VIDEOS which have captured local residents' memories of Hexham are now available to view and will be kept for future generations.

In early February, five volunteers were interviewed about their memories of life in the town.  

Elizabeth Bramwell, Rosemary Theobalds, Harry Henricks, Lawrence Lee and Philip Clark, who between them have lived in Hexham for over 400 years, spoke about school and working life there in years gone by, along with former pubs, shops and events in the town.

All of the videos can be viewed on https://nland.cc/memories and will also be lodged with Northumberland Archives where they will be accessible to the public, students and researchers for decades to come. 

Video production company Envisuals Ltd produced the short videos which were shot in Hexham Abbey.  

The oral histories project is part of The Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ), which is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England.  It’s designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them.

Trevor Cessford, county councillor for Hexham Central with Acomb, said: "This is a great project for the town and will really help preserve the stories that local people have about it. While reading is great, it is always nice to listen to a person’s voice too which will help bring the stories to life."

Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for Business, said: “Hexham has a rich heritage and these videos provide a real insight into what life was like in the town and local area in the 1950s. I encourage local residents to tune in and listen to these fascinating stories." 

Mike Collins, from Historic England, said: “This video projects captures local stories and memories which add colour and detail to the history of the town.” 

He added: “The aim of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone is to help unlock the potential in Hexham’s town centre, through arts and cultural activities, as well as repair and improvement work, making it more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.”