Rediscover the past through audio…

The Sounds of the South West (SoSW) project is a partnership between archives in the south west of England with the purpose of preserving rare and at-risk audio recordings. During the first phase of the project, the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre (WSHC) will have 55 audio cassette tapes digitised. The tapes were recorded in the 1980s and are believed to be about Wiltshire Folklife. This exciting community-focused project will engage with 10 people (in person) with the potential for a further few participants to join the project remotely online. The group will explore these recordings to produce creative responses to the forgotten stories.

Those taking part in the project will be able to develop many new skills, with an opportunity to work on the technical aspects of audio either alongside or instead of the creative aspect. We have experts in both fields who will be able to help the young people make the most of the project based on their individual interests and aims.

Free Technical & Creative Project

• A set of cassettes tapes which haven’t been accessible for many years have just been digitised as part of the Sounds of the Southwest project
• Be the first to find out the content in these oral histories, become skilled in the technical aspects of working with audio material, get creative using the contents as a starting point, with the chance to be mentored by experienced practitioners who will support you every step of the way
• You’ll be able to create something special to share with others, learn new skills, have fun, and maybe make some new friends. Come and enjoy spending time in a calm, accepting and welcoming environment!

The project starts at the beginning of March with once weekly sessions at WSHC, 10.15-3pm on either a Monday or a Thursday during March and April

To find out more contact Gianna Torchia at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN.

Email: gianna.torchia@wiltshire.gov.uk or call 01249 705500

Information for Referrers

SoSW – Referral Form (Word)

SoSW – Referral Form (PDF)

Note – you can self-refer!

What’s possible… previous creative work by project participants at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre:

Creativity takes courage

‘Sola virtus invicta’ is Latin and translates as ‘courage alone is invincible’.

I created a lino print of my own personal coat of arms. This is made up of different symbols and shapes from the coat of arms of different parts of my family.

I am interested in my family tree and was inspired to create this piece by a pedigree chart relating to the Talbot family of Lacock. The pedigree charts the family from 1066 until the 17^th century.

Left: Original family tree Right: Creative response

Swindon Town make the Premier League!

The Swindon Town fan base is really passionate, and we’ve not had a lot to celebrate recently. I thought it would be nice to go back into the archives to a time we had one of our greatest achievements making it into the Premier League.

I decided to use stop motion animation using Subbuteo figures. For the sponsorship banners I decided to use ideas that relate to Swindon such as the Magic Roundabout, Swindon Town’s sponsor ‘Red Squirrel’ and my dad’s company.

I was nervous about making the piece but I think it’s turned out well and I’m really proud of myself.

Left: ‘Swindon ‘Til I Die’ book. Right: Model football pitch and animation

Here’s the animation!

Ashes of History

My art piece is about the history of Wiltshire’s witch trials. I found the start and end dates for the local witch trials and researched the things people were accused of. Many of these were petty slights, inflated incidences and settling personal scores. The accuser didn’t need to provide evidence for the trial to end in death.

I wanted to raise awareness of this part of Wiltshire’s history and to represent aspects of the past that are relevant today. It’s important to stay reminded about the past.

My work is about keeping lit the stories of the people that suffered as a result of the witch trials. The candle holds within it some of these people’s stories. The presentation is based on the stakes they were burned on.

Left: 17^th century church court trial record Right: decorated jacket

What previous project participants told us

“I had fun today. Feel much happier to talk but also nerve wracking. I was the only person to have a story to share, felt very well supported and really felt like I contributed”

“I am proud of everyone’s work and their commitment to the art project”

“It has been fun and interesting, everyone’s ideas are amazing.”

“I have enjoyed research in the archives, reading Old English – learned how some letters are different and some the same. Socialising more. Working as a team, new software on ipad, confidence editing sound animation, how to do silhouettes”

Short film clip showing the DigiCreative Heritage journey to give an idea of how the Sounds of the South West project will work:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHgluGGOSNs&list=PL4SdfO4ciFUQHMRLheEVN_iDN1vsbb3Am&index=6