Knutsford Town Council is starting an exciting short project to create a documentary style film telling the story of Knutsford during World War II and is calling for volunteers to take part.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund funded project ‘Memories of World War II’ was originally planned for 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the conflict. The project, which will see the council working closely with Knutsford Heritage Centre, aims to record the memories of those who remember Knutsford during the late 1930s/1940s.
The Town Council is first looking to recruit a team of volunteers to lead the interviews. The volunteers will firstly be given training in oral history interviews by Dr Michaela Hulme, an award-winning historian and lecturer in public history at the University of Birmingham who just happens to have previously lived next door to the late Knutsford historian Joan Leach.
The three-hour training session will be delivered on Saturday 9th October at 1pm and help the volunteers understand memory, the oral history process and how to conduct effective interviews.
Those interested in becoming an interviewer for the project can read more about it and sign up at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/memories-project.
With the ongoing support of Michaela, the volunteers will then be assigned to conduct interviews with those who come forward to share their memories. Each interview will capture part of Knutsford’s history and form a learning and research resource for future generations. Interviews will then be edited into a 1-hour film that weaves together a story of life during around the time of the war.
“This project looks to ensure that what is currently just in living memory is captured and preserved for future generations” said Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green. “It’s about recording the stories, the memories of the sights and sounds and adding to the rich tapestry of the town’s social history”
The Town Council is also appealing for anyone who would like to be interviewed as part of the project. If you or someone you know has memories of Knutsford from the 1930s/40s (no matter how small or insignificant they may feel they are) please register their interest in taking part by contacting 01565 653 929 or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncoucnil.gov.uk.
