Jul 12, 2018
The popular and fascinating Hidden Stories exhibition is coming to Whitehaven Library and Archive Centre between 16 and 20 July, and then is heading to Millom Discovery Centre from 23 to 27 July.
It is giving the community a chance to explore the history of those who now live in Cumbria but were born outside the UK through the exhibition and to think about their own story by taking part in the workshop.
The workshop at Whitehaven’s Archive Centre on Wednesday 18 July at 11 am (book your place at the library or by emailing office@Cdec.org.uk). It will then be at Millom Discovery Centre on Friday 27 July at 2pm (no need to book, just turn up!). So why not head down and see what it is all about?
Through the exhibition and community workshop, Cumbria Development Education Centre (which runs Hidden Stories) is giving you the chance to explore the stories of some of those who have chosen to live in Cumbria but were born outside the UK, thanks to a Big Lottery Awards for All grant and funding from Cumbria County Council. It is an opportunity to explore their determination, motivation and the factors behind their move through their own words, as well as what ‘home’ and ‘belonging’ mean to you. It is also a chance to consider your own life story and understand the value you bring to your own community.
Through the workshop, the men, women, young and old of Whitehaven and Millom will have the opportunity to learn more about those who now live in Cumbria but were born outside the UK, and to also explore their own journeys and identity. The workshop space is a welcoming one where everyone is treated with respect and is guided by CDEC’s expert facilitator. Come along and take part in games, activities and discussion. Everyone is welcome, so why not bring a friend?
Laura Goad, Director of CDEC, remarked, ‘The original Hidden Stories project had such a strong following and heart, and collected a huge number of fascinating and different stories from our communities. We want to continue to share these stories with all age groups in the hope that we can all learn a little more about ourselves, our own stories, as well as the perspective of our neighbours! The communities of Whitehaven and Millom will have a chance to explore the stories through the exhibition and by taking part in the workshop.’
The original Hidden Stories Shared Lives project interviewed 50 people who were born outside the UK but now live in Cumbria. It was funded by The Heritage Lottery fund and was a project that created a partnership between CDEC, Awaz Cumbria, South Lakeland District Council and the South Lakeland Diversity and Equality Partnership.
The interviews collected will be available in local studies centres and at the Cumbria Archives Centre in Carlisle, with themed snippets already available to listen to at www.Hidden-Stories.co.uk and through the exhibition itself too. This project also spawned a teacher pack for schools and a workshop to help the public consider their stories and their attitudes to other people’s journeys. The workshop that accompanies the exhibition explores the meaning of home, belonging, community and identity.
