HODs RSS FeedOpening a Window to Your Past
Posted by Sarah Holloway on 9th November 2011 | 27 Comments
Categorised under: Behind the Scenes
Town Crier, Victor Watson with local historian Elsie Walton at the first A-Window-to-Your-Past event in Ridings shopping centre
For the past three years a project in Yorkshire has been bringing local groups together to share their heritage with the public through fabulous exhibitions. By taking over empty shop units in Wakefield’s Ridings Shopping Centre and developing a website the project has reached thousands of people. And now Alan Black, the man behind it all, has kindly agreed to share with us the secrets of how he opened a window to your past...
So Alan, where did it all start?
It started just over four years ago, when l visited the Wakefield and District Family History Society to present them with a unique print of an oil painting of a historic local church by local artist Joanne Shaw FRSA. Two hours later on my way home, l was wondering why l had volunteered to organise an event to promote both the society and local history! It finished up 6 months later as a communal exhibition, tracing the development of a Wakefield street from 1900 to present day and involving most of the local historic societies. The Mayor attended the launch on 9th Sept 2009 in full Mayoral robes along with the Mace Bearer, announced by a town crier, it was filmed by Yorkshire Television, and the exhibition attracted thousands of visitors.
Photograph from 'All Modes of Transport' exhibition: A.V. Ebblewhite starting a handicap race (credit: Brooklands Museum)
And since then?
Following on from the first event, the next year we once again were lucky to be able to have the use of a prime unit in the Ridings shopping centre. The theme this time was Cradle to the Grave, with every aspect covered: births, marriages and death. The last event was this September at the Davie Fine Art Gallery and titled ‘All Modes of Transport’, so you can imagine that gave us plenty of scope.
Were they as successful as the first?
I have to say in all modesty, if the press features and countless emails complimenting the events are to be believed, then they were indeed very successful. Actual visitors to each event numbered in thousands, visitors to the website hundreds of thousands, readers of all the magazines and press features countless. Add to this the fact that six weeks before each event the windows were dressed out with interesting items, we estimate that in total more than 250,000 people stopped and viewed each display.
People enjoy the 'Cradle to the Grave' exhibition at the Ridings in 2010
How did you go about securing your most unusual venue?
In most inner cities sadly these days there are many empty shop units, and in prime positions. So l thought why not see if we can persuade the owners to let us have the use of one for our exhibition. But of course, you should be aware that no matter how sympathetic they may be to your event, your proposal will be viewed very much with a cold commercial eye.
So, if you want to do something similar, you need to make sure you have a great presentation ready; ifs, maybe's and ‘not sure’ will not win approval. As this is a valuable asset you have to show that you can make the best possible use of it and create plenty of great PR for them. My golden rule: keep your sponsor well informed on all aspects, regarding press reports, who's coming etc, and most importantly, send a full report once the event is over telling them how successful it was, and of course a BIG thank you, you may want another unit one day.
One of the many pitfalls that can crop up when dealing with many different societies is keeping them all happy and focused on their project, as a back up always ask each group to have enough exhibits to cover that bit more space in the event of one of the societies dropping out at the last moment.
Elsie Walton being interviewed by One To One Productions for the 2010 event
What are your hot tips for successful PR and marketing?
A good effective website, well designed and presented, can ensure maximum attention not only locally but world-wide. Do not think small, there is a whole world out there that may well be interested in what you’re doing. Plus something of real interest may then be sent to you, something that will grab the media's attention and guarantee plenty of coverage not only in local press but through other publications picking up on the story. For example l had a lady contact me with a photograph of her son as a baby being kissed by Mohamed Ali when he had visited this country many years earlier, the boy then went on to become a boxer himself, needless to say the media all wanted to know more.
Also l found that it’s not done with a single phone call, letter or email, remember there will be dozens of other groups sending in information about their events, all taking place at the same time. You need to make yours special, that is to say you need a hook, something that makes your event stand out from all the others. This is where a good theme is paramount, you need to focus on something that is new, well researched, and most importantly well presented. The more work you put towards a potential feature, the less work the reporter has to do, and the better chances of getting it printed. So, don’t get upset if your write-up is used with just minor adjustments and then credited to the reporter.
If appropriate you could try supporting a charity at your event, making sure you make it clear that all profits will go to the charity, once again it all helps focus attention on your event. This year we were very pleased to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Promoting the 2011 event at Leeds Bradford Airport, home to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Do you have any plans for future projects?
If l was to say to my wife l was thinking about an event for next year, l may well have no future. Seriously, l’m always thinking of different themes and ideas, but until one stops me in my tracks l cannot say there will be another. One of the main and hopefully long term benefits is the effect the website has had on visitors from home and abroad, plus l am confident that schools will see it as an educational resource.
For the time being, let me say a really big thank you to all who have helped me: especially Down Your Way Magazine for their wonderful features; museums like Brooklands, Hull and Wakefield; and of course the visitors because without their interest it would be like a broken pencil, POINTLESS!
Comments
By Graham Dowson on 16th November 2011
Having attended the actual events and seen the amount of organisation and time involved to achieve the high standards on display; I think the results and content outlined in the report are really useful and worthwhile. In fact the whole set of events, including the web site, cannot be praised enough. Keep it up Alan!
By Laura Henry on 17th November 2011
I very much enjoyed visiting the website for this event (and past events) and think it’s wonderful how much enthusiasm was generated, truly bringing people of all generations together and reminding us from whence we came. I live in Los Angeles, and we don’t often have an opportunity here to see our history and heritage presented to us in such a fun and informative way. Congratulations to the event organizers and all those involved!
By Mat on 17th November 2011
This is a great page…thanks for sharing this with the USA!
By Michael Johnston on 17th November 2011
A very interesting & well presented website to visit for anyone who is interested in either tracing their family/local history or looking at all types of transport from the past, especially from the Yorkshire region.
By wendy cooling on 17th November 2011
Must post a comment about"A Window to your past” events. So interesting, enjoyed them all, hope more are in the pipeline.
By P Eaton on 17th November 2011
It doesn’t matter whether you are nine or ninety there is something to interest everyone. Thanks to Alan.
By Guest on 18th November 2011
I must say how much l appreciate all the above comments, someone l should mention is Dean my computer wizard who puts so much effort in to achieving the effect l’m wanting on the website, once again thank you to all who have attended the events and those who follow them on the website.
Alan Black event organiser
By Kerry Garner on 18th November 2011
Alan and all involved do a fantastic job through the events and the website bringing people together with a love of History. As well as this, this year’s event supported the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, on behalf of us all at the charity we would like to say a HUGE thank you to Alan, and everybody that supported us at the event, it is very much appreciated. Keep up the fantastic work. Kerry Garner, West Yorkshire Community Fundraiser & Nicky Massen, West Yorkshire Development Officer.
By Elsie Walton on 18th November 2011
As part of one of the groups who participated in the first two Window To Your Past events in the Ridings shopping centre I know just how much effort goes into the events both from the participants and the organiser- in this case, Alan. However, all the hard work was well worth the effort when the doors were opened to the public. The interest shown by the general public in local and family history was amazing and many returned for a second and third viewing sometimes bringing their own photographs and family bygones to share with us.
Photographs can be very evocative as Alan proved in the third Window To Your Past event which was concerned with transport. Well done.
By Mike on 19th November 2011
You could blindfold Alan Black, spin him around, speed him to an isolated Yorkshire village and within minutes Alan sees an idea for a Heritage Project. Not just any, but one with amazing content where the visitor’s eyes switch on their mouths, “Hey, look at this. I remember .. ..” People feel involved.
Behind every project, if Alan’s To-Do-Lists were pegged out on a washing line, it would take months to haul in. He’s committed (and there’s a joke somewhere) - full-stop.
“A-Window-To-Your-Past” launched from an empty space, a vacated retail space in the Ridings, Wakefield. Now look at Alan . . . . .
Alan’s moved into Cyberspace. It’s more like “A-Computer-Screen-To-Your-Past”, where a worldwide audience shares Alan’s enthusiasm and showmanship (or is that showpersonship?).
So we don’t have to wait for a personal appearance of Alan anymore. We can have a frequent dose of memorable images to cheer our visually hungry Heritage pangs anytime from his delightful website.
And just look at that! Alan’s taken that blindfold and a made a bow tie. How showman-like is that?
By Dr Nick Sutcliffe on 20th November 2011
Thanks for a great site Alan and for bringing local history to life and bringing it to the people through things like this year’s ‘All Modes of Transport’ event and website.
I attended the previous ‘A-Window-to-your-Past’ event in a vacant unit in the Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield and there was a real buzz around it. It must have generated lots of interest and brought back many nostalgic memories for those who visited.
Finally, on a personal note, thanks also for using your network of historians to help me find some more information about my own family history from an old photograph. Don’t know how I’d have been able to do it without your help.
Best wishes,
Nick
By Graham Thewlis-Hardy on 23rd November 2011
This website is a delight to scroll through,Alan puts a great deal of thought and effort into the content and one can only be enthused by his infectious enthusiasm,a brilliant site for young and old alike.
By by Lon Henry on November 19th 2011 on 24th November 2011
I never cease to marvel at the breadth of commitment Alan Black brings to any project in which he dedicates his energies. man of enormous talent Alan’s gifts of organization and communication are exemplified by the professional imagery displayed throughout his Heritage Projects as they capture both the Hearts and Minds of those attending these remarkable Exhibits.
Alan’s enthusiasm is infectuous. It arouses maximum interest and enjoyment as each display tugs at ones heart strings, and all the while reflects the respect with which he treats each Heritage project. A truly master communicator, Alan is an Architect who can rebuild ones memories for a very special visit. I live in San Diego, California, so have been unable to visit these projects. However, my very dear friend Alan made it possible for me to participate in “A- Window-To-Your-Past” and I am sincerely grateful for his thoughtful generosity. Warmest Personal Regards, LON
By Sarah Holloway - HODs Coordinator on 24th November 2011
WOW! We have always known that our organisers are a fantastic bunch of people who make these great events happen, but thank you to eveyone who has posted such heart-warming comments, it really spurs us on! And thank you Alan and to all our other organisers and volunteers out there who make Heritage Open Days so special.
By Sue and Michael Wilson on 24th November 2011
Alan you never fail to please. The content of the live exhibitions and the web site are absolutely brilliant and revive memories of the past. You should be proud and your hard work is to be commended for the joy it brings to others.
By Joanne Shaw on 6th December 2011
Just want to say what a brilliant event A Window To Your Past was!!! It’s so fantastic to see people of all ages coming together and enjoying a wonderful local event (and supporting the yorkshire air ambulance). Also want to say a HUGE well done to Alan for all his hard work and dedication!!! Keep up the good work !!!
By Vic (Town Crier) on 9th December 2011
Hello all or should l say OYEZ!
I have had the pleasure of attending two of these events that Alan stages and l have to say it has been a wonderful experience, the logistics of getting everyone together must be a nightmare but Alan does it.
The only down side is that l must be getting older because on one stall there was a packet of Oxydol washing powder and l can remember my mother using that when l was 10….:-) hahaha!
By Alice on 9th December 2011
Greeting from Romania!!
Excellent work!! Always a pleasure reading your blog! Would be lovely to attend one of your events someday!!!
By Guest on 9th December 2011
I must once again say just how moved l am by all the comments, but must in all honesty point out that the event comes first, and especially all the individuals who put so much time and effort in to making the events so successful, as l tell everyone l’m only the Ringmaster who trys to get everyone pulling in the same direction, yes l make sure that we get maximum media coverage and suggest what l think will make a good theme and presentation, but it is the individuals and societies, groups etc who give so much free time who deserve the real credit.
Alan Black event organiser
A Window to Your past
By Jessica on 9th December 2011
What a neat website Alan!! So much dedication and enthusiasm! I am going to send this to others so they can enjoy it too! They will appreciate it just as much! Keep up the great work…very inspiring!!
USA
By Dean Hubert on 12th December 2011
I am the designer of the website (http://www.a-window-to-your-past.com/) and all of the others I do for Alan Black. They are always a joy to do as the subject matter is always interesting and never dull. The fact that these images have been given to be used is recommendation in itself.
The comments alone show how much interest there is for these types of nostalgia trips and the demand will always be very high.
Look forward to the next project.
By Joanne Shaw on 12th December 2011
I really had a fantastic time with my Auntie at the events and looking at all the old photographs.It was brilliant and fun !!!!
From Charlie Shaw Aged 7
By Tina Hutchence on 13th December 2011
When Alan told me he was putting this wonderful event together again and asked me for some family photos of Michael, I didn’t hesitate because everything he does is first class. I couldn’t believe he could make it more spectacular than the previous years though…but Alan is full of surprises. He is a master at bringing out the best in people and he sees possibilities and he dreams and infuses his enthusiasm into us all. thank you, thank you Alan, don’t ever stop.
USA
By Anita Davie on 13th December 2011
When the opportunity came to stage the third Window To Your Past exhibition,I knew if Alan was the powerhouse behind the scenes,it would undoubtedly be a resounding success! All the outstanding ingredients were in the mix - from the support of the various organisations such as English Heritage and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, together with the excellent media coverage from Down Your Way magazine and also the creation of a first class website. There was such a buzz of expectation when we opened the exhibition, that everyone commented on the ‘feel good’ factor and nostalgic atmosphere - a panacea to today’s pressured pace of life. Staging it was very much a crowd pleasing experience; reward alone for all the hard work by those involved !
Anita Davie. Proprietor, Davie Fine Art
By Kevin Hopkinson on 14th December 2011
I have only known Alan a couple of years from his first WTYP exhibitions in Wakefield, but immediately you knew he had something special – and moreover the ability, charm, humour and dedication to deliver the goods. I’m interested to see where he takes the project next – and I don’t just mean which venue. I wish I’d met him forty years ago when I first came into journalism (I’d gladly swap contact books with you, Alan, by the way). And let’s not forget Dean, the best re-toucher of old photos I know – and I’ve seen a few. He does a mean Billy Fury too. We at Down Your Way magazine are always more than happy to be involved in anything Alan, Dean and WTYP do. In a world of second and third best will do, these lads do first-rate only.
Kevin, Features Editor, Down Your Way
By Barbara H Winston on 16th December 2011
Alan has done a number of events in the Ridings all of which have brought a level of interest and enthusiasm about the subject that continually surprises me. The use of empty units to stage something so dear to the community shows what can be done with a lot of voluntary effort and lots of good contacts, plus a very natural ability!!
I do hope we can work together in the future its always a pleasure.
B H Winston Centre Manager The Ridings Centre
By Deborah Gillespie on 3rd January 2012
Having visited the event at The Ridings Shopping Centre i can say first hand how wonderful the whole experience was!It was a truly fascinating exhibition,so well put together and very informative.Well done to Alan Black! Keep up the good work!
Debbie Gillespie,Bingley.
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