History project will visit local care homes
A group of enthusiastic volunteers recently came together at Gunnersbury Park Museum to discuss and reminisce about their experiences of the Second World War. The project was set up to highlight Gunnersbury Park Museum’s collection of WWII objects and to enable them to play a role in helping preserve our history.
The workshop proved to be a success with volunteers covering topics such as wartime bombing, propaganda, food rationing, wartime recipes, utility clothing, school life, the cinema and much more. All sessions were recorded so they can be used to engage future generations.
Beryl Bashford, retired Head of Art and Design and sixth form tutor and counsellor who attended the sessions said: “The best part about the sessions was connecting with others from the same generation and hearing all of their varied stories of the war. I really enjoyed reminiscing with the group about the funny and sad times of the war. I have made such good friends and will definitely keep in contact with all of them.”
She also explains the importance of the project: “This project will allow the community to connect with our stories from the war. We will be visiting care homes, to help bring residents out of their shells by reminiscing about the past together and we’ll also be visiting secondary schools where we will share our first-hand knowledge of the war.”
Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “I would like to thank everyone who came together to share their experiences of such an important time in history. It will be amazing for school children to hear directly from those who took part in this project about what it was like to live through the war and their experiences will also play an important part in reminiscence therapy in care homes.”
If you are interested in the group visiting your care home, community group or secondary school please contact Clare Paul on 0208 8825 9642 or 0771 142 5978 or via email paulc@ealing.gov.uk to organise a visit.
12 September 2013