Vice & Virtue Spring update
Spring is a sign of the harvest to come, but a harvest requires many hands. After a highly competitive application process we recruited local historian, writer and publicist Mike Mason to the role of archival researcher. Mike will look through the local and wider archives to find those buried documents that contextualise the oral history of Old Market.
Since January the number has risen to 14 - Edson has supported and encouraged the volunteers to identify their own mini research projects in Old Market.
Vice & Virtue is committed to give all our volunteers as much support as possible to pursue their research. With this mind we are running research sessions during the course of the project.
Dr Madge Dresser led our first training session on a sunny day in March at Arts West Side. Madge gave a brilliant introduction to the value of oral history – what it can and, as importantly what it cannot always tell us.
Our next training session will be an introduction to the hidden gems at Bristol Central Library on the 22 of March - please get in touch to register your interest.
The research is gaining momentum. The team has gathered a wealth of anecdotes and have begun conducting formal interviews. Members of the public have also shared posters from the hey day of the former Empire Theatre. More material will undoubtedly follow.
We are planning a series of events and talks to spread the History of Old Market. Our first event a partnership with the LGBT Forum held on the 20 February provided a number of leads as well as strengthening our connections with the Forum.
Since our first meeting we have established a regular weekly drop-in session for volunteers and members of the public (Tuesdays). The vibe is chilled and supportive, informative and fun. We are still looking for volunteers, so if you would still like to be involved in this exciting project email story@3ca.org.uk or call Edson on 9351200 Mon- Weds to find out more.