During the Second World War, the former mining village Meir Heath came together to fundraise for a new church building. On their 75th anniversary this Anglican church wanted to bring the community together again to celebrate their history.

For the project, St Francis Church began by forming a special committee, matching people’s skills to specific tasks. Next they recruited local historians and trained volunteers to collate memories and memorabilia. These were turned into a professional video and website to document the church’s story and leave a legacy. 

A year-long series of events allowed children, families and older people to learn, explore or remember how the community had changed over seven decades. These included film screenings, lectures, concerts, exhibitions, museum visits, community weekends, cooking 'ration book' and 1970s meals, and a large outdoor summer event.

Church committee chair, Arthur Barnard, offered this tip: “It is the detail in the planning that is critical, as often tasks take much longer and cost more than expected.”