Sessions will run until October and culminate in a public performance of a specially-composed show for the annual Imagine Sutton festival, run with the support of Sutton Council.
The show will tell the story of the Roundshaw Estate from its past usage as Croydon Airfield to the modern day. It has been written by Keeley Wilcox with input from the Dog Kennel Hill Project, who have researched the area’s history and produced a bespoke music piece featuring the voices of local residents. Foresters Primary School in Wallington are also helping out by producing and preparing props for the show.
In April this year Keeley received the news that she would be receiving an award from Sutton Council in recognition of her work running InUnity, a social enterprise providing dance training and stage opportunities to young people in South London. She met then Mayor Arthur Hookway to receive her award.
Keeley Wilcox said:
“It was really surprising to hear that I’d won the award. I have run activities for the last four years for young people on the Roundshaw Estate - we use dance as a way to engage with local residents and then we can signpost them toward other services which might help them, for example housing services.
“I was really proud that my hard work had been recognised. My Mum came to see me receive the award from the Mayor and it was a great day. I also enjoyed meeting the other award winners, who all do such great work in the area. I even got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Honeywood Museum in Carshalton.
“I have been supported by Sutton Council - and especially Joanna Steele - in running these sessions for Imagine Festival. It’s a really exciting project and I’m emphasising to local youngsters that they should be proud of where they are from.”