DAMON HILL CALLS ON LOCAL COMMUNITY TO HELP CREATE ‘LIVING MUSEUM’ AT NORMANSFIELD

17/06/2004

A group of local charities - led by Down’s Syndrome Association patron and F1 World Champion Damon Hill - has invited local community leaders, celebrities and business executives to visit and help shape the future of Normansfield hospital.

CAPTION:  F1 World Champion and Down's Syndrome Association patron Damon Hill chats to DSA member Shelley Robinson and baby Emily.  Click here for picture

 

A long-standing Teddington landmark, Normansfield Hospital was originally the home of pioneering Victorian physician Dr Langdon Down where he provided accommodation, education and recreation for people with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities in a way that was considerably ahead of its time.  As part of his programme of education Dr Langdon Down built a magnificent Theatre and residents were encouraged to use drama and music as a way to express themselves at a time when others were being condemned to a life in an asylum.  After a long association with people with learning disabilities, Normansfield was left derelict until a major refurbishment programme, completed late last year, brought the remarkable Grade II* listed Victorian Theatre back to life.  

 

Today, the Down’s Syndrome Association, Mencap and other learning disability groups are working with newly formed charity, the Langdon Down Centre Trust (LDC), to create a “Living Museum” to the memory of Victorian physician Dr John Langdon Down, a key figure in the history of people with learning disabilities and, in particular, those with Down’s syndrome.  The LDC is responsible for the care of the property. The aim is to preserve and display the history of Dr Langdon Down’s ground-breaking and enlightened work and to create an international Centre of Excellence focusing on issues related to learning disability. The Down’s Syndrome Association, and the Strathcona Theatre Company will occupy space in the building and will provide a range of support, services and opportunities to people with learning disabilities.    

 

Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association said: “The theatre has been beautifully restored and is looking wonderful.  We are now fundraising in order to equip the building for multiple uses, and want the entire local community to be very much involved in our plans." 

 

The charities are in the early stages of determining how best to utilise the Theatre for use by organisations working with learning disability and the local community.  "Our aim is to make this remarkable resource available to as wide an audience as possible" said Tanya Smith, the DSA's Community Fundraising Associate.  "Our first objective is to make contact with those within the community who can support us with planning and funding the best way forward."

 

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Down’s Syndrome Association: To arrange  a visit and/or an interview with DSA Patron and F1 World Champion Damon Hill, contact Sarah Waights, Communications Manager  Tel:  e-mail: .

 

For further information on Down’s syndrome and the Down’s Syndrome Association, go to the Press Office at www.downs-syndrome.org.uk.