What are your earliest memories of Childwall Woods & Fields? Do you or a loved one have interesting stories or recollections?
Did you or a family member play there as children? Do you remember the horses that used to graze on the fields. The scout hut? The filling in with landfill in the 60’s and 70s? The rabbits that used to be so abundant? What it was like when the rangers looked after the site? The further education college and playing fields?
It’s a cause for celebration that our group are again collaborating with Hope University History department on a Summer Research project. This time our project is called ‘In Living Memory’ – a Social History of Childwall Woods.
We are seeking to capture the recollections of local people who have had a long association with the site which has gone through so many changes over the years.
As well as recalling the many changes to the site, our researcher is keen to understand how the site’s use by local people has changed over the years.
Attached are FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions.
If you or someone you know would be interested in participating, please do drop our Liverpool Hope University researcher Evan Davies an email at: inlivingmemoryhope@gmail.com
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
What outcomes is the In Living Memory project seeking to achieve?
The Friends of Childwall Woods and Fields have recently completed research into the wealthy tenants and owners of Childwall Hall. At that time the site was in private ownership and not available to local people. Since 1939 the site has been in public ownership and has gone through a number of significant changes. There is little documented research on the changes the site has gone through and how people have made use of the site in those decades since.
When will the project take place?
The project is already underway with a submission to the Research Ethics Board of Liverpool Hope University. Subject to approval by the ethics board, the interviews will begin early August 2025. The project has to be complete by the early September 2025.
How will the research be conducted?
The research will be completed using oral research methods. The project is looking for 10 to 15 participants who will be prepared to be interviewed for between 40 minutes to one hour recalling their memories of how the site has changed over the years and the ways in which they used the site.
Where will the interviews take place?
The interviews will take place at Calisa Cafe at the Taggart Ave triangle. Interviews will be scheduled for when the cafe is slightly quieter avoiding the lunchtime and early afternoon rush.
What format will the interviews take?
The interviews will be digitally recorded using a small handheld device. Transcripts of the recordings may be produced after the interviews are concluded.
How will research be published?
The interviews will be published online as audio recordings so that people can listen to the participant’s recollections. There will be a link on the www.fcwf.org.uk website that will enable access.
Why audio recordings rather than written notes or transcripts?
It is considered that using the audio recordings rather than transcripts is a better way of engaging local people and helping those who haven’t been able to participate to recall their own memories. Historians who make use of oral research methodologies report that there is a greater wealth and nuance of participants’ recollections captured through the use of audio recordings than dry transcripts.
Will the research comply with relevant standards?
The research will comply with the relevant standards including those of the Oral History Society, Hope University’s own research standards, FCWF safeguarding policy and GDPR requirements.
How will my anonymity be preserved?
Participants will be asked to choose a given name different to their own. They will be referred to by this name throughout the interview. This name will be unique to them. They would then be able to recognise their interview when it is published online.
Will I be asked to sign a consent form?
Yes, participants will be asked to sign a consent form which will explain how the data will be used. Participants are allowed to withdraw their consent at any time weather before or during the interview or even after the interview has taken place.
Am I allowed to bring someone along?
Yes, participants relatives or a friend are very welcome to attend with the participants.
Who is buying the coffee?
A small budget has been set aside for the teas and coffees. So, the drinks are on us!
Do you have a question that hasn’t been answered by the above FAQs?
Please drop Evan a line at the inlivingmemoryhope@gmail.com email address. Or if preferred please contact our membership secretary Andrew on membership@fcwf.org.uk