From traditional local grocers’ to South Asian stores and places catering for the Polish community, the history of the corner shop gives a fascinating insight into the UK’s diverse heritage.
Working with Sandwell and Birmingham archives, the Black Country Touring theatre group trained local volunteers to record 50 years of memories from shopkeepers in the Black Country, their families and customers.
Imaginative performances based on the oral histories helped local people learn about the social and cultural heritage of corner shops in their area. The oral histories were donated to Sandwell Archive and posted online. A touring exhibition and outreach programme for schools have also been created.