Generations unite for "legacy" Paignton history book

Paignton Heritage Society is celebrating the long-awaited launch of their new history book, which they produced with the help of local school children.

The passionate group of local historians collaborated with pupils at Paignton’s Oldway Primary School to create the child-friendly book, Paignton - Our Home Town.

Karen Chapman, Vice-Chair of Paignton Heritage Society, came up with the idea for the book and said she was keen to get local children involved.

She said: "I'm Paignton-born, Paignton-bred, and I just love the place.

"I just wanted to pass that on to another generation, so, when I'm in my box underground, someone else will be taking Paignton forward and cherishing the place."

Above: Front and back cover. Image: Paignton Heritage Society

The society also felt the need to address why older generations tend to be more interested in local history and wanted to find a way to engage young people on that journey.

The book is not for sale to the public, but is being distributed to local schools, as well as the town's library and museum.

The book launch took place at Oldway Primary School on Wednesday, January 15, and was well attended by members of the society and school community.

Teacher Nick Harman delivered a presentation on the process of the book’s creation and design decisions that were made as a result of the children's feedback.

Above: Nick Harman demonstrating two front cover options

The book’s original title, Paignton—"My" Home Town, was changed after Senna, 11, said: “Our town belongs to all of us.”

Other changes included simplifying titles, adding more pictures and captions, and ensuring that all text was readable for people with dyslexia. 

Teachers said the "fantastic" children enjoyed working "with people from a different generation" and being part of something "which could be a legacy".

Mr Harman said: “It’s absolutely amazing how flexible the group from the heritage society was and how many changes they made based on what they were being told.”

Ms Chapman said: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing this. This book would not have been published if it had not been for the children and Mr Harman. Nick has been brilliant.”

Mr Harman and the society also worked closely with Julian Rees of Silver Foxes Publishing, who “provided invaluable support and turned a great and informative idea into a vibrant and reader-friendly book.”

Lee Hayward, co-author of the book, said: “It’s been a long journey. Much more involved than we thought it would be, but it’s been good fun.

“At the end of the book, there’s a picture of a women’s football team from around 50 years ago. Karen and I both played for that football team. And now, we’ve progressed from being slightly thick footballers to erudite historical writers. Producing a book of our hometown has been interesting to say the least.”

Amelia, 10, said: "I have learnt that it takes a lot of time to write a book. I didn't realise it would take over a year to make a book, but I'm glad that we have finished it now."

Reuben, 11, said: "If I had to use three words I would say exciting, difficult and quite rewarding."

The project was made possible through funding from the Local Heritage Grant Scheme, supported by Torbay Council, Torbay Culture, and the English Riviera Unesco Global Geopark, with investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Building on the success of Paignton - Our Home Town, the partnership has plans to develop World War II-themed booklets for classrooms and expand collaborations with the Historical Association. This summer, the partnership will work with Year 4 pupils at Oldway Primary School on a new school history project.