LOCAL L I FE
CIVIC PRIDE Liz Moon at Histon Road Cemetery (left), allotment owners sit with their produce (below), and Histon residents of yesteryear (above)
The Histon Road historians are offering free copies of the book to schools in the area, in the hope that it will inspire local children to find out more about their neighbourhood. The book will also be available to purchase online through its very own website. For more details, and to purchase a copy, visit histonroadmemories.uk , or get in touch via email, contact@ histonroadmemories.uk About the book
project. “We hope those in the area will be happy when they read their memories in print,” Lilian comments. “And those outside it will realise that Histon Road has a deeply interesting history, with a friendly community.” The book is a testament to the breadth and depth of heritage found in our city, if you know where to look. Many more areas may hold the key to some of Cambridge’s most emotive stories, forgotten events and fascinating memories. “I hope it reveals, and seals, the spirit we have discovered on Histon Road,” Anna concludes. “I think residents in other parts of Cambridge will be surprised to find so much of interest in a road which, for them, is mainly a route to the A14,” Alison agrees. “I would like people to feel proud of their history.”
personal and, occasionally, a bit quirky about the sitter.” Key contributor Alison Wilson sees the project as almost entirely driven by residents themselves. She is just pleased to have been involved in securing such an enduring record of local history. “I’m pleased with the way we managed to bring local people together with a common purpose, and I hope they will be proud of the finished product, which was largely written by them. There isn’t a page without quotations of their own words,” explains Alison. “Our task was to compile the memories and put them in a logical order, adding a little background material.” In terms of the committee’s hopes for the book, it’s clear that the people of Histon Road are still at the heart of the
of light created by the lamps, and a woman sat sagely in the armchair – sometimes alone, other times engaged with students. I was so excited when I heard that the lady [fellow and author, Alison Hennegan] was the neighbour of one of the committee, and even more excited that she had agreed to be photographed. “I decided to capture the landmark as the residents know it, from the outside looking in,” Faruk continues. “Getting the reflections right meant that we shot the photo on three different occasions. Each time, a neighbour appeared, to ask me what I was doing. I found it very comforting that the residents were so protective of their community.” Anna comments on the images: “Faruk’s photographs are more than just portraits; they reveal something original,
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