Life Stories – Walkern History Society

Life Stories is a Walkern Project run by a small committee of Walkern residents on behalf of Walkern History Society and St Mary’s Church.

The inspiration for the project came from the official twinning visit between Walkern and Lanvallay, in Brittany. At the Town Hall in Lanvallay there was a memorable display of large, black and white photographs of some of the older residents of the town.

We have taken this idea, and photographed some of Walkern’s long-standing residents, and people who have a long or strong connection with the village. In addition to the photographs, we have recorded the life stories of the participants and presented them in booklet form to be read at exhibitions.

These striking, large photographs and the life story booklets form a fascinating insight into the past life of the village and its residents. They are exhibited at various times and locations around the village, alongside an electronic presentation of the photographs, quotes and some audio clips from the participants. Altogether they make an unusual, memorable display. The project now has sixty participants and is being brought to a close.

There is also a permanent display of the ‘Reduced Life Stories Project’ in the Pigeon Hut, consisting of the electronic presentation, which enables you to listen to a short voice extract while seeing the photo of the speaker on the screen, and a display board of photos of everyone in the project, as well as photograph albums of our past events. All of the story booklets are available for you to read, and you can listen to the full-length audio recordings too.

The stories are fascinating; full of information about Walkern past and present, and a deep dive into social history spanning almost the last hundred years. Hearing the voices of the participants tell their own stories is powerful, often moving, sometimes humorous, and really brings the stories to life.

The Pigeon Hut is open one afternoon each week, one Sunday afternoon a month, and by special arrangement on request.

Life Stories is funded locally, and has been supported in the past by grants from St Mary’s, East Herts Council, and Walkern Fair.

We are very grateful to Rich Sisson, whose photographs have captured the subjects so well, and to Dave Standing, who has given generously of his time and skill to produce the story booklets and the publicity for exhibitions and events.

Carolyn Gardner, Caroline Hollings, Jane Pitts, Moira Doolan, Rachel Edwards

Below are some pictures from each of the exhibitions and events where Life Stories has been presented.

8th and 9th September 2018 St Mary’s Church