‘Blast from the Past’, an exciting project linking the social lives of teenagers in Millom with those in the 1930s to 1950s, has received £14,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). ‘Blast from the Past’ is led by Millom young people, with the support of charity Creative Futures Cumbria, Millom Heritage Centre, digital artist Shaun Blezard, Jakki Moore of Millom’s Beggar’s Theatre and local volunteers. The young people’s family, friends and older members of the community will also help build a picture showing what life was like for teenagers before, during and after World War II by sharing stories, pictures and memorabilia. ‘Blast’ will run from now until June 2012.
The project is in three parts and will involve research of the Heritage Centre’s collection, oral history interviews, writing and performances, and creating a DVD. The performances will be streamed live from locations around Millom, with a local and an online audience around the world, with DVD being launched in June.
Fifteen Millom teenagers will be involved in the project to show that history is fascinating – with opportunities to learn new skills in research, team working and leadership, journalism, creative writing, performance, film/photography and leading edge technical wizardry.
Under the guidance of Jakki Moore, the young people will write a series of short plays based on the lives of local people to be performed around Millom. Creativity will meet technology with Shaun Blezard exploring new and innovative ways to get people excited about local history and culture. Research with volunteer historians of the museum’s collection and interviewing local people will uncover Millom’s hidden history.
In February this year the young people started their local history research, created promenade performances from the material gathered and hosted an Open Day at the Millom Heritage Centre which attracted a record audience of 88. With HLF support, ‘Blast’ is an opportunity to develop and broaden not only their learning but also take it wider into the community.
Commenting on the award, Creative Future Cumbria’s Viv West said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and are confident that the project will support the young people to be ambassadors for Millom’s history.”
Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the North West said: “We are delighted to support these young people as they seek to uncover the social history of their community. It provides them with a platform to learn skills in a range of areas as they execute this project, while learning and sharing fascinating histories from family, friends and the rest of the community.”
Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 30,000 projects, allocating £4.7billion across the UK, including just over £893million in London alone. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
On Sunday 18th December ‘Blast from the Past’ will be launched with a Christmas celebration, hosted by the young people, at Millom’s Beggar’s Theatre, 3 – 5pm. The families of local teenagers, local young people and older members of the community will be invited to come and share stories, memories and bring old photos of the area over tea and a mince pie.
Join us on 18th December to experience ‘Blast from the Past’ – bringing history to life.
More news to come soon but email us at blastfromthepastmillom@gmail.com if you’re interested in getting involved.
