Dumfries Training Day

On Saturday 21 April we held the second training day for those interested in carrying out oral history interviews.  On arrival at the venue we were quite surprised to see how we were billed.  No matter how ambitious our project is, we had never previously imagined it as a tribute to Swedish pop music!

The day went very well, with those in attendance full of ideas and questions.  Alison Burgess of Dumfries and Galloway Libraries, Information and Archives gave an excellent presentation on her experience of recording in the region.  As part of this presentation, Alison played some sound clips which really brought to life what the interviewees were talking about.

Fieldwork by those involved in the training days has now begun and we will keep you posted on developments, including on the development of the Study website.

Newton Stewart

On a beautiful sunny Wednesday afternoon in March, 17 folk joined the D&G Study team to learn  more about how to conduct fieldwork interviews.  Those in attendance carried-out practice interviews using the digital recorders which will be used during the Study.  As well as using the equipment, the practicalities and ethics of conducting recorded interviews were discussed.  In addition, local ethnologist, broadcaster and artist, Alyne Jones, gave a flavour of some of her work in recording life and society in Dumfries & Galloway over the years.

This was a very enjoyable day in which ideas were shared and the work of the D&G Study got underway in a meaningful way.  The first recording sessions are now being organised and we are very much looking forward to the next training day in Dumfries. We'll keep you posted on progress.

Training Days

After full review of detailed feedback following the public meetings held at the end of last year, we are now ready to embark upon the next phase of activity.  A great many people have indicated their interest in being involved in recording oral history across Dumfries and Galloway.  This is very positive as we see oral history as being a key part of our endeavour to provide a full account of life and society across the region.

We therefore intend to hold 2 training days at which speakers will discuss the value of oral history; the ethics and practises involved in conducting oral history interviews; and, their personal experience of oral history undertaken within Dumfries & Galloway. Following this, there will be an opportunity to see and handle the recording equipment to be used during the Study.  There will also be an opportunity to chat with members of the Study team over a cup of tea or coffee.

Those who have noted their interest in the Study have been notified about the training days but a limited number of places remain open to anyone else who might be interested in attending.  If you feel that you might like to attend, please get in touch.

The first event will take place on Wednesday 28 March 2012, 1-5pm at the Bruce Hotel, Newton Stewart.  the second event will take place on Saturday 21 April 2012, 1-5pm at the Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries.