Joint project with The Inclusion Network & North and South education
After a successful funding application via Sefton CVS we were delighted to be a part of their Hearts of Gold project funded by The Heritage Lottery.
This project involved people in the local community talking about the heritage and culture of the old St. Augustine’s School, the site of which is now used by The Inclusion Network CIC and Northfield Junior Football Club. This is done across two episodes – firstly St. Augustine’s and secondly The Inclusion Network and Northfield JFC. The third episode is about the past, present and future of The New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle.
Part 1 – St. Augustine’s
Linda McGrath left St. Augustine’s in 1982. The school closed for good in 1987. Here we talk about memories of the school – the lecture theatre, the pottery and the childcare classes – where you could bring siblings into class! In its final incarnation the school was for girls and very well run. Linda shares some funny stories, how she learned resilience and speaks of going to the chip shop at lunch!!!
We then speak to Carmel, a teacher from the school from 1980 until 1987. She now teaches in the United States. Carmel tells us about the fabulous pupils, the Scouse sense of humour, and the impacts of educational change. She says that the school was a great place to teach and recites some funny stories!
Part 2 – Northfield Junior Football Club and The Inclusion Network
Hidden Hero John tells us how he was involved in the early days at Northfield from 1995, putting a lot of time and energy into the local football community. John also speaks about his role in setting up The Inclusion Network CIC, an ever-expanding community centre for the local community and young people. He talks of the difficulties faced when bidding for funding and how the Community Interest Company has gone from strength to strength – now providing newer services such as a Forest School and nursery.
Aaron, another Hidden Hero, is current secretary at Northfield JFC, which now has 19 teams! Aaron puts a lot of time and energy into the club and speaks highly of all the other Hidden Heroes – the volunteers who make the club click.
We then speak to service users and staff at The Inclusion Network, at one of the Cosy Club Warm Spaces that take place on Mondays at TIN throughout the winter. We hear from Hidden Hero Mel – who has been involved with TIN for years, both as someone who came here as a youngster to a member of staff today! The Inclusion Network has a huge range of provision and services for all people and ages. Service users and staff alike speak of the family feel of this special place.
Check out www.theinclusionnetwork.uk for details and check out the Facebook page!
Part 3 – The Strand Shopping Centre – Past, Present and Future
Teresa and Hugh are Bootle Veterans and have been going to the Strand for years! Teresa, a Hidden Hero, was also a cleaner there for twenty years! We go down memory lane, talking about all the shops and places and funny stories.
Linda then talks about her memories of Bootle Strand through the years. While there has been a lot of change, there has also been some continuity!
Tony the Key Cutter and Shoe Repairer then tells us about all the changes he has seen over his 32 years at the Strand. One word jumps out – community!
Mya and Nando then tell us about the Big Onion, a business support hub that also develops skills and employment opportunities for the local community. It is a key part of the Strand.
Finally, we talk to Paulette Lappin, Deputy Leader of Sefton Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Employment and Skills. The Strand is a key part of her remit. We talk about the future of the Strand, the investment that has come in, and how the Strand is aiming to redevelop and regenerate as a community asset that provides much more than a shopping experience!
To find out more information about the wider project please click this link Hearts of Gold – Sefton at 50 | Sefton CVS