Transition Kensal to Kilburn

Honouring our Elders (completed project)

Information

What was life like in Kilburn Queens Park and Kensal before the 1960s? We want to hear from those who have lived in our area in those days or who know people who have lived here.

was there more neighourliness?
did you grow and preserve your own food?
who was there to fix and make things?
what did you do for transport?
what was better then?
what was not so great?

We will be gathering your stories so that the younger generation and the community at large can learn from your local knowledge of the past.

Location: Kilburn, Queen's Park, Kensal, Willesden, Harlesden
Members: 8
Latest Activity: Jul 30, 2016

Update

The project became formally known as Old Stories for New Times and attracted a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. It has finished a successful 3 month run as an exhibition with the Brent Museum where we showcased 14 story panels of those who contributed their memories to the public archives on living more simply and sustainably in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

As well as the exhibition there were a selection of old objects to conjure up life in those days, and examples of modern day making do with up-cycled furniture and handmade rugs.

We had a rich program of 7 community events over the time which proved popular - including a Re-Start Party, story-telling groups, a festive craft afternoon for families - and a smashing opening event of 80 people and a signnificant closing event with Rob Hopkins co-founder of Transition Town as the guest speaker.

We engaged many people and groups over the two years in which this project developed. The work continues in finding ways to share the stories and the exhibition material is available to borrow by community groups and schools.

Also - Keep your eye on these pages for further ways we are sharing the Old Stories for New Times: inspiration for living sustainably.

Discussion Forum

Re-start party at the Elders Stories of Sustainability exhibition in Brent Cultural Centre? 1 Reply

Dear allChatting with Alex who promotes and organises Re-Start parties today we grew this proposal that they put one on at the Cultural Centre during the 3 months of the exhibition as one of our…Continue

Started by Carol Low. Last reply by Michael Stuart May 1, 2015.

Radio K2K host a TT K2K workshop on oral history work

Dear alldo have a look at the great photos in the general TT K2K photos section of this website. they are by Layla Auer and are of the recent workshop training people to do oral history work. this…Continue

Started by Carol Low Mar 18, 2015.

Photographs 3 Replies

Great idea. How about putting together a collection of old photographs of the area too?

Started by Mark. Last reply by Carol Low Oct 16, 2014.

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Comment by Transition Kensal to Kilburn on July 23, 2016 at 9:53: Old Stories for New Times - Making Do from Mark Tamer on Vimeo.

Comment by Carol Low on April 24, 2016 at 12:46: Dear all

I have created an album of some images from our great photographers of the project in its different stages. Thanks to Mark, Natasa, Amandine, Layla for the photos. Check it out as a slideshow on this website under Photos & Videos - All Albums - Old Stories for New Times with a Dig for Victory poster as the lead image. And do pass on too...

Comment by Carol Low on July 4, 2015 at 8:02: Have a look at the truly excellent photos by Mark Tamer, one of our project photographers, documenting the recent gathering of elders who have shared their memories of living sustainably.

Comment by Carol Low on May 1, 2015 at 9:37: Welcome Farhan to the group! And thanks for all the volunteering on our organisational stuff too.

Comment by Carol Low on March 5, 2015 at 7:07: Thank you Nick Hartley! Be glad if you let us know when Michael is back in the country in April.

Comment by Nick Hartley on January 26, 2015 at 8:57: I mentioned that I'm in touch with Michael Stewart, who was born in the front room (!) of my house in Hopefield Avenue in the 50s. He knows a lot about growing up in the area and has agreed to meet here and talk about it. I will suggest your being present Carol, and we can record what he has to say. He's in Australia at the moment, back in April I think.

Comment by Carol Low on November 17, 2014 at 14:41: Hello Nilufer! and welcome to Honouring our Elders! I look forward to chatting with you about this project ... we have a great deal of interest in it and are currently seeking people who have lived in this area from the 60's and earlier who you know and who may be willling to tell their stories.... Also interested in those who have been involved in allotments in the K2K area specifically.... best wishes Carol

Comment by Carol Low on September 25, 2014 at 11:16: That would be wonderful Mark! Any suggestions of where to start?