Indian Stories

When the museum re-opens after its winter break on Tuesday 7th February, we have a wonderful exhibition to share with you.

We’ve been participating, along with other museums in South Gloucestershire (Yate Heritage Centre, Frenchay Village Museum, Kingswood Heritage Museum and Aerospace Bristol), in a terrific project, funded by the Arts Council and led by South Gloucestershire Council, designed to capture the stories of some local residents of Indian heritage.

Women and men, some younger, some middle-aged, some older, some born in this country, some born in India or Africa, have all generously contributed their time and energy to sharing their life experiences.  And the result is, we think, a wonderfully rich picture of diverse lives.

One contributor’s great grandfather was a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army in the First World War.

Another, a retired Yate GP, is very proud that Gandhi stayed in her great uncle’s house for a month, as he supported the farmers of Champaran who were protesting against being forced to grow indigo by the British, with barely any payment for it.  But she hasn’t managed to visit the house yet!

Someone else’s journey to South Gloucestershire started in India, moved to London and then, after living for more than 25 years in  Derry/Londonderry, ended up here.

The stories vary greatly but all are fascinating.  Come and find out!  The exhibition runs until 18th April.