A unique project has captured local residents' memories of Hexham on video which are now available for people to view and will be kept for future generations. 
 

In early February, five brave volunteers were interviewed about their memories of life in Hexham.  
 

Elizabeth Bramwell, Rosemary Theobalds, Harry Henricks, Lawrence Lee and Philip Clark, who between them have lived in Hexham for over 400 years, had many great memories to share. These included school and working life and the vibrant shops and events in the town centre.  
 

Amongst the many memories shared, Elizabeth Bramwell recounts how having been involved in a student exchange programme with German students when she was only 13 years old resulted, over 60 years later, in her now being in a loving relationship with one of the German students. Slightly less romantically, Harry regales us with a story on his being taught the best way to catch eels in the Tyne and Philip reminisces about shops that were in the town centre such as Meadow Diaries, Home and Colonial, Thompson’s Red Stamp Stores and Robbs. 
 

Professional Video Production company Envisuals Ltd produced the short videos which were shot in Hexham Abbey.  

The videos can be viewed on https://nland.cc/memories and will  also be lodged with Northumberland Archives where they will be accessible to the public, students and researchers for decades to come. 
 

The oral histories project is part of The Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ), which is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England.  It’s designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them. 
 

 The Hexham HSHAZ is a £2.4 million scheme with four components:  A Building Grants Scheme, improvements to the Public Realm, Community Engagement and a Cultural Programme. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for Business said: 

“Hexham has a rich heritage and these videos provide a real insight into what life was like in the town and local area in the 1950s. I encourage local residents to tune in and listen to these fascinating stories. 
 

Ward Councillor Trevor Cessford said: 

“This is a great project for the town and will really help preserve the stories that local people have about it. While reading is great, it is always nice to listen to a person’s voice too which will help bring the stories to life. 
 

Mike Collins, from Historic England, added: “This video projects captures local stories and memories which add colour and detail to the history of the town.” 
 

He added: “The aim of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone is to help unlock the potential in Hexham’s town centre, through arts and cultural activities, as well as repair and improvement work, making it more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.”