Hidden Histories - Phase Two

Since the successful launch of the Hidden Histories Calendar in Derby Hospitals, Living Derby has been continuing to develop the Hidden Histories Project and will shortly be installing a History Wall at the newly named "Royal Derby Hospital". This wall will provide an opportunity for staff, patients and visitors alike to contribute their memories and images to the Hidden Histories Archive. In the meantim, you can download the current calendar images as desktop images by clicking here. We will put up each month's image as the year progresses, so keep checking back for your favourite.

Dale book arrives!!

Following sleepless nights on the part of Living Derby team, the staff at Dale School and the pupils from the editorial committee - the book is finally here! Just in time for the actually centenary on Tuesday the 25th of November at 6.45pm! There will be a launch ceremony - members of the school's past staff and pupils. We're expecting songs from the school choir, lots of cups of tea and many, many shared memories... To order a book, click here.

Click on an image to view a larger version.

Pupils from the editorial committee get their hands on the book first.

Hidden Histories Revealed

The first phase of the Hidden Histories Project was completed today, after several weeks of work with Derby Hospital. Jo Bell and Hannah Fox tracked down a number of hidden artefacts from the collective histories of Derby Hospital sites - past and present. These objects, photos, letters etc. were used to trigger off conversations with hospital staff and to spark off creative thought. The project has culminated in 100 A3 calendars that count down the months to the official opening of the new hospital site. The calendars have been distributed throughout the departments of the hospital, and our hope is that more artefacts and stories will be revealed! For more images from the Hidden Histories Calendar - click here.

Phase 2 of the Hidden Histories project is currently being planned and will take place throughout 2009.

If you have a story to tell about your memories of working within Derby's Hospitals - please contact us here. We would love to add your memories to the archive!

click image to zoom

Dale Centenary Book Progress

A section of the centenary tapestry created by parents at Dale. Click for larger versionOne of the latest projects the Living Derby team is working on is a 60 page hardback book to celebrate Dale Community Primary School's Centenary on November 25th. Far from being a purely historical catalogue of the school's history, Dale's headteacher Linda Sullivan and her literacy co-ordinator Sarah Coxson wanted a book documented the past, using stories, interview and reflections, produced by the children and staff from Dale itself. Dale is the largest primary school in the city, with 550 pupils. The children have played a leading role in producing the material for the book, in particular the editorial committee who represent the school in meetings and workshops. They have been helped by writer Mike Wilson and project support Lindsay Steel, both employed by Living Derby to support teachers and pupils in producing the high quality of work needed for the book.

Along the way, friends have been reunited after 60 years apart, former pupils have toured the school and given interviews, a huge tapestry has been created by parents, an edwardian picnic has taken place, Prince George's visit from 1928 has been recreated!

Nicola RIppon, a former pupil,  wrote of Dale's centenary open day in her newspaper article,

" They say you should never go back. Well, I'm glad I just did. What a pleasure it was to attend the open day at Dale Community Primary School, Normanton, held as part of the celebrations to mark the school's 100th anniversary.

I was at Dale between January 1974 and July 1980, and with many talented teachers who made lessons fun and inspiring, we looked forward to each new day. Without doubt, it was the happiest time of my childhood."

The book will be out  at the end of November and will be available to buy, with all profits going directly to the school.

Terry, a former pupil, shows children his scars from the Headmaster's cane in the 1950s! Click for larger imageLindsay Steel talks to the editorial committe about book design. 

Banks' Mill Poll

During Banks' Mill Open Studios at the end of June, Living Derby held an informal poll asking people one question with two parts - Which do you like most? Part one - Past, Present or Future? Part two - Pictures, Objects or Writing?

The aim was to help us understand a bit better what sparks people off, both in a heritage sense, but also in a creative sense. Do we like thinking about the places we've been, the things we've done - or even our ancestors' antics? Or do we like to live in the here and now? Some people are always looking to what tomorrow might hold for them.

Do you enjoy writing as a form of expression, or to read books full of stories that test your imagination? Perhaps your prefer to look at public art, sculpture - or to use ornaments as a way of expressing your own creative taste. Many people prefer photographs, paintings etc. and would rather go and see an exhibition of photographic prints than visit a poetry reading or sculpture exhibit.

Different things move us in different ways and here at Living Derby we're interested to know your preferences and why. If you have time, please take part in our short poll by clicking here - don't think too much about it, just go with your gut reaction!