Older People. Sharing Stories
Shine publishes a printed magazine, full of older people’s stories. Since 2020, we’ve delivered over 100,000 copies of the magazine to older people in Leeds who are isolated or lonely. We’ve featured opinions, memories, life-stories, health tips, information and more – all from and for older people. Everyone has a story to tell: there is no such thing as an ‘ordinary’ life.
In the latest issue of Shine we talk to world-renowned artist Ashley Jackson about his love for the Yorkshire Moors and why he’ll always paint with watercolours. We talk to older people who have volunteered after they retire and discover what they get out of giving their time up for others. Sheila Wainright tells us about her robot cats and why they’re great for people living with dementia. We go behind the scenes at Shine and put the spotlight on our writing team for a Storytelling Special. There’s a double helping of Grand Days Out - to Otley and Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. And we look back to the 1960s, the glory years of rugby at Wakefield Trinity, with memories of the infamous 'Watersplash Final' of 68. Plus our usual mixture of stories from ordinary and extraordinary older people across Leeds and Yorkshire.
Download the latest issue or read a selection of the articles below.
latest issue
JAN/FEB ISSUE 2024
From the magazine
In Focus
Hands Up - Volunteer
Life after retirement opens up a whole new chapter.
Many of us choose to put their hands up and volunteer their time to help others. We explore the world of the volunteer and meet older people who are giving their time to make Leeds a better place.
WORDS: TOM BAILEY
In Conversation
Paint with Passion
Ashley Jackson
Ashley Jackson has spent his life capturing the Yorkshire Moors in watercolours. His passion for painting began at a young age; he arrived in Linthwaite aged 9, went to art school in Barnsley and opened his own gallery aged 23. Now in his 80s, Ashley is still painting, still trying to capture the spirit of the moors. What motivates him to to keep going out on the Moor with his easel and brushes?
WORDS: RUTH STEINBERG
Real Stories
Love, Life & Robot Cats
Sheila Wainwright is known as “The Cat Woman”. For the past few years, Sheila has been distributing cats to older people in Yorkshire. But these cats aren’t ordinary moggies: they are robot cats. Research has shown that people who live with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia find the cats soothing and helpful for their mental well-being.
We were curious to find out more.
WORDS: VALERIE WOOD-ROBINSON
PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHAN TURNER
A Grand Day Out
A Grand Day Out
MEANWOOD VALLEY FARM
The Shine team commune with the animals at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
WORDS: DAVID SMITH, MAUREEN KERSHAW,
JUDY WILD, & ANNE CHITTY
PHOTOGRAPHY: DANIEL JOHNSON
Health & Wellbeing
MAKING WAVES
OPEN WATER SWIMIMING
Many of us are familiar with the health benefits of a few laps in the local pool, but what about open water swimming? While the thought of icy temperatures and a mouthful of pond weed may not seem inviting, for some, the idea of taking a dip in a lake or river is pure heaven. Mally Harvey meets swimmer Caroline Smithson to explore the unique health benefits of outdoor swimming.
Shed Load
Some men have a sacred bond with their shed: it’s a solitary haven to escape daily stresses and concentrate on their hobby. In recent years, sheds have become communal spaces where men gather to share ideas and experiences. Shedding can address serious issues, especially for older men, who face particular mental health
challenges during retirement and bereavement. The Morley Shed is one such communal haven. Lorraine Harding visited to find out more about the role of sheds for men keeping mentally well.
Memories of .......
Our Sporting Life
The 1960s were a very special time for fans of rugby in Wakefield. The Wakefield Trinity team smashed all records and won every trophy and league going. A match that sticks in any Wakefield fan’s mind is the Watersplash Final of 1968: a waterlogged pitch; a controversial referee; and an ill-fated final kick. The Shine Team spoke to a group of older fans (and one ex-player) at Wakefield Trinity’s Belle Vue ground to gather their memories of the club’s Golden Years in the 1960s.
Special Feature
Finding Freedom
All over Leeds and West Yorkshire, older people are hopping on to the bus, brandishing their Senior Pass. That little plastic rectangle is their ticket to freedom, connecting them to friends, family and social groups. We meet four individuals, each with a unique reason for relying on the bus.
Podcasts
Shine On is the podcast where older people share stories. Season One of the Shine On focuses on creativity. We meet creative older people in Leeds and find out about their lives. You can listen to podcast below or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Shine On is brought to you by the makers of Shine Magazine, with support from Chapel FM. Season One is funded by Leeds Inspired.
Latest Podcast
SHINE ON - ROUND TABLE - PUNK'S NOT DEAD
A round-table conversation with a group of people who found punk in the 1970s and never looked back. Janet, Beverley, Mark and Alison joined Shine On producer Tom Bailey in the studio to talk about how punk changed their lives, got them into politics and made them who they are today.