May is National Local History Month and The Village Hub in Stoke Village is raising awareness of local history by encouraging the community of Stoke, Morice Town and Ford to find out more about where they live.
With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund The Village Hub is running a two-year project called “Blockhouse Folk: Past, Present & Future”. One project is their Photography Census where local residents Josh Greet & Haidee Dampney are embarking on an epic mission to photograph and interview local people who live or work in Stoke, Morice Town and Ford.
During 2024, we’re creating an archive of pictures & words about people who live or work in Stoke, Morice Town and Ford, to be looked back on for years to come. We’ll be making an exhibition of the photographs in Stoke Village in September 2024, and a special newspaper with all of the photos to share with everyone who takes part.
You might more often find Josh Greet photographing football stars like Ian Wright or English Lioness Millie Bright in his work as a professional photographer for brands like Adidas, Arsenal, Sky Sports or H&M, but now he’s turning his talents to his neighbours here in Stoke Village. Josh has teamed up with Haidee Dampney, who works with groups across Plymouth providing wellbeing activities for all, and down-to-earth mindful yoga teaching for adults, young people, children and families.
The pair will be popping up to take photos and interview people at community events, door-to-door visits in the area, or by appointment. So far, they have met, photographed and interviewed a range of people from different businesses around Stoke Village, some of The Village Hub regulars, and local residents.
Josh & Haidee are asking people “What would you like someone in 100 years time to know about your daily life?” and getting some very philosophical answers! Diane from The Village Hub told us “People have been so keen to be involved. It’s great to see all these photos coming in and knowing that our local community is being celebrated in this way. Everyone looks great in these shots!”
We’re still looking for more people to take part – so if you live or work in Stoke, Morice Town and Ford, and would like to have your portrait taken, please do get in touch with The Village Hub. You can sign up to take part or find out more at tinyurl.com/BlockhouseFolk
