River Tales Phase 2

To improve the quality of life for all older people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire “Making more of life in Herefordshire and Worcestershire”
Through this aim, Age Concern delivered a project which enabled the experience of the older population to reach the eyes and ears of all ages through modern technology.  It was an important aspect of the River Tales project that there was cross-generational activity and mutually beneficial learning.

This was the second part of the River Tales project.  The groundwork began with Phase 1, the feasibility study, with the practical aspects of Phase 2 which began in December 2005.

The aim was to carry out a reminiscence project, focusing on aspects of the four rivers in the county, told by the people who have lived and worked along them, capturing tales and local history that could otherwise be lost.

This was undertaken through a series of interviews with older residents of the riverside areas and was recorded on videotape, and edited along with support material such as old photographs and extra footage. 

The project did not wish to centre itself purely on older people, but integrated young and old alike.  Working closely with schools and linking with the national curriculum, the project involved pupils in the design of materials like the graphics and the musical soundtrack to the video.

As well as the medium of video, the tales were available on DVD and CD-Rom.  These were made available to various sectors, such as: education, leisure, historians and local groups, ensuring a wide range of interactivity and ease of use.

Aside from being accessible locally (through schools, libraries and Tourist Information Centres) the whole River Tales product was/is available at Hereford Record Office and accessible through the British Library.  The official launch of the DVD took place in November 2007.

Magda Praill
6 Sansome Street
Worcester
WR1 1UH
Tel: (01905) 726652

Email: office@achw.org.uk

Website: www.achw.org.uk