Ellesmere Port residents celebrate local heritage at Port Histories project finale

Published 28 April 2025

A year of memories, music, and storytelling came to a joyful conclusion at Hollymere Extra Care’s Village Hall, as residents, staff, and special guests gathered to celebrate the culmination of the Port Histories Project.

The celebration marked the end of a year-long project led by Making Space, in partnership with local historian Judith Beastall, and supported by a £10,000 Everyday Heritage grant from Historic England. The initiative engaged older residents at Hollymere and Hartley Place Extra Care schemes in exploring and sharing their personal experiences of Ellesmere Port’s rich working-class history.

The event was officially opened by The Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Councillor Paul Donovan, who praised the community spirit, and the proud history captured through the project. Guests enjoyed live entertainment from Derek Herbert, who performed popular wartime songs, and explored a vibrant exhibition showcasing residents’ memories through photos, stories, and memorabilia.

Throughout the year, 21 residents took part in 12 themed workshops, covering topics such as "Shops of the Past," "Wartime Memories," and "Changing Times in Ellesmere Port." The sessions sparked lively conversations, reflections, and laughter, reconnecting residents with the town's history and each other.

Residents also enjoyed several trips as part of the project, including visits to The National Waterways Museum, the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at the Civic Hall, and the Black Country Living Museum. A D-Day Commemorative Event and a visit from Oak Community Primary School, where pupils interviewed residents about their memories, added special moments to the year’s activities.

Mary Coyle, Service Manager for Hollymere and Hartley Place, reflected on the project:

This project was all about bringing people together to share memories of Ellesmere Port – from school days and family life to work and social events. It gave everyone a chance to reflect on how the town has changed and what that’s meant for them. It was a really interactive, local project led by the people we support. With Judith’s help, we chose the topics and trips together, and the stories that came out were so personal and powerful. We hope this kind of work continues – it’s been truly inspiring.

Valerie, a Hollymere resident who took part, shared:

I’ve always enjoyed being involved in community projects, so I was eager to take part. My favourite moments were the trips, both around Ellesmere Port and further afield. They brought back so many memories. The singers at Hollymere made us feel like we were really going back in time. Most importantly, it brought us closer together – the friendships we’ve formed will last long after this project ends.

Rachel Horton, Regional Head of Operations for Making Space, added:

We’re incredibly proud of the Port Histories Project and the lasting impact it’s had. It brought people together in such a powerful way, sharing stories, building friendships, and reconnecting with the history that shaped their lives. The memories, laughter and sense of community that came out of this project have been truly inspiring for everyone involved.

Although the formal project has ended, its legacy will continue. Exhibition displays will remain at Hollymere and Hartley Place, and plans are underway to embed similar heritage activities into future programmes.

Thank you to Historic England for their generous support in making this special celebration of Ellesmere Port’s living history possible.