New films shine a light on Lowestoft's historic high street
It's hoped they'll be used to teach local school kids about the town's history
A series of new free films will explore the history of Lowestoft's high street.
'High Street Histories' will look into the town's most recognisable buildings - and feature rare archive photos.
They've been created in a partnership between Historic England’s Heritage Schools programme, the North Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone, Poetry People and historian Ivan Bunn, and will be published online throughout August and September.
It's hoped they'll be used to teach local school kids about Lowestoft's history - with each episode coming with an accompanying worksheet.
Historian Ivan Bunn said: “I have studied local history in the Lowestoft district for more than half a century, and working in many local schools, I’ve come to realise how important it is to share my knowledge and discoveries with local young people.
"I didn’t hesitate to give my full support to this welcome and timely project which I very much hope will go some way to introducing youngsters to the rich history on their doorstep.”
Writer Dean Parkin said: “It’s been great to have the chance to work with Ivan and ask him questions about the High Street, a part of Lowestoft I feel especially connected with, having worked in the bookshop there in the 1990s.
"It’s been an opportunity to dig deep into the wonderful old archive photographs from the collections of Jack Rose and Bert Collyer, and with Ivan as our expert time-travelling guide, create something special about the town's history that I hope will appeal to young and old alike, and for years to come.”
Kate Argyle, Local Education Heritage Manager (East) for Historic England’s Heritage Schools programme said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to find out more about the stories behind Lowestoft’s historic high street and to look at the buildings they see, every day, with fresh eyes. I’m really looking forward to seeing how children enjoy the films and the thoughts and questions they have about what they discover.”