CHILDREN and puppets are being used to tell Sale West’s stories as part of a community arts project.

It’s 40 years since the first residents moved to the estate and a short animated film is being planned to tell people’s memories and anecdotes.

Stories in the Shadows is an ongoing intergenerational community arts project coordinated by Dr Diana Forrest, supported by SWAP (Sale West Ashton Partnership) and led by Liverpool-based artist Becky Waite.

It also involves Kevin Roache from Seed Studios, who is recording audio memories from residents, Trafford College, Intergen, local schools, youth groups and the community.

Children are being encouraged to talk to their elders and find out more about their lives in Sale West, to write down their stories and share them with the project.

Sale West Youth Group helped to create a Shadow Theatre and children at two family fun days this month created paper silhouettes to perform their parents and grandparent’s stories in the form of shadow puppetry.

Becky, who came up with the idea, said it was an ‘exciting’ project and there had been a great response from Sale West residents.

She praised people for braving the wet weather on August 10 to come to a fun day at Sale West Youth Centre and participate in the project.

“Residents came out in droves to celebrate positive community spirit.

“Our table was buzzing with a constant stream of children and families joining in to make their own silhouette puppets.

“I've now got a wonderful cast of characters, beautiful backdrops and intricately made props to start the animation process in earnest,” she said.

The film will be screened on Saturday 29th October at a celebratory event with an art exhibition and musical performances.

To find out more visit beckywaite.blogspot.com.