Memories of Northwich showcased as part of new heritage project

A new collection of recordings of Northwich residents sharing memories of the town since the 1940s has been made available to listen to as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Townscape Heritage Project.

Living Memories brings together a series of audio recordings with residents from Northwich and its neighbouring towns and villages, sharing their memories of the town and opening a window into how it has changed over the years.

The recordings, conducted by Cheshire West and Chester Council staff as part of the Northwich Townscape Heritage project, form a vibrant collection of lived experiences reaching as far back as the 1940s, and can be accessed online.

The Council would like to thank all involved for their time and willingness to share their unique stories, and help to piece together Northwich’s history.

Living Memories is part of the Northwich Townscape Heritage Project, which enabled improvements to 14 of the unique traditional timber-framed buildings in Witton Street and High Street in Northwich town centre.

The Northwich Townscape Heritage Project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund partnership grant scheme with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and has been strongly supported by Northwich Business Improvement District (BID). As well as improvements to frontages and restoring heritage features, the project has also included initiatives to promote the heritage and the history of the buildings to residents, visitors and businesses have also been funded by the project. This includes an education programme for local schools such as a town trail, numerous stalls, exhibitions, community events, and walking tours, as well as Heritage Open Days.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts, said:

“The Townscape Heritage Project preserves the historic heritage of Northwich for future generations, perfectly complementing the ambitious modern development of the town. The fabric of Northwich is its people. Living Memories illustrates the character of the town with the stories of the people who have called it home throughout the years. I encourage everyone who loves Northwich to listen to these recordings, as we look fondly back at the town’s history and prepare for its exciting future.”

The recordings can be listened to on the Living Memories website:

www.northwich-th.co.uk/living-memories

To find more information about the Townscape Heritage Project visit:

Northwich Townscape Heritage Project (northwich-th.co.uk)