‘Mining for Memories’ project is worth its salt

Cheshire Archives is appealing for memories and stories about working in the salt industry as part of a new lottery-funded history project.

In September and October, the Archives team, along with appointed artists, will be gathering memories through interviews, to add to and enhance their collections, as they capture experiences of this unique part of the area’s story.

The Council’s Leader, Councillor Louise Gittins said:

“Salt mining has played a huge role in Winsford’s growth and the industry has seen a lot of changes.  We want to talk to the people who have worked extracting it, processing it and transporting it and seen these changes first hand.

“We already have some fantastic items in our collection showing the significance salt mining has had in this area. However, we would like to show how things have changed over the years and capture people’s voices sharing memories, stories and community responses to the history of the salt mining and its impact in this part of the borough.

“We are keen to interview salt mine workers, both past and present, who would like to share their memories of working and social life, what salt means to them.  This is a wonderful opportunity to add to the history of Winsford for future generations.”

There will be an exhibition of materials relating to salt mining in the area at two pop-up events which anyone is welcome to attend between 11am and 1pm.

28 September - Winsford Library
5 October - Wharton Library

At the events, the team will be recording group interviews with people who work/worked in the mines and would like to share their memories.

If you would like to take part in the interviews part call:

01244 972574

...or email: 

recordoffice@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk.

Slots are available:

11am to 11.40am, 11.40am to 12.20pm, and 12.20pm to 1pm.

There is no need to book to view the exhibition.

For more information on-line visit: 

Mining for Memories — Cheshire's archives: a story shared (cheshirestoryshared.org)