Becca Connock, Project Manager of The Untold Story, describes the impact that her work can have on people of all ages.
"It’s been a fantastic year for The Untold Story with seven projects running and some unforgettable things happening. What makes it so exciting is that we are really taking seriously the “for everyone” part of our “for ever, for everyone” core purpose.
Our approach is very different. People who’d normally never think of visiting are working with professional artists to explore the stories of their local Trust properties through poetry, art, dance, music and drama. And we’re learning so much from them.
I remember a stormy night in the Old Coastguard Station in Robin Hood’s Bay, watching local people performing the story of their own history. Outsiders have written so many sensational novels about the area. But the nods of recognition in the audience told you this was different – the real thing. They said it made them understand why the area had such a strong hold on their hearts.
Everyone involved in The Untold Story learns new skills. We’ve worked with Age Concern at Morden Hall Park, London with an amazing group of older people.
“I can’t draw, I can’t act, I can’t paint.” But as they started to create their own illustrations of their stories with a professional screen-painter, a look of surprise came to their faces. The most sceptical of the men said to me, “I admit I’m enjoying this. I’m learning something new”.
For young people it’s also about self-confidence and teamwork. I’ll never forget teenagers performing around Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire. They’d worked with a musician, writer and director to create ‘Ripple’, based on the power of the river – how the whole place would not be there if it wasn’t for nature. The music script and dances were stunning. I saw several people struggling to hold back their tears.
It made me think how powerful so many National Trust places are. But you need people to bring that power to life. That’s what all our learning work is about. An empty cotton mill is just a building. Put young people there who are passionate about discovering its story through music, dance and drama and it’s incredibly moving. I’d love everyone to feel that “power of place”."
2,200 learning volunteers helped half a million children enjoy learning at our properties last year.
Bringing the past to life
We’re finding new ways to bring the stories of our great properties to life with a new Trust-wide interpretation toolkit. In the newly reopened Wordsworth House in Cumbria, children can relive the experiences of an 18th-century childhood.
Pioneering at Tyntesfield
Diverse groups ranging from ex-offenders and recovering addicts to retired people and Prince’s Trust volunteers (right), are now helping expert conservation staff to restore the house and estate at Tyntesfield. And instead of closing the property while work goes on, we are inviting visitors to watch and participate in the process.
Real-world learning
Half a million schoolchildren enjoyed learning at our properties last year thanks to 2,200 learning volunteers. Schools such as Belton Guardianship School forge long-term links with places like Belton House in Lincolnshire (right), often inspiring a lifelong passion for history or the environment.
The gift of time
Our new Craflywn Centre in Snowdonia is offering new innovative volunteering opportunities, such as this rhododendron megabash. Our pioneering Employee Volunteering Scheme and Working Holidays go from strength to strength.
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