Salterforth’s lottery funded heritage project kicked off in earnest last week with tales of village life.
The special green Chesterfield storytelling chair was occupied by several visitors throughout the week as the £43,000 Heritage Lottery Fund “Putting Salterforth on the Map” project got underway.
This is just the first part of the scheme which will later see stories documented and stored and a ceramic map of Salterforth developed and culture trail created around the village.
First up was Margaret Brown from the Earby and District History Society who, among many things, recalled her childhood years in Salterforth.
Next came Muriel Pollard, one of Salterforth’s longest serving residents, who spoke about how the village has changed over the years and life in the village during the war when evacuees came to stay.
Peter King then told tales of his life as a farmer in Salterforth and of his ancestors who have farmed in the village since the 1900s.
Last but not least were Andy and Wendy Fitton who caught the attention of the children when they described their life living on their canal barge, Travis, in Salterforth for many years.
Project leader Rachael Brennan said: “I would like to thank those who took the time to come in and share their stories with the children. The heritage project has got off to a great start.
“The children were fascinated to hear how the original (Anchor Inn) pub is now underground and when Peter came in, they were equally enthralled by his stories of his grandparents who spoke with a strong local dialect and lived a very different way of life to that of today.
“The support we have received is invaluable and will really help to preserve the history of Salterforth for future generations.”
There is also to be a storytelling night with a pie and pea supper at the Anchor Inn on Sunday, April 6th at 8pm. Contact the school on 812223 for tickets.