There were about 20 people at the talk in Chapeltown Library on Thursday. I showed people examples of the range of material that can be used to explore local history in all its different aspects. The overall theme was that everyone has a local history which they can explore – whether they have lived in an area for a few years or all their lives. It can be looked at through diaries and documents, photographs and maps and by walking round the local area.
Some of the photographs triggered particular memories. One photograph was of the old Rural District Council Offices at Grenoside. It provoked discussion about the ‘food office’ at Grenoside somewhere that families had to go to collect their ration and welfare coupons for young children. It was set in its own wooded grounds opposite the Council offices. I’m going to follow up with the Grenoside group to see if they have more information which we can share.