COMBINE - Farm Heritage

The East Midlands has a proud and distinct farming history and participants from schools in each county carried out research to capture and promote the people, places and traditions that define the region’s rich agricultural past.

The young people were involved in a variety of activities and visits over a period of 3 months. They visited the historic Home Farm in Laxton and Rutland County Museum to explore their extensive rural life collection. They also worked with an archivist to carry out further research at the Northamptonshire Record Office, gathered oral histories and spent a day learning the ancient art of stone carving at Moulton College.

Once they had finished all their activities they worked with an artist to reflect on what they had found out. They then made a beautiful contemporary map of Northamptonshire using creative techniques to interpret their discoveries.

The project has been disseminated in a number of ways. The project website, www.combinefarmingheritage.org is a wonderful record of all that has taken place and the conclusions that have been drawn.  It is full of information and images of all the activities, film footage and audio recording of people’s farming memories.

We have also put together a project exhibition that is currently touring the region. It can be seen at the Corby Heritage Centre until mid February 2013 and on the 12^thFebruary 2013 Junction Arts will be delivering a free art workshop at the Heritage Centre linked to the project. A small version of the exhibition can also be seen in the school reception area.

This significant project was delivered by Derbyshire based Junction Arts and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.