things they are passionate about. Thank you so much to everyone who took part – we have absolutely loved reading your experiences and ideas.
STEPs
STEPs promote people with disabilities and diverse needs to access mainstream services and community activities. They support people to develop links within their local community that create and establish relationships, help improve communication, build trust and meet their need for social inclusion, supporting people to explore pursuits of their choice and to discover and interact with facilities and organisations in their own neighbourhoods.
STEPs Creative Corner
Beginning during the first lockdown and in response to client’s needs the Creative Corner online sessions provided the opportunity for STEPs clients to socialise in a safe space and provided the opportunity to explore a range of creative activities. Being creative has been shown to reduce stress and therefore promote mental wellbeing.
The social aspect of the group provided the opportunity for friendships to develop and ideas to be shared during this difficult time. Sessions included creative activities such as crafts, photography, creative writing, drawing and using mixed media. Clients had the opportunity to express their interests, in order for session content to meet their requirements.
Clients were also involved in the preparation and delivery of activities, which provided the opportunity for them to not only share their interests, but develop other planning and presentation skills.
Moving forward many clients from the group have continued to explore their own creativity at home and also joined creative groups within the community in order for them to explore the range of creative opportunities within the borough of Stockton.
STEPs promote people with disabilities and diverse needs to access mainstream services and community activities. They support people to develop links within their local community that create and establish relationships, help improve communication, build trust and meet their need for social inclusion, supporting people to explore pursuits of their choice and to discover and interact with facilities and organisations in their own neighbourhoods.
STEPs Creative Corner
Beginning during the first lockdown and in response to client’s needs the Creative Corner online sessions provided the opportunity for STEPs clients to socialise in a safe space and provided the opportunity to explore a range of creative activities. Being creative has been shown to reduce stress and therefore promote mental wellbeing.
The social aspect of the group provided the opportunity for friendships to develop and ideas to be shared during this difficult time. Sessions included creative activities such as crafts, photography, creative writing, drawing and using mixed media. Clients had the opportunity to express their interests, in order for session content to meet their requirements.
Clients were also involved in the preparation and delivery of activities, which provided the opportunity for them to not only share their interests, but develop other planning and presentation skills.
Moving forward many clients from the group have continued to explore their own creativity at home and also joined creative groups within the community in order for them to explore the range of creative opportunities within the borough of Stockton.
Spring
I can see daffodils of yellow,
Birds are singing in the spring rain,
I feel the gentle breeze cold on my face.
In the woods I climb the steps and see the beautiful and bright bluebells,
Deer’s jumping in the long grass,
In the distance a dog barks.
I see a green frog hiding from the rain,
Lavender, mint, herbal scents fill the air,
After the rain the earthy smell calms and rejuvenates me.
A happy baby lamb just wanting to be my pet,
Coming towards to me with happy jolly curiosity,
Peeping from a broken wooden fence.
A sunny day, a picnic day, a family day,
In the park where kids look for the Easter bunny,
Where Easter eggs wait under the bright daffodils to be picked.
On the walk back home, where the butterflies flutter around me,
The wren walks the tightrope as he builds his nest,
I am relaxed…spring has finally arrived!
STEPs Creative Corner
I can see daffodils of yellow,
Birds are singing in the spring rain,
I feel the gentle breeze cold on my face.
In the woods I climb the steps and see the beautiful and bright bluebells,
Deer’s jumping in the long grass,
In the distance a dog barks.
I see a green frog hiding from the rain,
Lavender, mint, herbal scents fill the air,
After the rain the earthy smell calms and rejuvenates me.
A happy baby lamb just wanting to be my pet,
Coming towards to me with happy jolly curiosity,
Peeping from a broken wooden fence.
A sunny day, a picnic day, a family day,
In the park where kids look for the Easter bunny,
Where Easter eggs wait under the bright daffodils to be picked.
On the walk back home, where the butterflies flutter around me,
The wren walks the tightrope as he builds his nest,
I am relaxed…spring has finally arrived!
STEPs Creative Corner
Summer
I can see sand, I hear the sea and seagulls,
The birds in the sky, so high above,
Singing their summer song.
I’m sitting on the deckchair with a blanket around me and sunglasses on,
I see crashing waves coming towards me,
I’m remembering looking in rock pools for crabs.
My toes in the wet sand wriggling downwards till sand surrounds my feet,
Time for ‘Wave Chasing’ waiting for a wave to come, then it chases me, running away, jumping waves, laughter on their faces’
The sea like Jack Frost nipping at my skin.
Tom and Jerry the donkeys on the beach Ee-aw Ee-aw Ee-aw!
I usually hear them before I see them, like wind chimes in the wind jingle jangle jingle jangle,
Sitting on the donkey, so high up, feet sinking into the sand.
Swooping and a diving seagulls want my dinner,
Salt and vinegar dancing through the air leading a trail to the fish shop,
Eager to eat them, the first bite burns my tongue.
Cooling my mouth with a refreshing lemon top,
Dripping down my chin, sticky fingers, all down my front,
Ice cream everywhere.
Standing on the pier watching the glistening sun go down,
Golden skies caressing the sea and sand,
Feeling the sea air around me,
I feel good and relaxed.
STEPs Creative Corner
I can see sand, I hear the sea and seagulls,
The birds in the sky, so high above,
Singing their summer song.
I’m sitting on the deckchair with a blanket around me and sunglasses on,
I see crashing waves coming towards me,
I’m remembering looking in rock pools for crabs.
My toes in the wet sand wriggling downwards till sand surrounds my feet,
Time for ‘Wave Chasing’ waiting for a wave to come, then it chases me, running away, jumping waves, laughter on their faces’
The sea like Jack Frost nipping at my skin.
Tom and Jerry the donkeys on the beach Ee-aw Ee-aw Ee-aw!
I usually hear them before I see them, like wind chimes in the wind jingle jangle jingle jangle,
Sitting on the donkey, so high up, feet sinking into the sand.
Swooping and a diving seagulls want my dinner,
Salt and vinegar dancing through the air leading a trail to the fish shop,
Eager to eat them, the first bite burns my tongue.
Cooling my mouth with a refreshing lemon top,
Dripping down my chin, sticky fingers, all down my front,
Ice cream everywhere.
Standing on the pier watching the glistening sun go down,
Golden skies caressing the sea and sand,
Feeling the sea air around me,
I feel good and relaxed.
STEPs Creative Corner
Autumn
I can see leaves falling,
I can see orange colours in the woods,
Birds tweeting,
Crunchiness of the leaves.
Having a walk in the countryside,
A beautiful autumn day,
I hear trees rustling.
Rainbow colours in the leaves,
Sun shining through,
A shadow of a deer,
I head towards the park.
The lights are glistening like the deer’s eyes,
Night-time, the stars are in the sky,
I’m all alone, eerie shadows all around
Soon be home.
Cosy at home, safe,
Hot chocolate, sprinkles, cream and marshmallows on top,
Warm and delicious.
Crackling, popping, roaring of the fire,
Wind whistling, Toasty and warm,
Reminiscing about childhood memories,
My tootsies are warm!
STEPs Creative Corner
I can see leaves falling,
I can see orange colours in the woods,
Birds tweeting,
Crunchiness of the leaves.
Having a walk in the countryside,
A beautiful autumn day,
I hear trees rustling.
Rainbow colours in the leaves,
Sun shining through,
A shadow of a deer,
I head towards the park.
The lights are glistening like the deer’s eyes,
Night-time, the stars are in the sky,
I’m all alone, eerie shadows all around
Soon be home.
Cosy at home, safe,
Hot chocolate, sprinkles, cream and marshmallows on top,
Warm and delicious.
Crackling, popping, roaring of the fire,
Wind whistling, Toasty and warm,
Reminiscing about childhood memories,
My tootsies are warm!
STEPs Creative Corner
Winter
I can see trees covered in snow fall,
All white…
I hear birds chirping and tweeting,
I am cold, it’s like the Arctic, like Narnia
In the woods, is there a witch nearby?
Dark water falls over melting ice,
Tree trunks laden with snow,
Icicles hanging on branches nearby.
All is white, branches frozen,
Clear track marks in the snow,
Danger, frozen road, tread carefully, be extra careful,
Destination unknown,
I want the sunshine.
Dusk, heading to night - time,
Splashes of light spill over frosted seats,
Everyone is home asleep in bed,
I trudge through the untouched snow alone….
A blanket, a light, a cuppa,
All cosy and warm,
I can feel the heat of the fire making me toastie,
I taste hot chocolate and marshmallows.
I’ve got my feet up!
I hear the crackling of the fire,
Colourful flames flutter and dance,
I feel comforted and warm…
Warm feet!
STEPs Creative Corner
I can see trees covered in snow fall,
All white…
I hear birds chirping and tweeting,
I am cold, it’s like the Arctic, like Narnia
In the woods, is there a witch nearby?
Dark water falls over melting ice,
Tree trunks laden with snow,
Icicles hanging on branches nearby.
All is white, branches frozen,
Clear track marks in the snow,
Danger, frozen road, tread carefully, be extra careful,
Destination unknown,
I want the sunshine.
Dusk, heading to night - time,
Splashes of light spill over frosted seats,
Everyone is home asleep in bed,
I trudge through the untouched snow alone….
A blanket, a light, a cuppa,
All cosy and warm,
I can feel the heat of the fire making me toastie,
I taste hot chocolate and marshmallows.
I’ve got my feet up!
I hear the crackling of the fire,
Colourful flames flutter and dance,
I feel comforted and warm…
Warm feet!
STEPs Creative Corner
The SYMO Song
I want to live fully and Shoot my Mouth Off,
Not give in to bullies who giggle and scoff,
My Favourite 4 letters are S-Y-M-O
I'll shoot my mouth off till the end of the show!
I want to be an actor, I want to be a star,
If I can work hard enough, I can go far.
People may say this is my crazy scheme,
But I swear this is not a pipe dream.
I want to play my part, not shut up in the house.
I want to see the big wide world, I'm not a big girls’ blouse.
I'm a man I'm all grown up,
And I'm a woman too.
I can have dreams just the same as you.
I want to live fully and Shoot my Mouth Off,
Not give in to bullies who giggle and scoff,
My Favourite 4 letters are S-Y-M-O
I'll shoot my mouth off till the end of the show!
There's all kinds of labels, there's all kinds of names.
But learning-disabled folk dream just the same.
We want to be singers and dancers and stars
And to be loved whoever we are!
Accepted whoever we are.
Included whoever we are.
Understood whoever we are.
Respected whoever we are.
Heard whoever we are!
Shoot Your Mouth Off Films (SYMO), Hartlepool
I want to live fully and Shoot my Mouth Off,
Not give in to bullies who giggle and scoff,
My Favourite 4 letters are S-Y-M-O
I'll shoot my mouth off till the end of the show!
I want to be an actor, I want to be a star,
If I can work hard enough, I can go far.
People may say this is my crazy scheme,
But I swear this is not a pipe dream.
I want to play my part, not shut up in the house.
I want to see the big wide world, I'm not a big girls’ blouse.
I'm a man I'm all grown up,
And I'm a woman too.
I can have dreams just the same as you.
I want to live fully and Shoot my Mouth Off,
Not give in to bullies who giggle and scoff,
My Favourite 4 letters are S-Y-M-O
I'll shoot my mouth off till the end of the show!
There's all kinds of labels, there's all kinds of names.
But learning-disabled folk dream just the same.
We want to be singers and dancers and stars
And to be loved whoever we are!
Accepted whoever we are.
Included whoever we are.
Understood whoever we are.
Respected whoever we are.
Heard whoever we are!
Shoot Your Mouth Off Films (SYMO), Hartlepool
Once In a Lifetime
Jazz dance, classical troupe,
Breakdance, street dance,
Festivals and competitions
Working together as a team
under pressure.
Friends.
Working with champions
I took my chance.
Curtains closed
Normal stance
Stage lights on me
Then all eyes on me.
Will I make the grade?
Focus, focus, focus.
Once in a lifetime.
So many opportunities.
I felt at home.
At times I was
Captain of the Titanic:
Improvisation, whistle, props
Iceberg, and going down with the ship.
In Les Miserables,
Master of the House group piece,
Support from the crowd
was amazing.
Schindler’s List needed sensitivity,
Safe and powerful. Carefully done.
To remember the people.
You get to show important things
And express yourself.
Once in a lifetime
After 14 years I have retired
From dance groups and competitions
But I had a brilliant time and
did so many things,
Won so many medals,
came first.
Now it’s outdoor performance at SIRF.
Generik Vapeur and painting cars
Travelling through the high street
Mine was turquoise blue
Then hung on giant clothes pegs
Over Stockton town.
Once in a lifetime
Marc, Performer
Jazz dance, classical troupe,
Breakdance, street dance,
Festivals and competitions
Working together as a team
under pressure.
Friends.
Working with champions
I took my chance.
Curtains closed
Normal stance
Stage lights on me
Then all eyes on me.
Will I make the grade?
Focus, focus, focus.
Once in a lifetime.
So many opportunities.
I felt at home.
At times I was
Captain of the Titanic:
Improvisation, whistle, props
Iceberg, and going down with the ship.
In Les Miserables,
Master of the House group piece,
Support from the crowd
was amazing.
Schindler’s List needed sensitivity,
Safe and powerful. Carefully done.
To remember the people.
You get to show important things
And express yourself.
Once in a lifetime
After 14 years I have retired
From dance groups and competitions
But I had a brilliant time and
did so many things,
Won so many medals,
came first.
Now it’s outdoor performance at SIRF.
Generik Vapeur and painting cars
Travelling through the high street
Mine was turquoise blue
Then hung on giant clothes pegs
Over Stockton town.
Once in a lifetime
Marc, Performer
Press the button
Getting ready to entertain
all the people,
Lighting effects
Smoke machine
Lights flashing
Decorate the place
A net full of balloons
A huge shiny fish
Our ARCtic Piranha.
I love working with the other DJs
To plan the night
For the set list
Press the button
For the first track.
Mic is on,
‘Welcome to the club night’
Banter, jokes and laughs.
Dance tracks, wish it was vinyls
But computer does the job now.
Party goers come up to
Make requests
“Don’t stop me now”
“Firework”
“Tonight’s gonna be a good night”
Parties, birthdays, get togethers,
Weddings, big days.
I’m used to it now,
I love DJing in Stockton
But I’d love to try Newcastle
I want it to be my full time job.
I like to see everyone getting going
Want them on the dance floor
Having a good time
Forgetting about their worries
And just party.
We know it’s been a good night
When it fills up and
All the tickets sell.
People happy, smiling,
Laughing, dancing with friends.
Hope it’s a night to remember.
Gavin Walton, DJ
Getting ready to entertain
all the people,
Lighting effects
Smoke machine
Lights flashing
Decorate the place
A net full of balloons
A huge shiny fish
Our ARCtic Piranha.
I love working with the other DJs
To plan the night
For the set list
Press the button
For the first track.
Mic is on,
‘Welcome to the club night’
Banter, jokes and laughs.
Dance tracks, wish it was vinyls
But computer does the job now.
Party goers come up to
Make requests
“Don’t stop me now”
“Firework”
“Tonight’s gonna be a good night”
Parties, birthdays, get togethers,
Weddings, big days.
I’m used to it now,
I love DJing in Stockton
But I’d love to try Newcastle
I want it to be my full time job.
I like to see everyone getting going
Want them on the dance floor
Having a good time
Forgetting about their worries
And just party.
We know it’s been a good night
When it fills up and
All the tickets sell.
People happy, smiling,
Laughing, dancing with friends.
Hope it’s a night to remember.
Gavin Walton, DJ
Hummingbirds Flap Their Wings
Chairs in a circle and a cup of coffee welcome us
into the dance studio
where we are making a new show.
The day is a mystery as we are in a bubbling cauldron.
We are adventurers on a mission,
Time travellers who go into the woods,
into space, down the beach and use
our imaginations.
Stories come alive, characters take over,
Zombies, spies, kings, queens and penguins,
Things that are real and things that are fantasy
And somewhere in between.
When the show is ready for the stage
Hummingbirds flap their wings
And there is a buzz in your body.
Goosebumps and hairs on end
Make us want to get out there.
Time passes slowly.
Silence slowly grows into chit chat,
Chairs scraping, children’s voices
Rustling wrappers
As the crowd
Who are about to be wowed
Gather.
We breathe backstage, we sing and we hum.
We smile and then our quiet footsteps
Carry us on stage
Getting into character,
Thinking only about the show.
A ripple of applause that builds to cheers.
Then the cue to go, mind racing, what’s next,
Keep going
The audience are electric
A warm sea of shouts and we hear our names.
Family, friends, people from the arts
And the media
Smiling faces of ARC staff
People coming back for a second time
The hard work paid off
Working together
In unison arms in the air
We rise.
We are here
And we are here to stay
Not brushed under the carpet
All actors together
Expressing ideas, and inner beauty
Being vocal. Being here.
Belonging.
Full Circle Actors, Group Poem
Chairs in a circle and a cup of coffee welcome us
into the dance studio
where we are making a new show.
The day is a mystery as we are in a bubbling cauldron.
We are adventurers on a mission,
Time travellers who go into the woods,
into space, down the beach and use
our imaginations.
Stories come alive, characters take over,
Zombies, spies, kings, queens and penguins,
Things that are real and things that are fantasy
And somewhere in between.
When the show is ready for the stage
Hummingbirds flap their wings
And there is a buzz in your body.
Goosebumps and hairs on end
Make us want to get out there.
Time passes slowly.
Silence slowly grows into chit chat,
Chairs scraping, children’s voices
Rustling wrappers
As the crowd
Who are about to be wowed
Gather.
We breathe backstage, we sing and we hum.
We smile and then our quiet footsteps
Carry us on stage
Getting into character,
Thinking only about the show.
A ripple of applause that builds to cheers.
Then the cue to go, mind racing, what’s next,
Keep going
The audience are electric
A warm sea of shouts and we hear our names.
Family, friends, people from the arts
And the media
Smiling faces of ARC staff
People coming back for a second time
The hard work paid off
Working together
In unison arms in the air
We rise.
We are here
And we are here to stay
Not brushed under the carpet
All actors together
Expressing ideas, and inner beauty
Being vocal. Being here.
Belonging.
Full Circle Actors, Group Poem
