Amanda Waring's films
Symponia really does care about the welfare and treatment of our elderly citizens, and in addition to helping families with the financial aspects, Symponia wants to make a difference to the attitudes we have towards ageing in general and ultimately the potential need for care.
As such we formed a relationship with actress, writer, director & producer Amanda Waring. Amanda has made it one of her main objectives to campaign for us all to have a better understanding of old age, for the elderly to live with dignity and respect and for everyone to show more compassion.
We are extremely proud to say that Amanda is now our Patron, and as you would expect Symponia echoes the thoughts, wishes and objectives that make Amanda such a special person.
Over recent years Amanda has taken an extremely emotive poem (we first saw it in a nursing home in 1989), and has brought the words to life, not only is film is dedicated to Amanda’s late mother, the fabulous actress Dame Dorothy Tutin, it demonstrates very poignantly, that the elderly are not born old, they too have shared lives, loves and unique experiences.
![[Virginia McKenna - A Film by Amanda Waring - What Do You See?]](/images/whatdoyousee.jpg)
National treasure Virginia McKenna O.B.E takes the lead role of Elsie, a poorly old lady, who after a stroke now resides in a care home, extremely (if not hauntingly) well; as you can imagine we can’t watch this DVD without getting emotional... but, it is a fabulous piece of film, and I would urge everyone in the country to obtain a copy.
The actual poem was written in 1966 by nurse Phyllis McCormack, who wanted to create a greater feeling of compassion and care for the staff looking after elderly and infirm people, here are her words:
What Do You See?
What do you see nurses, what do you see?
Are you thinking when you are looking at me -
A crabbit old woman, not very wise,
uncertain of habit with far away eyes.
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply,
when you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do.
And forever is losing a stocking or a shoe.
Who unresisting or not, lets you do as you will.
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.
Is that what you are thinking? -- Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse, you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
as I rise at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten, with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen with wings on her feet.
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet;
A bride soon at 20, my heart gives a leap,
remembering the vows that I promised to keep;
At 25 now I have young of my own
who need me to build a secure, happy home;
A woman of thirty, my young now grow fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last;
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At 50 once more babies play, round my knee
again we know children my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead,
I look to the future, I shudder with dread.
My young are all busy, rearing young of their own,
and I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm an old woman now and nature is cruel,
‘tis her jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body it crumbles, grace and vigour depart.
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcase a young girl still dwells,
and now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
and I'm loving and living all over again.
And I think of the years all too few - gone too fast
and accept the stark fact that nothing will last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
not a crabbit old woman,
look closer,
SEE ME!
Following on from “What Do You See”, Amanda has produced a further DVD; designed as a prequel to What Do You See, the second film is entitled “Home”, written by Christopher Mathew, it looks at Elsie’s emotions as she leaves her “normal life” and moves into her care home for the very first time.
Home
They took me to this house, this very nice house, with nice front steps and a nice big hall...
This is where you live now, Mummy, they told me.
But this isn't my house at all.
They took me round the garden, this nice big garden, with nice bright borders and a high brick wall.
'This is where you walk now, Mummy,' they told me.
But this isn't my garden at all.
'This is where you sleep now, Mummy,' they told me.
But this isn't my bedroom at all.
They took me to a lounge, this nice sunny lounge, full of old dears who said nothing at all.
'These are your friends now, Mummy,' they told me.
But they're not my friends at all.
They got into their car, their nice big car, and waved goodbye just before nightfall.
'This is your life now, Elsie,' I murmured
But this isn't my life at all.
"t was a great privilege to play the part of Elsie in both What Do You See? & Home;iIt is hard for older people to be removed from the life they knew, feeling at times useless, not needed and isolated.
"It is hard too for the carers of the elderly who endure the pressure and lack of time that too often comes with nursing and care. I hope these films will open eyes, touch hearts and ensure a kinder, more understanding future for all."
Virginia McKenna OBE
The (private & non-commercial) DVDs cost £19.99 and are available by sending your name & address together with your cheque (made payable to Looking for Magic Limited), to:
Becketts,
Tripp Hill
Fittleworth
West Sussex
RH20 1ER
Also take a look at Amanda’s own web site www.amandawaring.com.
