In August 2024 we gathered to reconnect our local communities to shared public spaces through sharing memories and ambitions for the heart of our local neighbourhood.
Participants were immersed in traditional herbal practices through herbalism workshops led by Frankie Rechere, Co-founder of Backayardd, and enjoyed the ethically sourced small plates crafted by the Sisterhood Supperclub Collective. This event offered a unique opportunity to share stories and ideas through food, creating a communal space where culinary heritage takes centre stage. Participants experienced a day filled with creative activities for all ages, allowing community members to express themselves artistically while exploring food traditions.
A highlight the day’s festivities was a performance by local artist Chisara Agor.
Building on several years of working closely with our community partners, our starting point was Rye Lane’s iconic “Aunties”, the women business leaders who exemplify the realities of migration into Britain and the experience of rebuilding lives as part of a diaspora. Memories for the Future works to cherish and learn from these at-risk histories which illuminate Britain’s complex relationships with the rest of the world, and the foundational influence of these women on the communities living/working on Rye Lane.
This programme identifies, records, preserves and shares oral histories of Peckham aunties in conversation with younger generations in their families and communities to tell a multi-dimensional story of post-colonial commonwealth migration, British community responses, diaspora experience, and how Peckham became the mini-metropolis it is today. The outcomes of these conversations inform learning, family and community activities and a series of artist commissions, talks and events.
Memories for the Future is made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, United St Saviours and the London Borough of Southwark’s Culture Together, Neighbourhoods and Cultural Celebrations funds and generous support from Arts Council England. Memories for the Future runs from June 2024 through to October 2025.
