Wilson 100

In celebration of Harold Wilson’s centenary, Watershed Workshops in Slaithwaite worked with Satellite Arts and Royds Hall Community School to create ‘Wilson 100’ – a unique heritage project. A team of ‘History Detectives’ explored Harold’s childhood in the 1920’s and listened to anecdotes from people who met him. They interpreted this material with drama specialist Gill Bond and songwriter Andy Burton to create songs and plays with young people from local schools that Harold Wilson attended as a boy.

The project culminated in a special performance event on March 11th 2016 with Royds Hall Community School, Crow Lane and Cowlersley Primary Schools, ‘Singin’Slawit’ Community Singers and Satellite Arts actors and musicians.

Andy Burton, ‘Wilson 100’ composer said, ‘The centenary celebration was wonderful and the new resources of songs and plays will be used in schools to inform young people about Harold Wilson and bring his early years alive.’

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said:

“Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we were delighted to be able to offer this grant so that Watershed Workshops Ltd could embark on a real journey of discovery. Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”

Research material, education resources and an image gallery from the Wilson 100 project are available – just click on the button below for more details:

The Wilson 100 project acknowledges funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund