Crossing Lines: Sharing Memories

A multigenerational project run by Ray Johnson - capturing the personal stories of residents of West End Village, Stoke, and Bradeley Village near Fegg Hayes - who grew up and were teenagers in the 1950’s and 1960's in Stoke on Trent.

It was an era of huge growth and change in the Pottery and Mining Industry which reached its peak during the mid 1960’s, when Stoke had hundreds of productive Coal mines, Potteries, a Steelworks and a major Tyre manufacturer - all of which contributed to the importance of this town at the heart of the Midlands. And yet there were many areas of deprivation, poor health and the start of new social transition.

This was an opportunity for those living in that remarkable era to record not only what it was like but to pass on valuable first-hand commentary on these times in the light of experience since then, talking with young people about this pivotal era. This makes heritage real and interesting for young people and the community and encourages them to record their own stories. Illustrated with los of archive film footage.