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A group of children in a churchyard – taking part in the South Humber Bank Wildlife and People project

Case Study - Shildon Intergenerational Heritage Project 

Programme: Your Heritage 
Applicant: Age Concern Durham County 
Grant awarded: £47,600 
Project length: 2 years 

Shildon Intergenerational Heritage Project - printable (MS Word, 5.65MB) 

Summary

Age Concern County Durham aims to promote the well-being of all older people and to make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. They are the coordinating body for the County Durham Intergenerational Network which brings together people, groups and organisations across the generations in interests and activities which promote active citizenship and communities, social inclusion and equality. This project assisted residents of Shildon to explore, identify, look after and celebrate their local heritage. It was particularly aimed at reaching local people who have not been involved in exploring their heritage before. Using Age Concern County Durham’s wide experience of sustainable intergenerational work, older and younger residents of Shildon took on the role of 'Time Detectives' with a mission to investigate and explore Shildon's heritage through old maps, photographs and memorabilia, and most importantly by talking and sharing memories together. All heritage information is being disseminated through displays, workshops, events, local radio and websites. It has been collated and archived for the future by the ‘Locomotion’ museum, schools, the local library, the Shildon Recall History Group and Durham County Record Office.

The aims of the project

  • Older and younger residents of Shildon to work together to explore a number of aspects of Shildon history, both social and work life.
  • To disseminate the findings of the research through exhibitions, events, local radio and websites.
  • To archive the material gathered in local museums, archives and the Shildon Recall History Group.

Benefits for heritage

  • Historic material gathered has been displayed at Shildon Library and on the Shildon Town Council website
  • A month long exhibition for families was held at the ‘Locomotion’ museum.
  • Presentations on the history and heritage of Shildon have been held for local community groups.

Benefits for people

  • Both younger and older people have been able to explore their own local heritage for the first time.
  • The project has provided meaningful new activity which has had well-being benefits, particularly for the older participants.
  • Interesting, enjoyable and purposeful intergenerational working has broken down barriers between the generations.

Lessons learnt

  • Consult with and involve the local community in planning the key themes and work plan for the project. This groundwork provides the project with a network of local support from the beginning.
  • Tailor activities to the interests and age ranges of participants, particularly if they have not been involved in heritage based activities before.
  • People may not want to donate their original copies of old documents or photographs so have facilities to scan and record information about the documents.
  • Talk to schools well in advance of activities. Schools plan their curriculum activities 6 -12 months in advance so forward planning is essential.
  • Provide appropriate training for volunteers so that they have the skills necessary to be involved in the project. 

Long term benefits

  • The 'Shildon Memories' case is permanently installed in the ‘Locomotion’ Museum to display memorabilia loaned by local people.
  • Material gathered is displayed on the Shildon Town Council website.
  • Local residents have developed skills and increased their confidence whilst working with the project and are now involved in wider heritage and community activities.
  • Older people and young people have reported improved relationships with each other’s generations in the town and have valued the time they have been able to share learning about the town’s history.

The budget

Main Project Costs £ Funding £
 Staff costs 21,931  Other grants/cash  5,550
 Freelance & short-term contracts   7,500  Non-cash contributions 19,005
 Training  1,600  HLF grant (66%) 47,600
 Travel  2,000  Total costs   72,155


Participants looking at archive documents  

The craft group investigate the history of the banana factory  

Sector

Cultures and Memories 

Activity

Learning