Over 100 Walsall residents aged 5 - 83 have contributed to a new film celebrating Walsall’s Arboretum.

The project, supported by Creative Black Country, is a beautiful love letter to Walsall’s most famous green space. 'Down the Arbo' is a short 6 minute film by Bostin ’ Creative Arts & Theatre that combines over 100 contributions.

"We received over 100 memories and submissions from local people, which we crafted into a piece of spoken word," comments one of the project producers and writer of the piece, Emily Summers. 

“We merged the words with amazing footage of the Arboretum and the local people who use it regularly. The poem is read as a voiceover by local people aged 5 - 83 In Walsall. The Arboretum unites us all. Walsall's beautiful common ground."

The project was commissioned during lockdown earlier in the year and was a challenge to produce with social distancing rules.

"It has been a pleasure to get to know park staff, the Arboretum Users Group and to chat with members of the local community about just how important the venue is, to our town. 

It's taken us a long time but also allowed us time to reflect within the piece, as the world readjusted. We were able to work a little more in person, with less uncertainty in the air.”

Memories of sneaking in the gates at night, fishing on the lake, taking days out, multigenerational visits, fairs and illuminations, secret shortcuts and spaces make up parts of the poem.

One of the lines shares an idyllic icy scene: 'The legend of 63’s winter, families flying round the frozen lake, hands wrapped in mittens all linked in a line, roasted chestnuts, hot tea and cake.’ The narrator of that verse - Brian Newman, 83, remembers that winter as though it were yesterday.

The film brings us up to the present and celebrates the importance of outdoor spaces during the pandemic - the beauty and timelessness of nature.

Since it's release, 'Down the Arbo,' has been featured on BBC Midlands Today, BBC WM and in the Express and Star - Walsall Chronicle. 

You can watch the film on the Bostin' Creative website or find it on our social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook.

This Creative Connections project was commissioned by Creative Black Country. Funded by Paycare, The Black Country Living Museum and Arts Council England as part of their Creative People and Places scheme