...for the people who need them most
Modern television moves fast. Quick cuts, loud music, complex plots. For older people — especially those who find it overwhelming or who live with memory loss — it can be isolating rather than comforting.
There is a gap. Not enough stories are being made for the people who need them most. Not enough stories told slowly enough to follow, familiar enough to spark a memory, simple enough to share.
I had an idea for a charity to meet that need. Gentle, character-driven stories set in times people actually remember — designed for care homes, day centres, hospitals and schools. Stories that bring comfort, memory and connection.
To prove the idea could work, I built a proof of concept. A fictional village called Hartley Green. A cast of characters. 52 weeks of stories mapped out. And two pilot episodes, recorded and ready to hear.
Two pilot episodes from Round Our Way — the first series, set in 1958.
A red telephone box arrives on the village green. Arthur watches from behind the counter.
The same Monday morning, seen from the post office. Violet knew it was coming.
The proof of concept is built. What I need now is help turning it into a registered charity.
I'm looking for two founding trustees. You don't need to be a writer or a performer — you need to believe that gentle, accessible storytelling can bring comfort, memory and connection, and to be willing to help build the structure that makes it happen.
I'm also looking for an ambassador — someone from the world of drama, storytelling or care who believes in what I'm building and is willing to say so.
My name is Norman Carter. I'm based in Winchcombe, near Cheltenham. I'm not a writer — I'm a retired businessman with an idea I believe in. I've built the framework: the village, the characters, the research, 52 weeks of stories mapped out, pilot episodes recorded. What I need now are people to help me take it further.
If any of this speaks to you, I'd like to hear from you.