Preserving Flint’s rich history: Free training sessions offered to local residents

An exciting project to involve local people in recording, conserving, and celebrating the rich heritage of Flint town, castle, and coast is offering free training sessions in interview techniques and equipment use.

The “Off Flint” led by Flintshire County Council seeks to gather stories, photos, and artifacts from the community that will form the basis of a new archive accessible to all in Flint Library.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided £54,200 in funding for the project, which aims to preserve Flint’s heritage and make it available to future generations.

Volunteers are essential to the success of the “Off Flint” project, and the council is inviting locals to attend two free training sessions at Flint Library on Thursday 16 and Thursday 23 March from 10 am to 12 noon.

During the sessions, participants will learn about the significance of oral history and why it matters, in addition to developing interview skills and gaining practical experience with equipment.

The workshops will be informal and hands-on, designed to empower volunteers to gather and record the rich heritage of Flintshire.

Jo Danson, Community Heritage Officer, said, “We need volunteers to help gather the wealth of stories about Flint, and the sessions are an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning how to carry out oral history interviews.”

With “Off Flint,” the goal is to build a lasting legacy for the town, preserving and celebrating its heritage for generations to come.

Flint has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century when the castle was built.

The town played an important role in the wool trade and had strong links to the coal and steel industries.

Today, Flint is a thriving town with a close-knit community proud of its heritage.

The “Off Flint” project is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate and preserve the town’s history.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that safeguard the UK’s diverse and rich heritage, enabling communities to explore, enjoy, and share their heritage.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the “Off Flint” project, places for the training sessions are limited, and booking is essential. Contact Jo Danson, Community Heritage Officer, on 01352 703042 or jo.danson@flintshire.gov.uk.