An ambitious 18-month project that aims to share and celebrate West Cumbria’s diverse culture and heritage is looking to hear from more local people as it enters its final phase.
Organised by Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, based in Cockermouth, In My Shoes kicked off in April 2023 and runs until this September.
It has already featured a series of storytelling events, theatre, music and exhibitions across the area, all designed to inspire people to share their own stories.
A key facet of the project has been the way it celebrates local diversity by capturing personal experiences of people throughout the area through a series of oral history workshops.
Helen Johnston, Kirkgate community projects officer, said: “The project is working with people and groups across the area to explore our communities.
“What makes them unique? What do you take pride in? What are your family traditions? What is your story?
“There are several strands to the project. We’re holding events and visiting groups across the area from different communities to talk about our backgrounds and heritage and share family traditions and customs.
“We are also recording interviews with people who want to share their own stories. We have a team of volunteers who’ve been trained in oral history interviewing, and these stories will form part of our heritage collection and will be archived at Whitehaven Archives.”
The Kirkgate Heritage Group is working on an exhibition at the Kirkgate Centre, which will take place in August.
It will feature stories of people who have moved to Cockermouth through time, such as Irish immigration into the area in the 19th century, people of African origin who appear in church records in the 18th century, and displaced people who were at the Moota Prisoner of War camp after World War II and settled in Cockermouth.
Helen added: “Do you have a story to tell about your West Cumbrian heritage? We would love to interview you.
“We want to hear from people who were born and brought up in West Cumbria, and some of the unique aspects of life here, alongside stories from recent refugees, immigrants and people who have relocated to the region.”
More information can be found out about the project on the Kirkgate website: https://kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk/in-my-shoes/
To take part, get in touch with Helen on 01900 829966 or email [email protected]
