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Living history

Chris Jones
13/ 3/2008

HISTORY really did come alive at Langley Library.

Famous faces and blasts from the past were guests of honour at a special event designed to encourage locals to tell their stories of life on the estate.

In all 20 people, including Frank Sansom MBE, the town’s first mayor to live on Langley, and Albert Little, the former head of Demesne Primary School, headed to Langley Library to share their experiances of life on the estate.

And to make sure their voices aren't lost, Kim Haygarth from Cartwheel Arts was on hand to record their experiances to document their stories for the forthcoming book all about life on the estate.

Maria Payne, Community Librarian for Middleton, said: "The group were shown photographs from Middleton Local Studies collection, which provided a great talking point. Kim recorded all the conversations – she will use this to compile stories and poems to use in the book. Kim asked people when and why they moved to Langley and what were their first impressions.

"Albert Little described the problems children had getting to his school when there were no roads or paths laid out. Everyone agreed that community spirit was strong amongst new residents. They were all in the same boat, trying to set up homes and raise children."

Kim Haygarth from Cartwheel Arts said: "The reminiscence day uncovered lots of interesting tales and information that we hadn't heard in any other workshops, so it was marvellous to glean them for the book."

The event was organised by the library service in partnership with Cartwheel Arts.