Marks Gate Agenda 21 in partnership with the Council and the Police are developing a history project called ‘A Mirror in Mark’s Gate’. The project will aim to bring all sections of the community together to create a sense of ‘pride and place’ by focusing on the history of the Marks Gate area.
The money will fund a number of activities including local history sessions in schools, an exhibition and an oral history project.
Anne Bristow, Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services said: “By encouraging members of the community to think about where they live and how the estate has developed over the years, residents, especially young people will see their community as a place with a rich and vibrant history.
“In return we hope they are able to think and see the damaging impact that anti social behaviour has on the locality as well as the people who live in Marks Gate.”
‘A Mirror in Marks Gate’ has come out of the work of Operation Sunrise - an initiative designed to combat anti social behaviour in the area, involving the Police, Council and local people.
Over the next 18 months, Agenda 21 will work with the Council, local police and schools on a range of activities which will see Valence House facilitate 20 sessions with pupils from Marks Gate Infant and Junior schools and The Warren School; a memory sharing exercise involving Marks Gate residents; establishment of a lasting ‘History Walk’ of the estate’s landmarks and historic sites and an exhibition and time capsule competition.
Marks Gate Agenda 21 is looking for local residents and in particular people from the Marks Gate area, to get involved in the project.
Reverend Roger Gayler, Vicar of St Mark’s Parish and Chair of the Local Agenda 21 Group said: “Whether you know anyone with a good story about Marks Gate, would like to be interviewed or show us old photographs, we would love to hear from you.
We are also looking for oral history volunteers who will be trained to interview local people about their stories and memories of Marks Gate and will only have to give a few hours of their time during the project.”
The oral history training sessions, facilitated by Eastside Community Heritage, will be held on Saturday 12 May and Saturday 19 May 2012 from 10am - 1pm at St Marks Church Hall, Rose Lane, Romford, RM6 5NR. Refreshments will be provided.
There will be only space for 12 people at each session so book early to avoid disappointment. To register or find out more please contact Reverend Gayler on 020 8599 0415 or email r-gayler@o2.co.uk or Louise Hider on 020 8227 2861 or email louise.hider@lbbd.gov.uk