A unique collection of photographs taken by children showing how places in Stevenage have changed over time is touring different locations across the town.
Pupils at schools and children’s centres dug out old pictures of nearby places and then went out to take their own pictures of them.
Stevenage Museum and its volunteers helped the youngsters gather the old pictures for their research as 20 children’s centres, infant, primary and junior schools joined forces to take part in the special project – which marks the end of a year of celebrations following the 70th anniversary of
Stevenage New Town’s designation in 1946.
Local historians Hugh Madgin and Margaret Ashby worked with the children and were invited to speak at the launch event for the exhibition, held at Stevenage Museum on June 14.
The project was organised and co-ordinated by Christina Anderson, the inclusion co-ordinator at Woolenwick Infant and Nursery School.
Christina sourced more than £1,000 in funding to produce a promotional sail, flyers and programmes.
Local photographer and designer Nikki Hendry volunteered to design the A Moment in Time logo and Luke Duffel was the official launch photographer.
The idea is that the exhibition will travel around the town so everyone gets the chance to see it in different locations, while students from Barnwell School have built an online presence for the project which will provide a lasting legacy.
Councillor Simon Speller, who takes the lead for co-operative communities and neighbourhoods at Stevenage Borough Council, said: “Of the many community-led projects for Stevenage’s 70th anniversary, A Moment in Time stands out for the breadth and depth of engagement and participation from school staff, students and parents.
“Both projects have had a great impact on the communities for each of the schools involved, and both will be part of the legacy from the 70th anniversary.”
Andy Reavell, head of enrichment and student engagement at Barnwell School, added: “I think this is an excellent project to celebrate the old and new, to get local people and especially students involved. It is superb that there is such a take up from the schools within the town and really pleasing that the work that is being done is something that will be seen by so many people.
“I think the concept of this project is very unusual and I think this is what makes it so exciting to be involved with.”
Find out where and when you can see the exhibition here: www.flickr.com/photos/149749851@N05/albums/with/72157682123603410.
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