Article dated: 8th February 2010

Wondrous Stories

Do you have special memories of
East Grinstead?

Have you ever wanted to ask your family and friends about their history?





The 'Talk of the Town' project aims to record the memories of local residents.

Over the coming months special 'audio only' recording booths will travel to various public locations gathering 'oral stories' in a conversational and relaxed style.

Local volunteers will act as 'facilitators' who will record rather than interview contributors.

During a pre-booked appointment (which lasts a maximum of 30mins) residents of all ages can share with each other their memories of living in East Grinstead and how it has changed over the years.

But there is also a very valuable opportunity for family members to come along and ask each other about their own lives - something often neglected until it's too late.

A free personal CD of the recording will be given to each contributor as a family keepsake and as a 'thank you'.

With the contributor's consent, a copy will also be archived at the East Grinstead Town Museum.

It doesn't stop there...

Some of the stories gathered will be used alongside local research as additional material for the climax of the project:
'The East Grinstead Community Play' which is due to be performed in November 2010.

Residents can also be involved in every aspect of the performance, from props to acting.

The Project is being run by the Claque Theatre Company and Jon Oram is it's Artistic Director (shown right).



Jon's vision and experience has successfully brought similar community projects to other places, including: Withyham and Groombridge, and Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells.



Meridian FM's Sharon Terry joined Jon at a recording booth to ask him about the project and to hear from two of the project facilitators, Mieke and April.



Duration: 7'50''

The recording booths will be at:

1st - 5th March 2010  East Grinstead Library
8th - 12th March 2010  Grub Cafe - East Grinstead
22nd - 26th March 2010  Chequer Mead Arts Centre,
East Grinstead

If you wish to volunteer as a 'facilitator' then email Deborah Ellis:
deborahellis@egplay.org.uk

Meridian FM will be following the project and broadcasting details of more recording booth sessions in the near future.

We wish the Talk of the Town Project and
the East Grinstead Community Play the very best of success!

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East Grinstead Community Play

The Claque Theatre Company

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