VIDEO: Community memories project unveiled at site of 21 new homes in Stanmore

Over 350 people have delved through their photo albums to find memories from days gone by, which are now displayed on decorative boards on the hoardings of the New Queen’s Head development in Stanmore.

They will be there for 18 months, reminding residents of the history of their estate.

Artist Laurence Dube-Rushby has spent months working with the community to put the project together.

At the official reveal she said: “I think it’s lovely to see people pointing at photos and telling stories, and I hope that people are going to keep talking about it. It has been really interesting and I have spent time immersing myself in this place and the community.

“We have had about 3,000 people engage with the project on Facebook.”

Some 30 people crowded around the eight boards laughing and finding themselves in the pictures.

Gwen Dyke, 77, retired, of Stanmore Lane, said she could spot herself dressed as Snow White in 1945, at a party to celebrate the end of World War Two. (Pictured below)

“The project is wonderful,” she said. “Laurence has worked so hard and it’s such a good idea. It’s made everybody look about and find things. I sent some pictures from my gran in. So many people have been interested.”

The postcards also feature QR codes, with the hope of engaging youngsters.

Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eileen Berry, unveiled the boards and also praised Laurence’s work.

(Video below)

She said: “This project has been the brainchild of Laurence and the city council, and it is something you should all be very proud of. It has captured the essence of Stanmore. What is going in the New Queen’s Head’s place is something absolutely wonderful for the community that you represent, and that is houses for people who need them.”

The New Queen’s Head site will provide 21 homes, which Cllr Steve Miller, portfolio holder for new homes delivery, said should be completed by spring 2016.