Stoke Traders and Residents (STARS) recently received funding to run several memory workshops for people in the area.
We sometimes think of memories as merely nostalgia for a simpler time, leaving a younger generation frustrated as we oldies bang on about the good old days.
However, more and more, we are realising that recalling and recounting the things that make up our lives is good practice, not just for our own brains, keeping them active, but for our selfesteem and sense of value which is so important no matter how old we are.
The four memory workshops run by STARS meant that stories and pictures of life in Stoke Village and its environs were dug out of attics and shared with others.
Mrs Grey recalled getting married during the war, only to wave goodbye to her husband who had been called up to serve in the Royal Navy the very afternoon of her wedding day. She then had to endure hearing that he was missing in action, before he finally came home safe and well.
We heard memories of living so close to the dockyard during the days when tens of thousands of men poured out of its gates. One memory of the Salvation Army Morice Town congregation remembered having to take her life in her hands dodging the fleets of buses that were parked outside the gates to take people home from work.
Many people still living in Stoke and Keyham all have close connections with working in the Dockyard.
Jean, who is now a resident at Parkwood House Nursing Home, recalled living in the Royal United Services Orphan Home for Girls. The home was set up on Albert Road to help the daughters of servicemen in 1840 – many of whom had lost their fathers in action. Jean remembers happy days there, always playing.
In 1941 the home was taken over by the Navy, initially used for the Canadian Navy and then occupied by the Polish Navy until 1946.
Many people still living in Stoke and Keyham have medals from members of their families who saw active service in both world wars – some who came home, some who didn’t.
We were also told of remarkable community activists who volunteered to run fun days and fairs each year. The Stoke Carnival was one of the big four events of the year – the Lord Mayors Parade, Millbridge Carnival, Millbrook Carnival and Stoke.
Stoke Carnival was originally organised by hairdresser John Rossen, whose former apprentice, Rob Harrison still continues looking after his customers in Stoke Village.
Interestingly the Carnival was restarted by John in the 1970s to ensure that trade continued for the shops outside of the city centre, keeping footfall high – some things don’t change!
The tradition of Carnival was continued by Pat and John Kinsman who trained as Youth workers for the area – all voluntary – and helped raise funds to bring the Community Centre to the park in 1981, where it stands today.
John remembers that firms only worked Monday to Friday in those days, leaving their Lorries free at weekends for people to pop floats on and parade through the streets. He also remembers making sure the route had only left hand turns and a very good Marshall in place, whose bossiness ensured that there were no accidents or jams as they negotiated the narrow Stoke streets.
Back in those days the Carnival ran for four days with talent shows, It’s a Knockout, marching bands and majorettes, sports day for children, and partying into the evening in the park with a bar and ‘discotheque’ until 10pm.
Sharing memories like these is not just for the people who remember. It provides an amazing insight into our community for those who are listening. We realise that the social tapestry around us has a living history – full of colour and fun.
We can learn much about how to offer a similar good experience to our own children growing up in Stoke and Keyham, and indeed in the other communities of Plymouth. We can learn about what community engagement is all about, and stand on the shoulders of the giants who were so active in the past.
If you would like to know more about the local history of your area, or have stories and memorabilia you would like to share, please come along to the Stoke Fun Day at the Blockhouse Park on Saturday July 21. There will be displays and someone on hand to record any stories you might wish to share.
Alison Richardson, Minister at Stoke Christian Centre, has spent hours listening to these stories and turning them into banners which will form part of a revamped Lord Mayor’s Procession starting at 11.30 on the day from Masterman Road (walking only this time!)
The procession will have a vintage feel and culminate in a tea dance on the main stage in the park at 12 noon. Hopefully we will re-live a bit of that sunshine and fun we remember from days gone by.
