Oral Histories 2026-2027

About the Oral Histories Project

Age UK Wakefield District has launched a major oral histories project to celebrate and preserve the voices of working-class communities across our district. Between 2026 and 2027, we will be capturing memories from local residents about childhood, working life, home life, local industries and everyday experiences.

Wakefield’s landscape and industries have changed dramatically over the past 60+ years. Once home to thriving coal mines, railway hubs, brick works, textile factories and engineering sites, the district has undergone major economic and social shifts. This project aims to record and preserve stories connected to those changes, ensuring that the experiences of individuals, families and communities are not lost.

Meet Amy – Oral Histories Project Worker and Digital Outreach Supervisor

Our Oral Histories Project is led by Amy Charles, a creative practitioner and community storyteller from Wakefield. Amy has spent much of her career supporting people of all ages across the Wakefield District share their memories, experiences and heritage through film, photography, writing and community arts projects. She is particularly passionate about preserving local history and capturing everyday experiences that may otherwise be lost.

What This Project Means to Age UK Wakefield District

This Oral Histories Project is an important opportunity for Age UK Wakefield District to celebrate the lives and experiences of older people in our communities. By recording stories of work, family life, childhood, local industries and home-based traditions, we are helping to preserve a valuable part of Wakefield’s working-class heritage.

These stories will be shared locally through exhibitions and Wakefield Museums so that future generations can learn about the lives of those that lived and worked in the Wakefield District. The project reflects our commitment to reducing isolation, strengthening community belonging, and recognising the important role older people play in shaping the district’s identity.

What We’re Doing in Each Area

Between January 2026 and June 2027, we will spend around three months in each of the following communities and their surrounding areas:

• Normanton
• Wakefield Central & Eastmoor
• Featherstone
• Hemsworth
• Knottingley

In each area, we will:

• Invite around 30 people to take part in friendly, supported conversations about their lives
• Record audio interviews
• Collect memorabilia linked to home life, work and local industries
• Produce audio documentaries and creative materials inspired by their stories
• Hold local exhibitions in libraries and heritage sites such as Nostell Priory and the National Coal Mining Museum

This place-based approach allows us learn from the people who live there and celebrate the unique character and history of each area.

How to Take Part

Do you live in or near one of the areas listed above and have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you. We’re especially interested in stories about:

• Childhood and growing up 

• Working life and local industries 

• Family life, leisure and community 

• Transport, communication and everyday routines 

We would particularly love to hear from people with memories of work in: 

• Railways 

• Coalmining 

• Brick making 

• Clothing factories and industrial units 
  (though all stories are welcome, you don’t need to have worked in these industries to take part) 

 You don’t need any special experience, just your memories. Conversations are friendly, unhurried and we can arrange to chat somewhere local or even visit you at home.

Get in touch to find out more or take part: 
Amy Charles 
Oral Histories Project Worker 
amycharles@ageukwd.org.uk 
07715638533 

How to Volunteer

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us to collect, shape and preserve these stories. We’re looking for people who are interested or have skills in:

• Interviewing, audio recording and editing 

• Listening to people’s stories and creating quoted transcripts for exhibitions

• Researching local history, photographs and memorabilia 

• Sharing practical, home-based skills linked to local heritage, such as rag rugging, textile crafts, home remedies or other “make do and mend” activities 

Volunteers will not be expected to carry out all activities. Roles will be shaped around individual interests and skills and you will received training, guidance and ongoing support at every stage.
 
Volunteer roles are flexible and will be shaped around your interests, skills and availability. Whether you’re able to offer a few hours supporting in one area, or would like to be involved throughout the project, all contributions are welcome.

By volunteering, you’ll be helping to preserve local stories, support community connection, and contribute to exhibitions and archive collections that will be shared locally and enjoyed by future generations. 

Interested in volunteering or finding out more? 
Please contact: 

Tracey Shaw
Volunteer Manager
volunteering@ageukwd.org.uk
01977 552114

This amazing project is made possible
due to funding from
The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
With their support we are able to capture
the rich history of our local communites.