TABLEOF_

P6.CONTENTS INTRODUCTION P15. STORY OF CHANGE P21. THE DIFFERENCE THE PROJECT MADE P49. LEGACY Heritage P7. OUTCOMES P17. PROJECT MANAGEMENT People P51. APPENDIX Organisation & governance Communities Evaluation plan P13. PROJECT OUTCOMES Roles and responsibilities Volunteer questionnaire (project end) What we wanted to happen Volunteer management P44. REVIEW Volunteer questionnaire (project start) Aims Project evaluation What worked well Worksheet and children’s responses The difference we expected to make Management issues: planning, staffing and timetable What didn’t work well Exhibition survey results Project activities What would have happened if there wasn’t a project? What we would do differently. AN EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF THE HERITAGE LOTTERY FUNDED ‘FAIRFIELD COLLECTION’ PROJECT PRODUCED BY GOOD WOLF PEOPLE ON BEHALF OF FAB CROYDON NOVEMBER 2017 AUTHOR: KELLY NG WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM JOHN HANDSCOMBE INTRODUCTION

This report provides an external evaluation of The organisation Good Wolf People were the Heritage Lottery funded project ‘The Fairfield appointed early in the project to undertake this Collection’. evaluation. Taking a formative approach to the process and sharing findings throughout, to enable Fairfield Halls is an arts, entertainment and the evaluation to inform decisions and make conference centre located in Croydon, London. It changes during the project. opened in 1962 and contains a theatre and gallery, and the large concert hall. The need for an archive This report will provide background to the project, and oral history project arose out of the decision to including the intended aims and the difference that close Fairfield Halls for a significant refurbishment was hoped would be achieved by The Fairfield on 15th July 2016. Collection. The Story of Change provides an overview of the journey and life of the project. This project was delivered by ‘FAB’, a Croydon based charity which was setup to deliver the project The main body of this report is focussed on following the liquidation of the original applicant exploring the Outcomes for Heritage, People and Fairfield (Croydon) Ltd. The Museum of Croydon the Community, what the project achieved and (MOC) were a partner in delivery of this project, how they did it. The final section of this report will having been engaged from the early stages of focus in greater depth on what went well and what planning and the application. did not, as well as considering what would have happened had the project not taken place. This year-long project began officially in September 2016, the end date for this project was extended The report concludes by describing the legacy on until November 2017 to enable the project to spend completion of the project, and the hopes for the all the allocated funds and increase the outcomes future. for heritage, people and the broader community. - 5 - - 6 - The creation of a searchable database using information from archived items. The Jesse Ward Trust collection on display at The Fairfield Halls was transferred to the Museum with

permission from the trust, with some signature books have been digitised by Max communications LTD. items returned. This is separate to the

items removed 3 303and bought into the Museum of Croydon and London FairfieldL Collection. Borough of Croydon L

Collection. N M

OUTCOMES 45 oral histories were archive boxes of programmes and diaries. N collected... FORN Photographs of various sizes and condition and

32 materials from the Corps of Stewards records. HERITAGE N

N of which are listed on the project website. The Fairfield Collection website L has been improved, added to and The new operator for The Fairfield MONTH L exhibition relaunched, making The Fairfield Halls, BH Live, have visited the 6 displayed exhibition and expressed interest Collection more accessible to the from May to November. Because of the project the Museum in working with the Museum of public. FEATURING of Croydon have invited volunteers Croydon to preserve the ongoing AND excerpts32 of oral to continue their involvement in history and heritage of the 48 histories collected KIOSK ENTRIES for the project. archiving theon-going Fairfield basis.Collection on an Fairfield Halls.

- 7 - - 8 - OF CORE 83% VOLUNTEERS workshop and training sessions had not taken part in a themed around archiving and Heritage project before. 61 oral history were delivered. L L OF THE 100% VOLUNTEERS would take part in Heritage projects in the future.

OUTCOMES VOLUNTEERS35 100% FORN CONTRIBUTED of volunteers have expressed N an interest in continuing their LPEOPLE involvement in The Fairfield 1762.5 N Collection long term. HOURS OF VOLUNTEERING TO THE PROJECT 100% 21 of volunteers felt they had improved their skills in either people formed the core oral histories, archiving or project team, attending their personal skills. regular workshop sessions.

- 9 - - 10 - THE FAIRFIELD COLLECTION ON TOUR VISITED CAREHOME ON OCCASIONS THE FAIRFIELD COLLECTION ON TOUR 1 2 WITH 26 RESIDENTS FROM THE 3 WHITGIFT CARE HOMES IN CROYDON. VISITED 2 SCHOOLS L PROVIDING LESSONS TO YEAR 4 STUDENTS (8-9YR. OLDS) 180 STUDENTS FROM A SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL. AND 54 Students evaluated their sesson, giving the Fairfield Collection session an average

of 4.6 out of 5 stars. OUTCOMESN FOR THE VISITORS N COMMUNITY

TO THE FAIRFIELD COLLECTION EXHIBITION

BETWEEN 23RD MAY – 4TH NOVEMBER 83% L OF VISITORS OF AGREE OR THESE STRONGLY AGREE WERE THAT THEY HAVE students550 in organised school groups from 12 GAINED NEW different primary schools. KNOWLEDGE OR UNDERSTANDING of the visitors were children BECAUSE OF THEIR under the age of 16 visiting VISIT. 1508 with family or friends.

- 11 - - 12 - PROJECT

WHAT WE WANTED TO HAPPEN THE DIFFERENCE WE EXPECTED The Fairfield Halls closed for three TO MAKE years in July 2016 for an extensive Heritage will be better managed, refurbishment. The project aimed to creating a comprehensive, well- safeguard the heritage items, art works managed archive available to the public PROJECT ACTIVITIES and documents in the building as well through the Museum of Croydon and as record and preserve the memories online. of audience members, staff, volunteer The approved purposes of the • 8 professional training • These volunteers producing stewards, performers and the wider A target of 50 oral histories will be Heritage Lottery Grant were: workshops for 20 volunteers in an exhibition for display in the community by collecting oral histories. gathered to add to the collection. The creating archives, researching, Museum of Croydon. archive will be maintained by a group of • Packing and removing items and oral history collection. As the building closed, the project would volunteers who would assist with its long- of heritage merit from Fairfield • 3 School/care home visits by explore new ways to engage the people term management. Halls, to be safely transported • These volunteers sorting, an Animateur, sharing heritage of Croydon with this iconic venue, by to the museum of Croydon, labelling and cataloguing findings. learning about, sharing and celebrating People will have learnt about heritage; 6 Fairfield Halls staff will be the Fairfield Collection, and Fairfield’s story. paid staff, volunteers and the public trained in transporting archival recording and transcribing • Commissioning a film, to will have access to more and better materials, and professional art minimum 50 oral histories from record the building and the OUR AIMS managed information about the history handlers recruited to transport relevant parties, to create a project activities, and interpret Safeguarding Fairfield’s Heritage by of Fairfield and will be encouraged to valuable artworks and large publicly-accessible, physical Fairfield’s history. creating a new Fairfield Collection which actively engage with it. items archive at the Museum of is a comprehensive, well-managed Croydon. • A celebration event, during archive, which would be available to the • Digitising of the signature book Croydon Heritage Festival, with a public at the Museum of Croydon and by a professional scanner • Creating a project blog. film screening, Q&A session and online. talks.

- 13 - - 14 - The Museum of Croydon was first approached The Museum of Croydon and the Oral History The spring and summer of the project produced The project was granted an extension to the regarding the Fairfield Halls closure in February Society provided the 8 training sessions, many of the deliverables of The Fairfield project activities until November 30th due to 2016 and, in discussion with the then Fairfield Halls developing the skills and knowledge of the Collection with The Fairfield Collection on an underspend on the project budget and Development team, they proposed to the Heritage volunteer group of 21 participants who had Tour, exhibition, launch event, film and website a demand from schools and volunteers to Lottery Fund (HLF) a project to safeguard all the previously formed the Corps of Stewards for all undertaken during May and June. It was continue to engage with the project with FAB. heritage items that were housed in the Fairfield Fairfield Halls. On starting, these volunteers were during these months that the feel of the project The MOC have remained a constant source Halls. This was a project that required immediate largely concerned with preserving heritage and became really evident as a ‘good news story’ of support and expertise to this project, action due to the announcement of a planned although keen to be involved in archiving, they for Fairfield Halls, allowing a range of people to enjoying for themselves the surprises, learning closure for refurbishment over a three-year period. showed reluctance to take part in other activities focus their memories on its exceptional past as and relationships built as they undertook There had been no form of official archive prior to such as oral history, the film, writing and having well as sharing their enthusiasm with those who oral histories and met members of the public this project, items were found in various locations their photos taken. In December, the Volunteer would enjoy its future. It is at this point in the who brought their own interpretations to the such as filing cabinets, store rooms and shelves. Manager started their project that the positive collections. The project at times has been role, enabling the group to journey of volunteers is challenging for them balancing the needs of The project started under challenging begin forming relationships also most evident with this project with other priorities and projects circumstances. The Halls were closed on 15th July and to begin to get settled many taking part in of the MOC. There are ways in which the 2016 as agreed with Croydon Council, sadly this into the project activities activities beyond their MOC have learnt and grown because of this meant that all staff were made redundant at this of archiving and oral initial commitment, partnership. It has influenced how they would time. Staff and volunteers had been notified with histories. having their photograph approach partnership projects in the future and all statutory consultation undertaken and support STORY taken, taking part in the they are keen to take more of a lead where offered to find new roles. This project was part of a The volunteers immediately film, giving oral histories, possible. plan to enable volunteers to continue meaningful developed a social helping to facilitate engagement with the Halls. After closure, the atmosphere in their school lessons and The Fairfield Collection belongs to The MOC charity was not able to meet its final obligations to sessions, having in many writing content for the and Croydon Borough Council, this means that creditors and had to go into administration. This cases known each other blog and exhibition. for FAB, their role in the project comes to an end was upsetting for all those who had been involved through their Fairfield Halls with the completion of the HLF funded project. with the Fairfield, particularly for those involved connections, and through July provided an The experience of delivering this project has with the halls who had challenged Croydon their common interests. opportunity for informed and developed the practice of the staff Council on the need to completely close for the Volunteers enjoyed their consolidation and members and during this time they have been refurbishment. sessions as they felt OF evaluation for staff at able to see how their skills within this project supported and were CHANGE FAB and the MOC, with are transferable to other areas both as FAB A new charity was formed to ensure that the learning new things from a focus on determining and as individual practitioners. The FAB staff project could be delivered and one of the original the workshops and from the legacy of the have expressed their confidence in completing bid writers undertook the role of Project Manager each other. project and its long- the project with a good exit strategy for the with a Volunteer Manager being appointed. term management. Volunteers participated long-term preservation and development of During this time the heritage items were moved They were also beginning to move on from further by stewarding Heritage Week, attending the Fairfield Collection. The MOC is committed from the halls by the Museum of Croydon their initial suspicion, frustration and sadness celebration events and undertaking evaluation to continuing to facilitate group sessions and (MOC) into their archive. They described this over the closure of Fairfield Halls, having been activities. The development of confidence and to ensure the maintenance of the archive. At as a difficult process due to the amount of time given a space and time to talk about what commitment to this project has been a steady this point in the project the Fairfield Collection available to complete the task, and the context had happened. During this time of productivity, and encouraging journey, leading to all the appears to be of interest to the new operator in of removing these items while administrators ledgers, diaries and signature books were remaining volunteers wanting to continue their how they explore and share heritage as part of were also surveying them, they were very aware recorded onto spreadsheets and programmes and involvement. There is a sense of not wanting the newly refurbished Fairfield Halls. of the upset and suspicion experienced by some other items, such as photos, were sorted. They also to lose what has been developed, which has stakeholders in the Fairfield Halls who may not put into practice the oral history skills they learned, led to the MOC showing great flexibility in their have understood their role in safeguarding these with volunteers interviewing each other as well as approach to supporting these volunteers in the items. undertaking visits to people external to the project future. to capture their oral history.

- 15 - - 16 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT

ORGANISATION & • Paula Murray THE MUSEUM OF CROYDON GOVERNANCE – Director for Culture (Croydon Council) The MOC acted as a key partner in the project, providing a significant The organisational responsibility • Kate Vennell & Fiona Satiro contribution to the delivery by providing changed at the start of the project - FAB Trustees their specialist skills to undertake the following the liquidation of the Fairfield condition checking, removal and Charity (the organisation which had • Tony Skrzypczyk storage of archive items. been responsible for submission of the – Friends of Shirley Windmill and local The MOC also contributed an activity bid). historian space where volunteer workshops were held. Staff from the MOC trained Because of this a new charity, ‘FAB’, • Marin Corney volunteers in archive and oral history was formed to ensure that the project skills and undertook their own oral could continue as planned. This was The Steering group met three times histories and archiving activities in discussed with full involvement of the during the project collaboration with the project. Heritage Lottery Fund. The impact of this was that the project did not start at the ROLES & The museum played a large role in anticipated time due to delays with the RESPONSIBILITIES developing the Fairfield Collection transfer of funds to the new charity. Exhibition and took full responsibility The steering group was attended by a for curating an additional space ‘The PROJECT MANAGER Art of Fairfield’ Exhibition and selecting range of stakeholders which included; The project was initially managed a handling collection for the ‘Fairfield by Celia Newell who had been part Collection on Tour’. • Celia Newell & Elinor Wood of the original bid writing team and - Bid writers & original project team a Volunteer Co-ordinator, Nicolette They involved an intern, trainee, work Hamilton, was recruited. Early in the experience student and MOC volunteers • Grainne Cook project Celia resigned from FAB as in supporting their activities. – Whitgift Foundation she had secured a role elsewhere, it was decided that Nicolette had the TRUSTEES • Sean Creighton knowledge and experience to take on The trustees of FAB undertook the overall – Croydon Radical History Network & this posivvtion. Local Historian financial management, supervision of the project manager and attended VOLUNTEER MANAGER steering group meetings. • Emily Lansell, Collections Officer A new Volunteer Manager, Viva - Museum of Croydon Msimang, was recruited and she joined Kate Vennell, the Chair of FAB, the project in December. Her role was to contributed to the project film, spoke • Lindsay Ould, Borough Archivist co-ordinate with and support volunteers at the launch event and worked with - Museum of Croydon in all their workshops and lead on other developers to arrange the improvements activities such as collecting oral histories. to the Fairfield Collection website. • Ron Morris – Project Volunteer

- 17 - - 18 - VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT PROJECT EVALUATION MANAGEMENT ISSUES work together and had to use initiative to identify Planning, Staffing and Timetables. suitable places to work. This was gradually As part of the development of the bid, it was Good Wolf People were appointed as external resolved with support from the MOC extending identified that the existing stewarding group evaluators and began their activities in January. There were some initial issues with delivering the availability of the activity room space. It was would be ideal individuals to take part in An evaluation plan was submitted and accepted to the original timetable as outlined in the felt that they were not always able to be fully volunteering related to the project and, after by the FAB staff (Appendix 1). application. This was due to the organisation effective, for example with replying to emails or consultation, they were positive about taking part. that originally submitted the bid going into communicating with the MOC team. Volunteers were recruited through the existing The FAB project team, Museum of Croydon, administration and was resolved by creating communication network for the Stewarding group Steering Group and Volunteers were given a new charity (FAB Croydon) to undertake the Volunteers had very few issues with the way the and an introduction event was held to provide tailored briefings to clarify the expectations and delivery of the proposed project, and so, a new project was delivered, they praised the approach further information. requirements for data and evidence collection timetable was agreed with HLF. of the various people who worked with them, and to ensure there were no concerns with the the communication was felt to generally be During the project, people external to Fairfield evaluation plan. A group comprising the FAB The delay in starting the project meant that very good and the timetabling of sessions was were encouraged to volunteer and take on Project Manager, Volunteer Manager, Museum the work to condition check, pack and remove frequent enough to provide enough time to roles that were not necessarily taken up by the Archivist and the Collections Officer were bought archive materials, objects and art had to happen engage with the project as much as they wanted core volunteering group. The main method of together midway through the project to assess very quickly and within a limited time frame, to. There were some suggestions that having communication with volunteers was by email, the progress of evaluation activities. although this did not have an overall impact earlier notice of whether sessions were archive, or which most participants felt was a sufficient way on the number of items accessioned into The oral history focussed would have been helpful as things did sometimes change. to share information, with weekly emails from It was agreed that the evaluation approach Fairfield Collection. the volunteer manager to confirm the date, time, would be formative, to ensure that all A common issue for the volunteers, FAB staff and location and project activities. stakeholders had the opportunity to learn and The timetable has experienced further change the MOC team was that the laptops available make changes as needed throughout the project. due to the agreed extension to the project, to Personal information stored regarding volunteers allow the full budget to be spent on additional to use at the beginning of the project were not was kept on a secure server in line with data activities to continue to make the Fairfield fit for purpose, which led to some volunteers The evaluation activities were structured to have protection procedures, with permission this Collection accessible to the public. feeling frustrated, or that their time was wasted a continuous presence, enabling the evaluation information will be handed over to the MOC who sometimes. These problems were resolved by team to become familiar with all stakeholders will continue to support the volunteers. FAB will The project team have found that having the FAB staff arranging for new laptops to be and to understand the story and life of the project take appropriate steps to delete this information appropriate resources and spaces to complete purchased out of the project budget, which was from a range of perspectives. The methodology 12 months after the end of the project. admin and planning tasks has been challenging discussed and agreed with the HLF. This did not included interviews, focus groups, attending at times. The FAB staff both expressed how, have a long-term impact on delivering the project meetings, observing sessions and surveys because they had no official office space that outcomes. directed at different user groups. was suitable to their needs, they could not always

- 19 - - 20 -

This section of the report summarises the main activities and outcomes to arise from N the project in terms of the difference made to heritage, people and communities. This THE DIFFERENCE section draws on data from project team evaluation. THE PROJECT MADE understand the history of Stanley Volunteers welcomed the so far have seen them merge Halls by looking for links with opportunity to continue but the existing museum collection artists and concerts at Fairfield were almost unanimous in their of diaries and programmes that a well organised Fairfield As part of the evaluation of this Halls. They found that most of focus group feedback that they organised by year and they have Collection Archive now exists project we asked two individuals the material relating to music felt they were not likely to come now started to digitally list boxes. HERITAGE and have described how people with suitable experience performances at Fairfield was still in on their own, as the social (which will then be a searchable The existence of a well are already benefitting from the and interest to undertake an in boxes to be sorted out, and element of their volunteering was resource). organised Fairfield Collection archive by requests to access enquiry and request access to that it was part of the plan for important to them. They felt they Archive. Objects, art works items and oral histories. the archive and oral histories ongoing archive sessions to sort would attend monthly sessions Two volunteers have applied and documents will be moved relevant to their research. Both programmes and other items but were concerned that if you and commenced volunteering into one place: The Museum of The oral histories collected have visitors identified an area of into boxes by year, making the missed one session it could be activities with the MOC and Croydon. The collection of 50 given a context and story to interest using the updated information more searchable. a long time before they were another two volunteers have Oral Histories many archive items and pictures Although she was unable to able to be involved again. The asked to begin visiting the “Fortunately, Lindsay Ould access information relevant Museum and FAB discussed this museum to undertake archiving as well as capturing many stories took the time and trouble The Fairfield Collection now that would not have otherwise to her enquiry then and there, at their handover meeting and activities in their own time as well has a permanent home at the have been accessible to the to find out if any of the interim measures were offered. looked at ways to encourage as attending monthly sessions. MOC, over 303 items including public. The target for oral history interviews mentioned the volunteers to think about coming art works, sculptures, signs, collection was 50, at the end Beatles. And because a full Trained volunteers assisting with in pairs or small groups in their The FAB staff team have programmes and photos were of the project 45 oral histories transcript was available, I the long-term management own time. These sessions have identified some volunteers bought into the collection. have been collected. Although Of the volunteers who completed now started, and the first two that they feel would make didn’t have to take the time the final survey 100% expressed monthly meeting were both suitable leaders in the project. These items are now condition this represents a large number to listen to the whole thing, checked, listed and stored in of oral histories, there were that they wished to remain attended by 10 volunteers, as They discussed how they felt such a way as to safeguard some setbacks which meant but could skim it and take involved in the project long term well as volunteers from the MOC the language of using the them for future generations. the project reached just short notes on what was most (Appendix 2). FAB and the MOC joining the group. The workshops word ‘leader’ might not be Much work has been done by of its target. This includes the interesting.” have worked together to identify effective in motivating these museum staff and the project willingness and confidence of website, both said this was the best way to support these individuals, but have spoken volunteers to undertake the volunteers to take a leading role presented in a clear and volunteers with their continuing to them individually in taking archive activities required to in oral history collection as well accessible way, although it involvement in the project. a lead on ensuring people feel create a permanent record of as the availability of contact was suggested that a more comfortable and motivated to these items, such as entering information, which is explored detailed oral history summary During the project, there was attend sessions independently the data from signature and later in the report. Contributors would have allowed them to some uncertainty as to how the as well as the group sessions. ledger books onto excel so this included past employees, understand whether an interview volunteers would be managed in As well as showing leadership information can be used to form Fairfield stewards, patrons and might have relevance to their the long term, with the museum in workshops, it was recognised an accessible data base. many of the performers including research. Researcher ‘A’ was already supporting an existing that these individuals were actors, artists, musicians and looking for information relevant team of MOC volunteers. It was experienced in co-ordinating Because of the project the wrestlers and varied from to The Beatles and found that considered as to whether they others as they have previously collection and the information local level community groups the Borough Archivist was very would need to formally apply “The Fairfield Exhibition had roles leading the Corps held in these items are available to national performers. These helpful in identifying sources to be involved in the MOC’s highlighted connections of Stewards at Fairfield Halls. for the public to view and interviews are filled with insight of material and oral histories volunteer programme. By the between the collection and FAB shared this information research. The team at MOC into the physical and emotional which might of interest, this also end of the project, the MOC my existing interest and with MOC as part of a project had identified a flexible way to handover. have highlighted how, with a memories they have of Fairfield showed the level of professional research into Croydon’s involve the group by providing large collection such as this, they Halls, allowing the listener to see commitment from the Museum performing arts history, and have only been able to “scratch the Halls in unique ways and team. monthly group sessions, with the surface” of the archiving from a range of perspectives, an invitation following the first I shall certainly pursue process and that they always with many entertaining Researcher ‘B’ has an interest in of these sessions to come in them when the next stage saw the creation of the archive anecdotes and stories within local history, specifically that of individually and continue with of the project is completed as a long-term project. The team them. another arts venue Stanley Halls. whatever they are working on. and further material is at MOC are confident in saying She wanted to further ... accessible to the public.”

- 21 - - 22 - THE DIFFERENCE THE PROJECT MADE work based transferable skills particularly initially, was The delivery of archive training “I found it interesting PEOPLE and experience. Many of the motivated by a means to be was focussed at the start of the to learn that you don’t volunteers in this group are in better able to preserve the project, however the MOC team just sit down and ask People will have developed their 70’s and 80’s and have heritage of Fairfield Halls. described how they continued skills. been retired for many years. to visit sessions and support the a few questions. The As set out in the application group through their activities learning techniques and Training sessions were delivered bid, eight training sessions were whenever they could. Because preparation was very at various points throughout provided to the volunteers and this training was delivered within helpful and definitely made the project which enabled paid staff members involved in the the workshop sessions, it is a big difference. I felt more staff and volunteers to develop project. Archive training was possible that the archive training confident but it also made the skills they needed to fulfil provided by the MOC’s own staff sessions were not perceived by their roles and responsibilities team and included; volunteers as being especially me realise there was a lot most effectively. The initial rush different to general workshop “Facilitators have grown more to be aware of, like at the start of the project to • Writing workshop sessions. One volunteer with the group and learned retaining information whilst obtain and move items into the described how they did not how to work with us” still listening AND keeping museum meant that training in • Museum of Croydon Oral recall any formal training being an interest in what’s being moving and packing objects history workshop – data given but were given direction Oral history training was said.” was restricted to paid staff as the “We felt bereft when the standards, consent forms, the and shown how to do things: delivered over three sessions, volunteer group had not been way we work and was more formal in delivery The Oral History training was yet recruited. Halls closed and that our “In the early days, we style, with an external facilitator successful in providing new skills voices hadn’t been heard, • Accessioning workshop were told to input exactly from the Oral History Society. and building the confidence Volunteers were asked to we wanted to do something what was there, how to The first session focussed on how of those who took part, which consider their perceived level about keeping Fairfield • The types of information we put everything in order to prepare for an interview, the included staff, volunteers and of ability in relation to the skills alive and this project record/getting started with and shown the available second session was a practice trainees from FAB and MOC. they might expect to undertake fulfilled that” ledgers, signature books etc. resources.” session and the final session Given the success of these during the project (Appendix 3). continued to explore skills for sessions it could be reflected Broadly these were categorised Through comparing the • Tour of galleries/ introduction Due to the need to develop interviewing and interpretation, that the volunteer group might as Oral History, Archive, initial survey and final survey to project workshop a relationship with the new using the audio from oral have benefitted from additional Presentation and Personal completed by volunteers volunteer group, who were histories conducted by project training sessions that were led Skills. Volunteers had greater there was no clear skill(s) • Tour of the Art and Archives initially cautious about their volunteers. by external trainers to increase levels of confidence in their that everyone learned. The stores – how to use our involvement, it was described by the range of input that they were ability related to personal skills, experience volunteers had in interactive kiosks in the MOC the project team as intentional There was consensus from drawing from through the project particularly communication relation to skill learning appears to take a less formal approach volunteers who attended the and to provide varied learning and social skills. Generally, unique to the individual and is “I haven’t worked for to these sessions and does not focus group that Oral History opportunities. volunteers were more likely to reflective of how some volunteers almost 18 years - paid work appear to have lessened the was new to the whole group and say their skills in archive and focussed on oral histories, while that is. I’m hoping that I’ll learning outcomes experienced, that although not ‘everyone’s oral history were non-existent or others did archiving, with a learn a lot of interesting nor the group’s ability to perform cup of tea’ the training was ‘high very low, which is consistent with little cross over in some cases. things, widen my views on tasks. During a focus group, quality’ and ‘those that gave the groups inexperience with It was apparent that everyone local history and enjoy the volunteers described the various oral histories did not find this heritage projects. There were had increased their perceived activities they undertook for a stressful process’. Individuals examples in the group where knowledge and skill in at least social aspect of working/ archiving which showed that who conducted oral histories individuals showed confidence in one area. Volunteers did not volunteering alongside ex- they had developed a language did feel this could be stressful, specific things, such as planning overall appear to prioritise their Fairfield stewards.” to describe their archiving tasks. particularly in trying to keep their and conducting interviews, own outcomes from learning interviewees ‘on track’. or transcribing - which linked and skills development. in some cases to volunteer’s Engagement in training,

- 23 - - 24 - Paid staff, volunteers and the Fairfield first, their own personal in the project which fulfilled public will have learnt about development being a secondary volunteers desire to see young Heritage concern. The outcomes that people learn and engage with volunteers least expected Fairfield Halls. Volunteers will increase their from the project were to ‘Build knowledge of Fairfield’s confidence’ and to ‘Meet The Museum of Croydon staff Heritage. Although this group new people’. The focus group have described that, through had a vast collective experience revealed that initially volunteers undertaking this project with of volunteering, stewarding had limited expectations for how FAB, they have been able to and of Fairfield Halls, 83% had much they would be involved in develop their own knowledge of never had any involvement in a the project. Fairfield Halls and some of the heritage project before. artists and figures who played “In the beginning our a significant role in Fairfield When asked to rate their existing expectations were very and more broadly, Croydon’s knowledge of the history and narrow as volunteers we history. Although this could be heritage of Fairfield the response expected to do very little, a natural outcome of spending was mixed with 50% rating their significant time with the Fairfield knowledge as less than average we expected mostly to just Halls archive and by conducting and the other 50% above be dealing with working on oral histories, staff members average knowledge. programmes and reviving from both MOC and FAB our memories.” discussed how they found the The volunteer group had volunteer team an invaluable consistent ideas about what The staff team used this resource and knowledge base Heritage meant to them, the information to inform how they related to the Fairfield Halls. most common words used to shaped some of the project There was a reciprocal learning describe ‘What does Heritage activities. As it was clear the environment which contributed mean to you?’ were ‘History’, volunteers were motivated to towards the sense of team and ‘For future generations’ and see younger people interact created learning opportunities ‘Preserve’. with Fairfield they changed for everyone involved. This was their approach to the Fairfield not an accidental outcome, Although the group presented Collection on Tour, giving a the staff involved in the project some differing reasons for their greater deal of emphasis and purposefully sought to learn from involvement in the project, responsibility to the volunteers the volunteers, viewing them there were some common to engage with young people. as experts and partners in the aims which were to ‘Maintain a Young people from the schools project. Link to Fairfield’ and ‘Preserve were given opportunities the Heritage of Fairfield’ to participate in the project and to ‘Help people learn through creating art work for about Fairfield’. For most of the exhibition and sharing the volunteers the source of their thoughts and experience motivation to take part was in the film. This created an linked to their relationship with intergenerational relationship

- 25 - COMMUNITIES Actively engaging the public to learn about Heritage.

FAIRFIELD COLLECTION ON TOUR

Early in the project the Project manager decided that the ‘Fairfield Collection on Tour’ should involve input from the volunteers as much as possible. It was felt that the volunteers, as experts, had the direct knowledge and experience required to bring the collection alive. For this reason, an ‘Animateur’ was not used as per the project plan and both the project and volunteer manager worked with the volunteers to design and deliver the sessions for the care home and school. This decision produced a range of benefits for the people involved in the project.

No. of No. of Sessions Participants

Whitgift Care 2 50

Park Hill Junior 6 180

St Nicholas 54 Special Needs School 6

FIGURE 1: FAIRFIELD COLLECTION ON TOUR VISITS.

- 27 - - 28 - Volunteers said they enjoyed The head of year expressed his The reason for working with these sessions and were satisfaction with the partnership St Nicholas school was due to COMMUNITIES surprised by the good behaviour and this is further evidenced by The Museum of Croydon, who Continued. and the engagement of the the school’s enthusiasm to have asked for the Collection on children, they didn’t expect further lessons with other year Tour to work with them, on the them to be as interested as they groups. basis that they are a school that were. Two of the volunteers would benefit from an in-school The first outing for the Fairfield about the halls at different points learning about the project, and also commented that they were “It would be fantastic if handling session and that they Collection was to a Whitgift care in the session, and with the the meaning of key words such surprised at how many of them the funding for this project don’t have many opportunities home in Croydon, where three encouragement of volunteers 3 as ‘Heritage’, ‘Archiving’ and had been to, or performed at, continued into next year so to engage with the museum sets of residents from local care offered to provide oral histories ‘Oral Histories’. The class listened Fairfield themselves. Because that the next year 4 cohort or visit. The project manager homes were gathered together at a later date. Volunteers to stories from the stewards, had of these sessions the school met with the school prior to for the session, 24 residents showed confidence and were hands on time with the handling arranged to further partner in had the same wonderful delivering workshops to ensure attended the session with carers proactive in engaging with the collection and learned about the project by involving some opportunities that we that the sessions were tailored and staff members supporting participants, using initiative to the Ashcroft Theatre safety young people in the film about received this year.” to the abilities of the different them. The session was facilitated take objects to small groups curtain and designed their own the project, the children were classes. During an observation by the FAB staff, with input from and hold discussions. The safety curtains inspired by local also given the opportunity to Feedback from teachers showed of one of these classes, it was five volunteers who provided participants were responsive to history and Croydon now. This have their work displayed at the that these sessions met and noticeable that although the their own stories and experiences the volunteers who were ‘peers’ session was also delivered by exhibition on banners and in the exceeded their expectations project manager described how related to Fairfield Halls and the in this setting. It was fed back volunteers and the FAB staff. The Fairfield Collection programme. and provided useful feedback they had found these sessions project. One of the volunteers by participants that they would evaluation team observed one This led to young people who regarding how to structure ‘challenging’ they appeared put together a set of songs which enjoy visiting the exhibition at of these sessions. Children taking were involved in the film and sessions to maintain the attention very confident in presenting had relevance to the artists the museum because of taking part showed their engagement winning designs attending the of children, for example putting the session with the mixed who had performed at Fairfield part in the session and staff at by asking lots of questions, launch event with parents and in more interactive elements ability groups and the project Halls, he performed these songs Whitgift advised that the session answering and responding to teachers. All the pupils from to the lesson earlier on was a manager was able to use some and provided anecdotes and had provoked further discussion questions and getting excited this year group attended the recommendation from teachers. Makaton to communicate with information about the artists. and reminiscence in the days about looking at, touching and museum exhibition, and some the children which increased Song sheets were distributed following the visit. A follow handling collection items. Further of the volunteers who delivered The children were asked to engagement. Children were to encourage participants to up visit was made to the care evidence of their engagement the lesson attended their visit to complete a worksheet to evidently engaged and enjoyed sing along. The evaluation home where the project film was was apparent as many of the the exhibition as stewards, this review the workshop and share exploring the collections, which team attended this session and shared with the residents and safety curtain designs featured allowed the children to continue their learning from the lesson they represented in the art work observed that participants were the artwork from Park Hill pupils items from the handling their engagement with the (Appendix 4). The favourite they created, this also provided very responsive to this element of was shown around, a question collection, the stories told and volunteers. activity of the lesson was, by far, an opportunity for the team to the session with vocal reactions and answer session followed the the original curtain. drawing their own designs for a talk in more depth with children showing their recollection of screening. safety curtain, which is reflective on a one to one basis. Teacher artists and their songs, many The volunteers responded very of the feedback from teachers feedback was generally very people also sang along. A few The Fairfield Collection on Tour well to taking the collection about making lessons practical. positive but there were a couple of the ladies who attended the also visited Park Hill Junior on tour, for some of them The children also really enjoyed of suggestions that to engage session asked for the autograph School on two occasions, where they were drawing on their touching and looking at objects these groups more visual aids of the volunteer who sang at the three sessions were delivered to previous experience as teachers, in the handling collection and could have been used, such end! the three classes that comprised whereas others had very little listening to stories from the as pictures of the original Year 4’s 2016 and 2017 cohorts. experience around children volunteers. Very few children safety curtain or videos of There was also evidence The Project Manager engaged and in this type of setting. The expressed preference for the performances. of engagement during the the school by drawing links evaluation team observed less interactive parts of the other elements of the session. with the Fairfield Collection that the volunteers adapted session. Children were asked to “Really enjoyable, learnt new Questions were asked about a Project and the community their style of communication give a ‘star rating’ out of 5 to things and children were able range of topics including dances history element of the school’s to make themselves clear and “The pupils felt immensely reflect their enjoyment and an to share their experiences of at the Halls and stewarding. curriculum programme, engaging for the children, they average across 87 responses Fairfield Halls” proud that their work was – Teacher, St Nicholas The participants were invited highlighting the opportunity for told stories that included funny gives approximate rating of 4.6, to share their own memories the school to fulfil an element of events to make their memories on display in the exhibition and that they were now a which shows that overall the of Fairfield Halls following the their curriculum needs. fun and encourage laughter and children felt the lesson was very sharing of the volunteers, three The project team devised a class curiosity. part of the Fairfield Halls enjoyable. participants shared their stories based session which included history...“ - Teacher, Park Hill

- 29 - - 30 - THE FAIRFIELD COLLECTION EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM OF CROYDON

The Fairfield Collection Launch event of the achievements of all who contributed took place on the 29th June 2017 at The to the Fairfield Collection. There were guest Braithwaite Hall and David Lean Cinema, speakers; The Mayor of Croydon, Lindsay with access to the full exhibition. The event Ould (Borough Archivist) and Kate Vennel, was attended by 93 invited guests such as FAB Chair of Trustees , all giving context and FAB Staff and Trustees, volunteers, Museum of an interpretation of the exhibition and project. Croydon staff and volunteers, local councillors The film was screened twice at the David Lean and other contributors to the project, such cinema and people responded positively, as pupils from the Park Hill school and ex particularly the volunteers who had been Fairfield Halls staff who had provided oral involved in the project and the film. A question histories. The focus of this event was to launch and answer session was not held as described the public exhibition at the start of Croydon in the original application, this was due to the Heritage Week. The event had a celebratory already busy schedule of the event, it was felt atmosphere, with a focus on highlighting the it would have been difficult to stage this in a importance of heritage and an appreciation manner that was useful and enjoyable.

The Fairfield Collection Exhibition was held this task challenging, as they had to consider from the 23rd May – 4th November 2017, and accuracy, as well as keeping articles brief. The “I thought the exhibition was fabulous and brought back comprised an interactive exhibit ‘The Fairfield Volunteer Manager identified that this was many memories, what an amazing evening” Collection’ in the Croydon Now exhibition an area volunteers were struggling with and space and ‘The Art of Fairfield’ in the ground devised template forms to assist volunteers floor gallery. The Art of Fairfield was an in organising their text, she felt that for some additional exhibition to what was planned of them this was helpful. It was apparent in and provided a companion exhibit of art the lead up to the exhibition opening there works which had been displayed at Fairfield were some issues around the organisation Halls. Volunteers assisted in the development of who would write entries for the interactive of the exhibition by devising the themes they displays and the quality and content required would want explored in a planning workshop, for consistency with the MOC standard for and by then specifically researching items, exhibitions. Both the museum and the FAB artists and topics which would feature in project volunteers created content for the the exhibition. There was a workshop about interactive kiosks. This was resolved however writing entries for the interactive displays and the contributions from volunteers were and, following this, the volunteer group wrote included. contributions. Volunteers reported finding

- 31 - - 32 - THE EXHIBITION WAS PROMOTED THROUGH A ‘THE FAIRFIELD COLLECTION’ EXHIBITION VARIETY OF METHODS. CROYDON NOW GALLERY THESE INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING: 16 MAYN - 4 NOVEMBER 2017

OF THESE

were550 students in - The MOC Twitter/Facebook to reach existing supporters of the museum organised school TOTAL N groups from - The Exhibition Launch event M ,805 different12 6 primary - FAB Croydon Facebook/Twitter NUMBER OF AND schools - Fairfield Collection Wordpress Blog , VISITS were1 children508 under the age of 16 visiting - The Fairfield Collection website with family / friends.

- Article in ‘Your Croydon’, Croydon Council publication for residents

- Article in The Croydon Citizen, citizen led news magazine

- Listed in Croydon Heritage Festival programme ‘THE ART OF FAIRFIELD’ EXHIBITION - Exhibition flyers directly advertising The Fairfield Collection exhibition EXHIBITION GALLERY distributed across a range of venues and direct to the public N 23 MAY - 4 NOVEMBER 2017

- Inside Croydon News Article

WERE MADE TOTAL BY CHILDREN The FAB staff discussed how they had not the museum through existing channels such anticipated the need for additional activity as social media, the website and council UNDER THE AGE ,344 OF 16 VISITING to promote the exhibition to the wider public, publications. FAB staff responded to this by 2 N WITH FAMILY

but they found that due to the location of arranging for some marketing materials to OR FRIENDS. NUMBER OF THESE OF the museum, which is at one end of the raise awareness of the exhibition. This may 400 library and clocktower building, the museum have had an impact particularly at the start of often escaped visitor’s attention. The staff at the exhibition on the awareness of the general VISITS M MOC discussed how they have marketing public about the exhibition and be worth VISITS limitations due to budget and they are only consideration for future projects to increase able to promote exhibitions and events at visibility and reach a broader audience.

- 33 - - 34 - VISITORRESPONSES

A survey was completed by 101 visitors to the interested in seeing all aspects of the exhibit. A The Interactive Fairfield Exhibition and The Art other half were largely people with a significant exhibition (Appendix 5). The aim of the survey lesser number of visitors viewed the project film of Fairfield gallery make for an enjoyable visit relationship to the halls. This would suggest was to understand the visitor experience of (48%) and the project display (50%), however for almost all visitors that if visitors are motivated to access the kiosks the exhibition and to know more about the it is likely this was due to access rather than and the oral histories they will be highly likely demographics of the audience attending. interest as both the film and project display 99% of visitors agreed or strongly agreed that to learn something new and develop their were on show at limited times compared to the they had an enjoyable visit. understanding of Fairfield Halls. The Interactive Fairfield Collection exhibition interactive and art exhibits. and the Art of Fairfield Gallery are particularly If visitors access the kiosks they will be highly The Fairfield Collection was displayed in a way appealing to Croydon residents with an In response to the question ‘Why have you likely to learn something new and develop their that was easy to understand existing relationship or interest in Fairfield visited today?’ 39% of respondents gave understanding of Fairfield Halls. Halls and broader Croydon history. answers which strongly suggested a previous 93% of visitors agreed that the collection was or existing relationship with Fairfield Halls. On 85% gained knowledge of understanding of easy to understand, three responses provided Most visitors came from the local area with the other end of the spectrum 20% of visitors Fairfield Halls because of their visit. 13% neither specific feedback that the exhibits would have 73% providing a Croydon ‘CR’ postcode, other came by the exhibition unintentionally, largely agreed nor disagreed and 2% disagreed, this been easier to understand if labelled or had text groups were coming from London South East through visiting facilities such as the library in could suggest different things. Many visitors boxes next to them. and Bromley postcodes. There were a small the broader building or visiting the museum for came to the exhibition with a prior knowledge number of postcodes that were outside of the other reasons. Most other responses suggested and relationship with the Fairfield Halls Oral Histories were received well but could be area. This is consistent with the local interest of a specific interest in the history of Croydon, Arts which might mean some visitors felt they had further enjoyed with thought to how they are the exhibition, and would also suggest that the and Fairfield. Overall this paints a picture of an learned nothing new because of the exhibits. presented and advertised to visitors. museum in general enjoys a large footfall from audience who have intentionally made the visit We explored the possibility of a link between its local population. and are motivated to engage with the exhibition visitors who didn’t feel they learnt anything The oral history recordings were available content. It is encouraging that over 20% of and visitors not accessing the kiosks for oral on kiosks which also displayed pictures and 91% of visitors viewed the Fairfield Collection those visitors are also members of the public histories. We found that half of the visitors descriptions of items. 67% of visitors said they interactive exhibition and 75% viewed the Art of who would have learnt about the halls having who felt they hadn’t learned anything had not accessed the oral histories on the kiosks. For Fairfield exhibit, showing the visitors were overall not necessarily had any prior knowledge. accessed the oral histories on the kiosks. The those who did not, they cited various reasons...

- 35 - - 36 - VISITORRESPONSESCONT.

...but predominantly a lack of interest, or not be that the demographic of the people who knowing they were there. It was our observation volunteered at, or were a frequent visitor in the from our visit to the exhibition that visitors could past to Fairfield was much more likely to be of bypass the kiosks, and it would only be through white ethnicity and retired, this is reflected by accessing the kiosks that you would realise the the demographic of the volunteer group for oral history clips are available. Some of the this project who are largely of the dominant comments from the survey suggested that audio visitor group described. It is this group who have could have been louder. played a large role in spreading the word and raising awareness regarding the exhibition, their The typical visitor to the exhibition is a 60+ circle of influence has been their friends, family year old female, of white ethnicity and not and peers at Fairfield. Both age and ethnic likely to consider themselves disabled, they are reach was recognised as a possible challenge retired and if they bring children they are most that the project manager was aware of, she likely to be 8-9 years old. described how they ensured the collection went to schools and was advertised through social As part of the exhibition survey we asked visitors media platforms, to reach younger audiences. to share some demographic information about They selected a school to work with where the themselves. dominant ethnic group was not white, and although this wasn’t the only reason for working Responses to Age, Gender, Occupation and with this school, there was an intentional Disability although having a dominant group, attempt to bring the Fairfield collection to a did present a broad range of visitors, or more ethnically diverse audience. The volunteer “The oral histories bring another dimension, presented results consistent with the Croydon manager had also described trying to engage population. Ethnicity, was more polarised, 85% with some cultural organisations during the bringing the photos to life.” of visitors were of a white ethnic group, this is project, to develop the oral history collection, far higher than the 55% white ethnic population but found it difficult to get a response. It is worth in Croydon (ONS Census 2011), using this future projects having a strategy to develop data as a guide we may have expected a a wider range of community partners from larger number of visitors who identified as the start of project planning so that broader a Black Asian, African, Caribbean or other groups are engaged and act as stakeholder Black ethnicity to visit the exhibition, whereas in the project, therefore having the potential only 3.4% of respondents were represented to promote across their networks and have a from this group. An explanation for this could meaningful involvement. PROJECT RESOURCES

The project film was a impractical to administer this 30-minute production, the and unnecessary to also ask aim of the film was to capture people who had contributed the life of the project and so much to the project to pay the significance and history for a DVD. This did not have of The Fairfield Halls pre- an adverse financial impact refurbishment. The Project on the project. Manager described how they wanted the film to tell The project booklet was also an interesting story, which launched at the celebration meant involving a range of event, this 10 page booklet people from the project. It provides the background was important to the Project to the project and the Manager to involve the volunteers who played a key school in this film, which role. Volunteers are given meant that they couldn’t prominence in the booklet, complete filming this element along with winning drawings until after the Collection on from the Safety Curtain Tour was completed. The competition. The booklet is response from volunteers of a high-quality design with and those who were filmed a professional feel and is was very positive with many a useful companion to the people requesting a copy exhibition and a legacy of of the DVD. In an interview the project. Copies of the one volunteer described booklet were available at the how being involved in the museum and members of film was important as he felt the public were encouraged he himself, along with other to read it when viewing stewards, had become part the Fairfield exhibits. The of the heritage of the halls by finish and quality of all being captured in this way. items related to the project; DVDs were produced and flyers, booklet and film had distributed to all stakeholders a quality feel to them with involved in the project professional design consistent and to anyone requesting with the project branding and copies. It was suggested reflect well on the project, in the project plan that MOC and the Fairfield Halls. these DVDs would be sold however in reality it seemed

- 39 - - 40 - FAIRFIELD

The Museum of Croydon website also and has 274 followers, which includes a The Fairfield Collection also engaged with part of the new Fairfield Collection website. provides the public with access to the Fairfield range of Croydon based organisations. members of the public online: The Fairfield Collection website was originally Collection. Online visitors can also experience Social media was utilised frequently, and • A project website and blog the ‘Fairfield at 50’ website which was the exhibition by interacting and exploring posts were generally information sharing and • The refurbished Fairfield Collection website created as a celebration of the Hall’s 50 with a website version of the information and project promotion. • The Museum of Croydon website years in operation. It featured a basic online oral history clips that are presented in the archive of some posters, programmes and Interactive Exhibition in the Croydon Now It is possible broader groups and potential The project website served the purpose photos and other artefacts that were at gallery. younger visitors may have been made aware of promoting the project itself as well as the halls. It was recognised that having of the project, or would have interacted providing an account through the blog, an online portal for exploring the Fairfield Social media has been used to engage with with FAB social media had there been written in collaboration with, or by the Collection would make it more accessible to people online and grow the audience for more interactive posts, requests to share, volunteers themselves. This was a task the public, but that the existing website was the project and Fairfield Collection. The FAB comment or attend an event targeted at local many volunteers were uncomfortable with outdated and not easy to use, it was also not Croydon Facebook page has 120 followers institutions and businesses. as they were not familiar with blogs. The compatible with mobile devices and tablets. and the Twitter page has shared 87 tweets Volunteer Manager supported volunteers to The new website design brief was to create write content for the blog by finding ways to a clearer website for the Fairfield Collection make it relatable, like writing a diary or news which would be easier to search and explore, article. They also recruited a journalist with with new content about the archive and oral THE NUMBER OF VISITORS AND PAGE VIEWS BETWEEN connections to Fairfield Halls to volunteer as histories so that people could understand MAY 16TH & NOVEMBER 4TH a reporter for the project, which filled a gap what was in the collection and how to access in skills. They were then able to maintain it. Launched alongside the exhibition, the new the blog and write articles to promote the website is a lot clearer, visually appealing exhibition in local news outlets. Blogs were and user friendly, this has been validated by promoted using social media such as the project volunteers, staff and partners, as Facebook and Twitter. There were 15 blog well as the researchers who tested it out for posts which told the story of the project us. The staff at the MOC have explained that TOTAL PAGE from the perspective of the volunteers and this site will be a dynamic part of the ongoing included blogs about interesting stories from project and improvements will be made and OF the halls to try and develop interest in the content added over time. They have already 723 upcoming Fairfield Collection exhibition. received enquiries from the public through 4675 These blog posts and articles will be used as the website. USERS VIEWS

- 41 - - 42 - “WE LIKED ALL OF THE PEOPLE SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCES IN LIFE.” “THE HANDLING FROM OBJECTS THAT ARE VERY INTERESTING, AND IT ENCOURAGED ME TO LEARN MORE HISTORY.” “WE LEARNT NEW WORDS. I HAD MORE FACTS TO SHARE.” “I HAVE LEARNT A LOT AND ESPECIALLY LIKED THE WRESTLING. I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT STEWARDS ARE SO I GOT TO LEARN ABOUT THE FAIRFIELDS.” “THE HANDLING COLLECTION WAS REALLY FUN AND THE STEWARDS WERE REALLY EXCITED BECAUSE I LEARNT LOTS OF NEW THINGS.” “I LOVE DRAWING THE PICTURES OF THE OLD THINGS.” REVIEW “MY FAVOURITE PART IS WHEN RON TOLD US STORIES.” - CHILDREN OF PARK HILL SCHOOL

- 43 - - 44 - WHATDIDN’TWORKWELL The volunteers were involved in the creation A lot of the activity of the project was of the exhibition, but their participation could concentrated towards the end of the process, WHATWENTWELL have been greater. The Museum of Croydon which put pressure on certain targets, such staff identified that to achieve the exhibition as collecting 50 oral histories. The Volunteer The relationship that was built with the The partnership with Park Hill Junior School to the scale required in a larger space than Manager described how they felt this element Volunteers enabled them to become a is an example of how a project output they had initially thought, they would need of the project didn’t really get going until significant contributor to the project. Not only can become a meaningful activity which to take a lead on this aspect of the project. the new year due to delays in getting the did this group contribute time to the project, genuinely contributes to learning. One of This decision was influenced by a few factors, project started. This added to difficulties in they also provided context and provenance the unexpected outcomes of this project was including that getting time to talk to the getting hold of the people who had been to many items. This group of volunteers had that this element became an example of the project team could be difficult, due to issues recommended, or expressed an interest in an outlet to be passionate about Fairfield benefits of intergenerational activity. of workspace, email access and the project taking part. A spreadsheet was provided Halls and this has translated in the volume team being part-time. The lead up to the at the start of the project which was a list of of work they have undertaken, and their The children appeared to genuinely enjoy exhibition was the busiest point in the project names with some limited contact details, but commitment to sharing this with the broader the company of the volunteers and listened which meant everyone involved was juggling not for all. This meant a large amount of time community. This was achieved through taking attentively to their stories, the response they different priorities. The FAB project team felt was spent chasing these leads a few months a collaborative approach, building trust, received gave volunteers the sense of legacy that the written contributions of the volunteers after the initial interest was established. There patience and involving the volunteers at a that they had hoped for. were not fully utilised due to a lack of clarity is potential that more, and higher profile, oral level where it was clear that they were part of around responsibility for elements of the histories could have been collected had the the team. The FAB project team found that, During the initial stages of evaluation, it was exhibition, and the standard of submissions organising and scheduling of them occurred as outsiders to The Fairfield Halls, they were noted and shared that volunteers frequently required. early in the project to make use of the better able to listen, without being defensive, spoke about a desire for legacy, and to contacts that had been provided. they described being open and friendly with feel they were passing something onto the Some visitors were not aware of the oral volunteers and they let them in on the story next generation. The Project Manager used histories available to them through the kiosks Some volunteers lacked confidence to of the project, and that this gave them a this information to inform their decision and would have benefitted from having take part in collecting oral histories, during greater sense of agency and ownership. A making about The Fairfield Collection on guidance about using Kiosks as without evaluation a group suggested that for some practical factor that supported this was that tour, ensuring that volunteers were involved using these many objects lacked context on it them it was not an activity they were a good budget was available to support in delivery and working with the school to their own as a display. The sessions where interested in, or felt comfortable with and in a the volunteers to engage with the project ensure that children had the opportunity volunteers stewarded the exhibition are couple of cases the availability of volunteers and prevent barriers by providing travel to participate beyond the lesson. This is a a good example of how to enhance the who had been keen changed over the expenses, refreshments and social events to good example of considering the delivery opportunity of visitors to learn about Fairfield course of the project. This does not appear show recognition of their contribution. These plan and finding the best way to make it and heritage and make the exhibition more to be because of a lack of quality training, rewards were appreciated by the volunteers. meaningful, and to go beyond the expected accessible. however there were volunteers who did not outcome. This did mean working contrary take part in the training. One volunteer who By attending to the wellbeing of the to the application, as they did not use an The FAB project team were not able to have was interviewed described how on reflection, volunteers and seeing them as people who Animateur, but shows that the FAB project as much input into the website redesign having heard the oral histories and how had lives beyond the project meant that they team were able to take an emergent as had been planned. This is because the fascinating they were, that he would have were able to better able to support them in approach to the project, letting new council took the decision to veto any direct liked to have taken part in the training, but developing confidence and building their information and the rapport they had with the input into the website from anyone who didn’t really understand oral histories at the social connections within the group. volunteers shape their decisions and actions. was not a council employee. As the website time and thought he didn’t have the skills to belonged to the council this was their contribute to this area. decision to make, but this did mean that volunteers were not able to do any direct work with the website themselves.

- 45 - - 46 - WHATWOULDHAVEHAPPENEDIF WHATWEWOULD THEREWASN’TAPROJECT? DODIFFERENTLY

The Museum of Croydon would have got have developed a relationship with the involved in some way in advising the Fairfield Museum of Croydon or with the new Fairfield. Halls what items were of heritage value The public would have had only a limited and how these items should be stored and access to the Fairfield Collection, whilst handled, this would have included some of researchers would have been able to these items being brought to the museum, look at the existing website, this would tell Avoid many of the misunderstandings such as Enable staff members to work productively they would still have been accessioned into them nothing new since the closure of the the museum but there would have been little halls and would have remained difficult to who was responsible for which elements of the and collaborate with their team and capacity to sort, archive and interpret these navigate. It is likely that attempts to research items. and interpret collection items would have exhibition and to what extent volunteers could organisational partners by identifying a been limited or time consuming as they Some items prior to this project had already would need to explore items holding large be involved by creating a defined meeting to suitable work space for the project during gone missing, such as pages from signature amounts of information by hand. Local books. It is possible that other items could children would not have had the opportunity discuss the exhibition early on. the early planning stages. have disappeared from the Fairfield Halls if to better understand a local cultural venue there continued to be no secure archive. which played a key role in the history of Oral histories would not have been captured their community, they would not have built Improve communication and planning by making the Build the interest and confidence of volunteers to the same extent, or at the time they were a relationship with the Fairfield Halls. When captured. This has enabled the stories, the new refurbished Fairfield Halls opens they Steering Group a more supportive resource, develop a to take part in collecting oral histories by memories and experiences of many people would not have the benefit of understanding to be captured in living memory. The museum some of the context of the Fairfield Halls and clearer role and purpose for the group so that all undertaking the first training sessions early team commented that in some cases the what used to happen there. people they were interviewing were quite members understand their own and each other’s role in the project, deliver to all volunteers and elderly. It’s possible that if these oral histories This project was concerned primarily with and contribution to the project provide lots of opportunities to practice. were sought in the coming years the people the preservation of heritage by creating an giving them could have passed away. archive and capturing living memories of The volunteer group would not have had Fairfield Halls. However, another significant the opportunity to be part of creating the and unplanned outcome of the project was Fairfield Collection. They would not have that The Fairfield Collection become, for Prevent project delays from having a Develop volunteers understanding of the been able to share their own experience and many, a way of maintaining a link to Fairfield reminisce, to bring providence to many of the Halls. This had an impact on a broader detrimental impact by undertaking a more importance and relevance of oral HISTORY as Fairfield Collection items and to provide oral group of people connected to the project histories of their own. They would not have such as people providing oral histories or thorough piece of planning once the staff team a significant part of the collection so that learned skills in archiving and oral history, nor supporting the launch event. This outcome were in place, so that the team to identify these volunteers are motivated to take part in this developed their understanding of heritage was expressed by project manager Nicolette and their knowledge of Fairfield Halls. It is an as keeping a ‘flame burning for Fairfield’. issues and find solutions and support at an activity. unexpected but important outcome of this The launch event and film provided a very project that the volunteers had a space and positive space for a broad group of people earlier point, this may also help with prioritising purpose to bring about healing, by creating to feel good about the past and future something positive out of what felt to them of the Fairfield Halls. Without this project, certain tasks, such as getting the oral history like a very negative experience of losing many people would have disengaged from their Fairfield Halls. Volunteers may have Fairfield Halls and this would ultimately make collecting started earlier and seeking help to eventually found new projects to be involved connecting with the Fairfield community more in but this would have taken a longer length challenging when the venue re-opens. identify contacts. of time and it is less likely volunteers would

- 47 - - 48 - Because of this project many objects, The Fairfield Collection on Tour was art works, oral histories and memories able to engage and bring the collection related to Fairfield Halls have been to life for two groups at opposite ends safeguarded for the future. of the age spectrum. Undertaking this part of the project and delivering it in a This project happened just in time participatory and intergenerational way to genuinely save and recover this allowed both young and old to connect heritage collection. The Museum and inspire each other and has had a of Croydon are now in a position, lasting impact in changing perceptions with support from their volunteers, and raising awareness and confidence to continue their work in archiving across generations. this collection so that it becomes an accessible and interesting resource This project started under what were felt for the public and it is encouraging to be challenging circumstances, many that volunteers have already begun people were sad to see the halls closed to attend sessions following the official and there was some protest regarding completion of the HLF project. the decision to completely close the halls for refurbishment.. The project The work that has been undertaken provided a safe space to continue has the potential to pave the way for a relationship with Fairfield and developing further heritage projects empowered the project participants related to Fairfield, particularly in to preserve the memories and history supporting and advising the new which made up such a large part of operator of the Fairfield Hall, BH Live, in their lives. how to make use of this collection. Over time the narrative around the The staff involved in the project have Fairfield Halls and its closure developed learnt a lot about engagement and into an optimism because of this development of volunteers and a project. The launch event solidified legacy of the project will be how this sentiment as an opportunity for the successes of this project, such as celebration of the Halls was provided. relationship building and wellbeing, The bridging effect of the project has will be considerations in future MOC allowed for reconciliation between the projects. past and future of the halls, seeing heritage as part of a new chapter for It is apparent that this project has Fairfield Halls. inspired staff members to consider howelse they can work with older people.

- 49 - - 50 - EVALUATION 1 PLAN

APPENDIX

1 EVALUATION PLAN 2 VOLUNTEER QUESTIONNAIRE (PROJECT END) 3 VOLUNTEER QUESTIONNAIRE (PROJECT START) 4 WORKSHEETS AND CHILDREN’S RESPONSES 5 EXHIBITION SURVEY RESULTS

- 51 - 2 VOLUNTEER QUESTIONNAIRE PROJECT END

3 VOLUNTEER QUESTIONNAIRE PROJECT START

4 WORKSHEET AND CHILDREN’S RESPONSES 5 EXHIBITION SURVEY RESULTS