We’ve now entered “Lockdown 2” for the next 4 weeks and we hope Archives+ can once again help you to stay in touch with each other with our popular memory boxes online. These can be used as a starting point in discovering your family history, finding out what your family’s childhood was like, looking back at the area where they grew up, discovering their fondest childhood memories and maybe uncover some hidden gems in your family’s story.
Why not take this opportunity to find out about those important stories, ensuring family histories are passed on to the next generation. These can often get lost or put off for another day as we lead our busy lives. Sharing memories of days gone by can bring families closer together, listening to elderly relatives can be a comfort for families as they gain an insight into their life stories.
Since the first lockdown in March 2020, Archives+ has published 17 online memory boxes covering some of the neighbourhoods in Manchester, and this month we’re taking a look at Burnage. Below you will find a collection of images from Burnage, alongside 5 worksheets. The worksheets are set around 5 themes: Industry, Place, Health and Living Conditions, Pastimes, and Communities. Using the worksheets as prompts to start up a conversation, write down your findings on a piece of paper, or if you prefer type into a tablet or PC.
Dig out your old photos too, these can also be a brilliant resource to trigger fond memories of family times. We encourage you to share your findings on social media, either as comments on our Facebook page or on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ArchivesPlusMemorybox
Instagram manclib_archives
Twitter @archivesplus
Facebook @archivesplus
If you are unable to share your photos and stories online, when the bring copies of your family memories into your local library. In the coming year we will produce an exhibition in your local library of selected submissions, shared both online and in person.
Please make sure that if you share any information with us that the person you have spoken to is happy for you to share it with Archives+. When sharing your findings try to avoid sharing too much personal information such as surnames and date of birth as these details can identify your loved ones.
Resources:
Unlocking Your Sound Archive have produced a blog about conducting oral history interviews with family members. The audio clips included in this online memory box have been kindly supplied by Unlocking Your Sound Archive.
Manchester Local Image Collection
Archives+ Flickr
NSPCC Staying safe online guide for children.
Age UK Staying safe online guide for older people
Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre
For a more in depth look at Burnage Garden City, there is an excellent resource booklet and exhibition catalogue by Martin Dodge and Ali Ronan called “Celebrating Burnage Garden City”. This exhibition was recently displayed in Manchester Central Library.
Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre
We hope you have enjoyed looking back at the photographs of Burnage. More areas will be covered each month and if you would like to see more images, don’t forget to check out the photograph albums on Flickr and the Manchester Local Image Collection .
Also, check out the fantastic Burnage: A Place Called Home, a Heritage Lottery Funded project from Burnage Library, Activity and Information Hub, exploring the stories of the Burnage estates.
manchesterarchiveplus.wordpress.com 
Your articles are always interesting. Thank you Brenda
Thank you so much great photos. I have lived in Burnage all my life and I am very interested in its history.