Ethos Public Relations Manchester

What did you do on a Saturday night Grandad?

by Ethos public relations

Young people in the Hollinwood, Coldhurst and St Mary’s areas of Oldham will have a unique insight into what their parents and grandparents got up to on a Saturday night thanks to a project funded by a Heritage Lottery Grant.

‘Photography for Change’ has been co-ordinated by Contour Housing Group and will compare Saturday night entertainment in the 1950’s and the present day.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour successfully applied for the £20,000 funding for the project and says it will provide an excellent opportunity for young people to learn about local history.

“The project brings together white British and Bangladeshi people to research what the young people of the two cultures did for entertainment on a Saturday night,” she said. “As well as bringing cultures together it will also prove a talking point for generations and I’ve no doubt that today’s young people may be quite surprised to hear what their families did for fun sixty years ago.”

The project will ensure that between twenty to thirty, 13 – 19 year old young people acquire IT, multi-media, research and heritage skills. The project will run for over 10 weeks in the summer holidays.

The group will interview people to learn about their experiences of entertainment on a Saturday night and will also photograph them and relevant Oldham landmarks that play a part in entertaining young people now and in the past. They will also conduct research which will culminate in a history exhibition including a timeline to be showcased at Oldham Gallery in 2011. A DVD will also be made available.

Shanine said: “This provides not just a great opportunity for the young people involved to learn new skills but will also provide Oldham with a local history project that will remain available for many years to come.”

The project is also supported by a mentor from Edgehunter, Oldham Archive Department will provide information and IT support and training.

Posted at 1^st July 2010