A research project that has focussed on lives of ordinary Cornish people has led to a new oral history exhibition opening today in Truro.

The Truro Community Oral History Project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), has been a collaborative venture between the University of Exeter (Cornwall Campus) and the Truro Historical Project, and is part of the Truro Uncovered exhibition funded by Truro City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Much has been written about the history of Truro’s historic centre but this project has looked at the story of the council housing estates that have developed around the outskirts of the City since the 1920’s – 1960’s. The Truro Community Oral History project has led to an exhibition at Lemon Quay in Truro from Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd July.

Dr Kayleigh Milden and Dr Mandy Morris from the University of Exeter’s History Department on the Cornwall Campus, conducted interviews across Truro’s council estates. Interviews were recorded over the last 18 months with residents both past and present from Malabar, Malpas, Rosedale, Tregurra and Trelander.  Themes related to life on the estates, including: old Truro, World War Two, work, religion, local festivals and carnivals were explored during interviews.

The hidden history of Truro’s estates is revealed in the oral history exhibition which boasts such novelties as ‘talking chairs’, where people can take the weight off their feet and listen to recorded excerpts of interviews. The talking chairs will showcase memories such as Gladys Tregunna’s who recalls how rural the Trelander Estate seemed in its early years as farms such as Spargo’s surrounded the new estate.

Dr Morris said, “It’s an important opportunity to engage the wider community in part of Truro’s social history that has been previously untold. Inclusion of the oral histories in the forthcoming exhibition reflects the University of Exeter’s aim to extend the impact of its research beyond the University campus. Project recordings will also be archived at the Cornwall Record Office, providing a future resource that will preserve the memories of Truro communities for generations to come.”

ENDS

AHRC Media contact: Jake Gilmore, Communications Manager, 01793 416021; j.gilmore@ahrc.ac.uk 

Notes to editors:

Thursday 1st July – 11:00 – 12:30 Lemon Quay marquee, Truro – There is a special coffee morning for all the contributors from the 5 estates involved in the oral history project.

Images and audio and filmed recordings available

To speak to the researchers contact Kayleigh Milden or Mandy Morris on (01872) 245500 or email: oralhistory@truro.gov.uk

Arts & Humanities Research Council: Each year the AHRC provides approximately £112 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes approximately 700 research awards and around 1,300 postgraduate awards. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.