September 7th, 2011.
Eastbourne’s Redoubt Fortress is appealing for those who have stories of how they stitched during the Second World War to come forward and relay their memories as part of a special Stitch for Victory community project.
The Redoubt Fortress is looking for men and women who lived during World War Two and experienced first hand the contribution that needlework made to their everyday lives to take part in oral interviews. From using stitching to keep busy in the air raid shelters, to being resourceful during a time of rationing and austerity and turning items like blankets into a winter coat or pyjamas into a blouse, knitting comforts for the troops or stitching as part of military service.
The oral interviews will form part of an ongoing community project inspired by the Redoubt’s main 2011 exhibition, Stitch for Victory, exploring the significance of stitching to life on the Home Front, life in the factories and life on the front line.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “Our Stitch for Victory community project is already progressing really well and we have been able to work with a variety of individuals, schools and organisations on different activities inspired by needlework during the Second World War. The oral interviews are the next step in the project and will play an important part in enhancing our understanding of how stitching and knitting was used. Visitors will have an opportunity to see The Story Sew Far later this month in a special weekend event and we’d love to have some first hand stories to tell them as well.”
Those who have sewing related objects dating back to the late 1930s, 40s and early 50s are also being invited to donate their items to the community project to be used in reminiscence boxes. These boxes will then be used as part of social activities with older people in Eastbourne.
Earlier this year the Redoubt Fortress received nearly £50k in funding from the Hidden Histories stream of the Heritage Lottery Fund to create the community project, with volunteers being trained to assist with devising and delivering educational sessions to local schools, as well as running hands-on activities at the museums for families and the wider community.
A number of activities have already been taking place and the Redoubt Fortress will present ‘The Story Sew Far’ on Saturday 24 September. At this free event, visitors will be able to experience life on the Home Front with a special living history event, watch performances from Cavendish and Ratton School pupils inspired by memories of the war, take a look at Knit for Victory appeal blankets created for The Chaseley Trust, and admire a quilt hand embroidered by pupils from Tollgate, Stafford and West Rise Junior Schools inspired by those made in Changi Internment Camp.
Those who are interested in sharing their memories of stitching during the Second World War or donating their sewing related objects should contact the Redoubt on 01323 410300 or email redoubtmuseum@eastbourne.gov.uk. For more information on Stitch for Victory go to the website.
