What is a Great Place Oral History Volunteer?

Are you interested in capturing our local stories? Finding out more about history in the Falkirk area and meeting new people? Volunteer with the Great Place project to collect oral history interviews from residents across Falkirk.

Oral histories captured during the project will be used in a number of programmes, including contributing to a public digital database called “Our Stories” which will allow everyone to explore our local history and heritage. Our first oral history project in summer 2019 will explore “Industry Histories” – local stories of traditional work.

The Great Place project is a district-wide 2-year programme of activities celebrating the places, people, traditions and industry of the Falkirk area with thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

To propose an oral history project as part of a community group or school please email us at greatplace@falkirkcommunitytrust.org.

What’s in it for you?

• Meet interesting people
• Learn about local history
• Improve communication skills & develop interviewing techniques
• Contribute to the creation of a shared public digital information resource about our local heritage
• Develop skills in using basic recording equipment and an understanding of the management of digital materials and information

What’s involved?

• Participate in a project introductory session and an oral history training day
• Paired with another oral history volunteer and/ or Great Place staff help capture oral histories in community centres, senior residences, schools and beyond. This will include some planning time to learn about the background of your interviewee and prepare/ practice questions.
• Projects will take place across the Falkirk district. Where possible, staff will try to match volunteers with projects that are local to them
• Assist with categorizing, storing, and sometimes transcribing interview materials
• Our first oral history project will deal with Industry Histories over summer 2019 but there will be opportunities to work on further projects in the future.

Skills, Attitude, and Experience Required

This opportunity is best suited to individuals who are friendly and enthusiastic with a genuine interest in the stories and lives of others. You must have a willingness to learn to operate basic digital equipment but no prior experience is required.

Other important information

Location: The Great Place scheme will run programmes across the whole Falkirk council area, you must be willing and able to travel to and work at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations. The Great Place team’s primary base is the Falkirk Community Stadium.

Time Commitment: Initial introductory meeting (approx. 1 hour), followed by a day-long oral history training. You will research and prepare for interviews with a partner and conduct interviews (minimum of 2 per team) in early summer 2019 – the scheduling for this is flexible. There will be some post-interview work involved to prepare your recordings for use in projects.

Contact: Helen Rashad, Project Coordinator
01324 590984 greatplace@falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Training: A one-day course in oral history training in late April, to be scheduled within the Falkirk area. Date and times TBC..

Expenses: Reimbursement of travel expenses within the Falkirk area available for scheduled trainings and meetings..

How to apply

Please complete the online application form here.

If you require a hard copy, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at FCTvolunteering@falkirkcommunitytrust.org or phone 01324 503 614.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.