Our Project - What It Has Meant To Us

Project Leader Judy Nash speaks about the importance of memories.

"Memories really matter and this has increasingly shone through over the last two years as we have talked to a large number of people. It soon became evident that many of them undervalued their own life stories while others had not had the opportunity to share them with anyone for many years. As the years rolled back faces became animated and many, who had started off by insisting they could not remember anything of importance, gradually found it was all coming back to them. Soon they were speaking with increasing confidence and were delighted to be able to share those special personal recollections that will never be found in a textbook. Even the smallest story really mattered and continues to do so. We have learnt so much and feel there must be even more stories to harvest in the future. We aim to continue to expand the Make do and Mend site - but this can only happen if YOU continue to gather memories for us. You may have a neighbour or a relation who could add something or perhaps you are a member of a group who would enjoy a Memories Afternoon. Sometimes memories are unlocked by showing memorabilia from that period and we have gathered items for a treasures box. We are delighted MLA and the Big Lottery Partnership have enabled us to take part in the 'Their Past Your Future' project. Without their backing we would not have been able to gather these stories, brought a great deal of pleasure to a large number of people, and their memories would be lost for ever. Please help us take this project to all corners of the country."