Voices of The Past

Telling the story of Barton Hill through spoken word, music and recorded voices

Watch the Show

Voices of the Past showcases the lost voices of Barton Hill, accompanying them with historical context from local historian and co-founder of the Barton Hill History Group Garry Atterton and live music, sound art and song from composers and musicians Jakob op den Brouw and Charlie Atterton (Charlie + Jake).

If you would like to book Voices of the Past for your history group or organisation, then contact Garry Atterton via email garry@voicesofthe past.org.uk

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How the Voices of the Past project began

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, The Barton Hill History Group made many recordings of local peoples memories, most of it on cassette tape and some on VHS tape. The voices were neatly boxed up and stored in fellow founder BHHG committee member Dave Cheesley’s garage, for over 20 years. A couple of years ago, the tapes reappeared and we listened to them. They are amazing. Funny, sad and poignant. Now dusted down and digested they have been brilliantly blended with spoken word, music and images into an amazing presentation about Barton Hill in the past, called Voices of the Past.

What People Say about Voices of the Past

“Viewers really do feel as if they are watching a first-class documentary unfold in real-time”

—The Everyday Magazine

Read the Review

“A real treasure hearing those voices”

— Sarah Robinson (audience member)

“Such a beautiful tribute to the community”

— Kim Barton, Adelaide, Australia (audience member)

“I’m 80 years old now but memories keep coming back. Thanks once again, I’m sure it was appreciated by many”

—Jacky Naysmith (audience member)

“Professional, warm and friendly. Brilliantly produced”

— Andy Jones (chairman of the Barton Hill History Group)

“It’s great what you’re doing, you’re bring back lovely memories and reuniting people, it’s wonderful.”

— Melanie Jane (audience member)

“The Voices of the Past project has certainly been a big contribution to keeping alive the history of the area and recording the changes that have come about over the years. 

I am sure this is just the beginning of bringing and preserving the Barton Hill History Group’s extensive archives into the 21st century for the benefit of future generations.”

Pauline Luscombe (Barton Hill History Group committee member)