Heywire: Spanning the generations in an unlikely friendship

SUBJECTS:  English

YEARS:  9–10

Do you think strangers with 60 years of age between them can become friends?

When eighteen, George Baker found out that they can when he befriended Geoff, a man in his eighties.

Could you write or record a similar story about yourself and/or your community?

The ABC's Heywire competition calls for stories from 16-22 year olds in regional Australia. Enter to get your story featured on the ABC and score an all-expenses-paid trip to the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra. More: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/

Things to think about

1. 1.Unlikely friendships' is a popular internet meme topic. Some examples: chimp and bird, cat and fox, elephant and lamb. While many memes are created for humorous or emotive effect, they can suggest deeper meanings. What we might learn from them?
2. 2.Before listening, draw up a table with three rows and three columns. In the first column, split Geoff's story into three sections, one per row. Use these headings: Initial meeting with Geoff; Working with Geoff; Reflection. In the second column, summarise George's thoughts and feelings at each point. In the third column, write down quotes from the story as evidence for your thoughts. You may need to replay the clip to catch it all.
3. 3.Explain what George has learnt through his relationship with Geoff. What values does George's story suggest that modern society is in danger of losing? In his story, George mentions an Easter egg, well hidden behind a pot plant. How might this image symbolise the theme of George's story?
4. 4.Get to know an older member of your family or community better. In conversation, find out more about their lives and reflect on the similarities to and differences from your own life. Use your findings as inspiration for a piece of prose or poetry. Share it with the person who inspired you. Publish your writing if they feel comfortable with that.

Date of broadcast: 2011

Copyright

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