A bit of background information…
‘Times Gone By’ is our flagship reminiscence group which has flourished since its beginning in 2005. The monthly reminiscence sessions are the perfect place for older people who enjoy discussing and remembering how things used to be.
In response to requests from members to preserve their memories in some way, we decided to start an oral history archive where we store recordings of many of the reminiscence discussions. When edited, the recorded voices of older people are used in various ways including research projects for local public art commissions, with school groups, reminiscence projects in care homes and enhancing exhibitions.
The group also took part in the World War One at Home Project developed by the BBC for their website.
A key project, and a highlight for the team is the production of an oral history sound trail ‘Exploring Banbury Town’, which features on our website and demonstrates the strength and value of our reminiscence group.
This group welcomes anyone over the age of 55 years.
How to join the group…
Please contact Karey on 01295 236164 or email karey.morley@banburymuseum.org for information on how to join the group.
The group meets in the Education Room at Banbury Museum & Gallery one Friday of every month between 2.00 – 3.45pm. The cost is £3.00 per person
Dates for our 2025 sessions
3 January – ‘My first job after finishing my education’: Whether leaving school or college who was your first employer? What were they like to work for? Were apprenticeships available?
7 February – inspired by the Changing Face of Banbury: a visit to the Banbury Museum & Gallery exhibition in advance and discover what image, slogan, film, sound clip or display area had special meaning for you! Discuss and share your thoughts at this session!
22 March – Group visit to the Mill Arts Theatre: production ‘Inspector Drake & the Perfekt Crime’. Tickets for the matinee performance will be booked in January!
4 April – Television & Radio Programmes in the 1950s & 1960s
2 May – ‘ My driving experiences’: driving lessons with who? What kind of vehicle did you learn in? Where did you go to practice? etc.
6 June – Grimsbury – ‘over the bridge’: How often did you visit the area when you were growing up? Why did you go there – church, school, family or work? etc.
4 July – The Ironstone Railway: Banbury to Wroxton
1 August – Banbury Swimming Pools including the Lido: How often did you go swimming in your youth? Which was your favourite pool? Who did you go with? etc.
5 September – First holiday without parents or guardians: Where did you go and who did you go with? Honeymoon? Birthday celebration? etc.
3 October – Banbury Cemetery: When did you first visit and why? What changes have you noticed over the decades? Who was employed to kept it maintained? etc.
7 November – School Days: What are your first memories of attending school? Which school did you move up to and what was it like? How much did you enjoy school? Who were your favourite or the most memorable teachers? etc.
5 December – ‘My favourite musical memory’: What is your memory and what song or piece of music takes you back there?