Oral history project records 80 years of stories

A project to record oral memories of Gloucestershire residents covering the last 80 years is to conclude with a dramatisation of some of their stories.

The Roots and Reflections project, funded by a £95,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, recorded 100 stories which will be deposited in Gloucestershire Archives.

Sally Williams from Gloucestershire Libraries said: "We hear a lot from people who wish they could record their stories, and people tell us about their neighbours with wonderful memories."

Lifelong Tewkesbury resident Steve Martin, who took part in the project, said "Every generation says the same thing - things have changed so much."

People will be able to see the dramatisation at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, on Sunday 10 May.

After watching a rehearsal, Steve said it was "strange" to see his story on stage.

His wife Jane Martin said it was a privilege their memories were chosen for the performance. "I didn't think people would be interested," she said.

Her father had a cafe in the town, and she recorded her memories of waiting tables for the coach visitors who came to Tewkesbury.

"We met new people and we really enjoyed it, and it's nice for the young people to know our stories," she added.

The interviews were conducted in libraries in Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Coleford, Stroud, Chipping Campden and Gloucester and explored how the county has changed over the decades.

Williams said there had been "amazing" stories from around the county, particularly those featuring elvering in the River Severn.

"That came up a lot in different localities, and I remember that as a child, and the shock of seeing live Elvers in the sink."

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