This is a fascinating spoken word (oral history) collection of memories and stories, that has been gathered from individuals who’ve lived most of their life in the local area.
They animate the characters, places, and ways of life that are no longer around and provide a real insight into people’s lives.
The collection has been loosely organised into the following themes, click on the links below to go to each section and listen for yourself:
Growing Up
Working Life
Wartime
The High Street
Going Out in Kirkham & Wesham.
If you or a family member has your own interesting Kirkham story to tell, an audio recorder and oral history kit are available at Kirkham library. Your recordings can be passed back in to the library or sent directly to us via email (submissions@kirkhamtreasures.co.uk) to be included within this archive.
Thanks
To all those who have given their time and recollections. To Jessica Toft, Library Officer, Kirkham Library, for her role in developing this project. To Annette York & Barbara Parkinson for collecting the oral histories. To St Michael’s Church and Kirkham Library for providing access to the memories.
Growing Up In Kirkham & Wesham
Heather Unwin talks about her family life and growing up in Kirkham.
Mark Herrington talks about growing up in Kirkham.
Stanley Rossall talks about growing up in Kirkham and about his school experiences.
Sue recalls her time at Kirkham St Michael’s Primary School.
Going Out In Kirkham & Wesham
Mark Herrington recalls going out in Kirkham and his time spent DJing.
John Richards shares his memories of going out in Kirkham.
Heather Unwin talks about Kirkham’s cinemas and the Ambulance Hall.
Mark Herrington shares his memories of Club Day.
Sue shares her memories of Club Day.
Kirkham & Wesham During Wartime
Stanley Rossall discusses his experiences of growing up in Kirkham during the Second World War.
John Richards recounts tales he has been told about Kirkham during wartime.
Stanley Rossall recalls prisoners of war in Kirkham.
Shopping & The High Street In Kirkham & Wesham
John Richards shares his recollections of Kirkham high street.
Heather Unwin remembers grocery shopping in Kirkham.
Sue shares her memories of Kirkham high street.
Working In Kirkham & Wesham
Sue shares her memories of working at the Queen’s Arms.
Heather Unwin talks about nursing in Kirkham and beyond.
This work forms part of Kirkham’s Heritage, Health & Wellbeing programme. It has been funded through the Kirkham Futures programme, a partnership between Historic England (part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone) and Fylde Borough Council.
