Discovering our Shared Histories

Alexandra Godfree • Nov 21, 2022

This year we are excited to be embarking on a new journey - for the first time we are taking our distinctive co-creative methodology and using it to unlock hidden stories of migration past and present - specifically from Thurrock, Essex, an area in which we have been working for many years and are proud to have developed strong community partnerships.


Sharing Our Lives has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to find, record, curate and share the largely undocumented and unrecorded experiences and contributions of migrants to and from Thurrock throughout history and up to the present day. It will specifically seek to uncover and give a platform to previously unheard or marginalised stories and experiences, with an emphasis on locally rooted narratives.

 

The project began in June, with illustrator Salina Gani and facilitator Rachel Victor-Sampson inviting local people to share their memories and stories of migration at two events in Tilbury - the celebrations to mark the arrival of the Empire Windrush and Tilbury Port Open Day, where Together Productions was also presenting Singing Our Lives. Rachel told us:


"It was actually a real honour to listen to stories of people who came to England back in the 60's/ 70's, be it by boat or plane. The stories were so vivid and touching that I could also transport myself back in time to imagine what it must have been like. I met so many interesting people who initially thought that they wouldn't have much to contribute but once they started talking they realised that they had an important story to share".


This autumn has seen us working with students from the Gateway Academy. Working with Rachel and historian Valina Bowman-Burns, the students have been exploring what heritage is, whose stories are usually told and whose are not, and gaining skills and tools to help them go out into their local area and collect stories from friends, family and other community members. They will then bring back to share with the group, reflecting on what they have found most interesting and surprising about the stories they have uncovered. So far the students have astounded us with their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment, and we feel very confident that the history of tomorrow is in excellent hands!


"What can I say about the young people who are part of this programme? They and the teaching staff are absolute joy to work with. I love the different perspectives that the young people presented on the topics of heritage and migration and how they demonstrated their creativity and imagination when tasked with creating team group names and in making short promotional films. They are so talented and I can't wait to see what they go on to produce as part of this programme" Rachel Victor- Sampson


Once the stories have been collected, the students and a team of community Heritage Champions will be collaborating with a team of artists, including a composer, lyricist and film-maker, to bring the stories to life through a new series of songs, an exhibition and a film, all of which will be premiered in summer 2023.

We are still looking for more Community Heritage Champions to join the team, so if you have a connection to Thurrock, and have your own personal / family experience of migration, and/or a keen interest in local history, we would love to hear from you. Please contact 
sharingourlives@togetherproducitons.co.uk

Find out more on our
project page and watch this space for more news and updates about this exciting project!


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