The Story of the Chopwell Wallaby
Our Red Star Reporters, based at Chopwell Primary School, have always had a keen eye for a story but sometimes the story, quite literally, hops into town. Choppy the Chopwell Wallaby even made the local television news, but our young reporters have gone one better and immortalised Choppy in an animated short film and a documentary about his rescue.
In case you hadn’t already heard, Choppy was spotted hopping around Chopwell at the end of last year and was quickly rescued. He captured the hearts and imaginations of the primary school children and members of Chopwell Youth Club, both of whom wanted to tell his story in different ways. The younger children created an animation with artist Laura Crow which imagines where he might have come from, whilst the Youth Club members created a news style report about his escape and rescue. Unfortunately, Choppy died soon after his little adventure but everyone agreed that these projects would be a fitting tribute.
Choppy’s Premiere
Earlier today, both the animated film and the news style report video were screened at Chopwell Primary School and responses were very positive:
“I thought the project was really great and you get to learn new skills all the time, like you get to do things you never really thought you’d get to do.”
- Ela, Chopwell Youth Club/ Chopwell Primary School
”I already knew it was going to be good but I didn't know it was going to be that good! It was brilliant for the children to gain new skills and use their creativity to mark a piece of history. We would love to do more with Digital Voice, thank you.“
- Mrs Kelly, Chopwell Primary School
You can now enjoy both films here:
Our Managing Director (and huge Choppy Fan), Julie Nicholson reflected on the project:
“I’m so pleased that this project has been able to celebrate the bitter-sweet story of Choppy and given the community a chance to hear more about him, as well as a creative opportunity for the children and I hope people will enjoy them. A big thank you to everyone who shared their footage, photos and time with us, Chopwell Community Centre, Chopwell Primary School and Gateshead Council for their support to help make this a memorable end to the story.”
RIP Choppy
Thanks to Gateshead Council and Chopwell Primary for funding this project.
If your group has a story to tell and you’d like our help, get in touch.
