Charabancs and Cadillacs Travelling Trunk

Charabancs and Cadillacs is a unique two -year heritage reminiscence project focused on the transportation history of Newham, and its impact on the lives of the community. Funded by the national lottery heritage fund, it aimed to foster nostalgia community connection, and storytelling particularly among elderly residents. The trunk serves as a time capsule, preserving the essence of the project for future generations.

The project involved various interactive approaches to reminiscence and oral history:

Sewing Workshops: Guided by artist Katie Anderson, participants create a travel quilt by visually translating their memories through collage, textile print, and embroidery

Heritage lunches: These events use food as a trigger for conversations and shared memories

Oral Histories: The project records and preserves the stories of Newham residents, ensuring their experiences are passed on to future generations.

Heritage Trips: Participants took part in trips to places of interest with a heritage theme. These trips aim to spark memories and provide opportunities for social interaction.

Beyond preserving heritage, the project aimed to combat isolation among older people by offering engaging activities, fostering community connections, and allowing participants to feel valued and share their knowledge and experiences.

C&C travelling trunk will be on view at the following Newham libraries:

1st – 7th Canning Town

8th – 14th Globe Beckton

15th – 19th Green Street

22nd – 26th Manor Park

Open House Event Tower Gallery – 19th & 20th, 3 – 7pm