Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Hanging out 1950s style

by Ethos public relations

People living in the Hollinwood, Coldhurst and St Mary’s areas of Oldham recently gained a unique insight into entertainment in the 1950s thanks to a visual and auditory exhibition organised by social landlord Contour Housing Group.

The exhibition a tenants hall displayed memorabilia, photographs and recordings compiled by a group of local 13 – 19 year olds over the summer in a project organised by Contour Homes entitled ‘Photography for Change’.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour Housing Group said: “Our visitors could listen to recordings of local people reminiscing about their youth as well as look at photographs of them in and around the Oldham landmarks that played an important part in their life in the 1950s.”

Shanine successfully applied for a £20,000 Heritage Lottery Grant to fund the project which saw youngsters from the white British and Bangladeshi communities interviewing older people to find out how teenagers in the 1950s entertained themselves on a Saturday night.

AKSA Housing and First Choice Homes worked with Contour to encourage people living in their homes to take part in the project which meant a wider cross section of residents were involved.

Shanine said: “This was a fun way for young people to see the similarities and differences of what a Saturday night entailed for a different generation and a different culture.  It was also an excellent opportunity for them to learn about local history and has proved to be a really innovative way for young people to bridge both cultural and age divides.”

13 year old Madison Furbey interviewed some of her older neighbours and she found the project to be a great experience. “I enjoyed working on this project over the summer and think that entertainment in the 1950’s seemed much more enjoyable than today.”

The exhibition was supported by people who kindly donated a wide range of memorabilia which added to the 1950s atmosphere and brought the era back to life for the evening.

Shanine adds: “Our thanks go to everyone who came to support us and to those people who let us use their memorabilia.”

Posted at 21^st December 2010