Introducing….
Join Leith for Ever at one of two public workshops during Leith Festival, and share your memories of Leith as it has been in your lifetime, and as it is now.
Leith is changing and we want to document it. By collecting stories from Leithers through a series of collaborative workshops you can help us create a contemporary audio archive about Leith then and now, to share with future generations of Leithers & visitors. Come and share your Leith story with us!
In June this year Leith for Ever will be hosting workshops with people in Leith to record their personal memories of living, working, or visiting Leith. These collected stories will be recorded and shared as audio clips on our website or other digital media. We aim to make this archive something that anyone can add their story to, so that it becomes a growing, accessible audio record of Leith and it’s people over time.
“I remember that cases (cardboard) of whisky used to be exported via Leith to far off countries no doubt. Stealing bottles would not be an option as open cartons was a tad obvious, so dockers used to drop the cases ‘accidentally’ and then hold a cup at the bottom corner and wait till the whisky worked its way through. The cartons were then sent on their way looking untouched.”
Leith for Ever have worked with experienced Storyteller Maria McDonnell, to create Leith Stories Collaborative Workshops - a friendly and informal workshop, where people can comfortably share their experiences with others. These workshops will take place throughout the month of June, some in collaboration with local organisations, and others that anyone who wants to share their stories can book on to. These workshops have been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.
Leith has a diverse and proud heritage. As a port town it has welcomed people from all over the world to our shores for over 800 years. It has been through times of prosperity and hardship, but the spirit and sense of community has always shone through. During these workshops we want to hear about the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. It is about sharing the everyday lives of people connected to Leith. Ordinary people doing ordinary things - reflecting on life as it was and is for real people, in their own voices – like those included here.
“‘When I was about 12-13 the Ferry Road path didn’t exist. I grew up near trinity, and we used to go down to this green marshy jungle and pretend it was Dagobah from Star Wars. That would have been in the late 80’s. Now I use it to get to work.’”
How does it work? How do I participate?
To take part, first book your place on the workshop time and venue of your choice.
We ask our volunteers to think about, and bring along, an object or image that connects you to Leith that you can use as a prompt during the workshop. We will also provide a box of prompt objects if you aren’t able to bring one, so don’t worry if you can’t think of one! We would like to thank The Living Memory Association for the kind loan of their objects. You can find out more about their work by visiting www.livingmemory.org.uk.
On the day, please arrive at the venue 10-15 minutes early so we can get you signed in, and consent forms filled out before we start.
Once everyone is signed in we will go through some warm-up exercises as a group and explain how the recording will work.
Then we will ask each participant to share the object they have brought, and chat about what memories or experiences these bring up in conversation. It will be very informal and friendly. During this conversation, we will record the different stories being shared which will become the final, edited, audio recordings for our memory archive.
Following the discussion, each participant will have their photograph taken with their object. This image will be shown on our website or other digital media, alongside the final edited audio clips, and you will be sent a printed copy following the workshops.
We will provide refreshments on the day.
“We are delighted to be supporting Leith Stories Collaborative Workshops through the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. Events play an important role in our communities as they sustain livelihoods and help to celebrate and promote our unique places, spaces and stories. Themed Years are all about collaboration and Museums Galleries Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund and VisitScotland are pleased to work in partnership to create this fund to showcase community stories. By supporting events taking place within our communities, including Leith Stories, new opportunities with be provided for locals and visitors to come together and find out more about the diverse stories, past and present, that our communities have to share.”
Terms and conditions:
Please be aware that these sessions will be filmed and recorded. We will ask for your consent for this if you choose to participate. We do not plan to share the film at this point in time, only the audio, however please be aware that the film may be used in future (e.g. if we do a documentary of the project in future) or shown to our funders as part of a record of our activity.
Your contact details and information provided on sign up and consent forms will not be shared publicly, however your name and any information you share that is recorded during the workshop as part of the story-sharing process may be included in the final edit.
Accessibility
The venue should be fully accessible. If you require someone to accompany you to the workshop to support you or allow you to participate (e.g. a carer/support worker or a translator), you do not need to book a ticket for them. Please contact us to let us know you will have an extra person with you.
Under 18's
We welcome under 18's who wish to participate in the workshop, however you must be accompanied by someone over the age of 18. If they will be participating please book a ticket for them, if they will accompany you without participating, please let us know they will be attending with you.
Funding
This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.
