At Chiltern Open Air Museum (COAM) our mission is to document and conserve the story of the Chilterns. Whether it’s the buildings and objects we save, or the people who lived and worked in and around them - our responsibility is to tell those stories to future generations.
We discovered that a great way of encouraging storytelling is to sit around the campfire, toasting marshmallows, and listening to each other.
We invited two special guests, Dr Geeta Ludhra and Gregory Gonzales – they both live here in our Chilterns community, but their heritage originates much further afield.
Our ‘heritage basket’ of objects and words was passed around to prompt memories of life’s journey. Listen now to Geeta and Gregory’s stories, and those of some COAM visitors.
Organised and created by Jacqui Gellman
Audio Production by Jonathan Kempster
© 2022 Chiltern Open Air Museum
coam.org.uk/

Photo

Teapot

Hairbrush

Tea tray

Milk bottle

Picture of a saint

Introducing the speakers

SOIL, SOUL, SOCIETY - As part of South Asian Heritage Month 2023, Chiltern Open Air Museum hosted Dadima’s one-day storytelling symposium embracing nature, health, the countryside, and cultural heritage. Dadima’s is a friendly, intergenerational walking community, organising monthly walks in the Chilterns, often with inspiring guest speakers. The group aims to encourage people of all cultural backgrounds and all ages to feel welcome in the countryside. Dadima is the Hindu noun for paternal grandmother, and the group encourages all generations to join in.
Chiltern Open Air Museum’s mission is to document the history of the Chilterns through conservation, storytelling, and outreach. The museum’s award-winning accompanied walks programme provides support to sections of the community facing health and access challenges.
Listen now to life-enhancing personal experiences ranging from wild camping to spice-infused memory triggers, the joy of rocks, and the soul-saving power of the hazel tree.

Organiser: Dr Geeta Ludhra [www.facebook.com/dadimasbrand].
Outreach at COAM: Jacqui Gellman [outreach@coam.org.uk/.
Audio Producer/Editor & Oral Historian: Jonathan Kempster MIPS.
Watch the video production by Charlotte Bill of the Clapham Film Unit here: www.claphamfilmunit.com/projects/.
Photography: Jon Barrett – QLPS [qlps.org/].

Dadima's Stories at Chiltern Open Air Museum - July 2023

Chiltern Open Air Museum

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