Oral History – first-hand accounts

On Tuesday 5th June, Year 10 History students went on a trip to the Ellis David Almshouse to interview the residents, gaining an experience of oral history and learning about the value of first-hand accounts of the past. We had half an hour to interview each resident about their life experiences and perspectives of the changes in Croydon. We recorded the interviews and will later edit them into valuable historical sources, to be archived by the almshouses and be used by the school’s History department for Year 7 lessons. At the Almshouse we were welcomed with refreshments and Caitlin entertained the staff and residents by playing the piano which was enjoyed by everyone. One highlight of the trip for us was a discussion with a woman named Rita who told us about being born during the blitz, in an Anderson shelter DURING AN AIR RAID! This was just one of the many interesting stories we were told on that day. This was a valuable trip because it was inspiring and interesting to hear their personal experiences as well as the hardships that they faced throughout the years. The trip has encouraged us to learn more through oral history and to engage in our local community further. Y10 Sophie, Caitlin and Aashna