Would you like to be involved in an exciting new study into the changing nature of people’s leisure time over the last 60 years?

 

This research will form a new archive to be stored at Dorset History Centre for future generations. Elements of our investigation will also go into an exhibition at Dorset County Museum and go into a new app.

The project will be starting in January 2013 and run for one year. However we are now recruiting volunteers to join us in this new project. We hope this will be a rewarding, interesting and fulfilling new venture for all involved and no experience is necessary. It will be structured around a number of sociable activities, where we will gather to discuss our research into the past and how young people play today.

We wish to recruit a small group of volunteers to make a “team of investigators”. They will receive coaching on oral history, interviewing, photography, writing, updating websites, historical research, and sound recording techniques. You do not need to be proficient in any of these skills as full training and support will be offered throughout this project. We are interested in gathering together a group of twelve curious people who will help create this important new archive.

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Type of jobs the team of investigators might do

1. Recording oral histories;
2. Summarising these oral histories;
3. Photographing events;
4. Writing short pieces
5. Website updates (adding text, video, photos);
6. Researching play / leisure time in the county;
7. Attending leisure activities;
8. Attending meetings and discussion groups;
9. Promotion of project.

 

Partners

This project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and has been conceived and project managed by digital:works. It is being run in partnership with Thomas Hardye School, Dorset History Centre, Dorset County Museum, AgeUK and POPP.

Commenting on the grant award, Richard Bellamy, HLF’s acting Head of South West said: “Our heritage consists of the many different things from the past that we value and want to preserve for the future, including the cultural traditions and pastimes that enriched the everyday lives and leisure time of previous generations. This fascinating project will highlight and record the step change in leisure activities in the post-war period.”

If you would like further information about this project contact Joe Stevens, digital:works participation worker (email joe@digital-works.co.uk, tel; 07784 874112).