GUEST BLOG: On Set Filming the Launch of the NVA Inspiration Award by Bexi Owen

It was a great privilege to be involved in the launch of the new Inspiration award for The National Vintage Awards 2015, particularly to see how passionate the awards team are over the importance of its introduction.

The Inspiration award aims to recognise someone or a group who are going the extra mile, using their vintage style business/performance talents for a community project or similar. Whether that be:

• Recreating memories for dementia patients — something I am thrilled to be involved in with my ForgetMeNever project
• Bringing the past to life for school children
• Working with veterans
• Homeless clothing project
• Projects that use the past to inspire a better future

What better place to launch the award than on the 1950s Street Scene created in Choice Housing Association's new Limewood Dementia Care centre in Stafford.

When I arrived and saw their recreation of a 1950s High St, I was in awe of the detail that had been put in, from; the Fox & Duck pub, Clips n Curl salon and Picture House cinema, which has been based on the original picture house in Stafford. I am so happy that their residents will get to utilise the space in surroundings that will feel more familiar to them.

Captured by Steve from Lilac Films, who was so patient with me even when I kept stumbling over my words. I was very nervous about speaking on camera but Steve was so friendly that I didn't feel too scared to make mistakes.

Although we worked hard all day, there was time for a bit of fun and I posed in the salon — Clip 'n' curl whilst catching up on the latest happenings in "Vintage Life" magazine, as well as having a tinkle on the piano in the Fox & Duck pub!

The staff at Limewood were extremely helpful, marketing executive Alice was a gem all day and even stayed when filming ran late to make sure everything was ok. It was great to chat with the nurses who evidently care a lot for their residents. It was lovely to see the ladies I met being treated so nicely and how pleasant the surroundings were, with pastel coloured rooms and spacious communal areas.

The finale of the day was a performance for the residents. I loved singing for them so I really hope they liked it and had a good time watching. Seeing them move and sway to their favourite songs such as Que Sera Sera was a joy and I think they truly benefitted from interacting with the music. This is why the Inspiration award is so important. Those who use their skills or vintage business to help others should be celebrated I'm so pleased to be launching the award for 2015.

Hope you enjoy the film(s) and I look forward to hearing of the fantastic projects you are involved in — enter/nominate here.

Bexi x

The Swinging, Singing Showgirl
www.bexiowen.co.uk