Charabancs and Cadillacs

For the last year Age Exchange has been supporting the delivery of a major new heritage project on the history and heritage of the people of Newham. Created by Waltham Forest Community Transport (which also delivers community transport in Newham), “Charabancs and Cadillacs” has included a major reminiscence programme in care and community settings, training for volunteers in reminiscence group work and interview technique and many other exciting arts activities.

Age Exchange’s Malcolm Jones delivered the training.

Age Exchange’s Tony McTurk created 3 unique heritage trails across the borough, for residents to travel with to former industrial buildings and places of unique historical importance to hear history of each. Each trail was created by Tony after many hours of painstaking research. The first trail which focussed on “Industry on the Lower Lea Valley” took place on 21 January. It was really well attended and the feedback from all who took part was fantastic.

Waltham Forest Community Transport is a wonderful partner to work with, with a passion for supporting the people of the East End and celebrating their heritage. Many of the sessions they have run in homes and day centres have focused on memories of migration, childhood, travel and transport, and working life. Age Exchange has just been commissioned to work on the final element of the project, the touring exhibition, led by David Savill and Simon Purins. We will share more on the exhibition when it is completed in March.